We were just set to drive off to Pontardawe this morning, I released the brake, and there was a car-shuddering CLUNK! I think the disc on the near side front wheel must have frozen up. Or something. Something expensive, probably.
So I drove very slowly, CLUNK! CLUNK! CLUNK!, a little way along the road with Graham peering underneath the car. That’s how we located the problem. I reversed, !KNUCL !KNUCL !KNUCL, parked the little silver beast outside the house and we had a little conference. Tomorrow I shall phone the garage, get them to come and take the car for repair and annual service, and to give me a rental car while ours is off the road.
That’s what emergency funds are for, I suppose, though it does hurt an old skinflint like me when I have to dip into them.
And I’m clean out of potatoes, too. Just as well tonight is curry night, with rice. Tomorrow it’ll be a long slow trudge down to the chippie if we can’t get some temporary wheels. Friday, we run out of routine booze. I have a bottle of brandy only just started, and an unopened bottle of vintage port, so there will be alcohol. Just not alcohol as we know it.
Alcohol and chips, eh? Doesn’t sound so bad to me.
13 responses so far ↓
Josephine // February 10, 2010 at 8:44 pm
All the essentials I would think …lol
Sorry to hear your having car trouble, doesn’t it just irk you? Think of all the chips and alcohol you could have bought
Anonymous // February 10, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Can’t think of a more wonderful menu, John. So, when does the party begin? Anything I can bring? Perhaps a few mixed, salted nuts, or maybe unsalted would be better for the bp?
Kate & Jim // February 10, 2010 at 8:52 pm
This is exactly why I always keep an extra bottle of Absolut and extra wine – in the garage. I change them up (to keep them fresh), but they’re always there. No ‘touchy’ the stuff in the garage. It’s only for emergencies.
Horrible about your car, John. It’s ‘always’ expensive.
Kate // February 10, 2010 at 8:52 pm
An old beau of mine used to say that the road signs saying “Bump” should actually say “Pmub” because that’s how it sounds when you drive over a bump.
Jim // February 10, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Your CLUNK! CLUNK! CLUNK! sound effects made me think of the “Cash for Clunkers” program that the U.S. government had last year where they gave money to people who traded in an older car for a slightly more fuel efficient new car.
(I never know if it is more accurate to call our lawmakers “incompetent but corrupt” or “corrupt but incompetent.”)
bonnie // February 10, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Description of clunks sounds like my body getting out of bed today.
novie // February 10, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Ack! I had a clunk yesterday. Took my car in today and it was a broken sway bar. There are times when I think it would be cheaper to keep a horse and buggy than a car. Good luck with yours, Mr. B.
gary rith // February 11, 2010 at 12:23 am
OH NO!
wendync // February 11, 2010 at 3:25 am
At least it happened at home, unlike my car which decided to have its battery absolutely quit yesterday with no prior warning–in a drive-thru bay at the bank. Climbing over the console to get out the passenger side is always such a graceful and ladylike maneuver.
Brigitte // February 11, 2010 at 10:08 am
I’m feeling with you! I’ve the feeling though that car repairs aren’t as expensive as they used to be 20 years ago…. Good luck!
Anonymous // February 11, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Ack!!! Best of luck on the repairs! And the rental car!!!
Hugs from the far side, ~ Sil
~ Sil // February 11, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Best of luck with the car repairs and the rental car!!! Gotta replenish those supplies!!!
Hugs from the far side,
~ Sil
Mage Bailey // February 11, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Goodness.
Like gas stations in rural Texas after 10 pm, comments are closed.