So we are packed, sat in Costas and enjoying an early morning coffee whilst the dreaded-mails are checked; I am always pleased when there is nothing of note.

Today on the way home we are calling in to Taunton to see Jenny and Martin, catching up with firm old friends is so important. Maybe for relationship sake, I  should replace the old friends bit, for long term friends, never mind. We have kept in touch by zoom, but face to face is so much better.

The image above is of a small dingy on the mud flats just outside the flat. I posted it so that you can see just how effective the simple Hb pencil and twenty minuets can be. For a painting photography holiday there is simply no need for lots of equipment. A decent camera with a small zoom will give far better results than all your big fancy stuff, its a lot lighter as well. Then the simple pencil and a pad of paper is all that is needed to draw, then away you go. Why not have a go.

Well after Taunton a visit to Bovington tank museum and then home. I love holidays, but it is always good to get back to your home.

 

Well the last full day, the sky is blue, a pleasant cool breeze all with a Costas coffee, not a bad start. Micheal Gill and the family came round for supper last night then the shot off up north to see Gill's mum. It was so good seeing them all again.

Yesterday we found an idyllic fishing village called Lympstone; nothing there but quaint alleys which ended at the sea and a small jetty. Impossible not to relax!

This morning we plan to drive to Teignmouth, it looks like there is a super walk along the beach there. Tonight we are eating out Italian style. Then in the morning a short drive to Taunton to see Jenny and Martin, before driving over for the boys stuff at Bovington tank museum. Then home.

 

At long Last Liz and myself are away for a few days of R and R; just occasionally we all need to put our feet up for a while. This time is rather special as Micheal and his family have just relocated from Sweden and it especially good to see the children, Aiden and Olivia. Now Olivia is still very small and this is the first time we have seen her, so that is very special indeed.

We are staying in Exmouth, right on the seafront part of the marina. The weather is mixed, but that is ok as it isn't stopping us enjoying ourselves. We are spending the time walking, reading, doing a small amount of painting and sleeping a lot. My book ate the moment is a history of the Plantagenet's, thats nice and light, We both love nature and there are lots of wild life sanctuaries around for us to walk to. We haven't seen anything of special note, it is just that everything looks so lovely. 

Tonight we are meeting up as a family and having a curry together, so that should be good. There is no internet in the flat so we need to visit Costas once a day to contact the outside world and force ourselves to have a coffee. But that is good as Costas seem to give a warm welcome everywhere

The exhibition at the Mill in Guildford is going very well indeed, that is from my perspective; because, up to yesterday half of my sculptures have sold and the show has six more days to run. that is so encouraging; thank you all, as so many of my friends have been to the show; we artists  (now that includes everybody) need to be told that we are appreciated; it makes a difference.

Today the sun is glorious, so after church we walked to Wolfestone from across the common keeping under the trees whenever possible. The church of St, Mary the Virgin in the above named village has such a restful and shaded church and grave yard. However to do the above sketch it was necessary to sit in the blazing sun for about twenty minuets, after which I retreated to the shade of a large yew tree to cool off for a while and have a long cool drink of water.

The meadows and woods were colorful in extremis; as we crossed the meadow just behind the church we watched for just a short time a barn owl hunting, not for long because it was so hot. 

Tonight a friend (bubble)is round for supper; now that was a super day.

 

Well we, that is Liz and myself have just had a fabulous day out at Polsden Lacey. The sun shone, butterflies were everywhere, we walked just short of five miles and it was just about perfect. The crowning point was finding Pyramidal Orchids all over the place. Knowing that they were there, we went prepared with a very small lightweight tripod and a macro lens; see above. The above plant is flowering with about a thousand others on Worzel Bank, which is very close to Yew Tree farm. They are at the top of the field near the bench, if you have a chance go, it is worth the effort.

This week also meant the end of a month working with the NHS. It was fantastic being able to be with those amazing staff who cared for us all during the past year or so of this pandemic. As wonderful as it was, I must admit that after the last month, to being a little tired, so for a few days I am easing off a little with everything.

Tonight fish and chips with friends, then collapse in front of the telly; lovely.

See you soon.

 

Just a gentle reminder that my (with others) exhibition at the Mill in Guildford starts on the 10th. I will be there on both Saturdays from 2 pm until 4 pm.

Life at the moment is rather hectic,the NHS work is running for another two weeks and with the exhibition as well, my diary is a tad bit on the full side. but it is also rather enjoyable. I am just about managing to keep up my project work, see above. However at the moment it is almost impossible to do anything on my desk as it is full of sculptures, six of them, that means a very full desk; but that lot will be removed tomorrow (hanging day), them I might be able to see my desk surface again. There will mean no more excuses for not being able to reach my computer, so I will have to answer my e-mails, oh dear.