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We have spent the whole of September under harsher restrictions meaning we are not allowed to socialise at all with anyone we don’t live with – not even in a public place. What this means in reality is that the only people we see to speak to in person are the people we work with or see on the school run. I’m so glad that the restrictions coincided with the start of the new term so that at least the kids are seeing their friends at school (though neither Ben or Amy can see their best friends as they are not in their classes / schools). I’m also grateful for the distraction and interaction that comes with my three days in school – but I can’t tell you how much I’m craving time with family and friends. The rule of six would feel like something of a luxury right now (even if it would prevent us from being able to meet anyone as a family).
I had hoped that it was a short run thing and that by the time I wrote this update, we’d be able to see a select few people again but it rather feels we have forgotten about as there’s been no mention of our restrictions for weeks as far as I can see. One of the hardest things is that, across the country, everyone is living under different restrictions now – so rather than feeling “we are all in this together” – we can just see other people being able to do the things we want to do and it’s hard not to feel sulky about it! The kids (by which I mean Amy really) are finding it especially hard at the moment.
We have spent the month getting on with it as best we can – fitting in outdoor adventures and dog walks to new places, trying to shake things up within the limitations whilst knowing that soon enough the weather will turn against us and our opportunities will be limited.
Dave is loving
* Getting out on his bike more regularly again
* Tinkering with bikes (his and Ben’s)
* Seeing Ben really push himself on longer rides (and occasionally giving him an actual push!)
* Getting the kids back to school
* Fitting in one last camp for the year
* The OEX Novo folding stove (camping geekery!)
Colette is loving
* Getting to know my new class
* Taking my big camera out for a change
* Anthony Gormley’s Another Place
* Discovering beautiful places for dog walks
* Surprise Missoma treats from my bestie
* Childfree cycling with Dave (even if it did nearly kill me!)
Ben is loving
* Getting the bus into town on his own
* Starting high school
* After school trips to Home Bargains
* A late season camping trip
* Flaming hot tangy cheese Doritos
* Tracking his own rides on Strava
Chloe is loving
* Being back at school with her friends
* Her new teachers
* Paddling barefoot in a stream (even though it was only 11 degrees!)
* Saturdays
* Continuing to binge watch Marvel films with her bro
* Making the most of time to be outside
Amy is loving
* Being able to get her hair into bunches
* Going back to school and seeing her friends
* Going for a cheeky end of September camp
* Outdoor adventures with Poppy
* Her new (old) teacher!
Poppy is loving
* Beach adventures
* Learning to catch
* New toys
* Belly rubs
* Liver paste
