Friday 10th July 2026

Friday.

And in a turn up for the books, I laid in until ten to six.

Jools was already ready for yoga, but made me a coffee, so I could sit and look at the usual sites while my brain woke up.

There was also the moth trap to check. Nothing really rare, but a few worth snapping.

After dismantling it, I put the bits in the shade so the moths could fly off when they wanted.

The recycle bins put out. And tasks for the day were done.

Outside it was another sunny and warm day, though not as hot as last week. I opened both doors for the breeze, then began the task of making a focaccia loaf.

This involves mixing the wet dough, then every hour folding it at least four times with oiled fingers. So that by one, the dough was full of bubbles and put into a baking tray for a final oiling and rise.

I also put in stuffed peppers into the dough, to add something to the flavours and when eating.

There was more Le Tour at half midday. The peloton has to go nine days until the first rest day, and so it was another fairly flat day with the breakaway kept on a short leash and a manic bunch finish.

Once the race was over for the day, I warm the bread again, and prepare Caprese, and we have a right feast once the music quiz is done for the day.

After that there was just enough time to clear up before the evening's game: Belgium v Spain, a proper top quality match, and the best match up of the quarter finals.

Spain win it after a goalkeeping mistake, 2-1, and so Belgium fall again on the biggest stage, and many of their best known players will be too old come the next finals in four years.

And so to bed.