Tigger is of course at work today though we do keep in touch through the wonders of modern communications technology, specifically, the iMessage app on our iPhones.
Fortunately, I had an errand to run. I say fortunately because that caused me to bestir myself and go out when otherwise I might have stayed indoors. The weather, too, was warm and sunny and it would have been a pity to miss it.
Sunshine in Cruikshank Street
My errand took me to our GP surgery where I had a question to ask. In view of the pleasant weather, I decided not to go straight there but to make a detour. I walked down Cruikshank Street where I took the above photo.
Cruikshank Street is, I suppose, a pretty average sort of street for this neighbourhood but when I walk along it, it feels pleasant and I like it for that reason.
I also had another motive for coming this way. In a post entitled We slipped in, I recounted the sad fate of what I called the Leaning Tree that I had photographed several times before. On that occasion, we had found that it had fallen down, whether because of the wind or because of malicious action, I do not know. I wanted to know what had happened to it since.
Bevin Court
I passed in front of Bevin Court, that “cliff of apartments”, which was looking fairly cheerful in the sunshine.
The path beside Bevin Court
I took the pretty path that runs down beside Bevin Court and leads to the public garden where the Leaning Tree has its abode. On reaching the place, this is what I found:
Recumbent tree trunk
The once living tree now presents this sad picture of itself. Unsurprisingly, it has been partially cut up, in the first place to release the fencing which will need to be repaired. What happens next? Will they leave it in place for wildlife to use or will they cart it away?
Myddelton Square Garden
Having visited the GP surgery, I returned via Amwell Street. I had it in mind to buy coffee at Myddelton’s deli and sit at a table outside to drink it. Unfortunately, when I arrived, all the tables were occupied and none of the people seemed ready to leave, so I gave up on the idea. Instead, I went to Myddelton Square and sat for a while in the garden on a bench in the sun, watching the people and the pigeons. Then I returned home.
As we ate out yesterday, we will be eating at home this evening but I am going to meet Tigger at Liverpool Street Station in the hope of finding a coffee shop still open. Perhaps, I will get my coffee after all! Let’s wait and see!
——————————
Just before 6 pm I went to the bus stop in St John Street.
Aboard the 153
I boarded the 153 and ended up on a seat above the rear wheels which gives a rather bumpy ride. This bus takes me exactly where I want to go – to Liverpool Street Station – and has the advantage of rarely being crowded. It surprises me that more people don’t use it.
Liverpool Street Station
I left the bus at the station and waited for Tigger who soon joined me.
Soho Coffee
Tigger led the way, burrowing through the crowds, to Soho Coffee.
Inside Soho Coffee
Strangely, it was virtually empty of sitting customers perhaps because most people were buying takeaways before continuing their journeys.
Coffee at last
And I had my coffee at last! 🙂
Back through the crowds
Afterwards, we burrowed our way back towards the upper level and the bus stop.
“Our” bus arrives
We arrived just in time to miss a bus. I photographed the next one arriving which would be “our” bus after the driver had enjoyed his statutory rest period. Can’t begrudge him that.
A draughty canyon
Waiting for our 153 in this bus station involves standing in a canyon between tall buildings. That’s not too bad in this weather but in winter it becomes a draughty canyon and cold.
On the bus for home
The bus came eventually, of course, and soon we were being carried through busy streets. The sun had set and the scene, if not quite of nighttime, was close to it.
Now we have supper to look forward to and then the weekend. How will we spend that? 🙂