The New Normal: 2nd Lockdown, Day Out

It was hubby's birthday on Wednesday and we felt like a day out.  During this second lockdown, local travel to a place to exercise has been permitted, It is the first time we have been anywhere other than local woodland walks.  Brighton is close to us, we can get there in about 30 minutes.  We parked well away from the town and did an 8 mile round walk from the Marina through the town and up into Hove, then back.

Aren't these little houses pretty, they are just off the main shopping area and easily missed.  Most of the walk was along the coastline but we ventured into town to find our favourite Asian food shop, Taj, and stock up on spices.

The bicycles are to rent, you can drop them back or leave at one of many other drop offs in the area.

This is 'the Constellation' and I have never noticed it before. A solar system with all things Brighton as it's theme  - located on the beach front walkway at the Hove end.  More info *here*

Everything looked very different - no crowds of people so I noticed things that are normally hidden by the constant flow of traffic and pedestrians, most streets were very empty. 

We had a McDonalds takeaway on the way back and a pizza for dinner with our sons plus a few rum  and cokes.  Our only stop for shopping was for some olives at Taj supermarket (Asian supplies) in town and a packet of garam masala for the cupboard!  Had the shops been open I would have been lost for hours!

This dog had the most azmazing hairstyle, it's long hair gathered into bunches and tied into swags,  really beautiful. 

Mollie cat is becoming a little more settled and will sit next to me sometimes now while I stroke her.  She has been out in the garden a few times but finds this stressful and has regurgitated her food afterwards a few times as she gets so worked up, I am limiting her to short periods early morning when she asks to go out and found she is more confident if the door stays open and I stay out in the cold with her! so clearly has a long way to go, but she did manage a scramble up on to the shed to stake her territorial claim before scampering back in.

    I managed to get her collar on but she managed to take it off within minutes, she's a no collar cat.

I now have an iron so was able to wash the gutta outline from the silk paintings and iron them - here's how they look ironed and it’s usually where I stop but I may attempt a sewing project when inspiration strikes .

We heard on the news today we are to be Tier 2 in the postcode lottery of post lockdown restrictions - to be reviewed fortnightly by Boris.  I am sad that so many businesses, especially pubs, will close down and the huge impact on the economy is becoming frightening. Already I am noticing shops that have closed down in my own town.

Keeping cheerful and changing the subject.....

.. and here's what it looks like when we go for our walks - a 7 mile circuit of our area taking in a little of the woods and fields.  I like looking at the houses, it's difficult to take pictures though, a bit intrusive, so only a couple of snaps today.

 

That's it from me for now ... I painted the bathroom ceiling today and need to go and admire it.  Next is the stairway wall/ceiling tomorrow.  Bye for now .....