One week in to lockdown

Last Monday evening, the effective lockdown of British society was announced and it was welcomed. A week later and people seem to be getting used to it with far fewer people out and about now and transport figures illustrating the extent to which we appear to have listened to and acted on the message to stay at home. Rail and bus use have all but disappeared with key workers making use of the transport system while the rest of us remain in our homes.

However, despite the restrictions, the days are passing reasonably well, and it is worth repeating how fortunate we are in having access to a number of distractions so many others will not, for a wide variety of reasons.

Having taken Maisy out this morning, I was able to get out for a 3.5 mile run off road taking me past Martins Farm and down into Horton Lane where turned right and climbed the incline past the solar panel field and down Devil's Hill, past the golf course and home.

Alison and I next ventured out to Morrisons to shop for ourselves, Bridie and Joy. We have managed the whole week without shopping which is very different from what has been true for months but it did mean we had to get quite a few bits and pieces. There was a short queue outside the store but it moved quickly and I was given a paper towel loaded with disinfectant to wipe down the handle of the shopping trolley as I got to the front of the queue before being allowed to enter. Shoppers were being sensible in keeping a safe distance but there were only a couple of face masks in evidence.

Missing items on the shelves included rice and pasta, cooking oil and baked beans. Most other things were in good supply, especially fruit and veg.

After lunch Maria and I got on with home schooling which was focused exclusively on English and Humanities/RE, both extended pieces which needed to be handed in today or tomorrow. Maria got them both done - a short story in English which had a murder mystery theme, and a project for the other which saw her invent her own religion on an island of her choosing, fictional, so she used map skills to create the island with a key, flag, history and religious symbols etc.

All four of us did the Joe Wicks workout which was great. We loved it and it was brilliant in bringing us together for the 30 minutes. Alison and I took Maisy out again after tea and have prepared Evie and Amelia's room for decorating tomorrow.

One other lovely thing at the moment is the What's App group for the whole family which has seen the sharing of lots of photos from long ago to embarrass everyone and give us a laugh whilst providing reassurance to one another.