Making Plans for 2021 - and Link-Up

 

It's been a hard slog 2020 hasn't it? England came out of its second lockdown just a few hours ago, and we've now gone into a tiering system.  My area, London, is in tier 2. It means no socializing with others in our homes, except for a 5 day spree over Christmas where three households can spend time together;  restaurants are open, but only for parties from the same household;  pubs can open but only if they sell "substantial meals," and gyms and non-essential shops are reopening.

I have a couple of things to look forward to in December.  This Friday my company has given us an extra day off, a "care day," and I've booked to see the Tracey Emin and Munch exhibition at the Royal Academy, and to have my hair cut in the afternoon.  I'm thinking of having a shorter cut again, like I did two or three years ago. My hair color has to wait until later in the month - I felt the cut was more important.

On December 28 we're going to the Lyceum to see Bill Bailey. Only the largest theatres are opening because they have to operate at just 50% capacity to allow for social distancing.

We usually host John's children and their spouses and granddaughter on Boxing Day but they're going to John's first wife this time.  We were invited, and we socialize quite a lot in normal circumstances with Lynn and her partner, but that would have meant four households being together.  Now I'm pretty sure MANY people will flout the rules on that: one of my mum's friends always has 18 around for lunch and will still be doing so - but I haven't dodged any of the rules all year and won't start now.

So at present we'll be seeing the kids on the 29th instead. My mum is a long way away in Plymouth and it's easier for her to go to my brother's nearby on Christmas Day as there's no way she would get on a train to London with the risks that involves. Plus she has a broken wrist, so has limited use of her right hand. 

2021 - Bring it on! 

It looks as if the tiering system will be in place until Easter - basically when the vaccine is rolled out to the elderly, the most vulnerable and NHS and care workers. But I am full of plans for all the things I want to do next year.

Holiday Mania

We were lucky to have a UK holiday in September where we spent a week in the Lake District and enjoyed wonderful weather. But I missed my Greek holiday.  Skiathos is now booked for June - we won't have been there since 2018. What do you think of my shorter hair then?  Love to know your view on longer or shorter before I get my hair cut this week.

I have an additional three week holiday next year, my sabbatical, so I'm thinking about Peru, Bolivia and Argentina.  Japan has always been on my list but seeing the blossoms means going in February and we won't be out of the woods Covid-wise by then. 

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Anyone? 

There are also three things - at least - I plan to do next year, two for the first time.  Stand up paddle boarding, white water rafting and horse riding in nearby Epping Forest.

You can paddle board on the beach in Skiathos where we'll be staying but I want to learn how to do it before we go there so that I can paddle elegantly across the bay  (I hope!). 

The Olympic white water rafting centre is not too far from us so that's an easy one to tick off the list.

I did horse riding when I was young a few times, using my pocket money, but it seems horrifically expensive for an hour's trot around the forest so I may forego that one.

I'll still be walking a lot - it's now become engrained as a habit, which is fantastic, but I won't put myself under the pressure of doing the Walk 1000 Miles challenge because - fingers crossed - I will succeed some time in December for this year. 

What plans do you have for 2021? We're all going to go crazy, I reckon.  Do tell in the comments.

Sharing this post with Top of the World Style at High Latitude Style, Chic & Stylish at Mummabstylish, #LinkupOnTheEdge  at Shelbee on the Edge, Anna at Muttonstyle, #AnythingGoes at My Random Musings, Thursday Moda at Elegance and Mommyhood, Turning Heads Tuesday at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish,  Style with a Smile and Stylish Monday at Stylesplash, Anna at the GlamAdventure, Style Six at Coast to Coast, TFF at Doused in Pink, Fancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style, Fabulous Fridays at Lucy Bertoldi, Beauty by Miss L Link Up, #iwillwearwhatilike at Not Dressed as Lamb,  Lizzie in Lace  Ask Suzanne Bell and Confident Twosday at IDoDeclaire

It's time for #WowOnWednesday, the link-up where bloggers find new readers, and readers find new blogs to read! 

Last Week's Favourites

Laurie from Vanity and Me with her Black Friday Edit 

Penny from Frugral Fashion Shopper with her post "Ageing Well."

Rena from Fine Whatever with Would You, Could You? Puffer Jacket and Hiking Boots  Well, as someone who puts on hiking boots every day, I'd like to say yes, but you should see the state of them! Puffer jacket, definitely! 

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