Anyone lost a chicken?

Late yesterday afternoon I heard words I hadn't heard in a long time. As I opened my front door to my neighbour she said 'Chicken loose........'. Our girls have been pretty well behaved for months so I was surprised to hear they have been going on advewntures. 'It's a red one', said Deb. I was more than curious as a fox took both our red ones a few weeks ago. Sure enough, pecking in a garden a few doors down was the spitting image of Goldie. It wasn't her, I thought it might be too good to be true. She was easy to catch, tempted by a handful of grain. She's scratching away in the back garden as I type and I'm thinking if we can find one more stray we'll have a nice even half-dozen again. But...if anyone knows of any missing chickens in the Capel area do give me a call as we probably have your bird. Meanwhile, we've called her Goldie 2 and we'll look after her until (if ever) she is claimed.

Crack on

I think my daughter's birthday celebrations are now over......... We enjoyed a surprise party in town last night, laid on by several of Soha's friends. Of course, this meant a slow and groggy start this morning, but once I'd fully woken up I felt ready to crack on with our little friend, Harry. After making some slight adjustments to his features I really do think I can leave his face alone now and concentrate on his hair and clothing. Saddened that I am coming to the end of this portrait, I already have some idea as to who I will paint next. I've decided to try and have an oil portrait on the go ALL THE TIME.