Better times on the horizon
HAPPY New Year doesn’t seem very appropriate, does it? The festive season was not how any of us hoped it would be, I’m sure. The most festive bit for me was the Wollaton Hall Lights, and I’m really glad it’s probably going to happen again next year for the people who were disappointed when it had to close early.
We had intended to do a “Christmas bubble” but it got well and truly burst when one
of the few people involved tested positive on Christmas Eve! New Year’s Eve was slightly more exciting – at least we waved to a few people from the front garden, distantly mimed chinking glasses with our next door neighbours, and there were obviously lots of people roundabout who had invested in fireworks.
I am definitely trying to look on the bright side. My bulbs planted last autumn are sprouting, I’m expecting snowdrops and crocuses soon, despite the doommongers who said they’d all be eaten by squirrels. I’ve got lots of vegetable seeds ready to plant. I’m doing a wider range of planting in 2021, going big on squash and kale, because the ones I grew last summer have brought a bit of joy in these winter months. That unwanted “posh” kale, Cavolo Nero, plant my son passed on, provided lovely greens just last week and it actually looks quite nice in amongst the flowers.
Looking ahead I have absolutely no idea when we’ll get to see our son and partner, who live in South Africa, what with their new variant and ours. They’re back in lockdown too, and despite it only being a stone’s throw away, can’t even take the dog for a walk on the beach or buy a bottle of beer to enjoy in the sunshine. So to make me feel a bit optimistic I bought a guide book for part of Italy I’ve never visited before. Well, I can dream!
It’s all going to change, hopefully sooner rather than later. Vaccinations are happening, and there will be more and more of our elderly people getting the first jab in the next few weeks. Health and social care workers are also being vaccinated, Gradually, all being well, things will start to unlock. In the meantime we still need to be careful out there to save our hospitals being overwhelmed.
So what will I be doing for the rest of lockdown? I suspect between meetings I’ll be putting on some old soul music and bopping around the room, cleaning out the greenhouse and baking too many cakes. At least this year I’ve rediscovered my love of cooking. Stay safe till next time!
Councillor Sally Longford is Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for energy, environment and democratic services.