Eventful May Day - Doctors - Car - Cold

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I had a successful 10 minutes with Dr. Barrett just after 9am - most things going well - and then I took the car in for Service. When Steve at the Garage rang to say it was ready, he confirmed my suspicions that the automatic gear-box is almost at the end of its useful life and could let us down at any time. It has been snatching and 'hunting' for a few months and he said that to replace it would be more than the value of the car.

So, straight to the crux - we have bought another one. The Toyota Yaris Verso shown above.

Slightly unusual looking I suppose but it could have been designed for the job. It stands 2 feet higher than the Civic and is so easy for me to get into and out of. The height allows my 'wheels' to stand vertically in the rear which obviates the need to collapse flatten the rear seats. The front doors are as wide as our present car and Y has always wanted to have a 4 door so that, when we carry passengers, she doesn't have to clamber into the back. As an Estate Agent might say, it is suprisingly spacious. We are taking delivery a week on Monday. No doubt I shall think of other things to tell you about it.

Y has been working very hard cleaning up the garage. She started the task this morning before it was decided to purchase a new inmate. Precognition perhaps ?


The snap on the left is another good old Basil Rooting. This one, when potted up, is for Roy and will be going around with them in the Caravan.

While I was at it I decided to root a spare which can replace one of our own ageing plants. I am also germinating some seed because new plants from seed often seem more robust.

You will be interested in the latest news from the Great Tit nesting box at Burton Joyce. So far, 4 have hatched but I don't have a picture to share yet !






My responses to your previous comments

Yvonne .... So pleased things are going well with the Lib/Dems and the fact that your decision was prior to their resounding success over the Gurkhas. Nick Clegg's decision to ride shotgun for Joanna Lumley was inspired. And she wasn't 'a Joanna cum lately' because her father was an Officer in a Gurkha Regiment.

For once it seems that the Press are united - Red Tops join Broad Sheets in their praise, and their disgust at the mean-spirited actions of the Government.

Bob ...... Interesting that Earl Grey's vary. Could you recommend one as not to heavy on the bergamot ?

Rob .... It is always pleasant when you turn up on the blog with a pungent point or a Haiku, or a report fromn the Sports desk.

The bottom left 'collage' picture that you mentioned was taken looking over the valley as you drive from Elton towards Gratton. The guy on the ridge looked like The Monarch of the Glen, albeit facing in the wrong direction.

The EPS Annual Exhibition, shown on Thursday evening was of a very high standard in my opinion with varied and lively content. I enjoyed seeing your pictures, and Elaines whose B & W portraits bore up really well.

As always, thanks for the poetry. Great news that Carol Ann Duffy is to be the new Poet Laureate. She is a fine poet, with a light lyrical style but she hits targets too. An excellent thing to have a woman in the post for the first time.

Jill ..... Re Radio 7. You CAN get it via Sky, or online, but ideally you need a DAB radio. They don't broadcast at all on FM so the question of frequency is not applicable.

I apologise for accusing you of not opening links ! In any case, the blog isn't compulsory - it is supposed to be a light entertainment. I was quite out of order.

I enjoyed 'Suggestica'. You really couldn't invent these gems.

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Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow


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