I live just a few minutes walk from the station and have been commuting to London for so long now (is it really 22 years?!?) that I’ve got the timing down to a fine art. Sometimes the train is just pulling in as I arrive. Sometimes I have to wait a minute. Or if there’s a problem, the wait can extend considerably, although I generally walk home again if that happens and keep an eye on the travel web site.

But this morning was season ticket renewal day, which always disrupts my routine. The credit-card sized piece of plastic coated paper that satisfies the ‘revenue inspectors’ when they do their checks on board and that gets me through the barriers in London costs the proverbial arm and leg - £3,708 this time round (that’s about $6200 I think) - so that’s the very unpleasant part of renewing.

The good part this morning was having time to stand and enjoy this beautiful sunrise while I waited for the next train. To some that may not seem like much in the way of compensation, but seeing as I have no choice but to commute to London if I want my job, I won’t complain (too much!) but will focus on all the pluses, an aim made easier this morning by the glorious sunrise.