Shedcast 24 - In the Driving Seat 18 06 2021 at 17 20

Hello Everyone,

Well, it has been an eventful week what with football, quiz nights, zooms, family visits and the beginning of training for our up coming July 100 mile walk to help raise money for Barnsley Hospice. Our lovely orange T-shirts have arrived (to be modelled next week), and I have downloaded a step app on my phone so that I can monitor my training. I have also discovered non-alcohol beer to keep me refreshed. Despite the forecast of a wet week ahead we intend to get out every day for a brisk walk.

We popped into Barnsley this morning in the Dream Machine. The town centre was heaving with a 50/50 masked and unmasked crowd. I did venture into TK Max and bought a sweatshirt, and new socks for David from Marks and Spencer's but we did not linger, I still don't like being in such close proximity to other people and I was glad to get home.

We have slipped into becoming temporary football fans of the England team, but the game with Scotland last night was a bit wishy-washy resulting in no goals and a bit of a disappointment. David says I hexed it with waving both flags, take a look at the video below to see what I mean. There you go!

So, here is the resume of last week in the form of our Shedcast, and below are one or two photos from the week. My little design (below) is yet another finger picture done on my phone, just a doodle really. 

That's it for another week, I am going to make a chocolate cake today, fingers crossed, and maybe even get Valentino out and do a bit of practice. So far, and it is only early morning, the weather is fine though looking a bit grey. We had better get walking before it tipples down. Do have a good weekend, everyone.

Keep safe and keep smiling,

Bye for now,

Love from Jane and David xx

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 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

Shedcast 7 04 12 2020 at 18 03

Hello Everyone from a very cold Birdwell. We had snow this morning but it didn't settle. It did put us off walking around the block, as we say, but no worries I'm sure we shall manage a walk out today.

I put my health issues to one side, and dowsed up on paracetamol I spent 3 days in the shed occupying myself with the production of the challenge of the week - a head and shoulders portrait. This is what emerged:

Our lovely daughter, Jo. It was not easy, I admit, but I really enjoyed trying to tease out a likeness. This week's challenge is 'Cats' so I'll have to get my thinking cap on. 

I am feeling much better and ready for a creative week. It's probably time to put the Christmas tree up too. David and I spent a couple of hours doing our Christmas shopping on line, yesterday, so we don't have to worry about that. I think it is time for a few carols on the cello - always a good way to spend a rainy afternoon on the run up to Christmas.

Unfortunately we have to pop in to Barnsley for blood tests on Tuesday, but once that's over we will be isolating all the way, and we won't be getting together with the family on Christmas Day, or any other day soon. We have come this far so a few more months until the vaccine has been widely taken up, won't hurt us. We are in tier 3 and that means 'keep away from as many people as you can'. 

So, on with the week. Keep busy and stay safe,

Love to you all,

Jane and David xx

Shedcast 6 from Jane and David

 Hello Everyone, we made it through the week! And an eventful week it was. We had our flu injection for which we had to travel to Barnsley on the bus, masked and smothered in disinfectant gel. Then we had to walk up to the surgery, which is a considerable distance from the town, by which time I was not at all well having been in the middle of something nasty concerning my internal workings. When the doctor saw me he sent me straight to A&E for blood tests. The whole episode was quite nasty, and painful. BUT! TADA! I didn't die and after a few days of fasting I am much better and almost back to normal. David was a brick throughout, we are so lucky to have each other.

My art assignment this week was 'Fairies and Elves' so here is what I produced:

It was a good exercise, but I wasn't too inspired. Maybe this week's 'portrait' may be better.

We did manage a walk during the week and saw this lovely rainbow over Birdwell:

And David managed an hour or two in next door's garden, burning a bit more of the rubbish he is trying to get rid of. I must say he is doing a wonderful job of clearing the gunk which was becoming such a health hazzard. The owner of the house has given him permission by the way. The house is empty so he isn't upsetting anyone.

Meanwhile in our garden the winter birds are returning and visiting our new bird table - such a joy!

So, into another week of Covid restrictions. Barnsley is in tier 3, which means that pubs and restaurants are to remain closed except for takeaway meals. But our pub at the bottom of the garden is open all hours and this week I shall be putting up the decorations for Christmas.

And next week it is our 'office party' in the 'ArtHouse'. So watch this space for an update.

Keep safe everyone, there is light at the end of the tunnel so be patient, hang in there.

Love and virtual hugs,

Jane and David xx

A Midweek Treat in Barnsley

There were one or two things we needed to get from Barnsley, so mid morning, we caught the 66 bus into town. First, Morrisons for a few odds and sods, then on to Wilko's, where we priced up some paint (it's that Spring decorating time), and then through the Alhambra shopping centre into the open air of Barnsley High Street. As we approached Boots the Chemist we could hear the music of a young lad busking in the street. I don't know who he is but he is very good, and he really adds to the enjoyment of High Street shopping. There were several market-trader stalls in the middle of town, but our next destination was the new Market Hall eating centre on the second floor of the inside market.

We were so surprised to find such a pleasant space, so well lit that it is an 'almost outside', inside experience. The wall of windows gives a view over the town, while modern seating and tables give comfort and practicality. After a walk round the many different food outlets ranging from coffee shops to a bar, and buns to burgers, we settled on a vegetarian pizza, freshly made to order and absolutely delicious. Of course we sat near to the bar and completed our midweek treat with a glass of cider (for me) and a guinness (for David). Pop music blurted out getting our toes tapping, and the area was filled with midday chatter. Next time, (for we shall certainly go again), we may try a taste of the Middle East, which is very tempting, and if we were not vegetarian (most of the time) we would certainly be up for the Shredded Duck and Chips. 

Barnsley Market Hall Pizza Place

Delicious!

A midday tipple in Barnsley Market

Barnsley Market Foody Place

So, recommendations all ways round, and I can't wait for another Barnsley treat day.

And now it's Shed Night eve and I'm planning a bit of a party for Brexit night, well, any excuse! Personally, I think we live in exciting times. We are on the very edge of a new IT future, electric cars, climate change technologies, medical breakthroughs, and much, much more that I can only dream about. So, if nothing else, let's celebrate all of that.

See you on the other side, as they say, oh, and it's going to be relatively warm for the next few days, so it might mean I don't need my furry hat in the shed.

Lots of love and hugs, bye for now,
Jane x

Don't forget, if you really want something to comment on, then take a look at my book, Higgs Bottom, it should at least cause a slight titter. Click here to read all about it. 

Open Mic in the Open Air

Hello lovely readers, I hope your week has been as 'funny' as mine. It started on Monday with an interview for The Wombwell Rainbow, a poety blog written by Paul Brookes, (check it out). 

Then on Thursday we went to see Lee Pollard in his one man show, at the No7 pub in Barnsley. What a great venue for a bit of spoken word. In the vaults of the pub is a subterranean bar, called appropriately 'The Cellar' (very cavern like) and the acoustics were very good. Lee was a hoot with his Barnsley anecdotes and very cleverly written poems. And it was all so funny that our cheeks were hurting.

On Saturday, David and I were off again on the 66 bus to Elsecar, where we met up with Ray Hearne and Matt Clegg for a bit of al fresco poetry. I must admit the audience was a bit sparse, but it was all good practice, and get to meet some other poets from the area. Tracy Day Dawson was there with her lovely poetry, and a rendering of Beowulf in old English dialect, it was a treat. The event was held at the Heritage Centre, and the day was fine, so all in all we had a really good few hours of jollity. Next week we will all be in the market place at Doncaster, mid-dayish.

Jane, Matt, Ray and Tracy

Jane and Ray Hearne

And today I'm taking it easy and trying to get my tummy back to normal after delicious fish and chips while we waited for the bus after a pint in Sheffield to round off the evening.

I will be busy preparing for the launch of Higgs Bottom, over the next few days. David has got my new poetry collection up and running on Amazon, and almost completed publication of the same as a paperback. So, Scary Woman will be launched at the same event.

Scary or wot?

Scary Woman is a collection you won't want to miss - honestly! 

So, lovely people, it is Sunday evening and I have tea to make before we settle down to the 9 o'clock drama on the BBC, World On Fire, so I'll say ta ta for now. Don't forget, if you will be anywhere near The Tap and Brew in Hoyland on Sunday 27 October, 4pm, pop along and join the fun at my book launch. And if you can't make it, take a look at the book here, it will make a unique Christmas present.

OK! Tea time!
Byeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Talk next week.