Continuous rain fell today, but the temperature was still very warm.
Jackie drove me to and from New Milton for the London train and lunch with Wolf and Luci. From Waterloo I took the Northern Line tube to Clapham Common and walked to our friends’ home in Hambalt Road, reversing the process after stimulating conversation and an excellent lunch prepared by Luci. We enjoyed a tasty chicken casserole, new potatoes, and a tangy melange of some six or seven flavoursome vegetables. Luci’s seasonal pumpkin pie perked up with black cherries. She and I drank a very good Claret from 2012. Wolf, as always, preferred apple juice.
With more than an hour left of the outward journey, a gentleman preparing to sit on the opposite side of the corridor from me, had some difficulty removing his outer clothing. This necessitated his wriggling his rear end in my direction in a rather ungainly fashion. The aisles on these trains are very narrow. It was only after he had managed to place part of the said stern on his seat that I realised the young man was not. In fact he was so fat that one leg was permanently planted in the gangway. When people squeezed past, it was I who, for self preservation, needed to lurch to my right in order to avoid contact with various anatomical parts, depending on the height and contours of the individuals concerned, and whether their fronts or backs were presented to me. The bunch of keys attached to the guard’s belt could have put my eye out. A bit of a bummer, really.
I have mentioned before how most public conveniences outside central London are no longer kept open. As I left Clapham Common underground station, I noticed that the railings for the lavatories attached to the building were unbolted and open. For a moment I had thought I may be able to avail myself of the facilities. Before descending the steps I noticed the chairs half way down, the board advertising Live Music, and, more importantly, what WC now stands for. If you care to click on the image you will also see it. This was also rather disappointing. I can only hope that some of the original closets have been retained for the use of current customers.
The street behind the station, beyond the grass bank at the edge of the common, is also more up-market than it once was. I wonder what the generations of crows have made of the changes.
I’m not bummed out at all. Wickedly Cool post, Derrick.
Thanks, Ann. Something different on a rainy day 🙂
That is a bummer and is why I like to have my elbow room. Glad you reason did not get damaged.
Thanks, Michael
And here I always thought WC stood for water-closet…silly me! O_o
I never had pumpkin pie with black cherries but it sure sounds delicious!!
Thanks, GP
And here it seems we have another global phenomenon – the one where old underground or partially underground facilities for wayfarers are turned into trendy upmarket charcuteries – somehow it has never appealed to me as a place to wine or dine.
Nor me, Pauline.
I wouldn’t really want to dine in an old dunny as I rather prefer a paid meal with a view 🙂
I couldn’t agree more, Matt
Let’s hope the WC serves leeks and peas!
Hilarious, Bruce
Or, as in my town “Leaks and pees”
Funny 🙂
I wished you went in the WC to take a few photos.
Thanks, Mary. 🙂
Sounds like a thoroughly mixed day taken in good humor. Puts me in mind of a Wall Street Journal article some year ago about the conversion of public conveniences in London into an expensive home, with a a hilarious quote from the estate agent to the effect that “those toilets will make someone a nice home” or some such…
Thanks, Lisa. That would have been a fun article.
“A bit of a bummer, really.” I thought only Americans said “bummer” 🙂 Also, those townhouses look very nice and colorful. Our brother has an apartment on the top of a shop like those shown in your picture. It could almost be a part of Philadelphia except it’s way more colorful.
Thank you, Weekly. So we do share some of our common language. 🙂
It’s a good thing you didn’t make that mistake haha! I am wondering what still warm means. We drove from Arizona to California and hubby felt the air outside the car and said, “Oh, it’s freezing here!!!” 75 degrees fahrenheit.
Thank you, Luanne. High 60s. Very warm for October.
Not the ideal venue in my book!
Definitely not, Sue
Trains make good stories (as was yours!)–never know who will turn up and bother or amuse…
Thanks, Cynthia. True.
No, I don’t find that an appealing spot for a snack. There is just something wrong with that. It will be interesting to know if they are able to stay in business.
I think we all agree, Ginene. However, knowing the area, I wouldn’t be surprised if they stayed in business.
I like the look of the lovely little shoos, Derrick but sad about disarray and downward slump in some areas that you mentioned. We have within a block or two down in the closest city, poor conditions from an “artsy” and beautiful area on High Street with plenty of shops, Galleries and restaurants. It is a shame about situation on the train “tube” and poor condition of the WC.
Thank you for such a detailed response, Robin. Actually that is a very attractive street. Most WCs outside London are closed now.
The word was meant to say, “shops,” Derrick. Silly cell phone. Celebrating Mom’s #87 today but waiting till this evening for our glass of Merlot. Nothing with a real impressive date! 🙂
Thanks, Robin. Shops was understood 🙂