So since being on lockdown and furlough I’ve had a lot more time on my hands. Now don’t get me wrong this definitely isn’t going to be some smug post about ‘finding a routine’, baking artisan bread and learning yoga. I’ve spent an awful lot of time just WASTING TIME. Living in an almost constant loop of quiz shows, sleeping, Ninja Warrior UK and too much wine. But I have at least achieved a few things I’m a bit proud of.
The ‘Rocky’ Marathon
Our mission? Watch every Rocky and Creed movie in a week. We did it and here’s the ‘proof’ – a screenshot of my twitter feed:
I adore the Rocky movies and watching them all in such close proximity only reinforced the strength of the story and the love for the characters. Though some of the films are sillier than others (my personal favourite is Rocky IV) they are all – mainly – brilliant in their own right. And Rocky sure is a guy we can all love and root for. The wildest moment of the week had to be putting Creed II on STRAIGHT AFTER Creed. It was almost midnight! We crazy.
30 Day Squat Challenge
I haven’t actually finished this yet and I won’t be finishing it in 30 days either. But I’m determined to complete it. I have this taped up on the kitchen cupboard where all my crisps are.
Finally read ‘The Shining’
I’ve had this sitting around for so long. It’s the first Stephen King novel I’ve read where I’d seen the film first. Took me a few chapters to get into it but I enjoyed it a lot. Slightly different to the film which was unexpected and of course I couldn’t help but imagine Jack Nicholson a fair few times, especially during the bar scene.
“you always were the best of them Lloyd!”
Lots of nice grub
Me and my boyfriend enjoy cooking together anyway but with more time at home we had more time to make an effort – and also try a few new things (no innuendo intended). I’m not exactly a Masterchef but I like to think I’m a little above pricking a microwave meal with a fork (not that there’s anything wrong with that either).
From scotch eggs to fish curry and lasagne to kedgeree, with a lot of meals in-between, my favourite so far was probably the homemade burgers with garlic, parsley and black pepper served up with melted blue cheese and sweet potato fries.
Enjoy this rather heavenly (even if I do say so myself) collage of some of our lockdown feasts –
Lockdown Pub Quizzes
To be honest my family hasn’t spent this many weekends together in ages. If ever. But we’ve now completed four Lockdown Pub quizzes, each taking a turn to be quiz masters.
My boyfriend and I did the questions for the first quiz (which I posted on my blog here) and it’s our turn once again tonight. We’ve had three different team names for the quizzes we’ve competed in – The Wet Bandits, The Blues Brothers and finally (for the quiz we actually won) The Dream Warriors.
As well as being a good excuse to drink more alcohol and eat more snacks, it’s also been nice spending extended time with the fam. Who knew it would be lockdown to bring us together!
New Plants
This one I’m particularly proud of. It all started with a runner bean plant donated by my boyfriend’s sister. NOW LOOK AT MY BALCONY! I know what you’re all thinking – that I clearly nicked these pictures from the Chelsea Flower Show website. But hey, I didn’t actually. I DID THIS!!!
emmakwall (explains it all) 
Busy in the lockdown is the understatement of the decade. Thoroughly enjoyable post. Thanks and much appreciated for sharing
Thanks so much! Really appreciate your comment, thanks for taking the time to read it!
Sorry for the delay in responding to this, Emma! Strangely, I thought I DID respond when you posted this! I have been reading a wide variety of books, the most recent one being a fascinating history of Hollywood’s legendary Chateau Marmot…cooking and drinking too much wine as well! Glad you are safe!
I like the drinking too much wine part the most……I am too! Ha ha 🙂
At least wine has some health benefits…they say two glasses a day helps you live longer, and based on my consumption, I’m up to 2027 already!
Ha ha, like it!
Your meals look yummy and I’m impressed with your work outs, too. I have been cooking and drinking way too much red wine, as well. Lovely greens and flowers on your balcony!
Thanks Cindy! Appreciate your lovely comment 🙂 how have you been?
I’m okay, Emma. Thanks for asking! Working at home and babysitting. 😉
Glad everything is OK 🙂
Good on the cooking and flowering Ems! Looks great!
Thanks Geoff! Hope you are keeping well? 🙂
So this is why you’ve not been on my blog lately! 😉 😛
Glad you’re keeping busy and not just idling the time away moaning about the boredom like so many others are. Unfortunately, I’ve been busier than ever and since I was pretty much a hermit before Lockdown, things haven’t been much different for me – except queing up to go shopping.
I’ve been quite idle too but I enjoy it so not a problem (problemo!) ha ha. How are you doing now? 🙂
You’re so relaxed it’s taken you a month and a half to reply! 😉 😛
That was quick!!!! 😂🙂
Well done on winning the quiz!
Thanks Alex! Hope your quizzes are still going well? 🙂
Another one on Tuesday if you’re free
Being in Lockdown makes me wonder how I ever found time to work – and not just 8 hours at work, but 2 hours commuting and 1 hour getting ready…and how will I ever make room for it again?
I know!!! I’m still on furlough at the moment and it is going to hit HARD when I have to get up early five days a week and not get home until dark! Noooooooooooooo. Ha ha!
Well look at you! Green Fingers, and the Nigella of Essex!
You made me think of what I have been doing during the same time.
1) Same as before the lockdown. (Except having to queue in Tesco)
2) Drinking Red Wine.
3) NOT watching any Rocky films.
4) Blooging, naturally.
Take care honey, and stay safe!
As ever, Pete. XXX
NOT watching any Rocky films – that cracked me up!!!! xxx
Have you ever watched ‘Raging Bull’? (Surely you must have?) Now THAT’S a boxing film! XXX
Rocky isn’t just the boxing though, it’s him and his relationships, the ‘journey’ etc 🙂. No I haven’t seen Raging Bull but I will watch it soon, my boyfriend has it on DVD and always saying how good it is 🙂 xxx
Good man. Get it on! XXX