I still have a cast on my arm, although it might have been removed today, if I hadn't missed the bus to get me to the Fracture Clinic. I'm now postponed to next Monday.... my own fault, although why the bus has to be early for the first time in its life, when I'm just a minute late, I don't know... However, I was at least back at home when my new Chromacolour paints arrived this morning, together with 3 replacement sponges for my stay-wet palette (mould, from not being used after my accident, had ruined the sponge and made it disintegrate) AND a set of hake brushes. I've never used a hake before; my watercolours have all been painted with an aged Dalon 3/4" flat, with occasional touches from an equally elderly rigger and a synthetic round brush I bought years ago from the Michael Willcox School of Colour. I thought I'd give them a try - if anyone has any thoughts about the best way to employ them, don't hesitate to let me know. I wanted something softer than my Dalon flat, which has, however, been a highly versatile brush, all things considered, and one which I shall certainly keep in the armoury. I'm told that hakes take a bit of handling, but suspect the best way with them is probably just to charge in.... We shall see. I needed to do something like this to encourage me to get the paints out again ... did finish an oil, but can't clean the palette up properly; there are those who like to leave their paint to dry on an oil palette, and always squeeze out their fresh colours in the volcano-rim of dried paint left behind from the last session. I've never much cared for this, but am having to do the same, because I can't grip the thing properly, white spirit sploshes all over me ... well, I'm not fastidious, but it puts you off... I didn't get too far with encouraging volunteers to come and unscrew my tube caps, but not one to be deterred by early failure, should there be anyone out there who really loves scraping drying oil paint off palettes, here's your big chance! Just form an orderly queue at the door.