Happy birthday to ya, happy birthday to ya, happy birth-day!

Monday morning dawns, I feel exhilarated rather than exhausted from our weekend at virtual Scout camp – I loved every minute! So instead of rushing out of bed to get on with today’s tasks, I take it more leisurely reminiscing over a weekend well spent in the pursuit of Scouting.

Full of energy, I am up and out on a jog at roughly my usual time. I decide to re-route to the park and am enjoying the sight of fellow early birds, joggers, dog walkers, outside gym class goers, all in the beautiful scenery of nature. 5k later and I’m back home ready for the adventures of the week ahead.

This week is my lockdown birthday, a week off to put chillaxing into practise. We had a run through last month for my partners birthday with some success. We spent the week catching up in the house, Scouting, playing games, dog walks and movies. I’ve felt rather grounded by Coronavirus, so this week we are determined to have adventures out of the house. After all leisure facilities are starting to open back up and with so many beauty spots in the North East to enjoy, I can’t wait.

So, in the spirit of adventure, we revel in something we used to take for granted and finally get a much-needed haircut.

During the national lockdown hair salons were forced to close and over the past weeks, since opening, have been stored off. I had decided, even before coronavirus, to grow my hair, so what was a few more weeks. However, I have been more than a little disturbed by how much hair I lose during a wash or brush, let’s hope today’s chop helps – I wouldn’t want to go bald during a pandemic. Yet my partner’s hair has taken on a wild streak, curling and ending up in bobbles just a few times for evening entertainment.

When we arrive, there is no replay of my pre-lockdown visit, arriving early to walk the dog and my hairdresser rushing out in a comedy act. Today’s visit is very different, although it is feeling normal now. We mask up on entry, arriving dead on time and wait for our hairdresser to take the lead. However, these protection measures don’t impede a great catch up and hair pampering. Looking in the mirror, I feel younger and my partner looks drop dead gorgeous with short tamed hair. As we leave, I can’t help but flick my hair, I feel fabulous, best early birthday present ever.

Soon my lockdown birthday arrives, it’s not a big birthday so I wasn’t planning a party, but who doesn’t want a little bit of fun on their birthday? So, we drive up the coast for a day of adventure at Seahouses. On arrival the seaside town is jumping, so masked and gloved up we pick up some delicious chips to complement the packed lunch and head to Beadnell. We arrive at the car park, pull straight into a recently departed bay and sit on the dunes. Lunch is a feast, chip starter followed by cold delights from home-made sausage rolls to a cold meat selection and bakery bread. As we leisurely enjoy lunch, entertainment surrounds us, on the beach there are many people enjoying the summer sun. While on the other side of the dunes, we are transfixed by the parking warden stalking the cars like a cheetah on the prowl. After lunch we walk Lady along the beach to cool down in the sea. However, the experience is short lived, with jelly fish parading the shoreline, we welcome dessert at the ice cream van opting for tubs, as a cone brings more risk of contamination. Even though coronavirus effected our choice, its deliciously refreshing.

After a slight pause, we opt for the scenic route home pulling over for photos of the beautiful coastline and impressive Bambrough castle. Satisfied from our yummy treats so far, we end the day with cake and wine mmm.

Before we realise it’s Friday, the week has flown over, just like any other – not! We’ve voyaged back to the past, enjoying the delights of Beamish, walked in natures beauty at Gipside.  Jogged and bumbled along chasing the early morning and evening sun embracing the great outdoors we’ve been missing during lockdown.

After all our fun filled week off, we enjoy a chilled weekend of movies – mainly Disney, best birthday presents ever. I did get other lovely gifts for jogging, relaxing and creating too.