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!

Oh dear, That. Time to declare it a half day, or will the schools not go for that?

I have spent 2 hours home blessing and am now collapsed in an armchair with a coffee and a slice of banana cake, but I have
♥️ Hoovered the whole house including the stairs
🧡 Washed the hoover filters
💛 descaled the family bathroom showerhead
💚 S&S upstairs
💙 properly cleaned the cloakroom including doing the floor and skirtings by hand
💜 LOL washed and.hung on the line🖤 2 filthy 20m dog leads washed, deknotted and festooned on the line to dry
♥️ DW rotated and put on a hot wash with the last pans from last night
🧡 Dusted at ceiling level throughout downstairs with extendable feather duster (which the dog thinks is a pigeon on a stick I am too mean to share!)
💛 properly cleaned, polished, dusted and tidied the music / playroom
💚 cleaned playroom window sills
💙 Put clean dry washing from yesterday away
💜 Shined the utility room sink
🖤 Cleaned the utility room surfaces and windowsill.
♥️ Got bacon out of the freezer for bacon and egg tea.

I wasn't carrying my phone so i have no steps for that 😭. What do you think- 1000?

That's enough for today! I still have to pack up parcels and get to the post office, but apart from that everything else can be achieved sitting down!

meg I'd say closer to 2000 tbh
Lane not every day is a get up and go kind of day
That

Tada
Three BRC sorted
Tidy half under the table
Help D's compile an a-z of things he can photograph for part schoolwork task,then chivvy him to take the bloody photos!!

Lil zoo appeared declaring she needs to "handicraft an Eiffel tower for French" wtf?!can't she just conjugate some verbs or something?

I've had a DD focused morning today. The last few days she has got very grumpy and shouty about 10am. Trying to work out if she is hangry, or feeling a bit neglected or bored and is acting out. So I've put most house stuff on hold and left my phone on charge this morning to give her a bit more attention.

So we've played a lot this morning, made a guitar out of a cereal bowl, string and making tape and had a very long snuggly time on the sofa, half watching Disney+ and half just talking nonsense.

Now we are having lunch then going to have a walk along the river. Then I'm going to hit the housework this afternoon.

That sounds lovely, Fluff. Hope you have both benefitted from it.

Good lord. Sloth like today and a grumpy sloth at that! We’ve got virtually no work done. I’ve just done my workout and showered though so that’s something. And DS did get surprisingly enthusiastic about writing a story (as instructed to in his English workbook - but he then took a while over it and then typed it up! He isn’t usually a keen writer so this is progress!)

So I really should celebrate what we have managed rather than focus on what we haven’t.

Conclusion:
Taking one’s own advice is hard! 🙄

Good lord. Sloth like today and a grumpy sloth at that! We’ve got virtually no work done. I’ve just done my workout and showered though so that’s something. And DS did get surprisingly enthusiastic about writing a story (as instructed to in his English workbook - but he then took a while over it and then typed it up! He isn’t usually a keen writer so this is progress!)

So I really should celebrate what we have managed rather than focus on what we haven’t.

Conclusion:
Taking one’s own advice is hard! 🙄

Ooh that was weird sorry the post got stuck on my phone! Proof I managed to leave my phone alone for well over an hour though😂 admittedly I was on the iPad for the last few mins but mostly I was sitting in the garden drawing more of my picture quiz and then doing home ed with DS

zoo that's an impressive list! Don't overdo it though so enjoy a nap/ rest if you can.

meg well done on getting home bleugh done.

lane sorry you're not in the best of moods today, will it help to get out/ have time to yourself?

fluff having a fun and relaxed morning sounds like a great idea. Maybe that was exactly what she needed.

Ta Das so far (10:30am)

🐞 DH breakfast made.

🦋 Chicken chili in slow cooker.

🐞 2nd LOL in washer.

🦋 S&S.

🐞 Utensil holder and utensils washed and put back.

🦋 Cutlery organiser washed and drawer wiped out.

🐞 Stove top and counter wiped down (stove top gets scrubbed when something spills and wiped down multiple times a day, so didn't need a scrub today)

Currently sat having a slice of the blueberry and lemon bread, along with my second cup of coffee. I finally took a picture of the bread I made. It's so delicious!

DH sold DSs dirt bike riding boots today, so I'll be meeting up with them later. They were so small on him they hurt him. Now we just have to find some that fit (usually get 2nd hand as they're so expensive)

Washing his jersey and riding pants as we speak so they can get sold. He found and bought a set yesterday.

SIL wants a bathroom organiser that I bought a few months ago that won't work for us. (I would have returned them but waited too long to get it out of the package!)

I feel like I'm getting things accomplished at home. Work is a different story though as I'm only there half the time and feel like I can't catch up.

Hazel, that looks delicious! Any chance you'd share the recipe?

Sorry it feels like work isn't getting done. I've gone back to paid research this afternoon, from family research, and my head won't go.

I did also get the parcels posted and bought cream, eggs and tomatoes in the same shop (and a twirl for me we're not going to talk about, ok? 🤐). Oh, and DS3 not only got his yellow belt at Kung Fu last week, he was student of the week this week! He is very proud.

pin.it/2tsMkN9 I hope this works! It's a keto recipe, but I know there are others that aren't. If you need gluten free but not avoiding sugar, you can just use regular sugar, same amounts. This uses almond flour 🙂

Well done to your DS3 meg I won't even mention the Twirl, even though you deserve a treat!

hazel the baking looks amazing.

Well, my afternoon was rudely interrupted by my boss sending me work to do. The cheek of it! I'm afraid I've got used to checking my email each day, seeing no work and skipping off in to my day. I have no grounds for complaining but I'm needlessly resentful of it all the same . So, no flying today but dutifully earned my wage. I have a much better work ethic at the office than I do at home.

I have got over the shock by cooking steak with peppercorn sauce and opening the bottle of red we had in. Going to put DD to bed and then have a long bubble bath. Hope you all have a lovely evening

Not caught up yet. Today has been royally crap, in my brain if nowhere else!

Lisette nobody would judge you for thinking of gin on a Monday morning TBH, especially at a time like this :o I love the middle meme especially, about connection ❤️ I don’t need to check the smoke alarm as the oven tests them for us regularly 😳😂

DH and DD1 are doing a late dinner and I’m vegetating

Oooo peppercorn sauce. I love that. Never tried making it myself

Today has been the worst day so far schoolwork wise. Admittedly me having less than 3 hours sleep and having little patience probably didn't help. It started off really well DS1 finished a weeks worth of English work before we went for a walk at 11 and DS2 did a mock SATS paper and did quite well on it considering he's two years away from SATS. All changed this afternoon though DS1 had to start his maths. He hates maths and was just pissing about this meant DS2 was distracted even though he was doing one of those story starter things from pobble which he enjoys. I then tried to do a reading book with DS3 😩 he has a phonological processing disorder so understandably struggles with reading but he seems to have regressed a bit with it. Probably my fault for not doing enough with him. The thing is though DH is dyslexic and reading was such a battle when he was at school that he hates it now and I don't want that for DS3. The older boys love reading and he loves books just when someone else is reading. Ended up downloading help your monster read app (think that's what it's called) and going right back to the basics with him. He enjoyed it so hopefully we'll have some success with it.

Ok sorry for my moan.

Did manage another load of laundry
Ironing
Dinner and clean up after.
DC now all in bed (older 2 reading) and I'm praying for a good night's sleep.

This thread is a safe space to share this stuff we3 rant away my dear ❤️

I feel slightly better about our not-much-done day, as DS read out his story to us. It’s short, and basic, and still behind where he should be if he were in school, but he’s made SO much progress and he did it all himself with descriptive language etc and the key thing is, he enjoyed it and wants to do more! Last time we attempted that it was like pulling teeth (being autistic he’s very literal) so I’m a bit blown away that he just got on with it.

They’re both in the garden again, I’m on my own with a totally non-sleepy (late nap as we haven’t taken her out for a couple of days) toddler, DH is feeling really sick this evening so I sent him to bed! I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night.

Clearly no decluttering is going to happen now!

Hazel I've got an attack of the munchies looking at that cake. My mouth is watering 😋

We3 there's always space here for those who have a bad day. Home schooling is such a juggle at the moment. Does DS3 like audio books?

Just about got through work and supervising school work today. Forced myself out for a walk and left all cleaning to one side. Tomorrow is another day. Lane the app is throwing up all sorts of substitute emojis - it's like autocorrect! I'm going to take an early night. Sorry I haven't name checked everyone but cherry waves 🍒 ( longstanding thread corruption of cheery waves) to all.

Just catching up while on the bike again and giggling over Ben and Holly with DS (Peppa Pig’s edgier, cooler cousin, IMHO) - exercised three times today which has helped a bit (getting out didn’t really feel possible today hazel period day 2 is just UGGGGH). DD1 is still outside in the dark. I’m just going with it as I think it’s her way of asserting some space for herself and independence, and she sort of gets actual conversation too as the neighbour boy (same year at her school) is chatting to her out of his window!

She needs to seriously do some more work tomorrow though. I haven’t been in the right state to encourage her when I’ve been so unmotivated myself! I feel a bit “stuck” as well, as I’m still waiting for a particular email that is really important to me and I get quite fixated on things like that sometimes. Anyway she only actually achieved a teeny bit of her English task, which was to draw three things related to the poem - these could’ve been little doodles but she did three full A4 pics! So at least she’s doing more art I suppose. And it’s been nice that she’s spent most of the afternoon in the garden rather than in her dark bedroom.

Zoo sorry DS is being a PITA with the schoolwork. Would it help to space it throughout the day so it gives him breaks? Just wondering if he has some attention difficulties comorbid with the ASD? Both mine get angry and restless if they have to concentrate too long. As do I, if I’m honest. 😳 BTW I’m totally nicking the photography challenge idea, I’m going to make DD1 a list of things to take photos of, including some at the park for when we can actually persuade her to go on a walk.

Epic well done to DS3 on his new belt meg! 🥋

Sorry, not keeping up with personals very well. Done well on self care today, with virtual Zumba and yoga classes. A couple of hours helping DS with an assignment from school, finished proofreading the dissertation, an hour or so of work and then out to play football with DS. I thought the days of him playing football with his mum were long gone but as he can't play with his mates any more he's stuck with me!

Someone (Lane?) asked about the pizza base we made the other day. There are lots of options out there, the one we did at the weekend was this one but it does need plenty of rising time. Absolutely delicious though.
www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/mozzarella-stuffed-crust-pizza

There's a KCC question for you Lisette - favourite pizza toppings.

PINEAPPLE ED

But seriously I do love a Hawaiian if getting a takeaway. My fave pizza express one is the ad Astra which is Cajun chicken but I have to have their house dressing on it. 😋

When we used to top pizza ourselves at home I’d have very similar ones each time - loads of veg and a bit of meat, but with “quenelles” of Philadelphia and sprinkled with pine nuts. The philly gets all browned on the outside and is just yummmmm. I love goats cheese on pizza too.

Sorry I got excited and went off on a tangent there. If you add that to the KCC questions at some point lisette there is my answer :o

And thank you (also we3 was it?) for pizza base advice! :)

🐟weighed self. Less said about that the better.
🐠20 mins exercise bike
🐟workout
🐠shower/hair
🐟sunshine and art in the garden
🐠maths and Kensuke’s Kingdom with DS
🐟watched my psychologist’s video interview (it’s about working from home but useful tips I can apply to home ed too) and emailed her about next therapy session
🐠put washing in dryer
🐟another 20 mins on EB

I knew there'd be one 🍍🍍🍍

Goats cheese though, yum. There's a pizza place here that does goats cheese and nduja. It's amazing. We had quesadillas tonight, we all did our own, my filling was soft goats cheese, shredded chicken and chilli jelly.

Hello Zoo, ED, Hungry ( your blueberry lemon cake sounds and looks amazing!)
Welcome to santa!
Amazing some of the ta das lists that have been achieved. Some days I find I have lots of motivation and some days its gone- chocolate and tea definately help.
I managed to declutter under the TV.
Fraggles have been good sports today. I have a 5year old and nearly 4year old.
The school work for the 5 year old nearly made me cry. I don't want to open 3 different programs to find out what on earth we have to do. I will keep trying tho.

My favourite pizza plain cheese and tomatoe just freshly cooked...its so comforting. I would love to try making a pizza base at home.

Waving at everyone on here and saying hi !

I should try and sleep if I want to start a earlier morning routine for me and the kids. Tomorrow I have one section of the sitting room to declutter of books, photo frames and laminater. Then fraggle one might be able to video call his best friend for the first time since lockdown.
You guys on here keep me motivated to keep going- so thank you!

🍒 waves to everyone.

I have read this page. I can’t keep up with your posting.

So I have just read through Flylady and I have actually done most of that today. I haven’t cleaned the stove. The oven is self cleaning you just put it on high temp. And it burns it off. The hot plate is fairly clean as I did it about two weeks ago. I just turn it down and clean with lemon juice or you can turn it up and burn it off. Induction just needs a wipe each time it is used.

So I S&S basin
Put away dishwasher contents
Re load with two greasy dishes.
Wiped down cupboards
Wipe out and sort foil, baking paper etc
Wiped top of dresser
Wiped and polished worktop.
Take plants out and trim then wipe worktop.
Wash dish rack
Tidy top of fridge, tidy medicine box
Made pancakes
Cat has been down the garden and because the water in the trough is lower she actually puts her front paws in to get a drink. It looks so funny I must try and take a photo.
Hens are getting on well though Ziggy still has her feathers all fluffed up and is huffy. One of the pips is laying blue eggs.
Dead headed plants on the front.
Sorted tomato plants.

EDdid you have seed? I have some sweet corn seeds if you want them. I bought a gardening mag which had 10 packets on it. I don’t need all so could post them to you if you would like them.
Excitement as the tomato plants arrived late Saturday. We had a busy day that day.

Must go to sleep but first a big welcome to newbies.👋