This is the Piece Hall in Halifax, a unique architectural survival from the 18th century. Built as a cloth hall, it is a true Enlightenment building, incorporating as it does the neo-classical orders for it's columns, built as a huge statement by the cloth merchants of Yorkshire. Isn't it stunning. I caught a short piece about it on television recently and it has jumped to the top of my 'must see' buildings that are actually feasible! It gives me something to look forward to during the long cold winter evenings! And a reason to go up and see my brother (apart from the joy of seeing you Graham, just in case you read this!) who lives in that neck of the woods.Piece Hall, Halifax.
I just wish the winter would get on with it! After last year I had girded my loins for the snow again - but nothing happened! Then the forecasters kept saying it was on it's way - still nothing! Now it's coming at the weekend. (Don't hold your breath!) It's making me edgy and impatient. Example. I always thought I was a bit of a Luddite who wouldn't miss lots of the modern technology I use. Mmmm! Today the car is in for a service. The 'man from the garage' lives in Alcester, so he suggested picking it up on his way to work (7:30!) and dropping it on the way back (6'ish) No problem I thought. We just don't book anything for today - and we didn't. So what's the problem? The fact that I can't go out beyond walking distance even if I want to! I've realised how important an element of choice is.It's the same if I have a problem with my email. Nothing, but nothing, in my life is so important it can't wait another day. But - if my email is down I fuss, and mutter, and moan and groan until it's up and running again!
On a happier note the Latin is coming on - slowly! Yes I know, don't all shout at once, the name of the blog is incorrect! And I can't change it. Or at least I haven't found a way to do so. But the classes are enormous fun, partly due to the splendid Clive, who gets the pace right, and partly to my table mates, Dorothy and Jain. We support each other so well, and cover up each others shortcomings! I am finding the sort of class with lots of people, face to face, and regularly, much better than the isolation of distance learning. For a language anyway! I was really thrilled when we went to see Written on the Heart at the RST on Paul's birthday. There was a scene, part of which was in Latin. And I could understand some of it! Paul was terribly impressed!
Apropos the weather, it is having a decidedly bad effect on my housework! Gypsy, large, black, and very hairy, doesn't know what time of year it is due to the fluctuating weather and the central heating. As a result her coat is very thick, and falling out all over the carpet, where it sticks! The vacuum cleaner isn't strong enough for the magnetic effect! Happily she is going to the dog's beauty parlour next week to be shorn! I just hope she doesn't freeze as a consequence. Ozzy is short and white, and they don't seem to stick quite so much. However, they do show on a pair of black trousers!
We have had a few scares this month. Paul's mother has been in and out of hospital with pneumonia, a broken rib, and the result of various falls. At 91 she is not the most robust of people. However, happily she does seem to be responding to treatment now. It does, however, make one think of one's own future. Do what you can, while you can, seems to me to be a very good mantra.
So what is the overall feeling for January? Halfway between cuninculus laetus sum and cuninculus laetus non sum! (Thanks for that Anthony!)
