Prompted in part by a discussion with a neighbour (not so much over the garden fence, more over a 2 metre gap) who described self isolating as a trial run pre retirement, which transpired consisted largely of a long list of tasks being handed down by his wife (we Brits do like a stereotype), and part by the old saying “every cloud has a silver lining”.
We have taken the enforced self isolation (I can’t call it a Lock down yet as have friends in Spain and what has been imposed on us is still fairly relaxed to conditions they are living under), as an opportunity (or it could be argued a challenge) to make a few changes, tick a few things of the old to do (one day) list …. appears ‘that day’ has arrived!
Tasks that we have set ourselves include a Deep Clean of the house, with a schedule to do one room a week (yep we are expecting this to be a long haul flight), which will include as appropriate a bit of a clear out (although obviously the resultant trip to charity shop will have to wait).
We also have a plan to simplify life. Not that our life is particularly complicated but less is more as they say: taking more time over things like meals, reading the paper, watching a movie without smartphone to hand etc.
For me this involves looking at the way we have set up the Cottage technology wise: i.e. assumed level of use pre move compared with an actual level of use after a year living back in the UK.
A downside for us to the self isolation is that it is not possible to use our regular walks for the dogs which means that we obviously need to find alternatives (we have a few) which unfortunately means neither they nor us are getting as much exercise. We have devised a @home exercise routine for ourselves (which we hope long term will remove the need for Gym Membership). If you see me running round the Summer House pursued by three dogs you will know why.
Along with everyone else food (or lack of) is a concern. While we have fully embraced online shopping over the years, booking slots a month ahead with no guarantee of food availability means an alternative supply is needed, and a slight change to diet. The dogs in particular are struggling to get their mince (they don’t seem at all worried about the toilet roll situation), but have selflessly said steak will be OK. But this as with everything is just an opportunity to keep things simple, and try a few older recipes rather than the usual suspects we all slip into the habit of relying on.
And yes, it means am going to endeavour to lose some weight!
Keep Safe. Be Nice!
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