Shedcast 19 - The Magic of a CafeneionTable 14 05 2021 at 17 52

Hello Everyone,

David and I were back in the shed last night (after the Boris coronavirus update) to chat about our week and debate a few issues. We would have popped down to The Cock yesterday afternoon but we just managed to get back home after our walk before the rain set in, and just as we were setting off this lunchtime for a cheeky pint before lunch, it rained again. Roll on a sunny day. So, here is the shedcast from last night, we followed it by watching Van de Valk on the tele - not my cup of tea, but David seemed to enjoy it. 

Hey Ho! We enjoyed our burgers, they were not ruined so we didn't go to bed hungery.

Painting of the week - this was a hard one, I thought I would have a go at painting waves. It's not as easy as you might think. Anyway this is a first attempt so I'll try harder next time.

We had a little shopping trip into Barnsley at the beginning of the week. The town was quite busy so we didn't linger, but we managed to get a few bits from Wilco's and Boots. I did look around Next, but there was nothing took my eye. The bus was busy and, as ever, we were glad to be home.

Our walk through the woods last week was swift yet enjoyable. We walked to the Mill and then back through Birdwell woods. It was a tad muddy, but I had my stick and my legs were good to cross the many styles we came across. And when we got back we enjoyed lunch at our own little 'kafenieon' at the bottom of the garden.

This morning I received my complementary copy of the 'Hear My Voice 2020' collection of poems by people of Barnsley including Ian McMillan and Eloise Unerman. I have a poem in there so I'm proper chuffed.

It's not been a bad week, all in all. Now I have to turn my attention towards a little publication which is in the planning stage, by members of the Shortlands Poetry Circle, due for publication by the end of the summer. It's all go.

If you haven't seen my little YouTube videos of recordings of my favourite poems (not mine) from long ago, you know, Edward Lear, Lewis Caroll etc, you might like to take a look at Poetry from the Shed, where every week I choose a famous poem to read out loud.

Wishing you all a lovely week ahead,

Keep safe and keep smiling,

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