We struggle on ….

Let me start by wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. I hope that the holiday, such as it was, proved relaxing and reviving and that this month will see an upturn in our fortunes.

I am sorry to report that two of my three children have succumbed to the dreaded virus; one, in Switzerland, is recovering, mercifully, whilst the other, in St Petersburg, is enduring a somewhat worse manifestation. I don't know whether Sputnik V, the Russian antidote will help any more than a double vodka at this stage. I planned to send them seasonal goodies only to find that the postal service was no longer sending parcels abroad. Whether because of Covid or the implementation of Brexit was unclear but there seems to be no date for recommencement, so I suppose the former.

On a sunnier note, I have been considerably buoyed up by the concern and generosity of neighbours over Christmas. One couple delivered cards and chocolate to many in our street. This and other acts of kindness have reminded me that it is the elderly and housebound who most need our attention. The question is, how well do we know our neighbours? Are we prepared to help them, with even just the occasional visit for a chat and a cuppa? With so many isolated from their kinsfolk, there is a pressing need to fill the resulting vacuum and if you are like me, twiddling thumbs in the absence of work, you could nip round and ask how they are.