View Through a Window

This is the view through our back bedroom window, taken just now at 5 to 9 am, Southbank, York.

When I lived away, and used to come up and stay here in my mother's house, I used to sit and look at this view and dream of coming back to live here. It is so very Northern, and feels like home for me. Although I can see why it wouldn't appeal to some (I also like mills, and cooling towers :-D).

And having just waxed lyrical about the North, I am now off down South for the day. London is calling, and I have a ticket to ride (how many more song titles can I get in?), leaving shortly and back late this evening. I've just joined a professional association that has about 7 meetings a year there, and today will be the first of those for 2009. I lived and worked in London for about 3 years - it'll be good to be back for a visit.

CAT!

The cat on the roof here looks like it's ready to leap down and check out all these tempting bin bags with who knows what tidbits inside, left out for collection on bins day.

Not that the cats in the neighbourhood get much chance for bin bag attack. Bags can only be left out after 7pm of the night before collection. And why no wheelie bins, you may ask? Well in certain areas of York where there are back access alleys to the houses such as this one, wheelie bins are not allowed - to avoid the problem of people leaving them out permanently, where they look unsightly!

All well and good, but even in the short window of available time, cat attacks can and do happen. Aaaargh! Here comes one now!

Addendum: This cat actually disappeared through a cat flap in the gate of the house where the leaping cat is positioned!

Pictured: Back access passage between Knavesmire Crescent and Curzon Terrace

Out of the House

I don't like staying in all day to work. I concentrate better in a busy environment, with plenty happening and noise going on. So I like to go out, to somewhere lively, and I work there far more productively than at home.

The above photo was taken on my way to do just that. It's of one of the back streets I pass on the way to town, and the view cheers me even before I get to my chosen place to work. On this occasion, since I had something to research in the National Railway Museum, I decided to stay there, and set up camp at a cafe table.

I got loads done - although I was vaguely distracted by some of the train nerds - why do they all have ENORMOUS cameras? I was severely out-camera'd :-D Apart from that it was an excellent place to work and I'll go back soon.

And I'll be going somewhere else soon, as well. On a mission. I have decided to research the story of the Viking Turd ... stay tuned.