Whether you've been out for a meal or a drink, had a haircut, joined friends in the garden or returned to browsing a bookshop, it's been good to feel our lives opening up again.
There's some way to go, of course, and the terrible situations overseas remind us of how fortunate we are currently, and how careful we still need to be.
While each day I delight in living near the river and in a very distinctive and beautiful part of the country, my reading this week has caused me to think wistfully of other regions in Britain I'd like to visit again before too long - the Dorset coast, the west country, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Moors - places which have inspired artists and writers over the generations. Find out more about 'Landskipping' by Anna Pavord, below.
One way to get to know a landscape well is by walking, of course. And a reader of this newsletter and regular book group attendee, Sarah Atkins is soon to investigate the Suffolk landscape when she undertakes a sponsored walk along the length of the Sandlings Path, 58 miles from Ipswich to Southwold. Sarah is due to retire from her role as deputy headteacher of a Colchester primary school this summer and wants to fund a trip to the theatre for the pupils as a leaving gift. This excursion is likely to be the children's first experience of live performance. If you'd like to support Sarah, you can take a look here.
We're entering the season for literature festivals now and many of these are combining online with in person events. Having finally attended the Hay Festival last year - remotely - I'm thrilled to see that the extensive and wide-ranging programme for 2021 will also be made available online. Do give it a look as there are some fascinating topics covered. I found it hugely inspiring and thought-provoking last year. Details are here.
I'll be involved in hosting a number of speakers at events in Suffolk, and online, throughout the next few months, so do look out for details in the coming weeks.
But tomorrow we'll be gathering together online for another book group meeting.
Although Browsers Bookshop in Woodbridge has now reopened in line with government guidelines, it is not yet possible for this to be the venue for our monthly meetings. We'll have to wait a little longer for that.
Instead, we're continuing to meet on Zoom and I think we've all found it a valuable way to keep in touch and share our thoughts on our reading.
The discussion is open to everyone to attend, so if you're not normally able to make the trip to our Suffolk town and would like to take part, or just listen in, please respond to this email and I'll send the details.
We'll be logging on at 8pm to talk about 'This Lovely City' by Louise Hare, and I'll reveal details of next month's title too.
Thank you for reading.