As the deli closes at 3pm on Sundays (I don’t hold it against them because they work hard and open seven days a week), we decided to go for our walk before lunch instead of afterwards.

Sunshine in Myddelton Square

When the sun shone, it was quite pleasant out but the clouds kept obscuring the sun. At those moments it was easy to remember how cold it was (“feels like” 0°C).

Another sad specimen

This poor tree must have been dead even before its ungrateful hosts threw it out.

Hopeful pigeon

There were a few pigeons prospecting for food and even finding some on the, to us, bare pavement. When I stopped to photograph this one, he stopped too, less in order to pose, I imagination, than in hope that I had something to donate. Unfortunately, I didn’t. Did I say I am fond of pigeons? (I think I must have! 🙂 )

The sun peeps out

The sun peeps out between the clouds, throwing into relief the complex network of tree branches. I wonder how the squirrels in their dreys fare when the leaves fall off.

Skimpy top, bushy body

This tree has a strangely denuded top. Perhaps they stripped it to make room for their tree-top decoration. It made me think of the mast of an old-time sailing ship.

A remnant of the past
Photo by Tigger

Tigger noticed this curious remnant of the past. It is in a passageway between houses. The passage is short and leads only to the back gardens of the houses. However, these remaining streaks of paint strongly suggest that here was once a street name. Many streets in this neighbourhood still have names displayed in the old way, painted on the first building whereas the modern habit is to affix a metal plate. This suggests that this passage was once a thoroughfare with its own name. Was it perhaps closed when the buildings in the next street were put up and blocked it off? I don’t know. Perhaps I will find out one day.

Myddelton Square and St Mark’s

This is a familiar scene but I liked the effect of sunshine and shade together with the beautiful variegated sky. If only all winter days were as beautiful as this!

Amwell Street

Before going into the deli, I stood in the road in Amwell Street to take this photo. I thought I was safe because I couldn’t hear any motor vehicles. Then I injudiciously stepped backwards and nearly collided with the cyclist you see on the left!

Inglebert Street and St Mark’s
Photo by Tigger

Tigger took this photo looking along Inglebert Street towards St Mark’s Church. It shows off the lovely sky.

Tigger’s master plan was to go to the deli for coffee and for those oh-so-tasty Portuguese custard tarts.

Coffee and muffin

Unfortunately, they had no custard tarts. They did have other tasty-looking cakes, both big and small (it’s wonderful what a range of goods from fruit to grocery they stock in their small shop). We chose banana and walnut muffins. Were they delicious? Yes, they were!

I’m still looking forward to lunch, though 🙂