I’ll admit that, when I first began watching construction work, it was just to accompany three little boys who had an insatiable curiosity about how roads were dug up and relaid, and how buildings were put together.

My sons have long since grown into men. I don’t even know if they bother watching diggers any more. But I’m busy gawping at cranes.

Construction has many downsides, one of them being that much-loved buildings may need to be demolished first.

When a crane installed itself outside my flat, I was a tad concerned, as was Mishmish.

But then I had the chance to observe the beauty that is a tower crane at different times of day.

While the crane operator got to know the colour of our pyjamas and what we liked for breakfast, we got to know the crane and the things it picked up.

Eventually, it was time for the tower crane to be dismantled. The operators waved goodbye.

Sad? Not really. There are other cranes. London is full of them, as are other booming cities. 

Of course over-development is a worry. But now, when I see a crane on the horizon, I no longer think of it as just a blot on my photo.