On Wednesday the 20th of May, my daughter will turn 16. This is a birthday that she has been looking forward to and planning almost since she turned 15. But because of the lockdown restrictions currently in place it will only be the three of us in the house celebrating her birthday with a home baked (we not allowed to buy) cake and some left over decorations (again party shops still closed) from last year. We are however, thinking of celebrating her birthday later in the year after restrictions are lifted and the family and friends can come around.

So maybe you were thinking about dos and don'ts during the lock-down period when you saw this title. No I was just wondering how many steps (on average) people are getting in if they are on lock-down like we are here in South Africa. I ask because I checked my phone yesterday and it said mine was a mere 346 steps! How about you guys?

I often receive messages from students (not my students) via the messaging platform to answer questions and other general help with English homework or problems etc.

Sometimes I help them if it is easy and convenient to do. Sometimes it is just not possible and I refer them to the forums.

I'm just curious as to what other teachers and students think of this practice.

@teachers, is this something that happens to you and how do you deal with it?

@students, is this something that you do and do you think it is acceptable to do something like that?

So I was talking about Valentines day gifts and celebrations with a friend of mine yesterday.

He said that he was getting a six pack (beers) and pies for himself and his wife for supper tonight.

I know her too and I think she will be OK with that. I know my wife won't be.

What is the strangest valentines gift/celebration you have given or know of?

It would be interesting to hear.