I've got the power ....

…steering! After 11 years of huffing and puffing, I’ve finally got power…steering! My new car has arrived. It is not a Mercedes or another flash car, but after all those years of driving around the cobbles of Yorkshire with a (now) battered Fiat Punto, this seems like a Limo to me! For most of you, probably power-steering, air-conditioning, air-bags and even Bluetooth might be taken for granted but for me it’s sheer luxury! A couple of tears shed at the thought of my old car being scrapped have been quickly replaced by the euphoria of talking on the phone hands-free just at the click of a pushbutton and parking without wrenching my right shoulder! My daughter – enthusiastic as usual – has even given her – the car, female of course! – her name: Celeste, like our favourite colour, sky-blue!

(PS: The Man In Purple behind the car is my lovely "Baby" Boy!)

STOP PRESS! My car is saved!

Just a quick post to announce that my super mechanic Peter has performed another of his technical miracles and managed to save my little Punto!!! Apparently it wasn’t the cam belt to have snapped but a pulley and although he had to change the cam belt itself as well, the valves were fine and the engine as well, so the car can keep on running a few more months (touch wood!!!) and I might have the time to look for another suitable vehicle! Unfortunately knowing me, I’ll forget about all this and I will find myself in the same situation in a few months!!!

I need one of these ...

…and possibly the big one. My car broke down last Sunday in the middle of a busy road in the centre of York (of course, it has to be a busy road in the centre of York!) whilst I was taking my daughter to Sunday school. I thought I was doing my good deed of the day but apparently Him above thought differently. I was towed back by a very amused AA man who was so pleased to tell me that the cam belt has napped and that my little Punto, being already so old, was over and done with! What? Old? My lovely little silver Punto? My lovely faithful little car I’ve had for longer that my lovely daughter? I was not ready to hear this. Especially because I cannot afford a new one right now.

Anyway, now the little car is at our local garage awaiting a verdict. I have to say that I’m not passionate for cars and I would happily do without one if I didn’t live in a Yorkshire village where the public transport has been reduced to one (usually overcrowded) bus per hour (if any) that takes you in the centre of York, rather far from my usual supermarkets. My local shops are an overpriced Co-op and an even more expensive farmer’s shop where last time I had lunch I found a living slug in my salad and that put me off it for life! So whilst I’m waiting for Peter the mechanic’s verdict I’m contemplating a Tesco or Asda home delivery…What an enticing prospect!!! And the kids’ extra-curricular activities have to wait until this week. Wish me luck!