Last Updated on 1 February 2021 by Colette
We woke to a dusting of snow on Monday morning – now I’d promised the kids that if there was proper snow at any time, we’d skive their home learning so they could play (frankly proper snow is so rare that decimals and phonics can wait!) but as it was, it was just a light covering and nothing to get too excited about so we set about attacking our daily diet of Teams meetings and Seesaw activities. As has become routine now, we headed out for a good walk mid morning when Ben would normally have a PE lesson. It wasn’t too cold, the sun was shining and the snow glistened making everything look extra beautiful whilst also ensuring that the previously muddy paths remained firm underfoot. Poppy bounded about like a mad thing as the kids chucked snow at each other, paddled through a stream (why take the bridge?) and tried to slide down a slope on their coats. It was a joyous hour and I was tempted to bin off Ben’s live history lesson in favour of staying out a little longer, however duty calls and we headed home. Whilst the kids worked, I tackled the ironing, decluttered the utility room and provided occasional support – mostly helping Amy with spellings or finding answers for her research project on Asia. All in it was gone 3pm before I finally sat down with my laptop and started to work!
Tuesday was a bit of an odd day as I was working a half day in school – so I got up, had breakfast, helped the kids with some school work and pressure- washed the lawn before getting ready for work and heading in at lunch time. I never normally work half days but I needed Wednesday afternoon off so arranged a swap with my Head. After work I did my first “at home” COVID test – we’re testing twice a week now and I can’t say I’m a fan but, whatever needs to happen to get life back to normal right?
Wednesday saw me heading into work as normal for the morning before coming home at lunchtime to look after the kids while Dave attended his Aunty’s funeral. I must admit, it was nice to have that extra afternoon at home but I wouldn’t want to work half days regularly. I had planned to sit at my laptop and get on top of some work but in the end I didn’t manage much more than replying to emails, washing Chloe’s hair and getting some cleaning done!
Thursday and Friday were full days in school – which having already done two half days, made it feel like I was just in work forever this week! I’m definitely missing having Fridays off and can’t wait to be able to go back to my usual days once shielding is over (though when that might be is anyone’s guess). I took another COVID test when I got home from work which was negative, thankfully! I found the process easier second time round as I knew more of what I was doing, but it’s still a right faff.
As is par for the course, we got up first thing Saturday morning to head out for a walk. It was really cold – made worse by some strong winds (I ended up with a really sore face!). The paths were extremely muddy which Amy found difficult and I nearly lost my footing a couple of times. The views were gorgeous (and we enjoyed a little snack stop on our Pacmat mats) but we said it was a walk we wouldn’t do again until everywhere was a bit drier. I’m pretty sick of mud now – not because I mind everyone getting dirty but just because it makes staying upright harder!
Today is Finn’s birthday – it feels so strange that we can’t celebrate with him, or even see him. I had hoped we might be able to do a doorstep delivery of his birthday presents but we’ve missed the postman twice and the Post Office are encouraging redelivery rather than collection so we have to wait until Tuesday for them to arrive now! We had some brand work to do this afternoon but a few technical hitches meant we had to knock that over to Monday so it has been a day of cleaning, tidying and faffy little jobs!
I’m so glad to see the end of January, but I’m not altogether convinced that, with another month or so of lockdown and home learning ahead, February will be much better – all we can do is hope.
