The rain didn't stop all day. In some ways, this was a good thing as we needed to get our masks from the council distribution stall at Les Halles and because it was hosing down, there was hardly anyone waiting in the queue. We now have four masks, but we're still not entirely sure when we are expected to wear them. I think it's in shops. While we were collecting our masks, we nipped into Les Halles for a wander around. We'd already invited Fish for dinner on Monday to mark the start of deconfinement, and we wanted to get some more steak for this momentous meal. Iain also just loves floating about Les Halles and feeling all french. We also bumped into Hannah (Peuch) and it was great just chatting with a different adult.
After lunch, I announced that I had the flava for a sorting day. I wanted to start organising all of William's clothes that were too small for him: what needed to go on marketplace; what could go to charity; what was just fit for the bin. I felt that my indulgence also required similar workrate from Iain so I put the pressure on him to finally tackle the issue with the ladder on William's bed.
What. A. Job.
Iain had always said that it was going to be an almighty task, but I hadn't quite given this the credit it was due. Four and a half hours later, Iain was tightening the final screws. A helluva job for the big man, but I'm really happy with the change around. You don't have to manoeuvre yourself round the extra post when you're getting in and out now, and an unexpected outcome is that the tent sits closer to the headboard meaning more light can get into the room. Overall, a good outcome.
What. A. Job.
Iain had always said that it was going to be an almighty task, but I hadn't quite given this the credit it was due. Four and a half hours later, Iain was tightening the final screws. A helluva job for the big man, but I'm really happy with the change around. You don't have to manoeuvre yourself round the extra post when you're getting in and out now, and an unexpected outcome is that the tent sits closer to the headboard meaning more light can get into the room. Overall, a good outcome.
We wrapped up proceedings just as the family quiz was kicking off on zoom. I'd thrown together a beef stroganoff in the afternoon which had slow cooked for the best part of three hours so it was great to sit down to a well earned, delicious, home cooked meal. We even treated ourselves to a glass of wine. And finally, to seal our day, we bloomin' well won the quiz! Hurrah!
This whole day has also contained that little glimmer of excitement that changes are coming. Yes, the first phase of the deconfinement process begins tomorrow, Monday 11th May. William could return to school this week but we've chosen to keep him home. We don't want to take risks and put extra unnecessary pressure on Nathalie by having another kid back in the class. We're not key workers; he can stay home with us for the foreseeable. We've ran past the school a couple of times this week and you can see the preparations for the reopening. It will be interesting to hear how things go. In addition, Iain's work pace continues to gradually increase. Before we know it, he'll be back full time and these 55 days at home will feel like a distant memory. It's been a strange time and the emotions and feelings have been a real rollercoaster. Concern, horror, stress, relief, calmness, time to relax, time to do chores, time for running, time for walking, time for me, contentment, boredom, frustration, anxiety, excitement. It's all been part of it. I decided at the start of this lockdown that I would keep a diary and I'm really proud that I had the discipline to write something every day (or at least write about every day) for the duration. Some of it might feel like utterly pointless ramblings but I'm sure that in years to come it will prove to be an interesting memory jogger or, at the very least, a true reflection of this moment in time. So, France will start to come out of its shell as of tomorrow. It's likely that my posts will go back to being much more irregular but I am intending to keep a record of how the deconfinement goes. My greatest hope is that the restrictions are not being lifted too soon, resulting in a second wave, and further lockdowns. We must trust in the governments to have made the correct decisions for the good of the people, and hope for the best.
Lorna.
This whole day has also contained that little glimmer of excitement that changes are coming. Yes, the first phase of the deconfinement process begins tomorrow, Monday 11th May. William could return to school this week but we've chosen to keep him home. We don't want to take risks and put extra unnecessary pressure on Nathalie by having another kid back in the class. We're not key workers; he can stay home with us for the foreseeable. We've ran past the school a couple of times this week and you can see the preparations for the reopening. It will be interesting to hear how things go. In addition, Iain's work pace continues to gradually increase. Before we know it, he'll be back full time and these 55 days at home will feel like a distant memory. It's been a strange time and the emotions and feelings have been a real rollercoaster. Concern, horror, stress, relief, calmness, time to relax, time to do chores, time for running, time for walking, time for me, contentment, boredom, frustration, anxiety, excitement. It's all been part of it. I decided at the start of this lockdown that I would keep a diary and I'm really proud that I had the discipline to write something every day (or at least write about every day) for the duration. Some of it might feel like utterly pointless ramblings but I'm sure that in years to come it will prove to be an interesting memory jogger or, at the very least, a true reflection of this moment in time. So, France will start to come out of its shell as of tomorrow. It's likely that my posts will go back to being much more irregular but I am intending to keep a record of how the deconfinement goes. My greatest hope is that the restrictions are not being lifted too soon, resulting in a second wave, and further lockdowns. We must trust in the governments to have made the correct decisions for the good of the people, and hope for the best.
Lorna.
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