A song in the Sound of Music gives a long list of all of Maria’s favourite things but not once does it mention balconies. I love balconies. It gives me supreme joy to sit perched above the world and watch it go by.  I am close to the sky and it’s almost always light – even when the garden is shrouded in darkness. Our balcony has the added distinction that it wasn’t built well and wobbles like a rocking chair. It was our builder’s mistake but to me it’s a feature.