The struggle is real...

Lockdown has been extended for another three weeks and well into May. This is the right thing for the government to do in order to keep us all as safe as possible, I fully expect it to continue to at least the end of May. Some days it really isn't that bad, especially if you have the beautiful Norfolk sunshine to enjoy. Its a strange world and space to be in at the moment. There are moments when you forget relaxing in the garden and then you remember the silent threat out there. I know we don't have access to all the usual things we usually have such as going out for meals, coffee, shopping, cinema and the beach for example, but we have so much around us in the house, the garden and dog walking (not been as fit in years). This really helps reduce the stress and tension. Unless you are Anna! We truly never quite know which Anna we are going to get in lockdown - full of hormones, frustrations, irrational responses, a bit of boredom and you get quite a stroppy combination! Thank heavens the house is big! On other days we are treated to a helpful, caring and relaxed young lady with slightly dodgy lockdown hair. Don't mention her hair at the moment, it's a touchy subject and without a cut is not quite her desired style at present. Never mind she's safe and that's all that matters. P.S Still trying to get Lucy out of her bedroom this week! No word of a lie, she's experiencing a sloth like few days and she's nailing it! 

Out of lockdown is emerging a fine young lady....

My thought of the week can only be 'all that matters is keeping Amy and the girls safe'. Lockdown is having such a profound effect on us all. I can't sleep at all and have turned into a gardening machine. I feel a little unsettled with everything going on. Amy has turned into a crochet, chocolate eating, box set watching cooking goddess. Anna fluctuates from great to spend time with, my kick about buddy (loosing 17-13 at the moment) and very interesting to handle mood swings. Lucy on the other hand seems to have calmed down from initial stress and agitation about not being at school and out and about. She is growing up before my eyes slowly into a woman. In the last ten days there is something new about her, she walks differently, she carries herself differently and it often feels like I'm talking to my grown up daughter. A lovely glimpse into the future. Everybody else in the house is suffering with bad lockdown hair, Anna and I desperately need a cut, I'm thinking about buying some clippers and shaving it all off, Amy has turned into Monica from friends and Lucy has the most beautiful hair she's had in years! P.S Mrs Hammond a seriously delicious Easter Sunday lunch and lovely to eat it outside x

You couldn't make this up...

It's not a hard thing to do stay in isolation as a family with all this space, fresh air in the garden and loads of dog walking. Having sampled some of the front line in the fight against Coronavirus in my visits to care homes in the last week, what we are going through is nothing compared to those nurses, doctors and carers caring for thousands in overstretched wards and hospitals. It can be frustrating and you suffer from cabin fever at times. It's scary being out there and I'm not afraid to admit it. My work puts me at risk and I am petrified of bringing the virus home. A simple shopping trip could change your life and that of those around you. I am being as careful as I can be. Its day nine and the rest of the family is doing good; with everyone settled into a routine and relaxing, getting work done, on the odd occasion helping in the house (kids I stress on the odd occasion!) It is hard being told to stay put, take away all your freedoms to move around, it's the right thing to do and we will do our bit, as well as Amy and I through our jobs if needed. We will be doing this for months, its hard but we continue to see the positives. I continue to eat healthily and have lost 21lbs!! I must say in the face of my 'snacking' family on lockdown, it's proving quite a challenge and still holding my own, just about!!! It's April fools day and the day takes on a different significance. No need for pranks today, you couldn't make this all up if you tried and we continue to live in strange and frightening times. All I need is that we all stay safe as a family, contribute where we can and get through this. If that means stuck in together for a sustained period of time, then so be it. If it saves my families life, then that is all the matters xx