Lockdown Lifesavers

The latest lockdown seems never ending but we’ve just got to do it. There’s light at the end of the tunnel and we just have to adapt. Yes we had to give up Christmas plans and the future of the economy is a worry but my heart really goes out to those whose struggles have been hard and real. So at Reg&Bob HQ we’re refusing to feel sorry for ourselves and we’re trying to keep a positive vibe.

That’s not to say lockdown has been all fun, fun, fun. As Georgie Pillson would say it can often be rather tarsome. So here are my top 3’s; top entertainments , top frustrations and top anythings that have sped up lockdown and kept me amused. I mean we must be halfway through surely ?

I should amend any annoying positivity by adding - I only have one school age teen who manages his own home schooling - what a relief! But to balance this lucky escape it’s 20th January and I’m still managing dry January - that doesn’t come without some stress

So as far as lockdown entertainment is concerned, dog walking has been essential. The boys love their wet, muddy dog walks and the exercise and downtime is essential for physical and mental health. The local parks are heaving with joggers, cyclists and winter picnics and hence more rubbish than even Reg and Bob can manage! We definitely have to take them slightly further afield.

But what happens when the walks are over? Rather than playing family games like the good old days, I soon realised the teenagers were going to maximise their screen time as if lockdown was what they’ve been waiting for all these years!

So to television - what a disappointment! Who watches a programme called Coronavirus update? Definitely not my thing, the news is unhelpful and most of the other programmes pretty dire! We have thoroughly enjoyed Richard Osman’s House of Games though. On at 6pm, it’s a clever funny watch and perfect time for a glass of wine - when it isn’t January of course. I couldn’t think of another two programmes so it doesn’t make the top 3. Perhaps I’ve missed something - do let me know.

So like the rest of the family I turned to a computer screen for entertainment. But not only entertainment - with events cancelled and going virtual, Reg&Bob has had to adapt to a new way of working - a huge learning curve and alot of extra time staring at a screen, willing it to magically upload products onto event sites.

So you would think meals times would be a light relief but golly do boys eat! The store cupboard seems to empty overnight and that little treat you may have put by for yourself soon disappears - one’s tempted to started labelling! And the menu planning, I seem to be running a two day menu cycle but asking for suggestion is a big mistake - no fish pie isn’t quick to make!

So here they are - my top 3s. Do let me know your thoughts - we could be in lockdown a lot longer so there’s plenty of time for updates!

Stay safe.