I’m skipping the Author Toolbox Hop this month. My partner developed a fever last week and we’re 7 days into our 14 day isolation for Covid-19 symptoms. The fever’s passed, along with the worrying shortness of breath, but we’re still tired and suffering from cold symptoms.
Being at home all the time has given me tons of time to think and reminisce. During the Easter Bank Holiday last year we were picking up Merlin from Colchester. It was a two and a half hour drive, we had a great meal out before we got him (I miss eating out!) and he meowed the whole way home. He was so tiny too:

He’s now over a year old and has captured our hearts. He’s calmed down a lot, is less destructive, but also less cuddly. He loves cardboard boxes, does tricks like a dog (he knows sit, paw, spin, and high five, and he’s much bigger:


I can’t believe we’ve had him a year. Time really does fly, and looking back’s reminded me to enjoy every moment π I took a lot of pictures last week, to capture moments, but I’m limited to Merlin, video game screenshots, board games, and the garden:


I wish I’d bought a PS4 before lock-down so I could get the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, but the price of games consoles has exploded, because everyone’s stuck at home, so I’ll wait and hope for a PC release. I also have no chocolate. Dairy free is expensive, so I don’t buy it often, and I didn’t stock up before our isolation.
Despite the lack of chocolate I’ve written 4155/6000 words for Camp Nanowrimo already. Setting a lower target, 200 words a day, is working well. On days I don’t want to write I know I only have to write a little. On better days I’m writing up to 800 words. I’m writing on paper, as I find it easier when drafting, and I’m mostly writing in the garden in the sunshine:

I’ve not finished the outline for Second Chance yet, but now I’ve completed draft 1 of what I hope will be my next university project I can start working on it again.
Thanks for Reading!
A short and sweet post this week. Hope you’re all doing okay with the lock-down/isolation, and Happy Easter to those who celebrate it!
Sorry to hear you & your partner have been ill, lass. Good luck with recovering your energy & with your writing – well done with your Camp NaNo word count so far! ((hugs)) πππ’
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Thanks Rosetta, we’re just about clear of symptoms now π With everything that’s going on in the world writing is coming easier, I think because I enjoy the escape!
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Yay, that’s great to hear. Just take care not to overdo things till you’re both properly recovered. Delighted about your writing! ((hugs)) πππ’
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Will do π Thankfully I can take it easy for a couple of weeks, since university doesn’t start again until the end of April: It’s distance learning so no change to my classes because of the pandemic!
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Glad to hear it. Gives you plenty of time to recover properly first. ((hugs)) ππ
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Merlin does tricks?! That’s so cool. Have you taught him to use the toilet?
I’m glad to hear you and your partner are starting to feel better.
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We’re determined to teach Merlin as many tricks as possible ^_^” He’s obsessed with trying to stick his face in the toilet, so I’m sure he’d learn if we tried xD
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I am sorry to hear about you and your partner being under the weather, but am glad that fever and shortness of breath are gone. Hope you both feel better soon. Aww yeah time flies. Merlin is adorable and it is so cool that he can do tricks and I wish him, you, and your partner all the best! Beautiful photos! *gets you the chocolate of your choice and PS4* All the best with your writing- I support you!!
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Thanks Alex, the shortness of breath was pretty scary but I think we’re over the worst of it!
I caved and ordered a whole lot of chocolate in bulk from an online store, but it’ll take two weeks to get here because of the virus ^_^” At least when it arrives Merlin will get another new box!
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Glad you’re over the worst of it! Wow, well I hope you enjoy the chocolate when it comes π Merlin loves boxes, no? :).
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Glad to hear you’re both recovering! And happy 1yr to Merlin π
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Thanks π He’s so fluffy and spoilt!
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I am sorry you and your partner have been ill. I am so glad you are on the mend!
Merlin is adorable.
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Thanks π Merlin’s such a fluffy playful cat, still very much like a kitten!
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But despite it all, you seem busy, noticing all these wonderful things. I love the view from your deck. It’s so natural.
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Thanks Jacqui, I love our garden π I think I’m burying myself in fictional worlds and writing more than usual to distract myself from obsessively checking the news!
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Happy cativersary. Kitty is lovely and I’m glad you two are on the mend.
Anna from elements of emaginette
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Thanks π
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Good luck with your Camp NaNo project. I’m participating this month too, but am behind. π
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Thanks, I think I’m running out of steam a bit! Good luck with yours too π
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Thanks!
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Ugh, it’s no fun being sick, but I’m glad to hear you and your partner are on the mend. A cat that does tricks, now that’s one smart cat! He’s a handsome cat, too!
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Thanks π
We had Merlin since he was a kitten, so he was trained from a young age. It helps that he’ll do anything for food!
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[…] and partly because I struggle with motivation in times of crisis. I posted about Camp Nanowrimo and Merlin, as we’ve had him for a year. I’ll aim for a regular schedule in May, with a short […]
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