Tuesday

Morning, my lovelies!  We've had some unexpected rain here overnight, more than just a short shower by the looks of it.  I'm pleased about that.

It just wasn't my day yesterday!!!

Firstly, surprise, surprise, the car didn't have its MOT/service.  To be fair, not their fault this time - the place that they use couldn't do petrol MOTs because the emissions testing machine thingy had broken down.  I suppose it could have had the service but it would have had to go back again anyway so there didn't seem much point really.   I had to chuckle that they are 'waiting for the part they need.'  😂

Third time lucky - next Monday when, it is to be hoped, the machine will have been repaired.  I need to have the MOT more than the service really.

Never mind, thought I, I'll pop into town on the bus anyway and have a talk to the Franklin's people as planned.  So I did.  And guess what - Franklin's is closed on Mondays.  

I really should have checked!

Oh, well, good for the step count!

I came home and consoled myself by getting Beth's loaf into the oven (it rose beautifully) and then using some garden tomatoes and cucumber (plus other ingredients) to make a nice jug of gazpacho that will do me a few days.

They say troubles come in threes so maybe I should have expected something else.  Come the afternoon, Beth's sourdough loaf was cooling down so I messaged to say 'can I bring it over now' and drove over, pulled up outside her flat and . . . the handbrake wasn't working.  The button that your thumb presses in had jammed close and the brake was 'floppy' with no bite, if you know what I mean.  I left the car in gear and went in to Beth's where she helped me phone the RAC (my poor hearing, you see).

Four-ish hours later, along came a very nice repair man who removed the cover to the button which had broken and jammed (the cover, I mean).  And that was all it was.  I can use the handbrake as it is, no problems.  So maybe it is just as well that the service didn't happen today - they can sort it out next Monday when the car is in anyway.

However, I am glad . . .

that the service was cancelled (again) because the handbrake was probably a problem in waiting, I can still drive the car and they can sort it out next week - I don't have to make any special arrangements.

that I realised it had broken outside Beth's home so I could just go in and wait in comfort.

that it didn't happen at home because I am not sure I have home breakdown included - I must check.

that it was safe to keep driving because I guess it jammed when I released the brake to set off to Beth's and I drove on oblivious.

that I didn't have to stop in a dangerous place such as a roundabout or a motorway and it wasn't dark or raining or . . . you get the idea.

And I am very glad that  there are organisations like the RAC.  Yes, I had to wait but given the situation I knew I wasn't a priority.  I have the service next week but they could have arranged repairs if I had needed it.  Peace of mind is a wonderful thing.

And, finally - it made me realise how lucky I am to have a car and how much I will miss it when the times comes to no longer be able to drive, one way or another.

(all that pondering out of a simple handbrake malfunction - I am feeling reflective today, obviously!)

Let's hope today holds a bit less 'excitement'.  Please . . .

Regarding the beef tomato, I thought I might use this recipe (probably slightly adapted to work with what I have available).  What do you think?

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/couscous-stuffed-beef-tomatoes

While reading the Bernina manual on the way into town yesterday, I realised that I have been doing a few things 'wrong'.  They worked, but it's not what the manual said.   

My sewing efforts so far have not been very successful.  The dress from the pattern I bought in Rye that I used the size 12 version for is way too large.  It's loose fitting but not that loose!!
And Chris' dress that I attempted to take a pattern from - nope!

Thank goodness I was using old sheeting.

Oh, well, it's kept me busy and contented and I am learning things.  

Right, well, I have waffled on way too long so I will love you, leave you and get on with other social media responsibilities.  Have a great day and, please, stay cool, hydrated and remember the sun cream.  See you tomorrow.  xx