Every time I checked my email I had another company apologising for yet another forced cancellation. A theatre show, Parkrun, a personal development day at the university ... I tentatively logged on each morning wondering what would go next.

In normal circumstances I am an attender of things. Prior to a recent move here, my tendency to show up at just about everything has helped me find my people in several cities.

With all the abandoning of plans this week, my daily run around Lake Burley Griffin became more important.

Maybe I imagined it, but my fellow joggers seemed just as eager to see me when our morning routines had our paths cross at a safe "social-distancing" distance.

We are social beings who need time outdoors, so while it's still OK to leave the house here's four things to do in Canberra when life online gets you down ...

Scott Morrison announced on Friday new indoor limits of one person every four square metres in restaurants, bars, pubs and other venues.

My interpretation was now is a great time to drink more in the outdoors.

This week, the Pop Inn wine bar continues to pop up at Bowen Park on Sunday. If you're up for a coffee and cake, the folks at Rodney's Nursery in Pialligo have spaced tables out over their five acres for people to enjoy some seclusion, together.

A friend told me recently "mountain biking is Boomers new golf", well with health authorities recommending senior speed demons stay indoors, now might be the time for beginners to hit the trails.

Stromlo Forest Park is open 6am-9pm until daylight savings is over and there's walking and riding fun to be had for all those who suffered through a stationary working-from-home week.

Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve is open 24 hours as is Mt Majura and while the riding can be a little wilder, it's nothing your grandparents couldn't handle.

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When was the last time you stopped to smell the roses?

You don't have to dedicate a weekend to forest bathing to feel the healing effects of nature. Pack a picnic and feel the grass between your toes at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

While the Summer Sounds 2020 concerts won't go ahead and guided walks and public programs are suspended until further notice, the gardens on the lower slopes of Black Mountain will remain open daily from 8.30am-5pm. The visitor centre and bookshop from 9.30am-4.30pm and Pollen Cafe from 9am-4pm.

I'm putting this one down in the hope someone will start a public reading group near my apartment in Kingston - Bowen Park? Telopea maybe?

In Melbourne a group of strangers meet in the Edinburgh Gardens each Sunday for a couple of hours of silent reading.

The organiser sets a timer and everyone bunkers down on their picnic blankets - set a socially acceptable 1.5 metres apart from this week - to silently immerse themselves in separate novels.

A timer goes off after an hour whereby everyone takes a 15 minute toilet, coffee, catch up break and then returns for another hour of reading.

It's company without too much conversation, the perfect antidote to the strange social behaviours I'm anticipating after a week or two working from home.

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