Shedcast 18 from The Cock Inn, Birdwell 07 05 2021 at 14 37

Hi old friends and new, and our new friends this week are, Lou and Lee who are 'mine hosts' at the Cock Inn, Birdwell.

Once we realised that the pub at the bottom of our road had opened, we were there like a shot, (no pun intended). So much for our conversation about not going back to pubs and sticking to our own little garden shed-bar. There is no way we are going to spend the rest of our lives in our back garden. We are well and truly 'out'!

And what joy it was. Our first foray was on Wednesday afternoon, the sun was shining so off we went. We were met by Lee, who pointed out the 'log in' poster at the entrance to the beer garden. Now, I know I've a soft spot for tall, dark, handsome young men, but putting that aside, he's a smashing bloke, who made us feel welcome the minute we set foot in the car park. It wasn't long before Lou came over for a chat and we were filled with the joy of conversation. Yes, conversation, not on the phone, not on a WatsApp video call, not, box to box Zoom, a real, live, person to person conversation that was more than a 'hello, how are you?' as you pass fellow walkers in the street.

So, cum Friday, and blessed with dry weather, I put on an extra layer (i.e. me vest) and a bit of lippy and headed off for the Cock Inn once more. This time with the intention of making our shedcast while taking in the reality of the new, Covid world. I can tell you, for me, it was quite an emotional hour. My memory went all to pot at the realisation that life has picked up a pace. 

Or was it the Prosecco? Whichever, I think more vitamin B12 is called for.

A big thanks to, Lou and Lee and Jen for being there, just as David and I were hitting the edge of the insanity of solitude. Enough said, here is the little Shedcast we  made while taking in the wonderful atmosphere of the Cock Inn, Birdwell:

And here is my painting of the week - Rave, following the first post Covid Rave which was held last week as an experiment to see if such a gathering is once again safe.

A bit of family history came our way last week. These wonderful photographs and newspaper report about the Shorrocks, David's mother's side of the family. David's granddad was, John (known as Jack) Shorrock. This is a very special picture, Granddad, Jack, is the man with his hat in his hand.

Our week would not be complete without a walk into the countryside. This is our, in search of bluebells jaunt in between the showers:

And, bringing a smile, The Fairy Grove, created to entertain I'm sure:

So, that's us for another week, I hope the weather picks up, but I suspect the outside table may have to be inside for the next few days. It's raining!

Bye for now, lovely people, keep safe and keep smiling!

Jane and David xx

Shedcast 17 30 04 2021 at 16 56

Hello Everyone,

We were back in the shed last night for our Shedcast and regular ring-round of our friends. We did intend tripping off into the countryside again, yesterday, but it was so cold we decided a short walk would be best and then our regular Friday night pint in The Art House. So, from the cosiness of our little shed, here is our Shedcast number 17:

Our week started well with a visitation from my sister Joanna, and hubby, David. It was Sunday and the sun shone. We sat in the garden with a glass of prosecco and soaked up the company. It was sooooooooo good to chat, and laugh, and catch up after a year of being apart due to the Covid Laws.

My lovely sister brought me chocolates and flowers and a load of other things, but best of all was the hug that we had both missed for so long. She also brought the good news that her eldest son, Ben, had got engaged at the weekend to Hayley. Congratulations you two!

There was no painting of the week this week, I was too busy writing, but I did tidy up the shed a bit. And speaking of writing, I enjoyed a zoom meeting with members of the Shortlands Poetry Circle, which is always inspiring.

World news is not good as far as the virus is going; India is in a state of emergency, hospitals are overwhelmed, there is a shortage of ventilators and oxygen, and aid is being sent from around the world. My heart goes out to those poor people. And it is not just India, parts of Africa have got it bad and South America. This thing is far from over.

There has been a lot of 'Boris Bashing' in the press, this week, all about who paid for his flat to be decorated - I ask you, do we really care right now when the world is in such a state? Surely there are more important matters to debate in Parliament.

On a brighter note, it's the first of May - hurray! Kalo Mina! to my Greek friends, and Kalo Paska! as this weekend is the Greek Easter. May your lamb be succulent and your spirits high!

And on that note I will wrap up for today and go and get some breakfast, have a good week ahead.

Keep safe, and keep smiling,

Jane and David xx