Saturday 20th November

Last night, halfway to being out of our heads on fine wine, K and I decided that it might be fun to get a kitten at some point in the near future. Suspending all reason for a while, we decide to spend this morning going to the Cat's Protection League adoption centre in Archway. There's no plan to actually get a cat today, of course, but it seems like a good idea to find out exactly what is involved.

We get the bus to Archway and walk down Junction Road to the adoption centre. A nice lady meets us and takes us down to where the kittens are kept. This is a big mistake - I instantly fall for a pair of grey tabby cats who, after having been held by me for a minute or two, seem to have fallen for me as well. We are shown another, older pair of cats, but I can't take my eyes off the needy, mewling pair in the first cage. At this point, I can't imagine leaving without them. As such it makes sense for us to get out of there as soon as possible, so after having a quick chat about the adoption process and home visits and the like, we make our excuses and head off. We probably shouldn't be doing impulsive things like getting pets while we're trying to save for a wedding and whatnot - but it's a nice idea and a cute way to spend the morning.

We walk down from Archway to Holloway Road, then along Seven Sisters Road to Stroud Green Road, where we potter around the shops for a bit before walking through Finsbury Park to Sainsbury's. The big shop is duly done and we're back at the flat for lunch and a bit of afternoon pottering before we head out for the evening.

Tonight is Kelli's birthday party in Muswell Hill, so we get in the mood with a couple of beers at home before getting the bus up the steep, steep hill and walking through the Broadway towards The Alexandra. It's really cold tonight and it feels like one of those winter evenings where you want to hide away in a cosy pub. The Alexandra doesn't disappoint as it's small and warm - and as people begin to file in we share the cupcakes K has made and enjoy cake and champagne with the birthday girl.

A bit later, I find myself playing some sort of "higher or lower" drinking game with an oversize pack of cards. The majority of the rest of the evening is a blur - suffice to say K and I make it back to Muswell Hill Broadway in time to get the bus home. It feels like the first Winter weekend of the season and it's fun to be reminded that good nights out can be had in the absence of warm beer gardens.