While the housebound schoolchildren develop new enthusiasm for their ponies, Tessa Waugh finds herself thrilled and chastened by her weekly escape to the supermarket
One of the things that has irked me over the years is that the ponies don’t get used enough. With Alec and Mary away at school and Jack not really bothered either way, they take on field ornament status during the term time. When Alec and Mary come home, they’re never very enthusiastic about riding around the farm. It’s all changed now, trapped at home without all the other distractions life can bring; Alec and Mary have been building and jumping fences, having races, riding around the fields daily. It’s a joy to see.
I suppose we’ve all adjusted in some way or another. Finding pleasure in new things. Previously I would rather poke my own eyes out than spend an hour pushing a trolley around a supermarket. Since the lockdown, it’s my new favourite thing. It’s wonderful to get out, see some different faces, even the drive there is a joy. Spring is moving on apace and the trees and hedgerows are full of catkins and blossom.
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