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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

To go to a local garden centre?

339 replies

Thetimehascomethewalrussaid · 19/01/2021 09:58

I feel like I might get flamed for this. I'm on maternity leave and obviously we're in full lockdown. Where I live is also currently in the throes of Storm Christoph and the rain outside is literally like the wrath of god - so no chance of a walk. My baby is teething and really grumpy and I'm going out of my mind being stuck in the same four walls all day every day. All baby classes have been cancelled, can't even go somewhere for a quick coffee to break up the day. My husband is at work (he's a teacher and over half of the school are in because the government have massively expanded the list of what constitutes a 'key worker' - so it's not really a lockdown, but that's another thread!) We have a support bubble because we have a child under 1 but they're also at work in the week (also teachers). Our local garden centre (2 min drive away) is open - would I be unreasonable to pack the baby in the car and go and have a look round there for an hour? Just to break up the day and regain a bit of sanity? Not an essential journey, but arguably important for mental health! My husband now has weekly COVID tests - he had one yesterday and it was negative so it's highly unlikely we have it! Feel like I'm going mad!

OP posts:
LadyCatStark · 19/01/2021 18:59

Go if you must but be aware that a lot of other people have probably had the same idea as you. Before Christmas, our local garden centre had devised an Alton Towers style queueing system 😵.

Haenow · 19/01/2021 19:10

Quite clearly a goady thread but I’m glad I read it because of this little gem ”This reminds me of the thread where a poster insisted they had to take their toddler shopping (rather than leave him at home with his father) as he liked to woof at the dog food.” Thank you @RedskyBynight I must have missed that thread but you made me actually laugh.

ScrumpyBetty · 19/01/2021 19:11

Ah sorry @Peanutquavers123 for misunderstanding you Smile

user1493494961 · 19/01/2021 19:38

Stay at home.

Peanutquavers123 · 19/01/2021 19:43

@ScrumpyBetty that’s okay :) I didn’t phrase it very well in fairness! :)

countrygirl99 · 19/01/2021 19:44

@GirlCrush

What ‘flowers’ did the kid smile at? Our garden centre is merely shrubs at this time of year, not exactly spring just yet
Hellebore, primroses, pansies, hyacinths for a start
sweeneytoddsrazor · 19/01/2021 19:47

There is a huge difference though between I want a pot plant/conifer/sun dial or whatever, great lets go to the garden centre and get one, and little Johnny is bored it's raining lets go for a trip to the garden centre wander round aimlessly browsing and the pick up a random thing to justify the trip. 1st scenario acceptable 2nd not acceptable

CherryRoulade · 19/01/2021 19:49

I guess it depends whether you’d want an intensive care bed if you had a major postpartum haemorrhage?
The thing is you may think you’re low risk but if everyone who thinks they’re low risk carries on doing everything they want then it will take a whole lot longer to reduce ITU congestion.

Boredom is boredom.

PunkAssMoFo · 19/01/2021 20:15

Everyone’s mental health will be a lot worse the longer this drags on. We all fancy popping out to the shops for a browse, but if we all did that it would make rates go up again. One trip to the garden centre is not going to magically cure any mental health issues.

I’ve seen many a patient who ‘doesn’t really go out or see anyone’, but somehow managed to get Covid. They’ve probably managed to pass it on somewhere too.

GabriellaMontez · 19/01/2021 22:37

@Eyeslikethesea

As a now ex supermarket staff, I implore you not to go. I got out of retail 4 months ago because I couldn’t take it anymore. Garden centers are open because of greedy bosses. Not because staff want to necessarily. I was so scared all the time but the anger that ate away at me because “browsers” just didn’t give a shit about me, my colleagues or my family. I know it’s hard for you, but please think about people who don’t have a choice
Greedy bosses Is it greedy to bring in some money to pay the bills? Secure a future for your business and the staff that work in it?
Dowser · 20/01/2021 21:49

Well done everyone
We’ve made the daily Mail.
Must be a slow news day

Congratulations to all of you who got a mention.

www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9164731/Mother-BLASTED-wanting-garden-centre-pass-time.html

Cuntitinthebin · 20/01/2021 22:39

I'm shocked they didn't post my comment.

Shocked.

SidekickSally · 20/01/2021 23:00

Maybe we should all start taking personal accountability rather than rely on being told what we can and can’t do.

Start thinking “should I” rather than “can I”.

OP, yes you are allowed to go to the garden centre and clearly you have. I guess you felt the risk of catching something from everyone else there who thought the same was low?

SchrodingersImmigrant · 20/01/2021 23:04

That's a second time in Daily Mail for me😁 I might have to hire an agent soon😁

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