Wednesday, March 26, 2008

It might as well be Spring.

The sun is shining today, and it looks much more like Spring with a capital S. Down by the sea, yesterday and today, there was evidence of the rough weather we had at the weekend. Two beach huts had been blown to pieces, literally, and had had their contents strewn across Hove Lawns. There were bits of roof, doors, sun loungers, deck chairs and assorted personal items all around - looking rather sad. The roof of one hut had buried itself in the grass, so must have landed with quite some force. And along the sea wall buttresses of shingle had built up on the sea side, with islands of pebbles and shells thrown over onto the Promenade side. There was an empty Lobster Pot marooned on the beach, just the one, and great hillocks of shingle had barricaded the steps. That's about as much drama as we like in Hove - and now the sea is looking very well-behaved again, with sun sparkling on the little waves and seagulls strutting about as if they own the place, just as normal.

I heard a very funny comment on Terry Wogan this morning - though I'm sure it wasn't intended to be. The subject was drivers who are ignoring the signs of tiredness - like yawning! I do wonder who they are talking to sometimes. Hands up those of you who don't know that yawning is a sign of tiredness. Give me strength!

I'm off in a minute (when I can screw up the courage) to look at a couple of cars for sale. I need to change my ancient Fiat Punto (13 years old) for a newer model. I'm sure that not all second hand Car Dealers are crooks, but as I have become pretty much invisible as I've got older, I may need some moral support, or something to make me more visible (lipstick?). I have asked one of my male BBFs to come along and give it the once over if I find anything I like. Heaven knows if that will make any difference, but I'll feel better about it I think. Wish me luck..

16 comments:

aims said...

You know - the invisible part might not be a bad thing when it comes to buying a car...they don't see you coming - and that way you can outsmart them.....think about it!

Now - you know I would dearly love to see the huts all smashed up and the sea looking so calm...

Which made me think - we need some pics...we definitely do...please?

Dusty Spider said...

There are some nice car dealers out there, no really - there are. It's always a good idea to get a second opinion though from someone who hasn't fallen in love with the colour!! Have fun. Did you take any pictures of the beach huts or the wild seas you've had lately? Would love to see some. Flick xx

family affairs said...

good luck with the car hunt - I'm in same position but can't bear the thought of being sold something I know nothing about....now there's a thought, perhaps I should make my next boyfriend a car expert .. Jeremy Clarkson? No. Maybe not. Thanks for your comments, yes, you shouldn't go away for so long, I lost the plot completely!

Donna said...

I buy all the cars in our family...I go alone. It once took me 8hrs to buy a Miata and get the interest rate to 6%. The guy was SO tired of me, by 6pm, he was willing to sign over his first born!lol....give 'em hell sweetie!!lolol

A Mother's Place is in the Wrong said...

Thank you Aims - as ever a good idea. I'll have to borrow Daughter's digital camera. Let's hope it will be worth it! M xx

Funnily enough, Flick, the Car Dealer I went to see was actually very nice! I was amazed. And the car looked pretty good too. I'm going back tomorrow for a test drive. Photos - see above - I'll do my best. M xx

Thanks Lulu, I never had problems with this kind of thing before - but the dealer was very pleasant so maybe he's a good egg! M:)

Oh Donna, I should have your strength of character. I'm going back tomorrow to have another look. M xx

Rob Clack said...

I try not to trust car vendors - I've been ripped of too many times by guys that seemed entirely trustworthy.

LloydsTSB have a secondhand car dealership for their customers, and a friend got a good deal there, but the only location I know is Birmingham, which is hardly convenient for you. Maybe there's one near London. 'Course, I don't know who you bank with.

I went with her, so the salesman just spoke to me (natch), but she did the test-drive and made the final decision. She bought the car 4 years ago and is still pleased with it.

In my early days of motorcycling, I always took a more knowledgeable friend when buying a bike, just to have someone else there for moral support and extra knowledge. I've done the same since for less experienced friends.

Bearing all previous paragraphs in mind, take an experienced friend with you. Male might be better simply because the salesperson will probably (sadly) take him more seriously.

Maggie May said...

I think its always best to take a male with you when choosing a car. Some dealers look on women as an easy touch. Its OK if you know the subject well.

The beach hut drama with the sea conjured up quite a scene in my mind's eye! I wonder if they were insured against this? In the south beach huts cost almost as much as a small house!

Pig in the Kitchen said...

Good luck with the car hunting, always a good idea to take some testosterone along with you!
Pigx

A Mother's Place is in the Wrong said...

Thank you Rob, I did go back with a friend, but didn't have a handy male, so took a female. Good advice though - I'm deciding today. M xx

Thanks Maggie, it's great having all this support, and it really helps. It's true that Beach Huts here cost around £9,000! Heaven knows if they're insured, but they're only glorified garden sheds and obviously not very strong! M xx

Hello Pig, and welcome. I didn't have any testosterone handy so took a female friend. But she is the incisive type!. Have visited you and love your Blog. I'll be back! M xx

Casdok said...

Terry Wogan cracks me up sometimes!!

A Mother's Place is in the Wrong said...

Oh Casdok, doesn't he just. It's the only way to start the day. M :)

Milla said...

Hey, I'm so tuoched to be on your blog roll (have not been on line for a few days and have a bit of catching up to do). Thanks for that. I only have my husband on mine as I'm so rubbish at the adding "extras" bit and he did it for me. Hmmm. Blossom is a goodie. "Met" her on Country Living when a load of us entered a competition which went spectacularly wrong. Good luck with the car. Sadly, in my experience, car dealers are the last bastion of MCPiggery. Perhaps they can tell I should have been born blonde!

Potty Mummy said...

Good luck with the car purchase. Lipstick could work - though best kept to your mouth, I would think...

Anonymous said...

There aren't many car dealers that take women seriously! They see you coming, rub their hands together and get out the calculator. Lots of haggling and a bit of walking away.

Crystal xx

Mean Mom said...

Love the sunset picture. I wouldn't have the confidence to buy a car alone, but if my husband wasn't available (highly unlikely, if I'm spending such a large amount of his money!), I wouldn't hesitate to take certain of my friends with me! A few of them can be stroppy, if crossed! Hope you get a good car, at a good price.

A Mother's Place is in the Wrong said...

Apologies to you all for not replying sooner:

Hi Milla, lovely to see you again -and you're welcome. I'm going to be doing proper links next - I hope! The car's in the bag - or nearly. M :)

Potty Mummy - yeeess... I'm a bit hopeless when it comes to working that one out! M :)

Thanks Crystal - I did manage to get a good deal, by default I think. Looking forward to driving it though. M x

Hi Mean Mom - and thanks for visiting. I think I did OK - my BBFs here seem to be happy with it.
I'll try and put a picture on when I collect the car next week. M xx
PS. Thanks - it was the most fantastic sunset :0)