Saturday, 27th August 2016 - Pop-up-Pub

I start the day so well with porridge and healthy chia seeds, cinnamon for my temper (or that could be temperament), nuts to lubricate my joints and all things healthy.

Then we get a call from friends and it all goes joyously downhill.

 We met with Mike and Pippa at Brick House Farm. We drank prosecco and beer from the 74 foot horse box. Followed by a takeaway curry at Caxton Cottage. It was warm enough to eat in the garden.

Tuesday, 12th July 2016 - Portuguese Plum Jam

How was I meant to know that the plums from the supermarket were from Portugal. I could have thought about it logically that there are no plums in season in England at present. But I didn't. So now I have many jars of beautiful foreign plum jam.

It started to rain again today. I would really like a touch of dry weather just for a bit. During a brief dry spell I planted lettuce and lupin seeds.

Harriet and I had a serious list making session in preparation for Brett and Hetty's birthday party on Sunday. It's looking good.

Friday, 8th July 2016 - Morris by the Pond

What started as a bit of a bugger of a day turned out ok by the time I went to bed.

It has been a conveyor belt of guests. As soon as one lot go another arrive alternating rooms so there is little break. I am not complaining really as they have been delightful and entertaining company.

This evening I was concerned I was going to miss out on a glass of Pimms accompanied by the Weald of Kent Morris due to prearranged late arrival of guests. To ensure I didn't Harriet was set up in place. Then they arrived an hour early while I was covered is mosquitos and sporting a filthy pair of gardening gloves. The MG made a fine ride to Goudhurst, followed by The Green Cross finishing at The Globe and Rainbow. What better way to spend a warm summer evening listening to the fine ramblings of a group of Morris Men.

Thursday, 9th June 2016 - Bindweed and Bike

I am home alone coping with bed and breakfast and Open Studios. Tim is working in London for a couple of days. My, how I miss his help and presence. My initial worry was dispelled by the end of the day which turned out to be rather charming in the end. I coped admirably well.

A lady came to see my paintings on her bike. She was cycling to see more in Rochester. I have great admiration for her.

Wednesday, 8th June 2016 - Another Very Proud Moment

Blimey what a scorcher it has been.

It was Hetty's first sports day this afternoon. I proudly watched her happily participating in many activities that she had never done before. She was amazing and still only four years old. What a wonderful thing to be able to (good God, I have got coffee brain, I know the word is in their somewhere but my synapsis are sparking too quickly to find it) be part of (that will do).

The Weald of Kent Morris were dancing at The Elm Tree this evening. I am not sure what ailed them, the hot weather, possibly injuries, Malcolm being absent but they dance with lead in their boots. I suppose that is preferable to lead in their pencils in public. I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening in their company highlighted by Vivien being there who has been absent from my company for many weeks.

Friday, 3rd June 2016 - Three Sommeliers

Frantic and just a little unprepared for the first day of SEOS. With the backup and support of Tim and Harriet we pulled it together. Pictures hung and labelled. Signs up. Prosecco in the fridge. Ready.

Tim and I went to an Austalian wine tasting evening held in the Beneden village shop. We were a bit late so did some quick catching up. Hinxden Dairy have started making delicious if rather expensive cheese. We had samples halfway through the wine. I bought some for our German guests who like a bit of cheese at breakfast. We have a couple of bottles of wine ordered. I chose a fruity Reisling and Tim Peppertree Shiraz. I hope they taste as they did on the night.

Wednesday, 1st June 2016 - Buttercups

It has continued to rain today. I am still working on getting my paintings together for SEOS. I have lost a couple along with a few days that I did not write about and so don't exist in my diary.

Tim has gone to Scotland for the night. I took advantage of having to drive him to the station, his back is still preventing him from great agility, and called in at animal feed place. Along with the necessary layers pellets I treated myself to a squirrel protected fat ball feeder for the blue tits. Now installed and they along with the woodpecker are enjoying my gift. 

The garden is covered in buttercups. It could make some pretty honey but my bees seem to go further afield than our garden.