Miles and miles

Well I’m back home after another mammoth weekend. Not sure how many miles I’ve done. Quite honestly, I’m too tired to work it out. Thankfully the M25 was very kind to me today as I headed home.

It was smooth sailing all the way back. Unlike my hair, which looked like I’d been dragged through a hedge. I was back to windows open and being buffeted after the joys of AC yesterday.

Still the kittens were pleased to see me. As you can see they were very keen to leave their sunbathing to say hello!

Staying the extra night meant I got to see Mum again before I left. She’s not doing great so grateful to have been able to see her.

Congestion

It’s total gridlock on the garden fence today. Or is it a Brundall stand-off? You decide. Whatever it is, it made me laugh.

Neither of them was moving. In the end Dodo climbed over Hugo. I guess that’s one way to resolve it. Probably a good job we can’t do that when we’re in congestion. Though there have been a few times when I’ve feared the Comedy Car would go under an HGV. It’s rather small!

Bus pass

I had quite the adventure today. With the freezing temperatures overnight, I was worried the lorry wouldn’t start. And if I did get it started, I wouldn’t be able to park it safely in the city. Thankfully Victoria came to my rescue and gave me a lift in to work.

Of course, that left the conundrum of how to get home. Decided to bus it back. My god, what a faff!

First I had to find the bus stop (easier said than done). Then I nearly missed it as it stopped at a different stop. Luckily someone spotted it, so we all trotted up the road to get it. Finally we ended up going round the houses, including a 3-point turn due to a closed road.

All in all it took an hour and 15 mins to do a journey that takes a max of 20 mins in the car. Still it only cost me £2 (and a little bit more body fat keeping warm while I waited in the freezing temperatures).

Got back to some good news! The Comedy Car was fixed. And the bill wasn’t as much as expected. Good job too as I had to ask one of my neighbours if I could jumpstart the Buddymobile off his car. Seems my worries were well founded after all.

Jammed

So my joyous 2024 continues. Driving back last night from my Riding Club Committee meeting, the Comedy Car started feeling odd and drinking petrol. And I mean drinking!!

Took it to the garage this morning and one of the brakes was jammed on. Just very grateful that it didn’t do that when I was coming back from my parents.

It needs new brake pads, discs and at least one calliper, maybe two. So another car bill coming my way. Plus I’ve got the car tax for the lorry to pay this month.

Thank goodness I have the Buddymobile though. At least I’m kinda mobile. Well once I got it started. Had to jump start it off a friend’s car (normally I’d use the Comedy Car….).

We had a fluttering of snow here today. I inadvertently wheel spun the Buddymobile trying to get off the close earlier. That was fun!

I’m working at the chiro’s tomorrow so wish me luck finding a space for it in Norwich. You have to laugh. Honest you do.

St Veronica

Dad spotted this cottage opposite the hospital that Mum’s in. Spooky as my Mum’s name is Veronica. I have to admit, I didn’t know there was a St Veronica. So did a bit of research. She offered her veil to Jesus so he could wipe his face on the way to the cross. And is the Patron saint of laundry workers.

Mum was a bit of a mixed bag today. Part Saint. Part very much not. Still she was calmer by the time I left to drive back to Norfolk.

I have a feeling I’m going to be putting a lot more miles on the Comedy Car. Good job I enjoy driving (though the M25 does test that sometimes).

Interesting tally

This makes me smile. I got home from the yard today and the Comedy Car tipped over to all the sixes. Even the time is pleasing.

I’ve certainly done a lot of miles since I got it in 2019. Back then it had barely done 30k miles.

It’s safely transported me round the country and only broken down once. Not bad considering it’s 12 years old.

I’ll be putting more miles on it tomorrow as I’m heading down to my parents again. Mum has taken a turn for the worst. So off to see her. And make sure my Dad is OK.

Cylinders

Good news, the Comedy Car is back. It needed a new fuel injector. So that’s 5 I’ve bought this year as I had 4 replaced on the Buddymobile.

Honestly, I can’t remember needing to have one replaced before. Now 5 in a year. Praying the other 3 keep going.

I think someone is trying to tell me something. Because both of my vehicles are considerably better now they’re firing on all cylinders. The Comedy Car has a turn of speed I haven’t experienced before. I mean, neither are going to break any land speed records, but you get my drift.

Wonder if I’m firing on all cylinders?!

Weather the storm

Blimey! That was one hell of a storm last night. I was woken up by the heavy rain, thunder and lightening. The rain was so hard I thought the skylight in the bathroom was going to smash. Not what you need at 12:15.

The air was much clearer this morning. And so was my head. The Comedy Car was delivered to the garage first thing. Should be sorted in a few days. And not it didn’t cost as much as I feared. So that’s another thing off the list.

The clouds were ominous this evening while I was at the yard. It felt rather Autumnal.

I’m sure there will be many more storms to weather. Right now, I seem to be weathering this one. Let’s hope the metaphorical ones are done for a while.

Car trouble

Well this isn’t how I thought I’d spend my Friday. Sat at Birchanger Services waiting for a recovery vehicle. The Comedy Car is poorly. And I’m rather fed up after 3.5 hours of waiting so far.

At least I have access to a toilet, food and I was able to charge my phone in the Ramada hotel. The staff in there were lovely. Well I did walk in in tears.

So was the first garage I tried. Was driving down the M11 when the engine warning light came on and I lost oomph. Let’s face it, there’s not much oomph to start with. Pulled off but mechanic couldn’t sort it. So headed to Birchanger to hang out and wait for recovery. It’s going to be a long day me thinks.

I was en route to my parents for my Mum’s 80th birthday lunch tomorrow. Let’s hope I get home soon.

Beat the heat

Up early today to beat the heat and meet Katie over at Blickling. We were in the saddle by 9:45am. And I’d mucked out before driving there. First time I’ve beaten Katie there. The traffic was very kind. Well for me.

There are so many paths through the woods, that for the most part, we were in the shade. It was blissfully cool in there.

The humidity soon started to build though so headed back for an afternoon of meeting. Then back to the yard as Buddy had the farrier. It was much cooler so decided to poo-pick his field.

Turns out, it wasn’t as cool as I thought. My brain was obviously a bit fried. I spent 10 mins looking for my car keys. Feared I’d dropped them in a field. Only to find them sitting on my car seat. With the windows open. Good job the yard is in a safe area. Though not sure there are many people who’d want to steal the Comedy Car.