Pylons and windmills

she's right.

I'll look at pylons differently now.

Me too! for your Mum.

Your mum is wonderful. I think pylons and wind generators are stunning pieces of modern architecture and engineering.

Pylons are ugly. You can't get away from that fact. They need to bury all the cables.

Wind turbines are ok in the right place.

I don't think they're ugly. They have a geometric charm.

Each to his own.

I prefer unspoilt countryside. Keep the man-made stuff to the towns and cities where possible.

I like the really big ones best, they're more graceful. Not too keen on French ones. I seem to remember reading that underground cables leak more power but I agree a lot of cabling should be underground in sensitive areas.

And wind turbines are just the latest in the development of the windmill. But I agree they have to be situated with great consideration.

I don't mind pylons but coming home from Wales on Monday I was stunned by just how many of them are marching across the hills and fields it was not a pretty sight. One long line wouldn't ruin the view but dozens and dozens criss-crossing the countryside was disfiguring.

And when you're walking and see them close up they are rather sinister, with their faint hum...

That's purring. They're just being friendly.

They are frying sausages.