Monday, 23rd September 2024 - Brunch and Brew I woke up at 6.30am - far too early to get up I decided so I closed my eyes for a little doze. Next time I looked at the time it was 8.30 am. Children sleep a lot when they are going through a growth spurt. Unfortunately, I seem to be growing but widthways. I met Pippa and June for coffee and cake in the newly opened Brunch and Brew. It was packed. It was good to see Pippa looking beautiful and youthful looking June. We missed Linda who is the corner of our quartet. I bought a blouse from The White Stuff. I have decided I don't like it now I have got it home. I also bought a shoulder phone bag. I don't like that now I have got it home. I will be returning them both. Back home I plugged in my audio book and did some weeding. No need to cook dinner tonight as Tim mistakingly turned Tom's freezer off. Tom turned the contents of his freezer (minus the Fable's meat) into a very welcome meal. I do love being cooked for. Thank you Tom it was delicious. - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Sunday, 22nd September 2024 - Cousins and their Dogs Lightening and thunder woke me up in the night. I went down to the kitchen to check Fable was ok. He was curled up sleeping on his bed. Not a dog bothered by storms. This morning he checked both doors at Little Holt to see if Tom was home. He refused his breakfast, wasn’t tempted by his stinky tripe treats and sat and watched me throw his frisbee!!! He was delighted to have Tom home and so was I. I don’t like to see him sad. The community apple orchard in Iden Green was holding an open day. Tim, Tom, Fable and I dropped by and met Lindsey, Alice and Roni. The cider was very drinkable. I had a pint and fell asleep when I got home. I am typing being bombarded by moths. It is tipping it down with rain outside but warm so we have the top of the stable door open hence the moth intrusion. - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Wednesday, 18th September 2024 - Book and Dahlias I love these warm sunny autumn days with the nights drawing in. Nearly time to light the woodburner. You might not ever see me again as my ironing pile is voracious in its growth. I now have to wait eight more days for my roller iron to be fixed. Yesterday's technician cancelled. Then you wont see me because I will be ironing. So frustrating. After a weeding session I framed pictures and delivered them to Bayliss & Co, we went shopping with my Tescos Clubcard and stocked up on wine, flour and tinned pilchards. This afternoon I made courgette and tomato soup that we had while watching Nightsleeper - the verdict is out as to whether it is a good watch. Today's postcard is of my bookgroup reading from Alli and flowers grown by Esther. - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Thursday, 12th September 2024 - Asters for Kindness and Love I love having bnb guests and I love not having bnb guests. We have a break of a few days which is delightful. Friends are coming to stay. I can wander unhindered in my PJs in the morning which would be totally inappropriate for paying guests. Tim and I went out with a shopping list. Three hours later and we returned with extra things in our basket and some missing. Mike and Pippa met us at The Ewe and Lamb in Rolvenden. We celebrated Pippa and Herbie being signed off from their consultants. Amazing. I am so proud of you both. There is a film playing in the background as I type. Tom is working on a bit of coding. Tim's eyes are heavy. I have no idea what is going on!!! I don't think it is a very riveting watch. I like a list. I have one for our evening meal tomorrow with good friends. I have one for food preparation. I know I will be awake in the night wondering what I have missed. Goodnight lovely people - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #still life #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Tuesday, 10th September 2024 - Ready for the Chop I tried ironing my bnb bedding with my push along iron. Tim said I should wait until my roller iron is mended next Tuesday. I rejected his idea. After 15 minutes of still wrinkled duvet covers I conceded defeat. I think I will hang fire until my roller iron is fixed!!! Harriet gave me some yellow courgettes. I chopped them up with tomatoes, red onion, red peppers, olives and anchovies and baked them. They were very delicious with salmon and jacket potatoes. Tom joined us. I love cooking for Tim and Tom after they have had a day of work. - - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #still life #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Monday, 9th September 2024 - Satsumas in a Blue Bowl Guests have gone. Our 88year old guest was full of life. Her advice was to keep busy and positive for a happy life. She was going home for a game of Whist and fish and chips. A fantastic philosophy. I have someone coming to fix my Miele roller iron in a couple of weeks time. I bought it 21 years. Will they fix it??? If not I might give up bed and breakfast. After a session of ironing today with board and iron I am not keen to keep that up. I have been looking where to get my daffodil and tulip bulbs from for potting up this autumn. B&Q seem to be the best place. Anyone know anywhere better let me know. We are watching a psychological film drama, called The Lost Daughter, with Olivia Coleman who seems to be able to morph into any character. It's weird and disturbing, I am not sure the best thing to be watching on a Monday evening. I cooked Carrot and Feta burgers for dinner. They sound odd but they were very delicious with taziki, burger buns I made in the bread maker, and salad and homemade chips. Tom and Fable left us after dinner as he had work to do and wasn't taken with our film choice. My tangerines in a blue bowl were the inspiration for today's postcard. I liked the colour combination. - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #still life #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Thursday, 5th September 2024 - Clarke Gate I had a changeover to do this morning. Damn I missed out on two outings. One was painting outside but that was rained off. Another was coffee with Pippa, Linda and June. I didn't have the morning free to join them. I expect they missed me. Fable and his whistling frisbee, Tim. Tom and I went for a walk this afternoon. The torrential rain had reduced to a drizzle. The view through a tunnel of trees is the subject of today's postcard. This evening we had pizza and drinks, I like the Kriek cherry beer, with Steve and Angie at a quiet McCanns. I found out lots of news about Benenden movements. I am off to bed to read my book. - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #still life #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Saturday, 17th August 2024 - Saturday Market Steve and Zoe drove us to Casseneuil. Beautiful town but it was deserted. AND no charging points for their car. We had a wander and a very salubrious coffee at canoe hire place. Looking for something a bit more vibrant Steve drove us to Villeneuve sur lot which was much more buzzy. We strolled through the market and found a lunch spot with a fixed price three course menu with wine and coffee. The market was dismantled by the time we had eaten our peaches and cream. Charging points came available so Steve charged off to plug in. We tourist around churches and bridges and returned to a charged car as the rain bucked down. A supermarket gave us refuge and provided us with party wine and sea urchin nibbles. I am drinking a last glass of wine with Steve and Zoe at 1.30am ish, Tim has gone to bed, before they leave us tomorrow. Now Steve has gone to bed. We have spent a fabulous evening at Mike and Pippa’s French house warming party with their friends, neighbours and family. Now Zoe has gone to bed!!! I am all alone. - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #family #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Friday. 2nd August 2024 - Treasures at Bentley's Oooh I had a sudden realisation that we are now two days into August!!! Is time running away with me? Is it getting older that days seem to fly by. I have so much I want to do.... It has been a busy and happy day. The boiled egg I served my bnb guest was perfect on the third day of experimenting. Success is beautiful. I wrote my 'To-Do' list. It was very long. By 12.30 I had two thirds crossed off. The greenhouse has been tidied. Pots have been refreshed and old saggy soggy petunias composted. The day was going well. I met Harriet and the grandchildren in Cranbrook. They had a dentist visits. Herbie has 21 teeth and Hetty left minus one. She nearly left her removed tooth in the basket at the supermarket checkout. The checkout girl kindly gave it back to us!! I love them soo very much. They came to see their grandad. He and Herbie did a fine job of cutting the grass on the sit on mower. Harriet made me tea. Why is tea so much better when it is made for you? Our bnb guests opened a bottle of wine this evening. It would have been very rude to refuse a glass or two. They had bidded for a couple of items at the Cranbrook auction. I love an auction and felt a brief pang of jealousy - then I remembered we have a loft, garage and house full of 'stuff'. Best not add to it. - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #family #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Tuesday, 23rd July 2024 - Whitstable Groynes I am drinking a gin and tonic whilst reminiscing on a wonderful day in Whitstable. Harriet hired a beach hut. Tim, Natalie, Brett, Harriet, Raffy and Herbie - oh and me - celebrated Hetty becoming a teenager. We had bacon fried by Brett on the gas stove in the little hut and made into sandwiches with ketchup, beer, Monster Munch, fizzy sweets (Raffy sorry I stole your chocolate covered honeycomb, it was delicious though) and a pile of chocolate brownies topped with 13 candles. The weather was grim as we set out, drizzling and grey. As the tide went out, sand appeared along with the sun and ice-creams. I got rather soggy playing with Herbie in the sea. Harriet saved me from total immersion and with the girls played in the waves. I retired to the beach. It was the best time to see the family messing about in the waves. Happy birthday Hetty. Your grandparents are so very proud of the person you are. Thank you. One question for you from Herbie.... Why is the sea salty? Five adults and two clever children did not know the answer. Do you know? - - - #whitstable #katesconnectedpostcardproject #family #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Friday. 12th July 2024 - Skinny Sarah I met Sarah for a coffee in Wendy's in Cranbrook. She is so thin and skinny I hardly saw her. Wendy's was closed so we perused the charity shops in hope it would be open in half an hour or so. I filled a bag with a delightful new top, books and jigsaws for the grandchildren. Still no chairs under the tables or lights on at Wendy's. We debated long and hard where to go and took a bunt upon Willow and Sage. We had much better than anticipated (we are very fussy) coffee and a shared bacon sandwich. Thank you Sarah for a very lovely morning even though I think you are a bit too thin. I came home to find Tim working on the garden relieving me of weeding a flower bed. He had snuck in some bed and breakfast guests who are very delightful and Dutch. I have caught up with my ironing. I have read school reports from my two littlest grandchildren and so very incredibly proud how they have coped and thrived through a very unsettling and difficult year. - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #family #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Monday, 8th April 2024 - Happy 60th Birthday to Me I am 60!! I am typing drinking sparkling wine with my son listening to Dexys Midnight Runners - loved that band - what happened to them?!? Moving onto Rag and Bone Man - loving my birthday. I have had the most glorious birthday. It started with a hot shower followed by croissant and coffee in the garden. It was the most sunny weather and a I had a walk with my son, husband and sister with dogs around Sissinghurst. I was opening presents outside when Elizabeth and Keith dropped by. We opened a bottle of bubbles - it's my birthday!!! I AM DOING TO PARIS The most beautiful present from my husband. Harriet, Hetty, Raffy and Herbie turned up with birthday cake. Thank you to all my glorious friends who came this evening to The Bell and Jorrocks to celebrate my birthday. I think I like being 60. - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Wednesday, 3rd April 2024 - Driving Home Happy 29th birthday to Harriet. Wow, where did those years go. Tim and I drove to wish our amazing daughter a happy birthday. Tim donned his work clothes and painted doors and walls in Harriet and Brett's flat. Harriet served us all coffee and pastries. Herbie delivered Harriet's birthday presents. Tim and Brett were painting at such speed they ran out of paint. Harriet, Herbie and I took to the shops to find more paint and more food. Conversation in the car was varied from handbrakes and gears to emotions and adventures. I was very pleased with my purchase. I bought a whole salmon reduced from £35 to £3.50. It is now chopped up and in our freezer. Herbie helped me choose a plant for a friend who very sadly has recently lost their very much loved dog. It has been a good day. - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Sunday, 31st March 2024 - Chicken Inspection Raffy and Hetty were up at 6am in the garden searching for a pheasant that had woken them up. They found him and his two female friends. We have had a lovely day. There has been an Easter egg hunt, Tim fixed up a bike for Raffy. She did circuits of the garden and church. Herbie and Hetty helped with with chickens, pulled rhubarb and weeding, watering and entertaining their Grandma. Tim built electric circuits with Herbie. The dining room has been turned into a hive of activity. Raffy is making a board game, Hetty crafting cards and found a box of Barbie's and a couple of Ken's that she found very amusing. An old box of Duplo littered the kitchen floor and still has hours of play appeal. The weather has been perfect for spending time in the garden. I feel very privileged in many ways. Tim and I are shattered!!!- - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Saturday, 30th March 2024 - Den Building Happy birthday to my brother. Your card is in the post!!! I could blame the delay of the manby bank holidays ... but ... I admit it is to my negligence on my part that your birthday will not drop on your doormat for your birthday day. I do love you though. We have the grandchildren staying tonight, possibly tomorrow. We are having a wonderful time. The weather has been sunny and dry and the garden has been explored, the chickens cuddled and a new den being built. How privileged are Tim and I. It maybe an early night as the bloody clocks change!!!

Friday, 29th March 2024 - Tending his Flock Tim and I dropped our bnb guest at Benenden School to continue with his film making. The roads to the market in Tenterden were unusually quiet. No schools. Bank Holiday and it was before 9am. I was hoping for a floriferous encounter. We did get some polyanthus but otherwise I was disappointed. The fruit and vegetable stall was a much more successful venture. We came away with cauliflower, garlic and enormous oranges. We had coffee and biscuits made by Pippa at Caxton Cottage. Coming home a shepherd was checking on his lambing ewes. Such a lovely scene for today's postcard. I am heading upstairs shortly to change into a skirt. We are going for a 'pot' supper at June and Barry's. I will let you know about the 'pot' tomorrow. - - - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Monday, 25th March 2024 - Shelf Building This afternoon The Viridians met at Wendy's. Clive and I sat at the kitchen table. Leelee and wendy set up their easels. Oils, watercolour pencils, Indian ink and lino cuts were produced over a few hours. I love my afternoons with my art friends. At the weekend Tom's friends Steve and Andy helped build some shelves. They are now holding Tom's cycling 'stuff'. It good to have good friends. - - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Sunday, 24th March 2024 - Dinner on a Box We are home from our weekend in Northampton. It's a long motorway drive and the Dartford Crossing was crawling slower than snails pace. The hedges on the country lanes were full of clouds of blackthorn blossom - so pretty. It has been a wonderful few days. We met some of Tom's friends. It's good to put a name to a face. Tom made us all spaghetti with beany bolognese and a less spicy tuna version for three year old Robin. Tom's table is still under dust sheets. Robin was very happy to have a box for a table. I felt suddenly emotional and sad as we left - it was quite painful. - - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Saturday, 23rd March 2024 - Happy 80th Birthday Terry It's been a good day in Northampton. Tim has done loads of DIY, clearing, shelf building, wiring and painting. I have done some interspersed with walking with Tom, Fable and shopping in an International supermarket that was crammed with fruit and vegetables I have never seen before. Tom and I bought garlic and mushrooms. I hope to return tomorrow for a deeper explore and take Google translate with me for the ingredients lists. As I type I am drinking tea with Tom and his mate Steve mulling over the pro and cons of social media. After a couple of glasses of wine it makes for interesting discussions. Earlier shelves were built that fit into an alcove to be filled with, no not books, bike 'stuff'. Fair enough it's not my home. Tom cooked a very delicious beany bolognese that fed Tom's good friend was 80 today. We met him in the park this afternoon with Charlie and Jack. Happy 80th birthday Terry. - - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Friday, 22nd March 2024 - Nine Chimneys Lane We have spent a good many hours on the road today. First a stop in Balsham near Cambridge to collect a couple of radiators from ex student and colleague of Tim's. We had lunch in a very pretty pub called the Black Bull. The butchers is now a bakery and sells lovely cakes. We got a variety of four and headed into the county of Bedfordshire to see Dave and Josie who added tea and coffee to the cake. Back in the car to Northamptonshire. After an excellent take away curry I am sitting typing at a fold out table in Tom's house in Northampton. Tim and I are spending a weekend doing DIY a bit of decorating and gardening.- - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors