The Post Industrial Castle

Hey Folks. I was just daydreaming yesterday, whilst staring at the brick walls of our house, and imagining our house was a castle. Not figuratively, but a real castle made of bricks. I always wanted to live in a castle, quite a bit before I ever visited one and realized they would probably be atrocious places to live, being very dark, very dank, and very cold. They sure do know how to dominate a landscape though. Then I started imagining our entire 17th century cotton mill as one giant castle for just Heather and I with great halls, big fireplaces (using the smokestack!), giant ceramic room heaters, and lots of cats running around. A giant industrial castle for the 21st century!

Instead, we have this.

Man, I really wish we had a dryer. Oh well, it's not like Manny has a damp climate and it takes a whole day for the clothes to dry or anything. Oh right.  Heather is not very good at ducking either. She keeps getting the socks caught in her hair. I will say though...the whole set up only cost two poundies!

We went out on Friday night to a friend's art collective/gallery opening and ended up coming home at 3am with a better understanding of the bars and pubs in our neighborhood. It was a really fun time.

We still don't have a solid solution for internet yet. One neighbour has showed minor interest in sharing. Shoot, I'd even just pay for the whole thing if it comes down to it. I have been, and am currently, at the public library using the internet. I actually kind of like it. First, it's free. Second, they let you borrow books and movies for free too. I wish we had these back at home! I like going out every day and having something to do. It is pretty benign, but it gets me out for a walk every day. It's a nice walk over here too. Here are some of the buildings I pass on the way.

The Urbis

I can't remember the area of town this is, but it's one of the only 16th century buildings downtown still. It does take you back when around them. One of my favorite spots in town to look at.

I'm not sure why they built this wheel, but they did it after the whole square was bombed in 96? by the IRA. I would like to ride it, but it's too expensive. I'm going to look for a coupon later in the spring.

Something pretty funny happened last week too at the library. Some background for all the North American readers out there. Across the UK, there are a group of people who roam between dance clubs, pubs, and your nightmares ,and they are know as chavs, or sometimes Burburry Troglodyte.

Here are some pictures of chavs

Back to the story....I was at the library on Tuesday and was disturbed by a group on four men and one woman who where stumbling into chairs and talking very loudly, like really loudly. Let's just say they were pissed drunk. I'm not too sure how, but they acutally managed to type on computers and check their facebook. Now these weren't the smoothest chavs. When the lady tried the 'ol cough and fart, but instead of farting opened a tallboy of Carlsberg, it was not quiet. I think she knew that everyone heard it, because that was the fastest I have seen a beer chugged in a while. I was quite amused watching. I only wish I had my camera.

I was even more amused when I went back to the libary on Friday and, lo and behold, about seven of them showed up and checked their facebook again. This time they were more pissed--I mean it was 3:00 instead of 1:30 and it was Friday---so can you blame them? This time one on of the dudes pulled out a tallboy from his pocket, opened it and chugged it, then crushed the can and put it in the paper recycling bin. He then pulled out another one to drink slowly while updating his status on facebook with something about the library not having properly marked beer can reyclying bins. I am still kind of laughing. I hope to see them again this week.

To end....a few housekeeping notes. I have fixed (hopefully) the issue with comments on the bottom of the blog. A few of you let me know they wouldn't let you post. I have added the ability to comment anonymously. I believe it should work. I'd love to hear from you all.

Although I have been trying desperately, I have not been able to spy any Manny cats. I saw one running across the street, but it was gone before I even blinked. I apologize. Instead, you can read this link about cat detectives.

Also, I booked a vacation for this coming weekend. I am off the Spanish island of Mallorca for five days while Heather is at a conference in New York. I think I may get a little bit more sun than her. I still don't have any reservations or know what there is to do, but as long as the sand is warm and I bring my suntan lotion, I'll be fine. I'm really excited for the olives! Anyway, there will be no blog next monday, but I'll set something up here the middle of next week.

I still can do the blast-er from the past-er though. Here is a pic of my motorcycle gang circa 2009.

Later,

CC