I did a few quick sketches of the birds and animals while we visited today. A great opportunity to sketch some lovely creatures.




New paintings and regular art updates.



A racoon, a baby owl and a falcon called Logan. They were all enjoying the sunny weather today.
Gentleshaw is a wildlife rescue centre and is based at Eccleshall in Staffordshire. It’s in a garden centre but is run seperatley. They offer bird flying experiences and take in animals that are unwanted by owners that cannot be placed in zoos. They give space and care for many birds and animals which could otherwise lose their lives.
My photos are a bit blurry but I also drew the birds and animals. See my next post!

I was given a cat shaped jelly mould a few years ago but never used it. Then yesterday I decided to make an orange jelly for fun. I could have added fruit or trifle sponges to strengthen it but I wanted it to be pure jelly, and I was going to call it ginger and maybe take a few photos in different places before we have it for tea.
I tried mixing the jelly powder but I didn’t realise it hadn’t all dissolved until I cleaned the bowl I’d made it in, would that weaken the jelly? Then I couldn’t lie it down level because it’s head is higher so I had to prop it up in a bowl to put in the fridge. I let it set overnight. But how to get it loose? I tried running a thin knife round the edge, then turned it up on a plate, wobble, no! Tried running the mould under the hot tap, no! Tried tapping the mould, whoosh, a few bits dropped out, tried a knife again and tapping.. It finally came out, a saggy, wibbly wobbly brother cat to the solid mould.
Does anyone know what I should have done?


Tonights view over Thistley Hough, Stoke-on-Trent. The light from the sun broke through the clouds. I thought these were called crepuscular rays, but apparently that’s when they go downward from the sun towards the ground. These are anti-crepuscular rays according to people on the cloud appreciation society’s Facebook page.
P. S. Someone else on the page says they are crepuscular as anticrepuscular ones are on the opposite side to the sun. What does that mean….


When I come home it’s lovely to see the Lilac in flower, it’s turned from a bush to a tree. I think the Latin name is Syringa? The white is unusual and we have a white buddliea behind it that comes out a little later. The bees and butterflies love it. Then in front of the house on the pavement we have an assortment of yellow and purple flowers including the aqualegia and Welsh poppies. There are also pansies and other plants. Later on the year there will be nasturtiums. I’m surprised we’ve only had one pot taken in all the years that my hubbies been doing this. It cheers me up.

Today I found someone at a place called Art Glass Lounge where they do glass workshops. I was really pleased because I had wanted to do some more glass pieces and my hubby wanted another go too.
We met a lovely glass artist who was very informative and helpful. Social distancing was used and at the end we bumped elbows. We had a go at grinding the glass to shape it, melting thin glass rods with either a candle or a blow torch to slump it or with the blow torch, fuse it together.
Very interesting and enjoyable.

You can make a collage with almost anything. If it can be glued you can use it. You can also colour match things like felt pens with coloured paper to extend the image. I also add black pen to mimic the patches of black monoprint and shade the picture more. Experiment, learn, enjoy art.

Just back from a delicious meal at Sangams balti House in Stoke-upon-trent, the town Stoke-on-Trent City is named after.
I had a King Prawn and Lamb balti, and a garlic nan. My friends had a fish dupiaza and a Chicken and mushroom dupiaza. There are two Sangam Balti restaurants here. I think because they needed more space they were so popular.
There is no alcohol served on the premises but you can take your own. The portion sizes are good and the food is hot and tasty.
Worth a visit if you are in town.

Sometimes they just decide
The box we had
The curry delivered in
Is ideal for
Sleeping arrangements
Bird watching
A full wash
And brush up…
Chasing your tail
Putting your paws
Through the handle holes
Ambushing your sister
Playing with toys
Purring…and pouncing!