Usually this time of the year would have been spent getting out of the UK in search of some sun and replenishing my very depleted vitamin D, but this year I have found myself walking around the housing estates and staring wistfully towards open country, my car and freedom.
Change had to come.
I'm not some one who can just sit and watch TV although I will admit, that screen did become my only interaction with people and You Tube, my saving grace. No, change had to come and as boredom increased so too did depression. I have no doubt others who live alone went through similar processes and it's how we work through them that makes us unique.
Mine? I take on a new or expand an existing project.
For me two things are important; keeping my physical being as healthy and as fit as possible and maintaining a high level of mental acuity, pushing the boundaries of my understanding and knowledge. If I keep these two aspects sharp I know I can continue an independent life without having to resort to others for mental or physical support.
Project one, the garden.
Patio replaced, paths relaid, borders widened and planting begun, the back garden is developing into its next morphing. This autumn during lockdown two I think, I ordered and then planted a lot of bulbs, and I do mean a lot! Now I'm enjoying the benefits and tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, celandines and snowflakes which adorn the part of the garden closest to the house, whilst the top part gathers strength for a new project; permaculture.
Raspberry canes have been moved, cultivated blackberries planted and the blueberry repotted ready for a bumper season. Climbing French beans are sown in pots in the greenhouse as are early cropping salad greens, radishes and later, mooli, pak choi and more exotic varieties.
The lawn has had it's one mowing for the year and slowly I'm planting mints, and other herbs into the grass so they can spread as they wish. The smells as you walk through will be divine and the flowers will attract bees, hover flies and other insects.
Project two, that bloody front garden!
The front garden has transformed from a large and very boring grass area to one of purple slate, wide borders, grasses, roses and other drought tolerant plants which will enjoy the baking in sunshine from dawn to dusk...well it will be once all the roots of a wild rose, wild brambles etc have finally bitten the dust. This project has taken weeks so far but the change is immense and so much nicer to pull up to.
Project three
I have started a specialist clinical pilates to strengthen my joints, spine and neck so the hypermobility and associated pain remains in some sort of control. I am doing my best to keep my 'gun-ho' attitude under wraps otherwise I will end up flat on my back from doing too much! I am delighted with not only my progress but also the level of fitness I have coming into the course.
Project four
For my brain, I've taken up Spanish again but this time I'm not beating myself up if it takes me a little longer than I'd like. I'm dyslexic so managing a new language is a feat of endurance! I've not really conquered this one yet, so another is a challenge and a half. Worth it though.
Project five ❣
Travelling is high on the agenda and with everything crossed I have four experiences booked. Yes, four! This is a woman desperate to get going and she's already eyeing up Canada and Alaska for 2023.
It's a bucket list thing.
Potentially project six
Another bucket list thing is a van. I am finding it increasingly difficult to justify a car, but a van, well, that could mean a bed in the back, my cooking bits and somewhere to go to the loo.
It wouldn't be a posh job, more a van which has the interior built in over time as I get to know what I want and how I want it. Chances are I'll change Van's, upgrade, maybe to a ford transit, but that's maybe a way off yet.
Not long and I'll need a medical to be allowed to drive so I ain't got long.
How's this year of 2020 effected you?
For me, my world has coalesced into what it should be and that's a positive to take from all the locking in and locking down we have had this past year.