EH - Essex > Hebrides...the next step of the adventure?

EssexHebridean

Well it all changed a bit after I posted that yesterday, didn't it! We have absolutely NO idea what is likely to be happening about the planned trips now - in common with just about everyone else with upcoming plans, I guess. Absolutely can't be helped, but still very frustrating. 

Slightly wishing that I'd not done nearly all the decluttering already now - but on the other hand if we are going to have to spend more time than usual indoors, it's better to do that in a much clearer environment I guess, and had we still had loads to do we'd have rapidly run into issues around not being able to get items to the CS, so... I'm pretty sure that there are still areas to be done, as well, so all is not lost (MrEH may have a differing view...!) 

Cheery_Daff

Got plenty of decluttering you could do here EH! I'm more than happy to go and stand in a field while you do it... In fact I made a start on my study this morning - well, I did half of the desk last week, but thought I wasn't going to be at home for most of this week so ignored the rest. Now I'm going to be here for the foreseeable future... Trying to set a timer and do a stretch of work, and a stretch of tidying/sorting/dusting (it really is a cobwebby tip in here, it's been a bit of a DIY dumping ground...). Desk already feels better and the rest of the room is behind me anyway so all good!

EssexHebridean

Haha Cheery I an most definitely still find more to do at home yet!    Loving the idea of doing a bit of work and then a bit of tidying etc as well - good thinking, and I bet it's amazing how fast you get through it like that, too! 

beanielou

Like you I am glad that I am so far on in the decluttering.

savingholmes

I have plenty of decluttering that needs doing... I wondered about buying some soil and extra bulb for the garden and flowering plants if we are all going to be stuck at home more. I would need DH's help to plant anything though.

EssexHebridean

I reckon there are going to be a lot of STUNNING gardens later this year SH! 

Beanie - it is nice to feel that the place is so much clearer if there's a good chance I'm going to be stuck inside it a lot more! 

MrEH and I are still at work at the moment - although there are suggestions of a lockdown in London from next week which would certainly affect him, and very probably me too. Steps being taken here to have work that I can do at home, although it will likely be in the form of lots of tedious file shredding - still, it pays the bills though, while it lasts, at least. 

Planning to pop to the Turkish Supermarket and to Tesco in a bit - Mum has a couple of bits she  needs, and I've got a shopping list of some things we need (mainly fruit), and some things it would be nice to get (Fresh veg, cheese, fresh meat). 

savingholmes

Stay safe. I personally think a lockdown is a good idea. I have found a box of wildflower seeds I will be planting soon. They should brighten the garden up in summer even without traditional bedding plants. Have MIL coming tomorrow and can then relax a bit. We're already working from home. Need to collect DS from uni but he has what we hope is a cold but leaving him where he is for now so we don't have to self-isolate again. Looking forward to antibody tests so we can see if we have already had it... DH was exposed 2 weeks ago - shook the guy's hand (stupidly) and was coughed on. We haven't really had symptoms though - the odd day with a sore throat. 

EssexHebridean

Well that is us now both WFH for the time being - MrEH started yesterday, me today. Currently very limited on what I can do as waiting for stuff to come through from the office but my boss is also in the throes of trying to relocate himself and all his files etc to his own home so that may take a while. In fact I've just had a WhatsApp from him to confirm that he'll be up and running by just after lunch, he thinks. 

Been out this morning for a run/walk - 5k, no issues social distancing and more from anyone else we saw and feel SO much brighter for it. (If anyone objects to me doing this then I'm going to cordially request that they simply move on and find other diaries to read -  as a claustrophobic living in a 2 bedroom flat with no garden, this sort of scenario is a complete mental health nightmare for me - and bluntly, I simply would not last very long in a position of being unable to get outside at all. I am fortunate in where I live that I can get out to run or walk with zero contact with others thankfully - and as I will now have no contact with anyone other than MrEH, we are making the choices that are right for us in the situation, and making those choices wholly without putting anyone else at risk.) My anxiety has been through the roof and I'm desperate for a decent night's sleep - hoping that getting back to regular running might help with that too. 

I do need to get to Aldi at some stage for a couple of essentials, and I do need to get to the chemist to collect a prescription too - but the chemist is on random opening times at present so I need to work out when I can do that. Other than that I have a solid meal plan in place - albeit a slightly rolling one as I adjust the stuff that needs using soonest as I go along. Not been able to get any skimmed milk recently but I did buy a spare 4 pint bottle a couple of weeks back and decanted that into separate bottles to freeze so took a pint from the freezer this morning which is now defrosting. Got some fresh veggies to use so switching tonight's dinner to stir fry I think, with rice as have no noodles! 

Other than that it is now I think just trying to adjust to a "new normal" whatever normal is right now. I'm going to reinstate blogging regularly I think - it will help to keep track of the days apart from anything else, and allowing quite how historical this whole thing is, I also think it may be incredibly interesting for me to look back on later. 

Sending love to all - try to remember that there is no point in worrying to much over the things you can't control - so focus on that which you can, some form of exercise currently, which IS permitted as long as you observe distancing. The Joe Wicks online workouts are apparently going down a storm with children, and there are loads of brilliant yoga type things for adults wanting something more calming. Think about setting a routine/timetable for exercise - and remember to mix up strength training (whatever that may look like for you) with movement like walking, or cycling/running if you are able. Meal plan, but expect some flexibility. Audit your fridge daily for things needing using. Maybe try to keep to usual times of getting up / going to bed as far as possible either - that way "weekend days" will still be different from weekdays, perhaps. Take social media with a pinch of salt - and if you find it stressful to read then dial it back. And don't start looking at news sites obsessively - take a break from it from time to time.

Stay safe all. 

HairyHandofDartmoor

EH we're allowed to go outdoors for exercise once a day, so why would anyone have a problem with that? I certainly don't and I intend to go for a walk every day once I get rid of this pesky tummy bug. It's much harder for people who don't have a garden and whilst I only have a back yard with a few small plant borders and pots, I feel very lucky to have that.

I'm planning on using my yoga DVDs too to keep me fit and calm me down too .

Mental health is going to be a problem for a lot of us at the moment so getting out for exercise and having a daily routine is going to be very important. I hope you feel less anxious soon .

savingholmes

Good that you were able to go out and do a 5k run. I am grateful I look out on a cul-de-ac with borrowed greenery in my view rather than a house. We also have a garden. Because of my leg injury I've been restricted for weeks - but it will still be weird to limit being able to go out at will - although I did expect it and was disappointed they didn't do it sooner. I've said I will talk to neighbours through the fence i need be to avoid going stir crazy. One set of neighbours have returned from one of their other homes down south after months away - taking the government warnings seriously I see.... not!