It turns out that we were right to make the most of the last few days by going out and about because the weather has performed one of those reverses so common to the British climate and today is rainy, cloudy and a tad chilly.

In the circumstances, we preferred to stay on familiar ground and take just a short walk to the deli and back for coffee, conserving our energy for what we hope are better days to come.

Blowing in the wind…

To see how far Covid-19 has penetrated our culture, look at our rubbish. From an exotic item once used only by the medical profession, masks have become the everyday wear of citizens and, worse still, a staple item of our rubbish heaps. We have seen lost gloves and shoes on railings and today we saw a mask. Could there be a more eloquent witness of our lives in a time of pandemic?

The kitten in the window
Photo by Tiiger

We always look out for the neighbourhood’s cats and saw one today. This pretty kitten was dozing in the window. I wonder what people’s pets make of the changes in their humans’ behaviour due to the pandemic – do they formulate theories to explain it or merely accept it?

Recovering their greenery

Throughout the winter, the trees in the corner of Myddelton Square have been bare, showing off the marvellous structure of their twisting branches, but now they are gradually reclothing themselves in green.

The Circling Cyclist

As I was taking the previous photo, the one I call the Circling Cyclist hove into view. Without her signature red jacket I almost missed her. She was in good form today, speeding round the square and overtaking several other cyclists who passed through the square.

Covered in flowers

On a recent previous stroll round the square, I showed a single blossom on this vine that Tigger had spotted. Since them, it has burst into flower all over.

A door with a face

As we passed this door, I suddenly saw that it seemed to have a face! It doesn’t, of course, and the illusion is what is called pareidolia, the tendency of the human brain to see meaningful shapes, particularly faces, in random patterns.

Gradually screening the church

For the last few months, the view of the church from this angle has been clear but now, the building is gradually disappearing behind a green screen.

Nature design cushions

In Amwell Street, the shop called Timorous Beasties was open and I looked in the window to admire the cushions with wildlife designs. I must count my pennies and see whether I can afford to buy one!

Going up…
Photos by Tigger

On the way home we spotted this strange sight: a large van with, protruding from its roof, a telescopic mast with what appeared to be a camera on top. The mast was gradually extending itself upwards…

The van belongs to a company called Upshot UK Ltd who, according to the text on the side of the van, perform “ground-based aerial photography”. This is no doubt useful for checking on damage to buildings not visible from the ground.

We did not tarry, though, and hurried home with our coffee. Perhaps the weather will be better tomorrow so that we can make a longer walk.