Tuesday, 13th January 2026 - Cox's Orange Pippin

I have made many many jars of marmalade that look glowing and gorgeous. The house smells amazing. My bed and breakfast guests will be able to have it on their toast.

I am getting stronger at doing press ups but have to confess that I am not quite up to 100 a day yet.

I took Sarah to see Song Sung Blue. It was a belated birthday present. Tuesday is a BOGOF day at the Kino in Hawkhurst. I like a bargain. We had prosecco to keep our fluids up during a very long film. It is a story about a Neil Diamond tribute band in the 90's. There were a few emotional bits that I managed not to make that snorty noise when you tear up. Happy birthday Sarah my very dear friend.

Day 13 #stradaeasel

A tiny painting of a Cox's Orange Pippin. They stay on the tree longer than a bog standard Cox which makes them sweeter and softer - perfect for Tim. I like a sweet crisp apple like yesterday's September Wonder.

Coxs Orange Pippin
Oil on board
2" x 2"

Monday, 12th January 2026 - September Wonder

I took our car for an MOT diverted by many irritating road closures, traffic lights and pot holes. Jon at Wealden Garage near Headcorn keeps our cars on the road. We only have one car in action at the moment so while it was being inspected I walked into Headcorn. The weather forecast when I left was dry. I was unprepared for rain. Half an hour of dodging cars and puddles I was rather soggy as I ordered a very much desired flat white. The car passed its MOT with a couple of advisories due to old age. 

It is the season for marmalade. I have 2 kg of seville oranges scrubbed, squeezed, pithed and shredded ready for preserving tomorrow. Love the smell. And I am partial to thick sliced buttered toast with marmalade accompanied by coffee. Such a treat.

Day 12 #stradaeasel

On my way back from Headcorn I went via Chittenden Farm to get fruit and vegetables. They are the best and freshest. I have sprouts and parsnips. I looked at the beautiful artichokes but don't know what to do with them so left them in their basket. We have a fruit bowl full of apples and pears. An apple called September Wonder was my model today for a tiny 2 inch square oil painting.

September Wonder
Oil on board
2" x 2"

Sunday, 11th January 2026 - Jam Jar Posy

After a lateish start and a good session on my yoga mat followed by a few of push ups we went shopping. All the way over the border in East Sussex. In Dunelm we found a cushion that I need to get my sewing machine out to make a cover for, a couple of cushions with covers and some candles for our next dinner party. I was very happy with our purchases. I am easily pleased. We dropped in to see Tom in St Leonards and found him among his many boxes from moving. A homemade chilli and turmeric loaf was still warm. Tom toasted it with cheese for lunch - very tasty. So good to have him so nearby. Back home we lit the woodburner to stave off the damp and cold. 

Day 11 #stradeasel

I was thoroughly indulged with thoughtful gifts at our dinner party Friday night. One of them was a jam jar posy from Nick and Suzy. They know I love the way Sophie at Astilbe and Sorrel puts together flowers. Beautiful subject for day 11 of the strada easel challenge.

Jam Jar Posy
Watercolour

Saturday, 10th January 2026 - Molly's White

Last night Nick, Alli, Si, Lesley, Nick, Suzy, Tony and Wendy are perfect guests to cook dinner for at home. There were enough leftovers for us to have a repeat of the meal tonight. It was worth the two days of cooking. We had chestnut and mushroom encroute (I was very clever making the rough puff pastry) with red cabbage (less vinegar and more apples make it more delicious), cauliflower cheese, green beans, broccoli and cranberry sauce. The pudding was a frangipane pear tart. I made three so two are in the freezer. The chocolate sauce is good with the tart and oranges in caramel. I am feeling very very full .... again.

Day 10 #stradaeasel

Nick and Alli gave us a hellebore wrapped in spotty cellophane. I had a great time painting it with one eye watching Berlin Station. A bigger board meant I could enjoy being more expressive. 

Mollys White
Oil on board
30 x 20 cm

Friday, 9th January 2026 - One and a half

A day of food prep. I love experimenting with new recipes on friends.

Day 8 #stradaeasel

An early one today as we have friends to dinner. This is a spare mushroom that didn't make it into the en croute I was making.

One and a half
Oil on board
2" x 2"

Thursday, 8th January 2026 - Tiny Tomato

I fitted a few push ups in between cooking and a visit to the optician. I thought it would be a quick eye test. An hour and a half later I left. I have new glasses on order, eye makeup remover, some sort of eye cleanser and a heated mask to get my eyes back to perfect health. And a lighter bank balance. 

Day 8 #stradaeasel

It was a good day to be in the kitchen steaming it up with cooking ready for friends coming to dinner tomorrow evening. I rescued a tomato from being roasted and used it for today's oil painting. Another tiny 2" x 2" to join the other tinies.

Tiny Tomato
Oil on board
2" x 2"

Wednesday, 7th January 2026 - Tiny Onion

I did push-ups enhanced or maybe they hindered a yoga session this morning. You can support me and cancer research Donate here

Day 7 #stradaeasel

I have made a pile of tiny gessoed boards. I love doing these tiny works of art. Day 7. An onion from the vegetable basket took my interest. Email me here if you would like to buy my onion. The purchase price will go towards my cancer research tally Buy here

Tiny Onion
Oil on board
2" x 2"

Tuesday, 6th January 2026 - Primrose for Renewal

Dr Mosley said a cold bedroom is good for your brain and waistline. It was so cold last night that we had ice on the inside of our bedroom window this morning. I am looking forward to a high IQ in a skinny body.

I was hoping for a bit more snow than the light flurry we had today that fell as I was venturing terrified to the dentist in Cranbrook. It didn't help my nerves that I was late due to yet another road closure. But my dentist has the most gentle hands and I left with a much better smoother bite.

I am still pressing on with my January push-ups to raise money for Cancer Research. Not a great output today but lots of effort. You can support me here

Day 6 #stradaeasel

It was nearing sunset following another crunchy Benenden walk. A torch was needed to find a primrose that I had spotted in the depths of a leaf covered flower bed. A few flowers, buds and leaves poked into a shot glass were my subject this evening. The painting is a tiny 2 inch square in oil. I couldn't be bothered to go rummaging in my studio for a smaller one. Great challenge with a far too big brush.  

Primrose for Renewal
Oil on board
2" x 2"

Monday, 5th January 2026 - Last of a Bunch

My goodness it is chilly. Tim and I braved the bitter weather this afternoon and went for a walk across from our house around Benenden Girls School. Lots of fancy cars bringing the pupils back. I love walking when the ground is frozen and crunchy. 

I am still working on my January push up challenge. You can support me here Donate to Cancer Research

Day 5 #stradaeasel

Tom gave me some flowers at Christmas. Some have made their way to the compost bin. There are a few survivors who have now been immortalised in oil for day five of the strada easel challenge. For sale for £40 which will be added to my cancer research tally. Let me know by email here if you are interested in buying it kate@theholt.org

Last of a Bunch
Oil on board
30 x 40 cm

Sunday, 4th January 2026 - Kintsugi

The first Sunday of 2026 has been a good one. It started with a mug of tea, a session on the yoga mat, a video chat with my amazing daughter, a long walk around Bodiam with Tim and Elizabeth, followed by lunch at The Castle Inn, the last episode of Stranger Things all interspersed with push ups.

Please support my push up efforts by donating here Cancer Research

Day 4 #stradaeasel

My brother gave me a charming tree decoration in the shape of a Christmas tree. I hung it over the fireplace but it fell off and shattered into pieces. Very sad. I have mended using the Japanese method of repair using gold. I think it looks better than it did before. It made a lovely subject to paint in watercolour.

Kintsugi
Watercolour on paper

Saturday, 3rd January 2026 - A Touch of Snow

I was doing a yoga session with Adriene. She does a monthly calendar with a different yoga session each day. I print it off. Stick it on the side of the fridge and get great pleasure crossing off the ones I do.  Push ups were part of the workout. I added a sneaky few push ups I did to my challenge today. Here is the link for you to support me, Harriet, Tom and Alli  https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/kates-giving-page-28103281

I have taken the Christmas decorations down. Or so I thought. There is always one lurking. An angel by the woodburner is now in the box with the ribbons and baubles.

Day 3 #stradaeasel 

After a bracing walk I kept my bobble hat, gloves, scarf and coat on and gathered some painting 'stuff' and took it into the garden and sat by the pond. I would like to say I was so engrossed in my art that I forgot about the snow chilling my feet. Sorry. Just under 30 minutes later and I was back in the kitchen with a mug of tea and a piece of Christmas cake. I won't selling this sketchy delight. It was an exercise in discipline of the mind and body.

A Touch of Snow
Charcoal and watercolour on paper
21 x 30 cm

Friday, 2nd January 2026 - Himalayan Strawberry Tree

Today was spent in Canterbury. Blimey it was a chilly one with Harriet, Hetty and Raffy shopping. I gave them some Christmas money to spend. At the end of our trip we had jeans, tops, a corset, books and memories. Glorious day. I was pleased to get back home without careering off the road into an icy verge and be greeted with homemade soup to warm my cockles.

I managed to do 18 pushups today. Getting better. Harriet did 100. Hetty did about 50 and Tom is joining us and done 70 by this afternoon. If you would like to donate and show your support here is the link https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/kates-giving-page-28103281

Day 2 #stradaeasel

30 years ago or it may have been longer, I went on a trip to Wisley with my Mum and Dad. There was a stunning tree with saucer sized white flowers. I wanted one. I needed one. After a bit of research the cost of a tree was exorbitant so I bought a packet of five seeds. Three germinated and one survived. Thirty years on and it is now growing in our garden. It is a type of cornus and at this time of year is covered with strawberry looking fruit. My Himalayan Strawberry Tree is a treasured memory of my Mum and Dad. I am so proud of myself having grown one. I took a headtorch and secateurs into our very cold dark garden and snipped a bit for today's painting.

If you would like to buy the painting for £20 it will be added to my Cancer Research fund email me kate@theholt.org

Himalayan Strawberry Tree
Indian Ink and watercolour on paper
21 x 30 cm

Thursday, 1st January 2026 - Double Challenges for 2026

Happy New Year. 

Tim and I started the year with a long frosty chatty walk with Tony and Wendy ending up at The Salehurst Halt for a couple of drinks and nibbles. 

Day 1 – 121 Combined push-ups - a good start.

I have teamed up with my daughter Harriet and my friend Alli. We are taking part in the 100 push-ups a day challenge to raise funds for Cancer Research and have charming T-shirts to wear. Photo to come. Here is the link if you would like to donate. https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/kates-giving-page-28103281

Day 1 #stradaesel

Alongside the push-ups, I’m also taking part in the Strada Easel Challenge — painting one picture from life every day throughout January. I’m doing this partly for myself, partly in hope of winning an easel, and to boost the funds going to Cancer Research.

All of the paintings are for sale and all the proceeds I will donate to the Cancer Research. Today’s painting is available for £20 email me at kate@theholt.org  if you’d like it.

Today's is the hellebore that has been in a pot outside my greenhouse weathering the spring rain, summer heat and autumn wind. It is now flowering and looking gorgeous. 

Hellebore
Indian Ink and watercolour on paper
21 x 30 cm