Tigger was at work today and I had to wait in for a phone call this afternoon. That done, I thought about going out for a walk. I had come to enjoy our little rambles around the neighbourhood during lockdown and rather missed them. Going by myself was not as much fun as going with Tigger but I gave it a try.
Visiting the ‘Curvaceous Tree’
I started by visiting the “Curvaceous Tree” near the church. It is as curvy as ever and I was glad to see that it seems to be thriving.
The clock is working again
Glancing up at St Mark’s Church, I saw that the clock is working again. It had stopped and remained motionless for several months. I was pleased to see it running though, as I never go to church or contribute in any way to its upkeep, I don’t have any say in the matter.
Lion-head door knocker
This door knocker resides on the front door of a house across from the church. A few years ago, the house was subjected to refurbishment and the door knocker, and other furnishings, disappeared. Being fond of the knocker, I waited anxiously through the months of building work to see whether it would return. And eventually it did, cleaned and varnished to boot. I always look out for it when I pass, as one might look out for an old friend.
Browning’s Garage
Just off Amwell Street, in Great Percy Street, is Browning’s Garage. There is nothing particularly remarkable about it – though it has apparently been run as a family business since 1910 – other than that it is slightly unusual to find one in a quiet residential area like this. My interest in it is purely personal, owing to memories of my student days when I worked in a garage during vacations. I enjoyed those times and the clang of a dropped spanner together with the smell of oil and petrol brings them back to me.
Percy Circus garden
Part way down Great Percy Street is a circular “square” called Percy Circus. In the centre of it is a round garden with trees, shrubs and a few benches. We came here a few times on our rambles.
The central tree
I sat on one of the benches in the middle of the garden and looked up into the spreading canopy of the tree that is there. It is no doubt home to a squirrel or two but nothing stirred while I was there.
Autumn sky
Before leaving Percy Circus, I took this photo looking down the hill and showing the autumn sky with the sunlight filtering down between the clouds. It’s hard to remember how we used to come here in the heat of summer!
Georgian-style houses in Lloyd Square
I photographed these Georgian-style houses in Lloyd Square not because there is anything of particular note about them but because I have become rather fond of this, the prevalent style of building in this part of the borough. I think they are soberly elegant.
Myddelton’s deli
We used to call in at Myddelton’s deli for take-away coffee on our lockdown rambles. I didn’t call in today but noted that, for the first time since lockdown, they have put out their chairs and tables. I hope it is an omen of better times to come.
Display of cushions
Across the road from the deli is a shop selling furnishings. I mentioned it previously and its display of cushions (for a reminder, see Clouds and cushions). The motif on the cushions changes from time to time and today it is birds.
Before making for home, I had a quick look in Myddelton Square to see whether I could spot the cats. We first saw them in the hot weather, taking the air at a window (for a reminder, see Cold enough for trousers). We haven’t seen them for a long time, nor were they visible today. Their window was closed and the curtains drawn.
And finally, here is a guest appearance of another denizen of the neighbourhood who, though he has not been here long, has made a mark for himself.
Wild Kong
Richard Orlinski’s Wild Kong continues to emit his (silent) roar of challenge to all who pass by.