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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to plan on having a BBQ

439 replies

Numptydumptyfelloffthewall · 02/04/2020 12:58

Hi,

I've seen such conflicting advice and information on this lockdown that I'm starting to doubt my own judgement. I've tried to follow the lockdown to the letter. DH and I are working full time from home and i've been out once since lockdown for food shopping. We have 2 DC (4, 6) who are home and havent been out, they run around in the garden for exercise.

I have some BBQ coal in the shed and was wondering if it would be unreasonable/ wrong for DH, me and the 2 DC to have a BBQ on Sunday when the weather is predicted to be a bit nicer. We wouldnt need to buy any supplies or meet anyone else and it would really brighten a very stressed and difficult week but I dont want to be disrespectful or undermine the lockdown, esp as I have family both on the shielding list and working in the NHS, so I really understand how important it is to delay the spread of Covid 19.

We're in a standard 1930s 3 bed semi so we have a nice sized garden but not huge. If we do go ahead, should we go in if our neighbours also come into their garden? Or set up at the bottom of the garden? I usually keep the kids inside during the actual cooking as DD4 is asthmatic but they find eating BBQ food outside to be a huge novelty/ treat.

OP posts:
MsPavlichenko · 02/04/2020 13:47

You can. I see you have kept your DC to the garden only. I am impressed. I'd have had to walk mine like dogs! But, you are allowed out for exercise, and that goes for them too if you observe the rules.

OmgThereAreNoPlanesAboveMeNow · 02/04/2020 13:48

I am pretty sure half of these threads are just a pretend wide eyed "I don't know".

Frankiecandle · 02/04/2020 13:48

Have we been told to not do anything joyful? Will Boris write that in his letter. Mind you we could use his letter to light the BBQ.

cornishdreams1 · 02/04/2020 13:49

We have already had more than a few! Some music on, flowing wine, we forgot on those evenings how horrendous this all is. Bliss!

Cherryonthetop2019 · 02/04/2020 13:49

We are having a BBQ - butchers had kits delivered our meat. We have a full bottle of gas. We also have a hot tub that we plan on enjoying. It’s our garden and ours to enjoy!

cornishdreams1 · 02/04/2020 13:50

We have had a few indoor discos too, party for four in the kitchen, it def killed a few hours!!

Ninkanink · 02/04/2020 13:50

I’m squeezing as much joy as I possibly can out of life at the moment. I owe that to myself, and to others, in fact!

Life is not improved by misery, nor is misery any more meaningful or moral than happiness.

LaurieFairyCake · 02/04/2020 13:50

Go for it

But you'd best wear a fucking hair shirt to appease the Joy-suckers of Mumsnet ConfusedHmm

Just don't get trollied and give a neighbour a blow job round the back of the shed...

mbosnz · 02/04/2020 13:51

Mental health, finding pockets of fun and pleasure within the parameters of what we can safely do, is important. I know full well that my neighbours don't have the virus, and are perfectly able to put up with us having a barbie going for the hour or so that it is.

Just as we can put up with their fighting and then having loud make up sex. Grin

bitchonthepitch · 02/04/2020 13:52

Why not, as long as you are sensible about it - for example not standing round by the fence but staying in the middle of the garden so you are >2m away.

Dontunderestimateme · 02/04/2020 13:52

Fun is not banned! Have your BBQ and enjoy it. This could go on for a while. There is nothing wrong with finding ways to enjoy yourselves within the rules. We may as well all try and make the best of it.

SinkGirl · 02/04/2020 13:52

Fuck it. Just ordered worlds best burgers, buns, sausages and amazing Galician ribeye from epic online butcher. Can’t get a delivery for two weeks though so will have to dream about it until then.

We got bullet smoker which we haven’t used yet so I reckon this is a perfect opportunity.

HedgehogDramas · 02/04/2020 13:52

I thought you were going to add 'and I've invited 20 of my friends round'.
Have your BBQ OP and I hope the weather stays nice for you all!!

MrsJBaptiste · 02/04/2020 13:53

Why on earth are you even asking this question OP?

You're not leaving your house, will be in your own garden with your own family. Of course you're allowed to have a bloody bbq! 😐

PhilCornwall1 · 02/04/2020 13:53

I think it would be nice if you didn't inflict smoke on your neighbours given that Covid 19 affects the respiratory system.

Screw COVID-19! it can't stop people having some enjoyment that hasn't been withdrawn.

LynetteScavo · 02/04/2020 13:54

We always have a bbq for DSs Birthday, we decorate the garden, have music and invite people over. We'll be doing just the same this year, but on our own.

Dyrne · 02/04/2020 13:54

We’ve been smelling BBQs all week. The only thing that has “upset” us is that we didn’t think to buy BBQ-able food last shop so we’re jealous we can’t have one ourselves Grin

Living in close proximity to people means accepting things like BBQs, Lawnmowers, noisy children, dogs etc are going to happen as your neighbours dare to live their lives. Fair enough things like bonfires etc are anti-social and a fire risk at the moment; but a simple BBQ can be controlled and the smoke is only for an hour or so.

maddy68 · 02/04/2020 13:55

Not a problem at all. You're just cooking outside enjoy it X

Bluntness100 · 02/04/2020 13:57

Where I live they have banned all burning of rubbish outside due to the effect of smoke on people with the virus, so if loads of people start having BBQs

You do understand there is a massive difference between a bbq and what’s involved, as well as the scale and burning rubbish, right?

And no ones neighbours is going to be impacted from smoke on a bbq unless you’re really not doing it right.

I honestly think some of these posters have never actually been to a bbq. It’s the only way to explain these comments.

MaudBaileysGreenTurban · 02/04/2020 13:59

I think it would be nice if you didn't inflict smoke on your neighbours given that Covid 19 affects the respiratory system.

Oh, give over.

WaxOnFeckOff · 02/04/2020 13:59

Unless i've missed, enjoying yourself has not been banned. Nothing wrong with a bbq, or having easter eggs as long as it's not a special trip. You are even allowed to smile while out on your daily excercise...

ilovecakeandwine · 02/04/2020 14:02

Do it , I've said the same to my dc that it's supposed to be nice so we will have a bbq . Dc are looking forward to it now enjoy .

Holdingmybreath · 02/04/2020 14:03

We are producing so much less pollution by no using our cars much that I think we can enjoy a few bbqs.

LittleChoCho · 02/04/2020 14:04

I swear some people will only be happy when we are sitting in solitary confinement in darkened rooms eating bread and water

I know, right? It's like the news and the worry and the social distancing just isn't enough misery for them. OP I hope you and your family have a lovely time at your BBQ x

TypingoftheDead · 02/04/2020 14:05

There's being considerate to others (neighbours who "might" have Covid - if they're so ill they won't be able to breathe if you have a barbecue, the barbecue smoke is really the least of their problems) and then there's minimising all your own wants/needs to the point you don't feel you deserve to have a life.