A few small achievements lately.  We got the top gutters cleared and repaired for a very sensible price from the chap we collared at the garden shop: particularly since he had to scour three neighbouring towns for a replacement for a broken section of downpipe.  I managed to slither across the grass with the mower one last time, after the majority of the leaves had fallen, so our outlook through the winter will be a little better than it has been in years past. 

We've done some re-planting of containers with good old winter pansies, and will see how they get on.  There are a few last flowers on the rudbeckias and penstemons, but both are closing down for the winter.  The mild weather, though, has prompted some crocuses and daffodils into growth.  Penstemon cuttings seem healthy in the cold frames: perhaps I'd better pot them up before the weather turns naarsty.  Some of the New Guinea impatiens are struggling on outside, but I've taken as many cuttings as I can now, and a lot of those that rooted in water are now potted up in compost and adapting well. 

We had an enjoyable lunch last week here with Elizabeth and Peter.  He has had a rotten time this year, his health having landed him in the Kent & Snuffit Hospital for a long spell.  It was good to see him back on form and taking a spot of nourishment.  We bumped into an art class friend in a local hostelry a few days later.  Obviously still enjoying life and a good lunch, but no longer recognising people or really communicating.  Such a dreadful affliction, Alzheimer's. 

A propos art class, Miss's 'Threads of Feeling' theme is so far failing to inspire me, so on Thursday I belted out a quick sketch of a Cathar castle, and may develop it.  I was using an acrylic pad I bought a while back from the fellow who comes to our class to flog his stuff, and hated it.  I think the last time I used acrylics on paper, I used watercolour paper without difficulty.  You live and learn.  I guess I need to get used to the greater absorption rate of paper compared with a well-gessoed canvas.