What a week.  Weather has been completely upside down.  Two days of freezing cold, including snow and today we are in our second day of gale force winds. Swimming only ended up as one day this week, but now I have a new swimsuit I've run out of excuses!

Continuing with my oil pastels on a Wednesday at the Priory, but I think I'm going to have to bring in more than one reference photo because I finish the picture in an hour and we have a two hour slot.  Still we had a jolly time over our coffee and cake.

I did manage to go to Osborne House on Friday, on my own, even though it was absolutely freezing. Managed a sketch, but it was bitterly cold and my fingers started to hurt.

I was pretty amazed by this tree, it was so twisted.

I've been checking my colour palettes as well to make sure they have the correct colours.

Some are a bit better than others and I will have to change over a couple of colours. Also found that I need to revisit the brushes I use for each palette.

Also put in an order for another palette that I have covetted for ages and some accessories to go with it.  They arrived along with a new pair of slippers. Lovely.

Muffin and Henry are still ok, although Muffin is asleep most of the time.  No long walks for him.  

The boat appears to have survived the cold and now the very strong winds.  Thanks goodness.

Last weekend we sailed to Lymington.  It took three hours and ended up much colder than we had anticipated.  Yes, we were slilghtly underdressed!  Went into the Yacht Haven for a bit of luxury - lovely.  Took a little while to warm the boat up but when it was all snuggly warm, it was lovely.  Henry and I went into town on Saturday and bought him a new coat, mainly because the other one didn't fit over his tummy and was not a very good fit overall.  The rest of the day was spent just mooching about.  As it was still very cold and overcast and also because of not wanting to overstress Muffin we didn't do much walking.  However we did buy the antifouling, which was the aim of the trip anyway.  Sunday sailed back, and it only took two hours and not quite as cold.

Didn't manage much during the week.  Limited amount of painting - just sketching really, even when I went out.  Also only managed to go swimming once!

Thursday went to have laser treatment on secondard cataract.  Unfortunately, it was in both eyes!  Perry and the boys waited patiently for almost three hours.  Anyway, for £1800 I had both eyes done, and this morning, there still appears to be something affecting my left eye.  So, another phone call tomorrow.  

Have definitely been lacking in enthusiasm this week, perhaps because it's been  very dull, cold and overcast all week.  Poor excuse, I know.

 

 Again quite a difficult time,

We had two weeks exhibiting at The Priory.  I managed to sell quite a few cards, especially the trees, and even sold a painting.  However, all was not well because I had a rather stupid row with someone, which has left me in a rather awkward position.  I either apologise, but I don't know what I am apologising for, or just get on with life.  That seems the better option, but will mean that I will not longer be going painting with the plein air group on a Friday.   So, I will have to make a better effort to go out on my own.  Unfortunately I have always had the philosophy that people never fail to disappoint me, and unfortunately this has proved it yet again.  At almost 75 years old I really do not need this trivia!

Oh goodness.  Google has changed how you upload photos again! This is one of the bits from the exhibition showing some of my cards.

Showing some of the display.

I had my covid and flu jab and as usual didn't feel to special the next day.

Also had my mineral infusion for my bones - I really felt awful after that.  Not immediately but for the next four days.  Incredible pain.  Still forewarned etc. so now I know how I will feel when I have the next one this time next year!

Daniel and Alice were with us for the weekend. And that was absolutely lovely.  They came to see the exhibition and on Saturday we sailed down to Yarmouth for lunchtime stop. Even got Alice on the helm. Fabulous sail back.  On Sunday morning we went to Osborne and although a bit damp, it was really lovely.

I've been out for a couple of morning paintings. I've really missed that, so I think I should start that again.  This morning, however it is incredibly dull, so I painted from a reference photo.

Didn't think it was too bad for a sketch.

Took Muffin to vet and then had to take him to vet hospital to see cardiologist.  His heart is in a bad way and we have been warned that he will not be with us for that much longer.  Increased medication will only put off the inevitable just a bit longer.  In the meantime we are giving him lots of love and treasuring each moment.