Stiff parts, the joy of music, and sugar rush in blackpropaganda

For many years I took my car to a local garage to be looked at when something needed doing - or more likely when I was concerned that to my unpracticed eye something seemed wrong. It was great to just call in and get something sorted.

he went out of business as cars needed more sophisticated diagnostic equipment - and less servicing - and I have to go to the main dealers now - both of which are over twenty miles away - no good for just calling in.

I have been noticing over the last few weeks that the gear lever of one of the cars was getting stiffer and stiffer to use - and SW... had real problems using it ( no sniggers at the back of the class please). I tried one of the local big garages which does all makes and there was no chance of looking at it - and then SW... remembered someone down the road - small independent garage. I took it in on Tuesday morning - no problem he would look at it - and I picked it up this morning - all done! he explained what was wrong and what he had to do - and the coast was just for the labour - well worth it.

So my gear lever is freed up - I can manipulate it without using all my muscles - and I feel good!!!!!! What a result.

I shall not mention Ukraine - now that is a real mess - and Putin has the West by the short and curlies - and is pulling hard.

Meanwhile life goes on here with a great concert in the city yesterday lunchtime - what a joy to listen to a concert of about 50 minutes - great playing - uplifting - and just get on a train and come home. I can recommend retirement when you can do things like that. I have also worked out now how you never pay the full price at Pizza Express with vouchers - which makes things even more worthwhile. You certainly enjoy a concert having had lunch with a 250ml glass of red wine.

Latest food scare - we eat too much sugar - well fancy that - I have not had a Coke for years and have witness how fizzy drinks make kids hyper. Still, I am not giving up the sugar I have in coffee - and did you know there is very little in a glass of red wine!!!!

and lots of sugar here - fingerlickin' good