Lockdown brought a new way of life for me. I have owned Stems of Holborn for 35 years, firstly living in Islington, and then for the past 20 years, living in Old Windsor and commuting to London.
i think most of us push the long commute to the back of our minds, or tell ourselves the job makes it worthwhile. But the truth is, it eats up several precious hours. It’s often crowded and uncomfortable, or in my case, necessitates getting up at 5am.
Having had 5 months free of commuting, I see a quality of life that I want to hang on to. I miss the work, but like many other people, I’m looking for a compromise.
Windsor Great Park
I am lucky to live very close to this amazing place where you can walk or cycle for miles. There are some very deserted areas, and others with cafes and play areas. I favour the quieter parts, where I can feel at one with nature. I find the colours and shapes inspirational.
He ground beneath these oaks was strewn with acorns – a feast for the squirrels and wildlife. The dead oak was like a grand sculpture. The cumulo nimbus clouds looked beautiful against all the green, and the remains of Storm Francis provided a lovely breeze.
Flowers for Special Occasions
These beautiful flowers were designed to say Welcome home. We filled an apartment in the Coty with vases of colourful, scented flowers. It was a really summery, romantic selection.
I love these mauve campanula – graceful and strong, they epitomise English summer flowers.
Back to the City
Schools will reopen after The Bank Holiday Weekend. Offices will reopen in the City. Retail and Hospitality in the City has suffered enormously with the absence of office workers. Hopefully, things will gradually and safely get back to some sort of normality. I think we have all learnt something, or been reminded about quality and preciousness of life during the past few months.
