Mr Dear is sometimes seized with a sense of optimism that is quite out of character for a man of his great age. ‘We’ve had the floods,’ he said. ‘We’ve had the virus, and I’m sure I read in the papers that there’s going to be a plague of hornets this summer. Wasn’t an asteroid heading towards us, too? Well, at least nothing else can go wrong.’
A moment later, and with commendable comic timing, all the lights went out.
‘You and your big mouth,’ I said.
It is only when you can’t make a cup of tea, and the house is wreathed in gloom, and rain is beating steadily against the window that you realise that the lockdown could have been worse.
Power cuts – and I speak from long experience here – normally follow a set routine. Here is roughly how they go, what you might call The Five Stages of Power Cut:
1 The Adjustment Phrase
This story is from the June 23, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 23, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
GARDEN notes
Puffy peonies and a glam grass
From the altar, I see London buses go by'
I never know what's going to happen from one day to the next.
Actually, getting older can be a lot fun!'
Speaking exclusively to Woman's Weekly, Davina McCall tells us how she stays feeling young and why she loves a good night out
Podcasts TO PICK
Try our top suggestions for a spot of audio entertainment
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Simple bathroom UPDATES
Create a spa-like feel with these easy additions
Darling shrubs OF MAY
Floral fireworks for early summer
Pet perfect BREAKS
Treat yourself and your canine companion to a pampering escape
GARDEN notes
Vibrant annuals and fruit and veg