Jen went away to a trade show in Toronto on Friday, and didn’t get back until yesterday, which meant my online time was reduced considerably, and I had to find something else to occupy myself with.
On Saturday, I decided that my car really needed cleaning quite badly, so took it to a valeting firm in Shrewsbury. I arrived at about 11, and they told me it would be ready by 3, so I headed off into town to find something to do.
First, I went to the library. Shrewsbury library is housed in a very impressive building, which I’m sure has some interesting history if I could be bothered to research it. The gardens in front are well kept, with the imposing statue of Charles Darwin, famous son of Shrewsbury, and one of the greatest thinkers of our time, sitting with his legs crossed and a pile of books at his feet.
Unfortunately, the interior of the library was a bit of a disappointment at first. The reception area is the usual library brown and beige, with stained beige upholstered chairs. Scattered around were tatty Agatha Christie hardbacks. However, walking up the stairs to the main borrowing library, it became a whole lot nicer. I still had to suffer the beige carpets, but the massive arched windows, and curved ceilings make the rooms feel huge, and very airy. It is the kind of place you could sit in all day and read quite happily. The books were still all very tatty though (I think everybody should donate their old books to public libraries, and try to keep this most important public institution alive).
After trapsing around the shops for a while, I decided to head down to the park. The park is maintained by the Shropshire Horticultural Society, and is very impressive. It runs down to the river from town, and encompasses a secluded pond area. Unfortunately this area of tranquility and pleasantness is ruined by a large beige lego brick in one corner. This building is Shrewsbury swimming centre, and is quite horrible, but if you turn your back on it, you can still enjoy the views.
I headed back into town, wandered around for a bit, and walked past the Rowley House Museum. I’m not usually keen on local museums, but an impulse grabbed me, and I went in. I paid my three pounds and headed off to explore. The museum is filled with artefacts from ancient times, moving through the ages from stone age, through bronze age, iron age, roman times, and medieval times. It is very clean and tidy, and the exhibits are well maintained, but I can only gaze into display cabinets for so long before I get bored. The ‘Natural History’ section was the worst area though, stuffed animals in display cases is not my idea of natural history.
Eventually, I headed back to get my car, which was gleaming, and looking as good as new. Unfortunately, I discovered to my dismay that the valeting people didn’t take credit cards, so I had to dash back into town to get some cash.
I got home to discover that Jen had commandeered her aunts computer, and was online, so I spent most of the rest of the day online.
The rest of this week has been spent tidying my house ready for my Dad and family and friends to arrive at the weekend.