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

Sunday, 7th April 2024 - Auricula I have started my birthday celebrations early. I have had a wonderful day with Harriet, Hetty, Raffy, Herbie, Tim and Tom at The Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch. I wanted to celebrate my 60th birthday with the grandchildren doing something that we would all enjoy. The greatest joy is watching them having fun, exploring and learning. Harriet made an amazing and thoughtful picnic. I felt very spoilt. Thank you my gorgeous family for sharing my 'big' birthday with me. I planted auricula tiny plug plants back in the autumn. They are now looking big, healthy and flowering in my greenhouse waiting for a theatre. I love an auricula. - - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Saturday, 6th April 2024 - Wild Purple Orchid for Happiness I have prepared and cooked the same breakfast for guests for the past four mornings. I will probably be up frying eggs tomorrow as it has become embedded in my daily routine. I need to find some exercises to strengthen my back. Bending cleaning the rooms makes my back grouchy and spasm. Tom has arrived for my birthday celebrations that start tomorrow. Fable needed a walk after being sat in the car for over two hours. I wore wellies and strode happily through the mud and puddles until I remembered I had not fixed the hole in my right boot! We posted my latest postcards, spotted a coterie (new collective noun for me to learn) of purple orchids and walked past The Bull. We opened beer and wine back at home. I reduced our egg mountain by making cheese and mushrooms omelettes. Well done hens. There are load of entries on the internet about purple orchids. A lot to do with the double tubors. You can look that up yourself as I can't bring myself to put it in print. I will stick with the more pleasant symbolism of purity, prosperity and happiness. - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Friday, 5th April 2024 - Wild Violets for Healing A lovely friend bought me coffee at Water Lane this morning. Thank you lovely lady. I popped by my sister's but she wasn't home so I went to the supermarket and got breakfast provisions for guests. Tescos had pots made from recycled fishing line and nets which looked perfect for Harriet's flourishing plants. I messaged her and while waiting for a reply went back to Lindsey's who had returned home. We sat in her summer house which seems to be a nursery for queen wasps and drank tea and ate digestive biscuits watching the wind blowing Fritha's ears about. There was a message on Instagram saying that the florist at Hartley wasn't open today due to being unwell. Today's postcard is going to Sophie. Wild violets are good at healing sore throats, coughs, inflammation and yin deficiency. The leaves are full of vitamin A, C, rutin and quercetin. Not knowing what was wrong with Sophie I thought maybe she had one of the ailments. - - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Thursday, 4th April 2024 - Chancing the Traffic I have been catching up with 'stuff' today. It is very satisfying to get to the bottom of the laundry basket. Simple pleasures. Tim and I called into Mike and Pippa's for tea. Mike suggested a walk up the road to The Print House. At 5pm I wondered if it seemed too early to be having a white wine spritzer. I had two and they were thoroughly enjoyable. - - - #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

Tuesday, 2nd April 2024 - Window Shopping in Cranbrook On our last trip to Cranbrook Sarah and I vowed to try a different coffee venue after a grumpy greeting at Wendy's. We both forgot and ended up having very good coffee and a very needed half a bacon roll with chilli jam. We have become creatures of habit. It is comforting and means we can get to the nitty gritty of conversation about life in our happy space. Another regular haunt is the charity shop. There was nearly a bust-up with Sarah and the manager over the price of a stack of plates. I left them to it and pretended to be very interested in the clothing. I found books and a game for Hetty, Raffy and Herbie. Once back home I had to reinstate my bnb rooms after the grandchildrens visit. Now all clean and pristine ready for today's guests. They have been before so I didn't get my usual guest arriving nerves. The fridge is full of tasty bowls of bits of pieces left over from the weekend meals. I think I will have cold chicken followed by rice pudding and rhubarb. I made a triple sized rice pudding thinking it would be popular but none of the grandchildren liked it. Tim and I are making a valiant attempt at eating it. Tony and Wendy picked us up for a drink at The Bell and Jorrocks, they were closing at 8pm so we went onto The Milkhouse, they were closing early too. We were extricated from two pubs in one evening!!! - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Monday, 1st April 2024 - Coaltit Rescue Croissant at breakfast fuelled the grandchildren. Coffee fuelled the grandparents. It was a busy day again with Hetty, Raffy and Herbie. Raffy was out on her bike, Herbie helped move soil with his digger, Hetty pottered on her sprained ankle and rescued a coaltit that got trapped in the utility room. When it rained we took refuge at the kitchen table to play Happy Families which caused laughter and arguments and a bit of cheating as all the best card games do. The house is eerily quiet now the grandchildren have gone home. We will miss them and their bouncy ways. - - #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

Thursday, 28th March 2024 - Cats and Dogs I took advantage of a brief interlude in the rain to cut some daffodils, selecting ones that hadn’t been ravaged into frilliness by slugs and snails, for a last minute guest’s bedroom. - - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Wednesday, 27th March 2024 - Bottle Ducks We needed a wedding anniversary card and a wedding card. Rather than send shop bought ones Tim and I spent an hour or so printing and making our own. We had many failed attempts with wonkyness being our main nemesis. The final cards were straightish and lovely. We make a good team. They are now addressed, stamped and in the post. Lindsey and Fritha took me for a muddy walk (thank you for the wellie loan) past goats, into the Magic Woods and by a pond with ducks. I love a duck. Lindsey has her Easter Tree up and decorated. It looked beautiful and I left with Easter Tree envy. I came home, got my secateurs and now have some twigs in a pot ready to be decorated while I watch Dragons Den. #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Tuesday, 26th March 2024 - Heart and Home in Lewes Tescos delivered Easter eggs for the weekend treasure hunt with the grandchildren. I just hope it doesn't rain on Sunday. Pippa whisked Linda and I up to Lewes for an adventure. We met June in Cafe du Jardin for, yes coffee, and cake. June took us to her new space in the Lewes Antiques Centre where she sells her vintage homewares. What an amazing place for a rummage. June's room is beautifully curated but I would expect nothing less from her. Well worth a visit. I am just back from The Halfway House after book group. The lasagne was just what I fancied. We couldn't full discuss our last book The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods due to lambing curtailing reading time. It wasn't on the top of our list for a book to read. I did get some inspiration today about what pictures I will do for an exhibition I am in later this year.- - - #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

Thursday, 21st March 2024 - Bouncy Triplets I filled the kitchen with ironed shirts while my guest ate breakfast. I feel like I have a new wardrobe. I wore one out to lunch with Nick and Alli to celebrate a belated birthday. The Little Bull in Brenchley does a good bacon sandwich. We were near Si and Lesley's home and were welcomed with tea. Si had been up since 2am on lambing duty. There was no action in the lambing shed. Si kept occupied by making a Victoria sponge, chocolate eclairs and florentines for us to have with our tea. Amazing. Just as we were finishing our tea a ewe went into labour. I have been watching via the Lambcam at home. I got to see the real thing today with sound. After a lot of baaing a lamb arrived and the ewe sounded like she was purring to her new arrival. Such a lovely sound. What a privilege to see. I watched these triplets, who were less than 20 hours old, leaping all over their very patient first time mother. Very adorable. - - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors

Wednesday, 20th March 2024 - The Mill I collected a basket full of eggs from our hen house. Two I poached for my bnb guest. While he was at the breakfast table I packed the car ready for a day in Wickhambreaux. Tim settled into The Mill snug for a meeting. Harriet and I collected a very cuddly Herbie from school. We took him to The Ivy Barn for refreshments. We topped up our vitamin sitting outside. It was lovely. My postcard today goes to my son-in-law Brett. He has done an amazing restorating No 6 The Mill and now working on No 5. What a talented man. I am so proud of what Harriet and Brett achieved and look forward to their next chapter in life. - - #the100dayproject #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmmithwatercolors