Man about the house

Under certain circumstances there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.

Angus heads off on the 102 towards Eden. The sky glowers with the promise of inclement times. I return to a solitary house, quiet, calm, comfortable.

When I break from work it's time to cook tea. I have just what I want - aubergines, cauliflower, creamed coconut, ginger, chillies. There's a pack of gluten free pitta breads as well and a jar of mango chutney. And, in the fridge, a shelf of San Miguel.

I watch The Owl Service, a 1969 BBC adaptation of Alan Garner's novel, and chill till bedtime.