It was obviously a weekend of entertainment with two days rolling into one. Up early on the Saturday to take Dan to football training (and help out as Iain’s #2 for the day – Chris was working).

Socially distancing the team in the practices is pretty easy now – a good bunch of lads who get on well, enjoy their football together and listen to instruction and advice. That is testament to both Iain and Chris and how they have worked with them over the last couple of years. It was great to see some games of football tennis and the lads quickly adapt and make a good game of it, with some great volleys and rallies. They followed that with Headers and Volleys, a classic that many of us used to play for hours.

A short break at home after football training, before the first tennis session back at David Lloyds with Tommy. Dan had his hour lesson first whilst I went to explore the outdoor gym to see what I could do instead of the usual 5km run. No treadmill available there meant I did a 5 minute ride on the bike – that was tiring and certainly made my legs ache. Not being the most fanatical of gym goers, I then watched Dan’s lesson for the next 45 minutes. He was rusty at first but Tommy is great with him and soon got him hitting good shots that were close to what Dan did some three months ago.

I was up next and was fully expecting myself to send some balls over the fence – aiming high as always! One ball in the lesson went over which was a surprise to me. The forehand was reasonable and the dodgy backhand improved after some focussed practice. Playing tennis outside does add the element of wind to test you a little more but it was great to be back playing.

Still on Saturday, the in-laws were round (socially distancing for a takeaway). 55 years of marriage for Chris and Frank which is an emerald celebration. That resulted in a few green presents, including Matchmakers, Salt & Vinegar crisps, a soft stuffed green creation by Dan and a green bottle of wine. We are three months on now and still the restrictions of Covid preventing the much wanted contact of close families being together. It is sad and hard, but a necessary requirement to protect all.

Sunday was a relaxing day. One where no-one surfaced from bed until gone 11:00 – the toll of a week away camping followed by a weekend of celebrations. There was a bit of pottering in the garden, den building, darts and a movie – Jumanji (with Dwaine Johnson).

Reinvention is important, because the only certain thing is change.

Emma Rice

Sometimes you need to just relax and do not an awful lot. It may seem like a day wasted but it allows you to recharge, plan and go again to enjoy and achieve the next thing. Whether that thing is something new or not, embrace it and enjoy it.