Anyone dipping their social & cultural toes back in the water?

We have been having neighbour's drinks in the garden for a few weeks and have been out for 2 meals. I have returned to volunteering but only via Zoom. Dh is back doing volunteer hospital driving but with strict hygiene procedures.

We have tried to book a few days away for our Golden Wedding Anniversary and the ones we like are full.
It's weird because I felt very constrained when we couldn't do anything but am ambivalent now we can.

I've been to the cinema recently and found that it was virtually empty of other people, so social distancing wasn't a problem. I've got a few days away with a friend booked for later this month and another few days away booked with another friend next month. Best start booking more days off or I'll lose them!

We have had some nice outdoor walks at an English Heritage site nearby where we are annual members. You now have to book a time. We’ve been to our local pub several times and eaten outdoors , they have a very good system going it feels very safe. My volunteering is starting up later in the month and am going to try that and see how I feel . Ditto church.

What I really want to do is drive back to Wales to see my best friend. I’m going to chat to her and see what she thinks

We have made use of our NT and EH passes since both reopened. So far we've managed to book at least one trip a week. Recently it's been the forts along Hadrian's wall. Getting out into the fresh air has been such a tonic and we've felt incredibly safe at each site we have visited.
Next week we're booked into Helmsley and Pickering Castles.
Before the schools reopened we took 3 GC to Barnard Castle - to check out our eyesight of course!

I've been going to my Tai Chi classes since they started up a few weeks ago. Its so popular its a race to get one of the limited places!

I've also been to the gym a few times, I have to book as there are limited numbers per session. Its actually better than before - the equipment is much more spaced out everybody cleans equipment after use and its really well ventilated.

I've also been out for a few meals and myself & OH spent a lovely sunny afternoon having a couple of glasses of wine in a rooftop bar - bliss!

Our tickets for the theatre have been put off until next year when they are following this years performances. Same time and dates.

Have been to the Tower of London with the GC - no tourists and no queues- just walked into the Crown Jewels. Same with the V and A- met a friend for coffee- we had to book an entry slot and went straight to the members lounge very few other people and the galleries were pleasant to walk round. I know this is not so good for these places financially, but as a visitor fewer people makes for a much more comfortable experience and you can actually see things without the crowds. I’ve booked for the Hayward Gallery Trees exhibition and The Garden Museum next. I’ve not braved the gym though but have done some outdoor swimmingly.

I am hoping to go to the Peak District soon to see my daughter but I haven't been anywhere much since March.

We've been out to eat several times now, to local pubs that have got it down to a fine art. It's been so good to see friends again, although my U3A groups (Art Discussion and Tai Chi) aren't starting up yet and I miss them very much.

We are also going away for a long weekend in October to get a breath of sea air in lovely Aldeburgh, so looking forward to that.

Looking at the title again, I do think we are very lucky in this country in terms of cultural and historical places, and social activities on offer. We sometimes underestimate how important these are to our mental well-being and happiness. Just as important as a week in the sun abroad!

We have thought about going out for a meal next week, sitting in the restaurant garden, but now it looks dull so may not after all.

Going away for a few days end of September.

We have had a few meals out and have sat outside except for once when the heavens opened without warning.
Have also been to an open air theatre locally and I am going to a production at the same venue with my 3 DDs next week.

Nothing much as yet, but have my first hairdresser app next week ? and we may have a few days away in Sept/Oct.
We need a change of scene.

No, not really. DH has been shielding and is still reluctant to leave the house except in his car. My choirs are on Zoom, which is nice but not the same. I am not going back to church yet, and my voluntary work is too risky. I am not inclined to risk the cinema, but might consider a museum. The NT properties are not yet open, just the gardens. We like antique fairs, and might consider an outdoor one soon.

Have been out once a week for lunch under Rishi's "Eat out to help out". Our family met up yesterday for a birthday meal at a local Cote. Tables well spaced. Have now been to the hairdressers for the first time since lockdown, had my highlights done and had a good few inches taken off the length. We may also go away to Devon for a few days, now the main tourist season is over. Still won't go back to the gym though, that ship has sailed for me, for the time being at least!

Starting playing table tennis again and is was great. Just hoping it will help me to lose a few pounds as well!!

My friend & I decided to risk a return to our small local cinema, typically there is nothing showing which appeals.

We went to the Walker in Liverpool a couple of weeks ago. Such a good Sunday outing.
I've signed up for two courses with our local Enjoy Learning group
I'm being careful but feel we have to live our lives

U3A groups will be restarting soon, possibly in different, larger, locations and with smaller groups to maintain distancing, so I think I'll go.

I'm a member of the V&A so my visit to the Kimono exhibition will be free, but unlike before you now have to book even if a member. As far as I can see all visits to the major museums have to be booked. A good thing really.

September is an exciting month!

Tate Modern tomorrow, but all my usual “arty fatty” activities (my term) are planned as Zooms until Christmas or not restarting yet.
Zoom is better than nothing but I am champing at the bit for some human company!
V&A sounds interesting.....goes off to Google

Yes Riverwalk, September being the time all these activities usually get started I have joined a few classes. The only thing I wouldn't rejoin is choir rehearsals, even in a lofty old church. Apparently singing and shouting are two of the worst things.
I'm sure the V & A will be well organised. Enjoy the vibrant fabrics.