It looks like next week it will be much warmer…..up to 20C….but today still the cold wind blew and blew.

Unfortunately this morning it also blew right in my house as I was obliged to climb up on the table and open the window above my door . That is, remove a plastic curtain rail which I have bent into a shape which keeps the two parts of the window from blowing inwards. The catch is broken and I took the winter nail out about a month ago.

I was busy reading all the latest depressing news on twitter and only gradually noticed that everything looked a little blurred. Then I realised it was smoke. My first thought was that there was something wrong with my stove…but on closer inspection it was fine. I had in fact forgotten to turn off the oven after toasting some cheese and then left a rather oily tray in it.

Oops!! It took ages to get all the smoke out.

After that I had a message to say a parcel had been left for me in a bar at the other side of town. I stomped off to collect it trying to persuade myself that exercise was good for me…..

Exercise is good for me.😬

I think I have finished 2 portraits today. It’s definitely a good idea to hold on to them for a few days to fix any little things I see later.

Being a bit bored this afternoon, and cold, I found the off cut wood left over from stretchers I’d made previously and made a 70 x30cm canvas for myself. I don’t know what I’ll paint on it yet , but it’s nice to have it available .

And now it’s wine time. I may or may not be mural painting tomorrow. It will still be quite cold.

It’s been nice having a few days when I haven’t been so busy.

Cheers 🍷🍷