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Coronavirus- What you can still do
Gary Poole
Posts: 1,874
I’ve just read a post by @AFKABartram on the main coronavirus thread about the difficulties of entertaining the family and generally enjoying life in the current situation we all find ourselves in, especially now as the last throws of summer have gone. Without a doubt we are all collectively living in the most uncertain times of our lives (apologies to folk on here who were around pre 1945, that might not quite be true for you) and many of the things that this time last year we would have enjoyed without a second thought have now been taken away from us. Even without thinking about the direct tragedy that has befallen many and the ongoing effects of the illness many more are enduring, finding the pleasures and satisfactions from life has become a greater challenge to us all.
One tool used in psychology, often In a team when working with particularly challenging people, is to look at the situation with a ‘positive slant’ ie whatever the circumstances you look at the positives and try to take strength and encouragement from them. I am sure that @AFKABartram was not the only one that found the extra difficulties of a wet weekend and the restrictions we live in made for quite a challenge. I am also quite sure that the weather will remain a challenge and corona virus restrictions will not disappear In the near future, therefore the challenge of how best to enjoy life will remain with us.
I wondered if it might be helpful here, to take the positive slant view and share some things that we can still enjoy and might be helpful and inspiring for others. For myself I have invested in a patio heater and gazebo and intend to, no matter how bad the weather gets entertain people in my garden and will be stocking up on mulled wine and getting a fire pit. I am also thinking that I will get out more during the day with the family wrapped up warm, but enjoying the autumn colours of nature that perhaps in the past have been ignored in favour of a warmer dryer alternative
Sorry to start a new thread on this, I did not want to clog the main coronavirus one. I would love to hear all your thoughts on what we can still do and enjoy through the rather different winter that is approaching us.
One tool used in psychology, often In a team when working with particularly challenging people, is to look at the situation with a ‘positive slant’ ie whatever the circumstances you look at the positives and try to take strength and encouragement from them. I am sure that @AFKABartram was not the only one that found the extra difficulties of a wet weekend and the restrictions we live in made for quite a challenge. I am also quite sure that the weather will remain a challenge and corona virus restrictions will not disappear In the near future, therefore the challenge of how best to enjoy life will remain with us.
I wondered if it might be helpful here, to take the positive slant view and share some things that we can still enjoy and might be helpful and inspiring for others. For myself I have invested in a patio heater and gazebo and intend to, no matter how bad the weather gets entertain people in my garden and will be stocking up on mulled wine and getting a fire pit. I am also thinking that I will get out more during the day with the family wrapped up warm, but enjoying the autumn colours of nature that perhaps in the past have been ignored in favour of a warmer dryer alternative
Sorry to start a new thread on this, I did not want to clog the main coronavirus one. I would love to hear all your thoughts on what we can still do and enjoy through the rather different winter that is approaching us.
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Im waiting for dave mehmets reply
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I’m going to get involved in Goodgyms, there’s one in Bexley, run with others, some community work, a good feeling all round1
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It’s tough. Each of us are going to have to get through with the gifts and strengths we have. It’s going to be easier for some of us than others. There’s no novelty value to the restrictions this winter and the economic safety nets are going. I think it’s going to be hard on every front. Stay safe and good luck.6
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Nice one, do they do outdoor type things like British Military Fitness?Rothko said:I’m going to get involved in Goodgyms, there’s one in Bexley, run with others, some community work, a good feeling all round0 -
You are right, and I wasn’t trying to be flippant about the situation. But I do think there are still things that people can enjoy and they might be things that we have not done before or wouldn’t occur to us. Sharing ideas could be beneficial.ShootersHillGuru said:It’s tough. Each of us are going to have to get through with the gifts and strengths we have. It’s going to be easier for some of us than others. There’s no novelty value to the restrictions this winter and the economic safety nets are going. I think it’s going to be hard on every front. Stay safe and good luck.0 -
Outdoor Family stuff in winter
walks
crazy golf
playgrounds / parks
Indoor Family stuff in winter
soft play
trampolining
tenpin bowling
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We took two of our Grandkids to Colchester Zoo last week. The weather was not great but it was a good day out, the sort of place you could easily visit on a chilly, but dry day if you wrap up.
Covid friendly as well, one way system in a lot of places and plenty of staff counting people in and out of certain areas to avoiding over crowding.3 -
We went to Wingham Wildlife Park a couple of weeks ago, it has been improved a lot over the last few years.1
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Halloween coming up should offer a few decent family outdoor/indoor activities.1
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I love going to the beach on a winter's day, barely any people around, and I am not one for sitting on them at any point in the year anyway.
Those with kids that like fossils, try heading to Beltinge when the tide is out and pick up the fossilised shark teeth lying around, then rock pooling in Reculver, a sand castle on Botany Bay and fish and chips in Whitstable on the way home with a bit of crabbing too.
Wrap up warm and it is wonderful (as long as it is dry).
I want to get down to Dover at some point as well for a walk along the cliffs and a stroll on the beach as I have never done that, I assume the castle may be open also.
The South downs is great for a walk or cycle as is the Ashdown Forest. I have also signed up for the Geocache app as my kids love finding them and giving a purpose to our walks.
Places like Bedgebury are great fun and cost little.
There is plenty in the winter for young families when it is dry, when it is wet all weekend it is that much more difficult and the places that remain open like Airthrills in Catford I just don't think I would go to currently.7 - Sponsored links:
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Just how high are your ceilings?AFKABartram said:Outdoor Family stuff in winter
walks
crazy golf
playgrounds / parks
Indoor Family stuff in winter
soft play
trampolining
tenpin bowling8 -
We went a few weeks ago and thought the opposite to be honest. Seemed minimal precautions in place with people getting very near to each other. Plenty ignoring instructions to wear masks in the inside areas.eaststandmike said:We took two of our Grandkids to Colchester Zoo last week. The weather was not great but it was a good day out, the sort of place you could easily visit on a chilly, but dry day if you wrap up.
Covid friendly as well, one way system in a lot of places and plenty of staff counting people in and out of certain areas to avoiding over crowding.0 -
Same, went there on what was the hottest Sunday of the year. Zoo was rammo as well, and only time I’ve felt really uncomfortable wearing mask when so hot in all the enclosed bits.Talal said:
We went a few weeks ago and thought the opposite to be honest. Seemed minimal precautions in place with people getting very near to each other. Plenty ignoring instructions to wear masks in the inside areas.eaststandmike said:We took two of our Grandkids to Colchester Zoo last week. The weather was not great but it was a good day out, the sort of place you could easily visit on a chilly, but dry day if you wrap up.
Covid friendly as well, one way system in a lot of places and plenty of staff counting people in and out of certain areas to avoiding over crowding.
Was more than happy to give them money after the difficult time they’ve had, but wouldn’t rush back on a busy day (ie. weekend, school holiday)0 -
Don't forget the simple walk in the countryside. We went on a 5 miler in the pouring rain. No such thing as bad weather. Just bad equipment. Good raincoat, waterproof trousers and boots. Very good8
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Blimey, insert jokes here_ _ _ _ _ _ _AddicksAddict said:
Just how high are you ceilings?AFKABartram said:Outdoor Family stuff in winter
walks
crazy golf
playgrounds / parks
Indoor Family stuff in winter
soft play
trampolining
tenpin bowling0 -
You can still blow £1000 doing blackjack at a casino.0
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This is the best time of the year for cycling imho. All the fair weather cyclists are disappearing leaving the roads emptier.
So I’ll be enjoying exploring the countryside round London on 2 wheels.0 -
Brooklands museum is now open Thur-Sun, plus every day at half term. Lots of outdoor exhibits and they’re pretty good Covid wise as well. If you’re into your cars and planes, it’s a fantastic day out.
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Build up to Remembrance Day in November, get painting posters of poppies to display in the windows. I thoroughly enjoyed painting posters for the VE Day commemorations and I am sure children/grandchildren will.
Many of the art galleries have activities for children on their websites e.g. weaving with plastic! Great for wet days. RA website.
Collecting autumn leaves for collages and cards. Bit messy if they fall apart but fun!
Painting pebbles into creatures like ladybirds or frogs.
Paper plates are really versatile for making dream catchers, stain glass windows etc.
Pine cone people or creatures with pipecleaners for arms etc
Many ideas for wet days and all ages.
BUT, can't beat a good walk whatever the weather!0 -
I imagine it will quite different now its autumnAFKABartram said:
Same, went there on what was the hottest Sunday of the year. Zoo was rammo as well, and only time I’ve felt really uncomfortable wearing mask when so hot in all the enclosed bits.Talal said:
We went a few weeks ago and thought the opposite to be honest. Seemed minimal precautions in place with people getting very near to each other. Plenty ignoring instructions to wear masks in the inside areas.eaststandmike said:We took two of our Grandkids to Colchester Zoo last week. The weather was not great but it was a good day out, the sort of place you could easily visit on a chilly, but dry day if you wrap up.
Covid friendly as well, one way system in a lot of places and plenty of staff counting people in and out of certain areas to avoiding over crowding.
Was more than happy to give them money after the difficult time they’ve had, but wouldn’t rush back on a busy day (ie. weekend, school holiday)0 - Sponsored links:
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if you are an England international footballer.....whatever you like!!!!!4
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Nah not really, it's more a group 3k run, then you stop at a local community centre and help with stuff like gardening, visiting lonely old people, or help at a food bank. and then run back to where you begun. Good sense of community and doing something.Gary Poole said:
Nice one, do they do outdoor type things like British Military Fitness?Rothko said:I’m going to get involved in Goodgyms, there’s one in Bexley, run with others, some community work, a good feeling all round
https://www.goodgym.org/areas/bexley/happenings/community-missions
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I’m planning on going to more non-league football, as the games from Isthmian League and below are allowing fans back in.
Have never really done it in the past as I’ve usually been at Charlton on a Saturday.Last week I went to Erith Town, tonight I’m at Thamesmead and this Saturday I’m going to Folkestone Invicta.0 -
What sort of southern softy are you? Shorts, man, shorts!redman said:Don't forget the simple walk in the countryside. We went on a 5 miler in the pouring rain. No such thing as bad weather. Just bad equipment. Good raincoat, waterproof trousers and boots. Very good1 -
Maybe they have taken note of the events you both suffered. We were very impressed with the set up.AFKABartram said:
Same, went there on what was the hottest Sunday of the year. Zoo was rammo as well, and only time I’ve felt really uncomfortable wearing mask when so hot in all the enclosed bits.Talal said:
We went a few weeks ago and thought the opposite to be honest. Seemed minimal precautions in place with people getting very near to each other. Plenty ignoring instructions to wear masks in the inside areas.eaststandmike said:We took two of our Grandkids to Colchester Zoo last week. The weather was not great but it was a good day out, the sort of place you could easily visit on a chilly, but dry day if you wrap up.
Covid friendly as well, one way system in a lot of places and plenty of staff counting people in and out of certain areas to avoiding over crowding.
Was more than happy to give them money after the difficult time they’ve had, but wouldn’t rush back on a busy day (ie. weekend, school holiday)1
