To think this week one year ago people were, panic buying, handwashing and covid was starting to effect life as we know it in the UK.

A year on and I am still adjusting to how covid has changed everyday life. From updates to communication tools, fresh fruit shortages on my weekly shop and the easing of restrictions.

This week the schools are back following the latest lockdown, bringing hope of a return to normality. Yet, the new normal for me is still very virtual.

This week for a family members birthday, we hold a surprise group call. These days virtual happy birthdays sang over video calls seem normal and make me feel connected to family we are apart from. Yet, the virtual world cannot replace social contact and escaping the four walls of home. Thank goodness for daily walks.

My windy Friday Eve walk (as Thursday is now known) reminds me that some things never change, especially not the varied UK weather. I feel like I have joined the cast of Mary Poppins and may take off at any moment. The wind blowing me backwards, while lady’s ears are flapping wildly moved by the wind like they are possessed. Not even covid can change the comedy of this moment.

And yet Covid has changed how I see things on a daily basis. On my weekly shopping trip and drive (even the car needs to get out to function) I don’t look for a route around the queue of cars. I welcome the traffic, a change to the norm, I must be going mad embracing it. Who would have thought we would miss the weekly commute?