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Baby Steps in May

The Prime-minister yesterday said that we have a “roadmap for re-opening”. Starting Wednesday, which seems random, but they are allowing construction workers and others who can do it safely... to go back to work. If they don’t take mass transit, that also helps. They are hoping in many cities to add "pop-up" bike lanes for safety. Anyway, looks like we are definitely past the peak, but can’t risk a second peak. So the new slogan "stay alert, save lives” instead of “stay home, protect the NHS & save lives”. A few more stores may open for take-away in the next few weeks, which would be wonderful. Starting Wednesday, we will also be allowed more than 1 outdoor exercise a day, and we will be allowed to drive to a place for exercise. So I’ll figure out some nearby walks we can do. I’ve been wanting to see Rutland Water(a lake) and we’ll see what else.

I also sewed a bunch more masks for neighbors, who are expecting to be going places soon, and masks are being encouraged.

The VE celebration last Friday was really fun! I made some homemade bunting which I hung. I also got to have tea with some neighbors- 10 feet away. Lovely to chatter to someone new! John was still finishing his work day. We missed Churchills speech at 3, had tea with neighbors at 4, went to get fish & chips & a hamburger at 5….and saw a roadside table with rhubarb on it, so I bought a “cord” of it for 2 pounds. Yay! Nothing says spring better than rhubarb.

Then there was a TV special at 8 with songs and music at Buckingham Palace (The Queen was at Windsor) Then the Queen spoke at 9:00. Everything was really well planned for TV. Since no one could celebrate with parades etc.

I did make the chicken enchiladas with the white sauce and the minced beef ones with the red sauce for Cinco de Mayo. Delicious, and I froze half for my next Mexican food attack. Tasty and familiar!

For Mother’s Day John and I walked to the grocery on Saturday, waited in line for 30 minutes. We got hassled because there were 2 of us, so we went in separately. I bought some white carnations and a few items, John got a few beers he was out of. They had a few flours, but I’m fine right now. They have been out of Red Leister cheese for 2 months, but a co-worker of John’s said one of the butchers has some. I will reconnoiter tomorrow- I’ve already had a 2.3 mile walk today. I’m done! And there was hail and rain when I was a mile from home. Luckily I had a windbreaker with a hood, and a scarf. The right clothing and footwear makes the difference here for sure!

The dress above is one I made using the ready to wear photo with the welcome sign. It was a fun knit dress to make, I love the fun play with stripes. The lower picture shows that I added a second set of ties. More fun- or perhaps funny I think!

My blood sugar is right on target these days, walking a million miles(not really) haven’t lost an ounce….what can you do? I’m getting sunshine to help up my dose of vitamin D…when the sun shines. Life is good as it gets in lockdown.

Hope you all are well, and don’t take chances. Think I’m going to explore and make a really small sugar free gingerbread cutout recipe. Until next week…