Christmas in July?

Friday, 17 July, 2020

Why Christmas in July? Is it that cold? Well, it has actually been quite cool up till today. We’ve even had the heat on sometimes, but today is a hot one, 27C – very warm for London. And I can’t open the window for some reason. It’s not too bad, though.

Well, see the last photo for the reason for the name of this blog entry.

I’ve taken some photos in the last few weeks so here goes with the mini stories behind them.

Duet
Two doors on what must have workers’ cottages on Seal Street or April Street, on the way to the doctor’s office. The owners of this land still have streets and areas named after them
Doctor's office
Inside the doctor’s office, gone are all the rows of chairs and instead there are some widely spaced chairs – maybe five in all. I sat alone waiting to see a doctor. The door was firmly closed and I was admitted after giving my name over the intercom, and instructed to use hand sanitiser on my way in.
Boiler repair
In the middle of a pandemic, a plumber visit is something else! Hours of sitting with a mask on, hoping he wouldn’t need to use the toilet (he did) and wondering if it was rude not to offer him a cup of tea.
It's the little things
The little things can make you smile. Like this marked down Cornish pasty that served as lunch that day. I love a bargain.
Not so distanced
Not everyone really cares about staying away from others. It’s worrying but almost heartening at the same time – looks so ‘normal.’

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I’m getting out a bit

Thursday, 16 July, 2020

Things can seem dire at times. Lockdown was eased up. Twice. Yet infections are rising. I get confused, decide they do what they want and it’s probably all arbitrary, but there’s nothing to do but follow my instincts and hope for the best. My instincts tell me to stay close to or at home whenever possible. No reason to do otherwise most of the time really. A few times, though, I have ventured out. Last week I even went outside of Hackney for the first time.

There doesn’t seem a lot to say either, since days blur into each other in terms of what I do and manage to achieve. However, I’m still taking photos and these remind me that life isn’t just one big Same Old Same Old after all. So let’s see where the photos take us.


This rare Victorian post (pillar) box is one of two in Stoke Newington. Stoke Newington is home to two rare hexagonal “Penfold” pillar boxes, which are Grade II listed. They are named after its designer John Wornham Penfold, and installed between 1866 and 1878. We found it on a longer walk than I’d planned back in the last days of June. While my legs weren’t happy, it was lovely to see some things I may have seen before but forgotten about.

Arabic text on house in Stoke Newington
I liked the lettering on this house near the pillar box. I need someone to translate it for me, though.
Cafe/Shop in Stoke Newington
I spotted some capers in this little shop and cafe. I also saw some great looking bread so I queued and got both.
Intrigued by the bee garden sign
I’ve meant to look into this, but the truth is that I have nowhere to plant the seeds. I love wildflowers and the idea of bees and beehives and honey, despite my fear of being stung
Eclectic shop in Stoke Newington
I’m always attracted to shops that do things like this. I think I’d like to this eclectic, this quirky, this surprising
Butterfield Green, hidden away
Butterfield Green, small and hidden away in the back streets of Stoke Newington
Homes on Church Walk
I like these houses on Church Walk, the pedestrian way with no homes opposite. It makes it feel like a secret
Allotments
We found allotments behind an iron barred fence. I’ve always wanted one but doubt I could manage it any more. I’d go for a rooftop terrace with some lovely planters full of herbs, some vegetables, and flowers. Happy!
Plaque in Newington Green
Choudhury is apparently a prolific Thai restaurateur and chef. I have yet to find out who Paulo Remedios is
No words
There are never any words for stories like this. Tragic pandemic loss of life and a beloved old cobbler shop at Newington Green
The cobbler shop
The Newington Green cobbler shop where Kamil Ahmet and his son, Ahmet Kamil, worked. They were both victims of Covid-19. The cobblers is in the oldest surviving terraced houses in London. Built in 1658, they are at 52-55 Newington Green

Continue reading “I’m getting out a bit”