Corona Diaries

Lillian

“A wonderful second round of lockdown quizzing with the parents and we emerged as the leaders after

round 2! Unbelievably my mother wore a Hooters vest during the game! They only went for the wings!”

Background information

Female, Living in North East of England, Lives with Husband Mike and Two Teenagers Ava and

James, alongside Dog Oscar.

All diaries are from Facebook posts

21st March 2020 – first entry

We made some soup

We went for a 4 mile walk

We ate some chips

We played on the switch

We played a board game

We ate an XL Easter egg

Someone else wore my underwear..

Excited for day 2. We are.

Day 2

Everyone wore their own clothes.

The kids are learning German.

The husband is betting on horses in Tampa Bay.

This was not a good year to give up Prosecco for lent.

Day 3

The kids behaved.

The kids are still learning German.

The dog was a greedy bell end and needs to learn his food is also rationed.

The kitchen cupboards are sorted in datal order.

We managed to eat dinner before our usual 8:30pm.

I wore jeans not sure when the next time they fit will be.

So day 4

Has it only been 4 whole days!

Today brought.

A failed attempt trying to reach Sarah in Dubai, we miss your face and sass.

A silent disco from the youngest (I’d post a video but she gets enough grief for THAT baby photo)

Both the kids are still learning German.

FaceTimed both the in laws and the parents, a reasonable success a couple of finger over the camera and

putting the phone to their ear moments. They’ll get there.

Impressed the mother in law is staying in touch with her friends via Zoom.

Very impressed by Mam’s sock craft skills, shame the neck is back front and his beak looks bleak. It’s a

flamingo btw.

Aside from that it’s was business as usual and the dog wasn’t a dick today.

Day 5

Today is gonna be the day that they're gonna throw it back to you

By now, you should have somehow realised what you gotta do..

Just stay at bloody home and do what Bozza says.

Today brought..

First day of all of us WFH and homeschooling.

Not entirely convinced the husband was on a call when the kids were screaming for DINNAA!

The g&t when I stepped out the shower at 6:30pm suggests not.

The kids helped each other with school work before all hell broke loose during a Nintendo Switch game.

The kids are still learning German.. go my little multilingual darlings.

Despite me getting a delivery of a months worth of “hello fresh” for dogs, the dog behaved like a barking

bell end. Should of let the bugger starve.

Lush to catch up with Sarah. Impressed she was cooking a meal on the call, you’ve changed mind

I also ran 5k. Washed and dried my hair. Tomorrow might slap on some make up just cos.

It’s acceptable to have 3 doubles g&t’s before 8pm. This is not question btw.

Oh and friends with Disney plus. Any good? Need to convince the husband that I (I mean we) won’t be

watching Moana and Frozen on loop.

Day 6

We clapped

Day 7

Never been so overwhelmed with emotion at standing in the street last night clapping with the neighbours.

Huge appreciation for all the key workers you are all brilliant

And so Day 7

Up showered, hair washed, dried, straightened and little bit of make up on before 7. Really should have

whacked on the video option on the work team call.

We did a circuit in the garden. Workout not electrical.

Went for a walk with the not so much of a bell end dog, thankfully it’s someone else’s doggo that’s wearing

the dickhead crown today. Pet if you can’t recall it then leash it it’s that simple.

Made up new & inventive ways of going up & down the stairs.

My innner mixologist made child 2 a mocktail only to find the grenadine was 4 years out of date, she’ll

be reet.

Made a curry, not to the usual standard as we couldn’t buy organic. Can’t really grumble though eh

Annoyingly my right legging kept riding up, the left didn’t budge.

Day 8

I would like to leave this city

This old town don't smell too pretty and

I can feel the warning signs running around my mind

And when I leave this island

I'll book myself into a soul asylum

'Cause I can feel the warning signs running around my mind

The dickhead dog had the runs, been very quiet today.

Scrubbed the bathrooms and almost flooded the kitchen.

Watched Beverley Hill Chihuahua.

Spent 5 episodes of friends and 2 pink g &t’s in the bath. Thanks to bar man Mike!

Had a fab virtual quiz and catch up with the parents and in laws. Shame about the result.

I didn’t wear my watch.

Applied my new eye shadow palette because staying is most definitely the new going out.

All the loves.

Day 9

We lost an hour. A whole 60 minutes. A whole 3600 seconds.

Made bacon sarnies.

Went for a 4 mile walk with the dog. Who is behaving himself but did one of those plops that when you pick

it up you can’t help but gag

Did a 45 minute living room boxercise class with Ava. Courtesy of her fab kickboxing instructors.

Made Sunday lunch.

Watched Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone.

Decided that every time I open the fridge I must do 30 squats, so far ninety million done today plus or

minus.

The hubby hurt his hamstring.

We are now betting on horses in tampa bay.

Attached proof of Sunday lunch and workout. You wouldn’t want the dog plop proof.

Stay safe

Day 10

The mental well-being bit is kicking in, offset my meh feeling this morning with a 5.6 mile walk around the

rising sun today. Adhering to social distancing regulations at all times.

Had a salad for lunch. M&S chicken skewers, babyleaf salad, pink slaw and jalapeños

Watched The Simpsons Movie.

Dinner was chicken, potato wedges and roasted veg (not wasting a thing).

Played the Game of Life.

James has challenged himself to grow a man bun. That boy has the most lovely locks and eyelashes for

that matter.

I realise this pretty much looks like a food diary which is why I’ve left off the so far 2 glasses of wine.

As you were...

Stay classy

Legs eleven

Day 11

Dressed, make up the lot today and even turned the video option on our daily team meeting. You lot are

privileged.

Had a proper treat of a breakfast porridge made with semi skimmed milk... I know it was so creamy it felt

wrong.

The dog is knackered after all the social distancing walks yesterday.

Kids are still learning German. Although they were almost made to swim to Germany this afternoon trying a

boxercise class together.. they were shits until I bellowed at them to shut the...

Anyone else noticed an increase in the amount of bell end drivers since lockdown occurred? Saw 3 very

near misses on my one #lockdown walk of the day.

I’m still staring at my laptop but I have wine so it’s all ok!

Day 12

The chicken pox! The youngest is now Superteds best mate.

A pub in a box.

The dog going radge at a horse.

Gave the hubby a gift to replace something he’s had before he met me. His words guess what’s next then, I

hoped he meant his footy boots but no he did not.

The hubby changed the bag in the vacuum, we aren’t proper posh with a bagless vacuum yet.

Oh and I think the kids are still learning German.

Stay safe ❤

Day 13

We clapped.

Day 14

Wow! How lovely it was once again to stand at our front door and the neighbours at theirs last night to clap,

bang pans and holla our appreciation for the amazing key workers.

Started with the dog growling and being a 7 out of 10 on the canine bell end scale.

I’ve got the strength.. carried 225kilos of pebbles (not all at once) from the front to the back garden then

lifted them over the fence. The bloody padlock wouldn’t turn. However I (I mean we) miscalculated the

amount and need another 300kilo.

Enjoyed a great quiz with the work team happy to take a very close 2nd place, thanks to quiz master Simon

Parker for the questions and pua geordie theme.

Set out for a long dog walk with the hubby but we (I mean I) was too hungry and cut it short.

All was ok we had steak for tea and even the bell end dog got a share.

Phew, almost wine and googlebox time.

Take care

And Day 15

Did an 1hr ring fit on the Nintendo Switch wasn’t happy until I beat one of the kids bests!

Swept the decking whilst Mr S followed with his favourite the bloody hoover. I swear he loves Oliver more

than me!

The dog hurt his leg and needs a trip to the vet on Monday or he’s being a massive drama queen can’t

decide which ( he’s defo not a bell end today)

Ordered the 300kg of pebbles that no doubt I’ll end up humping over the fence.

Watched frozen with my poorly girl

Went for a walk with the hubby this time he surprised us with a biscuit each to stop our starvation. He also

stopped off for essential shopping on the way and bought me a bottle of champagne to prove he loves me

more than Oliver! Thanks P.

I wore a dress.

We bet on the virtual Grand National.

A wonderful second round of lockdown quizzing with the parents and we emerged as the leaders after

round 2! Unbelievably my mother wore a Hooters vest during the game! They only went for the wings!

Stay at home, stay safe and keep our key workers safe.

Much love xx

Day 16

Long walk early on with the pooch who seems to have picked up a little. We’ve upped the luxury on our

walks now with a biscuit each and even give ourselves a little biscuit cheers when we got half way round.

We cleaned the fascias. Hubby was amazed at how quickly and efficiently I did my half, the truth is I was so

hungry I needed to make lunch so totally power cleaned.

Ordered some decking cleaner.

Some questionable potatoes were presented for lunch. They were roasted in garlic, chilli and olive oil. Met

with a thumbs up from the Sampson jnrs.

Suggested buying an outdoor pizza oven. P was less than impressed.

We watched Harry Potter and the Chamber of secrets.

For the 16th day in a row I drank wine 🍷

Terrys Chocolate Orange mini eggs are wrong. Just a big orange smartie. Not a fan. Will stick segsations.

Now let’s see what Margret has to say.

Day Seventeen, just seventeen!

Started with an hour of Ringfit on the Nintendo Switch.

Virtual slimming world group via zoom lovely to see different faces and even better with a

#lockdownweightloss

I’ve done a lot of soul searching around career choices in the last two weeks. Today has definitely

confirmed that I should not be a painter and decorator. Although 13 yrs on we now have a shiny painted

kitchen cupboard.

I tried to glue something with polyfilla. I thought it was no more nails perhaps I should wear my glasses

more.

Made a roux sauce. That’s pretty much the consistency of polyfilla.

Now settling down with my poorly girl to watch Harry Potter and Prisoner of Azkaban.

Day 1-8.. eighteen

Back to my day job today and dreams of being a painter & decorator have gone. Thank god!

However when lockdown is over I’ll be proudly showing the insides of kitchen pantry and all its sparkly

whiteness.

The dog vomited all over the kitchen armchair.. nice one Oscar.

Ah one child has done their daily German and one hasn’t.

Proud of my eldest making his first dessert, it was Angel Delight but you’ve got to start somewhere.

We were being posh and have had quesadillas (geordie pronunciation is qwe-sa-dillaaazzz).

Being double posh drinking wine out of Tony Laithwaite wine tumblers. That man has been

my saviour during lockdown.

Now seeing what the Tiger King is all about..

Kisses

Day Ni-ni-ni 19, 19, ni-19 19 19, 19, 19, 19

300kg of garden stones arrived to complete filling our border. I was actually on a work call (not pretending)

so it was down to the Sampson boys to do the heavy work.

Thanks to P for braving Tesco and doing the grocery shop. Apparently there are still a few eejits not

following social distancing or the arrows on the floor.. but he did well with the list I gave him.

Beautiful day, we ate lunch in the garden.

The kids played cricket in the garden. The one with the pox is on the mend although she wasn’t quite as

argumentative as normal when they were playing so not back up to 100%.

The dogs farts are particularly bad today sort of stick in the back of your throat.

Did a 4.18 mile walk which involves walking out of NE12 and into NE28. We ate our biscuit too early

though, my fault I was in charge and it was all I could think about from when we left the house.

I’ve had a glass of Moldovan wine. I’ve had better.

I like Justin Bieber.

9th April - Day 20

So much has happened but only one thing to say..

We clapped 💕❤

10th April - Recap on day 20

It was once again an absolute joy standing at our front door neighbours at theirs to clap, clatter and holler in

appreciation for our NHS workers, care workers, teachers, food chain suppliers, supermarket staff, delivery

drivers and all other key workers last night. You are all stars we are grateful and proud of all

you 👏👏🌈🌈💕💕.

Yesterday also brought the first of the cross continent quizzes. Thanks to Jessie Green for the questions

and to all our participants Maria Davies , Brian Robson, Christine Sampson, George Sampson and our

Dubai lovelies Sarah Clark & Tony Clark. Good quiz, good banter and the miles are irrelevant. Miss and

love you all xx

Happy to have pipped first place by a point!

Day 21

Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air

I know I can count on you

Sometimes I feel like saying "Lord I just don't care"

But you've got the love I need

To see me through

Well this marks 3 weeks, 3 whole weeks with our nearest and dearest. I’m grateful we have each other for

company.

Lie in today surfaced around 08:30.

Our meal schedule has been dedicated by use by date so a roast dinner on good Friday it was.

Good Friday also marks the end of lent so yay my Prosecco ban is over woohoo 🙌

Sazza’s barbershop opened for business.

The youngest with pox is feeling much better and we did a garden boxercise and toning workout. Shame

that when we did ab crunches the dog decided to pee not far from her head 🤣..

Some half hour later the hubby sat in it, eeh mee shorts are damp... 🤣🤣

Lovely Zoom with the Tony Clark & Sarah Clark we miss you so much.

We watched Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Should have been on holiday this week. That is by the by we are happy, safe and keeping other safe.

Happy Easter, stay safe xx

11th April - Day 22

Two little ducks twenty two.. quack quack.

Perhaps I should try bingo calling instead.

Started the day with some fruit & yoghurt followed by a 5.5 mile lockdown walk with the hubby and dog.

Kids surfaced around 10ish. The eldest has sat most of the day and scored the 4th day of

Ashes Headlingey test for 2019.

I recreated Wagamamas wok fried greens for lunch.

Me and the youngest watched Erin Brockovich. Enjoyed that.

Drank pink gin & watched Friends in the bath... again. On getting out of the bath I wasn’t sure whether to

use day or night cream it was 16:30.

Currently trying to follow the Tailenders live quiz on Instagram this is not going well.

🌈💕xx

12th April - Day twenty-three

Comes a little earlier. I’m shattered and looking forward to

watching a crap comedy on telly after dinner.

So went for a walk with the hubby and the dog. The stupid animal went for a German Shepherd, the dog

not the hubby.

We decorated eggs in the garden thinking it would be as warm as yesterday. The feeling in my painting

hand is just coming back.

FaceTime with the parents and the sis in law to determine the winner of the egg decorating

competition. I’ll let you all make your own judgement.

We ate the Camembert as the fridge smelt worse than the dog passing wind last week.

Easter is usually family time it’s hard not see loved ones. So I’ve put a little PicCollage of some of the

Easters past.

The dog has the shits.

We are having spaghetti with a spicy tomato sauce for dinner..

All the loves

13th April - Day 24

Also known as a potato gate.

Awoke just in time for a 09:30 slimming world zoom meeting. The #lockdown eating plan hasn’t gone to

plan with a 1lb on this week.

Mr S has been banned from picking movies until he’s decided he’s not Kevin Harts biggest fan.

The youngest Sampson is over the pox and went for a walk with the hubby and dickhead dog.

As they walked the dog the eldest and I did 5k. My fastest in about a year just shows what you can do on a

diet of chocolate, carbs and grape.

I’ve penned 3 rounds of this weeks lockdown quiz.

Got accused of not equally dividing the potatoes out for dinner... I just saved them for last and no

I didn’t hide them in my pockets or bra. There wouldn’t be room in either given the weight gain.

Now to watch Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Stay safe and please share your potatoes equally 😂💕🌈🌈

14th April - Day 25

Woke up in a proper fettle needed 2 coffees to feel human. Back to work in the home office today, the

dining chairs are not comfy to sit at for prolonged periods.

The dog did the canine equivalent to Hokey Cokey. In, out, bark it all about.

I used a tin opener.

Weighed out 15g of prawn crackers for each us to be sure I wouldn’t be accused of giving myself

preferential treatment.

Now to watch episode 5 & 6 of the Tiger King.

15th April - Day 26

Awoke with an awful headache off some cheap Chilean wine.

I showered in the morning.

We switched offices hubby is now downstairs dealing with the dog and I’ve hijacked the upstairs desk.

About time.

We all had different lunches and used three pans. The eldest called it our lunch pandemic.

This weeks garden game of cricket ended once the dog ran off with a ball and the eldest got bowled in the

balls.

The kids made Angel Delight and used half an Easter as it’s bowl.

The eldest downloaded GTA I’m not keen it has far too many swears.

Now on to the last episode of the Tiger King (I keep calling it the lion king I don’t think Mufasa would be

pleased)

💕🌈 xx

16th April - Day 27

We clapped 👏👏👏

💕💓 🌈🌈 xx

17th April - Day 28

Once again lovely to hear the NE12 massive clapping, clattering, whooping and hollering for our key

workers last night 🌈💕

Got up at stupid o’clock to try and get the dog out and off lead before the rest of the world decided to walk

their k-9 pals. It didn’t work 19 mins in greeted with 6 dogs and 3 owners!

However the dog for once behave and poo’d right next to a bin.. those with dogs will know.

Working upstairs I thought some sort of war had broken out it turns the youngest had buttered the oldest

bread! Now I’m beginning to wonder if the biggest bell end really is the dog.

Did another cross continent quiz. Once again the Dubai crew just pipped I can’t remember them being

THAT clever but you know people change 😂

Even did my hair to play quiz master. I mean I’ll never be Rachel Riley or Carole Vorderman but a lass can

try.

We had gnocchi for dinner, pretending we were back in Sorrento. The wine wasn’t as good obvs.

Sorry to say that we are now down to Moldovan and lativian wine. Is a New Zealand Sav Blanc really

essential?

Turns out the kids are still learning German.

Also the dog needs a haircut.

Stay safe lovelies, time for more wine and googlebox 😘🌈💕💓

18th April - And so day 29

5.7 mile with the dog who did the following..

Tried to poo on a kerb and kept falling off

Attacked a dog statue.

Barked at every dog we passed.

Whilst on the walk we spotted people with take out coffee. Turns out Pink Lane bakery in Gosforth are

doing take away the queue was huge but defo on our list to go when we are out of this.

Also lovely to see Ruby and have a little social distancing chat 💕

Recreated Nando’s for dinner with some success.

The youngest was delighted by her Shaughna joggers from In The Style that got delivered. It was the most

expensive things she’s bought on her card and all other transactions were food based.

Could really do with some retail therapy but made do with H&M online and a gin in the bath.

Lovely to catch up with my bro and his family with my parents all on Zoom. My mother’s words were at least

in the war you could go out, you took the risk but you could still go out. Love her 💕

I fancy dying my hair pink. Obviously when the hairdresser opens, I’ve learnt from my teen mistakes.

Now to watch Peter Kay from last night.

Hugs 🤗 💓 xx

19th April

Day dirty dirty thirty (those bongo bingo goers will know)

Made the most delicious flat white this morning.

Cleaned the fronts of the kitchen cupboards

Did a garden circuit with the youngest, it was hard, sweaty and sweary.

Walked the dog with the hubby for 3.7 miles, the dog has a weird thing about pooing on or near a kerb.

I showered twice.

We had a garden game of quoits. I’ll let you decide who was the biggest tosser, Mr S got the highest

score.

We’ve ordered a swingball. I may regret this thinking about the early 90’s black eye my brother inflicted on

me.

I drank aperol spritz the hubby forgot the soda water no wonder I feel a bit fuzzy.

We got a takeaway, I’m fed up of cooking and I love cooking.

Now to watch One World: Together at Home

Lots of love 💕 🌈🌈

20th April - Day 31

Tough day. Always focus on the positives 🌈.

Bathed the dog, he has some serious 90’s curtains going on. Think I may need to open sazzas barber and

groomers.

Me and the hubby ran round the kitchen trying to flick yoghurt at each other.

My Strava went into minus miles.

Gousto for dinner this week. Needed some change.

The youngest made the lounge into the cinema. Love her 💕😘.

Let’s see what the Moldovan Plum Valley is like.

Hugs 🤗 xx

21st April - Day 32

Bit of a boring one really.

Happy that despite the wine tasting like the smell of a goat last night, I woke up headache free.

I’ve taken the window desk in the spare room which has direct view of the street. Today someone got a

grocery shopping delivery. Someone else also had a little comedy stumble in the street they were fine and I

couldn’t help but giggle.

The eldest has had D&V goodness where he’s got that. Given he’s barely moved from his

bedroom. He’s not been too bad though and there was little impact on his PS4 activity.

Ordered some posh steaks for the weekend.

The dog is snoring really loudly.

Kisses xx 🌈

22nd April - Day 33

Slept in.

Had a lovely almost 4 mile walk with the dog & husband. Hard to decide who is the best company.

The swingball arrived. Already one minor injury to the nose.

We had a lovely dinner of papardelle, bacon and asparagus.

Now to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Goodnight 💕🌈🌈

23rd April - Day 34

We clapped.

👏👏🌈🌈💓💓

24th April - Day 35

Tough, tough, tough day today.

Focus on the positives that will make others and yourself smile.

I tried TikTok, I was not adequately attired in brassiere department.

Ate a pasta pick and mix.

The youngest tried to learn the dog cha cha slide. He was not impressed.

Kisses 😘💕 🌈 xx

25th April - Day 36

Smile and the world smiles with you.

Mr S said I looked glam just shows what a pair of sunglasses some lip tint and activewear does.

Walked 7 miles. Hoping to do 10 next Saturday. It was nice and the weather helped.

We ate pizza in the garden followed by a vicious game of swingball and garden cricket. Thankfully eyes,

noses and windows are all still in tact.

Watched Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2. Gutted we’ve finished watching them.

All the loves 💕💕🌈🌈 xx

26th April - Day 37

Some might say we will find a brighter day.

And we will.

I ran 10k as part of the 2.6 challenge. Furthest I’ve ran in a while.

Whilst it’s perfectly ok for families to go out together please be sensible enough to drop to single file so

others can pass safely.

The dog for the first time in his 6 years chased and fetched a ball. Seems you can teach an old dog new

tricks.

I attempted to recreate some Miller & Carter recipes with some success.

We are not discussing Mr S’s lockdown weight gain nor are we discussing his swingball shoulder.

I bought some dungarees.

Much love 💙💕 🌈 xx

27th April - Day 38

Everything will work out in the end. You don’t need to know how. Just have to trust that it will.

1/2 lb off in the slimming world zoom room today. Nice catch up too.

Lovely 6 miles walk with the hubby, youngest and the O dog. Passed Pink Lane Bakery which had a

small queue so we decided to see what the fuss was about. Mr S queued him being the hunter man and

that, worth the wait for the delicious cappuccino and sourdough bread.

My jeans still fit for now but after the bakery offerings I’m not sure they will.

Tried to clip the dogs nails this didn’t go well. Anyone with tips on how to do this with a dog that won’t stand

still please let me know. Can I just file them? I’ll not go to the extent of gel polish though.

The fastest I’ve seen the eldest move during lockdown apparently the WiFi had gone off not during a

college lesson just a game of Fifa or GTA I imagine.

I really really want to give my mama a massive cuddle.

Now to watch Disney Cars, kerchiga.

28th April - Day 39

Now this is a late one.

Not much to say really.

Got lost on our daily walk and my watch died so didn’t record the mileage.

It’s cold.

The youngest came into my “office” and did the loudest burp when I was on a call. Thankfully the mic was

muted.

Child two has also been channeling her inner Van Gogh and started painting. Hubby also joined in painting,

he thinks he’s a pro given his Trombone painting hung in the headmasters office for a term or two.

The eldest has been looking at universities.

Both kids are still learning German.

Second day in a row I wore jeans.

Stay safe 🌈🌈💓 xX

29th April - Day naughty forty

Up and out early for a 5.7 mile just me and my Oscar dog. Lovely to have Mam in my ear for some it.

Mr S and the youngest did a 12 mile bike ride. Whilst the eldest stayed at home and watched Waterloo

Road, seriously.

Made bacon sandwiches on return from the walk. Proper treat. So full I couldn’t eat lunch, those that know

me well know that’s not how I operate.

I’ve had my fill of how to use watercolours and the brushstrokes. Love it was over 30 years but I’m sure

you’ve not lost your touch.

I looked at universities for the eldest. Mother knows best after all.

Love my Big Night In tshirt. Wearing it to clap super loud for our amazing NHS and key workers tomorrow.

It my Nana’s birthday. Happy Birthday xxx

I’m drinking red wine just because.

Kisses 😘 xx

30th April - Day 41

We clapped 👏 👏

Louder and harder than we have clapped before.

Thank you NHS and all of our key workers

🌈🌈💕💕💕 xx

1st May - Day 42

Wow what a week. Got to hand to my Mam for holding her shit together she amazes me how strong she is.

Absolute legend Maria Davies 💕🌈

Half day Friday. Lovely 5.3 miles walk with the hubby and the youngest. Aside from the run into the woods

for Mr S who got caught short!

My new dungarees arrived I love them and will wear them so much.

Lovely catch up with the clan today. If only we could hug 🤗 , the time will come and we’ll be all the more

grateful for it.

The eldest’s tv got so hot. I used the phrase you could fry an egg off that.

Now to munch through the cheese board the youngest has to put together and watch first dates hotel. I

mean who doesn’t love a piece of Fred.

As you were, much love and stay safe 💓💓🌈🌈

2nd May - Day 43

And so week 7 begins.

The hubby went for our click n collect early doors whilst I channeled my inner Mrs Hinch and cleaned the

bathrooms.

I cut the dogs hair!

Mr S and I walked 8.2 miles ditched the dog and kids nice to have some time for us. Seems after all these

years we still have all the laughs and are really quite fond of each other 😍..

I may have unleashed my inner princess on our walk when greeted with a 1000 steps plus or

minus. It’s been a while since she’s been out to be fair.

We found a coffee take away with no queue lovely to have a nice Americano and 5lb Mike came back with

a slab of chocolate brownie.

Lovely chat with Mam too 🤗

Drank pink gin in the afternoon because it’s Saturday and that’s what we do on Saturday now.

We played cards against humanity the family edition and Taskmaster. What a hoot!!

I wore my dungarees again and apparently look like Tony Harts apprentice.

Cooking chicken and potato spinach curry for dinner.

Lots of love 💕 🌈🌈 xx

3rd May - Day 44

Updated to include the cupcakes. Sorry Jessie Green 💓💓

Failed running attempt and pulled hamstring. Cheered myself up with some trainers or as the kids say fresh

crepes. Kidding myself that my hamstring injury was a result of bad shoes and not lazy glutes.

Found my princess running tshirt and it’s been apt over the last few days.

We sung and danced around the kitchen island. Seems I can’t walk like an Egyptian, I knew my

coordination was bad not that bad though.

Made a roast chicken dinner. Skimmed milk is definitely not suited to Yorkshire pudding batter but the

homemade gravy was spot on.

The youngest made cupcakes.

We are not talking about my lockdown weight gain. I’m no 5lb Mike but the conversation stops now.

I may have used the middle finger excessively today.

Now for some homeschooling. We are teaching the kids Texas hold’em.

Much love. Stay safe 😘💕🌈 xx

4th May - Day 45

I’m calling it my bees need a hive.

I’ve ironed. The rest of the household haven’t seem to grasp that we only wear non iron/ gym wear.

Lovely Zoom catch up with the SW clan #teamapple

The eldest helped the youngest with her Maths homework. They are both still learning German.

Did some kerbside drops to my Mam and the in-laws, we can’t eat all the lovely cupcakes.

Yesterday’s hamstring injury hurt more than expected when walking the foam roller is coming back out.

The dog was more of a dick today.

Back to work, well WFH tomorrow.. I shall try and be less of a princess.

❤🌈

5th May - Day 46

Long shift in the spare room today. Even made an effort showered, hair done and make up done.

The youngest walked the dog who lived up to his reputation of being a bit of an eejit.

The eldest smashed a plate. Declaring he was learning Greek next.

It seems you can’t teach a dog new tricks. Not a reference to the dog but to the husband. Recipe said to

dissolve coconut cream in water, it would have helped if he’d took it out of the packaging first.

Lovely gift of a new game from Mam. We’ve played and are still speaking to each other win win!

Finally thanks for all the lovely words and checking in on us and my Dad over the last week or so. It really

means a lot.

Muchos love 💕 🌈🌈

6th May - Day 47

I honestly had no idea what day it was!

The kids played cricket and swingball in the garden. All limbs, noses and eyes remain in tact.

The dog played wicket keeper in said cricket game.

Mr S has swapped from supporting the local bakeries to supporting the local breweries.

Risotto never takes 30 minutes to cook. Don’t be fooled by the recipes.

My new trainers arrived 😍

Tomorrow is Thursday! Yet also Friday as bank holiday Monday is now bank holiday Friday. Confused? I

am.

Hugs 💕🌈 xx

7th May - Day 48

We clapped and clattered as hard as we could.

Thank you key workers, volunteers and our amazing NHS ❤❤🌈🌈

8th May - Day 49

Brought us a 5.2 mile walk. Tricked the youngest saying we were doing 3. Stopped at our

new favourite Brew & Bite for a nice flat white.

I plucked the dogs ears 🤢

We ate lunch in the back garden. Listened to Churchill’s speech, looked at the clouds, played quoits and I

won a game of poker whilst sipping a wine and soda. Living my best life.

Moved to the front garden to enjoy a socially distance drink with the neighbours.

Lovely game of zoom bingo and a north east quiz with the Sampsons. Hoping to enjoy our virtual winnings

soon.

So lovely to have a catch up with the folks on the phone. ❤❤❤❤

Tomorrow brings the start of week 8.

I can’t imagine how this experience would have felt in my childhood without WiFi.

All the love 💕 🌈🌈 xx

9th May - Day fifty or fitty if you like

Lovely breakfast coffee in the garden made by Mr S this morning. He’s a good un.

It’s my favourite day. It’s shopping click n collect day. For one day only the fridge will be full before the

teenager gannets get their way!

The eldest baked the first time in his 17 years. I don’t think I’ve heard him shout Maaaammmm so much in

years. I also think this will be the last time.

I spent an hour procrastinating about going on our daily exercise today. Got out for a walk with the hubby

minus kids and dog. Decided we’d do about 3 miles ended up doing over 7 including getting lost in an

industrial estate.

Back to Tesco again this evening to pick the parents shopping up. Lovely to see Dad smiling through the

window and being his cheeky self 💙

Pic of the dog looking cute before barking like a dickhead in the garden.

Tomorrow is Sunday. We don’t have a bank holiday Monday because that was yesterday although it was

Friday. Confused, I still am?

Hope everyone has been able to enjoy a little bit of sun in the garden this weekend ❤🌈🌈 xx

10th May - Day 51

A bit of a lie in. The perks of having teens during a pandemic.

Mr S made a nice flat white. Whilst I did some lovely baked oats for breakfast.

Hubby also put the pic up we get on our travels to Dubai in early February ❤

Tried my new trainers on a 5k with my boy. The trainers felt good and it’s nice to have company on a run.

Watched 2 episodes of Inside the Ambulance with the youngest. We love it. I’m trying to encourage her into

being a medic. I’m not sure she’s that thrilled.

Played logo with the kids and won. Nothing unusual that.

Lovely FaceTime with the parents once they sorted the camera out.

Enjoyed watching the Tailenders #gowellquiz. Hilarious I’m going to start on the podcast.

Whilst Boris spoke a single Magpie flew into the garden, I’m not superstitious but.

Excited that I can take the dickhead dog on multiple walks come Wednesday. Apparently you have to drag

him if I’m not there. Seems I’m pack leader!

We’ve decided to call Laura Kuensberg. One coat Kuensberg. I’m sure she’s had worse.

Tomorrow is Monday. M-o-n-d-a-y

🌈🌈xx

11th May - Day 52

Up and out early to take a trip to the pharmacy for the parents. Nothing concerning they needed

some fixodent to mend a crown!

Back home for the Slimming World Zoom Room. This is one of the highlights of the week always a giggle.

I’m not talking about this weeks weight gain, I’m edging towards 5lb Mike.

With the weight gain in mind 45 mins of RingFit on the Nintendo Switch was needed.

Batched cooked a little and enjoyed a nice lunch with the kids. Hubby is now back to work

as he’s manufacturing. I’m a little sad and a little glad at the same time.

I washed the kitchen floor.

Actually chilled out for an hour with a nice coffee and some crap telly. It’s not often I do this.

3.6 mile walk with the dog and Mr S once he returned from work.

I found out I share the same birthday as the PM.

Back to the office in the dining room tomorrow.

I’m going to avoid wine tonight. Will I do it? Find out tomorrow.

Love 💕 xx

12th May - Day 53

Meh. Not a great day.

I didn’t drink wine on day 52 but have on day 53.

Long old day in the home office and so many calls I’ve almost lost my voice. I have talked a lot.

My favourite bra succumb to the perils of the washing machine and is now de-wired. Why

this doesn’t happen to a manky old grotty was white now beige bra I have no idea.

I don’t own a needle and thread.

Thanks for the lovely note. You know who you are.

Take care of each other ❤❤💕

13th May - Day 54

Took the afternoon off spent time with my wonderful kids.

Virtual hugs for everyone that needs them ❤

14th May - Day 55

We clapped 👏👏💕🌈🌈

Thank you to all our fabulous key workers ❤

Take care of each other ❤

15th May - Day 56

Brought an early start! Damn hubby getting a message pre 6am.

Weirdly had to drop my laptop into the office for a software upgrade. Walked across with the youngest and

the dog. Lucky enough to work and live in the postcode area. I’m reluctant to use my car for

work again.. until it rains.

The dog went to the groomers for a socially distant haircut. He’s not impressed.

Zoom quiz night. Well done to the eldest for arranging the questions. Gutted we only got 6/10 on the round

about our own child!

We had steak and gnocchi for dinner. The youngest wishes she had a very long tongue to clean the tomato

sauce off her face rather than put the effort into washing it.

There are so many things I wish I could do but can’t. It’s important to stay safe for now and hopefully if

everyone follows suit we’ll be able to do the things we want to do quicker. ❤

16th May - Day 57

Click n collect day 🙌 a fully stocked fridge but for how long.

Also click n collect drop off for my parents. So social distance catch up it was and lovely it was too.

The hubby got a banana out of the bin for breakfast seems me banging on about waste has finally got

through.

Me and Mr S walked 8.49 (that 0.01 is annoying me) miles through Newcastle city centre. He seemed to

forget my low threshold and phobia of crossing bridges, the princess pants were out when faced with a

monster of a bridge. A detour through Shieldfield it was.

Football restarted with the Bundesliga, the Sampson boys were happy and the sky bet got a hammering

acca a gogo. Given that he’s not mentioned anything I’m assuming he lost!

The dog is being a weirdo.

We tried to lift each other!

Looked through some old photos and found this beaut from 1992/93 school year!

Homemade chicken poppers and brisket for dinner. Followed by an amicable game of poker. Well done to

the eldest for winning that one.