Sweltering.

Record high UK temperatures have been reached today. Chivenor a few miles away had an official temperature of 29.4C/77F. I think if I would have taken my little thermometer outside it would simply have exploded. Tonight is also due to be hot with a chance of severe thunderstorms. When it's this hot the marble floor in the kitchen and hall is most welcome.

I think I must be catching up with my sleep as I woke refreshed at 6.00. Exercising by 6.30 which still gave me time to water the garden in the cool of the sea mist. I kept the washing machine busy with three loads that were dried, ironed and put away by the end of the day. 

Once the usual jobs were done I found myself a shady spot in the front garden where cooled by the breeze I could finish sanding the small wooden chest. This I did by hand which took a while. I'd think I was done when I'd spot another place that could do with a bit more sanding. Lashings of Brywax gave the wood a golden glow and a final buff with a duster put on a bit of a shine. A shame that a long splinter went through my work gloves and in and out of my finger looking like a rustic DIY piercing. At least my tetanus jab is up to date. In spite of the heat I covered up against the dust with face mask and safety glasses.