Although the pills prescribed by the kindly doctor seem to have had some effect, I was still feeling a little “bleurgh” after lunch and without Tigger to inspire me, wondered whether to bother going out at all. However, the sun was shining and it seemed a sin not to make the most of it.

After intense discussion with myself, a coffee at Mercer’s was suggested as a reward for taking a stroll. OK, then, deal!

I’m not going to bore today you with stories of water leaks today but I couldn’t pass over this scene without comment.

All of a heap

Somebody has knocked over the carefully placed barriers and left them all of a heap on the workings. Why? Why interfere in this cavalier way with barriers that, after all, are there to prevent accidents? What’s wrong with people?

Contrejour in Claremont Square
(Not what I intended)

It had rained earlier and the pavements were in places still shining wet. I wanted my photo to show the effect but, for whatever reason, it didn’t work. (Don’t say I never show you my mistakes and failures!)

Safestore, Pentonville Road

I crossed over Pentonville Road at the junction near the reservoir. On the spur of the moment, I took a quick (and bad) photo of Safestore. Why? Well, because when I first came to join Tigger in Islington, I had far more property than could fit into this tiny flat. So, while Tigger rearranged things to make some room for me, I put my stuff in store here. Every time I needed something that had been packed away, I would come here, find my locker and rummage about until I found whatever it was. Seeing the place always reminds me of those early days with a mixture of nostalgia and amusement.

The Chapel Bar

In Penton Street, the Chapel Bar was looking cheerful in the sunshine though I expect the owners feel anything but cheerful after the long enforced closure. They will no doubt be hoping fervently that the government’s plan for the reopening of businesses will be adhered to.

Dead or only sleeping?

This establishment in White Lion Street seems to be in suspended animation. What is its fate to be?

“People live upstairs”

I can’t imagine why anyone would want to break into a dead pub though I suppose they might do so on the off-chance of finding something worth stealing. Notices have been posted on the doors to warn would-be burglars that “People Live Upstairs”. I hope that is a sufficient deterrent.

Day and Night

I entered Chapel Market on whose corner stands this pub, rebadged as Day and Night. The newspapers covering the windows suggest that refurbishment work is still in progress. This pub also had notices, this time on the windows. They read “Bar Staff Wanted” – a hopeful sign, perhaps.

Sinister Bride

Most of the shops in Chapel Market were closed, of course, including this one that sells wedding gowns. This dummy wearing a mask looked rather sinister and seemed to be giving me a hard stare. I hurried on!

Happy pigeons

I came across this band of happy pigeons scoffing food left on the ground and had to photograph such a cheerful scene. Unfortunately, the sound does not carry over or you would hear just how happy they were!

Plants and flowers

When I reached Mercer’s, the plants and flowers stall was open and doing business. This has been one of the most frequently present stalls during the pandemic. They have often been the only stall present except perhaps for a couple that are run by fruit and vegetable shops in the street. I hope it has been worth their while.

I duly bought my coffee from Mercer’s and hot-footed home to drink it. If tomorrow is also a sunny day and I feel less “bleurgh”, perhaps I’ll fancy taking a longer walk. We shall see.