After the activity of the days in Folkestone and our walks yesterday, we were minded to take things more easily today. The first duty, of course, was the shopping.

In Sainsbury’s

Before we left for Folkestone, Tigger had planned a “pre-emptive shop” so that we would have plenty of food to come home to. As a result, only a little light shopping was required today and we had soon finished.

Going through Chapel Market

As usual, I hurried on ahead through Chapel Market to buy coffee at Mercer’s. The market was quite busy with a good turnout of stalls.

Inside Mercer’s

Mercer’s was ticking over gently and I didn’t have long to wait for our coffee to be dispensed.

The firm selling plants during the year and Christmas trees in due season, the one I said was the stalwart who kept going throughout the pandemic, has not put in an appearance for several weeks now. Have they gone bust? Or perhaps found a better market elsewhere? Strange that they should disappear like that.

Cloudy skies over Myddelton Square

This morning, the sun had shone, making the world look cheerful. By the time we had had lunch, however, clouds had gathered, hiding the sun. Undeterred, after lunch we set out for our ritual visit to the deli.

The square with St Mark’s Church

Although I have photographed it many times before, I took a quick snap of the church ensconced among its retinue of trees. The Curvaceous Tree is just peeping in on the left.

The Don’t-give-up Tree

We walked down Inglebert Street and I had to photograph the Don’t-give-up Tree on the corner. It continues to grow, lengthening its branches and furnishing them with leaves. Giving up is not in its nature and it continues to grow as best it can.

The sun appears

While we were sitting outside Myddelton’s deli, the clouds opened to reveal blue sky and the sun shone. It did not last, however, being just a pleasant moment.

Lloyd Square

After coffee, we went for a little walk, with the emphasis on “little”.

Through the archway

In Margery Street, we cut through the archway leading inside the housing estate there. I don’t think the public are supposed to treat it as a thoroughfare, but once in a while doesn’t hurt.

Inside the estate

The blocks of flats form four sides of a square around a central open space. It seems quite a pleasant place to live but only the occupants know that for sure.

Rosebery Avenue

Wandering on, we came to Rosebery Avenue opposite Spa Green Garden. Another time we would have walked through the garden but today we were not keen to lengthen our walk. I photographed the figure of Victory on the war memorial from a distance.

New River Head Estate

I photographed the gardens of the New River Head Estate through the railings. A notice says that the gardens are open to the public on alternate Sundays but they have never been open when we have been there. Either we always choose the wrong Sunday or the permission has been revoked.

The pub vine

We entered Myddelton Passage and looked to see how the pub vine was faring. Some of the leaves have turned brown and some of the bunches of grapes have disappeared. They have gone completely without leaving the stalks behind as would be the case if the birds or squirrels had eaten them. Have they been harvested?

Some grapes left
Photo by Tigger

There are a few small bunches left like this one in Tigger’s photo. Whoever had the others, I hope they enjoyed them!

We now started up the hill for home. It’s not a steep hill but after our recent activity and walks we went slowly. Tomorrow, Tigger is back at work full-time but at least we have the evening to look forward to.