Tigger had to go in to the office yesterday and as the weather was cold, I stayed at home.

Penton Road crossroads

In contrast, today was sunny and relatively warm (13°C) so we went out to take a walk and collect our coffee (takeaway only, during lockdown). It was pleasant outdoors though the air was hazy, as you can perhaps see from the photos.

Our neighbourhood post office shop

Tigger had a purchase in mind and this was our first call. Most shops were locked up tight, of course, but our neighbourhood post office shop, which also sells food, is open. Tigger found what she wanted there.

Following the by-ways

As far as possible, we stayed in the by-ways and less frequented streets so as to have fewer people to avoid.

A few flowers still blooming

Although the trees have shed their leaves and many flowering plants are dying back, there are still a few flowers peeping out shyly between the grasses, like the above which are growing in the plot where I photographed the poppies during the first lockdown.

Another lively show

Further along, these plants were blooming too. I don’t know what they are called but they made a cheerful sight.

Percy Circus garden

By this way we came to Percy Circus with its central garden. As usual, it was quiet and peaceful. It was warm enough for us to sit on a bench for a while.

A view from the bench

There is a timeless feeling to the garden so that I would not be surprised to see people in Victorian costume passing by or a horse-drawn cart winding slowly up the hill.

Hoverfly on my hat
Photo by Tigger

We sat so quietly that a hoverfly came by. He perched briefly on my nose and then settled on the silver tiger on my hat. We could also hear, and catch glimpses of, parakeets flitting between the trees. These once exotic birds are now becoming common all over Britain.

Wharton Street

We walked through to Wharton Street and climbed its hill. All was quiet but for a man delivering a couple of parcels to houses at the top.

Looking back down Wharton Street

Here we are looking back down Wharton Street with the BT Tower in the background. You can see how hazy the air is. Fortunately, this in no way detracted from the enjoyment of our walk.

Myddelton’s deli
Photo by Tigger

From the top of Wharton Street we passed easily to Lloyd Baker Street where we called in on our friends at Myddelton’s deli. Since Tigger has returned to work, we have visited them much less often than we used to but their welcome is still as friendly as ever so that going there is still a pleasure. As well as coffee, we bought something special for lunch.

St Mark’s Church
Photo by Tigger

On the way home, we walked along Inglebert Street. This gives you a good view of St Mark’s Church as you approach it. What was unusual today was that the door was open, the first time I have ever seen it so. There must have been a private event because a notice, decorously poised upon a chair, bore the word “PRIVATE”.

Coffee and spinach quiche

And so to home to enjoy our lunch of coffee (transferred to my favourite red cup) and the special treat mentioned above: spinach quiche. A quick warm in the microwave and it was delicious!