This is the second day of the year 2022 and the view from the window looks scarcely different from that of the old year. Then again, we weren’t really expecting any sudden changes, were we?

As for us and our tussle with Omicron, there is little to be said, either. We have both had symptoms resembling those of a heavy cold. In my case, this has included a cough and in Tigger’s, some achiness in the limbs. In a few days, we will test ourselves to gauge the then state of play. Until then, there’s nothing that can usefully be done. The main thing is to find things to do to stave off boredom.

In my case, this has provided an apportunity to get to know my new computer and set it up as I wish. The old one still had Windows 8.1 on board and so, as well as coping with a new computer with a different keyboard. I had to cope with the change to Windows 10. Fortunately, you can find a lot of information quickly online these days and usually whatever problem you are trying to deal with has a carefully explained solution on a website somewhere.

One of my first priorities was to install and set up my usual backup program, Cobian. This program is now quite old but it does what I want: it packs an entire backup into a zip file that can be opened to recover files whether singly or in groups. The first day I installed it, Cobian worked perfectly as it had always done but after that something went wrong and it stopped working. Uninstalling and reinstalling it made no difference. Reluctantly, I had to abandon it.

I then spent some time surfing the Web, looking for backup programs. I tried one or two, none of which had the dual qualities of being easy to use and doing exactly what I wanted (as described above). I eventually came across a small software called RFI Backup. This rang all the bells, making it easy to define different sorts of backups and serving them up in a zip file that could be opened to recover files within. I have adopted it.

I have already mentioned that nearly all of the programs I use on a daily basis I have as portable applications. These work without needing to be installed and can be “uninstalled” (if necessary) simply by deleting the folder containing them. I have them on a flash drive with the Portableapps.com launcher. All I have to do is plug the flash drive into the computer and click to run it and there are all my familiar applications waiting to be used! That saved a lot of time that would otherwise have been spent downloading and installing application software. Why all software is not in portable form is a mystery to me.

When Tigger is at work, I have to keep myself occupied. Today I had two activities to keep me busy. Both were local and so the photos are local too. You may have seen these scenes before.

My first occupation was to return my books to Finsbury Library and perhaps borrow some more. I passed through Myddelton Square where this cheerful sight caught my attention.

Heavy rain had left a large puddle on this corner as it always does but now the sun was shining and some of the local pigeons were taking the opportunity to enjoy a bath. Rather them than me in this cold weather! They seemed to enjoy it, however.

I walked through Myddelton Passage where the sun was shining on the houses but leaving deep shadows where it could not reach. I like these quiet streets where you hardly ever see another person.

The last time I came here, the pub vine still had leaves even though they were turning brown. Today there are no leaves and the vine looks like a dead thing. I shall watch it anxiously until the spring when – I hope – it will flourish anew.

I crossed Rosebery Avenue and entered the small park called Spa Green. The trees are bare of leaves but they seemed to gather and hold the sunshine in their branches, shining with a different kind of beauty.

In St John Street I stopped to observe this tall building. It seemed to be breathing, its breath making a plume of steam in the cold air.

As I arrived, the venerable clock attached to the City University building chimed the first quarter (it was 11:15). This university has buildings all over London but few are as handsome as this one.

After visiting the library, I let myself be tempted to take the bus for the return journey – lazy, I know.

After lunch, I set out in my second activity – to collect the laundry that I had deposited on Monday (see Dentist and laundry).

I again passed through Myddelton Square but this time noticed a gibbous moon shining palely in the sky above it. You may be able to make it out near the centre of the above photo.

Here too the bare trees seemed to collect the sunshine in their branches. Perhaps the vitality and warmth of the sunlight will encourage them to start growing leaves again. (Yes, I am in a hurry to see the end of winter and the return of more amenable weather!)

The laundry, packed into the shopping trolley, was heavy and I took my time dragging it up the hill to home. I stopped to admire the sun shining through the trees of the gardens and making silhouettes of the trees and the church. Beauty is to be enjoyed wherever you find it.