Lock down hobbies

[Inchy]

Hello, obviously don’t want this thread to be pulled so let’s not talk about the rights and wrongs of lock down


I was wondering if anyone has taken up a new hobby during lockdown to relieve the boredom. Also wondering what people are doing to remain sane?


I run a fair bit but that isn’t a new hobby. Annoying I’m currently unable to go for it when running due to recurring shin splints so mainly taking it easy. I also use zwift to cycle a couple of times a week but I find it quite boring.

Also when not at work I try to cook nice meals.


God I’m really bored

[Steve1956]

Try to walk everyday for an hour or so,getting harder and harder to motivate myself though. ....lockdown shouldn't defeat us.....but im starting to find it tough!

[BenWickes]

Bit boring here. Weather permitting we're landscaping the garden bit by bit. Netflix, Now TV and catch up on all the new series on TV (The Bay, etc),
The wife bought a treadmill which she uses an hour a day.
I dabble on a free football game called Pro 11 Football Manager. Not as good as others I am sure but it kills the boredom.
The wife keeps finding projects. Found myself putting up shelves in the bedroom the other weekend and we've built a bay window seat and a radiator cover.
Roll on Spring so we can get out in the garden again. Speaking of which. if anyone knows of a good online store for Peony Rose and Ornamental Poppy supports. We'd be delighted.

[CaptJohn]

I try to walk every day. Did an 8 miler yesterday down the River Dee here in Chester but found myself berating dog owners for not clearing up after their dogs. The amount of dog crap on the pavements is disgusting.
Also getting roped into DIY. Changed out shower heads recently, put up a new house sign, installed motion detector lighting in garage and front porch but looking forward to the spring so that I can get out into the garden.

[eastanglianclaret]

Have been able to spend more time brewing beer! Friends an neighbours have been happy to promote this interest! They supply the kit and the bottles, I play around with the hops, brew and then keep half a dozen bottles for myself. Happy Days! Made some great stuff that I would probably have never got around to doing were it not for the Pandemic.

[jrgbfc]

I tried learning a bit of Spanish during the first lockdown but didn't have the willpower to stick with it. Just getting out for walks really now, hoping golf courses can reopen in March at some point which would be a big help.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

To keep myself sane - I quit my job in the garage and I've gone off to work for Uber Eats, Just Eats and Deliveroo.

Being able to pick and choose when I work has been great for me tbh, especially with the cinema closed.

My normal hobbies, cinema aside, are still the same.

[NottsClaret]

The first lockdown was pretty good.. nice weather, lots of jobs to do in the garden, long walks in the Spring sunshine. This one is rubbish.

I've started playing chess, on the back of that Netflix show. Not much good yet but getting better. I'll bin it off the second lockdown ends or the clocks go forward.

[whentheballmoves]

East Anglian, what sort of stuff have you been brewing? I should have been doing that, but haven't really had the motivation. Where do you get the stuff from, online?

Inchy, I watched a programme with Alex Scott about mental health. Apparently, listening to a podcast or similar whilst exercising eg bike inside is proven to be better for you, mentally and physically, which I found interesting.

I need to get some motivation from somewhere: am midway through going for a refereeing promotion, and need my fitness levels to stay decent...Lockdown 3 has been the hardest one by far, for me, especially with yesterday's news that we're stuck like this for another 6 weeks, minimum. Still, might be back to normal on my birthday, March 8th?!

[Bosscat]

To keep myself sane - I quit my job in the garage and I've gone off to work for Uber Eats, Just Eats and Deliveroo.

Being able to pick and choose when I work has been great for me tbh, especially with the cinema closed.

My normal hobbies, cinema aside, are still the same.

When can we expect "Adventures of a deliveroo driver" to be released then GIADJ

"The adventures of" a "Plumbers mate" "driving instructor" etc etc all on Amazon prime

[TheOriginalLongsider]

I converted all my old video tapes into digital on my computer.

Tackling the garden which is big and overgrown in places.

Bought a guitar but it’s untouched at the moment.

Started planning holidays/short breaks. Won’t book anything yet but planning something or finding out about places is therapeutic.

[Bosscat]

Started planning holidays/short breaks. Won’t book anything yet but planning something or finding out about places is therapeutic.

Snap

[ClaretAndJew]

Trying to get out and walk as much as possible. Luckily I can do an easy 8-9km with the path near my house. I also recently donated plasma for the Covid-19 efforts as I tested positive over Christmas. Funnily enough being there for an hour and a half felt like a social event and hopefully if I have enough antibodies I'll get to go back! It's something to do away from all the studying/placements I'm doing.

[Funkydrummer]

I was self isolating as a result of my parents having been tested positive, but am now
isolating as I've tested positive !!!!!

So, for the time being, outdoor activity has been curtailed and I therefore returned to my
childhood and started ordering and doing Meccano and Lego kit cars. Have to say it really
takes me back and it is very therapeutic and rewarding.

Can't recommend them highly enough if you're that way inclined.

[Stalbansclaret]

Took up guitar in May. Love music but have never played any instrument but have found this a fantastically rewarding way of passing the time. Have developed into a semi-proficient "campfire strummer" using video lessons on You Tube.
Interestingly picking up the guitar and practising repeatedly making chord shapes is a good way of helping with the stress level when watching us defend a narrow lead. Brings a whole new double-meaning to the term "fretting" !

[dushanbe]

In April I quickly put together a Raspberry Pi retro gaming machine. Played it a bit, then shoved it in a cupboard when the summer rolled around and near normality resumed. After Christmas it came out again and now I've decided to go the whole hog and build it into an arcade cabinet. I won't really have room for it at home (I would, but I won't be able to sell it to the wife) so its going to have to live at work unfortunately.

[eastanglianclaret]

WTBM.....one of my neighbours is gluten intolerant so I've made several GF brews. Festival IPA, Mangrove Jacks GF IPA and Ritchies GF. The Festival allows you to make 2 x 20 pints if you wish so I've been playing around with primarily Cascade, Citra and Galaxy hops. at 10g each of the last two in 20 pints dry hopped I got something very similar to Adnams Ghost Ship! Very popular in these parts. Have blended standard malt worts in the same way. Made some cracking alcoholic Ginger Beers using Morgans as a base but adding real ginger and in one case honey, chillis, nutmeg and lime leaves, I use brown sugar for Ginger beer, not dextrose. I find Coopers Euro Lager is a good base and has benefitted from the addition of Saaz hops but is very nice unhopped. I always use beer enhancer with this one though, not sugar, it tastes so much more authentic. Mangrove Jacks Lime & Elderflower cider is a particular favourite of Mrs EAC, I've got some cooking at the moment to which I will add grated lime zest when fermentation is almost finished. I also always use mineral water, the tap water is foul down here. Recently I have used Brew2Bottle for my supplies (other suppliers are available!), good range, good prices. I've had a few adventures with them but what I need is generally in stock. UTC EAC

[1968claret]

Walking
Wildlife photography
Jigsaws
Also built a couple of balsa wood model airplanes

With regards the walking I do t think I had really appreciated prior to lockdowns just how many wonderful walks we have in our area. Some stunning secenery, wildlife and buildings

[SouthLondonexile]

I have taken up Lino printing again, after a break of fifty years. I was awarded first prize at Slough Arts Festival for one of my impressionist prints !

[Inchy]

I’ve been fortunate enough to get out the house for work. I do feel for people like my dad and CT that are locked up at home the vast majority of the time. Must be crap.

[karatekid]

I’m working more hours during lockdown than before. Make hay while the sun shines I suppose. Nowt else to do.

[gandhisflipflop]

Working from home plus a baby to look after so no time for me. What i wil say is though it is easier to isolate and stay safer. In my spare time i have been playing Football manager 2020. About to with my 2nd promotion to the PL with Plymouth so enjoying that.

[Volvoclaret]

Spend hours on Googlemaps looking for parking spaces in Barley.

[Bosscat]

I have taken up Lino printing again, after a break of fifty years. I was awarded first prize at Slough Arts Festival for one of my impressionist prints !

Heres a picture of a Lino could you print it for me

linesman-in-action-APRY7R~2.jpg (165.89 KiB) Viewed 1984 times

[1fatclaret]

I decided to try and learn how to draw. I’ve always been absolutely garbage, my handwriting is awful and my creativity is minimal. First efforts were absolutely terrible but have improved over the year.

Irrespective of whether I’ll ever be any good, I really enjoy the mindfulness benefit of switching off and doing something creative.

[LoveCurryPies]

I have taken up Lino printing again, after a break of fifty years. I was awarded first prize at Slough Arts Festival for one of my impressionist prints !

Can you post some of your Lino images please?

[whentheballmoves]

WTBM.....one of my neighbours is gluten intolerant so I've made several GF brews. Festival IPA, Mangrove Jacks GF IPA and Ritchies GF. The Festival allows you to make 2 x 20 pints if you wish so I've been playing around with primarily Cascade, Citra and Galaxy hops. at 10g each of the last two in 20 pints dry hopped I got something very similar to Adnams Ghost Ship! Very popular in these parts. Have blended standard malt worts in the same way. Made some cracking alcoholic Ginger Beers using Morgans as a base but adding real ginger and in one case honey, chillis, nutmeg and lime leaves, I use brown sugar for Ginger beer, not dextrose. I find Coopers Euro Lager is a good base and has benefitted from the addition of Saaz hops but is very nice unhopped. I always use beer enhancer with this one though, not sugar, it tastes so much more authentic. Mangrove Jacks Lime & Elderflower cider is a particular favourite of Mrs EAC, I've got some cooking at the moment to which I will add grated lime zest when fermentation is almost finished. I also always use mineral water, the tap water is foul down here. Recently I have used Brew2Bottle for my supplies (other suppliers are available!), good range, good prices. I've had a few adventures with them but what I need is generally in stock. UTC EAC

Good to know, thanks! I've done a couple of batches of Tiny Rebel's "Cwtch" before. May buy a box of that to do again soon...

[strayclaret]

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