At least, that’s what we are telling ourselves.

Beautiful skyscape

After lunch, we set out, going first, as we usually do, to the deli for a coffee. The plan was to go on from there, taking a bus ride to a destination Tigger had in mind. So far, the weather looked suitable, and I took the above photo, so enchanted was I by the blue sky and large white clouds.

Outside the deli in Amwell Street

We sat outside the deli with our coffee and thus far the weather seemed to play along with our intentions.

I have mentioned before that Amwell Street is in the unusual situation of having not one, but three men’s barbers. From where I was sitting outside the deli, I saw that the two nearest were both open for business. On Sunday. How usual is that, I wonder? Or is it because, with so much competition, they feel the need to stay open as many hours as possible?

Looking back along Amwell Street

After our coffee break, we walked up Amwell Street to catch a bus to Tigger’s mystery destination. So far the sky looked friendly enough.

Looking east

By the time we started along Penton Street, the first disquieting signs were appearing. Looking east (above), the sky looked fine. But…

Looking west

…looking west, we saw an altogether more ominous sight. Which way were the clouds moving? Why, west to east, of course!

Waiting at a bus stop

We reached a bus stop in Tolpuddle Street where we could catch a bus to Tigger’s goal. With eyes eyes fixed on the east and hope in our hearts, we waited.

The bus came, we waved it down and… Guess what? Tigger realised she had forgotten to pick up her Oyster card for the bus! Regretfully, though in view of the approaching dark clouds, not all that regretfully, we decided to call it s day and return home.

Lock-ups and car park

We walked through this – as far as I know, unnamed – road, leading to Sainsbury’s car park. On one side are the backs of houses along Chapel Market and, on the other, lock-up garages or storage locations. Some of the market stallholders use these for keeping stock.

Looking out of the window now, I see that it has indeed rained but that the sun is shining again. Should we have insisted on carrying through Tigger’s plan? Well, never mind, it’s pleasant too to return home, relax and make tea!

I hate to say it, but the last few days have brought intimations of approaching winter. I am one who feels the cold and have added layers both in my clothing and on the bed. Though the sun was shining at intervals this morning, this did not counter the downward shift of the temperature.

The Farmers’ Market

Whether it has anything to do with the weather, I do not know, but the markets, both the Farmers’ and the regular market, were especially busy today.

No takers for outside service

Unsurprisingly, there were no customers at the cafe’s outside tables (or the pub’s). Having outdoor seating at all was an innovation brought about by Covid-19 and it will be interesting to see whether it survives the winter.

Same story at Mercer’s

At Mercer’s too, it was noticeable that their outdoor tables were empty of customers.

Sainsbury’s was also somewhat busier than it usually is on a Sunday morning. Possibly that had something to do with ominous signs caught in camera by Tigger:

Empty shelves
Photos by Tigger

Some of the shelves in Sainsbury’s were empty. We’re used to seeing the odd gap in stock here and there but this number of empty shelves is unusual and concerning. Is it an omen of worse to come?

At the checkout

The queues at the checkout were linger than usual for the early hour. I wonder whether people are becoming nervous about shortages and are stocking up.

Going through the market

As usual, I hurried through Chapel Market with the cup holder, heading for Mercer’s, while Tigger followed with the shopping trolley.

Through the window at Mercer’s

By now, the sun had put in an appearance and was making the scene look more cheerful while perhaps taking some of the chill out of the air. As a result, Mercer’s outside tables were now occupied. (Tigger is waiting off to the left but you can’t see her!)

Coffee in hand, we made for home. After a little rest, we will have lunch and then perhaps go out again. The weather forecast is cloudy-sunny but with a threat of rain. Let’s see if we can dodge the rain and make the most of the sunshine!