It's been an evening of telephone calls. I called my mum in Bradford and then my sister in London.
Mum's doing well , which was good to hear and the hole in the wall caused by builders next door has now been repaired to everyone's satisfaction and the two alcoves wallpapered and looking good. This whole business has taken about a year and a half involving numerous phonecalls,registered letters, threats and help from the citizen's advice bureau.
I also learned from mum that birds, especially crows and pigeons like cheese.
Mum had put out bits of old cheese for the birds. A big black crow had fought a cat for these tasty morsels lamenting and screaching all the while.
My sister in London agreed to put me up for 3 nights in August. Nice. It would be a tight squeeze but we'd manage... and there was a very good Indian take away near by .. first meal sorted 
The Oyster card was also mentioned. I remember Shipscook mentioning that too . It sounds complicated .. will have to google and research , Getting to her place is straightforward though ; Picadilly line all the way and then Finsbury Park and the bus or Hollow Rd and walk.
Planning journey is exciting.
