Tuesday, 4th July 2023 - Kale and a Sweetpea

Months ago my Tim was passing by a local farm shop and came home with black russian kale. It was the most delicious vegetable. In the spring I purchase as packet of russian kale seeds. The black variety I couldn't find. After sowing I had  prolific germination. My many seedlings have been shared to anyone who would take them leaving plenty for me to nurture in my vegetable patch. Tonight we had a crop with fish cakes. The stalks were a bit on the woody side but make good compost.

And my sweetpeas have at long last begun to flower. 

Kale and a Sweetpea

Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 1st July 2023 - Grandfather and Grandson

Whilst our granddaughters were climbing in Tunbridge Wells we got the pleasure of having the company of our grandson. It was an early start and he arrived on our doorstep at 7.45am ready to entertain his grandparents. Herbie ate the spare poached egg I had cooked for bed and breakfast guests. Pizza dough was kneaded ready for lunch. Plants got watered as well as feet. KNex was connected. He did an interesting painting with water - it was named an 'invisible' painting! The rest of the family arrived later for a romp around the garden. Hetty and I saw so many little brown butterflies amongst the long grass meaning there is some good news on the way.

This evening we went to The Lord Raglan with friends. Earlier in the day I discussed what to have with my granddaughter Raffy. She recommended a gin and tonic and a burger. It was an excellent choice.

Grandfather and Grandson

Pen and Ink

Friday, 30th June 2023 - Rye Roof Tops

 While I was waiting for Tim who was at the dentist I balanced my sketchbook on a concrete post and did a bit of drawing. I have got over the fear of people looking over my shoulder and watching what I am doing. But I do find it difficult to talk and draw at the same time so they must think me very rude.

Rye Roof Tops

Pen and Ink

Wednesday, 31st May 2023 - The Viridians

Over the past few weeks I have had an influx of delightful bed and breakfast guests. After poaching many eggs this morning I had just enough time to stuff my washing machine with bedding before heading out to High Halden. The Viridians are a newly formed small group of oil painters. Today we painted in Wendy's garden discussing all things oily and a lot of talk about green.

Wendy's Pond

Oil

Artists at work

Saturday, 6th May 2023 - Coronation Colours

Tim and I took egg and salmon sandwiches to Fairlight. We drank a fine bottle of Cremont while watching Charles become King with Liz, Keith and Brenda who had watched the coronation 70 years ago. What a wonderful piece of history to be part of.

Back home and Tim spent the remainder of the afternoon taming the rampaging garden. I took to my studio and did a bit of work on a painting I started on Thursday during an outing to Water Lane with my art group.

Coronation Colours
Watercolour

Thursday, 27th April 2023 - Shingle Strolling

Forget Kegels. You just need to drive along our roads. Each hit of a pothole tightens those muscles beautifully in anticipation of a burst tyre.

Si, Lesley, Tim, Alli and I celebrated Nick's birthday on Tuesday with a trip to Dungeness. We had delicious fish and chips in The Pilot followed by a breezy walk on the boardwalk. 

Shingle Strolling
Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 2nd April 2023

I have been playing around with Instagram reels to try and show my tiny sketch books.