In this order...

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

How Not to Be a Boy by Robert Webb

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Lanny by Max Porter

A Burst of Light and Other Essays by Audre Lorde

Tags: #reading #june2020 #cv19 #lockdown

• Izzy's endless patience with my up and down mood
• Instigating a cake exchange with friends nearby
• The impending resumption of Premier League and fantasy football
• Having the choice to ignore the government's gradual lifting of lockdown

Tags: #gratitude #cv19 #lockdown #june2020

The fact that after two months I've finally finished reading ducks, Newburyport, the fact that I got into the rhythm of it quite early on but it felt like a slog nontheless, the fact that overall I'd say I enjoyed the insight into one person's mind, stream of consciousness, mountain lion, gun violence, mother-daughter relationships, polluted water, the fact that I could have done with less Laura Ingalls Wilder chat, the fact that all sense of time got distorted, sleep, wake, childhood memories, day-after-day, the fact that both nothing happened and everything happened, key events, flood, runaway, home invasion, mountain lion, the fact that it's a real feat of thought and creativity, the fact that I made cinamon rolls during the time I was reading this, but I don't have a Candy-Apple Red kneeding machine, the fact that now it's over I kind of miss her voice.

Tags: #reading #may2020 #cv19 #lockdown

• I got some fresh yeast from the bakery and have rekindled my love of baking bread and buns. Pictured above is a batch of Skillingsboller or shilling buns. Yum!
• Spent a couple of hours doing the crossword with my parents via video call
• Discovered we can now recycle a lot more plastic items from home
• Ate breakfast out in the yard on a couple of blisteringly hot days

Tags: #gratitude #cv19 #lockdown #may2020

...inspired by England's new lockdown slogan

On an evening walk

Stay alert while watching birds

Don’t fall over your feet

Tags: #cv19 #lockdown #stayalert #may2020

From the client:

• accept it won't be perfect
• be prepared to live with the outcome you get
• put all your trust in the hairdresser
• don't interfere unless asked for feedback

From the hairdresser:

• accept it won't be perfect
• aim for good enough
• start small to build confidence, you can always go back and do more

Tags: #may2020 #cv19 #lockdown

For the past five weeks I've only left the house to exercise. I've not been beyond a 2km radius from my house in that time.

This week I finally ventured further afield, hopping in the car to go to give blood at Newcastle Donor Centre. I was a little apprehensive about it, but it felt good to see some different scenery on the drive, passing by the cows on the Town Moor. The roads were quieter than usual but not as quiet as I'd expected. I found myself wondering where everyone was going.

While waiting my turn I bumped into a friend and we had a quick catch up. I hadn't realised quite how much those chance encounters are missing. The closest I've got recently are the momentary comedy stand offs on the street working out with strangers who is going to step aside.

Tags: #may2020 #cv19 #lockdown

• Discovering a delicious carrot soup recipe.
• Richard Osman's weekly alphabet quizzes. To take part you need to subscribe to his newsletter.
• Celebrating my middle nephew's birthday with family (from afar).
• An early morning invigorating walk around the neighbourhood.
• Successfully recreating a friend's recipe for corned beef pie. The ultimate comfort food.

Tags: #gratitude #april2020 #cv19 #lockdown

• A park on my doorstep.
• Beer deliveries by bike.
• Being able to source flour relatively easily. If you've not been so lucky, try local weigh houses or zero waste stores as they're more able, and used to, batching up larger quantities into smaller packets.
• A decent Internet connection (keeping my fingers' crossed that I've not jinxed it by saying this).
• My wife, who is able and willing to go to the supermarket.

Tags: #gratitude #april2020 #cv19 #lockdown

Thanks Cards Against Humanity for bringing some joy to my day.

I don’t have any kids. Should I download this?

If you have a pure soul and a smile in your heart: yes.

From Cards Against Humanity Family Edition via Thought Shrapnel Weekly

Tags: #lockdown #games #april2020