They are elegant signs. But effortless and un-reflexive? Hmmm. Maybe, rather, time and loss gives all things the patina of authenticity?

Saddest signs: the positions vacant boards on old factories that never have positions anymore. Imagine once leaving school, walking to the local factory. looking at the list of jobs and going in to apply. Can you imagine?

Coolest and saddest building on my dog walk circuit: the old woollen mills that were once the major employers in town. They closed down and were later bought for a song by a charismatic church that now produces socially conservative candidates for the state elections; I’d prefer the place sticking to blankets.