Every Cloud......

As we slip into the "unquestionably difficult winter" that Boris predicts, with the tightening of restrictions - I reflected on whether I could fathom out any positives.

Tights!

I hate the moment where I kiss summer goodbye by dragging the tights out of my winter drawer, checking them to see if they have any previously unnoticed ladders and reluctantly pulling a pair of them on over my not so sun tanned legs.

I have some nice purple tights that I like to wear with boots, and I definitely recommend good tights on those cold winter days. But this year I can happily say that I will be able to revert to leggings, putting the heating on and leaving my tights in the drawer as much as possible.

Dark Mornings and really early starts.

Jumping out of bed, pulling on my tights, putting my makeup on with artificial light, grabbing my bobble hat, running for the tram, standing uncomfortably close to damp strangers in a crowded carriage, waiting on a cold train platform for the late train, walking through the rain - 2 hours to my desk. Replaced by a ten minute commute via the kitchen to collect a coffee. Nice!

I do like the really frosty cold mornings, standing alone in the stillness and listening for the tram tracks to start to vibrate as it gets closer. The fresh air and kindness of strangers who say hello. But mostly I prefer my new commute in my leggings.

What are we doing at Christmas?

Are we hosting, are we visiting, who is coming on the day and what size turkey shall we order? It can be quite exhausting. I love Christmas - and it will not be cancelled in our house. This year is an opportunity to relax more. We won't argue over who gets to drive (and stay sober) at the pre-Christmas do's. We will be seeing each other on line and providing our own beverages! It's going to be simpler - but doesn't have to be boring. The decorations will go up - we will enjoy them more than ever and then they will get packed away - just like every year. But this year it wont be such a rush and I will be able to enjoy the tree twinkling in the background on my video conference calls - my tree is next to my home office. My home will be visited differently but will be as festive as ever.

Ok so not much of a silver lining - but you've got to look for the positives...