From my Substack diary for Tuesday, 23rd. June 2026

A pleasant morning with a cool-ish breeze on the shaded side of the bungalow, where of course doors and windows are open. They will be closed by 10am as the temperature differential between outside and inside flattens. But at the moment, I am enjoying the breeze.

Forecasts suggest the high in south Devon today will be 30 degrees celsius. With any luck we will not quite reach that temperature as the sea is only four miles from Newton Abbot. Nothing like a sea breeze on a day like this!

I am wearing shorts today. I was wearing shorts yesterday and will do so again tomorrow. It was only a handful of years ago that I would wear shorts out and about, despite the embarrassment of legs that, though good and sturdy, were as white as a bed sheet. That did not particularly bother me. What does bother me enough to not wear shorts outdoors these days are the rather unsightly varicose veins that have become more noticeable in recent years. Common enough I suppose in people over 60 but not something I want to show off in public.

I am momentarily distracted by the thought of hopping on a bus to Teignmouth and walking over the Shaldon bridge to the excellent Ferry Boat Inn, where there is ample shade, an ample supply of good quality local beers and ciders, and a very good landlord. That, it must be said, is a very appealing distraction.

But, distraction it will remain. The trip there in the relative cool of late-morning will be pleasant enough, as will the walk over the bridge. I would enjoy the beer immensely and in all probability the conversation too. However, leaving the pub late afternoon with a hot beer-addled head in 30-degree heat, then facing a 20+ minute walk to the bus stop to wait for an hourly bus home makes me think again. Perhaps I shall stay indoors after all.