The dictionary meaning of the word is:

When I hear this word I generally think of animals such as bears stockpiling food then shutting down their movements in their safe haven for the winter.

Okay so there has been a fair amount of stockpiling by some people - especially toilet paper. We have been told to stay at home in our 'safe haven' and of course this is all happening as we head towards winter.

On those grounds I see the link with hibernation.

But that is where the similarities end.

In line with the growing national push towards people staying and working from home where ever possible, our editorial team quickly jumped on board. It wasn't a tough transition as we had been set up to work from almost any location for several years. If the internet was available we could continue delivering the news.

Our general directive has been to stay safe, follow the social distancing rules and stay at home as much as possible in line with government directives. And with technology in 2020 we have been able to do this while still delivering the news.

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This is why I say the form of hibernation I have embraced is a little different to what I would normally envision of a bear or similar animal.

The way we source stories and photographs has required some lateral thinking to ensure the safety of all concerned. The story focus has changed with many things we would normally cover - sports, entertainment, school events - coming to a halt.

Reader expectations have now turned to more information on the Coronavirus, how it is impacting our businesses and communities, and how people are adjusting to a different way of life. And, of course it is always great to be able to deliver a positive or lighthearted story to readers.

So, rather than bunkering down and sleeping through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still working in our safe havens. A far cry from hibernation as I understand it.

One of the habits in the modified form of hibernation that I have come to embrace is the daily walk...or two.

Although I have long enjoyed a daily walk with my devoted pooch...and sometimes my husband...the chance to step out in to the great outdoors has become a highlight of my day.

It would appear that many others have also embraced the joy of such an activity. There are many unfamiliar faces on the walk these days. Many people no doubt are out walking because they suddenly have additional spare time forced upon them due to current circumstances and youngsters at home to keep occupied.

With this in mind it is not surprising that more people are stepping into the great outdoors, and in the Southern Highlands we are truly blessed with some stunning open space areas.

The chance to say hello to others (always at a socially safe distance), and see families enjoying simple quality time together, is most definitely a benefit of these daily walks.

It reminds me that I am not alone in these current, challenging times.

Most recently a series of wonderful chalk drawings on footpaths near the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens and David Wood Oval have also spelled out messages of solidarity for anyone who takes a stroll in the area.

A hopscotch grid dominated one section of a path, providing the option for a little more exertion for anyone keen to test their hopping and balance skills.

Several other areas of path have featured colourful sketches of the sun, rainbows, peace signs and special messages to essential workers.

It is enough to put a smile on anyone's dial.

And then of course there is the beauty served up by Mother Nature. That beauty seems more obvious these days.

I don't know what others think, but I feel like the air is cleaner and crisper at the moment. The warmth of the sun is more soothing, the waterways seem more sparkling and the Autumn colour on show is spectacular.

But perhaps the most inspiring site of all is a special message of renewal from Mother Nature. It is a message that comes in the form of new life in the animal kingdom, something I would usually expect in Spring.

While walking near the dams on the edge of the Southern Highlands Botanic Garden I have loved watching three little water fowl chicks following closely behind their parents.

Then when I opted for a walk along a different path, around Lake Alexandra in Mittagong, I was once again treated to a full serve of cuteness from Mother Nature. This time it involved some ducks followed by a brood of 14 ducklings - maybe three to four days old.

I know that this is not restricted to Spring but some how I've never previously noticed it. Maybe I just haven't had the time to stop and appreciate the sites, or smell the roses, so to speak.

On that note - who has noticed just how beautiful those roses are while on their daily walks past well-manicured gardens? I have. Were they always so stunning?