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

Tuesday, 17th September 2024 - Houses on Woodchurch Green I have found my drypoint plates that I have been searching for. This afternoon I got some framed ready to take into Bayliss & Co in Tenterden. It is run by Beth who has curated the most wonderful selection of work from local artists and I am very privileged to be one of them. Late morning/early afternoon I sat with a group of artists from WOKAS on the village green in Woodchurch. The wind blew canvases off their easels but we braved it out for our art. I drew today's postcard of the houses around the green then turned 180 degrees and set out painting a watercolour of the church. I miss calculated. My painting is missing the church. I had a lovely few hours. It has been months since our book group with Alli and Lesley have met. This evening we got together at The Halfway House to discuss Weyward by Emilia Hart which was brief as it was ages since we read it. I ate much needed liver and bacon. Alli has given us The Appeal by Janice Hallett to read in the form of a proper book with pages. The next book group will be closer in time so hopefully are memories of the book will provide a bit more discussion. We did find lots of other very important things to chat about - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Monday, 16th September 2024 - The Last Raspberries I had a shockingly early breakfast. I am used to a bit of a lie-in. 7.40am and my guest was ready for coffee and scrambled eggs. He is delightful. At least it meant I had many hours in my day to clean out my studio where the mice have been partying. Tim, Tom and Fable went for an afternoon walk - no whistling frisbee today. It is a good time to chat and catch up. - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Sunday, 15th September 2024 - A Sunday Stroll I woke up to the smell of croissant. After breakfast we wellied up and went out into another sunny day for a walk around Benenden with Jo and Elaine, Tom and Fable joined us. It could have been the last lunch we have in the garden. Tim had made soup which was accompanied by a variety of cheese, rolls and blueberry chilli jam. Oh and pickled onions that I had a craving for. Jo and Elaine have returned to London. It has been a lovely weekend. Having friends to stay is an excellent reason for exploring, entertaining and eating. I have been catapulted back into hosting bed and breakfast guests. - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #still life #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Saturday, 14th September 2024 - Garden at Lamb House After drinking two mugs of tea and a coffee I was ready for the day. We took Jo and Elaine to Rye Harbour and walked thousands of steps around the nature reserve in the gently autumn sun. The cormorants were most entertaining. The Boson's Bite was the perfect place to stop for sandwiches. The seals weren't in the harbour today. Back in Rye town we visited Lamb House making the most of our National Trust cards. What a charming place. Elaine's exuberance has inspired me to read books by Henry James and E F Benson who both resided there. A hot chocolate at Knoops has been put on the to-do list for a future date as we ran out of time. We got home to find apple juice from Malcolm and Margaret's apple trees which was perfect with ice, sparkling water and a slice of cherry and almond cake Tim had made. This evening we went to The Woodcock with Lindsey for dinner. I had some very tasty lamb. It was buzzing with people. Back home the heating was needed for a boost of warmth while we sat drinking tea, whisky and triple sec. I am ready for my bed. I did a sketch of the garden at Lamb house sitting on a bench in the afternoon sun. - - - #nationaltrust #lambhouse #rye katesconnectedpostcardproject #still life #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Friday, 13th September 2024 - Sissinghurst This morning I spent preparing tomato tarte tatin, fish chowder and bramley apple crumble for a dinner of 8 or 9. This afternoon we picked up Jo and Elaine from Staplehurst station and made the most of their National Trust membership by taking them to Sissinghurst Castle Gardens. After a wander around the garden we had a drink in The Three Chimneys which is the best pub for a dimming afternoon. We had very lovely evening with very lovely friends I am ready for bed. - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #still life #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

Wednesday, 11th September 2024 - Evening Walk Tim did some major pruning of many shrubs this morning. Lindsey popped round for a cup of tea. We sat on the bench watching Fable and Fritha playing. I handed her some leather gloves to fend off the shrubs spikes so she could help me tidy and clear Tim's cuttings. Thank you for helping out. It is a job that I rather detest. Tim cooked me one of my favourite meals tonight. Spinach and eggs baked in a white sauce. Just perfect for a Wednesday evening. I am typing my blog drinking a G&T that I made earlier. Tom suggested I put in the fridge and could have it after we had been for an evening walk. I was hesitant about going as it was getting dark and my home seemed so cosy. I did go and had a thoroughly lovely time, chatted with a neighbour and listened to owls twit twooing. My G&T tastes the better for it. Thank you Tom. - - - #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

Sunday, 8th September 2024 - Missing their Brother Damn and damn again. My loved and cherished Miele roller iron rolls but does not heat up any longer. It needs to have an urgent repair to its heating elements. It's going to take me ages ironing bedding with my push along iron. Damn again. A walk with Tim, Tom, Fable and his whistling frisbee made me feel a whole lot better. Today's postcard is for Matt. He was unable to come to the wedding yesterday. We missed you on the naughty table - and yes, we were put in the corner! Your sisters looked beautiful. - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #still life #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Saturday, 7th September 2024 - The hues of Dahlias My guests had scrambled and poached eggs and out the door ready for their day of touristing the sights. Tim and I have spent a wonderful afternoon and evening celebrating Alex and Esther's wedding in Rotherfield. Tim knew the area but it was an enigma to me. I love exploring new places and it is less than an hour from our doorstep. It was a beautiful church wedding with a stunning bride and groom. The reception has caused many a headache for family and friends due to the venue being in a field that got sodden by the past few days torrential rain. Six tonnes of wood chippings and a couple of extra tents and we were none the wiser it all looked perfect to us. Congratulations to Alex and Esther. It was lovely being with good friends and catching up with those infrequent ones. We have plans for more adventures together. Today's postcard is a reflection of the dahlias that Esther and Alex had grown for the wedding. They were stunning and not a slug or snail in sight. - - - #katesconnectedpostcardproject #still life #apaintingaday #katerundell #artblog #dailyart #instaart #instaartist #watercolour #artoninstagram #artofinstagram #painting #watercolourpainting #blogger #dailyblogger #winsorandnewton #instadaily #danielsmithwatercolors

Friday, 6th September 2024 - The Ivy Barn I am typing after a varied day. I have a little glass of red wine that is perfect. We had torrential rain, lightening and thunder as I was showering and getting dressed this morning. I was grateful that it abated on my drive to Wickhambreaux. Harriet drove Herbie and I to Dover Hospital. He was so so so very brave. Harriet was so so so very brave. I was so so so very proud. He has been signed off after his accident last December. Just fantastic and fabulous. Herbie went back into school for fish and chips - it's Friday. Harriet and I had a coffee in The Ivy Barn. It was buzzing. They do the best cheese scones with loads of butter. Tim saw in our new bnb guests with tea and chocolate brownies. Lindsey dropped by with Fritha and had an non alcohol g&t. I had one with alcoholic gin It is always lovely to see her and we can burble about our wonderful grandchildren. We are blessed. The day ended with Tom cooking us an amazing and delicious guinea fowl/pasta/red wine dish. We had some glasses of wine before he headed back to Little Holt to work. Thank you Tom. So wonderful to be cooked for. - - - #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

Wednesday, 4th September 2024 - Rose from Tom I weeded around the pond until the rain and a need for dinner set in. I am loving having Tom and Fable here. It would be perfect if we could have Harriet and her family living here too. I am sure we could fit another couple of houses into our garden. I am so proud of our grandchildren who have started the new school year bravely with a few tears from the little one and nerves from the girls. Squeezes my heart. We are watching Sherwood. We have seen it before. It is even better the second time around. Very gritty. just found out there is another series. Excellent. Today's postcard is a painting of a rose that Tom gave me. It is a tiny pot rose that I will transfer into the garden.... but..... as I saw two deer jumping around our flower beds today and knowing their penchant for roses it may be short lived. - - - #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