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

Shedcast 8 on 26 02 2021 - Had The Jab!

Hello Everyone, 

I am writing this blog from the comfort of my bed, it is Saturday morning and I'm having a bit of a lie in. The sun is shining but the rooftops are wet and I can feel that dampness in my knees. I've had a bit of trouble this past week with painful knees put down to the weather because we do go out for a walk most days. Anyway, that's my excuse for not getting out of bed.

I can't believe we are nearly into March but here we are and still in lockdown. But things are looking up and the Covid-19 figures are going down. I went for my vaccine last Monday, an emotional, and painless experience at Sheffield Arena. Well take a look at the Shedcast for our update, and then see below my artwork of the week, and other pics.

Greek Mandinadas - Rhyming couplets of 15 syllables in each line, most often set to Greek music and performed on occassions such a fiestas, weddings and the like. 

Artwork of the Week - Transport

I chose the coal wagon as my 'transport' and carried on the theme of my 3 Men. This week I am going to practice my figure drawing again, so wish me luck!

3 Men in a Mine

Sheffield was eerily baron on Monday. We walked from the Arena to Meadowhall where we caught the bus home, and these are the pics:

no people...

no cars...

And this was the Arena where I had my Covid-19 vaccination.

Back home Spring has sprung in our garden and the birds are singing.

That's my cue to get out of bed and have a slice of toast, so I'll say bye for now. And if you have bad knees, like me, try rubbing in Volterol, it seems to work a treat. Have a good week, keep well and keep smiling.

Love from Jane and David xx

Shedcast 7 on 19 02 2021 at 18 17 From pancakes to 'Perseverance'

Hello Everybody,

I hope you are all well and looking forward to the week ahead. I know I am because it will start on Monday with my Covid-19 vaccination, a good start to the week. As usual we enjoyed a lovely evening in our shed last night, ringing round family and friends, and making our little Shedcast, and here it is:

Painting project of the week - 'A Book Title' I chose 3 Men in a Boat, and this is what I produced:

3 Men in a Boat

I must say that I am pleased with the result, and again I learned such a lot in the painting of it. Another little success this week was the acceptance of 3 poems by the Hear My Voice organisation of Barnsley. One for the upcoming Anthology of Covid Poems, and a couple for an extended work to be available in the archives. So that put a smile on my face.

Tuesday was pancake day, hurray! I quickly beat up a batter for a tasty lunch, tossed pancakes with honey and lemon. I would normally have freshly squeezed orange juice on my pancakes, but our only option was lemon this year. Still, they were scrumptious, a real treat. 

The main news of the week, I think, is the landing of 'Perseverance' on Mars. It is a large vehicle that will drill into the surface of Mars and look for signs of microscopic life. It will also take loads of photos, some of which are already being sent back to Earth as we speak. What a great achievement! It has taken a month to reach Mars.

Royal News: Unfortunately, Prince Phillip has been taken into hospital, and as he is almost 100 years old, I am sure he is not too good. But, a world that can land on Mars, can surely keep Prince Philip from pain. I hope so and wish him well.

It was also announced this week that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan will no longer perform Royal Duties as they have opted to exit the family, and make an independent life of their own. On the one hand it is very sad to lose the young royals, but I am sure it is right for them, and I can't help thinking this is all a result of Princess Diana's death. For someone who lost their mother at an early age, I know full well that that pain never goes away.

But let's not get maudlin, the day is bright, and I've got a busy day ahead, plus I have got the joyous task of shopping on line for something new to wear - always a bit of a booster.

So, I'll finish here and get on with the day. As ever, David and I wish you all the best,

Keep smiling,

Love Jane and David x