It is amazing what a difference seven days makes. On two consecutive weekends we had gone to Fountains Abbey. The circumstances could not have been any different. The first weekend was the same as any other weekend, with a distant background rumbling of this illness coming fast from the other side of the world. Seven days later strict social distancing was in place, a day after that, the country was in lock down, something none of us had seen coming a week earlier.

We had parked in the car park at Studley as it meant Nana and Grandad could sit by the lake and have a coffee while they waited for us. This meant we spent the first hour or so walking along the high rise to our favourite lunch spot. From here you can look down the landscaped valley to the abbey itself. I’m sure grandad can name all the spots in the abbey, as he volunteers there, but for me, it is the lunch spot.

After we had finished lunch, we walked round to the main entrance to the abbey to get a coffee and let the little man have a play in the park. On the way though, there was time to have a play / explore of the ruins. Both James and Jess love climbing over the ruined walls.

As it turned out, James spent more time time playing on a fence post than he did in the park. Amazing how much fun he can have on a post at an angle!

After we had finished playing, we started heading back to the cars. This time we took the quick route that took us through the deer park. The deer were by the church, if you know the area, and it gave us the opportunity to get some pictures of the deer.

We got back to the car and whilst everyone was sorting themselves out, I took the opportunity to go and take some pictures of the birds on the lake. One thing is certain, I am not a wildlife photographer. Thank goodness I got lots of chances to take pictures. You certainly would not want me to be there to take a picture of a fleeting glimpse of a rare animal.

So after that, that was it for the weekend. During the following week, the news of Covid-19 got worse and worse. By the time the next weekend came around, social distancing was in full force.

We decided to meet Nana and Grandad at Fountains Abbey again as there is plenty of space as we could not go near them. I have never seen it so busy, as it would appear everyone had the same idea. We had agreed to have a picnic there. Cafe Thomas set up as we took a small stove with us. This meant that by the time the oldies had arrived, yes, for once, we were first, we had a steaming kettle going.

After that it was time to go stretch our legs. It was so difficult for James as all he wanted to do was to give Nana and Grandad cuddles and play with them, something he was not allowed to do. Just means though that when this is all over, they will get the biggest cuddles ever.

After that it was time to head home. It was amazing nice we made the most of potentially the last opportunity to see Nana and Grandad for who knows how long. As I write this it is four weeks and yet who knows how long it will last!