It has been pissing down (scientific term) here in Brussels for as long as memory serves. I drove the new Alfa to Cologne on Friday and visibility in the rain was worse than in a carwash. Don't you just love summer in Northern Europe?

(ISP) The official term is AFPD. Take heart; this is a bad summer by most standards and least it's better than winter.

It has been a lot better over here than up north this summer. We have avoided rain for the most part (apart from 72mm in 4 hours the Sunday before last). It's looking a bit iffy for the rest of the week, though.

Does anyone here like cold tea? I do.

Yes, especially with ice and a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint.