Day 122 - 128

Day 122 - 128.  Can you believe this 'new' way of living has been going on this long, its crazy?

I am mighty pleased that we don't book holidays in the summer especially abroad at the moment.  I do feel for people that are stuck in the middle of this, but we have all been warned that if anything happens there could be lockdowns, even holidaying in the UK could be affected if local lockdowns are put in place.  We all have to be aware of this before we start parting with our hard-earned cash and not moan when it happens.  Anyway, off my soapbox now!

Not has a particularly exciting week, but let's be honest about it, who has?    The weather hasn't been too great again has it.  Looks like we might get some nice weather over the next few days and I can't wait as our hot tub is calling!

Football training has started in a big way now..... Matthew is training on a Monday and Wednesday evening and Simon should be training on a Tuesday evening.  The reason I say Simon should be is that he is having problems with his knees again.  We went to see a specialist in Biomechanics last October.  Basically, Simon has odd feet!  He also has Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain) which is a growing pain.  He had it really bad towards the end of last year and since doing lots of exercises and having special insoles in his shoes it got better and now it has come back with a vengeance!  He has grown an awful lot in the last few months. He has done one, one-hour football training session and had to bow out of two other sessions as he is unable to cope with the pain.  It was difficult to walk without pain for a few days after, but it seems to have calmed down and he is still doing his exercises.  We have purchased some special knee straps, that he still needs to try out.

We have also received signing on forms for the boy's football teams and they hope to start playing competitive games in October, subject to everything being ok.

Simon has now finished school for the Summer.  He is still not sure if he has any work to do over the holidays.  In some ways, I want him to have a bit of a break, but in another, I don't want him to have got behind.  Matthew has finally received a letter from school about Sixth Form.  He will go back a day before Simon and an induction type of day, which sounds interesting. He has also been given some information he can start looking at online before they go back.  We have had to start buying him some clothes as he won't wear a uniform when he goes back and he doesn't have much that fits him.  He is now around 5ft 10, the same height as Chris!  It has been funny as some of the jeans I ordered for him actually fit Chris - my boys are growing up.

Dad and Lu came over for a curry on Friday night, which was really nice, followed by a walk with the Tedmeister!

We went out on Sunday evening, for dinner at some friends.  It was just so nice for a change of scenery and to actually sit and talk to people face to face.  We had a delicious meal with Lemon Meringue Pie and a Pineapple Cheesecake we took.  Their little puppy kept us all busy as he is just so cute.

As you can see above we found another deer on our walk, this one was last Friday when we were out with Dad.

You all take care and have another lovely week.

Stay safe, keep your distance and wear your mask.

Day 115 to 121

Another week has flown by and it's amazing to think its the 21st July already.  

As usual, not a lot has really happened.

Matthew has been doing his usual baking - He had a Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Sauce and a Chocolate Cherry Tart, with chocolate pastry.  They were all absolutely delicious.

Simon made us a chicken korma on Friday night with rice and naan bread.

I have made us some cheese and onion chutney scones along with a vanilla cake traybake.  As we didn't have any sprinkles I put pink glitter on it.  As I am the only girl in the house, apart from Pippa I decided that I would like it to look pink.

I did something really stupid on Friday, as you know I am sometimes one sandwich short of a picnic. I got an email from Ocado to tell me we could now order from them for delivery - you had to register and wait for a slot to become available as they were just too busy to take on new customers.  So I went on there and found I could get delivery on Friday morning, but forgot to cancel the slot I had already got from Sainsbury's for collection on the said morning.  I got an email Friday morning from Sainsbury's to tell me all I had ordered was available - now that wasn't a shock as I had ordered, 4 very large punnets of cherries, one £40 bottle of Champagne and a very nice £10 bottle of white wine.  As not to get blacklisted with them we went over there and explained what I had done and asked if they could refund the bottle of Champagne but we would take the rest of the items.  So we now had lots of cherries.  We gave one to my dad and one to Chris Parents and kept 2 for ourselves.  This is why Matthew made the chocolate cherry tart with a cherry sauce and most of them have gone now as they are extremely moreish.  I cannot believe I did that, but like I said I am not really there most of the time!

Saturday evening we had some lovely pulled pork in brioche buns followed by Eton Mess - this was a really yummy tea I have to say.

We didn't make it to the seaside this weekend as we just wanted to laze around, which we did plenty of.  I did manage to tackle the massive ironing pile I had been putting off.

I have managed to book Ocado for the next 3 weeks for delivery, which has made me smile as I just never know if we will get the slots from one week to the next.  My dad has said he will try and start to do his shopping this week, but I have said to let me know if we wants us to continue as I don't mind doing it.

We got a delivery of some top toil the end of last week as Chris and the boys cleared an old concrete slab from the garden a while ago and it was looking a right mess.  So today Chris and Matthew filled the gap in and set it with grass seed.  The sprinkler then went on for a while to make sure it was wet.  Guess who escapes into the garden - yes you have guessed it - Teddy!!!!  We tried and tried to get him back in but he wasn't having any of it tonight.  The next things we see are massive holes in the new soil and grass seed and Teddy running around with mud all over his nose and front paws.  Matthew and I managed to chase him into a corner, after nearly doing the splits and breaking out necks.  I got him straight in the bath - he was filthy.  He then escaped again just after the bath as somebody left another door open and he wouldn't come back in again, but little did he know that Chris has been outside and put some old Chicken fencing around the patch so he couldn't dig it.  He has wandered around the fence trying to get in there - I am not sure how he would feel if we could electrify it!!  He has been a really naughty little boy today, I'm not sure what has gotten into him.

So how is everyone feeling about this Pandemic that feels like it is never going to go away?  Although I don't tend to go anywhere I do feel much happier that people are going to have to wear masks in shops now from Friday.

I have been struggling with lots of headaches over the past few weeks which have been driving me mad.  I spoke to the doctor and she thinks they are tension headaches as all the other symptoms I have pointed to that.  Basically, take paracetamol or the like and de-stress.  It's

just not that simple though is it.  I have tried doing meditation and unfortunately, my brain just won't turn off, must be all the intellectual brain cells I have in there!  I could really do with getting away - a change of scenery.  But that isn't going to happen anytime soon, with harvest probably going to start next week and the boys to be taken to football training, everyone will need feeding and Teddy looking after.  

We are thinking of going away in October half term at least.  We would like to venture back up to Yorkshire again - so I will probably start looking there.  I did look at self-catering accommodation towards the end of August in Norfolk and I cannot believe how expensive it is for something decent.  I appreciate that people have to make some money this year, but think that is taking it to the extreme.

Simon met up with some of his mates on Saturday which was really nice for him.  I cannot believe that they biked around 12 miles from Eye to Harleston, I was really proud of them.  We did offer to give them individual lifts but they wanted to bike, so they did.

Simon has now finished school as of today for the Summer.  We are still yet to find out if he has any work to do over the summer holidays.  Matthew picks his exam results up on 20th August between 9:30-10am.  We had to book a slot to go in and collect them.  

We have seen some different painted stones around but have managed to photograph any this week.  I have been on quite a few walks though, even in the rain.  I just wish the weather would decide what it is going to do.  Its playing havoc with my wardrobe!  One day its jumpers and socks the next summer dresses.

I hope you have another lovely week and please do all stay safe and keep your distance.
x

Day 108 to 114

I can't believe another week has gone by and the numbers are rising as you can see.

Got a few photos for you this week.

We did our usual shopping run on Friday and treated ourselves to a Starbucks Drive through, which was lovely and a very well earned treat.  It just feels like there is an awful lot of work, sitting around and not a lot of playing at the moment.

Matthew got his baking skills out again last week.  He made a Lemon Cake, which had lemon curd in it and although it flopped in the middle due to a large amount of curd he put in there it was absolutely delicious and even better with custard.  He also made something I have never seen before. Jammie Dodger Blondie.  We are still getting through this and we don't have to tell you how much we are enjoying it, it takes as good as it looks and probably isn't great for our waistlines, but what is these days.

We also took Teddy for a good walk on Saturday afternoon.  He was so naughty, he really was.  We hadn't got very far before he went into a field of Linseed.  He saw a couple of partridges and got them up, once they had gone he went on the hunt for more, of which he found.  I ended up walking through the field with him to keep him moving along and it wasn't particularly dry yet. When we eventually got him, he went back on the lead and hadn't been off it until tonight - he was in that much trouble!

As you can see we made it to the seaside on Sunday.  The weather was amazing even at 8:45am.  We have been going to Felixstowe for a long time and I don't think we have ever seen the sea so calm.  Teddy had his usual paddle in the sea and loved it.  There were a few people setting themselves up on the beach even that early.  We found our usual place to have breakfast on the Pier but it wasn't opening until 11am, so we decided we didn't want to wait that long, even though their Eggs Benedict and Scrambled Egg on Toast is lovely.  I know they are fairly basic breakfast items, but they are done extremely well.  Even Dad likes going there and having breakfast.  We made our way home and popped into Costa Drive-through for our breakfast instead.

As Sunday was so lovely, I decided to have a very long dip in the hot tub, mainly without the bubbles on.  It was just so nice to sit in there in the sun reading my book.  

When we out this morning to take my car for its MOT we noticed a new stone, that had been left outside our bungalow fence - this was a lovely surprise, so thank you whoever left it.  My car passed thank goodness, although it needed two new tyres.  

Matthew had his football training partly in the rain last night, but I understand it went well.  I stayed behind to sort out dinner - a yummy cottage pie.  Tonight we had baked cabanara which was even better and I went back for seconds.  

Had a fairly busy week at work and this afternoon went completely crazy, which was nice as at least we know there are still people out there!

I hope you all have had another good week and look forward to catching up again next week.

You all take care, remember your face mask when you go out and stay safe whilst keeping your distance.

Day 101 to 107. First Weekly Blog.

Well, a week has flown by and I have to be honest I really missed writing my daily blog.  I felt like there was something missing, although it has given me more time to read, which I am not sure is a good thing as I can't put my book down sometimes.

So last Tuesday was my last daily blog and here we are a week later for a catch-up.  How are you all? Have you had a good week?

There have been quite a few changes to the 'stay alert' lately, of which I feel went ahead a little too early if the images from Soho are anything to go by.  I also understand there are a few pubs that have had to close because people who attended them over the past couple of days have tested positive for Covid-19, but it doesn't stop there, as restaurants are having to be closed as someone that also works at there attended one of those pubs, so it has a very big impact not only on the person that tested positive but the wider community that attended the same place.  I do feel that everyone has to be sensible about what they do and by the looks of it the majority of people are, but it's the few that are putting the lives and businesses of the sensible ones in danger.  I shall now get off my high horse!

The weather over the past week really hasn't been very kind to us. The wind has been ridiculous where we are on the top of a hill.  We had to pin loads of things down and my poor washing looked like it was going to visit the neighbours.  I didn't want to dry it inside as it never dries the same - I know I am weird.   Also, I missed the tissue in a pocket - so at least the wind got rid of all the white bits - I thought I checked all the pockets!

We have been doing our usual walk every evening with our little tinker Teddy.  We didn't manage to visit the seaside this weekend mainly due to what we were doing, and we just didn't want to get up early both weekend mornings.

Saturday we went and collected the shopping as I couldn't get our usual Friday morning slot. Please note all the family got up early, even Teddy.  Simon was not impressed at all and slept in the back of the car - Teenagers!  We then went to Starbucks and got ourselves some takeaway breakfast.  As this was the first weekend we could go in other peoples houses we popped into Chris Parents - they sat at one end and we sat at the other.  We already had our own drinks.  It was nice to have a proper conversation with them.  We have sat outside their house talking but it's difficult to hear them properly.  I think they were pleased.

On Saturday evening my Dad came over and had a steak tea with us.  We were careful and we also went for a nice little walk together and it looked like it was going to rain yet again!  It was a lovely evening and felt so good to be back so some sort of normality.

Matthew has been busy again cooking. He made a Banoffee Pie and some fruit scones.  Simon made an Apple & Blackberry crumble with custard.  The boys have been great helping to keep us all fed, mainly naughty things.

Simon has been at school again.  He went in one day last week and has two this week.  He has a week of no school visits next week and then only has two days the following.  That will be it until September when they are saying it should get back to normal or the 'new normal', who knows.

Matthew started football training last night.  They are in groups of 5 children per coach and just did basic fitness, a little bit of dribbling and shooting.  I am still not convinced that they need to start this early; it feels a bit of unnecessary exposure to more people, although it is nice that he is seeing other children his age, they still have to socially distance themselves. 

Simon was due to start back his football training this week, but we got a message last night telling us that the football club is not opening up the youth age groups as yet and they are thinking that the season won't start back at its normal time in September either, so basically no need to rush.  I am quite happy with that.

I noticed that Teddy found it strange that Chris and Matthew were both out last night for a little while.  He is so used to us all being here together in the evenings.  It was odd for me too to be honest as I had to get their tea prepared for 8:45 instead of the normal time.  It seems so long ago that our evenings were flying here and there with the boys and all going in various directions.  I feel like we have our comfy slippers on in the evening now and don't want to get out of that, it will come as a bit of a shock when things to change.

So last Tuesday, the day I last blogged was 15 years since we lost my Mum and yesterday 15 years ago was her funeral.  I even found her Order of Service today - I keep everything. I find it hard to go back and remember as it was such a difficult time in our lives and one you try to forget for emotional reasons, but in no way do I forget the crazy lady that was my Mum.  When I say crazy I don't mean mad in the head, I'm sure if you knew her, you would understand what I am saying. I just mean she was full of life and even up to the last time I saw her wandering around the hospital she was making me laugh and more or less telling me there wasn't really anything wrong and that I was to go on my family holiday to the Lake District.  I know why she told me to do that, as she didn't want us to miss it, but I wish she hadn't.  We ended up coming home at midnight during the week as she took a turn for the worse and she wasn't really with it when I next saw her.  I would rather have spent some time with her than going on my holiday and that is a very big regret I have, but I did what she wanted me to do, that's the only way that I can look at it now... blooming woman!  Miss her loads, and have some great memories but very few photographs of her.  She was always behind the camera not the one in the actual shot!

The family are pleased that football is back on the TV - I am not sure if I am happy about it or not.  On one hand, its good to stop them from moaning and out of mischief, but on the other, the TV is always full of football at the moment and I stupidly encourage it by letting them use my laptop.  Oh, to have a family of boys where I am the only female.  They do look after me though and look down at me,  as I am the smallest apart from Teddy and Pippa.

My hairdresser is now back at work and asked if I wanted an appointment.  I have decided to keep cutting my hair myself for a little longer as I just don't feel comfortable going there at the moment.  Its nothing against my hairdresser at all, it's just the way I feel.  I also need to have it coloured and what needs doing could take around 3 hours, which is a long time to be in the company of a few people.  It is not urgent, so its best to just leave it for now.

As I mentioned I have been reading a lot and something struck a chord with me in one of the books.  What is happening at the moment with this virus and how we are living makes you realise that we are living but not 'living' if you know what I mean.  We are all just going through the motions of getting up, working, eating and then going to bed for it all to start again the next day.  With the obvious difference at the weekends.  But are we actually enjoying ourselves?  Are we doing what we want to be doing?  Are we meeting up with friends and family?  Have we booked a holiday away for a break?  I would say that the answer to most of them is 'NO'!  But at present, there is no way of changing this due to the restrictions and danger of catching Covid.  I don't know and neither does anyone else know how catching this virus would affect them, so there is no point in putting yourself at risk of getting it. Fingers crossed it doesn't carry on like this until this time next year.  I just want to get back to normal.

As you can see not an awful lot has happened in the Reeve Household since last Tuesday, but as usual I have managed to ramble on about something.

You all take care and have a lovely week..... so until next week.... keep your distance and stay safe.