Shedcast 3:21 22 January 2021

Hello everyone, 
Well the snow went and the rain came, storm Christof brought high winds and flooding to some parts of Yorkshire, but luckily we live on a hill and apart from the ground being a bit waterlogged we were not affected. Today we have blue skies though there are a few clouds about and it is still very cold.

The Covid virus is still raging through Britain and the hospitals are now under great stress. People are dying at a rate of well over 1000 per day, and still there are reports of large gatherings for weddings, parties, and even funerals. The police are now handing out heavy fines whenever they happen on these events.

The vaccine is being rolled out at a fast rate, up to date 5 million people have received their injection. So, we hope and pray that this will begin to show results in the next few weeks.

David and I have kept ourselves busy this week with our respective projects, my art and music and David's reading and gardening. I did catch him up his ladder pruning the tree with his old saw and I was glad when he'd finished that little job, the last thing we need now is a fall. But he's safe and sound (well almost sound) and the tree looks much better.

I did a bit of baking yesterday, making bread is a very earthy thing to do, and it tasted delish too. My tin is full of chocolate tray bake so we are all set for the week ahead.

The art project went well, 'Childhood Memories' it was good to revisit a time, long ago, when I used to work the bellows for my granddad, Joe Royston, who was a blacksmith. I remember my mum once saying, if Jane had been a boy she would have been a blacksmith. That would not have mattered these days would it?

Down the pub - The Art House

All together in The Art House

Garlic Bread a la Jane

Childhood Memories

We will be back next week, God willing, so until then,

Keep safe and keep smiling!

Jane and David xx

A Passion for Yorkshire - Ingleborough

Ingleborough - I used to live in the shadow of Ingleborough and it will always hold a very special place in my heart. I have trogged my way up all of the Three Peaks, Ingleborough, Penighent an Whernside, but Ingleborough is the one for me. Of course it is many years since my boots touched the grassy slope of this beautiful landmark, but who knows, when all this Covid thing is over, I might just put it on my 'to do' list.

Perhaps it is something in the blood because my cousin (or should I say my mother's cousin) Frank Royston, who passed away at the age of 95 last week, was for many years a member of the Cave Rescue Organisation. Frank, who lived in Ingleton for most of his life, started caving seriously just after the war. He was a local historian, a passionate photographer, and (I know this from experience) a very good maker of fruit wines. I will remember him with love and respect. R.I.P. Cousin Frank.

Yes, Yorkshire is certainly in my blood and I, like many others, are sad to see the Covid-19 restrictions being tightened as the virus is claiming so many more victims. The hospitals are filling up, Barnsley hospital has announced only really necessary visits are allowed, because of the Covid increase, and the country is on the verge of another complete lockdown. As for David and myself, it will not alter our lives that much, because we don't have a car, and don't have a burning desire to visit shops, pubs or restaurants, as, frankly, any spare cash we had we've blown on a new chair and sofa. I'm not complaining, the old ones were acquired from the charity shop and were well past their sell by date. Incase you didn't recognise him, it's David behind the mask. It's a small sofa, but comfortable, and the chair is very cheery. Hopefully the sofa will be delivered before Christmas.

We are ready for the 'lock down' and we have plenty to keep us occupied, what with books, TV, Cello practice, gardening, and of course, The Shed.

So, from us to you, keep safe, keep sane and at all costs keep sober (well at least try) and I'll report back soon to let you know how my new project is going, (it's in its infancy and a bit hush, hush). I can tell you that it does involve a few words, and fits under the heading - A Passion for Yorkshire.

Lots of love and hugs,

Jane x

The Barnsley Metropolitan Boundary Walk - 72 miles

BARNSLEY METROPOLITAN BOUNDARY WALK - 72 MILES

If you think I've been quiet for a few weeks, you may be right. But I haven't been idle. David and I have embarked on the task of walking the boundary of Barnsley. So far we have had several delightful days out in the countryside, walking about 6/7 miles each day. Apart from the first walk, which we did from our door in Birdwell, a walk which took us through Tankersley and up to Warncliff Woods, we have reached our start point by using the local bus services.

Here are a few photos of some of the brilliant countryside around Barnsley.