Weeks 1-3
What strange times we are living in – the subject of a future history lesson for sure.
We are three weeks into a national lockdown with many other countries in a similar position, able to leave our homes from one of four key reasons; to buy essential supplies; for any medical reason; to work if we are not able to work from home; and (thank heavens) a short amount of time to exercise each day.
We are incredibly fortunate to have plenty of space here for our period of lockdown, however long that may turn out to be. We’ve joked that should one of the three us get sick, we can isolate that person in one of the cottages, delivering meals to their door. We hope never to need that plan.
Week One
Most of the first week we spent getting over the shock of our movements being restricted. I’m sure many people felt the same sense of surrealism and wholesale change to their way of life.
Residing guests left quickly and by the end of the first day of lockdown we were on our own. Guests leaving the cottage in Castleton left the cottage tidy so that we didn’t need to visit so we’re very grateful for that.
We were quickly into dealing with all the guests with upcoming bookings. One of the advantages of dealing directly with our guests (rather than through an agency) is that we’ve been able to do what’s worked best for them and has fitted in with us. We’re really thankful that nearly all of our guests have chosen to support us and have delayed their break.
Week Two
By week two, we were getting into a routine, making sure that we got some exercise each day, spending at least a little bit of time outside and keeping in contact with friends and family.
Marian has taken to doing her online exercise classes in Hayloft Cottage. With the heating turned right down, it’s much cooler and more comfortable than trying to do it in the house. On nice days, it’s been great to take the rug outside and do the classes there.
Back in January, whilst the cottages were quieter, we did a fair amount of deep cleaning and touching up of the paintwork. There were some jobs that were missed, however, so this seems the perfect opportunity to be catching up with those. We should be truly spick and span by the time we are open for business again.
Week Three
One of the bigger projects that has been brewing in the back of our minds for the past few months has been updating our website with a more modern theme. With spare time on our hands, if not now, when!! This week has been about getting the basics right so that next week we can get the site content transferred over and checked. With any luck, we’ll have the job done ready for a bright new start in just a few weeks.
It’s now Easter weekend and the weather is beautiful. Not knowing whether we’ll have a gardener for a while, we’ve made a start on tidying up outside. It’s very strange being here on our own and it looks like that is going to be the case for a few weeks more.
We cannot wait for you all to return but in the meantime, stay home and stay safe everyone!
