Thanks, Caz. Yes, I posted a request in the Official UK Bloggers Facebook group and got a good response!

Thanks for all your other comments. I also got a keyboard a couple of years ago but never got very far with it. It’s up in the attic now! One reason I like the ukulele idea is that you can buy them quite cheaply, so (as you say) it’s not a disaster if it doesn’t work out.

And yes, staying active is so important. As I write this it sounds as though we are facing another lockdown, which is likely to involve pools and gyms closing again. I shall be very disappointed if this happens, as going swimming has provided a lifeline for me this year. I think it’s the wrong step for the government to be taking, but of course there isn’t much I can do about it.

Thanks again for your comments, and please stay safe during this awful time. Nick xx

I think Shelley Whitaker has a good idea here with prepping your home so you’ve got lots to keep you busy, entertained or just generally distracted.

It’s not going to be an easy time, but there are at least small things we can do to make it a bit more manageable. As for instruments, I’d say something small would be a bit easier, especially if you give up and want to sell it afterwards (which oddly enough I’ve just done with a keyboard that I could never teach myself!)

I’m glad you yourself manage to stay active with walks and swimming. That’s what I worry about with my folks shielding and not getting out, which is very worrying when my dad has dangerously high blood pressure. I’m trying to get him walking around this small football field type thing just up our road, which is the only ‘safe’ place to get to. He moans that it’s boring, so I tell him to use his imagination and pretend he’s walking around Sherwood Forest or the Forest of Dean. 😆
Fab tips!

Caz xx

Thanks, Scott. My sister is a librarian so I do know a little about this. At her library in Oxfordshire (other areas may differ) they are still lending print books but restrictions are in place, e.g. you are only allowed to visit for a maximum of 30 minutes. And when books are returned they are ‘quarantined’ for 72 hours to avoid any risk of infection. She also mentions that their online stock in the form of audio, e-books and newspapers has been expanded and is very popular. So yes, please do support your local library. The situation is obviously not ideal at the moment, but it’s important people go on using libraries or ultimately they may face closure.

I especially like Jennifer’s advice with libraries, they can be so good and seem to consistently be going out of fashion. But as she says, with another lockdown looming, grabbing loads of good books (eBooks but also hard copies for kids if they’re still doing them?) for almost nothing can be a great resource.

Also love your advice with eBay, thanks for the link!

No worries. Thank you for contributing 🙂