Note: This post replaces one already posted on this date which, for various reasons, I decided to delete. I apologise for any confusion that might cause.

We had a particular call to make this morning and this motivated today’s little ramble.

A misty day in St John Street

We set off down St John Street. As you might be able to see, it is a damp, misty day today but it is at least somewhat warmer (8°C) than yesterday (2°C).

At the launderette

We had business, here, at the launderette. That was soon disposed of, leaving us free to continue on our way.

Finsbury Library – closed and dark

Opposite the launderette is Finsbury Library, the local branch of Islington’s public library service. It was closed, of course, and dark inside, very unlike its busy appearance in happier times.

Islington Museum, also closed

In the basement of the library is Islington Museum. It too is closed and you can perhaps see the glass door or gate barring access to the stairs. Perhaps library and museum will come alive again when lockdown ends on December 2nd.

Tower block

We passed through the nearby housing estate where I photographed this tower block. I don’t know what you think of such buildings but I have never liked the idea of living in one, much less since the terrible Grenfell fire. We live in a flat which is one of four in a terrace house and ours is on the ground floor with exits to the front and back, much safer than a high-rise.

Whose laundry?

We are used to finding furniture and sundry items, even clothes, left out in the street. It seems to be a habit in this neighbourhood of disposing of unwanted property by putting it out on the street where it can be taken by anyone who wants it or, ultimately, removed by the Council. Here, slightly unusually, someone has left what looks like a heap of laundry. Everything is folded and apparently clean. A pair of sneakers with it seems to be in a child’s size. Who left these, so carefully placed, and why?

A table for one

In a back yard which also serves as a car park, is a table and a single chair, conjuring up strange visions of a diner seated in solitary state. Is it junk to be disposed of or has it been removed temporarily? Someone knows but I don’t.

Rosebery Avenue – still misty

We crossed Rosebery Avenue where I daringly stopped in the middle of the road to take this photo, showing the misty conditions. Personally, I prefer mist to rain or, worse still, snow.

London in the past was of course legendary for its “peasouper” fogs. In fact, the popular name for London in times past was “the Smoke”. Fortunately, laws on air cleanliness aided by a decline in industry have improved air quality though there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Tangled garden

In Amwell Street, I photographed the garden belonging to the Clerkenwell C of E Parochial School. Seen from this viewpoint, it seems in a rather romantic tangle though that’s all the better for wildlife that relies on parks and gardens such as this.

A few more steps brought us to Myddelton’s deli where we bought our takeaway coffees and then made for home.