I'll just keep practicing!

The Lost Soup, er!

Oh, silly, silly, me! I pressed the wrong button on my nw blender, and the bottom fell out of my jug. There is sloppy, green, soup all over the place. I'll not do that again!

On a brighter note, the cup cakes I made were a hit, and they have all gone.

Yesterday I did a tour of second hand furniture shops around Barnsley, with my daughter-in-law, Tracy. I found a bedding box at one, and a wardrobe at another. Both look like new, for half the price. David says the bedroom looks like a hotel, I think that's a compliment.

But it's doesn't look like this...

The Royal Suite - Imperial Hotel, Vienna.

Better look next time - and press the right button!

Ane now to sleep in my lovely new memory foam bed, perchance to dream of luxury hotels, and a top chef to make my soup. Have a good weekend dear reader.

Love Jane x

Domestic Bliss!

Check it out! Sunday morning, David in the garden, and my cup cakes all ready for a family visit this afternoon.

 Alan Titchmarsh we need you!

Mary Berry, hm!

Have a happy Sunday dear reader. Love Jane x

The South Yorkshire Adventure Begins

Homing is the inherent ability of an animal to navigate towards an original location through unfamiliar areas.

My mother was born at Monk Bretton near Barnsley, my father was born in Rotherham. I have certainly navigated through unfamiliar areas on my journey back to the gene pool, almost 20 years in Greece, and 3 years in London. 

Birdwell, there isn't much to it, a couple of pubs, a post office, hairdressers, a village school and a little Methodist Chapel, oh, and a Pharmacy and doctors surgery. What more does one need? Well, whatever more there is, can be found within a bus ride. (And I think there is a Chinese take-away, a little village shop and a classic car restoration garage).

This is our new home, and we love it.

 We decided to come to live in Yorkshire when it was quite obvious that the small pension we get was not going to be enough to sustain us in Bromley, where the rent on our one bedroom flat was just too much for our purse to stand.

Now we have a two bedroom little house, with a south facing garden big enough for a decent size man-shed. How good is that. And the rent is half the price.

OK, Barnsley is not Bromley, but Meadow Hall Shopping Centre is not far away, and Sheffield is only a short train journey. I am sure we are going to have fun checking out the many antique sale rooms, and garden centres in the area.

We are in the countryside and have already had our boots on and stamped our footprints along a fabulous bridleway. There are lots of horses and ponies in the fields. It's a far cry from the coal mines and coke works that used to fill the landscape around Barnsley.

I won't deny that it was a wrench to leave our daughter, Jo, and grandson, Jack, in the South, and I can't wait for them to visit. But now we are near to our son, David, our two lovely granddaughters, Star and Jade, and mum Tracy.

I shall continue to trip down to London every month, Beckenham isn't getting rid of me. I have church organ to play, and poetry to write, not to mention friends to meet for lunch, and plenty of mum-daughter days to enjoy.

So, the South Yorkshire Adventure begins! In fact it has already begun. Life is good!

Talk again soon, have a brilliant weekend dear reader.

Love Jane x

It's Thinking Day

Hostesses with the Mostess!

How wonderful it was this morning, to see Clock House Methodist Church full of children and their parents. And what a treat afterwards to be entertained by members of the Brownies, who, together with Brown Owl served tea and home made cakes to the congregation. And what yummy, delicious buns, biscuits and blooming scrumptious sponge cake there was. Every little Brownie made a special effort to make sure everyone got a cup of tea or coffee, and they certainly earned their 'Hostess' badges.

Well done girls!

Move Over Margo!!!!!!

Sometimes you've just got to go for it! - sorry about the blurred photo, I think the photographer had a fit of the giggles.

What fun! From beginning to end a laugh a minute. I knew there was a ballet dancer lurking inside me. Well, we proved ourselves to be entertainers, so if you have, or know of an organisation who would benefit from an evening of poetical fun,  with the odd sketch thrown in, do get in touch with me.

Sick on the Train

Coming back from Yorkshire last night we managed to navigate London after being diverted to West Hampstead, because of work being carried out around St Pancras, and arrived at Victory in time to board the 22.55 train for Shortlands. The train was packed with late night London revellers, mostly good natured, or else falling asleep. Except for one, that is. A guy who was quite worse for wear, head in his hoody, hunched over like a dormant tortoise, that is until he threw up on the carriage floor. The first I knew of it was a wash of sick that began to swill towards my feet faster than the incoming tide over Morecambe sands. Just what you want at the end of the day. Needless to say David and I legged it into the next carriage, swiftly followed by half a dozen other fleeing passengers.

Such is life! It did bring back a few memories of my younger days. But I must say, I have never been sick on a train, thank God! Sometimes I am glad my wild youth is well behind me, and I am happy to be tucked up in bed when all that throbbing night scene is taking place. I must confess, I do enjoy an afternoon pint of beer much better than an evening session.

Good luck to all you young things, whoop it up and enjoy yourselves, but do try to remember to carry a brown paper bag with you for that late train journey home.

Oh, I forgot to mention, on the train up to Yorkshire yesterday, we were sitting across from Mr Paddy Ashdown (of political fame). He looked very distinguished, lovely thick grey hair, and we exchanged pleasantries about the weather (which was ice cold) as we alighted at Sheffield.

It has been another icy cold day today, here in Beckenham, but, hey ho! it is winter.

Time for bed. Love, Jane x

It's Show Time!

A Breeze Above Our Heads

An evening of poetical fun

with

Jane Sharp, Christine Pope and Mary Sawyer

Saturday 7 Feb at 7.30 p.m.

Beckenham Methodist Church

Bromley Road

Beckenham

Tickets £5.00 (includes refreshment) on the door.

Please come and support us, we promise a unique evening of words and music. I am so looking forward to this event. It's a first for Beckenham, and a first for, 'A Breeze Above Our Heads.'

Now, as you can imagine I have been very busy over the past few weeks, preparing for our debut show. Since Christmas I have not had a free day. One thing though, I have been able to cosy up in the flat and learn my lines (well, sort of). I've also done a bit of baking. I've made love heart biscuits for our audience on the 7th Feb. And today I tried out a new recipe which I got out of a magazine. It was for apple cookies. Unfortunately they didn't turn out anything like a cookie, more sort of soft, spongy, eggy type, scone type, unsweet, cocoa-nutty, keep you alive stodge. David and I will probably eat them, they are not too bad with a spoon of jam on the top, but I won't make them again. Oh, well, nothing new there then.

We had a slight shower of snow today, it started just after I had stepped out of the front door for a short constitutional, managed to wet me through as I determinately strode out, and cleared up the minute I got back to the flat. Cold air is very refreshing in the lungs after a day inside.

I hope you are keeping warm, dear reader, and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday 7 Feb.

And now for a bit of telly, it's nearly time for 'Death in Paradise' a little programme which amuses me.

Take care on the icy roads,

Love and hugs,

Jane x

Good Hair Day!

Meet Jonny, my favorite hairdresser. Credit where credit is due, Jonny transformed my very bad hair day, into a very good hair day. 

I managed to find a spare hour at the end of a very busy day, decided on the spur of the moment to get my hair cut, and popped into the Headmasters' salon in the center of Bromley. Sometimes it is good to give yourself a treat. And a treat it surely was. Thanks, Jonny, loved the head massage!

I suppose I should have taken a picture of my new hairdo, but I'm sure you would rather look at the lovely hairdresser.

And in a state of very bad hair day, I spent the afternoon together with my poet friends, at the Ripley Arts Center. It was the first time I have read one of my own poems to the group. The readers section and the writers section, joined together to listen to each other's work. I did enjoy being able to show that I could turn out a decent, well crafted poem. I also enjoyed listening to some splendid renditions. 

Tomorrow I shall visit the gym again, (oh dear) it is not my favorite thing to do, but I do want to be fit for my adventures.

Time for my beauty sleep now,

Night, night,

Love and hugs,

Jane x

Bromley Market in October

Bromley Market, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Ah! Chocolate!

Well, the pictures say it all really!

 David and I picked up some lovely local veggies, and a little carved robin from the young man who was surrounded by wood carvings of some very exotic animals. I rather fancied a giraffe, but where would I have put it in our little flat.

 We resisted the Paella!

 I asked the young man if he had a web site, but he said that because every item was hand carved, and because no two items were exactly alike, he could not photograph them, and promise that the delivered item would look just like the photo. I saw his point, but I am sure with a little disclaimer that explained that each item was unique, and may differ slightly from the photo, he could increase his sales.

And think of all that packing and unpacking for the stall. If he sold on line, he could take orders over the internet, and post stuff out.

But I'm just an old granny with crazy ideas!

Anyway, all the best to this very pleasant young man who runs G&G Global Gift Collection Ltd.

You can contact Richard at:
Email: Richardgiles622@btinternet.com






And today I had yet another adventure. Yes, my life is full of adventure! But it's late now, so I'll save this one until next time.

Sleep well, dear reader, I send you happy vibes.
Love and hugs,
Jane x

Beckenham Ladies Choir Perform at Penge Congregational Church

It was indeed a grand night for singing, last night, at the Penge Congregational Church, where I joined the other ladies of the Beckenham Ladies Choir, to perform an Autumn Charity Concert.

The highlight of the evening, for me, and I am sure for most people, was the absolutely stunning performance of Chloe Meade, a seventeen year old violinist who played Slavonic Dance No2 in E minor - Dvorak in the first half of the programme, and treated us to It Ain't Necessarily So - Gerswin, in the second half.

Our conductor, Dorothy Webster Thomas, brought out the best in us, and Pam Robertson and Christian Strover were our accompanists on the piano.

All the profits from the concert will go to Beckenham Rotary chosen charities: Young Carers of Bromley, CASPA, Demeiza, Petts Wood Play Group, Phoenix, BAT, Maypole.

The next charity concert will be on Friday 13 December 2013 at 12.30 in St George's Church, High Street, Beckenham, and will be in aid of a local children't charity.

If you would like to join the Beckenham Ladies Choir, you will get further information by visiting this site:

www.beckenhamladieschoir.org 

And following that up, this morning, I played cello during the service at church. There was also a christening, so afterwards there was lots of cake and goodies. That lined our tums for a lunchtime pint in the Jolly Woodman, and then it was back to the luxury of central heating and a relaxing 'feet up' hour in front of the TV before both David and I buckled down to our writing again.

All in all, it has been a very pleasant weekend.

Now, I did promise a hint of what I got up to in Crete, so I hope this little video will give you a taster. I will put more photos up in the next few days.




Oh, I almost forgot, I went to Bromley market last Thursday and want to share some pictures that I took there. That's a job for tomorrow.

Have a good week readers, bye for now,
Love and Hugs,
Jane x

Harvest Festival at Clock House Methodist Church

 Now, before I tell you about my great adventure in Greece recently, I thought I would work backwards to it, and report on this weekend's activities. David and I went up to London on Saturday, where we met lots of friends who are in Empower Network, an organisation which we belong to. It was a very jolly day, and interesting to meet people from all walks of life.

 We started Sunday well by attending the Harvest Festival service at the Methodist Church, in Beckenham. Following the service, David and I stayed on to enjoy a lovely lunch of soup and a roll, and a buffet table full of goodies which had been provided by members of the church. It was a great opportunity to chat and relax for an hour or so.

 

 There are lots of things going on at Bromley Road Methodist Church - check out the event on the 1st December.

Ooh! Exciting! I've just had a mention on the radio, Neil Long on Radio Jackie 107.8 how crazy is that!

Excuse me while I go and stir my porridge!

Love Jane x

Want to Know How it Feels to Give Away a £10 note?

Want to know how it feels to give away a £10 note? Just wonderful!

To some of you reading this, £10 will be small fry, others will be saying, she's mad giving money away, when she has so little, and others might just follow my lead and do the same. Which one are you?

The streets of Beckenham are not lined with gold, but there is a fair bit of it passing around. It's a wonderful place to live.

Not much has happened today, though I have been busy every minute, writing my blogs, cello, piano, a bit of cleaning. Anyway, I just fancied a bit of mashed potato, so I peeled a few spuds, put them on to boil, and opened a tin of chunky steak. Now I haven't eaten tinned beef for a number of years, but I saw this chunky steak in Marks and Spencer's, and, maybe it was nostalgia, or maybe the picture on the tin, but I thought, that looks good, so I bought it. I opened it today, heated it up in a pan (easy) and poured half of it over my mashed (or is it creamed in Beckenham) potatoes. Just delicious!

And now, after I've written this, I shall write a list of what I need to take on my holidays. Only 6 sleeps to go, and I'll be off on another adventure.

Have a good evening dear reader,

Talk some more soon,
Love, Jane x

Singing with Angels

Were you ever so happy that you just knew you were surrounded by angels? Well, that's how I felt last Saturday evening when I was in the church of St George, Beckenham. It was the occasion of a charity concert that had been organised by the committee of the Beckenham Ladies Choir. The church was full to standing (though extra chairs were brought in so that everyone had a seat), and boy, was that large audience in for a treat. The Ladies Choir was joined by the Blaenavon Male Voice Choir, and a young man, Oliver Wass, who played the harp. The male voice choir were absolutely fantastic, they were a hard act to follow, but of course, we ladies rose to the occasion. Music lovers watch out for Oliver Wass, he is extremely talented, and treated us to a brilliant performance. All profits are to go to provide stroke rehabilitation equipment at Hildenborough hospital.

 As you see, I snook a couple of pictures before the concert started. Here you see our lovely choir mistress opening the event.

I thought this photo surreal. Of course it is not a ghost! It does show off the inside of St George's
Church though.

Well, that was Saturday, and it is now Thursday, so what has happened in between? There was church on Sunday morning. I went to Clock House where Mary played organ this week, so I could relax and enjoy the service. There was also a little birthday celebration for her afterwards, which included a giant chocolate cake made by one of the congregation. It was mightily delicious. At 12.30 I met Jo and Jack in Beckenham, and together with Jack's other grandma and auntie, we went for lunch at Prezzio, an Italian Restaurant on the high street. I have to admit, after the chocolate cake, I wasn't too hungry, but I did enjoy a glass of white wine and a salad.

Monday was a busy day. First my little volunteer job at the coffee shop, then a visit to the medical center to get my prescriptions, I was told it took 48hrs, so to come back in a couple of days. I shopped at Sainsbury's and caught the 227 bus home. Cello practice came next, and then I was off again, this time to Penge to the regular choir practice. We were given new music for our next concert in October,

Poetry Please! (as they say). I have joined the Shortlands Poetry Circle, and was extremely well received by the other members. This week we had researched the lives and poems of Miroslav Holub,  Anna Akhmatova, and C P Cavafy. Everyone read two poems which they had chosen from the works of these three poets. I was asked to read Cavafy's Ithaca in Greek, I think it upped my street cred. It really was a wonderful afternoon. So that was Tuesday.

Cello lesson yesterday was exciting, as I learned some new stuff. I am very happy with my new teacher, and she has asked me to a concert at Kings Hospital, London, next week, where she will be playing with her friends. So, another adventure to look forward to.

And today, I am going to put together a small collection of my poems, and try to make a little pamphlet to take to Middlesbrough at the end of the month, for the Literary Festival, and the 50th birthday celebrations of Marton Library. I've got quite a busy life, I haven't time to worry about the weather, which by the way, is a little grey, but we make our own sunshine, don't we?

Have a lovely weekend my friends, may the angels watch over you.
Love Jane x