2010
March 9th
Snowdrops & Sunshine :)

March 7th
Sadly, the frost killed some of the frogspawn in our pond last night. Unfortunately, it was too close to the surface of the water. Think the birds may have had a feast too. Brilliant day, cold wind but lovely in the sunshine. Planted a variety of veg. seeds whilst birds chased each other around the garden and sang their socks off. Wearing All our clothes, we also sat in the sun and had lunch. :) Roll on Spring!

March 2nd
Minor op. for me at Salisbury Hosp. Went well. New Carer and parents seems to be settling in well. Mum still being horrendous with me. Grim!

February 28th
First full weekend at home for a long time. Raining this morning so lit the fire and played Scrabble...great fun :) Over the weekend, Brian tackled an overgrown laurel whilst I tidied my veg. patch and planted two varieties of Broad Bean seeds. Had home grown roast parsnips, carrots and leeks for dinner. We also watched 'The Godfather', a favourite. Great movie and great weekend!

February 23rd
Am delighted to have been asked if I will accept a class of 26 5-7 year olds visit me at my studio over the next month. The children are doing a project on 'Mother Nature-Designer' in Art and Design. Lovely opportunity. Children+Art+Nature..... Brilliant!!!!

February 19th
It's a beautiful morning... a bit nippy, but the birds are singing and the sun is shining....

February
Went to see the movie 'Avatar'.... Excellent! Avatar' gets it right on conservation lessons says The Wilderness Society and me :)

February 6th
Dad discharged today.

February 2nd
Dad moved to another hospital.

Apologies for my Diary being so short on art news and so down in the mouth at times :( Am actually looking forward to 2010 and know things will settle eventually.

February 1st
Pulled in all directions. So much to be sorted at home, with Mum and Dad, and in my business. Keep thinking that things are getting closer to being sorted and then something else crops up needing urgent attention. Artwork and drawing in my little studio seems a million miles away.

January 29th
Dad has had a bypass operation today. The operation could not be performed sooner as he has pneumonia.

January 26th
Have been flat on my back for 3 days and am pleased to say am now on the mend. One good thing, it is a nifty way of losing some weight :-)

January 22nd
I have gone down with the norovirus!!!! Having spent so much time in hospitals with Mum and Dad's appointments, I suppose it was bound to happen at some point.

January 18th
Sadly, Dad has been admitted back into hospital. Mum is extremely aggressive with me.... not for the first time am sorry to say.

January 17th
Just a little note to say that, even though I am not at my studio on a regular basis, I am still able to accept orders for Fine Art Prints and Cards. Please feel free to contact me should you have any queries.

January 15th
I am delighted to have signed with 'The Wildlife Art Company'.  In October of last year I was invited to display my artwork and we are now up-and-running!!!!
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The Wildlife Art Company was established by BBC zoologist and author, Mark Carwardine, and is managed by natural history editor, Rachel Ashton, who together have many years of experience in the wildlife-publishing industry. The Wildlife Art Company is proud to represent some of the world's best natural-history artists, whose work shows immense diversity in both style and subject matter.  The Wildlife Art Company was created in response to a demand for high-quality artwork of the natural world, providing accurate and exquisite illustrations for publication.

Even though there have been a number of family issues over the past 13 months, there have also been some lovely 'highs' associated with my artwork; this being one of them. I feel very fortunate and look forward to working with The Wildlife Art Comany, and to hopefully drawing and painting again very soon.

January 12th
A brief interlude from my 'caring duties'... have been outside taking photo's in the snow..... Brilliant! Everything looks so beautiful.

January 8th
Not been a good start to the year with Mum and Dad's health. Have spent most of my time with them either at home; organising appointments and taking Dad to hospital. Wishing you both well.x

January 1st
Happy New Year to You All!!!! Thank you also for all your support.

2009

December 31st
Invited to a lovely party in a garden at Gaunts Common. A barn decked out with exotic materials, wall hangings, comfy seats and cushions, plus a wood burner. Outside a big roary fire, a couple of Yurt's and a tree-house for the children to play in. A lovely way to celebrate New Year's Eve plus Bob's Birthday. 'Happy Birthday' Bob :-) It was also a full Blue Moon... Beautiful!!!

December 29th
Lovely Birthday day today. Thank you Brian. Received some lovely pressies & cards. Spent the morning infront of the fire at home playing with my new toys and then to Mum and Dad's. Stayed with them until bed time and then home. Lovely day together. Precious moments.

December 28th
Lovely sunny day and cycle ride with Brian and Teyha. Sadly, Mum fell again late afternoon - thankfully no damage done.

December 26th
Yesterday a.m delivered pressies and then spent rest of day with Mum & Dad. Brian & I had toast for Christmas dinner and after helping M+D, finally arrived home late and exchanged our pressies infront of our roary fire. One of the best Christmas Days Ever! Gifts, food etc were irrelevant. It was just lovely all being together:)

December 23rd
Dad fell indoors & was on the floor for 4hrs as bad weather delayed the ambulance. My car wouldn't start. Horrendours a.m. Numerous accidents on the roads across the county hence the delays.

December 21st
Mum is home :-). Our decorations are up, pressies are wrapped and mince pie making time is here again :) Am feeling festive!! Wishing You All A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you too, to Special friends for all your support throughout this year.

December 12th
Lovely early morning stroll along Studland Beach, in the sunshine with Tehya, whilst Brian cantered off into the distance on his two hour Birthday pressie horse ride. This was followed by a lovely lunch overlooking the bay and the beach in Swanage. A good day. :-)

December 11th
Busy days.... Mum still in hosp. Operation finally went ahead on Wednesday 9th. Sorting orders, late night shopping last night Christmas and birthday shopping - Brian's birthday tomorrow. Am back into hospital on Monday for a minor operation. What a crazy year this has been.

December 7th
Unfortunately Dad has taken a few tumbles recently, also Mum was admitted back into hospital on December 4th.

November 28th
At the studio today! Great to pick up my pastels and be drawing again.

Novvember 23rd
Home renovations; laying more carpet and re:arranging furniture ... not much artwork happening here!!! Just catching up with jobs....

November 22nd
Saw Eddie Izzard tonight... Brilliant! I now have a permanent grin on my face :) Definitely recommend!

November 18th
Laying carpet at home. Everything is now upside down and piled high!

November 16th
Apologies for any confusion caused by my website over the past few days. I have been making new pages, altering text, adding photo's of the Book Launch plus new products. All hopefully is now running smoothly. If you find any discrepancies please do let me know. Have also been busy with Christmas orders - the last week has just flown by.....cripes! and Christmas is on its way...

November 7th
Brilliant day at the U.K Wolf Conservation Trust Book Launch. Met up with old friends and new. The sun shone!



I met some lovely people, sold some prints and cards plus I had to book sign along with Marco, Denise and Alistair!!!!!
.....and I still cannot quite believe it.  :) For more information please also see Wolf Diary & Wolf Book Launch!

October 24th
Printing like crazy. Very wet out there today!

October 21st
Brian and I had a great time sat in The Gods at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth, last night :-) The Victorian building, with its art deco interior and ornate ironwork, has been restored. I was last there in the 70's; parts of the building were deemed unsafe, the carpets were squelchy, and Captain Beefheart was doing his thing. It was good to be back; the light show was brilliant and Franz Ferdinand not bad either :)

October 17th
Saw John Otway and Wild Willie Barrett tonight at the 'Cheese and Grain' in Frome. :)

October 12th
Good 'Wood Fair' weekend. Thank you to all who popped in to say Hi.

As I didn't have a chance to pop out with my carmera, the photographs below have been supplied courtesy of my dear friends David and Christine, pictured below.

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October 9th
The Wood Fair is back at Larmer Tree this weekend. Should be fun - it was a good show two years ago.. Fingers crossed that the weather is dry. If you are in the area please pop in and say Hi..

October 5th
Dad feeling better and life is settling down again :-) Bliss!

Spetember 29th
Unable to go anywhere so am sorting images and making a Wolf Diary page for website. At the moment Mum is improving slowly, but Dad is unwell. Also am making some interesting wildlife contacts on Facebook. I would never have thought it.

September 28th
Another visit to Salisbury Hosp. for a small op. for me. Am pleased all went well, though it 'knocked me for six' later in the day.

September 16th
Have been signed by an agent. Am very happy about this as they too, are concerned for our wildlife and the well being of our planet.

September 15th
Hopefully looking for Nathusius' Pips tonight. Weather permitting.

September 11th - 13th
The End of the Road Festival @ Larmer Tree Gardens. Great to see so many familiar faces from previous End of the Road Fests. Weather was great, scrumpy too! Good and busy weekend!

September 6th
Recommended reading!!! Excellent and hilarious book 'Last Chance to See' by the late Douglas Adams (author of Hitchhikers Guide).... Today at 8:00 p.m, BBC2 - Stephen Fry follows in Douglas Adams' footsteps and joins Mark Carwardine in search of endangered animals. Am looking forward to it :-)

September 4th
Hoping to be at the studio this afternoon.

September 2nd
Dad admitted into hospital this morning. Cannot believe it! Mum has only been home from hospital for 3 days.

September 1st
WorkAid collected some tools and sewing machines this afternoon, to be sent to help folk in Africa. Thank you Ron.

August 31st
Received a call at 9.30 p.m re: a bat that needed rescuing. Unfortunately the chap held onto the bat for a while prior to contacting me. It ate a little food and had a drink, but died later in the night. There were two puncture marks in his wings, indicating he had possibly been caught by a cat.

August 30th
Upside down again. Have just returned from my parents after caring for them for the past week. They both took a tumble over a week ago; Mum has been in hospital and is now home.

August
Both Mum and Dad fell within hours of each other. Dad knocked for six and needing full time care. Mum broke her wrist. Mum into hospital.

August 21st
Updating wolf text on webpages. Slowly but surely getting things sorted.

August 20th
Spent all last night working on connecting PC and laptop and backing up website. Huuwge Relief!!!!! I can now work on my website - hit a button - and all changes are backed up on the laptop....yeahhhh!!!! Can also work on the laptop at Larmer Tree - hit a button and transfer all the info. to the PC on my return home. How brilliant is that?????? :-) Must add - didn't do it by myself. A Big Thank You to Richard who did it all remotely from Devon! How mind bogglingly incredible is that! My mouse moved seemingly by itself... Still can't get my head around that one.

August 19th
Am drawing at Larmer Tree Studio again :-). Studio & Gallery open. Larmer Tree Gardens are also open until September..

August 17th
Soprano Pip released. Am pleased to say the holes in his tail membrane have not not stopped this little guy from flying. He is has been eating well and was eager to go.

August 16th
Japanese Tea Ceremony held at Larmer Tree, lots of visitors.  Lovely sunny day too.

August 15th
Daughters Birthday and my parents Wedding Anniversary!

August 14th
Finally released Long-Eared bat. She was a bit wobbly on take-off but within seconds was circling above our heads and then flew off down the country lane. As always, I fed her a few mealworms before release - there were also lots of moths about, so hopefully she will have had a good meal before beddy-byes. Pleased to say the little Pip. is still with us and eating well - will give him a test flight tonight.

August 13th
Sadly, I still have my little Long Eared battie, plus a new one, a Pip. Last night I had been hoping to release Long Eared as it was a lovely p.m. Bit of a long story, but to give bats the best chance, you release where they were found. Same colony, familiar territory. At 8.30 p.m I was enroute to Bulbarrow with her, when I received an emergency call re: a bat in someone's living room at Three Legged Cross. The caller said her 2 cats had been chasing it - the bat was bleeding and hiding under her lamp.

Cats are an absolute pain re: wildlife. More calls are received re: bats killed or injured by cats, than anything else. Anyway, the bat was in trouble and they were in a flap, s'cuse the pun... If I'd carried onto Bulbarrow it would have been really late by the time I got to the bat in distress, so did a quick turnaround in order to get him out of there. Little chappie has small puncture holes in his wing. Gave him antibio's and he eventually accepted water and a little food. Fingers x'd.

August 12th
Something went a tad skew-iff this p.m, hmm! how do you spell squiffy :-) I left home with one battie and returned with two??? uhh! another late night feed...doh!

August 10th
After a tricky start, my little Brown Long Eared bat has come on in 'leaps and bounds'. She now weighs 7.30gms and is flying really well.

August 4th
Where has this year gone to? I cannot believe we are in August already. I know that spending the first 6 months in hospital with Mum and Dad has taken its toll but - it has just whizzed! Mum is improving slowly but surely but sadly Dad is not well.

July 29th
Whilst at the Studio today, received a call from the Bat Conservation Trust. A Brown Long-Eared bat, Plecitus auritus, was found yesterday, in an empty washing-up bowl in a kitchen nr. Blandford Forum. The bat doesn't appear to be injured but is reluctant to drink or eat. Fingers crossed there aren't any underlying problems!

July 28th
Collected some tools this a.m to be sent to Africa. Thank you John! They included an old typewriter, 3 hand operated sewing machines, spanners, a socket set, hammers, chisels, drills and mumerous other items. Also went to the opticians and managed to get myself a parking ticket into the bargain. Unfortunately the appointment took longer than I anticipated. Not had one before....doh!

July 26th
A while ago, I was invited to judge the Wimborne Art Society's, 'Wildlife Art' Competition. Today was the day! I  have not judged a competition before and was excited at the prospect of viewing lots of lovely artwork, but also rather nervous too.  It suddenly seemed one hec' of a responsibility.

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The Society memebers made me feel very welcome and it was super evening. The Wimborne Art Society - Annual Exhibition included 70-80 paintings and drawings and the standard of artwork was high!   The 'Wildlife Art' competition entries included paintings in a variety of media including oils, mixed media, pastels and watercolour.  Subjects included: paintings of Swans, a Dartford Warbler, an Owl and Avocets in various habitats. Tree bark, a Tiger, Ram, Pheasant, Deer, a Grant's Gazelle, Harvest Mice, Koala Bears and Cheetahs.  

I awarded First Prize to Alan Gibson for his superb watercolour, 'Emperor Geese and Goslings'. Second Prize to Jacqueline Wedgery for her watercolour, 'Hedgerow Life' and Third Prize to Sue Edwards for her lovely oil painting of a 'Grant's Gazelle'.   Approximately sixty people attended, and to top the evening off I also received a lovely bouquet of flowers. 

July 23rd
My name is listed on Amazon!!! Have just discovered the wolf book is due to be published: October 31, 2009 and am so excited.

A big Thank You to Denise for inviting me to be involved with an international wolf book project.  To contribute to a book concerned with the welfare and conservation of wolves was a dream come true!  To then be meeting and drawing wolves was a super experience.    It was great working with Denise and to meet Marco, Claudio and Alistair.  To now see the book advertised - Brilliant!!!!!! Congratulations to all concerned! :-)


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A New Era for Wolves and People
Wolf Recovery, Human Attitudes, and Policy
by Marco Musiani, Luigi Boitani, and Paul Paquet

Product Description
Wolves hold an almost mythical status in the cultural history of Europe and North America. For hundreds of years, they have been the subject of fairy tales and other lore, embodying mystery, cunning, and sometimes threat. People are drawn to their beauty, intrigued by their behaviours. Yet for those who live in close proximity to wolves, coexistence is fraught with many serious issues. Wolf management is an excellent model of human-nature interaction and the challenges that come along with it. This book analyses the crucial relationship between human ethics, attitudes, and policy and the management of wolf populations in Europe and North America. The contributors to this volume assert that these human dimensions affect wolf survival just as much, if not more, than the physical environment. Contributors include recognised scientists and other wolf experts who introduce new and sometimes controversial findings. The book includes colour photographs by David C Olson and drawings by wildlife artist Susan Shimeld.

The book is available for pre-order from Amazon @

http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Era-Wolves-People-Attitudes/dp/1552382702/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248349848&sr=8-1

July 19th
Really lazy day and it was great to do just nothing. Picked gooseberries and then spent a lot of time on Facebook - totally unintended - but a friend asked if I would be her friend :-), so I did. Then it took almost the rest of the day to fill in my details and sort it out and by the end of the day I had 4 friends, one of them being Katie, my daughter! :-) What happens now?!?

July 16th
The clouds rolled in, the heavens opened and by the time I got to the studio it was almost too dark for drawing, doh! Not off to a good start here....

To make up for it, in the p.m we met up for a drink with some buddies in the pouring rain and listened to a couple of lovely tunes by Richard Thompson. To my huge surprise, during the p.m I was also introduced to the DJ Johnnie Walker.... Have enjoyed his radio progs. since I was 18-19 years of age. He was a 'breath of fresh air' at that time - there was good music around, but many of the other DJ's played a lot of rubbishy stuff. Also he had a sexy voice! :-)

Thank you Johnnie for the music and Paul for the intro!

July 15th
After the 'ups and downs' of the past 6 months I actually started drawing today. Have not drawn anything since December last year, can't believe it - and it was quite a challenge. Difficult under normal circumstances but with all the festival activities going on outside, it was like being sat in the centre of a huge market stall - haylp!!!!

July 12th
Popped into Bournemouth today to pick up some bits and saw my first ever 'Gay Pride' march - great fun to watch and a good atmosphere. I love unexpected happenings like this.

July 8th
Over the past week, I have been producing prints and greetings cards from my wolf artwork during the day and burning the midnight oil working on my website. I have wanted to get my wolf artwork on-line for ages and as things are settling slightly on the family-front, I decided now was the time. Have been producing new web pages, re:sizing and placing wolf images, and writing text to accompany the artwork. Tweaks and words are needed here and there, but at least my wolfy artwork can finally be viewed on-line.

July 2nd
Just as I am getting back into the Studio way of life, the Larmer Tree Gardens are closing for the festival preparations. Unfortunately, during the month of July access to my Studio is by appointment only. If you do wish to visit, please do call as I would be happy to meet with you. The gardens open again on August 3rd.

June 29th
Released the Pipistrelle bat this evening. Thankfullly, after his ordeal, he was okay and only needed a little TLC.  He was eager to go and we released him where he was initially found. He flew around the cottage garden a couple of times getting his bearings - then off up into the trees where, the owner said, he sees bats flying most nights. I like happy endings!

June 28th
Back in March I sent a couple of images off  to the 'BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year' competition. In April, I received an email informing me that I had been selected as a Finalist....yeahhh!!!!!!    Today, along with other artists, I had to take my artwork to be judged.  Unfortunately, I didn't get any further in the competition but, it was super to have been selected as a Finalist and to have got this far!  

An added bonus was meeting my lecturer, Rob Cook, from Bournemouth College of Art.  We  haven't seen each other for 11 years and I couldn't believe it when I heard his voice from across the Marwell Hotel car park saying, 'I know that face.... it's Susan Shimeld'.   Rob was the guy that initially interviewed me for the Natural History Illustration course.  He was encouraging, fun and an excellent tutor.  He left in 1998, the year that I gained my HND qualification, in order to teach Nat. Hist. and Scientific Illustration at Blackpool University. He too had been selected as a Finalist and it was great to catch up!

June 26th
So here I am almost back into the swing of things again.  Mum and Dad are recovering after their strokes and all the other illnesses and complications. It is difficult with them both still needing help and attention but for the first time in 6 months, I managed to open my little Studio & Gallery for 2 days last week.  Not drawing as yet, but it was so good to be back and, super timing, as we had a royal visitor from overseas.

Whilst there, I received a call re: an injured bat.  The first one this year. The gentleman very kindly brought the little Pipistrelle to me at the studio.  Thankfully it was not injured and just needed rehydrating, warmth and food.   I also recently did a bat survey here at home and in a colony that once contained 30+ Long-Eared bats, I counted 6!!!!!!  Bat numbers are definitely on the decline.  

June 19th
Back and forth from Poole again. Dad now home - numerous appointments and things to be sorted for both Mum and Dad. Closest I have been to visiting the studio this week was a couple of nights ago; to water everything.

June 11th
Dad is back in hospital.

June 10th
At the Studio this a.m. Placed my home-made hanging basket by the porch door, very pretty, even though I say so myself :-) tidied up a couple of manic shrubs, enjoyed the sunshine and ....picked up a pencil!!!

June 9th
Having some pics. framed. Three for a friend and one for the finals of the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009 competition.

Have also just watched a film about the Kingsnorth Six who were acquitted of causing criminal damage to the Kingsnorth coal-fired Power Station in Kent. This film is accompanied by music composed by Nick Laird-Clowes and former Pink Floyd guitarist Dave Gilmour. This is a behind the scenes look at Greenpeace and the brave people who are willing to put their liberty on the line for what they think is right. Kingsnorth pumps out 20,000 tons of CO2 every day, 9 million tons a year.

May 27th
Things are looking up!!! Mum and Dad are improving 'slowly but surely' and with the help of carers, I think I may now be able to take a step back.

Also my foot is on the mend and on Bank Holiday Monday we dusted away the cobwebs, mowed the lawn and had a tidy-up at the studio. Dare I say it.....I think I may be back in my studio very soon :-)

May 22nd
Am making the most of having to sit down with my foot up. Seems like a good time to catch up with computer and printing work.

May 18th
My turn now - so as not to be left out, am off to hosp. for a foot op. today, flippin' hec!

May 17th
Mum and Dad are still not in good shape.

May 14th
I am a Nanna Su again. Katie gave birth to another lovely little girl this a.m. Congratulations Kate, Sean and family. Sadly a friend is very unwell. There is so much going on - it's crazy. Wishing you better right this minute Chris!

May 11th
Mum has been discharged from hospital after breaking her ankle in March. My parents are finally together under the same roof. Phewf!

May 10th
Brian and I attended the U.K Wolf Conservation Trust Seminar in Reading this afternoon and it was well worth the journey.  Speakers included Dr. Marco Musiani, Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary and author of 'A New Era for Wolves and People' book. Dr. Alistair J . Bath a social scientist who studies human dimensions in wildlife resource management issues, and Dr. Claudio Sillero-Zubiri, a British zoologist, conservation biologist and founder of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme.

'A New Era for Wolves and People' will be published in October 2009. The two books bring together authoratitive perspectives on the ecological role played by wolves in the wild and developed environments where they occur on Earth. 'A New Era for Wolves and People' collates information from various authors into three broad sections; Discovering the Real Wolf in Natural and Semi-natural Ecosystems, Exploring the Potential for Ecological Science to Inform Wolf Management and Coping with Conflicts, Human Attitudes and Their Effects on Management Plans.

My wolf artwork, published in the 'A New Era for Wolves and People' book, can be viewed at my Nature in Fine Art - Wildlife Gallery (opening soon).  Wolf Fine Art Prints and Greetings Cards will be available for purchase shortly. With each sale a donation will be made to Wolf Conservation - helping to keep wolves in the wild!

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May 5th
Dad home from hospital after bypass op.

May 3rd
Mum and Dad are still in hospital. Am accepting print and card orders but sadly have been unable to visit my Studio for the past 4 months. Can't wait to pick up a pencil again.

April 26th
Saw 'Ultravox' tonight in Bournemouth. It is great to get a complete change from the every day 'goings-ons' and seeing a live show takes you 'elsewhere' for a coule of hours.

April 24th
It is our Granddaughters birthday today - cannot believe she is two years old. Where does the time go to? Dad had an operation this morning. Love you Mum and Dad.

April 23rd
Should have been going to the NEC to see AC/DC in concert. With Dad being admitted to hospital today, I cancelled. Thank you for sorting the ticket Liam and saving the day. Much appreciated.

April 21st
Never thought I would ever pay to see a tribute band, not my 'cup of tea', BUT.... this band came highly recommended and they were fantastic. Words cannot describe how absolutely brilliaint 'Australian Pink Floyd' were tonight. Utterly Amazing!!!! If you like Pink Floyd and you ever get the chance to see them - I highly recommend you purchase tickets as quickly as you can - you will not be disappointed. Superb musicianship. Fantastic show!

April 20th
Brilliant news! My artwork has won through to the finals in the World Mammals category of the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009 competition.

April 18th
Invited to a party in the sticks and it was lovely. Thank you Barry, Monique and Bob.

April 17th
Dad home. Thank you to all who have sent such kind and supportive words during this upside-down period for our family.

April 15th
Dad admitted back into hospital today, unfortunately this time not the same hospital as Mum.

April 4th
Saw Dr. Feelgood at Mr. Kyps tonight, and boy did he make us feelgood. Excellent show!

April 2nd
Mum is back in hospital. Dad is not in good shape either. It has been non-stop for 3 months.

March 25th
Received an email today inviting me to judge the Wimborne Art Club Annual Exhibition. This year the selected title is 'Wildlife'. The club has 50+ members and the prize presentation is to be held in July. It was a big surprise and lovely to have been asked.

March 20th
Saw Hugh Cornwell from The Stranglers at Mr. Kyps tonight.

March 9th
My dear Harricat passed away today; she was very poorly. Over the years we have had so much fun together and I loved her dearly. She would accompany us on walks and was just such a sweet puss and so affectionate. Lots of lovely memories.....a very sad Su.

March 6th
It has been a long haul and it is going to take time but both my parents are back home again.

February 12th
Between family goings-ons, have been attempting to string a couple of sentences together about myself and my artwork - bit tricky in 45 words. The information is to be included in the Dorset Visual Arts - 'Artists & Makers Map' which apparently, will be distributed across the county and elsewhere. The map is a free, visual guide showcasing some of Dorset's visual arts.

February 8th
Finally put my bat-boxes up today. They look great and hopefully will be put to good use in the Springtime.

Am also hoping to get up to the studio soon. The daily hospital run has been time consuming and I need to get back into the swing of things again.

February 7th
Managed to get out of the park after the snowfall, albeit gingerly, and down to Poole Hosp. to see Mum and Dad. Close to home the roads were treacherous but closer to town they weren't too bad. Mum and Dad are okay'ish but it is going to take quite a time to get them both back on their feet again.

Had a good moment whilst in town. I popped into Smiths and was delighted to find the March issue of the 'Artists and Illustrators' magazine on sale. The urge to tell everyone in the queue that I was in the magazine was difficult to resist, but I managed it - just. :-)

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February 6th
Ooeerr! We are snowed in!!! The snow fell heavily for most of the day and at times it was difficult to see even the bottom of the garden. A white-out and everything looks very pretty. A winter wonderland!


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February 4th
Lovely sunny start to the day. Everything is a picture! According to the weather forecast a ton of snow is going to fall over night, coo!

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February 3rd
More snow, all morning, very exciting!

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February 2nd
Overnight and early morning snowfall. Yippee! Later in the morning I was delighted to see Fallow deer at the bottom of our garden. I have never seen them in the garden before - cheeky monkeys - and in broad daylight!

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January 21st
Thankfully Mum and Dad are improving a little with each day. Am not at the Studio as I am at Poole Hospital on a daily basis.

January 20th
Last year, the editor of the Artists and Illustrators magazine approached me regarding writing an article on Pet Portraiture. Have just learned that my feature is to be published in the March issue. :-)

January 15th
I learned today that my painting 'Tropical Butterflies of the World' is to be used in an advertisement, by Hahnemuhle Fine Art. I am especially delighted as the product advertised is the new eco-friendly Lana 'Sugar Cane' fine art paper. The advert will be published in the Artists and Illustrators magazine.

January 13th
My mother is also seriously ill. Both Mum and Dad are in hospital.

The Guardian Newspaper have finally written to apologise for using my artwork on two occasions without my permission on their website.

January 7th
Sadly my father is seriously ill.

January 2nd
At the Studio today for the first time in weeks. Had a good tidy up and am now looking forward to getting back to my artwork.

2008
December 31st
Happy New Year To All! & Happy Birthday Bob!

December 29th
My Birthday! Spent a great, tho' very chilly day at Lyme Regis. Didn't find any fossils but was delighted to find a heart-shaped piece of wood. Have always wished I could find an arty piece of driftwood. Also, whilst walking along the beach the wind blew a crisp £10 note right up to my feet. Cool! :-)

Below, a red-eyed dog, red-nosed Su, Blitzen, Dasher, Dancer et al. Cripes was it cold!

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Spent the evening thawing out at a lovely old pub called the Square and Compass with Brian and a buddy for many moons, Bob. Thank you both for making my birthday so special. We supped mulled cider and I jigged with fellow jiggers, to 'cask conditioned celtic rock' in the form of the 'Black Sheep'. A lovely birthday :-)

December 24th
The mince pies are cooked (thank you again Karen for the jar of mincemeat). The decorations are up and the pressies are wrapped. Happy Holiday and Happy New Year to You All! Thank you so much too :-)

December 19th
Christmas shopping almost completed - most of it without even stepping outside of the house! How did I ever cope without the internet?

December 16th
My pencil drawing, 'Chief Wolf Robe', was displayed in the football section of The Guardian newspaper website today. Don't mind, but wish they had asked for permission first! Just courtesy.

December 14th
Working on my website; tweaking and updating bits and have also included a Resumé page.

December 12th
Happy Birthday Brian! We had a super day starting with a surprise vist to a riding stables, followed by lunch at a lovely old pub in Milton Abbas.

December 6th
Have spent much of the last few weeks preparing text and photo's for the article. Purchased a record deck this afternoon and am looking forward to listening to some of my old vinyl L.P's and singles again. Just hope they are not too scratched!

November 30th
Up at the crack of dawn and arrived at Moors Valley Country Park at 8.05 a.m ...... flippin' hec and on a Sunday!   Unfortunately the craft fair had not been advertised and the weather was against us, but other than that it was a good day and a lovely venue. It was also lovely to meet up with fellow artists - there were some great displays and some extremely talented folk selling their wares.  Amongst the visitors, I met a couple who raised and cared for a couple of wolf cubs years ago. They are also fellow bat carers and care for a variety of rescued wildlife in the New Forest.  Am looking forward to visiting them in the New Year and to taking some photos.

November 26th
Am busy preparing for my mini exhibition at the Country Fair, on Sunday - 5 artists on 2 trestle tables hmm, sounds cosy! Receiving feedback from the article in the December 'Artists and Illustrators' magazine. Working on the next article and the deadline is looming, oooerrr! Am reminded of a quote by the late, Great and sadly missed, Douglas Adams, " I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by". :-)

Whilst online purchasing gifts for a special person's birthday - decided it was an opportune moment and also purchased some Christmas pressies. Cannot believe it is that time of year again. Where did this year go to? Have also learned that Ginger Baker is receiving an award and is in London, with a bunch of other superb musicians, on December 7th. Hmm! ..... would love to see him!

November 24th
Saw Primal Scream at Southampton Guildhall tonight. Unfortunately the accoustics were not good. Good to have seen them though and it was a good night out.

November 22nd
We woke early this morning to find five Fallow Deer, four adult females and a frisky youngster, grazing in the small paddock, at the bottom of our garden. We have lived here for eight years and though we suspected they pass through this way, we have never seen them.  Periodically they stopped to listen or to push and nudge each other playfully. The cheeky things even congregated to peer over the gate into our garden. Years ago I was told they are partial to roses, hmm!  It was a super surprise to see them and a lovely way to start the day!

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November 19th
Have received a telephone call re: tools and a sewing machine waiting to be picked up. Once I have collected them, they will be shipped off to Africa via World Aid. Thank you John for the call.

All is well. Busy working on the copy for the next article to be included in the ' Artist and Illustrators' magazine. Have received a couple of lovely messages re: the Greetings Cards item in the Dec. issue. What with friends and relatives, I think the sales figures for the magazine must have improved over the past few weeks. Am also looking forward to getting back to my artwork as soon as possible.

A couple of days ago, whilst walking in the park, I was delighted to find an Amanita muscaria growing at the base of a Silver Birch tree near our home.  I have only ever seen them twice before in my life.  On the first occasion; during the year of the Silver Jubilee, they were growing under a Silver Birch tree on a patch of grass in the middle of a housing estate.  I couldn't believe my eyes. The second time was approx. 8 years ago, at the base of a tree, on the edge of woodland.  On each occasion I have never spotted them previously in those areas.

This morning I was up bright and early to take my photographs. Thankfully it was a lovely sunny a.m. - tho', a tad nippy.  Also known as Fly Agaric, Amanita muscaria, are deep-red in colour and are truly beautiful toadstools. It was great fun! In fact, I can feel another artwork coming on!!!

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November 15th
Had a great evening with 'Fish', at the Cheese and Grain, in Frome. The atmosphere was super, the band were absolutely excellent and Fish was extremely entertaining. He is a huge guy, I didn't realise he was so big: his personality matches his stature and boy, can he sing! The crowd went wild as he sang songs from his most recent CD, plus a couple of old favourites from his previous incarnation with Marillion. He also did a rendition of an old and excellent classic, 'Faith Healer' by Alex Harvey. It was super to hear it again after all these years, and was performed brilliantly. During this number, Fish wandered through the audience placing his hand, on top of the heads of certain people. I've been Blessed by a Fish! :-)

November 14th
Received a copy of the 'Artists and Illustrators' magazine this morning. I still cannot believe that my name is in print alongside photographs of my greetings cards. Flippin' hec!

November 12th
A lovely sunny day and I was delighted and surprised to see a male Southern Hawker Dragonfly darting around our garden and hovering above the pond. Eventually he decided to sunbathe on the wall of our house and I was able to take a couple of photographs. I couldn't believe it when he turned to look at me. Wow!!

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November 10th
My dear little Pipistrelle bat had to be put to sleep today. Unfortunately, even though his injuries had healed he was still unable to fly properly. I had hoped that with time and regular exercise he would improve. In fact, over the past three months he had improved tremendously. As the vet said; he was a healthy bat and in excellent condition in all other respects, but the damage caused to him by the cat was irreparable. Sadly, he would never have been strong enough to fly and feed himself.

Good news for the day - have received another commission.

November 9th
Three weeks ago I tried to book tickets to see Steve Winwood in concert. Unfortunately the tickets had already sold out, my only option was to add my name to the cancellation list. To my great joy and surprise, today I received a phone call from The Anvil in Basingstoke, saying there had been two cancellations!! A very kind lady, Heather, contacted me as early as possible, as she knew we had quite a way to travel in order to get there.

We had an absolutely splendid evening. The atmosphere was fantastic, our seats could not have been better and Steve Winwood and his fellow musicians were excellent. The band played new songs and old favourites. All were Brilliant!

November 3rd
Have been commissioned to write another article for the 'Artists and Illustrators' magazine. Wow! :-) Am absolutely delighted.

November 1st
Went to see the new James Bond movie 'Quantum of Solace' tonight. It was good, and am now looking forward to seeing 'Casino Royale'. I realise that this is a bit 'back to front' but I never managed to see it first time around. Re: Daniel Craig, I think he makes an excellent James Bond.

October 29th
On October 17th, I attempted to purchase AC/DC tickets for their concert in April 2009, but to no avail. But hey, this little story has a happy ending :-) I can go to the AC/DC Ball after all!!!! Am over the moon. Thank you sooo much Brian! Roll on April!!!!

Katie and Daisy popped over this morning. Good timing - great to see them both. Daisy is now walking and there is no stopping her! She is still as cute as a button!

October 28th
Have received another order for 'Baby Orang' Greetings Cards from the Orangutan Foundation. Orangutans are an endangered species; they live in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra and cannot survive, in the wild, anywhere else on earth. This is the only habitat to which they are suited. This is their only home and, as with all the Great Apes, their future survival depends on us. It is imperative that we protect them and their remaining habitat.

Words of wisdom from my Nan Nan when I was 6-7 years of age. 'True Friends are like Diamonds, Precious and Rare. False ones like Autumn leaves, found Everywhere'.

October 26th
Successful p.m at The Hambro Arms, Milton Abbas. Karen and John kindly organised a Quiz Night in aid of the Dorset Bat Group. It was a really enjoyable evening with £92.00 being raised from the participating teams and the raffle. Good one K+J!

October 24th
Colin, from The Vincent Wildlife Trust, kindly invited me to join a Fungal Foray today, organised by the British Mycological Society. Have always wanted to do this and it was great fun. The weather was lovely too. The guys from the BMS were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and really helpful - I learned lots. I also saw a few firsts: an Earth Star and Green Wood-cup. A few photos can be seen by clicking here.

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Also collected my batboxes today, a 2fn and a flat 1ff - it felt like like my Birthday.... Thank you again Colin. Am looking forward to putting them up in our garden. Hopefully they will be attractive to: Barbastelle, Serotine, Daubenton's, Whiskered, Brandt's, Natterer's, Noctule, Common and Soprano pipistrelle as well as Brown long-eared bats. May have to wait a year or so, but you never know, they may be considered 'des res'!

October 20th
It seems to be all happening at once... I learned today that my pastel artwork 'Autumn Reflections' has been selected for display on the BBC 'Autumn Watch' Art Gallery. Am chuffed to bits!

October 17th
Hahnemühle Fine Art wish to sponsor me, yeahhh!!!! :-) I have been using Hahnemühle fine art paper for many years and it is lovely to now be working with them. A super surprise. Hahnemühle produce a variety of archival fine art paper.

Have been burning the candle at both ends for the past 10-12 days. It has just been full-on; what with organising the stand at the Wolf Trust, writing and sorting the photographs for the magazine article, working with Labrador Lifeline, writing an article about my artwork for the Wolf Watch magazine, discussing sponsorship and photos with Hahnemuhle, website/gallery sales, as well as all the normal everyday goings-ons, it has been a tad busy. Phewf!!! Am pleased to say the 'Artists and Illustrator's' items were all sorted and posted in time.

Spent a fruitless couple of hours this a.m attempting to purchase AC/DC tickets for the tour in April 2009. The ticket telephone lines were continually engaged and the websites inundated. Suffice to say, all venues sold out in minutes and I was one of the 1,000s of ticketless and extremely disappointed fans.

October 15th
Spent the day with Richard, a photographer. With his help, we took a number of photo's of my greetings cards for the magazine article. Thank you Richard, much appreciated!

In the evening we all went to see The Groundhogs, Wishbone Ash and Focus at the City Hall, Salisbury. A really good p.m, with excellent musicianship, and  a real contrast in sounds. Focus, as always, are just superb, they are all excellent musicians and a joy to listen to and to watch. Tony McPhee and The Groundhogs were good and have always wanted to see them. Sadly, Tony has been seriously ill but it was great to see him strutting his stuff. Am also really pleased to have seen Wishbone Ash; wasn't sure what to expect, and they were very good too. It was a great evening all-round.

October 11th
Saw Walter Trout in Frome tonight. A brilliant evening! The support act, Larry Miller, was so entertaining as well as being a super guitarist. Wow! Then Walter Trout came on stage and just 'blew us all away'. He was excellent, an absolutely brilliant guitarist. He also introduced a young guitarist to join him on stage; unfortunately his name escapes me but together they were mesmerising! I danced my socks off! It was a lovely evening and am looking forward to next time.

October 8th
Have been asked to write an article and supply images for the November issue of the 'Artists and Illustrator's' magazine!!! Am over the moon and cannot quite believe it.

October 5th
This week it is World Animal Week. To celebrate, the UK Wolf Conservation Trust held a World Animal Day event today in Beenham, Reading. On our way to the Wolf Trust, the weather was atrocious but thankfully by lunchtime the rain had stopped. There were many visitors and it was an enjoyable day with a variety of stalls, refreshments, talks and film shows. As always, the wolves, were the stars of the show.

September 22nd
The Larmer Tree Gardens are open until October 31st.

September 20th
My little Housemartins.

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The following day they left for Africa. Am so glad I took the photo's when I did. Safe journey little ones!

September 13th and 14th
Brilliant weekend! Thankfully the heavy rainfall came to a halt on Friday. During the afternoon, a beautiful double rainbow appeared for the 'festival goers' as they arrived on site. The sun shone on Saturday and, as in previous years, the End of the Road Festival was heaps of fun! Thank you to All who popped into the Studio to say Hi. It was a super to see you. A great weekend, with lots of lovely people and good music! Thanks especially to Sophie and Simon.

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September 12th
The End of the Road Festival begins today.

September 10th
Gardens closed for the festival preparations.

September 4th
This p.m went to the movies and saw 'Dark Knight', the most recent Batman movie. Very good indeedy. Came home, and as normal flew and fed my rescued bats. Not quite sure why, but it felt slightly different tonight :-)

September 2nd
Busy days with family stuff, business, commissions and sales :-)

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August 22nd
Bat meeting tonight. Great to meet up with like-minded folk and exchanged lots of batty news and views. Also met a Noctule and Serotine bat. Thank you Ben and Sue.

August 21st
Whilst at the hairdressers in Bournemouth this afternoon, I received a call re: an injured bat needing to be rescued in North Dorset. The poor little bat had been caught by a cat. Cats are the main culprits regarding the death and injuries for many species of wildlife: including our precious British Bats.

Looking like a drowned rat and muttering something about being batty, I left the hairdressers and returned home in order to collect my Bat 1st Aid kit and then drive to the other side of Dorset.

Bat numbers are already on the decline due to habitat destruction: removal of old pastures, waterways, meadows, ancient trees and woodlands. Add to this intensive farming methods, building projects, insensitive home renovations, barn conversions etc and it becomes clear as to why bats need all the help they can get. All of the above deprive bats of important roosting sites and foraging areas. Sadly certain species of bats are declining rapidly and All bats need our help.

As bats are night-flying mammals, unfortunately, they have been somewhat overlooked as a species; people are either unaware of, or fear them. There are a number of unpleasant and scary myths regarding bats and their behaviour, and none of them could be further from the truth.

Bats are cute little critters!_They are intriguing little creatures and are a delight to watch as they swoop, twist and turn in pursuit of gnats, moths and other insects.

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One bat can eat up to 3,000 insects in one night. Imagine a world without bats!

August 16th
Over the past weeks have been printing artwork, ordering bat bits, weighing scales etc, and learning about the care of injured bat wings. Have also been looking into external hard drives; thank you Richard for all your computer knowledge and help. Much appreciated. Have also been nursing a poorly back. Not sure what I did to it, but it has not been happy for a week or more. Plus it was recently my daughters 35th birthday!!!!! Flippin hec, where does the time go to?

Week of Aug. 4th
This week has been an emotional roller-coaster ride. Sadly, on Monday I learned that a good friend passed away over the weekend. On Wednesday I was with Mum in hospital and then on Friday it was Dads turn. Thankfully they are now both okay and life is back to normal 'ish!

July 28th
During this I evening received a call from a lady in Wincanton regarding an injured bat. The bat had been caught by a cat. Megan, very kindly offered to meet me in Shaftesbury in order to hand him over. The bat was extremely dehydrated and also had a severe wing injury. He was unable to open his wing and couldn't even use it to crawl around. It is either a broken wrist or shoulder. After a visit to the vets for a pain killing injection, am delighted to say that the Soprano Pipistrelle bat has slowly but surely improved. Further investigation has also revealed cat puncture wounds on the wing membrane. Fingers crossed that he will eventually be able to fly and I can then return him to his roost.

July 23rd
Bat survey tonight and counted only 11 Brown Long-eared bats. In 2001, I counted 34 at the same site. This is a serious decline in numbers.

July 21st
Collected more tools for Africa this evening, from Fordingbridge. Thank you Giulia.

July 14th
Busy weekend. The Tollard Royal festival was held over the weekend. Sixty plus guests helped to celebrate my Granddaughters Naming Day party on Saturday afternoon. In the evening we travelled to Frome, Somerset, to see 10cc in concert. Brilliant show. On Sunday evening, we saw Jimmy Carr at the BIC in Bournemouth. He was okay'ish.

July 3rd
This a.m WorkAid arrived to collect all the tools: spades, forks, mechanical tools, screwdrivers, hammers, tool boxes, nine knitting machines etc - all to be refurbished by volunteers here in the U.K and then shipped to Africa. It was a good load and my thanks go to John for his help along the way.

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In 2007, 418 knitting machines plus other refurbished tools and equipment were packed and despatched by WorldAid. All are now enabling disadvantaged people to learn new skills and build better lives for themselves. If you have any old tools, sewing machines etc please contact me or TFSR or WorkAid re: collection.

Have also been in touch with Animals Asia Foundation regarding selling their merchandise at Larmer Tree Studio. All items sold will support Animals Asia projects whilst also helping to spread the word on behalf of the Moon Bears and the other animals they are working to help in Asia.

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Bossham, who was among the 28 moon bears rescued on 31 March, has died. This brings to 13 the total number of bears from that group that have succumbed to ailments caused by their appalling treatment on the farms. He was a large, beautiful, gentle-mannered bear, suffering quietly in a cage into which he had been crammed like clothes into a suitcase. Please see my Events page for further information.

July 1st
Unfortunately the Larmer Tree Gardens are closed for the month of July. If you wish to visit the Gallery/Studio please call me.

June 30th
The baby Pipistrelle rescued from a garden on June 19th is progressing well. He initially weighed 1.7 grams and now weighs a healthy 2.4grams. At present he is at a carers in Dorset. He is still taking milk but is also slowly being weaned onto solids. He now has a little fur coat, grooms himself and can stretch his wings. :-)

June 25th
Received news of an industrial sewing machine that was destined for the tip. Am delighted to say it has been rescued and will be put to good use by Tools For Self Reliance.

June 24th
Bat survey tonight. We have a colony of Brown Long-Eared bats and tonight 17 flew off into the night to feed. This is encouraging as only 12 were counted previously.

June 23rd
Have recently been informed that there are to be two 'The World of Wolves' books. My artwork will be divided between them both. I am absolutely delighted as I have also been told that my most recent pastel wolf artwork is to be used on the cover of the 2nd 'The World of Wolves' book. (The title has since been altered to'A New Era for Wolves and People')

The two books bring together authoratitive perspectives on the ecological role played by wolves in the wild and developed environments where they occur on Earth. 'The World of Wolves' collates information from various authors into three broad sections; Discovering the Real Wolf in Natural and Semi-natural Ecosystems, Exploring the Potential for Ecological Science to Inform Wolf Management and Coping with Conflicts, Human Attitudes and Their Effects on Management Plans. The date for publication has not been annnounced as yet.

June 21st
Happy Summer Solstice!

This is the busiest time of year for bats and unfortunately I have misplaced my old bat detector.  It is an important piece of kit and it's at home somewhere but where I have no idea.  As bats are now active, and the counts and surveys are important, I have had to replace it as quickly as possible.  

After being pipped at the post on Ebay, 'scuse the pun, I finally placed an order yesterday and my new bat detector arrived this a.m :-)   Even though it was raining tonight, a Pip kindly did a flypast for me and I was able to use it.......  Great fun! Thank you Colin, David and Shiela for your help and advice. 

June 19th
This afternoon received a call re: a baby bat found in a garden in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. The little Pipistrelle bat was the size of a 10p coin, had no fur and was approximately 4 days old.  I brought him home, gave him two hourly feeds and in the evening returned with fellow bat carer, Sally, to try and introduce him back to his Mum. 

The little chap did his absolute best and called and called to let his Mum know that he was there. There were many bats flying around him and at times they flew in exceedingly closely to him, but his Mum did not come and collect him.  We spent a couple of hours in the garden and it was a late night for us all.  We have presumed that something must have happened to the mum, so the baby bat is going to be hand-reared and introduced back to the roost when he is strong enough to fly and can feed independently. 

Thank you to Julie, Eric and family for their help in the rescue and the hot refreshment supplied during the evening. Much appreciated. Here is a photo of the little chap.

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June 6th
Bat surveys start tonight.

Have finally finished my pastel portrait. With all the other 'goings-ons' it has taken a month to complete all the fiddly bits. I can now start my new portrait and am looking forward to it!

May 31st
Delivered a van load of tools and sewing machines to Tools for Self Reliance, in Southampton, this morning. Thank you John, for your help in collecting them together.

May 30th
Whilst travelling along a country road this a.m on my way to town, I saw a Lapwing circling above the cars on the road ahead. As I drove nearer, I realised there were 3-4 baby Lapwings running around totally at a loss as to which direction they should go. Cars were passing by on either side of them whilst their mother was frantically calling and circling above. I pulled over as quickly as I could and as soon as the chicks saw me they ran as fast as they could, in the opposite direction. I managed to rescue two of them. Sadly the third was run over by a car and the fourth I couldn't find. I carried the two I had managed to catch into a nearby field and was greeted by a beautiful, russet-coloured Roe deer, grazing nonchalantly. Am not sure who was the more surprised! As I placed the chirping chicks onto the ground, they flapped their little wings defiantly and ran off into the long grass whilst I made a hasty exit. As they were really vocal, I hoped Mum would manage to regroup and guide them to safety.

Over the years, this is the third time I have rescued Lapwing chicks from a busy road. Lapwings favour fields for nesting, and the chicks, once on the move and heading in the wrong direction, seem to end up tumbling down the kerb-side bank onto the tarmac and are then unable to get back to safety. It appears, once these cute little critters are mobile there is no stopping them!

May 26th
Within 24 hours our Serotine bat was eating and drinking well; she made a full recovery and was flying sooner than anticipated.

May 22nd
This a.m received a call regarding a bat found on a doorstep. The bat was dehydrated and weak. Mary, the lady who found the bat very kindly met me halfway; in order to save me driving to Somerset.

May 21st
Spent the day with my parents as Mum had to go to hospital for a minor op. All went well.

May 18th
Making hanging baskets today! I just love making hanging baskets. Also planted out more vegetable seedlings and seeds. Our garden is looking rosy. Last year we had enough peas for one meal! Am hoping that this year we fair better.

May 17th
A Kite flew over our garden..... Incredible sight, stunning!

May 14th
The Studio garden is finally taking shape. Tonight we put together a lovely picnic bench as well as strimming and mowing. Thanks to Edyta the flower beds are also taking shape.

May 13th
Feel as if am re-emerging after various commissions and much family-related stuff. My own artwork has been on hold during this period and it is great to be getting back on track again. Today also finally sorted the Pet Portrait Commission pages on my website. It's only taken about 3 years!

May 10th
Lovely sunny weather. The birds are singing their hearts out, busy building nests and feeding youngsters. The woods are wearing their first flush of green and the bluebells, primroses and orchids are stunning! It is a beautiful time of year and I love it!

May 7th
Found a broken bird bath in the back of a shop a couple of months ago and bought it for a couple of £s. We have managed to put it back together and today it was a joy to see a blackbird perched on it, enjoying a drink. :-)

May 4th
Very unsettled day weather-wise. A number of visitors to the Gardens and Tearooms but Larmer Tree Gallery was quiet. Lit the fire and curled up.

May 3rd
Planting vegetable seeds at home.

May 1st
Have almost finished my pastel drawing. New paper works a treat.

April 27th
Went to see the Dutch band Focus, tonight. Bought their album 'Hamburger Concerto' many moons ago. Great to see them after all these years - they are just as good as ever..

April 16th
Went to see Jethro Tull tonight. Brilliant. Have waited aprox. 30 years for an opportunity to see them and they were worth every minute.  Very good indeedy.

Also received a call re: an injured Brown Long-Eared Bat. It was found in a garden two days ago but sadly passed away this a.m. As the weather is warming-up bats can now be seen flying around during the evenings. If a young or injured bat is found please contact The Bat Conservation Trust Helpline on 0845 1300 228 for contact details of your nearest bat carer.

April 15th
This morning received call re: an injured bat. Swallows flying above Larmer Tree. Lovely sunny day and am enjoying portraying in pastels again.