Friday 31st July 2026

Aki had left for Rowing Club by the time I rose. Porridged. Decided on a birthday treat, so walked up to the Green Room on Holloway Road for my morning coffee. then walked down to Waitrose to find something for lunch...picked up two scallop shells stuffed with prawns and smoked salmon. Walked home to prepare lunch. We ventured back out mid-afternoon...headed for KX on the No.91 bus, and ambled along the Regent's Canal, then up York Way to take a look at the newly opened Story Garden, a community project that opened on wasteland close to the railway line coming out of KX. Had hoped there'd be a cafe, but no. Wandered around some of the new development behind KX, then popped into Waitrose and bought up their meagre supply of gazpacho. Took a slow walk from there, up through Thornhill Square, to the Tamil Prince on Hemingford Road for dinner. Very popular spot...had to book three weeks ago. It's basically a small ex public house, with a kitchen at back, with a big glass window, where you can see the staff making dosa. The food was OK, and the staff very friendly...they picked up on the fact that we were there for a celebration, and brought me a small dessert with a candle stuck in it before we paid the bill. Walked up Hemingford Road, intending to pop into the Hemingford Arms for a beer, but we were both uncomfortably full after our food. Hopped on a no.153 bus home instead...too old to rock 'n roll! Got home to find a text from Kath...she'd gotten to High View to find it deserted...Emma and Jim had been advised by the GP to take mum into A&E to get a diagnosis concerning her swollen leg...they are worried she may have a blood clot.