It has remained warm all day and we have stayed at home relaxing like sheep under a tree. We waited until 7 pm to go out again when, we hoped, it would be cooler.

The crossroads at evening

We passed through the Angel crossroads which is a busy junction at most times of day.

St John Street, sunlight and shadow

We walked down St John Street, keeping to the shady side of the street.

Chadwell Street

We entered Chadwell Street which is rather oddly arranged. The picture shows the end where it enters St John Street. Note the cycle track on the left. Just behind me, Arlington Way branches off to the left (over my right shoulder as I take the photo). Thus, motor vehicles can enter Chadwell Street and then turn left into Arlington Way. Beyond that point, however, Chadwell Street is blocked by a line of hire cycle posts, preventing vehicles (but not bicycles) from proceeding and entering Myddelton Square. This has possibly been done to prevent the square being used a rat run by motor vehicles. If so, then I approve, as it keeps the square as a quiet oasis.

Window box

I photographed this pretty window box in Chadwell Street. I have admired it several times in passing and thought I had better photograph it though the lighting conditions may not be perfect. Each year, the Amwell Society organises a window box competition and I’m sure that this encourages people to create beautiful displays.

Myddelton Square Garden

We entered Myddelton Square Gardens. There were a few people sitting on benches enjoying the evening. We did not stop but continued across.

Another view of the gardens

We wondered whether we would see my friend, the one-footed pigeon, but there were few pigeons to be seen. I think most were already roosting in the trees.

Guess who?

We left the gardens by the lower gate and walked round the Square. We wanted to visit the tree where we had seen the stag beetle (a reader kindly confirmed that it was a stag beetle). We thought it unlikely that it would still be there but it was worth a look. Adult stag beetles live at most from May to August and die after mating. The stag beetle was not there which meant it might well still be alive. Now that we have seen one, perhaps we will see others. As we were looking for the stag beetle, Electra flashed by. She had obviously put off her exercise period till later, like us.

Evening sunlight in the square

We continued round the square taking in all the details and noting any changes. We turned the corner and…

A speeding Electra

…saw Electra go speeding past. That was her last circuit because we did not see her again. We continued through the square to Mylne Street, though I stopped on the corner for one last photo:

The Curvaceous Tree

Then we continued on our way home to spend a quiet evening.

That’s the end of the weekend for us this time around as Tigger will be working Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this week, an awkward arrangement but only temporary. We will have an extra long “weekend”, Friday to Tuesday, to make up for it.

Today bids fair to be the hottest so far this year. Anyone sensible knows that the best thing to do with the heat is to stay out of it but, equally, the shopping needs to be done and so, with due reluctance, we set forth into the sunshine.

Sunlight and shadow in Baron Street

Discounting the heat, the sunshine does at least make everything look cheerful and lift your mood, something that we denizens of this damp and cloudy island duly appreciate.

The Farmers’ Market

The Farmers’ Market was open and busy as usual. There seem to be three categories of shoppers: those who shop in the market; those who shop at Waitrose; and those who, like us, shop at Sainsbury’s, though there are no doubt some who visit more than one of these sources.

The crockery stall

The crockery stall is usually here on a Sunday. They have an impressive range of items from mugs and cups, through jugs and plates to teapots. I once bought a mug here and usually have a look to see whether anything catches my fancy.

Cafe al fresco

The cafes in the upper part of the street are prevented by the Farmers’ Market from putting tables in the road today but further down, they still can. This is Cafe Millennium and it has attracted some customers for open-air service.

The plant stall

This stall selling plants is another stalwart of the market. It takes up position in White Conduit Street and has a wide range of plants, the selection changing with the seasons. You may recall that it continued to be present all through the pandemic. I hope their assiduity has been duly rewarded.

Sainsbury’s was busy and…

Sainsbury’s was busy in some parts and…

…not busy

…less busy in others. It didn’t take us too long to tour the usual shelves and pick up the usual selection of goodies.

I remember, as a child, going shopping with my mother. We did not enjoy the luxury of a fridge and had to shop for fresh goods several times a week. Milk was delivered to the doorstep daily but in summer inevitably went sour during the day. I was used to drinking tea with white “floaters” on it. I did at least learn how to make “cottage cheese” by passing sour milk through a muslin to catch the residue. Unsurprisingly, I have maintained a love-hate relationship with milk ever since! To this day, I take my tea and coffee black.

Hurrying through Chapel Market

As usual, I hurried through the market to Mercer’s, leaving Tigger to follow in due course with the loaded trolley. The main market forms two distinct groups of stalls with an empty space between them. I have yet to work out the reason for this. It does seem rather curious.

Carrying the coffee

Having bought the coffee, we made for home. Strange, isn’t it, that on a hot day we still find hot coffee a delectable treat? Yes, I know some people have iced coffee in summer but this is a fad that I have never even been tempted to try. For me, tea and coffee are beverages to be consumed hot and that’s that! You can’t teach an old tiger new tricks 🙂