If someone had described the situation we’re in a couple of months ago I’d have thought they were describing some piece of weird, dark and never-going-to-happen literature (probably Russian). Yet here we are, confined to our own little corners and forbidden from going about our normal lives.
In January I was in Dorset, Guernsey and the French, Italian and Swiss Alps, in February I visited Kent, London, Birmingham and the Peak District, and in March I moved house from Hampshire to Wiltshire. Three weeks ago I stepped over the threshold of Hill HQ (my boyfriends’ parents’ house) and I’ve remained within running/cycling distance ever since.
As a hyperactive outdoor person, this is practically Armageddon. I live to explore and discover (hence curious) so being stuck within the same four walls is a little maddening. However, I’m very fortunate to be here for several reasons:
- I’m in the wonderful and incredibly hospitable company of Ryan’s parents, dog, two brothers and their girlfriends, so with eight (nine, including dog) of us quarantined together it’s never too quiet.
- Unlike my little cottage, Hill HQ has a garden.
- The New Forest is right on the doorstep, making this little corner of the outdoors just about accessible.
- The Hills are also outdoor people, so there are plenty of books, bikes and bits of gym, climbing and outdoor gear to keep me occupied.
So I’m in the best place possible, but I’m missing the mountains, the sea and all the wild bits in between more than ever. I’m guilty of looking wistfully through old photos, which used to make me twitchy-restless even in the pre-corona days. But I’m trying to make the most of having free time to spend creatively and productively.
Alongside working from home full time, I’ve played board games, card games, drinking games, darts, done quizzes, learnt crevasse rescue in the garden, made silly videos, started learning to lasso, read books, slacklined, been on several bike rides, lit a fire with flint and steel, slept in a tent, had my hair cut, had my ears pierced, gardened, written blog posts, ran, walked the dog, seen lots of wildlife, cooked, built a bird table, watched films, brewed alcohol, practised French, painted a deer, had an easter egg hunt, started painting a fish, caught up with friends, used the garage gym, painted a fence, mowed a lawn and started an environmental e-learning course.
My plan is to continue being productive: learn new skills, improve old skills, make things, keep in touch with people and do everything I’ve been meaning to do for a long time. I hope that this will keep me sane, at least until I can get away to the mountains again.
I hope everyone has the sense to stay home and make the most of having more of the greatest universal asset – time.