Substack diary no.173: Thursday, 4th. June 2026

It is only the fourth day of June but already it is feeling like an April Showers month, such are the vagaries of climate breakdown. Another day of heavy showers, sunny intervals and blustery winds.

I had a poor night’s sleep with lengthy periods lying on my back staring at the ceiling – and hearing weird sounds like an intruder was exploring my home and bumping into furniture in the dark. My mouth was very dry and, despite my best efforts I could not close it for more than a few seconds. Breathing through my nose was difficult and even uncomfortable. I was restless, and found myself yet again mulling over the major problems facing humanity: climate and ecological breakdown, billionaires driving growth and consumerism, right-wing ‘populist’ leaders whipping up hate and division in our communities. And no end in sight. Only a descent into a new Dark Age.

This morning I know I will succeed in relegating these thoughts to the back of my mind, on the grounds that there is nothing I can do about it outside of my own personal actions. I shall enjoy a brace of boiled eggs with two slices of crusty white bread and slightly salted French butter, all good quality products. A simple pleasure that makes me feel good and which gives me hope, reminding me that there are people out there who, like me, appreciate quality because without us hard working producers would be out of business, leaving us at the mercy of factory farming. A simple pleasure that, like cappuccino, will set me up for the day.