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

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