Shedcast 9 on 05 03 2021 - Let's Talk About Books

Hello Blogwatcher,

It has been a bit 'parky' this week, as they say in Yorkshire. In fact when David and I went out for our daily stroll, and wearing fingerless mitts, my finger ends went a waxy shade of pale and I thought how easy it must be to get frostbite. Luckily a bit of clenching and unclenching of the fist did the trick, but I was very glad to get home and into the warm. When we went up Pilley Hill a few days later it was a glorious day, the daffodils are coming out and there is a resplendent show of crocuses on a council verge just past Aldi's.

I have been doing a bit of poeting this week, I have writen a couple for the Shortland's Poetry Circle on the subject of trees, and I was inspired by the Lawrence Ferlanghetti poem, 'Waiting' to produce one of my own, 'Not Waiting'.

Painting: My painting of the week is 3 Men in a Cave (see it below). This week's subject is 'Open Choice' so I have absolutely no idea what I am going to do for that. And I hope the shed is a little warmer, though there is a splendid heater in there should I wish to be toasty.

So, here is the Shedcast from last night, would you believe I was drinking tonic water and not cider because I've had a bit of a dicky tummy of late. I went a whole week without alcohol, no wonder I'm not feeling up to par.

We decided to eat in the house last night where we could sit and watch the Grayson Perry Art Club show, I do love Grayson and Philippa Perry.

This is what I made for dinner but unfortunately I couldn't eat any of it. Never mind there is plenty left for the week ahead.

Friday Night Home Made Pizza

And David says these were the best scones I've ever made, well he would wouldn't he?

And this is my painting of the week, make of it what you will.

3 Men in a Cave

Thursday was World Book Day, so I am making a special effort to read at least one book before the end of March. I have embarked on The Daemon by Anthony Peake, A guide to your extraordinary secret self. So far it has definitely hooked me in. My only complaint is that the type is very small for my ageing eyes, I might have to get a magnifying glass. Anyway let's see how it goes.

The only other exciting thing that happened this week, apart from buying a new top on the internet, which was a surprisingly satisfying experience, it fits well and was a speedy delivery, was a flock of gold finches descending on our tree. There must have been at least 30 of them, flitting about, flashing bits of yellow, while we watched on from the bedroom window which is about tree top height.

You can see we are not living in the fast lane. Is anybody? Schools go back on Monday so we shall see how that affects the spread of the virus. I am full of hope for the summer.

That's all from us this week. Keep well, and keep smiling,

Love and hugs, 

Jane and David xx

Catch Up Time!

What's on in Barnsley!

Well, plenty! Click on the link and check it out.

Tonight I am just back from rehearsal of a play that is to be performed in November, and guess what? I have a part. I have joined the local drama group in Birdwell, and it's such fun. It is wall to wall Carry on Comedy. Just up my street! I'm working on my Barnsley accent, it's not quite there tha knows. More field work require.

My latest poem went down well at the Poetry Circle meeting yesterday, and we now have a programme for our next Breeze Above Our Heads production in Bromley on 11th July. This time we have a good mix of music and words, with the emphasis on Summer. Aunt Martha has a tale to tell, as usual. And I'm sure the blow up doll we bought for the last show, will be making an appearance.

Since I last wrote this blog, the Nation has elected a new government, so now we have a totally Tory parliament. Will this affect my life in any way? Well, let's hope it does. Let's hope the country prospers, as is the plan, and we all have a bit more of the pie. I'm ever optimistic!

Game of Thrones has had me hooked on its weekly medieval soap of sex and violence, for the past month or more. I've even started to play the theme music on the cello. I don't think it is quite as good as when it first started, but I need by weekly fix. I love the northernness of it.

Meanwhile, David has taken to cultivating a few plants. He will have to buy a spade, though!

So, that's it for now, remember, never cast a clout till May is out. In other words, don't discard your vest just yet, there are sneaky winds about.

Love and hugs,
Jane x

  

No gold medal at Chelsea Flower Show this year!

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