From damp, grey Stratford, Ontario: After two and a half years of masks, vaccinations, hand-washing and general bullet-dodging, I finally caught COVID-19. It could be a hell of a lot worse, and definitely would be if I had not eagerly lined up for every needle on offer, but it’s been 12 days and I’m still a sneezing, sniffling, coughing mess with no relief in sight.

On the other hand, I am finally getting my money’s worth out of the fancy “smart” telly I bought when the old Sony bit the dust, and the cats are loving the many hours I spend in the comfy chair when I should be at the gym or choir practice, or taking a walk or just getting the groceries in.

The minimalist lifestyle currently in fashion has a certain appeal, especially when I contemplate dusting all the bookcases, but I’d hate to be quarantined in it!