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

Shedcast 16 - From the Great Outdoors - 23 04 2021 at 13 40

Hello Everyone,

David and I have been out and about in the lovely spring air. This week we thought we would do something a bit different for our Shedcast, and bring it to you from the great 'outdoors', and as yesterday was such a warm day, and St George's Day, we packed a picnic and headed to the woods. So without further ado, here is our Shedcast from Westwood on the outskirts of Barnsley:

And here are the pictures of our fantastic day out:

And back home to 'The Art House' for a beer.

Some other pics from our day our:

And my artwork of the week -  Happy Flowers for Earth Day which was on Thursday.

So, we had a really fun packed week. The weather was 'drying day' good all week, as it is today, so it's into another week and looking forward to more walks, more activities, and more fun.

The Covid virus seems to be on the run in Britain, with the prospect of being totally 'unlocked' by the end of June, so it is hold-your-nerve time, keep the masks on for now, don't go holidaying in foreign parts and have that vaccine. 

From us to you, keep safe, and keep smiling,

lots of love,

Jane and David xx

Shedcast 15 - Looking to the Future on 16 04 2021 at 16 42

Hi Everybody,

Well, I'm feeling a bit sombre this morning as I watch the TV and the preparations for the funeral of The Duke of Edinburgh. It is certainly 'history in the making' as my mum used to say to me. But, life goes on and we shall all just get on with it. David and I have much to look forward to (Covid permitting). 

Anyway, here is our shedcast from last night, we had a couple of hours of conversation over a glass of cider. You will find my sonnet for Prince Philip, below.

      Jane Sharp 

Here is my artwork of the week: All That Jazz and Wild Thing and because this is the last week of our group's weekly painting, I have included the wonderful paintings of my friends, Lorraine and Bob who will now concentrate on their garden for the summer before we resume our challenge in the autumn. Lorraine's Malham Cove is great, and Bob's mountains in blue is stunning. Thank you two for your encouragement.

All That Jazz

Wild Thing

Malham Cove

Mountains in Blue

I couldn't resist taking photo's when David and I went for a long walk the other day, we are really so lucky to be able to step outside the front door directly into the beautiful countryside that surrounds Birdwell.

With the better weather we hope to do many more long walks, especially enjoyable when there is a promise of fish and chips on the way, as was the case when we walked to Hoyland. I would doubt anyone could better the haddock and chips that we got from Ernie's in Hoyland, just the best! We sat in the lovely Old Martha's Yard to dine.

So that's it for another week. The sun is shining, it's a lovely day and I am looking forward to a great week ahead. Lockdown is slowly coming to an end and the wheels of Britain, at least, are about to start turning again. Thank you for taking an interest in my blog, I hope it brings a few smiles.

Keep safe, and keep smiling, 

Love Jane (and David) xx