Coincidentally – sipping my “quad” espresso this morning at Equator Café whilst in conversation with Denis Secundus (recently nominated for a Deputy Minister’s Award of Honour) and Joy and Gary B.Sc., EE, MBA – I touched upon my current literary replenishment “The Diary of Samuel Pepys, ESQ., F.R.S.” by Samuel Pepys from 1659 to 1669 with memoir edited by Lord Braybrooke, wherein the author frequently mentions the “great confluence of gentlemen” at the coffee-house.  We at table, slumped in generous lounge chairs, concurred that the unbeaten historic status of the coffee-house is revived. Instantly I formulated in my private catalogue that the coffee-house (accompanied by a similarly restorative and redeeming tricycle ride thereto) shall hereafter constitute an indispensable ingredient of my sphere.

For some time I have pondered the desirability of doing so; but it is only today – aided fortuitously by undetermined stimuli – that I removed any hesitation and obscurity surrounding the primal motivation. Though this morning’s enterprise felt mildly like a pleasing addictive reaction (for which I haven’t any other explanation than the balminess of the springtime day and the pleasure of the company of friends), I am gratified to be in league with a ritual which so manifestly occupies others of our community (including today for example curious, winsome and well-behaved young children in the company of their parents for what I discerned to be a Saturday morning outing).

The zeal and persuasion of this morning’s tricycle ride to and from the café was surpassed only by the impelling force of the friendly and familial gossip, the strengthening espresso and perhaps by last evening’s Holey Confection “epic gourmet donuts”. Whatever the source (punctuated as it was by news of the successes of my partner’s grand-nephews) the remainder of the day was magically dignified by what I believe to be a hitherto unparalleled car ride.

So enthused was I that I aimed at exhausting the charge level – an exemplification of my outstanding delight in the drive. The roads were dry, clean and mainly free of traffic. I drove with all the windows open sheltered by my Patagonia red shell, admittedly employing the heated seats, heated steering wheel, MAX heat system.  Otherwise a robust cowboy!

It was in all an exceedingly pleasant day today. In addition the weather cooperated brilliantly. The only tiny objection was the coolness caused by the high winds; but I adore the sound and feel of wind. During the drive I paused at Starbuck’s coffee house to replenish my caffeine jet fuel. The intoxication heightened the afternoon.and complimented the happy beginning.