The Extreme Staycation

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Lockdown Today is the longest day of the year. This is of course the day when we have the longest period of sunlight and it's all downhill from now on, a slow decent into winter. That's a little depressing isn't it? In a week that has included torrential rain and thunderstorms, it's tempting to think that our lockdown summer is over, but apparently next week is gonna be a scorcha! As the chances of going anywhere on holiday seem fairly remote, I'm considering taking the week off, erecting a cocktail bar in the garden and creating my own "all inclusive" get away without leaving the premesis. This does have its advantages: 1. No flying, passport control, packing needed. 2. I know I'll like the food and there will be plenty of vegan options - actually, what am I saying, it's a vegan hotel! 3. Still have access to all the on-demand TV I desire 4. If I don't like a book I'm reading, I have fa...

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Lockdown Growing news! We have one courgette which is hanging on for dear life. The tomatoes have refused to grow anymore, so they have been trasnplanted outside.  It's a tense moment while we see what happens to them. We have a new bean plant addition - it didn't do well in transit and is looking decidedly limp at the moment. The brussell sprouts have been thinned and planted outside and so far so good. In positive news, the carrots and peas are growing well and the potatoes may be taking over the garden!  They are THRIVING!  I'm so excited to eat our own spuds come autumn Potatoes:

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Lockdown When presented with a large expanse of time I think it's human nature to try to fill it. I have loads of plans, things to do and I bet I won't do half of them.  Here are some I imagine we share: Read those books/journals/magazines you don't normally have time to Spend time learning a language Finish that boxset Pick up the instrument you always wanted to learn/have neglected since school Garden Filing Get ahead on my tax return Part of the reason we won't do them is that actually we don't have any more time.   Many people will still be expected to be working full time, just in their pyjamas, so there goes 8 hours. Lots read on their commute - commute is a lot shorter: especailly if you have your laptop in bed. Kids - usually they are at school for the majority of the day, now you have to be teacher/online learning enforcer and their after-school club One thing we might get i...

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Self-Isolation Today I went shopping early, there was fresh food on the shelves and I got some bananas - hooray! Like half the country, I've also been to Homebase/a garden centre.  I've always wanted to grow my own fruits and vegetables but I've killed the hardiest of house plants (I'm not kidding, I've killed cactuses) so haven't bothered following through.  However, as I now have the time, this is the moment to prove myself wrong. We have planted a variety of herbs, courgettes, tomatoes, cauliflowers, brussel sprouts, carrots and peas, the potatoes are "sprouting" and I've bedded more chillies than anyone will ever need (thanks to Wahaca and their little seed packs).  It's all quite exciting.  If literally anything sprouts a little green shoot I'll be delighted. Went for a jog/run and then ploughed through a lot of wine, negating the run somewhat, but hey, self-isolation. ...