Life under the Stairs

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Local Resident, Jane Stevenson What a time that was; here in the UK, Brexit was replaced by Covid. According to the media nothing else of consequence seemed to happen in the world. If only that were true. The virus pushed anything else into the background and left us very insular in our outlook. I’m all for new brooms sweeping clean, and January seems like a good time to start. I think I need to review my own expectations of events. I’m not a fan of resolutions – mine are all broken by the 2nd January anyway, mainly because they are unattainable. Give up chocolate? So small steps forward and keeping my eyes on the horizon here’s my take on 2021. Like many of you, life has changed over the past few months. In some ways, I think we’ve got a second chance of making good. Last year saw some large businesses falter, yet smaller, local places adapt and

survive. Some of us had to retrain, while others took the plunge and opened their own businesses. Our working pattern changed, with many discovering the virtues of working from home. We walked more, enjoyed a warm and dry summer, talked to our neighbours more, made time for family and ourselves. Not necessarily good for our finances, but a definite tick for our wellbeing. So what next? There are vaccines on the horizon – not a cure but a step forwards. Face masks have become the norm. Remembering to Social Distance is awkward. Our learning curve is steep, but we’re getting there. Closer to home, important decisions need to be made regarding the Estate. Potatoes or tomatoes this year? Have another go at runner beans? I haven’t grown a decent one for the past three years. The lavender is doing well. I usually buy a plant when away on holiday, so I’ve varieties It’s a new dawn It’s a new day from Jersey, Norfolk and the Isle of Wight. Sadly, my rosemary bit the dust. The hollyhocks were a delight It’s a new life for me but the sunflowers didn’t grow into And I’m feeling good the giant variety as advertised. The (Newley/Briscusse) with thanks. fuchsia were a wonderful success – more to the quality of the plug plants than from my gardening skills. The Welcome to 2021 people. pond needs a rethink. It’s small and I reckon we all are hoping for a better one than last year! referred to by Younger Offspring as ‘the bucket’, a fitting if impolite

description of it. Never mind, I like it. I built a henge in the garden which has become my quiet place when it’s warm enough to sit outside. Nothing too ambitious, and it seems to encourage the bees and butterflies in. Somewhere to sit with a cuppa and contemplate the world. The Estate remains small but manageable, ideal for my advancing years.

If 2020 taught me one thing, it was that to change is difficult but rewarding. I am comfortable with what I know and happily rose to the challenges presented last year. Large plans were scaled back, while new ideas were considered. I stay at home more, entertain more (when permitted) and set achievable goals for the times and my sanity!

I hope that we can go back to some sort of normality this year. I have a yearning to go back to Kefalonia and my standby favourite, Benidorm. However, with the uncertainty of the times perhaps I should explore more of this country. I’ve seen so little of it.

I ask that 2021 is better for everyone. We are older and wiser and time has shown us we are better when working together in our communities.

All the very best wishes for the New Year. See you next month