Mon 270720 Returned home.../FREE food delivery at 3:30 PM

8 AM WOKE UP/SHARON ASKED ME TO GET CIGARETTES DOWN THE ROAD FROM THE INDIAN NEWSPAPER SHOP

I awoke, and, already decided I wish to return back home...cat to feed/letters to read/-etc.; but, first, I had to show Geoff the videos of the house damage.

I did show Geoff the videos of the house; and, he said because the ceiling was weak; that's why the above wall had sunk. He said, he would try and contact somebody about it.

Sharon wrote with her finger on the iPad that the cigarettes she wanted cost £9/and, also, what type. She also gave me a £10.00 note to buy it with.

When I rode by bicycle down the road off to the newspaper shop...the Indian lady (wife) said she hasn't got those cigarettes for £9.00. I asked her how much, then? She answered: £10.40.

I returned back to Sharon explaining that the shop keeper wanted more money; (unfortunately, I had no change of my own to make it up). So, she gave me the extra 0.40p.

I went back to the shop...this time I saw the Indian man (husband); and, brought back a pack of cigarettes...I think, it was 10 (Sharon wanted 20).

Then, Oliver, the son saw me coming with Cigarettes for his mum; which he was not meant to see...and, he started shouting: 'Paul smokes/how dirty!' Sharon, explained, it's for her...due to the stress.

On that rather 'sad' note I left.

10 AM I ARRIVED BACK HOME 

When I got back home, the cat was very happy to see me...; and, came and sat in my lap.

I phoned Sharon to say I'd arrived home safe; and, please, don't send me to get no more cigarettes, especially, from that same shop.

There was also 2 answer machine messages from Paxton Green Time Bank worker, Fabienne. She said that somebody called, Sue, would deliver some FREE food to my door...as she'd put my name down on the list; just make sure that I'm in between 3:30 - 4 PM to receive it. So, I phoned her back on her mobile: 074 6262 7273; to say, yes, I'd be in.

3:30 PM SUE CALLED WITH SOME FREE FOOD

A lady, Sue, called at the house...she'd driven in her car from Crystal Palace...and, came to deliver a big cardboard box of FREE food.

- 1 x box of 6 eggs

- 1 x large bag of Doritos Guacamole flavor crisps

- 3 x chocolate bars

- 3 x plastic wrapped packets of already cooked meat you just 'heat up'

- 2 x tins of baked beans

- 1 x tin of potatoes

- 1 x tin of broth soup

- 1 x large Kingsmill soft white bread

- 2 x glass jars of Strawberry/Marmelade jam

- 1 x box of Apple and Pear fruit juice

- 1 x Nescafe Gold Blend Coffee

- 1 x carton of CoOp Fairtrade tea bags

- 1 x glass jar of Instant Hot Chocolate (just add water)

- 1 x medium sized plastic bottle of Coco Cola

- 1 x hand sanitiser

- 1 x small box of moisturiser

- 1 x plastic bottle hand/face cream

- 1 x plastic bottle of Dairy Milk (which was the only item I returned back; because I'm allergic to Dairy Milk/and, only use Soya Bean/or, Almond milk, instead.)

- Plus, some loose fruit..including: 2 x bananas, 4 x apples, 2 x oranges

I was going to return back to Sue something by way of donation; but, they said they get FREE food from businesses.

I phoned back Fabienne to thank her. She also mentioned that Vale Street food bank is now re-opened; and, you can get 'take away' cooked food for a small price.

Also, the food deliveries would continue at the same time every Monday; unless, I tell her in advance to cancel/or, I will not be in at that time/day.

Sun 260720 Visited Sharon by train...

GETTING READY TO GO VISIT SHARON, AGAIN

I was meant to visit Sharon between 3-4 PM on Sunday; but, as usual, I tend to get 'late' to most appointments.

She requested I buy her some Lilt drink.

I think I 'started' getting dressed at around 3:30 PM.

TOOK iPAD AIR VIDEO OF DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE: COLLAPSED CEILING/SUNK WALL

I also took some video on my iPad Air concerning the damage to the house.

- The collapsed ceiling plaster exposing the above rotten and leaking wooden beams.

- Too, the sunk wall which has come off by inches at the door/and, also, at the top...in between both the toilet/bathroom. 

I wanted to show the video to Geoff...to hear what he has to say about it.

4 PM WENT TO WEST NORWOOD TRAIN STATION/CLOSED

Much to my surprise, when I arrived at West Norwood train station...they had notices on display stating they were closed; and, when I looked they were doing building work/track re-arrangments.

At that point I decided to forget about going to visit Sharon, today; and, instead, just stay in...because I felt really sleepy, anyway.

4:10 PM BROUGHT 2 X LOTS OF CHICKEN & CHIPS

Across the road from West Norwood train station there is a fast food shop...where I, sometimes, buy 'chicken and chips'. I noticed, however, that the minimum order was for £4.00; and, 6 pieces of spicy chicken wings, and, chips cost £3.00; so, I ordered the same thing, twice...for a total of 2 x £3.00 = £6.00.

(NOTE: There was a queue outside of the food shop before I went in there; so, I had to wait some time before making my own order.)

When my order was ready...I returned straight back home in order to eat it.

5 PM PHONE SHARON TO REPORT WEST NORWOOD TRAIN STATION CLOSED

When I got back home, I phoned Sharon to say...

I had brought her 5 x medium sized plastic bottles of Lilt drink; but, most unfortunately, West Norwood train station was currently closed as they were undertaking rail track work.

She said she had made dinner, already; so, I should still come.

5:30 PM WENT TO STREATHAM COMMON TRAIN STATION 

I agreed to come. So, I packed everything and then went back through the door. My destination being Streatham Common.

(Along the way t o Streatham Common...the plastic bag I had to carry the food in...it's handle broke; so, I had to stop...to take out of my back pack a different set of plastic bags to carry the food in.)

When I arrived at Streatham Common; I just missed the train taking me off to East Croydon; so, I decided to take the next train which arrived in 3 minutes time...taking me off to Banstead train station.

I ate 1 x lot of 'chicken and chips' during the train journey(which is very 'rare', indeed, for me to do/normally, I do NOT eat when outside).

 

6 PM ARRIVED AT BANSTEAD TRAIN STATION

Eventually, the train arrived at Banstead train station; where I got off it. 

Walking outside of the train station...I really wasn't too sure which way to go, next. I'd actually alighted off at Banstead train station before...but, it was so long ago that I'd forgotten the way...?! I took a guess; and, luckily, my guess was right. You walk outside the station...then, turn right...; next turn, left, along the main road...and, at the traffic lights, cross over...turn right, and, just keep on going straight...eventually, you end up at the top of Garrat's Lane; where the luxury motor cars company is. Once I reach that point along the journey...I am no longer lost, anymore.

-(A group of 3 young kids...2 boys/1 girl...did ask me at the station how to get to Cousldon South...but, I told them I'm going to Banstead High Street...and, gave the those same directions; then, said you better ask someone who knows...than, ask someone who can only guess.)-

I rode my bike along the motorway past Burgh Heath straight up to Kingswood.

7 PM ARRIVED AT SHARON'S HOUSE/HAD DINNER/STAYED THERE OVERNIGHT

I told them the tale of my odd journey. Had dinner, curry and rice. The children requested I stay overnight...to which I agreed.

At night, I watched Mike Tyson on Sky TV...entertaining a whole entire audience on his own. I thought to myself, this guy is NOT stupid. He knows how to make money, as the audience was huge; and, he also knows how to entertain...a great talker/(as well as, physically acting out what he was talking about...mostly street stuff/street talk).  

  

Sat 250720 Sharon came to visit/saw June/Sharon's family - Sharon drove me home

PHONE CALL FROM SHARON COMING TO VISIT AT 3 PM

My cousin, Sharon, gave me a phone call stating that she would be coming to visit me at around 3 PM.

I told her to phone, first; just to make sure that I'm in.../and, also, not sleeping.

10 AM - 12 AM VISITED 2 X EMMAEUS CHARITY SHOPS/BROUGHT GOODS IN BOTH

I went down the road to go visit 2 x Emmaeus charity shops; 

In the first shop I brought...

1 x hollow standing female 'fashion' sculpture £5.00 (approx.)

1 x hand £5.00

4 x books £3.50

In the second shop I brought...

1 x photo/picture album £5.00 (approx.)

Later on, I returned back to Emmaeus, and, handed them...the large bag they gave me, earlier; and, in addition I handed over...

1 x large box/with wrapping (a pair of garden shears came in it)

1 x lot of old Metro newspapers (for them to use as wrapping paper)

1 x some plastic wrapping materials

2-3 PM SHOPPED AT BOTH SAINSBURYS/CO OP

I went and brought some shopping, first at the CoOp/and, then, later on, inside of Sainsbury's across the road.

I recall coming home balancing 5 shopping bags on my bikes handle bars.

3 PM RETURNED SHARON'S PHONE CALL TO SAY IT'S OK TO VISIT NOW I'M HOME

Sharon came to visit me in her car at around 4 PM; after I called her to say that, now, I'm home.

3:30 PM VISITED NEVIL/JUNE IN THORNTON HEATH

I then went in the car to visit seeing both Nevil/June. I spoke to Nevil; and, June spoke to Sharon (privately). 

Apparently, Sharon's marriage to Geoff is going through a really difficult period; so, she wanted somebody to discuss it with...all of the problems they've been having(down to even thinking about getting a divorce; but, with 3 young kids being involved...divorce is a very difficult subject, indeed).

4:30 PM VISITED SHARON'S HOME/SAW CHILDREN/AND, GEOFF

It was good getting to see/meet up with the children, again; and, also, to see Geoff.

I asked him for some advice about a council letter that was sent to me in regard to my mums property; where the letter said there was £1000+ owing in 'unpaid' rent. 

Geoff, told me to send in the letter simply stating that there were no assets left.

 I eat dinner there...; and, although, the children request I stay overnight...I told them, no; as I wish to return back home to feed the cat/and, also, do other things.

Sharon dropped me all the way back home.

 

 

Tue 210720 Paid CashPlus £50.00/Went for an evening bike ride: Camden Canal

PAID CASHPLUS £50.00

I knew I had to pay CashPlus their monthly sum due; only I really wasn't sure if the payment I made was 'late' or not...I, usually, am meant to pay them mid-month; instead, I paid them after the 20th...? Anyway, I paid them £50.00; and, when I checked, later on, it said the current balance still owing is around -£214.00 DR. I guess, it's gonna take a while to pay them off fully.

2 PM (approx.) MISSED PHONE CALL

I got a missed phone call from the DHSS; which I tried to dial back...but, the answerphone message said...there's no need to call them; as they will call me back, again, eventually; so, I left it at that.

4:45 PM WENT TO VISIT BANK IN BRIXTON

I rode my bike off to Brixton bank; rode through Herne Hill park along the way; as I needed to make an urgent withdrawal to pay for my my mum and aunt's grave headstone...which costs £1,000.00.

However, as usual, I left 'late'...should have left 1/2 an hour before the bank closes; instead, I left at 15 minutes to 5. When I actually arrived the bank was already closed. So, who knows, maybe, tomorrow I will try, again.

RODE MY BIKE TO VISIT TATE BRITAIN, CLOSED

Tate Britain was closed.

I took a side turning off Millbank...towards St James. 

Saw that the previous Starbucks that used to be open there...is, now, closed down.

Crossed over the road...and, kept going towards Big Ben.

ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS, CLOSED

I next rode off towards St James Park...; in St James Park...I used the FREE public toilets...to wee/and, washed my hands, thrice...; afterwards, I crossed the road ending up at Piccadilly. 

Crossed over the road, to look at the RAOA building...all locked up shut/closed.

ALL SAINTS CLUBSHOUSE, 131 CLEVELAND STREET, GREAT PORTLAND STREET STATION, CLOSED

From Piccadilly, I rode through Soho...up along Wardour Street...over to Cleveland Street -and, past London's Post Office Tower- to go and visit All Saints Clubhouse...where Gambler's Anonymous meets. They were shut...with a notice on the door stating that according to government guidelines all current meetings were postponed.

REGENTS PARK ZOO, CLOSED

From Cleveland Street, and, Great Portland Street tube station; I crossed the road...and, entered Regent's park...and, I kept on riding straight...until I got to the stretch where the zoo is...only I didn't see any animals 'moving'; so, I guess they were closed.

CAMDEN CANAL

From Regent Street, I decided to go downstairs...into the Regent's Canal. Frankly, I really wasn't too sure which end to turn; but, there is a boat restaurant...and, I turned towards that entrance...and, just kept on riding straight...though Camden...and, Pirate Castle...straight up until the very end of the canal. 

At that point, I decided to climb upstairs...and, did two turn rights; which took me into a main road.

I saw an Indian guy sitting down begging on the streets; felt really sorry for him...had a quick chat...and, also, handed him all of the spare change money I had inside of a plastic bag...must have amounted to 1 or 2 pounds. 

GRAY'S INN ROAD

A white lady stopped to direct me which way to go to return to King Cross; so I took it. It wasn't difficult just a straight road...; and, then, all of a sudden before I even knew it...I was a Kings Cross station. From there I took Gray's Inn Road.

I did around £5.00 worth of shopping on Gray's Inn Road...inside of a CoOp store. I brought 2 chocolate bars/and, 1 pack of chocolate Twix; and, also, a large bottle of Orange Lucozade. I felt extremely thirsty, and, was getting worried about possible dehydration(which in my time I have suffered before when undertaking long bike journey...all the time you are losing liquid without actually knowing it; that loss of liquids needs to be replaced).

From Grays Inn Road...I gradually made my way to reach Charing Cross -travelling pass the Savoy hotel-; next, I took a side turning...which led me down towards the Embankment. I climbed up the staircase...and, rode along the Embankment bridge all the way to the other side.

WATERLOO, LEAKE STREET TUNNEL

I rode into and around the back of a church in Waterloo; then, continued my journey onwards through Leake Street Tunnel...; then, back, again...; then, out and towards St Thomas Hospital...not all the way there...but, near it...without crossing the street. I passed by a road where an Buddhist temple used to be located; then, rode straight on...down towards Vauxhall. 

TOOTING BROADWAY TUBE STATION

From Vauxhall, I rode straight up to Stockwell; and, then, onto Clapham Common/Clapham Common South/over to Balham/then, over to Tooting Broadway. At Tooting Broadway, I brought myself 2 pieces of chicken and chips; but, all the time, was afraid to touch it with my hands...which I felt might be too dirty. Had to wait to get home before attempting to eat the chips...as I needed desperately to wash both my hands, first.

From Tooting Broadway...I rode my bike along...I think, the road is called, Church Road...and, then, turned right...kept on going straight...until I got to Becmead Avenue(I think, it's called)...and, that road led me into Streatham High Street. I turned right along the high street...and, rode up towards Streatham station. Then, I went down a set of steps...I think, it's Russels Path...which, eventually, led me up a short cut turning...opposite Wellfield Road.  From Well field Road, I turned right...and, into Leighham Court Road...; cut across the road...then, downwards from St Julian School. Eventually, I ended up home.

CONCLUSION: LONG/EXPENSIVE JOURNEY

Boy, that was quite a 'long' journey; and, very 'expensive' trip, too...costing me all of £10.00, at least; which is money I can ill afford!

I'm afraid, that's exactly what tends to happen when you go out for a long trip...without taking any food/drink of your own...namely, you get awfully hungry/thirsty...and, will need to do something about it really 'fast'; otherwise, one ends up suffering from severe 'dehydration'...weakness/tiredness/confusion/lack of energy/strength/wanting to completely 'give up'/sleep. 

Next time, I decide to go out for a really long bike ride...; I swear, I must remember to take along some food/drink with me...as well as, a back pack...which can leave both hands free to cycle with; rather than have the shopping bags hanging off the bikes handle bars...and, constantly, hitting against the bike front wheel...which threatens to tear the bag into shreds...and, have the bag contents go spilling out onto the concrete pavements(a constant worry/fear). 

In my own defence, I really didn't know I was going out for a long ride...I thought I was just going to Brixton; then, back, again; but, the best laid plans of mice and men tends to go 'awry'...even at the very last minute/second.

The streets of Central London are no longer as totally jam packed as they used to be before Choronavirus; there are more and more people, slowly, appearing...but, most places are, in fact, 'closed'.

You can still come across a few places where you can buy food/drinks, though...some MacDonald shops are still open; and, also, a few restaurants/or, general food stores here and there. 

 

 

 

100720 James, scaffolder came to assess roof damage/Mrs. Thomas died of cancer/Phoned Trevor just to 'update'

17:00 PM JAMES, THE SCAFFOLDER CALLED TO ASSESS THE ROOF DAMAGE

First, I got a phone call stating that James would be calling from the company I had recently contacted, yesterday, in just 15 minute time...; to which meeting I agreed.

https://www.jmscaffoldinglondon.com/

-----

I showed him the three floors where the damage is, including... 

1> The upstairs water tank

I explained that if that upstairs tank isn't leaking; then, it might be due to the blocked gutters outside causing the leak to enter into the building.

2> The toilet/bathroom wall below...which has come away from the rest of the house...including, both top side/front side 

(That entire walls needs to be knocked down/and, then, replaced with a 'new' wall.)

3> The basement roof collapse

There is around 6 foot by 3 foot of damaged roof; meaning collapsed ceiling plaster...leaving just exposed wooden beams up above...which are, actually, rotting away/in an extremely delicate, and, still 'wet' leaky state.

-----

James said, that really what I need to do is call the 'builders' in to come and fix the damage; because the money I would be paying him...would be taking away from the money needed to call in the builders.

I explained that I'm 'unemployed'...so, that's why I decided to call in the scaffolders, first; because, otherwise, I don't have enough money left in my account to be able to pay off the builders.

James said he would try and install some scaffolding just to hold the roof up; so, that it won't collapse down any further; and, the 'cheapest' he could do it for is at a cost of: £350.00.

 

With that our conversation ended; and, James left...telling me, you already have our phone number; and, web site contact form...so, when you want the work to be done just, simply, call. 

I do remember asking him how long he thinks the process will take; he said, half-an-hour.

What I'm still unsure about is...am I expected to pay regular fees for the hiring of the scaffolding; or, will it just be a a one off payment. Because, frankly, I'm not too sure when I will be able to 'afford' builders to come in and fix all of the damage, permanently.

18:00 SAW DOROTHY THOMAS/SHE EXPLAINED THAT HER MUM, MRS. THOMAS, DIED, RECENTLY

After the builder left...; I decided to go and dump some rotting 'smelly' cat food rubbish from out of the house; and, into the public bin which is located half way down the street.

When I was just around 15 or so yards away from the bin; I heard somebody call my name. I looked back to see Dorothy Thomas...who used to attend my Primary School.

 

We both had a long chat...; like we haven't had in years; who knows, maybe, our longest chat ever.

 

The discussion was about the death of both our mums. Apparently, her mum died, recently; April 2020.I gave her my deepest commiserations. I told her my mum died, November 2019. She said her mum died of cancer; they really weren't too sure...until the diagnosis; then, it was far too late for her to recover, anymore. My aunt -my mum's sister- also died of cancer; didn't want to go to hospital; when she, eventually, did...she did not come out, again...just as she herself had predicted. I also told her how my mum died because she didn't wish to go into hospital; and, when she eventually was 'forced' into going into hospital...she did not come out, again; as she herself had predicted.

20:00 PM PHONED TREVOR TO UPDATE HIM ABOUT THE SITUATION

I phoned, Trevor, just to update him about the current situation going on with the house...that I was thinking about getting in the scaffolding people; and, I'd recently spoken to one called, James; who made me an offer of £350.00 to put in some scaffolding to stop the roof from completely collapsing.

What I wasn't too sure about is...is it 'hire' equipment that I have to keep on, constantly, paying for...; or, it is it to be 'one off' payment, instead.

  

Thu 090720 Meet tomorrow: JMSCAFFOLDINGLONDON.COM/GOV.UK (£15 to re-Download Land registry docs)

10 AM PHONED/WROTE AN EMAIL TO: JMSCAFFOLDINGLONDON.COM

This morning -(with the ceiling/bathroom wall about to collapse playing constantly on my mind)- I decided to do a search for: London Scaffolding...; there were 2 results that looked really interesting...

https://www.londonscaffolding.co.uk/#home

(didn't contact, as yet)

...and, I selected the company which appears to be located closest to where I'm living; they seem to be in Thornton(which, I assume, means: Thornton Heath...I did take a look at the map). 

https://www.jmscaffoldinglondon.com/

I wrote them the following note...

>>>

Hi, the problems I'm having is...I own a 3 storey building/with back-garden:

-(Address goes here...)-

Unfortunately, there was a leak up above which remained 'unfixed' for a long time...; well, eventually, the end result was, with the weight of the water, constantly, coming down/and, also, the rotting wooden ceiling beams...the lower floor ceiling plaster went and fell down...thus, exposing the wooden ceiling beams; only over time those wooden beams have grown steadily 'weaker and weaker' still...with the result that I can't go into the upper floor bathroom/toilet, anymore; and, have to walk very carefully -like walking on eggshells- when entering into the kitchen...which is located next door to the 

 upper bathroom/toilet.

The problem is, I'm currently 'unemployed'; and, therefore, do have very limited savings to go and employ builders to come in and fix everything...tear down walls/replace walls by putting up a 'new' wall...

So, I thought maybe a cheaper, purely 'temporary'  fix, might be to install some scaffolding downstairs to help hold the rest of the ceiling up; however, I'm really not sure if such a plan would be effective; nor how much it would cost...?

So, I would like you to please get in touch with me...to see if it's possible for one of your people to come and take a look; and, then, advise me further about what to do from there? 

I'm assuming a call out to give a 'quote' is FREE.

Bye/-Paul
<<<

14:30 PM GOT A REPLY PHONE CALL FROM: JMSCAFFOLDINGLONDON.COM/ARRANGED A 'FACE TO FACE' MEETING, TOMORROW EVENING

I went to sleep; then, when I awoke...I almost immediately got a phone call from: J M Scaffolding London.

I spoke to a guy who said he'd like to come and see the situation/and, only then can he give me an actual quote.

The meeting is arranged for: 5-6 PM tomorrow evening. He said, he will phone me beforehand, first; just to be sure I'm in; all of which I agreed to.

So, now, there is nothing left to do...; but, merely, just wait.

15:31 PM WENT TO: GOV.UK/SEARCHED TO FIND: LAND REGISTRY

Search for Property Information from HM Land Registry
https://www.gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry

HM Land Registry
https://eservices.landregistry.gov.uk/eservices/FindAProperty/view/QuickEnquiryInit.do

Find a property - Purchase documents
https://eservices.landregistry.gov.uk/eservices/FindAProperty/view/QDSearch.do;jsessionid=MydNZLiFwLO5CROddDiRCl8KNgOqXbhnmZnDoQRK.20ff324f:frontend-web-0

I did a search at: gov.uk...for 'land registry' documents...where I discovered that it's possible to download at a cost of £15.00...

[  ] £3.00 - Title Register

[  ] £3.00 - Title Plan

[  ] £9.00 - Flood Risk indicator result

The check box allows you to 'pay' for only the documents you most need to view.

NOTE: I did already pay to download 'all' of these same documents just after my mum died; the result of which I sent to myself through email. My problem there is...do I really need to pay to re-download 'all' of these same documents, again? 

The answer there is...the deeds were in the name of both my 'mum and me'; and, someone had said that, automatically, when my mum dies...these documents should revert to being in my own name, alone; however, I wanted to be able to see clear 'updated' proof of this...which is why I wanted to re-purchase/re-download everything.

 

 

Wed 080720 Trevor & his brother came to assess damage.../can't do anything

1 PM GOT A PHONE CALL FROM COUSIN: TREVOR

At around 1 PM I got a phone call from Trevor; saying he was coming to look at the damage to the building/along with his brother.

I missed the call, initially; because I was downstairs...changing the cat litter.

When I came back upstairs...I saw the answer message light 'blinking'...dialled: '1571' (check messages)...and, then, heard the call having been replayed. I phoned Trevor back to say...I hadn't gone nowhere...was just downstairs changing the cat litter.

He said he would come by me in around 3/4's of an hours time. 

2:45 PM TREVOR/AND, HIS BROTHER CAME TO ASSESS DAMAGE

True to his word, he turned up at the door along with his brother...this is one I'd never ever seen before.

-(Actually, he called me, again...this time asking to I live at the wrong number house/so, I told him the right number house.)-

They were both wearing 'masks/gloves' which I thought was really strange; but, then, again, maybe, not...due to the possibility of contracting Choronavirus from anywhere(coloured people are more affected by it than others).

I showed them outside leaking gutters/as well as 3 floors of damage...the downstairs collapsed ceiling/the upstairs collapsing wall/and, too, the water tank on top. 

Trevor's response was, I wouldn't 'touch' it...; meaning, don't put any more money into saving it...; but, instead, sell it off as quickly as is possible before the whole entire building completely collapses; and, then, the house wouldn't be worth nothing.

4 PM DECIDED TO GO FOR A LONG BIKE RIDE...TO GET MY MIND OFF ALL OF MY HOUSE PROBLEMS 

After seeing those guys; and, discovering they can do absolutely nothing to help.

I decided why not go out for a a really long bike ride...; just to be able to get my mind off what is my current problems.

So, I took my bike; opened up the front door/locked it behind me; and, then, off I went...

1. The first place I visited was: Dulwich Picture Gallery. The gate doors were all locked.

(Rode pass Belair Park/stopped my bike at the entrance of Dulwich Park; but, didn't go in...far too many people.)

2. The next place I visited -rode through Brockwell park- was Brixton Halfords bike shop...I saw a queue of 4 people outside...after a while, the shop keeper guy asked me why I was there...I said, I wanted both bike tires pumped up; he said they're not doing that, today; but, I could try another branch somewhere.

3> I went and visited Tate Britain Gallery in Pimlico; again, they were shut. (This time I road down Brixton Road/then, into Kennington/turned, left; cut along Black Prince Road...then, crossed over the River Thames bridge...not Vauxhall bridge/the other one: Lambeth Bridge).

What I did notice, however, is -(even though Tate is shut)- there are are two statues outside...which are not fenced off...so, it might actually be possible to go there and draw these. (I just worry the security guards; as these buildings are, constantly, watched; might come and ask me what the hell it is I'm doing?)

4> From Tate I was 'thinking' about going to visit the city centre; but, then, thought, no...it's time to return home. I went home the long way...going along the Thames route...I really appreciated being in the 'fresh air'/and, 'wide open space'...if being in built up traffic can be called 'wide open space'.

Eventually, I crossed over Albert Bridge...and, from there entered into Battersea Park. Through Battersea Park...coming out at Queenstown Station...and, up towards Clapham Common park.

5> From Clapham Common park...I rode over to Balham...where I did £20.00 shopping at Aldi.

When I came out, I saw a motorcycle crash...the guy got up/and, was able to walk...retrieve his motor cycle. (I thought to myself being on these streets can be really 'dangerous', sometimes.)

6> From Balham Aldi...I rode my bike back home...passing by Tooting Common...then, into Streatham/finally, West Norwood.

CONCLUSION

In all I must have travelled over 10+ miles. Felt really good...; a sort of 'going out' accomplishment...which I haven't done in 6+ months. Also, I got some much needed 'exercise'.

It also felt kinda 'scary', though; as there are so many people on the streets...; and, any one of these could have Choronavirus; people don't always keep a 'safe' distance, neither; not even when you're on a bike/and, at traffic lights being surrounded by people also on bikes...; so, I guess, that's the real reason why I haven't chosen to go out there quite as frequently, anymore.