The hot topic in Swindon right now is lamposts. The new ones are installed and shining brightly at night already, and as I speak the old ones are being felled like dead trees. It doesn't stop there.

I was strolling along the canal walkway that heads north out of the town centre and on toward a trading estate where I intended to spend a few pence on replacing some broken tools. A couple of workmen were spraying the posts with aerosols. Usually that job is left to youths in hoodies, but I guess this was the opposite job, getting rid of the colourful squiggles the teenagers leave behind to mark their territory.

I've not seen people doing that before, I mentioned to the nearest workman as I passed by. "It's new for us, too!" He smiled back. How about that? Swindon's brave new world. Rows of bright shiney lamposts as a beacon toward or communal future. Makes you feel good to be alive.

Noisy Old Swindon

Last night I noticed the rain was drenching our area. Could be a quiet night then? I mean, if the rain was pouring down, surely the noisy element will be safely locked away indoors? In any case, there's something genuinely therapeutic about listening to rainfall. It's a soothing sound, it really is, especially when the mood is less excitable. So I left the window open as I turned in for the night.

Ahh yes... Now I'm going to sleep well.

HEY!" Yelled someone outside. Okay, maybe I won't be sleeping well tonight.