During lockdown, along with many others, we discovered pass times and interests that would never previously have entered our thoughts. We stumbled upon hidden talents, embraced new friends and witnessed amazing acts of kindness. Although for many, living alone was a challenge, but it’s surprising how resilient we were. We took inspiration from the wonderful Captain Tom during this trying time along with the many thousands who achieved their personal goals.

When the worlds borders began to close – the planet as a whole gained from the break in our energy usage, cutting CO2 emissions benefitted the environment – who would have guessed from something so frightening, something so beautiful could emerge. We could all do with more green therapy.

During this time, once hubby had finished decorating the house and putting the garden to order, we were searching for a hobby to fill some of our days. Sonia, a lovely friend of ours, offered to loan us her collection of jigsaw puzzles. Hubby huffed at the thought of this and unwillingly agreed to have a go. But these weren’t your usual pretty thatched cottage puzzles. Oh no, these were ‘Wasgij’ puzzles – for the uninitiated just throw away every perception you have ever had of jigsaws.

Well hubby is now hooked as much as I am, although he’s still a terrible sportsman, always hiding the last piece for himself! The only advice I can give is don’t bother to look at the picture on the front of the box, because what you see isn’t necessarily what you get. And I’m ashamed to admit, that it was a friend who informed me that the word ‘Wasgij’, was actually ‘jigsaw’ spelt backwards! It was a ‘light bulb’ moment for me, I was never too bright. Soo frustrating, but soo rewarding when one is completed.

So don’t ‘diss’ something until you try it. Start your own Wasgij club, swap the puzzles, whilst making friends at the same time. One good thing to come out of the lockdown – apart from the lovely rainbow drawings on windows and impromptu singing on balconies – is how being kind to one another became the new norm. Let’s keep it up.