Social distancing around the Maypole: Fledglings fly into Flylady thread May 2020.

[Lisette1940]

Welcome to the May Flylady thread Fledglings! We are finally coming to the end of Spring and, erm, what a Spring it has been. Keep safe everyone and a special shoutout to Fledglings who are in the frontline of the response to Covid 19.
Lane has been superlative with the keep calm corner and has had a truly magnificent engagement with fledglings all through April – well done Lane!!! I have totally abandoned my routines (and my clean eating) and have been flying perilously close to the ground but am ready for take off again. But we operate a no fledgling left behind policy and indeed Flylady herself stresses that you are never behind in the system – no need to deep clean the house first, just jump right in.
All are welcome here from longtimers to newbie and those lurking – we all follow this zone-based Flylady cleaning system:
There are five zones and at the beginning and the end of the month we usually straddle Zone 1 and zone 5.
(amend rooms to suit your house – I do the living and dining room together as it’s all one room in my house)
MAY
Zone 1 Hall, entrance/dining room (Fri 1 – Sat 2)
Zone 2 Kitchen (Sun 3- Sat 9)
Zone 3 Bathroom and another room (Sun 10- Sat 16)
Zone 4 Master bedroom/closet (Sun 17 – Sat 23)
Zone 5 Living room (Sun 24 – Sun 31)

Pop onto the Flylady website to have a closer look here but be aware that lots of emails arrive if you sign up.

Flylady has an introductory scheme called Babysteps which is a light 31 day introduction to the system – dressing to shoes, shining your sink etc here.

There is a morning routine and an evening routine to keep things ticking over and a weekly home cleaning hour to change bed sheets, mop, hoover, take out rubbish etc. Flylady doesn’t want us cleaning all day so she is very keen on using a timer. Clean then stop!
In addition each day has a purpose: see the daily focus here

Monday: Weekly home cleaning hour (can be split into ten minute sections and spread over week) here
Tuesday: Plan and play (Menu planning, family event planning)
Wednesday: Anti-procrastination day
Thursday: Errand day
Friday: Clear out bags, fill car with petrol, date night
Saturday: Family fun
Sunday: Lift your spirit

Launch pad for guidance every day! launch pad

Habit of the month of May is moving – whether that’s your daily get out of the house during lockdown or in house movement. – moving is not my strongest point apart from pottering around the house…
We also have a naughty corner as a restful break out space and a Keep Calm Corner (KCC). I suspect I’ll be better at the naughty corner rather than the latter but I’ll do my best! Not sure I can muster the memes but I’ll do my best to keep spirits up.
So welcome to the new thread (I hope I haven’t left anyone out): Lane, SC, zoo, Bower, KTCluck, Willow/Megiddo, foxes, That, averytiredMom, fluffliest, ED, Strawberry, Chic, Hazel, Happiness, Cineraria, We3, stressy, and give.

And breathe!

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/041549740X/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_qTAVEb99WY4MJ

Lisa Harrison Politics the key concepts. You could download a kindle sample to have a look.

Ooh thanks they look good. I have an usborne guide already as I am frankly a bit shit with this stuff and need it explained as though I am a child.

In all seriousness though this is one of my favourite benefits from home ed - I get to find out stuff I missed as a kid and we learn together.

Thank you fox. DS2 is like your son, I sometimes think he does it on purpose. He will just plonk his arm in my face and when I move it he’ll do it again. Hope you manage to sleep better tonight.

zoo I’m sorry about your periods they’re bloody awful things.

I’m feeling quite lonely tonight. I really miss being with my family now.

ta da
🐰saw DD1 off to school
🐰finally replied to text I’d been procrastinating over
🐰got DS doing work
🐰collected DH’s meds, so a nice walk to town, plus a bit of food shopping with a brief sit down in the park halfway
🐰discovered more board books and brought them upstairs
🐰lovely chat and note making about project
🐰LOL
🐰spoke to author about next bit of book (she’s been delayed with house issues) and am now suitably inspired to finally start writing my own. One day. 🤣
🐰ordered a wax warmer from my friend now it’s on sale yay
🐰downloaded some maths stuff and printed a bit for tomorrow
🐰amended this week’s chores to allow for this evening going all cattywampus (DH not well)
🐰did a tiny bit of maths with DD1 in the evening which is when it all went to shit and now I’m just sad. Have a bit of a plan I think but unlikely to get any support with it until Monday at the earliest

I was at work today, but I did clean the bathrooms there, including the men's 🤮 it was so disgusting! But they are clean now. I think I will vacuum in there tomorrow to get ready for us opening our doors on Monday to the general public. It seems so surreal to think that it can be terrifying letting others into our bubble. It never used to even cross my mind.

I'm home now, starving, but really don't feel like making anything for dinner. I have to though. I just wish it was done already by the click of my fingers. I'm making chicken Tikka Masala with cauliflower rice.

If only feeding everyone was a finger click away hazel
Lane hope assessment today goes well
Icyit's a strange one isn't it,wanting to be with those that matter but not wanting risk their health.sending big hugs.ds misses his dad dreadfully but as he doesn't live with us nor has tenancy/shift work patterns that allow zoolets to visit him it has to stay as it is.we don't have any family outside of him and dd1(who drops stuff and stands by car once a week but I miss her coming in and us galavanting together in her car dreadfully)I can only imagine how hard it is with those who have larger close groupsdd1 fiance family us like that.they doing lots quiz night and zoom meals

DS had bad night.next door and her unsocially distancing granddaughter playing loudly in back garden on trampoline with friend then once start get dark transferred her room(next ds) playing music loudly via you tube and laughing together.ds HATES music at best of times and he got very very stressed idea they were mixing too.he finally fell asleep on sofa opposite me at 12.im tempted with pretty loud noises in his room but I really need to control urge to behave like a 5year old

Tada
Wash on
Fed cats
Wash up
Wipe one kitchen surface
Clean cupboard fronts
Clean other surface
Scrub sink and drainer
Sweep lower floors

Not sure if I've mentioned it,and phones on one so not let me scroll back
DS non blue light bedtimeshas been troublesome based on fact we haven't got Alexa or Bluetooth speakers so he can listen to podcasts to settle and his phones obvs not allowed now.anyways,school have agreed to use his pupil premium to pay for it

That's good news, zoo, hope it makes the end-of-day routine easier. Sorry about the ghastly period, hope you feel better today.

Foxes, Icy, I have refused to share a bed with any children except in emergencies since a night spent in a hotel with DS3, aged 3, with his feet up my nose. The only redeeming feature was that we had to get up at 4am to catch a plane (only foreign flying holiday ever in the period 2001- now. Never again.)

Lane, try not to let the maths help for DD1 going wrong make you sad (so easy to say, so hard to do). It's because of your massive emotional investment in her wellbeing that it hits you so hard. She will survive waiting for Monday for school support on it. Hope the assessment today goes well.

Hazel, I totally agree, I wish dinner would appear with a click of the fingers! Your curry with cauliflower rice sounds lovely. I'm really getting behind keto now, although I had a funny moment last night when I didn't feel hungry but suddenly couldn't speak sensibly (got all my nouns in a tangle) which is usually a sign I need to eat. I shall have to watch that!

Yesterday was even more seriously Domestic than the day before, but the whole house was clean and lovely by bedtime except DS1's room which we'll not mention . Oh, except the kitchen, which people keep expecting to magically tidy itself! I got the big curtains and linings washed and back up in our room and it feels much better for it. Might try DD's curtains today. I got two clothes washes done as well as 3 curtains washes, so the washing machine has had a good workout!

DS2 also went on a socially distanced walk with a friend who was having a crisis after a huge argument with his Mum. They both seem to be better for it. It's funny, Icy, I think of you as much closer to my age because we're at similar life stages.

To dos for today:
🐞 DW
🐞 S&S
🐞 LOL
🐞 Get beef mince out of freezer for burgers
🐞 Tidy kitchen cos the sides have silted up again
🐞 Wash kitchen floor
🐞 Get wires pinned out of the way in our bedroom (makes hoovering easier)
🐞 Gentle walk for me as I seem to have upset my Achilles tendon again 😣
🐞 French and science homework with DS3
🐞 Work out how to rearrange DS3's bedroom so he doesn't bump himself so much. He's in the eaves, which is an issue, but we don't have another room for him to go into
🐞 Get DS1 to chase his application to change degree courses.
🐞 Finally finish my new top.

🍒🙋 to everyone, must get going!

zoo sorry your DS had a bad night due to inconsiderate neighbours. Hope he isn't too tired today.

My plan for today is to spend the morning writing and the afternoon gardening. It's already sunny and warm outside and my washing load should be finished in 10 minutes. I think after feeling a bit chilly and tired this week, I'm read for some sunshine.

Baby step 15 here

Daily focus is declutter your bags and car/ date night

Launch pad here

Icy it's very hard being separated from family. Having a lovely family is such a blessing.

Hazel - I hope you have a good day today at work. Male loos - bleurgh.

Meg we don't generally go abroad any more although that is changing now that car seats for ds are becoming unnecessary. But I hate flying and airports and love trains. Unfortunately living this far north means eurostar is not really an option. Would love to try the Caledonian Sleeper one day.

Lane hope the assessment goes well. The second book I mentioned is much cheaper than the first. I hadn't realised they were so expensive.
fluffiest - waves

Cherry waves to all other fledglings!

KCC question:

What do you like most about your best friend?

And while musing on that one I thought of what do you like most about yourself? and then thought God no I don't want to have to think about that one!

My best male friend is very positive and keeps on keeping on. He's had a lot to contend with over the past few years but has come into his own recently. I admire him a lot.

I can tell you what I don't like about myself - I can be lazy and retreat into thinking about things rather than doing. There was a thread on MN recently about what makes people doers and that was fascinating. I wouldn't want to be a workaholic though - married to one of those!

I like that I'm a team player and I am told that I am kind although dh says my b*s**t detector is set to low and God help anyone who messes me around and that is the case!. That'll do me.

I was feeling motivated this morning but a huge tantrum from ds has taken the wind well and truly out of my sails

Taking five minutes on my own in the garden to reset and then I will try and start again!

Lane There are some free things on TES a lot of teachers use it for lessons if someone else has a whiteboard presentation but agree don't worry too much.Maths in Primary is taught differently and they are expected to know more than we did. If times tables, fractions, percentages and geometry is covered by practical lessons at home it will be a big help. If they understand the basics then it isn't too much of a leap and she will be supported. If it is the Usbourne Maths guide it is very good. Well explained. I struggled with a lot of Maths at High School. I was good at measurement, fractions and times tables( nuns made sure of that at primary had to know all by Yr4) and most geometry. I didn't understand how to change and work out percentages until married. DH is a whizz at Maths so our kids vary. DS1 ok, DS2 a whizz at Yr2 doing Maths a year or more above. Now counts and accounts thousands of pounds.DS3 like me and DD like me. I found teaching it meant I was able to help some of those kids like me and looked at other ways of presenting it. We ate our fractions for at least a week, funny how switched on boys are when food is at stake! We did musical times tables with one group with cards to hold up (bit of competition) and the last group I had were struggling with numbers in the hundreds I made lots and lots of laminated cards with numbers on and after 5 hours in a week they could recognise up to a million. We stood in the places with the cards and started back at 10-100 then worked up. I did the numbers place cards in different colours so they could read the place value. Later they were able to make some numbers themselves. We did a presentation for class on the Friday they surprised a few others. loved that little group they are in Secondary now bless them. Sorry I did go on a bit but if she doesn't understand something go back and make the foundation of it strong then she will be more confident to try harder stuff is what I am trying to say/show. You can also tell her if she gets worried that I know a teacher that had to do his Maths five times to get and A-C pass for teaching.I also saw some poor GCSE grades when sorting applications for a Headship when I was a Governor it was an eye opener. Just shows that any teenager can mess about but become successful later on in life.

Zoo Sorry you having a rough time again believe me I do not miss having periods the one hurray for getting older.

Thanks for all the messages about Ziggy. She was a little star and glad you enjoyed her antics as much as me. The pub front will be full of snails and slugs now.
SC Yes their new contract was this month and they can't afford to take it on when there is no income. Three from the same family and another two in the village were waitresses(16/17). such a shame the food was lovely and we had quiz night and other fund raisers through the year. I think it will stay empty for quite a long time.

It was lovely and bright when I got up now cool and cloudy so home bleugh to finish and maybe some decluttering in the summer house for a change of venue. I sorted some recipes and stuck into a recipe book from M&S that one if the teachers bought me a few years ago. some I have hand written too. Cat is off her food. DH goes on about it as if I don't know and he keeps buying her different brands which can't be good. She ate a little this morning I think she doesn't like what he bought. I will make some mince for tomorrow.She was eating for two cats last week it just seems to be what she does.

Hazel Hope you got a good nights sleep. I usually put the radio on and it distracts me when I am tired and don't feel like cooking. We've all been there!

There have been some marvellous lists. I really wish I could do more/ motivate myself more. DH does less and doesn't seem to be bothered.He has done an amazing amount in the garden though. I think he is enjoying seeing the results.
I got my bedding done yesterday and back on because I like that sheet.
I made Fajitas last night and a lemon pudding. Kitchen is tidy and sink done which DH doesn't if he does dishes.HMM!
Sitting room just needs a vacuum
Boudoir going to dust and see what the R Piles ofC are.Make bed, it has been airing.Might tackle a bag of school crap and see if I can just burn it. I am getting so fed up with that stuff. Might put it in the shed.
Good flying fledglings.

Oh Foxes sorry to hear that. They can be really hard work. It comes good in the end. One of mine is a bit too honest sometimes though and it can hurt.Perhaps some music?

BF I just love her to bits. She is unbelievably kind and her bringing kids up lines up with mine so we were always on the same page. She is fun and quirky too. We met 32 years ago and even though she has moved lots of times but back now we have stayed in touch. She is probably the nicest person I have ever know and she is a good listener when anyone is down especially me and has supported me through some tough times.

I don't have to think about the second one. The kids at school, when parents, have said I was kind and I was "always firm but FAIR!" Can you guess that was mostly the boys that were little toe rags sometimes?
I still speak to them even when I know some have done some awful things. I would say I try and speak to people in the same vein as my mum and dad did. Whether a Prime Minister, Princess stroppy teenager at the shops or little old lady.

Bad Trait-talk too much(like mum and sisters) and now at this age a bit lazy. Never at work but can be lazy now at home which is why I am on here trying to kick my arse into gear.
Love you all. Leaves in the KCC

Well I was premature talking about a sunny afternoon in the garden. Its clouded over again here.

foxes sorry about the tantrum, they are exhausting.

I have a big case of the 'can't be bothered' today. Don't want to do housework, or DIY or go for a walk or read my book. Going to have to come up with something for DDs sake if nothing else.

My Best friend - is wonderful, but sadly lives three hours away now. She is a massive bookworm, and has to stop in every charity book shop we pass. What I admire most about her is her resilience and how she takes action to meet people and make new friends. She's very brave and I love her to bits. DD's middle name is my friend's first name because I think she is an excellent role model (and the name is pretty too!)

Thanks everyone. Sick of everything being a battle atm and it’s tempting to just stop but it’ll be even harder for her to catch up. I feel a bit more positive after emailing senco (drafted the message at 5am as I couldn’t sleep) who agreed DD1 can drop some subjects that she won’t be continuing in year 9. I’d copied in our FSW and we had a bit of chat over email too so that was nice. Assessments were great and they should give a bit more oomph to our requests to school for support.

Just printed off a bit more work for DS (thanks for TES reminder btw I haven’t looked at them lately) and we’ve agreed 4.45 DD1 will do a bit of work (English today) but other than that I am expecting nothing of myself. Think I’ll take my book to the garden bench.

Not really sure who my best friend is as I have a few lovely friendships but they are sort of different IYSWIM. With them all we just understand each other (all my closest friends are also autistic) and have a laugh really, although one I have the sort of friendship where we can literally say anything to each other and I really like that, she’s really funny as well :)

What I like about myself... hmmm well after this week it’s tempting to growl “FUCK ALL” and go off in a strop 😳😳😳 but I’m trying to avoid that particular pit of despair (failed spectacularly at this last night) so really, the main thing is that I’m a good friend. I’m often the one people come to if they’re upset, I am empathetic, I understand people. I’m quite observant so I tend to be the person who notices if someone is upset when nobody else does IYSWKM, and if I ask someone how they are I always listen (hence I’m definitely open to the therapist career choice 🤔).

hazel I wish everything could be done with a click of the fingers. My life would be much easier.

zoo it is a horrible time. I’m sorry your son is missing his dad, it must be awful for him. I have a HUGE family and most of us are really close, there’s loads of little ones too so the boys miss playing with their friends. How annoying of your NDN, I think I’d have to refrain from playing loud music too.

meg I’ve co slept for years now, it was just easier than tantrums in the middle of the night. I don’t mind it really, I love being close to them, I just try and put DS1 next to DS2 so I don’t get slapped in the face😂. Your post has reminded me I haven’t washed our curtains in ages. I might do that. I’m glad your DS seems happier. It is funny isn’t it how little age really means, it’s more about experience. I’m 21 in August and I feel worlds apart from other 21 year olds I know, but I’ve always got on with people older than me better.

It really is lisette

Sorry about the tantrum foxes

bower my cat is the same, he only likes certain food and just won’t eat others.

lane that’s good news that DD can drop a couple of subjects.

My best friend is my neighbour. My favourite thing about her is how funny she is. Shes absolutely hilarious. I also love the relationship she has with the boys, she’s like their auntie; and me to her children.

What I like about myself the most..that’s a difficult one. I think I like how resilient I am. I’ve been dealt with quite a lot in life and the odds have been against me but I do feel like I’ve always rose above it all.

I haven’t done much flying today, just the general stuff. Have put a lol on and hoovered all the rooms though. Lots of school work though!. My lovely auntie made a family tree for me and the boys which she posted to us, I’m going to frame it and put it in our living room. Hope everyone has a good day!.

bower/icy chop and changing food can cause some cat digestive discomfort,others get bored and want something else....nelly we discovered is fine with Felix,but good as it looks Felix upsets her tummy.cossie isn't keen on texture,so scoutcats eating thru that(he would eat cheap own brand so he's living high life.ee only got good as it looks as there was none usual stuff)

I don't have a best friend
I don't recognise any qualities in myself...

3loads washing done
Not much else.really tired and dizzy/breathless.hoping will be bit better tom

I'm sorry it's been so hard, lane, but that is good news that the senco is on board.

icy that family tree is really cute, what a sweet gift.

zoo you do have qualities even if you cant see them for yourself. Even through these threads it is clear that you are compassionate and resilient.

My day has turned around a bit. DH and I got out all of our craft and art supplies in the dining room and we had some family time making and painting 'creations'. That perked me up enough to cook a full roast dinner for us, with stuffing, Yorkshire's and roast carrots and parsnips. I actually really like cooking, if I can do it at my leisure and someone else is entertaining the kid 😁

Now DH is giving DD a bath and I'm going to tackle the washing up. Then I'm going to game away my evening on the playstation. Let the weekend commence!

I love your cats names zoo I love the name nelly. Our cat is called Phil Mitchell, Philip for short. I’ve noticed lots of qualities from you, you’re very caring and compassionate and a brilliant mum!.

Thank you fluffy it’s made me feel a lot better!, I’m glad your day went well

Aw zoo you're just fabulous ♥️

Lovely tree icy - thoughtful gift.

I am eating Cadburys mint Oreo and drinking wine.

I’ve been slacking on the thread and flying but I’m all caught up with you lovely lot.

Zoo we can all recognise your qualities. You never give up, you’re kind, caring and a brilliant Mum.

Sorry about Henny Bower. Sounds like she had a lovely life with you.

Icy your boys are so cute. DD climbs in with us every night and DH usually then ends up having to go into her bed as he gets kicked all night long while I get pushed to end of the bed.

Lane you do sound like such a lovely friend. Hope life gets easier for you with DD back at school.

Apologies for lack of other personals but waves to Lisette, Meg, Expletive, Foxes, Chic, SC, Hazel, Fluff, That, Cineraria, We3 and Too (hope you’re well)

I’ve missed quite a few KCC questions but I’ll try and catch up:

Fave cookbook - the hairy bikers diet ones. Every recipe I’ve tried has been delicious.

Learning style: I’m best with reading / writing. Nothing sinks in properly until I’ve handwritten it in my own words.

Mythical creature - wouldn’t mind a ride on a unicorn.

Best friend: I have a big group of close friends that I’ve known from school. We are all very different, have quite different lives, and don’t get to see each other anywhere near as much as we used to, but I love that when we are together it’s like we’ve never been apart. We laugh from start to finish and while we don’t always agree with each others choices there is no judgement. Just support. Maybe empathy is the quality I most appreciate in them all. Quality I like in myself is probably determination. I was the most stubborn child and I’m receiving karma in the form of DD but I hope it will serve her well in the future as it has me on occasion.

No ta Das to post today other than a decent go at an abs workout this morning (no idea why I have suddenly developed a washboard stomach 🤷‍♀️). Have been very productive at work though.

DD was asleep by 7 so I’m settling for gogglebox with a hard earned glass of white.

Evening all, signing in a bit earlier today. Since I started working on Sundays Friday is the new Saturday, so I have been indulging in some self care. Zoom yoga class this morning, a bit of gardening, zoom coffee with friends and baking with DS this evening.

KCC - I'm not really one for mythological creatures so I'm drawing a blank on that one.

I don't have a best friend really either, but have a close set from my college plus various others. Including I might add quite a few MNers. My college friendships have lasted 35+ years now and like KT we don't always agree (politics, feminism, Brexit, you name it) but agree to differ. There were about 8 of us initially, all male apart from two of us, we have all got partners now and we are all close, but only see the whole group maybe once a year.

What do I like about myself? I'm good at chatting and making small talk, I make time to listen to people.

Icy - I had friends in their 50s when I was in my 20s, mainly through work, I get on well with the 20 somethings where I work now too. Not that we see each other any more with the new social distancing stuff.

Zoo - you have us . Life might get in the way for you ATM but you are a good friend to those around you, neighbours, church people, it shines through in your posts.

Lane - glad you've got the assessments out of the way. Phew.

Bower - I haven't been posting much this week so haven't spoken to you about Ziggy (who is Henny Penny to me) but I will miss hearing about her, it sounds as though she had a peaceful last few hours.

Gogglebox and a glass of white for me too now, night all.

Sounds like a lovely ‘Saturday’ Expletive.

Obviously I meant haven’t developed a washboard stomach . That is far, far away.