Seemed like a good idea at the time, Chapter n+3

When I moved into my first house in 1980, Uncle Charles flogged me a wardrobe, a chest of drawers and an armchair.  The wardrobe and chest have found new homes, but since the armchair was my first upholstery project, I'm in no hurry to part with it.  It has suffered my vast weight for over 30 years, so it's hardly surprising that the springs (already a good 30 years old when they came into my ownership) have sagged a bit.  Full of misplaced confidence, I bought a new set, for rather more than Charles charged me for the chair.  At this point the sports commence.  Releasing the springs from the rail at the back of the chair provoked language that sent Management scurrying for sanctuary upstairs.  Well, the rail is screwed and glued back in place, with the new springs attached.  Turning to the for'ard rail, I had to release the upholstery before I could lever out the retaining nails.  This done (more vile language later) it transpired that the for'ard rail had split quite badly, thanks, doubtless, to said vast weight.  So, the current status is that that the chair is in the sitooterie, much glue injected into split beech and G-clamps applied.  Progress tomorrow perhaps.  Is there ever a DIY job that doesn't lead to numerous snags?

Until the weather turned wet and squally, it was just about OK to work outside, so I've replanted the basket that hangs on the wall by the front door.  On the way home from art class yesterday, I called in at the nearby Fortnums' and found that they were flogging little primulas at £5 for two trays of ten plants.  Healthy little chaps, if a touch pot-bound, so we'll wait and see how they do.  More await out in the cold frames, but they can stay there till the storm passes.

One's first cash sale, in aid of Bridges, Edenbridge

After yesterday's art class, I came home with rather more canvases than I'd hoped following our little show in Edenbridge - but then, only three out of seven were up for sale.  Still, one little piece sold, and today I've made space for the ones I'd put in NFS, and reorganised the pictures in the sitooterie.  Perhaps I ought to pay the vast fee for this year's open studios thing, and get shot of a few paintings.  There's too much of my stuff on the walls.