Lock down in the UK - Part 1: 23 March

Lock down was announced by the British Government on 23 March 2020 in an unprecedented attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus.

This meant that schools, pubs, cafes, restaurants, shops and many more were closed for a minimum of three weeks. From midnight on 23/24 March, people must stay home except for shopping for basic necessities, daily exercise, any medical need and travelling to and from work where they were unable to work from home.

We are sleeping in our caravan but spending much of our days in Chris and Charmyn's home. They have been so amazing and accommodating during this unusual time we find ourselves in. While Charmyn still has to go to work each day, Chris continues to work from home. We don't have toys but are so grateful for the small farm we are on. There are three horses, two alpaca, four ducks, two cats, an indoor 'guard' rabbit and many doves, crows and even a pheasant that visit regularly for the food Chris puts out for them.

The boys are busy collecting duck eggs on a daily basis, helping to 'muck out' the stables, feed the horses, fix fences, sow grass seed and harrow the paddocks! To relax they have designed, and are building a hut out of materials on the farm.

We try to limit our trips to the supermarket to once a week. This has become an unusual time consuming task, as one has to queue outside, with two metres between each person. Once someone leaves the supermarket, another person can enter. Amazon as been a handy as we've been able to purchase a couple of bits and pieces to keep the boys occupied.

The boys have been fairly occupied with engineering/science projects that Chris has here.

Both have had fun creating a design then making a mold using silicon. Once dry, they fill the mold with another material (was supposed to be transparent) that goes hard. Plenty of fun. They have both been doing some Scratch coding also.

Cale has been kept extremely busy designing and building a motorized car that is constantly being modified to make it how he wants. Its been a challenge, however he has shown resilience and picking it back up when he is re-energized!

We're lucky to have the beautiful Gloucester countryside to wander in, although there are no footpaths and the roads are narrow, so extra care is required when out walking.

Chris and Charmyn's beautiful cottage with the ducks to the left.

Looking from the house toward the garage and our caravan.

Driveway to the garage (on the left) and our caravan and car.

Looking toward the house from the road.

Chris and Charmyn's beautiful garden full of colour (above and below).

The local pub - The Salutation. We managed one visit before lock down. They are allowed to operate a takeaway menu with beer. Order online and they deliver. A great way to support them still!

Some beautiful homes in Ham. Those with a green front door are owned by Berkeley Castle and leased to those who live in them.

We played 'poo sticks' on this bridge.

Nico on the tractor in the horse manège. The boys helped to 'plough' the surface. It is made of shredded carpet or insulation material derived from scrap cars. I believe in this one is is from the BMW factory.