Sunday we went into escalated restrictions in Singapore.

This includes groups of only 2 people allowed together outside the home; work from home for any jobs or businesses, where that is possible; and take-away only for dining.

Not sure what Singapore is calling this yet. It's not lock-down - at least not like last year. They're being careful not to call it a "Circuit Breaker" (last year's term).

We are still allowed to go out. Stores, services, pools, playgrounds, and public parks are still open. But, we've been asked to stay home as much as possible, and limit our social interactions with other to no more than 2 a day. (Last year we were only allowed to be with our own household).

Already Singapore is adding in the next level. Schools are going online only as of tomorrow, though preschools and day cares are staying open, so the closing of activities is very strategic and directly tied to where large numbers of linked cases are emerging. This also means Singapore has shut down all extra-curricular activities and tutoring. This means MsC's drama classes are now online only, and her Broadway performance is delayed a few weeks - best case. Last year it was delayed until it was eventually cancelled. MsC handled the new of classes going online with barely a comment, which is good. This morning saw her dressed, hair brushed and ready to go early. I didn't realize she had forgotten art classes were cancelled, until she asked if we had to go soon. When I reminded her, she just sighed and said, "Oh, I forgot," with a little sag to her shoulders." But she seemed fine the rest of the day.

MsC's out right now rollerblading with one friend (the max group size allowed). They're rollerblading around the condo. MsE is playing at the playground with just our Helper.

MsI opted not to go to the playground 2 nights in a row, which is very odd for her. She is usually the first out the door, and often asking to go before we're ready. I would have taken her to a playground that MsE isn't at, if she had said yes. I'm thinking MsI has absorbed some of our conversations about what is and isn't allowed, and is perhaps a little muddled.  

So what have we been up to in our first 3 days?

First off, the living room has already been turned into consecutive forts; some odd quiet spot have been discovered; and everyone seems to enjoy being under my bed, whether alone or all together.

Another thing we're doing is catching up on our Parent-Daughter time.

When I told MsE that we couldn't go to the pool as a family for a while - just as one adult and one kid. She said, "So, I get to go with only you!!!," with a huge grin. So there are some bright sides to the current rules.

I've taken MsI and MsE to the pool separately on the same day. MsI spent most of her time jumping in. When it was MsE's turn, she chose for us to spend most of our time lounging in the Jacuzzi. Another day, Jonathan took MsE to the pool closest to us, while MsI and I walked to the pool farther away.

In theory, it would probably fine to swim in the same pool. But in practice, we know that the kids just can't help interacting together, so it's easiest to just head to different locations. MsC isn't swimming for a few weeks, because she got her ears pierced last week.

I had fun the other night at the Playground with just MsE. She chatted with me a lot - even while she was upside down. She couldn't have played with any friends. Not to mention the playground was almost deserted at it's busiest time of the day - just before dinner. MsC rolled past on her roller blades occasionally.

MsE shared with me to pull the centre out of the flowers along the playground. Her friend had shown her how before. We looked up the part of flowers to find out that the long part is called the style and the top is called the stigma. I shared with her how they're pretty important to the plant so she shouldn't pull too many out. There are 100's of these flowers on each of these plants, so I don't think the plant will miss a few.

She also tried a few daring feats on the bars, as I was handy to catch her if she fell. She first convinced me to try hanging upside down on the bars. It seemed reasonable, but, once I hit my head on the ground, I pointed out that I was really to big for this game.

MsC dyed her hair with her new hair mascara. It washes out. This time we tried doing it in a braid and it looked very cool. The 3 pieces were red, purple and gold.

I also used up the very last of my Cameron Valley Tea. I had saved enough for one last pot for long enough. It was even better than I remembered.

PS. I got MsI outside for an after dinner walk. She was being a little squirrely.

While we were out she got concerned that the shadows might be monsters. (It's been a long time since she was out at night). I pointed out that it was the shadows of the palm trees and we looked at everyone's shadow that we passed. She loved all the dogs shadows. Near the end of our shadow talk, MsI also asked, "Is the Corona Virus big or small?