Tigger went into the office for the first day of this week’s three-day stint. A glance through the window showed a rather miserable weather scenario, not conducive to solo rambles.

In addition, my ongoing ailment made me feel less than merry, so much so that I decided to call the surgery and speak to the doctor whom I have already consulted. She was very sympathetic and, better still, reassuring. In addition, she promised to send a prescription to the pharmacy for me to collect. Who says NHS personnel don’t deserve a good payrise?

After lunch, then (having first phoned the pharmacy to make sure the prescription had arrived and been dispensed), I set out into the aforementioned miserable weather – the above photo will give you an idea of it. Happily, it was not actually raining during my outing though the wind made it feel colder than the thermometer suggested and threatened to make off with my hat a couple of times.

Back to the beginning

I expect you are tired of stories of water leaks but I couldn’t forebear commenting on the unfolding story. Leak number 1 is once again enclosed in a barrier. Closer inspection reveals why.

Opened up again

Whatever they were trying to do when I photographed them yesterday obviously didn’t work and they have had to open up the trench again. At least the flow has been stopped.

Extending their territory

Down the hill at leak number 2, there was no work in progress but they have extended their territory quite a bit. My guess is that this is the make sure there is a big enough area free of parked cars for the big lorries that they have been using.

The hole is dry

Here, too, the hole is dry, suggesting that they have at least stopped the leak. But for how long?

More woe for motorists

In Inglebert Street, I found more woe for motorists, at least for those who park their cars here. Parts of the parking lane on both sides of the road have been cordoned off in advance of “Essential Tree Works”, as the bright yellow notice explains.

Essential Tree Works

I like the way that, in the text, an attempt has been made to print the words “red” and “white” in the colours they express except that, because of the background colour, “white” is actually yellow! But let’s not be picky. They tried.

A bird feeder

I’m not sure whether I showed you this before or not. Someone has installed a bird feeder in this street tree. I have never seen any birds feeding from it and I don’t think there is actually any food in it. A good idea but poor follow-through!

Prospecting pigeon

On the way home from the pharmacy, I was grumbling to myself about the cold, damp conditions and then I met a pigeon prospecting for food and I reflected that I was at least going back to a comfortable home whereas the pigeons and other wild life are out in all weathers all the time. No cosy bed at night, not cups of hot tea during the day, and always on the hunt for food. As I thought this, the pigeon took flight, no doubt hoping to find better pastures elsewhere.

Myddelton Square Gardens

I took a photo of Myddelton Square Gardens. It seemed deserted and even the resident pigeons were nowhere to be seen. Still, I am sure there will be sunnier days to come when we can bring our coffee here and watch the various denizens at work and play. Knowing the UK, we could be basking in tropical sunshine tomorrow. Anything is possible.

Children’s playground

For once, I was able to take a photo of the children’s playground in Myddelton Square Gardens. Almost always there are at least a few children and their parents here and parents are apt to take a dim view of solitary gentlemen taking photos of their children. Today it was deserted and I obtained my photo.

To end with a splash of vivid colour, I took a photo of an old friend who, from being a novelty, has become part of the neighbourhood. We would miss him if he disappeared.

Wild Kong