Poringland

What was your reaction when lockdown was announced?	What have you missed most, apart from family & friends?	What have you been doing? Have you learnt something new or unusual?	Has lockdown been difficult or easy, could you get used to this way of life?	What is the first thing you will do/like when life is back to normal?	Anything else you'd like to say about your lockdown experience?
To start with it was a bit worrying, but then it began to feel surreal and that everything was happening a long way off. Second lockdown feels much more scary and closer to home.	Just being able to wander around the shops, visit the theatre and pop into a restaurant when we felt like it, without having to book.	The weather being so good, it was a great opportunity to work in the garden. We immediately go out all the seed packets and sowed them no matter how old. Lots came up, so we had a good display of cosmos/annual Chrysanths/sweet peas/ipomea, and the dahlias were lovely. We also had plenty of tomatoes, although the courgettes and beans were not quite so prolific, probably due to the dry weather. My husband renewed the pond, making it into a wildlife pond, with my encouragement. We started a daily exercise routine and took long walks, often with friends' dogs. I worked on craft projects, did a number of 1000 piece jigsaws, and had a go at playing the clarinet again after 50 years.	I found it quite easy, apart from missing family and friends, especially WI friends and events.	Hug my 2 granddaughters, and rest of the family. Have a big party to belatedly celebrate all those lockdown birthdays.	It is good to know that after 50 years, my husband and I are happy to be together 24/7 and doing everything together - the daily crossword, sharing the chores, keeping fit, taking long walks and enjoying nature.