Shedcast 19 - The Magic of a CafeneionTable 14 05 2021 at 17 52

Hello Everyone,

David and I were back in the shed last night (after the Boris coronavirus update) to chat about our week and debate a few issues. We would have popped down to The Cock yesterday afternoon but we just managed to get back home after our walk before the rain set in, and just as we were setting off this lunchtime for a cheeky pint before lunch, it rained again. Roll on a sunny day. So, here is the shedcast from last night, we followed it by watching Van de Valk on the tele - not my cup of tea, but David seemed to enjoy it. 

Hey Ho! We enjoyed our burgers, they were not ruined so we didn't go to bed hungery.

Painting of the week - this was a hard one, I thought I would have a go at painting waves. It's not as easy as you might think. Anyway this is a first attempt so I'll try harder next time.

We had a little shopping trip into Barnsley at the beginning of the week. The town was quite busy so we didn't linger, but we managed to get a few bits from Wilco's and Boots. I did look around Next, but there was nothing took my eye. The bus was busy and, as ever, we were glad to be home.

Our walk through the woods last week was swift yet enjoyable. We walked to the Mill and then back through Birdwell woods. It was a tad muddy, but I had my stick and my legs were good to cross the many styles we came across. And when we got back we enjoyed lunch at our own little 'kafenieon' at the bottom of the garden.

This morning I received my complementary copy of the 'Hear My Voice 2020' collection of poems by people of Barnsley including Ian McMillan and Eloise Unerman. I have a poem in there so I'm proper chuffed.

It's not been a bad week, all in all. Now I have to turn my attention towards a little publication which is in the planning stage, by members of the Shortlands Poetry Circle, due for publication by the end of the summer. It's all go.

If you haven't seen my little YouTube videos of recordings of my favourite poems (not mine) from long ago, you know, Edward Lear, Lewis Caroll etc, you might like to take a look at Poetry from the Shed, where every week I choose a famous poem to read out loud.

Wishing you all a lovely week ahead,

Keep safe and keep smiling,

Jane and David xx

Poetry from the Shed - 'Jabberwoky' by Lewis Caroll

Hello Poetry Lover,

I used to go into retirement homes to talk about poetry, and I was often asked to read aloud some of the old favourites which people had learned when they were young. These familiar poems were much appreciated, so I have decided to make a few recordings of my own favourite poems, and those poems asked for by others. If you have a favourite poem let me know in the comments, below. This week, 'Jabberwocky' by Lewis Caroll

Keep safe and keep smiling,

Jane x

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