As the hour of my aforementioned clinic appointment drew near, we set out. We like to leave plenty of time to guard against delays.

The bus arrives

We went to the bus stop in St John Street to catch the number 19 which you see arriving above.

Painted façade in Laycock Street

We left the bus and entered Laycock Street where the clinic is situated. I noticed two façades, of which one is pictured above, that had been painted in complex patterns.

Laycock Green

Laycock Street runs beside a small park called Laycock Green where we went to wait for it to be time for my appointment. In the park are several strange hummocks or tumuli. I don’t know their origin.

A bench opposite the clinic

We found a bench, as we did last time, in sight of the clinic, where we settled down to wait. I set my phone’s alarm for 10 minutes before appointment time.

The waiting room

The waiting room was empty and no other patients arrived while we were there but, even so, I wasn’t called until at least 15 minutes after my nominal appointment time.

Back in Upper Street

Afterwards, we walked along Upper Street, looking for somewhere to have coffee.

The Workers’ Cafe
Photo by Tigger

We ended up at the Workers’ Cafe where we have already been a number of times.

Milk shake and smoothie

Instead of coffee, we had a milk shake (Tigger) and a smoothie, respectively.

Pancake

We allowed ourselves to be tempted and had a pancake each. They came with maple syrup and what I think was cream cheese. To be honest, I was a little disappointed with it.

Sunshine on the town hall

In defiance of the weather forecast, the sun came out and I photographed the town hall bathed in unexpected sunshine.

The old police station

Tigger proposed walking home so we set off along Upper Street. We passed the old police station (closed and not replaced) and…

Spire of St Mary’s Church

…I photographed the spire of St Mary’s Church, rising picturesquely above the trees.

Islington Green

We went into Islington Green, which was quite busy – not surprising, given the sunshine and its easy accessibility between main roads.

Monument to Bob the Street Cat

Bob the Street Cat
Photo by Tigger

We visited the monument to Bob the Street Cat. (Explanation and details will be found here.)

A live cat

After sitting on the Green fir a while, we continued on our way home. On the way, we spotted another cat, but a live one, this time. I managed to snatch a photo.

The market was closing

We passed throughChapel Market but the market itself was closing down for the day and most of the stalls had already disappeared.

The Three Johns

As we approached home, my last photo was of the pub called the Three Johns, and the people sitting outside, making the most of the sunshine. I am now looking forward to a relaxing evening at home with Tigger.

The heatwave has finally broken. The cooler weather has of course brought rain and thunderstorms with it. We have been enjoying the cooler temperature (around 18°C).

Cloudy skies

I have a clinic appointment later today and so this morning we went out just for coffee and a stroll locally. The above view from Claremont Square gives an idea of the conditions.

Myddelton Square Gardens

We passed through the gardens in Myddelton Square, which are still pretty, even in dull conditions, but we didn’t stop.

Snail enjoying the humid conditions

There were quite a few snails about, and not only in the gardens: I rescued one that was boldly crossing the pavement and was therefore in danger of being walked on. I imagine that they like the damp conditions which make it easier for them to move about and feed.

Electra’s bicycle

We spied “Electra”’s bicycle (the white one) tethered to the railings. Electra herself, aka the Circling Cyclist, was not visible.

At the deli

It was not raining when we reached the deli and so we sat outside with our coffee. Opposite the deli (not visible above) is a shop and while we were having our coffee, the assistant arrived and proceeded to unlock the door. There are several locks on the door, including one at the top.

Standing on a stool

The assistant is too short to reach the lock at the top of the door. Therefore, she brings with her a bag containing a folding stool and opens this to stand on.

Belisha beacons

In the dull conditions, the flashing lights of the Belisha beacons at the pedestrian crossing were more noticeable than usual.

A glimpse of the waterworks

After coffee, we went for our stroll. I took the above view of the waterworks area through the railings. This is still known as the New River Head as it was the termination of Sir High Myddelton’s famous project. These days, the water is buried deep underground and Thames Water’s Ring Main passes through here.

Hardwicke Street

We passed along Hardwicke Street which makes the southern edge of the New River Head site.

A small road island

At the end of Hardwicke Street is this strange little road island. For inhabitants it has these two fine mature trees. Both the island and the road bear the signs of repairs made necessary by the expanding roots of the trees.

Grand doorway

In passing, I photographed the grand doorway of what was originally the offices of the New River Company and is now a residential block.

Spa Green Gardens

We entered Spa Green Gardens. We saw only two other people there, a dog walker and a man sitting on a bench near the entrance who was apparently noting people’s coming and goings. Perhaps he is doing a survey for the Council.

War memorial and pigeons

The garden’s pigeon population treat the memorial as a useful perch where they are safe from marauding dogs and humans and can keep watch on the availability of food.

The old laboratories

Making our way back, we passed the old laboratories built by the water board which have since been converted into a residential block.

Gardens and old offices

I took a photo through the railings of the old NRC offices (where I photographed the doorway above). I think the turret is purely decorative though it might have had a purpose.

The pub vine

Entering Myddelton Passage, we could check in that other obsession of ours, the pub vine. I’m happy to report that it is flourishing and…

A fine crop of grapes

…has already produced a fine crop of grapes – no doubt encouraged by the recent heatwave. I don’t expect that the grapes will be edible but they are impressive nonetheless.

The “Bonus Cat”

Do you remember the Bonus Cat? (See The Bonus Cat.) we had not managed to photograph any cats today but one turned up at the last moment. This is the one we “discovered” on a previous occasion and jokingly called the bonus cat. This is not the best cat photo ever but we do the best we can!

Familiar scene on a grey day

With a last look at the familiar scene, we made for home where we had lunch in preparation for this afternoon’s outing, of which more anon.