It's March! March means lockdown easing begins. When the PM originally put up the plan, it seemed really slow and was a bit depressing but now I'm resigned and hey, some ending date is better than none!
Schools open up again next week which means we should have a few more opportunities to join into the local homeschooling community here, albeit in limited ways. And I'm still planning trips. Some people say if you can't do, teach. I say if you can't go, plan!
The other big changes are the weather. Last weekend was our first real taste of spring and while it didn't last, it did give up hope. It was just so lovely here! We spent hours outside - hiking and playing at the playground, the kids explored the land behind our house. The little ones love the playground here and Norah will make friends there so easily. One difference I've noticed here as opposed to back home is that the kids seem to play more in groups at playgrounds. A group of 4-5 preschoolers will just run around the playground and make up games and play the whole hour or more as a group instead of just playing around each other or occasionally interacting then going their separate ways which is different - and great! I'm not sure if its Covid and the fact that they have all been friendless for months now or if its a US/UK difference but its so interesting to watch.
And while the no-jacket-required weather didn't stick, the sun is hanging around longer these days so I can actually walk the dog when Craig gets home from work. That's a game changer my friends! Oh, I missed you Sun!
I didn't do as much reading as last month - or I should say I didn't finish as many books. I'm about 50% through 4-5 longer books right now so my goodread's ticker didn't shift much but I can't complain. The ones I did read were great.
Alan Jacobs's the Narnian stands out as best Non-fiction. I only had access as an audiobook and I often struggle with audiobooks so that shows how good it was. I have this picture of Lewis at a certain point in his life and it was so odd to consider him younger than that but this book managed to bring that to life despite my weird mental quirk. I really wish my Hoopla had his e-books not just audiobooks but I might just be willing to brave another audiobook if its the only way I can access Alan Jacob.
Stephen Fry's Mythos was another one that was so great. I only made it half way through Heroes before the audiobook was returned and I got sent back to the end of the waiting list but I moved over to Mythos because I'm hooked on this series and luckily they have it as an e-book.* And I'm reading Bullfinch with Lucy so its been fun to get both versions of things. Jonah is a big fan of Greek myths already and now I can say I'm keeping up with him!
* Can you tell we are really desperate for actual libraries and physical books over here? We haven't checked out any physical books since last June! BUT next week we will have access to one by click and collect! I don't even care if its 30 minutes away! We need books! (And yes, I do feel like those 4 exclamation points are justified.)
For Read-alouds, we made it through both the Mysterious Benedict Society and Astrid the Unstoppable. I had already read MBS but it was more fun as a read aloud with the kids (and also fun to read alongside 1984 because of some of the connections although that was pure coincidence). Astrid the Unstoppable is another Maria Parr Gem. She doesn't stay away from tough topics but she does seem to handle them in a kid-friendly way. We're really excited for the sequel to Waffle Hearts (Adventures with Waffles for you Americans ;-) to come out this summer.
We're making progress feeling settled and I'm trying to be patient with how long it seems to be taking. The living room is mostly done now that we've been able to buy a couch. It's (not at all) surprising how much more comfortable a room is when there is enough seating for everyone in the family. And bonus - the dog hair blends right in!
Besides that, we've done lots of art projects and handicrafts. Lucy was inspired by our finally hanging curtains in her room to finish the art for her mantel. I think it turned out so great that I'm contemplating what I should ask her to paint for our room (the master bedroom is, not surprisingly, the last room to be worked on and currently is a mattress on the floor with a toddler bed nearby but I'm making plans for that to change as well).
I experimented with ice dying. It's addictive so don't be surprised if my kids spring wardrobes are 90% tie dyed.
Jonah won a short story contest which was pretty exciting for him.
And I've started using embroidery to justify my binge watching British comedy shows in the evenings. At least my hands can be productive if my head isn't up for any deep thoughts!
So February wasn't too bad of a month and hopefully March will be even better!
