April, and the good people of Slovenia are placed in lockdown for the third time since the pandemic started. It is also the third lockdown for us as a family, though the first one we experienced was in Spain. Feeling the strain This is supposed to be an eleven day 'short, sharp shock' lockdown to... Continue Reading →
The Quarantine Diaries #42: One Year On
It's exactly a year since I started this 'Quarantine Diaries' series. I consider this a kind of 'blogiversary,' as prior to this, I had only posted the odd short story and a few excerpts from my work-in-progress novel. How the world in general, and my life in particular, has changed over this time! The first... Continue Reading →
The Quarantine Diaries #41: Will the cycle be unbroken?
Another week of PMDD hell. By Monday I was almost beside myself, I was feeling so bad. I just wanted to talk to somebody who could understand. But who in my circle could understand? I am incredibly difficult to live with when I'm going through this, and sometimes the least damaging thing I can do... Continue Reading →
The Quarantine Diaries #39: On having the kids at home
Since my last Quarantine Diary entry, I've been rather busy. We've moved house as a family and gone through the rigmarole of enrolling the children in their brand new school and nursery. In Slovenia, schools and nurseries re-opened this week for all ages up to third grade. My eldest son was given an extra week... Continue Reading →
The Quarantine Diaries #38: On Battles Lost and Won
This week has got me thinking about battles, both personal, and on a much grander scale. We all face personal struggles now and again, but it does seem at the moment that the problems we are facing as a human race far outweigh the internal struggles of any individual. I do however believe that the... Continue Reading →
The Quarantine Diaries #37: Resolution versus Inspiration
Christmas has come and gone, and I've survived it. Always a relief. Now it's time to look towards the New Year. I know a lot of people are well and truly done with 2020. Personally, I think that anyone expecting the situation to change magically overnight in 2021 will be disappointed. That said, it's always... Continue Reading →
The Quarantine Diaries #36: Holiday Time!
Whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah or the Winter solstice, chances are the coming weeks are a season of celebration for you, at least under normal circumstances. One thing I love about the WordPress community is how it connects readers and writers from all over the world, different time zones, seasons and traditions, and allows us to... Continue Reading →
The Quarantine Diaries #35: Rising to the challenge of everyday
I have never been very good at the everyday. For me, the whole of life needs to be a challenge: I don't tidy up, I 'revolutionise my living space.' I don't want to go for a relaxing stroll in the park, I want to climb a mountain. I don't just wash the dishes, I...well, I... Continue Reading →
The Quarantine Diaries #32: The ‘How-not-to’ of Lockdown Parenting
I must admit, this week has been something of a car crash for me. My first piece of advice to you in this 'How-not-to' of lockdown parenting would be 'Don't have PMDD;' the second 'don't invite your mother-in-law if you do.' Trials, tribulations and triggers We talk a lot about triggers these days when it... Continue Reading →
The Quarantine Diaries #31: Time to Schedule!
My eldest son's school have now confirmed that lessons will be taking place from home next week. In other words, I'm to be the teacher. This will present several unique challenges, namely: My son needs help with Slovenian in order to complete the lessons. I can help, but I'll be teaching myself at the same... Continue Reading →