A calm and surprisingly quiet Monday morning, and I feel good. I am enjoying my new study, although I am not sure if that is the best adjective to describe the function of the room. It is a place to sit and relax, think and talk, to read books, to enjoy drinks and to get on with writing and photography at the desk – and the inevitable computer. My exploring room? My learning room? My bar & chat room? I really can’t think of an adequate term. Perhaps sitting room is as good as anything so, for the time being anyway, it is my sitting room.

It is Monday so, almost inevitably, the washing machine is on, loaded up with ‘dark coloureds’ – mainly three weeks-worth of underwear and pyjamas, and a pair of shorts. Less than usual as it has been too hot to wear jeans, so I have no jeans that need washing. The washing machine is intelligent though; it knows there is less than usual so will use less water.

The fish pond is looking good and the fish looked very happy when I fed them this morning. The water level has dropped about 3cm already from yesterday lunchtime, when I filled it pretty much to the brim. That saddens me, because of the fish, the appearance of the pond, the use of precious water – and the cost. I can’t find the leak; it would take an expert, and I cannot afford an expert. Even if the leak was found, could I repair it? Possibly, I’ve done it before, but once again it would be best left to an expert.

However, cappuccino in hand, I am looking forward to the day ahead, despite it being hotter than I would like by mid-afternoon. No need to cook – plenty of yesterday’s lentil and squash dhal left for dinner. Very tasty. A Monday to enjoy. Now there’s a phrase I probably never used before I retired.