Shedcast 16 - From the Great Outdoors - 23 04 2021 at 13 40

Hello Everyone,

David and I have been out and about in the lovely spring air. This week we thought we would do something a bit different for our Shedcast, and bring it to you from the great 'outdoors', and as yesterday was such a warm day, and St George's Day, we packed a picnic and headed to the woods. So without further ado, here is our Shedcast from Westwood on the outskirts of Barnsley:

And here are the pictures of our fantastic day out:

And back home to 'The Art House' for a beer.

Some other pics from our day our:

And my artwork of the week -  Happy Flowers for Earth Day which was on Thursday.

So, we had a really fun packed week. The weather was 'drying day' good all week, as it is today, so it's into another week and looking forward to more walks, more activities, and more fun.

The Covid virus seems to be on the run in Britain, with the prospect of being totally 'unlocked' by the end of June, so it is hold-your-nerve time, keep the masks on for now, don't go holidaying in foreign parts and have that vaccine. 

From us to you, keep safe, and keep smiling,

lots of love,

Jane and David xx

Shedcast 15 - Looking to the Future on 16 04 2021 at 16 42

Hi Everybody,

Well, I'm feeling a bit sombre this morning as I watch the TV and the preparations for the funeral of The Duke of Edinburgh. It is certainly 'history in the making' as my mum used to say to me. But, life goes on and we shall all just get on with it. David and I have much to look forward to (Covid permitting). 

Anyway, here is our shedcast from last night, we had a couple of hours of conversation over a glass of cider. You will find my sonnet for Prince Philip, below.

      Jane Sharp 

Here is my artwork of the week: All That Jazz and Wild Thing and because this is the last week of our group's weekly painting, I have included the wonderful paintings of my friends, Lorraine and Bob who will now concentrate on their garden for the summer before we resume our challenge in the autumn. Lorraine's Malham Cove is great, and Bob's mountains in blue is stunning. Thank you two for your encouragement.

All That Jazz

Wild Thing

Malham Cove

Mountains in Blue

I couldn't resist taking photo's when David and I went for a long walk the other day, we are really so lucky to be able to step outside the front door directly into the beautiful countryside that surrounds Birdwell.

With the better weather we hope to do many more long walks, especially enjoyable when there is a promise of fish and chips on the way, as was the case when we walked to Hoyland. I would doubt anyone could better the haddock and chips that we got from Ernie's in Hoyland, just the best! We sat in the lovely Old Martha's Yard to dine.

So that's it for another week. The sun is shining, it's a lovely day and I am looking forward to a great week ahead. Lockdown is slowly coming to an end and the wheels of Britain, at least, are about to start turning again. Thank you for taking an interest in my blog, I hope it brings a few smiles.

Keep safe, and keep smiling, 

Love Jane (and David) xx

Shedcast 14 - Rest in Peace Prince Philip on 09 04 2021 at 16 29

Sad news! Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh died yesterday morning at the age of 99 years, may he rest in peace.

Meanwhile, life goes on for the living and the good news is that some of the Corona virus restrictions will end on Monday as the number of people infected continues to drop with deaths now down to below 20 per day. The Barnsley area is still one of the highest infected in the country together with surrounding northern areas. Pubs will be allowed to open on Monday, but only as outside venues, so those without a beer garden will be out of luck. Our beer garden is ready for the onslaught! 

So, here is last night's shedcast:

Poetry and Prosecco - The Zoom event organised by members of the Shortlands Poetry Circle was a lovely event and made for excellent Friday night entertainment. Not being able to get wifi to the shed, we converted a corner of our living room into a shed lookalike for 2 hours of poetry- it was fun!

This is my set which we recorded earlier in the shed:

For the first time in a long time we had visitors last week and we all sat in our garden in the freezing cold, in the hail and snow, in the perfect happiness and joy of being together. Thank goodness for fire pits!

And David and I went for a few walks during the week, at least we can do that:

So, it has been a good week for some, and a not so good week for others. I am looking forward to the week ahead, to more artwork and hopefully to a bit of cello practice, AND a bit warmer weather - please!

Have a good week, everyone, keep safe and keep smiling,

Love from Jane and David xx