Sat 220826 Went out traveling, again: Walthamstow Central, Southall, Uxbridge, Wembly, Marlybone.
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Table of contents:-
DISCLAIMER: THESE EVENTS HAPPENED, YESTERDAY: Sat 22nd Aug 2026/AND, ARE ONLY JUST NOW BEING RECORDED, TODAY: Sun 23rd Aug 2026
2 PM HENRY MILLER HOUSE, WALTHAMSTOW CENTRAL, 97 CHURCH HILL/EXPLORED SEEING THE AREA: BACK STREET: CAIRO ROAD/STREET MARKETS/SHOPS
3:30 PM LIVERPOOL STREET STATION/STREET SCULPTURES
4 PM FINSBURY CIRCUS...SAT DOWN: ATE/DRUNK A BIT
6 PM SOUTHALL/SOUTHALL PARK/MacDonalds (burger)
7 PM UXBRIDGE/SHOPPING CENTRE
8 PM WEMBLY PARK/WEMBLY STADIUM
9 PM MARLYBONE/SAW 'LATE NIGHT' ART GALLERY SHOW HAVING BEEN PUT ON BY STUDENTS
0.08 - CONCLUSION: MUST HAVE WALKED MILES (BUT, GOING VERY 'SLOWLY')
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2 PM HENRY MILLER HOUSE, WALTHAMSTOW CENTRAL, 97 CHURCH HILL/EXPLORED SEEING THE AREA: BACK STREET: CAIRO ROAD/STREET MARKETS/SHOPS
- https://www.henrymillerfineart.co.uk
I had already 'signed up' online for the 2 PM visitor slot (visits last up to one hour long) to go and visit seeing Henry Miller House in Walthamstow, 97 Church Hill.
So, I believe I left home...somewhere around 12:00 midday. From West Norwood bus garage...I jumped onto a number 68 bus, changing at Herne Hill; to take a number 3 bus going towards Brixton.
At Brixton, I switched to using underground Tube train...and, basically, as Brixton is the 'start' of the Victoria Line...; all I had to do was stay on the tube until the very end of the line was reached...around 12 stops...which is Walthamstow Central.
Got out of Walthamstow Central tube station...; and, walked upwards...; turn left: Hoe Street/cross over, turn right: Church Hill...; and, then, proceed along towards where there is a girls school...opposite that girls school...is exactly where the 2 storey house at 97 Church Hill lies.
-(In actual fact, because I was 'early' for my 2 PM appointment...I decided instead to go off exploring seeing the area for a bit...walking along the main road...; then, next, take a side turning which was Cairo Road...that leads in towards Church Hill.)-
I rang the bell...; and, was greeted by a guy. I explained who I was...and, that I had 'signed up' online to go visit the house. I was welcomed in...; and, then, I proceeded to look at the artworks/of which there were 2 floors full...; all devoted to covering 'male nudes'. -(I even remember seeing a few David Hockey prints.)-
The guy who had let me in...patiently, explained...that this Henry Miller House...has got nothing to do with the the 'famous' American writer/artist: Henry Miller/who also produced over 2000+ watercolours. -(Which is what I had originally been expecting to see.)-
Instead, this house seem to be devoted to showing off, frankly, 'homo-erotic' works; it seems to be an online/offline business...which also 'sells' artworks...as each artwork had a printed 'price' label being attached onto it, as well. The price range...as far as I could see...was around £450.00 up to £4,500.00+.
The allowable length for the visit is 1 hour. But, I only stayed there for around 15 minutes...taking time enough to go exploring seeing the full 2 floors of artworks...some stuck up on the walls.../others, mounted framed prints placed inside of wooden floor based holders which you can 'flip' through.
Before I left, I complimented the person who did originally let me in...; by saying you have an excellent eye for picking 'top quality' artworks...; for which he thanked me.
After that I made up my mind, to never return back there ever again; most definitely, NOT my sort of thing! (I didn't see even 'one' single girl there...just guys.)
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The choices left open to me, now...was to either go about exploring seeing more of the Walthamstow area...; or else, 'move off'.
I explored seeing the high street for a bit...it was Saturday/and, the market was open. (Bearing in mind I had no money to spend/but, I did remember to take along a back pack...with a couple of plain water drinks in it/and, also
, little food/sweets inside of my coat pockets...in order to avoid total 'dehydration' setting in).
After exploring seeing the high street for a while...I realized that both my legs are no longer 'young' anymore...; and, I'm actually walking at what can only be described as an absolute 'snails pace'. -(When I was 'young'...I would actually run, everywhere.)-
So, I decided a much 'quicker' way to see an area/or, the adjoining areas...is, of course, to take public transport...as I have a FREE London 60+ travel pass...; so, I decided to jump on a bus going off towards Liverpool Street.
(I cannot now recall exactly what number the bus was I took...? I do hope at age 63+...Alzeimer's isn't setting in...!)
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3:30 PM LIVERPOOL STREET STATION
Liverpool Street station.
I recall walking all around Liverpool Street station...; just attempting to explore and get to know the area better.
I should have take photos...; as I had my iPad with me, as well; but, most unfortunately, I felt far too lazy to even try..so I did not take any pictures at all.
I do recall there was some round silver ball/atom like structures...located in front of the station.
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4 PM FINSBURY CIRCUS...SAT DOWN: ATE/DRUNK A BIT
Anyway, along my walk, I ended up at Finsbury Circus Gardens.
Where I stopped to go rest for a bit...; and, had something to eat/drink.
Eventually, I found I had walked back in a wide circle going straight back towards Liverpool Street station.
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6 PM SOUTHALL/SOUTHALL PARK/MacDonalds (burger)
I recall looking at the tube station map...; and, it mentioned that you could get to Southall...which is a place I'd only visited seeing just 'once' before in all of my entire life(they have a huge Indian/Sheikh/Muslim community).
I remember visiting it just out of curiosity during one 'late' evening...(I was as Bond Street tube station...I think, it was the Elizabeth Line...when I saw the name Southall being mentioned as one of the following stops); having heard about this place on the 'news'...; but, never actually having been there before.
So, this time, I thought to myself...why not go see what the area looks like during the daylight hours, instead...?
It was, I suppose, like seeing any other bustling city on a Saturday...; lots of shops/and, street market sellers...; mostly, selling food/but, also, many other goods. (A huge melon -which is one of my most favourite foods- can be brought very cheaply. As I had no money with me this day...; I decided to return back.)
From Southall station, I remember walking downwards...; then, turning left...; I'd explored seeing some of what was on the right before.../but, never the left turn...???
This, eventually, led me to Southall Park. Which, very slowly, indeed -(legs no longer being in any sort of 'running' shape)- I decided to go walking all around(or, at least, 3/4's around).
I saw...
- some 'keep fit' outdoor equipments.
- and, a tennis court
- and, a kind of outside running track (not really a track/just the side of the park walk way). Anyway, I saw some joggers...
After having gone and walked around the park, by turning left...; this time, I decided to re-trace my steps...; and, this time, turn 'right'.
Eventually, this led me off to reach MacDonald's restaurant...; which is where I decided to buy myself their 'cheapest' possible burger/and, bun. I think, the cost was something like: £1.29.
But, I gladly ate that food...as a form of refreshment.../and, also, to stave off 'dehydration' from setting in. You see, drinking 'plain water' is NOT enough...; your body also needs to replenish 'salt' content.
From MacDonalds restaurant I crossed over the road...; and, took a bus going to Uxbridge.
I really couldn't remember visiting Uxbridge before...; and, wanted to go there for the first time.
-(Though, I might have visited it, previously; and, forgot...; anyway, it's the last stop, I believe, on the 'green' District Line tube map.)-
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7 PM UXBRIDGE/SHOPPING CENTRE
I recall getting out of Uxbridge...; and, feeling rather confused...; as there's really not all that much to see, at first. Basically, all you see in the bus station.
However, when you walk around the corner...; then, you find yourself having run into a huge shopping mall.
I think, I took the lifts to go upstairs inside of a store called: Sports Direct...just to check out seeing what the price of goods was like...? But, I felt somewhat 'shocked'...compared with the Sports Direct store located near where I live in Streatham...; their prices seemed to be much more 'expensive'.
I tried looking for goods I was most interested in buying...but, didn't find much. So, I very quickly left retreating going straight back down the escalator stairs.
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8 PM WEMBLY PARK/WEMBLY STADIUM
I'm not exactly too sure what made me take a trip to Wembly.
Well, no, that's a lie, actually.
The truth is, I was following this Asian girl: Chinese, possibly...; and, after following the girl...; she alighted at Wembly Stadium.
Being extremely 'shy' to chat with people who are strangers...; I decided to let the girl go.
I looked all around me...and, thought to myself...I'd never actually visited seeing Wembly area, before...; it certainly looks interesting...; like a brand 'new' development place; and, there are loads of people being seen all around(or, at least, during that Saturday evening).
Basically, I found myself walking straight towards Wembly Arena. Yes, the very same 'famous' place which you see being advertised on TV...as the major big round sports centre. I thought to myself...wow...it's so huge...the approach itself must be 200-400 yards long...or, more...800 yards...; and, there are shopping centres being located all around.
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By now I realized that time is getting really 'late'...as the skies are turning rather dark...; and, as I don't wish to stay out on the street all night long. Not so much because staying out 'late' bothers me...; but, more because I had very little money left to go buy 'food/drink' to help my body to fully 'recover/rehydrate'...after having done so much walking...all day/evening long.
So, continuing to walk across going pretty much in a straight line...I asked a guy passing where is the nearest station...; and, he pointed to me just ahead. -(I have 'short sight'...so, don't always see things very clearly from at a distance...???)-
When I had reached the station...; also, called, Wembly...; I saw a sign which said trains from here go, continuously, to 'one' single destination...which is Marylebone.
-(NOTE(1): I think, one station is called: Wembly Park...which is the one I 'started' out at/and, the other one is called: Wembly...which is located going across from there.
NOTE(2): Wembly station had two sides to it...; and, one side led to many other routes...those routes I didn't know...?! So, only just one side interested me, alone; and, that was the side with trains going to Marlybone...because I already know there...; and, from there I know I can take a number 2 bus straight off home.)-
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9 PM MARLYBONE/SAW 'LATE NIGHT' ART GALLERY SHOW HAVING BEEN PUT ON BY STUDENTS
Marlybone station was interesting...in that the evening light had turned somewhat 'black'...; however, I was able to see the bus stop just outside of the station which said number 2/and, also, N2(night bus).
I stood there waiting for a bit...; but, with no bus having come, yet...; so, I decided to go exploring seeing around this area for a bit...up until when my bus did come. I did not attempt to stray too far away from the bus stop...; so, that I can still get to see my bus arrive.
Eventually, a number 2 bus did arrive...; the destination said West Norwood(where I live)...; and, I happily got on.
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However, as soon as the bus went around the corner...; I noticed a gallery show going on...; that's when I made up my mind to go in there and view the exhibition show.
So, straight away, I think, it was 'one' stop after jumping on the number 2 bus...I jumped off...; and, walked inside of the gallery. I witnessed seeing what looked like being college kids. I say kids...but, they were mostly 16/18/early 20's.
The exhibition was just one floor wide...
- on one side of the exhibition floor hall...there was a TV show/along with a few pictures on the wall. I watched the video playing for a bit...; but, eventually, got 'bored'...; so, decided to 'move on'.
- on the other side of the exhibition floor hall...was just paintings/pictures/photos.
Some of the exhibition I recorded using my iPad camera. Some I didn't bother to record at all(as frankly those pictures made me feel a little bit sick...?!).
I tried check out if there was an upstairs...; but, all I saw was an upstairs sign pointing to 'toilets'.
After having seen/recorded everything...I decided to leave.
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I jumped onto another number 2 bus...; and, this time went all the way straight back home to West Norwood.
As soon as, I came home...I eat/drunk...to refresh/replenish loss of bodily fluids/salts; and, then, crawled straight into bed.
Much too 'tired' to write this post...; which I'm writing now the very next day.
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0.08 - CONCLUSION: MUST HAVE WALKED MILES (BUT, GOING VERY 'SLOWLY')
Most unfortunately, long gone are the days when I used to both 'walk/run' everywhere...going for endless miles and miles. 10+ miles out; then, another 10+ miles back, again...usually, taking a different route altogether.
Now-a-days, I mostly seem to take 'public transport'/and, then, get off and walk. One advantage is...one finds one can travel out going much further than one could by just using an ordinary pair of legs...; and, also, public transport tends to reach there so much 'faster'.
The big disadvantage is you are either...
- just sitting down...whilst 'waiting' to get to another station(not particularly healthy)
- or, when you do get out of the station and walk...it's not so much as 'fun'...as when one previously used to run.
Nevertheless, at any stage of life...I happen to be extremely grateful for all that I got.
Certainly, I'm quite heartily glad that at age 63...I'm not...
- using a walking stick
- stuck inside of a wheelchair
- in a nursing home quarters (where I have no other choice but to follow other people's rules)
- can move around entirely freely, and, also, independently...without needing anybody else's help
- etc.
And, barring any 'accidents' occurring...I can see this situation continuing for quite a while, yet; maybe, into my 70's+.
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Though, the truth is, nobody knows exactly what lies before us, tomorrow/or, even, right now, today.
I could, accidentally, 'trip'...fall down the staircase, and, thus, break my leg/hip...; that sort of the thing, might easily put an end to my doing regular traveling, anymore.
Or, one could go out...get attacked by a gang/or, stranger(mad/bad/drunk/on drugs/mentally ill/prejudiced/-etc.)...; and, through having had that really 'bad' experience...you might NOT wish to go out there, anymore...; just 'stay in' remaining somewhere that feels completely 'safe'.
Sunday, 23 August 2026
Sat 220826 Went out traveling, again: Walthamstow Central, Southall, Uxbridge, Wembly, Marlybone.
Fri 210826 Henry Miller House/The Wellness Centre, Euston/Paddington 'Little Venice' canal..walked: 5+ miles
Fri 210826
HENRY MILLER HOUSE, WALTHAMSTOW. CENTRAL, 97 CHURCH HILL
Went on a scouting trip to find Henry Miller house in Walthamstow, 97 Church Hill. (Have a 2 PM appointment there, tomorrow…so, wanted to be sure I can find where the place is, first.)
Walthamstow Central, is the very ‘last’ stop on the Victoria Line…/whereas, Brixton tube station is the ‘first’. So, I got on the tube at Brixton…and, around 12 stops, later…got off the tube at Walthamstow Central. That was a ‘long’ tube train journey.
I asked some guy where is Hoe Street, leading to Church Hill…; and, he pointed out the direction to go. I did a fair amount of walking up Church Hill to find it…; but, eventually I did. Then, no sooner than I’d found it…I very quickly left…; because my appointment there is not until when tomorrow comes.
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THE WELLNESS CENTRE, EUSTON…DREW 2 SELF-PORTRAITS
Also, visited The Wellness Centre opposite Euston station. Drew 2 self portraits…took only one home with me/and, left the other one behind. Borrowed 4 self-portraits that other people drew.
At The Wellness centre, there were 2 exhibitions going on…same floor/back to back.
- Rudy Loewe, Carribean struggling with ‘mental health’ problems apparently ‘racism’ related.
- Audrey Amiss, prolific artist…exhibited at The Royal Academy of Arts. Also, a sufferer of ‘mental health’ problems.
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PADDINGTON, LITTLE VENICE CANALS…5 MILE WALK
Finally, visited seeing 5 miles length of Paddington Canals…also, called: ‘Little Venice’.
After walking 5+ miles…going straight from Paddington station…trying to see where does this Canal end…? I realised it doesn’t end…; just goes on and on. That’s when I decided to leave the canal path…; and, just return back home, instead.
As I was leaving I passed by Mary Seacole gardens. And,I believe I took a number 220 bus towards Willesden Train Station. From Willesden, I took a train…back home.
Tue 180826 6 PM - 8 PM St James Church, Clerkenwell Close, Farringdon, London
Tue 180826 6 PM - 8 PM Went to visit St James Church in Clerkenwell Close, (nearest tube: Farringdon/turn left at the tube station...and, walk to the end of Turnmill St. Cross the main road/turn left at the first junction upwards, St James Square; walk diagonally across the square...and, turn left...you will see the church building steeple.).
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I'd seen the AI event talk having been advertised at:
- https://www.eventbrite.com
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Just as I was leaving the event...after having eaten Pizza Marguerita/and, also, FREE Coke.
Outside, I saw some interesting 'street graffiti' being written down on the pavement.
-(In fact, there was more...; but, I just felt far too lazy to remember where seeing the rest was located...to go back and photograph it all...; instead, I just wanted to return back home.)-
Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Sun 100626 2 PM Visited seeing my cousins in the countryside
When I awoke, somewhere around 10:30 AM...I walked into the living room...; where I saw the answer machine missed message button 'flashing' ...I clicked on the button, and, discovered that I received an early morning phone called from my cousin, S.
She said I must call her back...; though, I really wasn't too sure what for...?
Anyway, I made the phone call...and, they said they would come and collect me to come and stay with them for the day...to which I agreed. They promised to arrive at around 1:30 PM.
We drove up to the country...; and, there I ate/drank. -(I was really happy to...because, quite frankly, I had been totally broke...too broke to be able to afford food...other than rice. The husband asked me...what did I eat the rice with? I just answered that I forgot...?!
I felt too ashamed to tell him...I have less that £1.00 left to buy anything to eat the rice with.)-
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Returning back...on the train ride home...I met a lady who I had seen before...; last time, I had seen her with her daughter...; and, we'd had both chatted for a bit. I told her I was in the country to go and visit seeing my cousins/-etc.
Anyway, when I started boarding the train...the same lady waved at me...; so, I went over to go and sit beside her...on the opposite side.
She had a small black kitten with her...that was happily sleeping on the opposite chair bench. And, I commented how 'cute'. I told her my own black cat had died last year August.
I told her I had Autism: Asperger's Syndrome. She said she worked with such kids. And, she even admitted that she herself did suffer from BiPolar...; and, had even tried to kill herself a few times. I told her I'm truly very sorry to hear that...; and, that yes I understand BiPolar...as I suffer from it myself. In fact, I suffer from co-morbid conditions:
- ADD/Attention Deficit Disorder
- Autism: Asperger's Syndrome
- BiPolar (mild/as opposed to major)
I told her one night I had gotten up out of bed...and, decorated our council flat building with 'graffiti'...which I, later on, very deeply regretted.
She replied that she knows about 'regrets'.
The lady left the train at Purley, I think.
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Myself, I continued on...with the intention to get off at Tulse Hill.
Unfortunately, I don't know exactly where my mind was...; but, I missed the Tulse Hills stop; and, instead, got out at the next train stop...which was North Dulwich...; with the intention to go back by train to Tulse Hill...by crossing over onto the other side of the train tracks.
As I walked along I saw there was some rather interesting artworks, apparently, put up by schoolkids...; and, I walked along both watching and reading eagerly.
In the end, I decided to not bother to take the train back to Tulse Hill; instead, just take a walk. I know my way home from North Dulwich train station...having walked past there before.
I walked down to Turney Road...and, past Turney Bridge...which is at the end of that road.
Then, going along in one same straight path...I walked into Rosendale Road...and, Lovelace Road...and, eventually, Elmcourt Road.
From there I took a number 2 bus home to West Norwood garage
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Boy, was I glad to get back in...when one gets older...; and, I'm currently aged 63...the body finds it difficult to keep food/fluids in. So, my first stop was to go straight off to the toilet.
I must remember to not go on street with either my stomach/or, my bladder too full.
Monday, 10 November 2025
Mon 101125 Paid bills/shopped. 11:15 AM Phone call UC job advisor. Roof leaking in rain...
Today, Monday, my government benefit money came in, Universal Credit;
which is paid into the a/c. once per month...; amounting to just over £300.00.
So, my topmost priority was to pay all of the most important bills, first...
£ 36.00 Thames Water
£ 34.00 Council Tax
£ 20.53 British Gas (Gas)
£101.46 British Gas (Electricity)
£ 42.00 Talk Talk (phone/internet)
£ 13.71 Lowell Portfoilo (credit card debt)
£ 15.00 CashPlus (loan card debt)
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£262.70
£ 26.43 (shopping at Crown Point Lidl supermarket store: brown bread/rolls/-etc.)
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£289.13
NOTE: I still have some further shopping to do...(eggs/milk/tomato's/plantain/biscuits/-etc.);
as well as, there are a few more bills still to be paid (but, most of the top priority bills are paid...that is, leaving out Life Insurance...which I didn't pay for last month; have to phone them...the keep the monthly payment arrangement going).
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11:15 AM Universal Credit job advisor phone call
I also got a 11:15 AM phone call from my Universal Credit advisor.
She said it might be possible for me to register for a special help service...which supports people in being able to find work who are either disabled/or, neurodivergent...;
I just have to send them an email stating that, yes, I'm interested.
I'm definitely interested...; though, I'm wondering how this might affect my current college courses...which I'm doing on both Thu/Fri...?!
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ROOF VERY BADLY LEAKING WHENEVER IT RAINS
I think, it was Monday when I got a phone call from my old school pal, Michael...;
who lives half way down the road.
He promised he would call here Wednesday in order to help fix the leaky roof.
Friday, 25 July 2025
Thu 240725 Went to register for a computing course in White Hart Lane/The Selby Centre
Table of contents:-
-> Wed 230725 1PM Had a random phone call...; stating they are doing computing courses over in White Hart Lane
-> Contacted WMCollege to request admin send me an email proving that my
college courses had all finished. (Email arrived in just 5 minutes.)
-> Appointment booked for next day: Thu 2PM...come to The Selby Centre/White Hart Lane. 3 Tests to complete: ICT/Maths/English...before being allowed onto a Level III course
-> Decided to go find out exactly where the place is/and, also, how best to travel there...one day, before the actual appointment date...
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-> Thu 240725 2 PM The struggle to arrive on time...; left home at approximately 12 midday...; but, eventually, everything turned out ok...as I arrived before 2 PM.
-> Didn't manage to get on the course I wanted...by passing the tests at
Level II/instead, I passed both English/Maths at only Level I. (It was politely suggested I try doing a Level II course, instead, to 'start'...)
-> Walked from White Hart Lane tube station over to Northhumberland Park overground station
-> Vauxhall: MacDonald's restaurant, eat an ice drink/with chocolate/cream on top costing £3.xx.
-> Hampton Court...did a 3 & 1/2 mile walk...to, eventually, reach
Kingston Bridge; then, continued walking through Teddington...up to
Hampton Wick.
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CONCLUSION: I'm so glad that the 'spirit of adventure'...; still
burns 'hot' deep down inside of my breast...; even, at age 62+.
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Wed 230725 1PM Had a random phone call...; stating they are doing computing courses over in White Hart Lane
On Wed 23rd July 2025, I received a phone call at approximately 1 PM.
The company was called: fivee
https://www.fivee.co.uk/
The lady on the phone mentioned that I had filled in a web form...stating I was interested in taking a computing course with them.
Then, she went on to explain criteria needed to join...I need to be:
- unemployed
- not currently in college/or, on another course
- live in the UK/and, be resident for over 3 years long
- have a National Insurance number
- have a birth certificate/or, passport
- have a computer/with internet connection
- etc.
...and, she would do a check online to prove I was suitable to go take the course...by checking what other courses I had taken in the past.
The check results came back stating that everything was ok...; but, it showed that I was still studying inside of college.
I told the lady; that my college courses were, now, all finished; and, I was thinking of re-joining college in September 2025.
She said, I should request of the college I was studying with...'proof' that my courses were, now, all done.
Contacted WMCollege to request admin send me an email proving that my college courses had all finished. (Email arrived in just 5 minutes.)
So, I phoned up WMCollege:
- https://www.wmcollege.ac.uk
...and, asked the admin if it's possible for them to send me an email confirmation that my courses there are all finished; to which they agreed.
-> Appointment booked for next day: Thu 2PM...come to The Selby Centre/White Hart Lane. 3 Tests to complete: ICT/Maths/English...before being allowed onto a Level III course
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-> Decided to go find out exactly where the place is/and, also, how best to travel there...one day, before the actual appointment date...
After receiving the go ahead to come and take test(s). I decided to go and travel to see the place, immediately; so, that on the day of the appointment I would not get lost...???
I took a bus over to Brixton...; then, took a Victoria line underground tube train to Seven Sisters tube station; next, I took an overground train to White Hart Lane.
I came out of White Hart Lane station -(I asked someone for directions/and, he told me where to go...as he himself had studied there before)- and, did basically an L turn...down the road/and, then, left along the main high road. Eventually, after reaching the 2nd junction, I saw the road was called: Selby Road. After crossing over the street; I walked to reach the end of Selby Road...which is where I saw the The Selby Centre.
-(NOTE: I also saw a sign there which mentioned 'boxing'. So, when I went to check it out...the guy told me it costs £40.00 per month -the first lesson is FREE-; and, I forgot what he said the yearly joining membership fee was...something like £60.00. Then, I left to go inquire at The Reception about their other courses.)-
The reception guy told me that tomorrow you need to go up to the 2nd floor...; which is where the tests will be held.
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-> Thu 240725 2 PM The struggle to arrive on time...; left home at approximately 12 midday...; but, eventually, everything turned out ok...as I arrived before 2 PM.
Again, I decided to go back to White Hart Lane...to take 3 tests.
Only this time I took a 68 bus...going to Euston.
Except the bus didn't actually go all the way to Euston.
Instead, it stopped at a bus garage near Elephant and Castle.
So, I had to jump off that bus...; and, try and get another bus, instead.
Anyway, eventually, I got a bus...which took me to London Bridge station...; then, proceeded from there to make my way to over to Euston.
At Euston, I changed lines to go to Seven Sisters tube station/and, from Seven Sisters I took the overground train to White Hart Lane.
Only this time I walked out of the 'wrong' exit...and, felt lost...???
So, I had to go back into the tube station...to find what is the correct exit to come out of.
Luckily, I found it...; having already been there before the previous day/evening; then, it was a fairly easy matter to go find my way from there.
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-> Didn't manage to get on the course I wanted...by passing the tests at Level II/instead, I passed both English/Maths at only Level I. (It was politely suggested I try doing a Level II course, instead, to start...)
When I got to The Selby Centre; I asked at reception...and, was told to go upstairs onto the 2nd floor...; then, walk to the end of the corridor...as that's where the tests were being administered.I walked into the office...where they took photocopies of my documents.
- birth certificate
- benefit letter with my National Insurance number on it
- utility bills with proof of address
- ID photo card: 60+ Freedom travel pass
- etc.
To go cut a long story short. I took 3 tests:
- ICT (passed the questions/some related to general computing/others related to networking...which I wasn't so sure about...?!)
- English (Level 1)
- Maths (Level 1)
...honestly, I was surprised that I only passed Level I in both English/Maths; because I had wanted to apply to do a Level III course.
The lady who I spoke to -very disappointing to me- explained that she thought I might do a Level II course in PC Maintenance, first; before doing a Level III course...as she thought I might be able to pass that much easier.
Anyway, as I didn't see too much point in arguing...I just accepted her judgement/and, then, left.
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Walked from White Hart Lane tube station over to Northhumberland Park overground station
When leaving the Selby Centre this time..; I decided as there is no longer a 'fixed' schedule/or, appointment time to meet...; therefore, I can walk around exploring seeing this area in a much more leisurely fashion.
I took the first left turning off Selby Road...not a road...but, a pathway.
Deep inside of my own mind...I remained constantly 'aware' that the path I was taking...did run parallel to the main road(in this way, I felt I shouldn't get too much lost...?).
I stopped inside of a shop where I brought myself a 'peanut/chocolate' sweet to eat costing £1.00.
Then, continued walking...; eventually, just like I had myself calculated...I came out directly at the street which is just opposite White Hart Lane tube station.
I think, I decided rather than go into the White Hart Lane tube station...; to return home -(no, that would be far too dreadfully 'dull and boring')-; why not go and explore the area more by some more walking around.
Eventually, I ended up...at Northhumberland Park; where I took a train to go to Clapham Junction.
-(I recall walking up the Northhumberland Park station ramp...; it was a pretty amazing experience...; I mean, I had to go up about 6 sets of ramps(not sets of stairs/but, flat concrete). I cannot imagine how an 'old' person would be able to do that...; who knows, possibly, there is a lift...; and, I just may have missed seeing that altogether.)-
Clapham Junction: MacDonald's restaurant, eat a hamburger sandwich costing £1.25p.
I recall coming out of the train at Clapham Junction...
which is also an area I'm none too very highly familiar with...?
So, I decided to do some walking around there, too.
Located right near the station exit...
there is a training gym: Shapesmiths...with open arches
where you actually see them doing their 'mixed sex' training;
some of the exercises were simple/others, hard;
I saw squats/weights/pull ups/-etc.
I watched fascinated...; then, eventually, left.
I decided to go walk around the corner...;
pass the place where buses park;
and, this led me to go cross over the road
at the corner traffic lights...;
now, I found myself looking at
a street full of shopping market shops.
I popped into a MacDonald's restaurant...;
where I ordered a hamburger costing £1.25p.
I eat it inside of the restaurant downstairs.
(I actually ordered to take away...; but, nobody stopped me
from eating on the premises.)
I continued walking...; as I wasn't quite feeling too badly worn out/
and, the light of evening was still remaining strong.
I decided to jump onto a bus...; and, that bus took me over to Vauxhall.
Vauxhall: MacDonald's restaurant, eat an ice drink/with chocolate/cream on top costing £3.xx.
When the bus passed by another MacDonald's restaurant...(near Union Road).
I decided I'm feeling rather 'dehydrated'...; and, because inside of the last
MacDonald's restaurant I'd entered I saw somebody order
an ice drink/with cream/chocolate on top...
I decided I must try having one of those.
The cost was £3.xx; but, quite honestly, very well worth it
when one is feeling rather down...;
and, needs something to uplift one's spirits/strength.
From Vauxhall MacDonald's restaurant bus stop...;
I hopped onto another bus...;
getting off at Vauxhall tube station.
Again, I decided I did NOT wish to go home, yet;
and, took, a train over to visit Hampton Court.
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Hampton Court...did a 3 & 1/2 mile walk...to, eventually, reach Kingston Bridge; then, continued walking through Teddington...up to Hampton Wick.
When the train arrived at Hampton Court...;
it was around 8 PM evening...;
and, I knew the sunlight was about to die, soon.
Still it was really interesting...to step outside of the station;
and see a huge expanse of River Thames water...;
as well as King Henry VIII's palace being
located on the other side of the bridge.
At first, I tried to go down the right side of the bridge;
as that was the side I was already on...;
but, a bus driver guy who I spoke to there...;
told me that the park only leads to a 'dead end';
and, if I wish to continue walking...;
I must go to the other side of the bridge;
which is exactly what I did do...
When I got to the other side of the bridge...;
the notice said 3 & 1/2 miles walk to Kingston
following along a narrow pathway;
and, frankly, I really wasn't too sure that
I had 3 & 1/2 miles being still left in me...;
-(along with Achilles Tendonitis affecting both foot heels)-;
but, I decided why not give it a try, anyway;
because if I find the pain of walking hurts too much;
then, all I have to do is back track my way...;
and, take the train over to Vauxhall/then, home.
Well, I walked for around 1 & 1/2 miles...;
then, I saw an old angler guy to whom I said, 'hello';
I asked him does this path lead to Kingston;
he replied, affirmative...;
and, that I had already covered walking half way there.
So, I continued walking...;
it was by and large a really peaceful evening walk;
and, I liked seeing both the River Thames/and, the boats/greenery;
but, I have to be honest...when it's a long walk...;
then, you really can't wait for the walk to be over and done with,
no matter how pleasant are the sights you can see.
I continued 'walking and walking'...;
all the time, wondering to myself...
why neither my legs/nor fighting spirit had totally given up, yet...?
I think, it's because when younger,
I used to 'ride my bike/run/walk' beside the
River Thames paths, regularly;
and, so, it was like 're-living the past'.
Plus, being autistic...
I actually like it being left 'alone'...;
with nobody else for company;
and, I like being in Nature,
by going for long countryside walks.
I did NOT walk slow, though...;
instead, I walked as 'fast' as possible...;
as, ultimately, I wanted the journey to end.
I even remember thinking to myself...
by walking along so 'fast'...;
I'm managing to recover back the leg strength of my 'youth'.
(Another part of me could feel some Achilles Tendonitis pain...;
but, not too severe...; so, I was also hoping that both my legs would hold up.)
Finally, I did see the Kingston bridge...;
and, felt extremely happy that
I had successfully managed to reach the other side of the path.
-(NOTE: All of the former evening light...I could see when I had 'started my journey going along the Thames path...had completely disappeared by now...;
and, therefore, all around me I only saw what is pitch black darkness...!)-
When I did reach Kingston bridge exit...;
I continued walking in a straight line...;
and, went up to Teddington...;
and, then, from there I recall asking a young couple passing by,
'Is there a station near here?'
The reply which came back was, 'Yes, just keep on walking straight...'
Eventually, I found myself having to go cross the road;
after having reached Hampton Wick.
From Hampton Wick...I returned back to Vauxhall.
From Vauxhall, I returned back home to West Norwood;
taking a number 2 bus to reach West Norwood bus garage.
-----
I recall at Vauxhall station...walking across the road,
directly opposite the number 2 bus stop is a shop called, Little Waitrose;
but, when I looked at the prices to buy even a 'small' tin of drink...;
it said £3.00...?! (Normally, a full sized bottle drink cost just £1.00.)
I thought to myself...no way...I'll just simply 'wait'
until whenever I return back home...;
-(probably, another 1/2 hour or so)-;
then, I can drink as much water as I please...;
and, all entirely for FREE.
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CONCLUSION: I'm so glad that the 'spirit of adventure'...; still burns 'hot' deep down inside of my breast...; even, at age 62+.
I'm highly delighted that the 'spirit of adventure' still remains burning fiercely 'hot' deep inside of my breast.
I want to meet 'new' people/and, see 'new' places/discover 'new' things...; and, I don't just wish to, simply, stay home going absolutely nowhere.
On the other hand, I also have to acknowledge...that I'm now in my early 60's; and, my body is no longer 'fighting fit', anymore. Meaning, if I do ever get into a physical fight...; then, almost certainly I would lose.
Also, my two feet are seriously affected by Achilles Tendonitis...; foot heel pain. So, I don't go out 'walking/running' for miles and endless miles, anymore...as I did when feeling much younger/fitter/stronger.
The good news is, otherwise, I seem to be holding up fairly ok. Generally speaking, I can handle short trips...; and, with really very little problems.
Both the walking stick/and, the Zimmerframe...do happen to be a long way away...; not to mention being confined to living inside of 'old people' homes...where you need somebody to help you stand up/and, then, hold your hand...and, walk you off to go visit the toilet/and, then, come back. These things are, right now, a 'total nightmare' to me...; and, indeed, I hope they will always remain living inside of a fantasy background; rather than ever become 'real'.
Having reached 3 score year...; -(where a score means 20)-; and, in all
one has around 5 score years to live...before reaching 100 years old;
then, that means I have around 40 more years still left to live;
possibly, with each full score year after 60+ getting more and more
difficult.
Saturday, 5 July 2025
Sat 050725 Missing my cat....
Sat 050725 22:30 PM GMT Missing my cat...
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MISSING NOT SEEING MY CAT, ANYMORE
Peering outside of the 2nd floor bedroom window...; and, then, looking straight down inside of the backgarden...; and, seeing no cat out there, anymore...???
Ordinarily, I would see her sleeping, running, chasing, climbing, balancing; or, even, eating/drinking(as, normally, I would leave a plate of food/and, a plastic vessel of water that she can drink from out there).
But, now, just absolutely nothing...all I can see is just pure 'stillness'...and, an almost deafening sheer 'silence'. It feels like living in an 'empty' hole. She died on: Thu the 3rd/and, now, today's date is: Sat the 5th...; meaning she died just 2 days back.
No cat to jump up on my bed to wake me up, regularly, just like clockwork...in the mornings...; reminding me that feeding time has come around, again.
Plus, what am I going to do with all the rest of the cat food that I've already gone and accumulated:
- Whiskas cat 'pellet' food
- bags of other 'pellet' food
- boxes of Whiskas 'pouch' food
- other tins of cat food: chicken/fish(salmon)
...going to have to give it 'all' away to the local animal charity shop, I guess.
She used to jump up straight onto my lap...whenever I'm sitting down at the computer...; and, then, proceed to fall quite soundly asleep.
Yes, I do really miss you cat.
Life/death, they are 2 opposite sides of what is, essentially, the same thing...; meaning, you can't have one without the other.
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-(Thinking to myself...I should have taken many more photos/videos of you whilst you were still here 'alive'...; didn't take anywhere near enough.
Or, perhaps, I was just far too fussy with the pics/videos I did take...; as most of that stuff got 'deleted', instead.
Truthfully, we need to give thanks and praise for the very highly precious moments that we got...; as, frankly, nothing lasts forever.)
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THE END SEEM TO COME ABOUT SO INCREDIBLY 'FAST'
I think, the cats demise came about in just 2 weeks...; when, all of a sudden, I realized she wasn't 'eating/drinking', normally, anymore...; but, I thought to myself that this stage would pretty soon pass...perhaps, it's an upset stomach/or, something 'temporary' like that...; like one day she went back to 'eating/drinking', normally, again...; then,...; within 2 weeks the cat was stone cold 'dead'...; and, by the very next day 'Rigor Mortis' had already gone and set in.
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