I often see him, particularly now that I am out around town drawing. I think he must be a rough sleeper. There are the usual signs, such as the wearing of a thick heavy coat no matter the weather. He was the one I saw on the beach scavenging stones and putting them in his pockets. I wonder if he is the one sleeping under the castle. He was ahead of me as I walked up the little incline by the side of Rummers. He stopped by a small bollard and taking a tiny paper bag out of his pocket proceeded to empty its entire contents of peanuts on top of it. He did it carefully and turned back a few times to check on his handiwork. Were they for the pigeons, or the gulls or was it some sort of ritual?
It was hard going drawing yesterday. It is always tougher in the mornings. But I did it. First I drew the health food shop building on Baker Street with its statue of Queen Victoria and then I went back to the boatyards. I’m fascinated by all the paraphernalia of boats. But, as I say it was hard and I grew cold and stiff. And so went home to sleep. Which made me grumpy. He has to put up with so much from me. Poor love.
