Family and cars….

Yesterday, we had arranged to spend some time with the Kenilworth Newbies, as Michael has the week off work. Maybe a little walk and a spot of lunch somewhere? In the end, we mooched about at their house for a while while we inspected various DIY jobs that Michael has got on the go, and offered our meagre advice.

We messed about in the garden, reviewing the plants and deciding whether or not they should stay or go, given the plan to re-arrange the landscape. I was floored by the rose bushes that I thought I could snip, snip, snip, but I didn’t get on very well with the secateurs. A new pair is needed, methinks! Not only that, but I need to consult my friend and neighbour, Livia, who is an expert on these things!! I mean, this just looks like a lot of twigs, doesn’t it? Where to start?

We had lunch at the Virgin and Castle in Kenilworth, which was very nice. We really enjoyed it because it was very quiet, we were served quickly and the waitress really looked after us. The boys behaved impeccably and the cider was good…..

Back at Michael and Danielle’s I rocked the baby to sleep while Danielle collected William from school; John closed his eyes and slumbered for an hour; Thomas watched a spot of TV and Michael tried to get some shuteye but was disturbed by Thomas wanting a different programme every so often.

We left all three boys on the sofa with their Mum and the goggle-box just after 4.30. We had gone tired…… oh, dear, that’s a sign of our age isn’t it?

Our plan for today was to get up early-ish (but not rush) and set off for the NEC where the Classic Car Show is being held. And I do love it when a plan comes together!! That’s exactly what we did!!

I got up and made a cuppa, taking one up to John. We sat in bed for a while, chatting. John was feeling pretty low this morning, so we talked through our situation and, although it still feels sh*t, the agony eased off a bit and we got ready to make the most of the day.

We had a great time at the show, enjoying all the cars we had known and loved in our youth and beyond; marvelling at the brilliant job of restoration some people do; and checking out the side stalls, where I bought myself some Gorilla tape. Don’t ask…..

My enjoyment came from a chat with a chap involved with Triumph Dolomites and Toledos. I used to own a Toledo and loved that car, and have been looking for one on display ever since. Regrettably, there were only Dolomites on display, but the chap we were talking to owned three Toledos. It was a very interesting chat.

John was on the hunt for someone to talk to about the problem he is currently experiencing with the Lotus. We wandered from Hall 5 to Hall 4, grabbing a Cornish Pasty lunch on the way, where we found a Lotus Elan on display. Its owner was there too, and so we had a good chat to her. “My husband, Adrian, might be able to give you some advice on your car,” she said, “come back in ten minutes or so and he should be back by then.”

We had a little tour round the rest of the hall and then went back where, sure enough, there was Adrian all ready and waiting to talk to John. Marvellous. He had some good suggestions which John will look into, I have no doubt, but one of the best suggestions was to join in with the PubLotus club where there may be someone who could physically help carry out the work. So, fingers crossed, we will get to sort it out!

We had promised to call in to Kenilworth on the way back, to collect a parcel from Michael and Danielle’s. When we arrived there was no-one home. We had an inkling where they might be, so drove round to the Green Man and had a pint with all the Kenilworth contingent – originals and newbies…… a lovely way to round off the day.

We left them all to have their evening meal together chez les Kenilworth Newbies and came home to put our feet up after a tiring day.

Take care everyone. God bless.