Shedcast 8 from the kitchen 12 12 2020 at 10 54

Well, this is a first, a Shedcast from the kitchen. We were in the shed last night, but briefly. And then... Surprise!... What a fantastic evening it was, a family gathering in the street, everyone at a distance, unusual but very much appreciated. The photo's tell it all, it was dark and a bit chilly, but the love warmed us up.

We were in the shed but then we got a phone call, and...

It was sheer joy...

Jo up from London

David brought us one of his mandalas for the Arthouse...

And Tracy brought us a lovely Christmas tree.

This week's art project was 'cats' so here are my 'cat' pictures, not too inspiring, I'm afraid this week. Next week's project is 'Anything related to a Christmas Song' the challenge is on.

And... into some weeks baking failures fall:

Failed ginger biscuits! I put the oven on but forgot to set the heat at 180. There you go.

What a strange week, but it ended so well. Hope you have had a good week. Join us next week when we shall be back in the shed barring more surprises.

Lots of love to everyone,

Jane and David xx

Shedcast 7 04 12 2020 at 18 03

Hello Everyone from a very cold Birdwell. We had snow this morning but it didn't settle. It did put us off walking around the block, as we say, but no worries I'm sure we shall manage a walk out today.

I put my health issues to one side, and dowsed up on paracetamol I spent 3 days in the shed occupying myself with the production of the challenge of the week - a head and shoulders portrait. This is what emerged:

Our lovely daughter, Jo. It was not easy, I admit, but I really enjoyed trying to tease out a likeness. This week's challenge is 'Cats' so I'll have to get my thinking cap on. 

I am feeling much better and ready for a creative week. It's probably time to put the Christmas tree up too. David and I spent a couple of hours doing our Christmas shopping on line, yesterday, so we don't have to worry about that. I think it is time for a few carols on the cello - always a good way to spend a rainy afternoon on the run up to Christmas.

Unfortunately we have to pop in to Barnsley for blood tests on Tuesday, but once that's over we will be isolating all the way, and we won't be getting together with the family on Christmas Day, or any other day soon. We have come this far so a few more months until the vaccine has been widely taken up, won't hurt us. We are in tier 3 and that means 'keep away from as many people as you can'. 

So, on with the week. Keep busy and stay safe,

Love to you all,

Jane and David xx

Shedcast 6 from Jane and David

 Hello Everyone, we made it through the week! And an eventful week it was. We had our flu injection for which we had to travel to Barnsley on the bus, masked and smothered in disinfectant gel. Then we had to walk up to the surgery, which is a considerable distance from the town, by which time I was not at all well having been in the middle of something nasty concerning my internal workings. When the doctor saw me he sent me straight to A&E for blood tests. The whole episode was quite nasty, and painful. BUT! TADA! I didn't die and after a few days of fasting I am much better and almost back to normal. David was a brick throughout, we are so lucky to have each other.

My art assignment this week was 'Fairies and Elves' so here is what I produced:

It was a good exercise, but I wasn't too inspired. Maybe this week's 'portrait' may be better.

We did manage a walk during the week and saw this lovely rainbow over Birdwell:

And David managed an hour or two in next door's garden, burning a bit more of the rubbish he is trying to get rid of. I must say he is doing a wonderful job of clearing the gunk which was becoming such a health hazzard. The owner of the house has given him permission by the way. The house is empty so he isn't upsetting anyone.

Meanwhile in our garden the winter birds are returning and visiting our new bird table - such a joy!

So, into another week of Covid restrictions. Barnsley is in tier 3, which means that pubs and restaurants are to remain closed except for takeaway meals. But our pub at the bottom of the garden is open all hours and this week I shall be putting up the decorations for Christmas.

And next week it is our 'office party' in the 'ArtHouse'. So watch this space for an update.

Keep safe everyone, there is light at the end of the tunnel so be patient, hang in there.

Love and virtual hugs,

Jane and David xx