These I have missed during this time of grey: uncovered smiling faces; conversations with strangers in shopping aisles, handshakes with new folk, hugs from family across the suburbs, freedom of movement, spontaneous tea parties, conversations around coffee tables, flesh and blood faces close enough to see the laughter lines grandparents with grandchildren, special outings to the theatre ice-creams from an ice-cream cart holiday plans ....
Yet I do see silver and these I have gained: slower starts to each day, not sitting in traffic, time to brew tea in a well-loved pot set a tray with five cups and share with husband and three daughters three times a day. Healthier meals - new found love of pulses (best stored dried food), turmeric and honey hot water drinks, decluttering cupboards creating giving piles to share when life walks free again, distributing backyard avocados on neighbours' doorsteps, planting seeds, writing poetry, sitting still.
