The Home Straight!

 Sunday. 6.45 a.m. Bright and mild, and, thankfully, not too hot. Currently, the temperature reading on my digital thermometer is 75ºF.

I've made up cheese and tomato rolls for today's church event. Everything is packed in the cool box and ready to take with me to church later this morning.

Monday. 6.20 a.m. A good time was had by all at the Oaktree Centre yesterday. Worship was outside, with the band under the gala tent and we were sitting in awnings, tents and other shelters to be out of the direct sun. There was a barbecue, with hot dogs and burgers, and a Pimms's tent. Only trouble is, I can't stand Pimm's. 

On  BBC Breakfast, they are making a real issue out of today being possibly the hottest day on record, with the temperature reaching around 100ºF. 

No sign of any workmen this morning, then I'm told that they're unlikely to come today, or tomorrow for that matter, because of the heat. I was so looking forward to having everything completed, with the walls in the kitchen painted and the tiles put up. I could have the oven and fridge/freezer put back in place and then put the stuff back in the cupboards, but I suppose I'll just have to be patient and wait until later in the week.

I've spent the morning watching the first episode of the BBC version of 'House of Cards', on Britbox, which I worked on as a supporting artiste, back in the mid-1990s. I'm really enjoying it, but haven't actually seen myself in any of the scenes I was in, although, being an S.A. isn't about being seen. You're in the background and aren't supposed to distract from the principals. Ian Richardson as Francis Urquhart puts me in mind of some of Shakespeare's villains. Think Richard III or Macbeth. His asides directed through the 'fourth wall' to the audience is a clever technique which puts you in mind of Shakespeare again. He's confiding in you and telling you things which the other characters are unaware of.

1.30 p.m. Currently, the temperature in this flat is 88ºF. I think that's the highest it's ever been, even with an electric fan on in the lounge and another in my bedroom and the windows open. I may take Alfie out later and hopefully it will have cooled down considerably by then.

7.35 p.m. The temperature at the moment is 92ºF. I just hope it doesn't get any warmer.