The week has started like any other. Which in our current climate is working from home, with plenty of tasks to keep me busy from my day job and in the house. There is also a return to more face-to-face activities, social gatherings and celebrations. So as Monday morning arrives, and I look ahead to my busy week, it all seems a little more ‘normal’, the weather included.

Living in the Northeast of England Monday morning has brought liquid sunshine and consequently a light waterproof as I leave on my jog. Now at the end of my jog, I can see the appeal of those that think, and do just go with the ‘my skins waterproof approach’, because while the drizzle has gone, I have to peel off my waterproof – I am soaked. Yes, it’s sweat. You can literally ring my t-shirt out my sweat patches are that impressive on my now 2 tone coloured t-shirt. But I feel rejuvenised and fuelled for what is to be a week of socialising.

That word socialising has not been a very normal one in the past few years, covid has made me for one wary of seeing people in person. And while I remain wary of doing or seeing too many people, I am looking forward to meeting up with a few people this week. The middle of the week brings a belated birthday meet up with my boss and her little girl. Sat in my back yard surrounded by bursting pots of flowers, it felt like no time had passed since we were sitting side by side in the office. It is so lovely to see, hear and watch how well her daughter has progressed over the past year, reminding me that time has not stood still, and we are all growing.

The end of the week brings my Grandad’s birthday, or Pops as we know him by. Watching him unwrap his gifts, Domestos of course, felt oh so normal, reminiscent of birthdays pre-covid. Similarly, at the weekend when I visit a priory with a university friend and her two lovely daughters, we catch up like no time has passed. As we walk through the changing weather from liquid sunshine to bright sunshine and back again, so much time has past, her eldest is now walking and talking, her youngest a twinkle in her eye on our last in person meet up. And yet, the time doesn’t matter it is the friendships that have stood the test of time and a pandemic.