This week was special, the perfect mix of a holiday, superb weather and everyone in excellent humour. It was a week of more firsts following the easing of restrictions and despite my initial apprehension I was able to relax and feel comfortable whilst eating out in a restaurant, watching Peter Rabbit 2 at the cinema and being in busier places. The week made me realise how careful I have been over the past year, I did what I felt comfortable with and on reflection it was very limited, however it kept us safe and now is the time to gently return to life.

There are still restrictions on daily life, but I felt on holiday that the restrictions improved the holiday, no more queues for activities with everything being booked in advance, nice numbers of people in venues, good hygiene measures etc.. Mr S had been brilliant in organising all the children’s activities in advance, so we had lots of swimming both indoor and out (the outdoor pool was so lovely and warm) climbing, pottery, Segways, football, target shooting etc.. to enjoy during the week. One of the children’s highlights was the hour we allowed them to go to the play areas on their own and ‘hang out’ with new friends, we also gave them £1 for sweets so they could go to the shop en route. Its always the little things which become the big things.

Our holiday was one of the best we have had, this did surprise me as it felt quite a casual holiday, its not our big holiday of the year but one carried over from last year. The weather was amazing and after the cold and rain of the spring, it felt so good to be wearing shorts and tshirts everyday and simply being able to be outside in the sunshine and heat all day. Sunhats and sun cream were a must wear. I suppose that after all the months of not being able to do some of the simplest activities, for example swimming, these little things were a joy. I’ve not swam in a pool for over a year and to be able plunge into pool and swim was lovely.

We stayed near Hastings and I was really taken by the town, parts of the old town reminded me of the Lanes in Brighton and I enjoyed pottering around. We found a wonderful family run Italian restaurant for dinner one night and it was just so good to read and choose from a menu. When on holiday, I do enjoy exploring my local area on runs and the prom was the perfect route to either Hastings or Bexhill.

With the children being older and more independent, I did get to read a few books. I listened to the audiobook Snowflake by Louise, and read All on the Board by TFL, which showed some of the quotes and comments written on the information boards at Tube stations in London, a great mirror on contemporary events. I also read the very emotional (and unputdownable) account of a doctor on the frontline in the Covid pandemic, Duty of Care by Dr Dominic Pimenta.

It was great to be back at the cinema and Peter Rabbit 2 was pretty good, I felt it was better than the original. I have read a fascinating biography of Beatrix Potter and parts of her story are interwoven into the contemporary film plot which I liked.

Its now back to school on Monday, Little Man has a great week, they are unable to do a residential this year but are having some days out at local activity centres instead, so more climbing, kayaking etc.. for him this week (and the weather forecast remains good) Its back to normal for Little Miss and I but at least we have some lovely memories from our holiday to sustain us until our next little adventure.