BALLROOM DISAPPOINTMENT

So, March 2nd had been in my diary for over a month. Not least because in was the 45th anniversary of losing my wonderful mum, but it was also the eagerly awaited date of our first ballroom dancing class, in Barnsley.

Thinking ourselves perky pensioners to be braving the evening air (freezing air), David and I caught the 7.30 p.m. bus, in chirpy mood, with feet ready to at least try to waltz us around the floor.

We walked from the bus station the twenty minutes distance to the hall where we had been told to congregate, thinking the exercise would do us good, as indeed it did. But alas, when we arrived there was no sign of a dancing class, or any other sort of class, and banquet tables were being set up in the hall. Our attempt to join an evening activity had fallen flat. We walked back into town and filled the half hour before our bus home, laughing over a glass of beer, at our disappointing evening. 

There has been no mention of trying again tonight, neither David nor I want a repeat performance of last Monday evening. And it's cold outside.

I spent the most of last week both reading and writing. Aunt Martha has reared her head again, this time in the form of a monologue. As to what I was reading, well Harry Potter, The Philosopher's Stone has been polished off, and a short novel by Muriel Spark, The Driving Seat - a very strange story about a murder. That's all I'm going to say, because I don't want to spoil the plot if you haven't read it. My only advice is, do not read the introduction first, because it gives away the plot - not good. I did enjoy the read though.

This week I have been taking a look at Characterisation, and how I can improve my technique in that direction. My next read is, The Uncanny, Sigmund Freud - just a bit of light reading (I doubt), but I am sure to learn something.

Our son arrived for a surprise visit, which was lovely, and we spent an evening of chat. I'm glad the weather was fine and not too windy, because he turned up on the scooter he has been doing up. I should have taken a photo when he arrived in the daylight, but the night-time picture gives him a certain nightriderness.

Oh, and here is the video of me tossing a pancake (I know, thrilling) I missed getting on last week.

Nightrider Sharp

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As for world news, it's all a bit grim at the moment with this Coronavirus spreading all over the place. People are stocking up on provisions and the supermarket's are running out of stuff like toilet rolls - though the shelves are being restocked pretty quickly. I did take the last tin of Morrisons Drinking chocolate, yesterday (yes blame me). The fear is a mass lockdown, which has to be considered as Lombardy in Italy has been completely locked down, as well as other parts of Italy.

The latest statistic for people with the virus in Britain, is 319, two reported in Barnsley. This is expected to rise drastically over the next week and the Government is expected to announce measures for enforced isolation of anybody who is showing the symptoms, which are fever, cough, respiratory problems. Yes, it is a bit worrying!

So, trying to think of something more cheery, the full moon tonight may herald a change and happy days ahead. The daffodils are out in our garden, together with a few snowdrops, and Spring is in the air.

Keep safe, keep washing your hands, and keep reading my blog for weekly updates. And if you want to stock up on reading matter, there is always Jane Sharp, Amazon. And now it's time for tea.

Love and hugs,
Jane x 

WELL FLIP MY PANCAKE!

O Happy Week! Pancake day on Tuesday mid all the turmoil of decorating the front room. Nothing stops tradition! I do have a small video of me flipping a pancake, but unfortunately it's on David's phone and I haven't worked out how to get it on this blog. Maybe next time. Rest assured every one of my 8 pancakes was well and truly flipped.

And look who was in the shed this week. Yes, our Barnsley Bard, Mr Ian MacMillan as painted by me. We actually ran out of alcohol this Friday, so finished off the Christmas mulled wine and then abandoned the shed for warmer surroundings, i.e. our front room. Desperate measures!

And in the Art House this week, Ian MacMillan

English/Greek flags 

Art work - Empty Cans!

A hint of blue

 And after a week of painting and decorating we have our new look living room. 

Reading room

The Music Corner

David's Mum

New curtains

It's been a busy week but we are pleased with the result. I'm not a natural paper hanger, and I'm glad I wasn't doing the whole room with wallpaper, but it's a half decent job for a pensioner. David pasted and I applied, we're a good team. The bedroom next - but not tomorrow.

Well, the news is full of Corona Virus and how it is spreading across the world. It is a wee bit disconcerting, but what will be, will be, we can't stop living. We can however be vigilant and do all we can to prevent the spread - washing hands well after travelling on the buses etc. The TV reports from China and South Korea are distressing, and our Government is making plans in case there is an epidemic here in England. So far about 20 cases, but people are dying, mainly over 70 with health problems already. I'm thinking of starting a little food-bank in case I have to stay in the house for days on end. 

The good news! Boris, our Prime Minister is to be a father again. And he has popped the question so a wedding is on the cards. Always good for the press of the world.

Floods everywhere are causing havoc but according to the weather forecast, there are dryer days ahead, just cold. It's been the wettest February on record. There is a lot to be said for living on a hill.  Our garden is fairly sodden though.

I have entered my short story into the Barnsley Writers' competition. I honestly don't expect to win (call me negative) but it has been submitted.

We are to have another open mic in Elsecar, at the Milton pub, in May (details to follow). Something to look forward to.

It's St David's Day today, so I suppose if we were in Greece it would be David's name day. Do I make him a cake? I think I will.

So, that's my week, I think I'll have a cupa now before cleaning the bathroom (David has just been up there trimming his beard) - woman's work and all that.

I wish you a very good week ahead, keep healthy and happy. I'll be back next week with an update of my comparatively boring life. 

Love and Hugs,
Jane x

BIRDWELL PAINTERS AND DECORATORS

The great cover up!

Hello Everyone from Birdwell Painters and Decorators,

Yes, the long awaited re-decoration of the living room is upon us. Even I braved the steps, paintbrush in hand, and together with David got stuck in. It will probably take us a few days to finish it, especially as we haven't yet bought the gloss paint for the cupboards etc, so watch out for pics of the finished thing. We settled on Misty White for the walls, with a very plush, navy blue with gold glints wallpaper for each side of what would have been the fireplace. David did all the scraping off of loose plaster and filling in job, while I sandpapered the paintwork and washed it all down - team work. I might even splash out and buy new curtains.

It has to get bad before it gets better

To be honest, the whole day was quite therapeutic, and I'm looking forward to another such, tomorrow.

As to what else I was occupied with last week, well - I set about writing a short story, which I have finished, and am rather pleased with. I also picked up a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone from Aldi £3.49 and am about half way through it. (And yes, I am enjoying it even though the print is a little small for my eyesight).

Actually, I've really overspent this week, what with wallpaper, paint, a new paint roller, etc not to mention a replenishment of my favourite night cream from Boots at £15 (on offer), and not forgetting my Harry Potter book. It looks like we may be on half-rations next week, still, that might be good for us.

Friday was a little breezy, but since when did the weather put us off our Friday date - Shed Night! 

Storm Dennis has certainly caused a lot of flooding, but we just got the wind -  nothing new there. I hope that you have been able to keep dry and have not suffered too much from the storms.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I uploaded a poem to BBC Sheffield, but don't seem to have had it accepted. I'm going to try again tomorrow. I've hit one of those, I don't really care who likes and who doesn't like what I write, because I'm quite happy just writing and painting, and humming to myself as I go about each day happily getting through life best I can, times. When I see all the stress, all the misery, all the unnecessary trials and tribulations of the world, I feel so lucky.

I did hear it was the Rhubarb Festival week last week, but even being so close the the Rhubarb capital of Britain, Wakefield, I was quite unaffected by any celebrations that may have been going on. 

It's Pancake Day tomorrow, that means it's Ash Wednesday, Petticoat Thursday and Kissing Friday - at least where I was brought up. And that can only mean that Lent is almost upon us. What shall I abstain from this year? I'll let you know my plan, next week.

Until next week then, have a stress free week if you can, eat lots of pancakes and enjoy the feast before the fast.

Bye for now,

Love and hugs,

Jane x

P.S.  David has come down with a terrible, snotty cold but he's soldiering on, Bless! Hope he doesn't give me it! And hope he leaves a bit of kitchen roll for the cook.