A rare perfect 100 sleep quality score! For some reason I feel more pleased with myself over something that might seem trivial than perhaps I should be. Prior to Withings making changes to the way the score is calculated, which was about a year ago, perfect scores were relatively common; this is the first such score under the new metrics, which have refined things somewhat to take into account not just the quantity of light, deep and REM sleep, but heart-rate variability and many other factors. I do not see it as trivial and, apart from anything else, it has introduced a feel-good factor into my morning.

The washing machine is already well into a ‘darks and denim’ wash, which I suspect will be dry by tea-time. The pond is still not clear, despite my efforts over the last two weeks. The weather is still dry and sunny, as it has been for all of July. The garden remains parched and the water level in the pond continues to drop.

On the bright side my morning M&S Gold-blend tea is as excellent as it has always been – since I started drinking it over 30 years ago. This is one of a handful of food and drink items that, for my taste, could not be improved upon. After washing and dressing I will enjoy my morning cappuccino but, unlike my tea, it can be improved upon. 

Will I ever own an espresso machine? I would like to think so. However, whilst M&S Italian-style coffee beans are very much to my taste, others exist out there that I feel sure will exceed it. It is a pity I do not live within a bus ride of the Algerian Coffee Stores in Old Compton Street, W1. I did for 29 glorious years, and boy did I enjoy my coffee. Mail order is a thing, but there is nothing like wondering around Soho and spending time in a glorious old shop that has been there since 1887 – the history, the smell of roasting coffee, the knowledge of the friendly staff to guide you… One of the many things I miss about London.

BUT.. I have my view of Hay Tor, Saddle Tor and Hound Tor on Dartmoor, and the relative quiet of the Newton Abbot suburbs. Perhaps an espresso machine and a delivery from Soho might release my perfect morning?