Saturday, 31st January 2026 = Tiny Red Onion

I am posting early today. We are going to friends for dinner so I have to leave you. We haven't seen them for at least a year and longer for the other dinner party guests. I look forward to hearing what they have all been up to. I love a story and an adventure.

After I had made another mountain of marmalade and Tim had put another coat of paint on the bedroom we went for a walk. I was very wise and wore wellies. Tim was less wise and wore walking boots that got very wet and muddy. 

Day 31 #stradaeasel

It is the last day of the paint from life every day in January. My last contribution is a red onion. I have quite a collection of tiny oil paintings. I have learnt a lot from painting so small. Small brushes and not too much paint.

Tiny Red Onion
Oil on board
2" x 2"

30th January 2026 - Viburnum for New Beginnings

It was a lovely late start to our Friday. A couple of mugs of tea later and I was feeling awake enough to roll out my yoga mat. I had to pause Adriene during a warrior 2 due to drinking so much liquid. I was very pleased to have found a yoga video that I don't have to stick my leg in the air during downward dog. It is a weird, unnatural and impossible pose. And pushups were included to add to my daily tally that I must confess has not no where near my target of 100 a day!

While Tim was decorating one of our bedrooms I was drinking coffee and eating an orange in front of Lindsey's woodburner. We both had a good afternoon and celebrated with omelettes with eggs from our chickens.

I highly recommend The Good Doctor on Netflix. Lots of medical procedures. I have to keep a handful of tissues nearby. .

Day 30 #stradaeasel

A penultimate oil painting of the Strada Easel challenge. I will let you know if I win and easel. A viburnum is flowering in the garden. I secateured a couple of bits off to paint. It is poignant that the symbolism is for new beginnings are we have a new family member due in July. 

Viburnum for New Beginnings
Oil on board
20cm x 30 cm

Thursday, 29th January 2026 - Camillia for Affection

The £2.50 roses I got a few days ago have now been planted. I had to dig deep deep holes for their long long roots. I think they will be glorious.

Tony and Wendy came to collect us at 6.30 this evening. We went to The Duck Inn in Bodiam. It used to be The Curlew and now has new owners. The company was excellent. The food was tasty but nothing exceptional. It needs my interior design buddies Pippa, Linda and June to give it a makeover. It was a merry Thursday evening. I feel garlic infused.

Day 29 #stradaeasel

I was wellie squelching around the garden looking for a subject for today's painting. How lovely to find a flower on the camillia amongst many buds. Symbolism for Camillia's is affection. We all need a bit of that. My favourite affection are hugs from my family - they are the best.

Camillia for Affection
Oil on board

Wednesday, 28th January 2026 - A Pink Rose for Friendship

A bonus of doing yoga today was a mountain stretch meant I removed the cobwebs from the ceiling.

Leelee and I had a treat today. We met in Amy's Pantry in Tenterden and shared a bagel with avocado and lots of yummy bits. It was very tasty. I was pleased we shared it. I had to check my receipt but it was correct. £12 for a bagel - that's a lot. We pottered off down the high street into Fatface. The boots were reduced from £79 to £20. They looked great on Leelee. Unfortunately I could not squeeze my wide feet into a pair. Damn it.

Day 28 #stradaeasel

Today's tiny oil painting is of a pink rose. They symbolic meaning is friendship. A appropriate painting after being with my mate Leelee.

A Pink Rose for Friendship
Oil on board
3" x 3"

Tuesday, 27th January 2026 - Daffodils for Resilience

Storm Chandra has caused chaos in many parts of the country. We are very fortunate that it has only filled our garden with puddles and overflowed a pond into the flower beds. So much rain. Harriet came over with Herbie. I warned her of the potholes disguised as puddles. Their long journey to us avoided potholes but the road closures and diversions nearly caused them many times to turn around and go home. Thank you for battling on through. The storm didn't stop Herbie and I from having a lovely couple of hours playing in the garden. I cherish these precious days that turn into memories.

Day 27 #stradaeasel

A bunch of daffodils comes with resilience that I share with you today.

Daffodils for Resilience
Oil on board
20cm x 30cm

Monday, 26th January 2026 - A Lemon for Healing and Vitality

Our chickens are in full lay at long last. The magpie deterrent of flapping plastic across the door to the hen house works a treat. A post on instagram told me that eggs are an excellent source of nourishment - I have a bowl of soft boiled in the fridge ready to satiate any mid meal hunger pangs and keeping me fully nourished.

I met with Gay at Taywell in Goudhurst. The cafe is now Birchwood. I think they used to be in Flimwell. I asked for a cheese scone and Gay wanted a poached egg. They could provide neither. The company more than made up for our disappointment at the menu.

Back home I made a vegetable and lentil soup. You never quite know what scale of taste a new soup recipe will provide. This one was delicious.

Nigella Lawson + The Great British Bakeoff = excellent entertainment. I can't wait.

Day 26 #stradaeasel

I was stuck yet again for an idea of what to paint. I had a rummage through the fridge. This lemon looked like a good candidate. After a visit to the GP today and I read that the symbolism for lemons is for healing and vitality. Very appropriate for my tiny oil painting.

A Lemon for Healing and Vitality
Oil on board
3" x 2"

Sunday, 25th January 2026 - Snowdrops for Hope

I did a great yoga session before having to tie myself to the kitchen table for do my figures for a tax return. Tim was in his study doing something very similar. We took a much needed walk and wondered at the huge number of potholes.

Day 25 #stradaeasel

The previous owners of our house planted snowdrops in the garden. We have been here over 25 years. They are still flowering every January. How amazing and what a joy to see. They could be classed as antique. So they are my subject for day 25 of my painting challenge.

Snowdrops for Hope
Oil on board
2" x 3"

Saturday, 24th January 2026 - Susan's Vase

Day 24 #stradaeasel

Pretty carnations in my sister-in-laws vase.

Susans Vase
Oil on board
30cm x 30cm

Friday, 23rd January 2026 - Daffodil for Hope and Joy

A yoga session with Adriene this morning was full of dogs, cats, cows, pigeons and cow legs, triangles, warriors and the best bit lying flat on my back with my eyes shut. A good stretchy way to start the day when things feel a bit tense.

I was multitasking this morning. Whilst chatting with Leelee via video, we like show each other our latest art achievements, I made soup for us to have this evening after we have returned from the pub. Great use of time. The soup has butternut squash, sweet potato and orange - it smells lovely and looks very orange. I hope it tastes delicious too.

This afternoon I went for a walk with Lindsey and Fritha - a very muddy, puddly one. After we sat by Lindsey's woodburner. So many things to chat about over a mug of tea and eating blood oranges

I am back from The Halfway House. We had a couple of drinks with Nick and Alli, they had some good stories, before coming home for soup - that was warming and tasty.

Day 23 #stradaeasel

A daffodil that Harriet gave me made a lovely tiny oil painting subject for day 23 of the Strada Easel Challenge. There are just over 900 in the battle for an easel.

Daffodil for Hope and Joy
Oil on board
2" x 3"

Thursday, 22nd January 2026 - Fruit Salad

This morning I went to the doctors for a blood test for a general overhaul. The phlebotomist was very gentle. Great job title! What a job!I like comparing the results on my NHS App. Nothing changes much but I do like a bar chart.

Sarah came over and I unearthed my mount cutter. I cut a perfect mount at the first attempt. We had tea while Tim was filling in holes in the utility room floor and wall to keep the mice out. I sort of would like a cat but only part time. I have paintings all over the house. Some are stacked up drying in the kitchen. Sarah said they would good altogether and used like wallpaper. Might be an option if I can't sell them.

I will be putting them altogether at the end of the month when I have finished my push up challenge. You can choose one to buy and the money will go to cancer research. 

Day 22 #stradaeasel

Tonight I am at a WOKAS evening. It is my task to set up a simple still life. I have a carrier bag full of fruit, table cloths, a couple of cake stands, some plates, a peeler and a knife. I am looking forward to showing you my fabulous work of art later. Ooooooh the anticipation is thrilling!

I hope I come home with an intact bumper.

I am home and dropped into Tescos. We are now the proud owners of three roses - one a climber, one that goes from pink to yellow and one called Tom Tom that I had to buy just because of the name.

Fruit Salad
Oil on board
30xm x 30cm

Wednesday, 21st January 2026 - Tiny Carnations

 I was chatting with Tom. He had an idea about my push ups that has really worked. So now I do sets that I can manage and stop before it gets too hard. This makes me willing and able to continue doing more during the day. BIG CONFESSION - I have not made it to 100 a day .....yet ..... I still have ten more days to go.

Tim and I had an afternoon in Canterbury. We got sardines, a washing up bowl for the chickens and soap from Morrisons. We had coffee in The Ivy Barn. Herbie joined us after school for crips and cake and more coffee. It is always lovely to see Hetty and Raffy. They give the best hugs. 

Day 21 #stradaeasel

I couldn't make my mind up on a subject to paint this evening. Another apple? Another pear? An orange? While ladling out soup into bowls the carnations right in front of me on the window cill were perfect. A tiny 2" x 3" oil painting was the result. Great fun painting so small.

Tiny Carnations
Oil on board
2" x 3"

Tuesday, 20th January 2026 - Custard Tart

I went into Tenterden. It was a sad day. Bayliss & Co have been selling my paintings for the past few years. Today I collected them. They are closing. I came home to find our electricity restored and Tim had done an excellent job mending my bumper. The day got better.

My sweetpea test of using the netting from oranges to deter mice failed. I went to check this morning. They had carefully widened the gaps in the netting. I was pleased to see the seeds still there. Ah..... but no. I was fooled. It was just the skins. The seeds were gone. I bought yet more seeds from Webbs and have planted them. This time I am trying cling film. I will be checking tomorrow and let you know how my next trial goes.

Day 20 #stradaeasel

I found some reduced custard tarts in Tescos. We had them after soup this evening. They were soft and wibbly - perfect. We had four. Ate two. One became my subject for a tiny oil painting.

Custard Tart
Oil on board
2" x 2"

 

Monday, 19th January 2026 - Watercolour Tulips

As I was driving Tim to the station, he was going to a get together in London, we were discussing whether we really needed two cars. With mine out of action until Tim has reforged my bumper we realised how difficult it would be without a car. We are keeping two for now until the cost of repairs if more than the value of the car. They are both old and a bit battered. I don't think it will be many more years.

This afternoon I was at a Vicar of Dibley committee meeting. What an eclectic bunch. I love them all.

Day 19 #stradaeasel

Sitting at my kitchen table I was reading emails as the petals from the vase of tulips were falling. I have captured them in pen and watercolour for day 19 of the strada easel January challenge before they meet the compost bin.

Watercolour Tulips

Sunday, 18th January 2026 - Radish for a salad

My car bumper debacle yesterday weighs heavily on my shoulders. Tim has spent many hours mending my 'accident'. I am now off the road for a few days. So cross with myself.

I carried more guilt on my shoulder ( I have heavy shoulders today) The flowers on the beautiful plant that Tom's girlfriend Caroline had given us for Christmas have died. After chatting with Wendy who is my gardening guro, she said they are very difficult to keep. It is in my studio hoping for revival.

A positive point in my day was the weather and chatting to my son Tom while tidying the greenhouse and planting sweetpea seeds. Each and every year the seeds get dug up but I have a plan. The nets that hold the oranges I have repurposed into mice deterrents. 

This afternoon we picked up Tony and Wendy for a long muddy walk around Northiam replenishing our liquids in the Rose and Crown.

Day 18 #stradaeasel

A good way to end the day with pizzas made by my husband and accompanied by a salad I made from the bits in the salad drawer, I do love a radish.

Radish for a salad
Oil on board
2cm x 2cm

Saturday, 17th January 2026 - Botanical Tulip

Day 17 #stradaeasel

My daytime was spent with Amber Halsal doing a workshop with other WOKAS members. I was totally out of my comfort zone doing very detailed work. Amber taught us how to use a layered technique in watercolour. It took lots of concentration and was thoroughly enjoyable. So....it had to be my picture for today. I think I was the only one who painted the tape we used to hold our tulips in place. 

I came home and spent the rest of the day with Raffy who we were minding for the day. She watched Wednesday and I taught her how to play patience. It was lovely to spend time with her. She is a total delight.

An excellent day apart from reversing into a wall and breaking half my bumper - damn it!

Botanical Tulip
Watercolour
30 x 40 cm

Friday, 16th January 2026 - Marmalade

I decided it would be a good day to clear. We have inherited things from my parents that I couldn't bear to give away and now we are full of clutter. I have ended up with more piles, mess and confusion than I started with. What to keep? Do I really need so many teapots - no, no I don't but some of them are very pretty. There are two decanters sitting on the kitchen counter that I have no idea what to do with!

I am looking forward to going to the pub to meet up with the Benenden people who are involved in producing the Benenden Magazine. I feel I am a bit of an add on and very happy to be one.

Day 16 #stradaeasel

I am proud of my marmalade. It is looking glorious in its jars. A wonderful if very difficult subject for today's painting. 

Marmalade
Oil on board 
30cm x 21cm

Thursday, 15th January 2026 - Tulips in a Green Vase

It has been a thoroughly revolting day weather wise. Continuous rain, incessant rain. I had a list as long as my arm - a saying I remember my Mum saying. Mum, I still miss you.

By the end of the day crossed off the majority of jobs including ironing which has been piling up for weeks. An audio book amused me when I got fed up of Radio 4. Now tomorrow I have five white blouses to choose from.

Day 15 #stradaeasel

I have spent the evening with art buddies. Wendy and I set up a still life. We had free reign as to how to approach it. I used Adam de Ville's layered approach. A base, followed by a background, then a charcoal sketch, oil paint with a brush, oil paint with a palette knife, some sgraffito and fingers crossed it makes it home without covering the car seat in paint. Excellent evening.

Tulips in a Green Vase
Oil on board
30cm x 21cm

Wednesday, 14th January 2026 - Bramley

The hens laid three eggs for us today. Did I tell you story about the missing eggs? I thought not! We weren't getting any eggs even though the hens looked like they should be laying with red combs and fluffy rears. Tim put out the wildlife camera. It showed the culprit. A magpie was going into the hen house and taking the eggs whole. After a bit of research Tim put some strips of plastic across the entrance. This has deterred the magpie and we are getting excellent eggs.

 Whilst the sun was shining I did a bit of tidying and weeding. It was deceptive and my hands got cold and needed to be warmed up on a mug of hot chocolate that Harriet got me for Christmas.

I have dusted off my sewing machine and made a cushion for a beautiful chair we have inherited. It is now Tim's favourite with a wing back to rest a dozing head on. I need to hand sew it's opening. I will do that after I have finished blogging and find something delightful to watch while sewing. Tim is out so it will probably be Dragon's Den. 

Day 14 #stradaeasel

Bramley apples are one of my favourite apples - for cooking with. I have tried them raw and they make my mouth tense. There is no other apple that will taste as good in a pie or crumble. Here is today's oil painting that tomorrow will be puree to have with yogurt.

Bramley
Oil on board
2" x 2"

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