Last night was a good night. Warm pasta and spicy red wine followed by Christmas carols and more wine. I even got to read some Tolstoy; a better holiday evening may actually be impossible to be had!

I must say that I am in good spirits. I’ve learned that a long monotonous day can be broken up quite nicely by an hour spent with gourmet coffee and a good book, so that is how my lunch breaks have been spent. The walk there freshens me with cold invigorating air, and I always return with a more vibrant imagination and a stimulated palate.

What are other strategies to make a long day better?