Shedcast 8 on 26 02 2021 - Had The Jab!

Hello Everyone, 

I am writing this blog from the comfort of my bed, it is Saturday morning and I'm having a bit of a lie in. The sun is shining but the rooftops are wet and I can feel that dampness in my knees. I've had a bit of trouble this past week with painful knees put down to the weather because we do go out for a walk most days. Anyway, that's my excuse for not getting out of bed.

I can't believe we are nearly into March but here we are and still in lockdown. But things are looking up and the Covid-19 figures are going down. I went for my vaccine last Monday, an emotional, and painless experience at Sheffield Arena. Well take a look at the Shedcast for our update, and then see below my artwork of the week, and other pics.

Greek Mandinadas - Rhyming couplets of 15 syllables in each line, most often set to Greek music and performed on occassions such a fiestas, weddings and the like. 

Artwork of the Week - Transport

I chose the coal wagon as my 'transport' and carried on the theme of my 3 Men. This week I am going to practice my figure drawing again, so wish me luck!

3 Men in a Mine

Sheffield was eerily baron on Monday. We walked from the Arena to Meadowhall where we caught the bus home, and these are the pics:

no people...

no cars...

And this was the Arena where I had my Covid-19 vaccination.

Back home Spring has sprung in our garden and the birds are singing.

That's my cue to get out of bed and have a slice of toast, so I'll say bye for now. And if you have bad knees, like me, try rubbing in Volterol, it seems to work a treat. Have a good week, keep well and keep smiling.

Love from Jane and David xx

Shedcast 7 on 19 02 2021 at 18 17 From pancakes to 'Perseverance'

Hello Everybody,

I hope you are all well and looking forward to the week ahead. I know I am because it will start on Monday with my Covid-19 vaccination, a good start to the week. As usual we enjoyed a lovely evening in our shed last night, ringing round family and friends, and making our little Shedcast, and here it is:

Painting project of the week - 'A Book Title' I chose 3 Men in a Boat, and this is what I produced:

3 Men in a Boat

I must say that I am pleased with the result, and again I learned such a lot in the painting of it. Another little success this week was the acceptance of 3 poems by the Hear My Voice organisation of Barnsley. One for the upcoming Anthology of Covid Poems, and a couple for an extended work to be available in the archives. So that put a smile on my face.

Tuesday was pancake day, hurray! I quickly beat up a batter for a tasty lunch, tossed pancakes with honey and lemon. I would normally have freshly squeezed orange juice on my pancakes, but our only option was lemon this year. Still, they were scrumptious, a real treat. 

The main news of the week, I think, is the landing of 'Perseverance' on Mars. It is a large vehicle that will drill into the surface of Mars and look for signs of microscopic life. It will also take loads of photos, some of which are already being sent back to Earth as we speak. What a great achievement! It has taken a month to reach Mars.

Royal News: Unfortunately, Prince Phillip has been taken into hospital, and as he is almost 100 years old, I am sure he is not too good. But, a world that can land on Mars, can surely keep Prince Philip from pain. I hope so and wish him well.

It was also announced this week that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan will no longer perform Royal Duties as they have opted to exit the family, and make an independent life of their own. On the one hand it is very sad to lose the young royals, but I am sure it is right for them, and I can't help thinking this is all a result of Princess Diana's death. For someone who lost their mother at an early age, I know full well that that pain never goes away.

But let's not get maudlin, the day is bright, and I've got a busy day ahead, plus I have got the joyous task of shopping on line for something new to wear - always a bit of a booster.

So, I'll finish here and get on with the day. As ever, David and I wish you all the best,

Keep smiling,

Love Jane and David x

Shedcast 6/21 - Chinese New Year

Hello lovely blog watcher, 

I do hope you are well and not too cold in this icy weather. We are cosy in our little house and no complaints. David had his vaccine this week, he travelled to Sheffield on the bus (a big trip out) but he was soon back, and apart from that we have done our regular walks around Birdwell. Yes, it is cold out but it is February, hello, it is winter.

I don't think my friend will mind me showing you this picture she painted this week, it is perfect for Valentine's Day, which, being tomorrow I thought was perfect for this week's blog. Will there be roses in our house? I suspect not, but I'm sure there will be a little romance, I remember my mother's words so well, 'never stop courting' she told me, wisdom indeed.

So, off we go with this week's Shedcast: and a new little song about 'Jackie Weaver' I hope you like it.

We are all still in 'lockdown' but it won't last for ever. Again our thanks to all the people who are working to keep the wheels of the world turning, let's hope the Chinese Year of the Ox will be a strong one. 

My painting of the week, subject, a song title, is 'Moon River' - Moon river, wider than a mile, I'm crossing you in style some day, you dream maker, heart breaker... such a lot of world to see... two drifters off to see the world... It is our signature tune, the one that reminds us of our adventures.

That's it for this week, have a good week everybody, keep busy, keep healthy, and keep smiling!

Jane and David xx

Shedcast 5/21 The Shed Shanty

Painting of the week - Genetically Modified (The Last Pea)

Hi Everybody,

I'm trying a different format for the blog this week because people had trouble seeing the Shedcast on their phones last week. Hopefully this works.

Most of our news is on the blog so I'll not bore you with repetition. 

Here is my Sestina from last week:

Have as good a week as you can,

Keep safe and keep smiling

Jane and David xx