On a clear day ...

... you can actually see London in its proper glory rather than overwhelmed with people. But if you like to see things in a different perspective - and light - it pays to get up early, provided you don’t mind paying more for your train ticket. I have to say The National Gallery looked glorious.

I had a number of missions to fulfil, one of which was to get some new trousers. I am famous at work for being seriously informal in my dress, but lately that has tipped over into out and out scruffiness. I came home with four pairs; that combined with six new shirts from ASOS (also delivered today) should keep me ticking over for a while.

My other missions must remain a secret. I could tell you but I would have to slap you with a wet lettuce leaf.

Also read a lot today - another thing I like about taking trains. "Ghost Trees - Nature and People in a London Parish" by Bob Gilbert. First class - beautiful writing, London, nature, history and a bit of philosophy thrown in for good measure.

Very good brunch in Bills in Soho. Lovely chilled afternoon when I got home. Felt like I had energy and purpose. What’s not to like?