Today it's my greatest friend, Pat's, 60th birthday!   She has multiple sclerosis and she uses a mobility scooter when she goes out locally.

So, where could we go to celebrate?  It was a  no brainer - Myddleton Road!  Pat had never been before and wanted to go.

What a lovely afternoon we had.

Firstly, from the point of view of someone who has to use a mobility scooter, it was marvellous to have such wide pavements on one side of the road!  And the sloping kerbs were in excellent condition.  This made it such a pleasure for my friend to 'stroll' up this lovely street.  

First we went into the community garden and sat on a bench by a blossoming tree.  Some little children and their mums were running in and out of the trees playing hide and seek.  It was so peaceful - we noticed the lovely plants which seemed to be attracting quite a few butterflies.  

On the opposite side of the road is another section of park with the table tennis being used and we stopped to have a look at the beautiful  view of the canal.

We had lunch in that Greek restaurant - sorry have forgotten the name - but it was excellent.  It's like the tardis and seemed to go on for ever.   The staff in there couldn't have been more friendly.  And the food is to die for!  We didn't feel at all rushed and the service was excellent.  so we sat in there and had a really good chat for ages.

Then we moved on to The Step and sat outside in the sunshine.  I had a cappucino and Pat had a pot of Earl Grey in a lovely little teapot accompanied by a really old-fashioned cup and saucer.   Again - the service was so friendly and we sat outside, relaxing.

What we couldn't get over was how like being back in time the whole experience was.  There was an almost dream-like atmosphere about the place, like being on a movie set!

We were transfixed by the gentlemen's clothiers - the one that is slowly disintegrating.  We found it disturbing and intriguing all at the same time - which is just the sort of emotions a great art installation should evoke!  :)

Further down the road we passed the funeral director's place and parked outside was a gleaming motorbike with a little hearse attached to it.  We decided we wouldn't mind going off in that when the time came.

Over the road there's a little shop that sells religious artefacts - we popped in and were so well looked after by the proprietor.  A great little shop!  I bought a gorgeous brass-type  crucifix and Pat bought some plants.

After that we made our way back down the road, past the shop with all the wonderful catering paraphernalia stacked up in the windows.

All too soon we were back in the 21st century - for a  while we sat in the park next to the church on Bounds Green Road .  We were both amazed at what a wonderful, relaxed and stress-free  time we'd had in that street!  One of the best birthdays either of us has had!

We'll be back!