When you’re single you have no back up!
Bluebell was taxed last year but the MOT just passed me by and so I was lucky my nephew could fit her into his garage today at very short notice.
By the end of the day , she was serviced and MOTeed and was sitting proudly in the drive at the end of the garden , a constant friend in my 61st year.
On reflection I have underestimated just how much she has been a good mate to me these past five years, and only very occasionally has she let me down.
This week is a case in point, not only do I have to nights to commute to, I’ve got John Cooper Clarke to go and see at venue Cymru and The Kite Runner is on stage at the Storyhouse. In Chester on Friday .
No car
No social life.
No work
No life
Anyhow it’s Interior Design Masters tonight on tv.
Which is camp as Christmas
I’ve made macaroni cheese for tea, with onlyRoger in tow, Mary has been loaned out to Trendy Carol’s Hubby again today.
Ah, John Cooper Clarke, a favourite of mine since the late 70s. Hopefully he'll perform Beasley Street for you.
ReplyDeleteI had a red reminder that I hadn't paid my car tax last week. Getting forgetful or too much going on. Glad Bluebell is still doing her(?) thing - you'd be scuppered without a car living in Trelawnyd.
He’s a delightful poet, and character
DeleteI'm sure you'd still have a social life, work and a life without a car, it would just be a little more inconvenient! I speak as a non driver. Mind you, I live in a town and am well served by buses and trains. I concede it must be much more difficult in a small, rural village. xx
ReplyDeleteMany parts of Wales are like this. John would still have his village friends, yes, but work and a life = doubtful. Even buying food would be difficult. I've met many people who have underestimated the difficulties of living in rural Wales, as well as the expense.
DeleteNot only rural Wales. I live 3.5 miles from my nearest food shop with zero bus service.
DeleteWithout a car , I could not get to work at all… there are just two busses a day to prestatyn which has a rail line , so taxis would have to be used . Social life would be non existent outside the village HH , AND it would mean no cinema for me
DeleteI appreciate that, John. That's why I could never live in a rural area. Without decent public transport, I'd be a prisoner in my own home. I merely meant that, where there's a will and all that, you would have those things, but it would be difficult. Didn't mean to stir up a hornet's nest! xx
Deleteveg artist - buying food is not difficult in a rural area, supermarkets deliver to rural places. There are also many other food deliveries available, we have a butcher who delivers from his shop 14 miles away, an organic veg box delivery every week, the nearest pharmacy (again 14 miles away) delivers prescriptions.
DeleteThe next village has a car share scheme. During 10 years of living in a rural area there isn't anything we haven't been able to get.
I agree it’s harder to get things, not impossible, but it is harder
DeleteI would be in the same boat as you. My job entails me driving to client's houses and I live rurally so can drive quite long distances to get there. Without my car I would have no job and no way of shopping (despite having a local supermarket... it's useless) and buses are a joke and no trains that come to my town any longer. My social life wouldn't change... I don't have one... I don't do friends.
ReplyDeleteIt worries me when Bluebell finally has to retire, I cannot, at the moment afford a new car
DeleteSame here, I am having electrical problems with my car that don't appear easy to find. I don't care about random warning lights coming on as my car is serviced every 10 000k or 6months whichever comes first. But I have to unhook the battery everytime I leave it in case the bloody alarm goes off! It's a pain in the proverbial I can tell you.
DeleteAfter my truck broke down 4 times after husband died , in less than 5 months. I got something a bit more reliable. Sense of relief knowing I don't have to call a brother to "help". Makes a person feel less helpless. Bluebell is a beauty as well.
ReplyDeleteI am so lucky to have a nephew who looks after my car …..
DeleteThe GG dog loan service?
ReplyDeleteMary has always been loaned out remember hattie used to pick her up regularly x
DeleteI try to initiate conversations with every dog walker I encounter on my walks in the hope that over time there is a possibility of my being an alternate dog walker for them. I really cannot have a dog at this particular time, but I hope to adopt a dog once my life is more settled.
DeleteNina
It's shocking how dependent we all are on cars, but the fact is that many people, like yourself, are reliant on cars given the inadequacies of public transport. Those who call for us to give up our cars simply don't live in the real world.
ReplyDeleteI loved living in Sheffield and used the bus to get to work and the tram for social life transport , but I live in an area without any adequate transport coupled with the fact it’s a rural area ….where to buying anything means car journey or planning on line
DeleteAlthough we are retired we both run a car, I have thought (lazily) that perhaps I should sell mine but, a very big but, after fifty three years of driving I fear my independence would suffer also Hisnibs thinks both cars are his and is loath to share his. I might add that mine is the newer sporty runaround and I love it so it stays😉. You have some great outings lined up, enjoy John Cooper Clark, personally not seen him but have seen The Mersey Sound poets over the years. Enjoy yourself. Jan in Castle Gresley
ReplyDeleteI love the fact he can laugh at himself and at others
DeleteHaving a reliable car is key. I also live where nothing is walking distance. The rural community suits not everybody.
ReplyDeleteBluebell is a star. Mary must be enjoying her second home with Trendy Carole and her husband. Roger gets all your attention, for now.
It’s also teaching him to be more self reliant
DeleteMy car is due to go in for servicing but I need to have her. I have seven large supermarkets within about a two mile radius but there is no way I could walk to even the closest one. I try to get out every day to walk the supermarket isles, leaning on the shopping cart for a little exercise. Also it is the only time I come in contact with other people. I have zilch social life. Without my car I would probably have to go into a home and that is not going to happen. I would rather die. So my car Snowflake is my life. It is nice Mary is getting some attention on her own at trendy Carol’s. please enjoy your upcoming events now that Bluebell is fit and ready to go.
ReplyDeleteI echo your needs, and I wish it was different , but I “ need” my cinema, my theatre, my access to trains , my access to museums
DeleteThe Kite Runner is my favorite book. You reminded me I should read it again.
ReplyDeleteOn my list linda x
DeleteWe are dependant upon our car as although we're very close to the centre of the city the bus route is a fair step from our place, the weather for 8 months (+) of the year unreliable and we're at the very top of a hill (it used to have a sign nearby saying it was the highest built on point in Wellington, but of course houses are now being perched on precipitous place as space becomes more difficult to find) do we'd have to move if we couldn't drive. Praying that will be a fair way off.
ReplyDeleteYour social life, and need for theatre and work make Bluebell a necessity, not a luxury. Long may she serve you faithfully.
Well said Virginia
DeleteBluebell was part of John’s rehabilitation into the single world, she gave him confidence and the ability to shine elsewhere. She took him to Ireland and to the theatre and to places that nursed his wounds and well as taking him safely to work and back
Lee
Are you my auntie?
DeleteLol
Pitch perfect comment
Bluebell saved me at a time I really needed saving
Hosseini writes some of the most beautiful, memorable sentences of any writer that I can think of at the moment. But, oh my god, his books break my heart. Every single of them.
ReplyDeleteI agree anonymous. The Kite Runner affected me greatly.
DeleteIt's Debby, btw. And The Mountains Echoed just about did me in, Linda. Especially in light of Afghanistan's vow to begin stoning women again. I may be a weak person, but I just cannot take the ugliness of the world at present.
DeleteI didn't read that one. I will put it on my list.
DeleteBusy day here includine grocery and library and am so very tired.
ReplyDeleteCheers that Bluebell passed her MOT and that you have such lovely plans for the week. Work, too, but that's how we pay for fun!
Hugs!
It’s cost me 400 £ too lol to get her through
DeleteYears ago, a colleague & I were living temporarily in a city 2 hrs from home while completing our post-basic RN at uni. We were sitting in my car having lunch. I mentioned how happy I was to be sitting in my car. Joanne said, of course, it's the one familiar thing you have at this time of your life. Those vehicles do become like old friends.
ReplyDeleteI am completely reliant on my car because public transport is so difficult for me. To me, a car facilitates life and living and it's so good to have one that is reliable (Bluebell's pretty colour is a bonus)
ReplyDeleteThat’s what drew her to me
DeleteYou should make up a song about Bluebell and sing it whenever you drive over to Llandudno...
ReplyDeleteRiding along in a car called Bluebell
Riding along in a car called Bluebell
Riding along in a car called Bluebell
Taking John to work! Work!
I'll have a cup of tea when I get there
I'll have a cup of tea when I get there
I'll have a cup of tea when I get there
And a Hob Nob too! Too!
Just a tease here , but YP hun, don't quit your day job! ;)
DeleteQuite lovely
DeleteNo public transport where I live, either. I am nearly 81. My car is not blue, it's a dark red Honda Accord She had 3 miles on her when I bought her. Now approaching 200,000. A few years ago. I had her in to a dealership for some repair. The person there told me, " You have got your money's worth out of that car. You need to get another! ". On a previous trip there, a new car salesman came out to my car (I was getting a light cover for inside the door.). He asked if he could buy my car?
ReplyDeleteMy answer is that I hope my little car outlasts me. I do have another vehicle that's 10 years newer, but I love my little Honda. So I hear you about Bluebell!
Can't believe I didn't say that my car is a 1996 model! Had her 28 years come April!
ReplyDeleteBluebell is over 100,000 miles god love her
DeleteWhen you’re single you might (like you) have more family and friend back up than married people n’est ce pas
ReplyDeleteI’ve always cultivated friends even when I was married
DeleteI too watched IDM last night, but only to see my neighbour Michelle. What a really weird bunch they are (apart from Michelle), that Frenchman (?) in the frilly apron is totally bonkers. However, I quite enjoyed seeing their designs; both the good and the bad.
ReplyDeleteMichelle Ogundehin I adore her as a judge
DeleteWould love her autograph
I also depend so much on a car for different needs and socialising. The most reliable car I have had was a Honda too.
ReplyDelete🚙
DeleteWhen we left California to move to Wales I parted ways with my 2006 Prius. She had 289000 miles on her and was still going strong but looked pretty worn out. We absolutely needed cars where we lived.
ReplyDeleteNow, carless, in Wales we live near a bus route and are also able to have groceries delivered. We have family to get us to appointments and, of course, we walk a lot more too.
Having a car is a necessity for many, but we are able to avoid the expense of that convenience.
Social life? We don’t have one.
May Bluebell last for many years and help you enrich your life.
weavinfool
Thank you
DeleteIt is what is sucking people out of the country into towns..and even in towns the bus service can be sketchy.
ReplyDeleteWe are lucky to have a decent seven day bus service, but after 6pm it does get a bit thinner on the ground.
Theatre would mean an overnight stay somewhere, even if the performance was relatively near. If it was in Ayr even, we might have to miss the end of the performance
Yes , that happens in Liverpool when I’m catching the train home
DeleteMost mornings on my way to work, I think of you because I cannot help but notice a small blue economy size car with a vanity license plate that says "Blubell" -- your Bluebell has an American doppelganger.
ReplyDeleteFame at last , but does it have walking dead stencils in the windows x
DeleteBluebell serves you well, does exactly what you need. A Rolls wouldn't do any better. It would help if there was local train service without walking distance of the village.
ReplyDeleteThere is , Prestatyn is 2.5 miles away which is walkable however that is at sea level and Trelawnyd is 550 feet above the coastal plain
DeleteI love that design show! I had macaroni cheese also last night. I don't drive and I don't have a social life! I remember when you wanted a name to call your new car and you decided on Bluebell. x
ReplyDeleteWe had a quiz didn’t we, ? I feel a new quiz is in order
DeleteOh! I don't remember that. A new quiz would be good!
DeleteI love the name Bluebell for your car. I have always named my cars too. Many people roll their eyes at that! It's okay. I also sometimes name my husband's vehicle but he would never call them by a name. - Jackie
ReplyDeleteIt’s the first time I have done so . My elder sister named my first car naming it The Austin Of England
DeleteYou're lucky to have your nephew who can work on your car. Hopefully, with good care, Bluebell will last a long while for you!
ReplyDeleteI am lucky he’s been a godsend
DeleteI couldn't live without a car as there is no bus service at all. Eventually I want to end up in a city on a train/metro line so that I can get to places without a car.
ReplyDeleteI think that’s sad in someways as not only the young move away from rural areas but the older people want to too
DeleteI have often thought there should be a "rent-a-dog" service. Sounds like you and Trendy Carol's husband have worked out a nice lend-a-dog situation.
ReplyDeleteHe’s already asked when the new bulldog will arrive
DeleteIf i lived closeby I'd offer my characterfull bunch x
ReplyDeleteThat’s kind Weaver, a lovely tribute. Thank u
ReplyDeleteI've never given my cars a name, but I am always happy to have my own vehicle in the drive. The loss of my car was one of the nails in the coffin of my first marriage. I will never be without my own again ... luckily she passed her MOT last month too. :-)
ReplyDelete