Start your engines................

So work is on hold for 6 weeks while I devote (?) myself to being the main carer to the Son & Heir. The fact that my unpaid leave started the day before the First Test against India is purely intentional. The vague petrol smell around Arthur has disappeared, and although the warmer weather insists on melting the glue holding the headlining up, all is ready for out first trip of the summer. He's running well & looking good.

Just me & Stu off to a place called Coopers Farm in Edale. Was recommended by Richie, a fellow T25er who blogs here under the name "Travellin'Van". Worth a read and some great photos. Apparently, it's very near a good real ale pub, a good cafe & it turns out that it's only 27 miles from my door. Was thinking of a trek to Shell (suit) Island near Harlech but that's a couple of hundred miles round trip & if I really wanted to watch/listen/despair of chavs revving up their Saxos and Corsas at night, there's plenty of that round Manchester. Probably being really unfair to Shell Island (it was fantastic during the day) but I've only been once & that was 100% my experience at night. Combine that with Liverpool being on the telly in the bar (Europa 5th place losers cup or something) and me being unable to refrain from making ill-judged comments within the earshot of dull-witted mickeys. They wouldn't even Calm Down, Calm Down when I suggested it to them. Peasants..................no hurry to go back.

Anyway, we're off first thing in the morning for a couple of nights - as much a recce for later visits with Ann (my beautiful wife) if I'm honest but I've got a stack of books, San Miguel & wine to get through so that's that. Will pack Arthur in the morning, call on my mum in Glossop on the way out & will report back later in the week.

Speaking of my mother, a question to my legions of non-existent readers. I seem to be starting lots of sentences recently with "Is it just me or....." so here we go:

Is it just me or do you have conversations with elderly relatives that go:

Relative: Do you remember so & so?

Me:  No

Relative:  Oh yes, you do. You were at primary school with them/their sister/brother, they lived 3 doors up the road, they worked with your dad on the cables...................(delete as applicable)

Me: That was over 35 years ago

Relative:  Anyway, they died, had a grandchild, got 12 years for kiddy fiddling.................(as above)

...............& then when I either express my total disinterest or do a pisspoor job of pretending to be interested, it's MY fault.

Answers on a postcard please

Cool Runnings

All been a bit quiet really. Powerflex bushes & new shocks fitted - cheers Paul - & while not silky smooth, the difference made by a functioning suspension is noticeable, if only for the lack of oohs, aahs & various other moans from the passenger seat. Can now drive over leaves & small twigs without triggering full Princess & the Pea mode.

Got our wristbands for Blackpool Breeze 16-18th September and looking forward to VWNW at Tatton Park on 7th August. Might even get on the South Manc VW Club stand so major clean needed. Oh, I am a lazy bastard.

Just remembered, the hot weather last weekend (remember that, summer, eh, what, garlic bread, can you remember, Peter Kay, oh never mind) - it melted the glue holding the lining carpet onto the roof panel so I had to re-stick/re-fit all that. Instructions say to use in a well ventilated area but wheres the fun in that?  Didn't need wine that night....................