Soop's Kitchen Extension

Soop, just imagine that it's a dodgem. That's what my dad called his little automatic Daf - anyone remember them? When I sprained my ankle really badly he swopped cars with me - he then had an automatic Singer Vogue and I had a little red Hillman Imp. It gave me mobility until my ankle was fit to use.

Oh I can't cope with these new cars cutting out. I had two cars over the years that used to cut out at road junctions and traffic lights [my ex said I had to look at the rev counter, but I said I was actually looking at the road when I was driving] so when an engine cuts out I get palpitations . I can't reverse park; in fact I can't park [full stop]. I did once when I was late for a meal at a pub [reverse into a space, that is] and I amazed myself; that was over thirty years ago.

Memories! I too had a Triumph Spitfire but had to get rid of it as the carrycot wouldn't fit on the back ledge. Until last year I had a Mazda MX5 - loved it. I now drive a rather sedate 4xwheel drive automatic. I quite like not having to change gears any more
Congrats to Mr Lady on his award.
DD3 and her 2 wee ones arrive this afternoon so a trip to the airport. As the 16 month old has taken to mountaineering, I have spent the morning removing all temptation. Now off to make a large shepherds pie with hidden vegetables.....

Tegan I am like you, I also cannot reverse park but had to twice recently. I am not too bad provided there is not some man honking his horn because I take my time.

Soop 10 years is a long time to be "off the road" but after a couple more lessons from Mr.Soop it will be as though you have never had that gap. You have done well and are lucky to have a good teacher.

I have only driven small cars and I would not have a clue how to drive an automatic. My ex told me that is the car that I should learn to drive in as I was too stupid to learn in one with gears. I passed first time. I learned to drive just after he left so I was not in my first flush of youth.

Flop! I've come in for a bit of relaxation. I've lost my pragmatism and my mojo, which usually serves me well in trying to sell this house. Yet another viewing this morning which has left me quite jaded. I do know it will be just right for someone, some day --.

Cuppa needed. Kettle's on. Brownies soon to come out of the oven.....

OGM when I read about your parking "skills" I almost spluttered coffee all over the keyboard. I drove again this morning. It's a Fiat Bravo...and, to me, it seems far too big. Yesterday I had several attempts at what should have been a three point turn. Cannot admit to how many goes I had. . Today was better. Mr soop says that I should feel proud of myself. No doubt, with more practice, I shall gain in confidence.

tiggypiro the Spitfire was a great favourite with me. Wind in the hair...and all that. And yes, remembering NOT to use the left foot can be a little daunting at first. What I want to know is - when one needs to do an emergency stop...what happens...does the engine stall? I asked Mr soop and he says that he doesn't know the answer.

I learnt to drive in Plymouth. The hill starts were hairy. The gradient of one particular hill was more like a ski run. My worst experience was driving a Humber Hawk [belonging to a very elderly lady] with a clutch that was seriously close to the end of it's life. I was driving the car, in fog, along the narrow lanes of Devon. Was never so relieved to reach my destination.

Gracesmum I know how you feel when you say that your wee grandson has brought so much joy into your life.

Gracesmum isn't it lovely to watch them start to get what's going on when they reach their second birthday? We're still having renditions of 'happy birthday to you' a fortnight on

anno the Hillman Imp was a spirited wee car. Much to my liking.
Tegan If the car cut out on a bust road I would most probably go to pieces. Oh dear! I would get into a right royal tiz-woz.
Gally "mountaineering" is the perfect way to describe the antics of a toddler. We're also having shepherds pie for supper. Mr soop is wonderful in the kitchen.
Charleygirl for spirit and gumption galore. Well done!
ffinnochio There can be few things more trying than having a home on the market. I felt so down in the dumps when we were in your position. It came to the point when I really did not want another viewer to cross the threshold. I'll join you in a and one of your delicious Brownies if any are going spare. The aroma from the baking, is tantalisingly delicious.

when

DH passed his test (a very long time ago), bought a Spitfire the following day and wrote it off the next day.

He had an MGB (British Racing Green!!) when I met him and has periodically bought yet another.

kitty I did brush a few stray Willow twigs as I drove into the parking space. Mr soop sucked his teeth [very quietly] and I [very becomingly.

Ah - I know about bushes branches, willow twigs etc. A little furniture polish (any sort, cheaper the better) rubbed over the scratches will make them disappear. How do I know this? Don't ask

gracesmum a girl after my own heart.

That is a beautiful photo of Rory. He is definitely monarch of all that he surveys.

I was once loaned an automatic Golf and the very kind gentleman who loaned it me (whilst mine was in the garage having bodywork repair after some bloke ran into the back of me at a roundabout) told me to take my left shoe off and tuck that foot back until I got used to not using it. It worked a treat and I hated giving it back when my old Marina was returned to me!

Well done Soop! You'll be buzzing round in no time!

My very first attempt at reverse parking my little red Imp was outside the school where I taught. Why did I have to try that with most of the 6th Form boys watching? After several ironic offers of 'assistance', I threw in the towel and headed for a nearby car park. Never again outside the school.

Charleygirl it's the supercilious expression that gives him away.

Gagagran It's hard to believe that the car knows how to drive itself without too much input on my behalf. Less white-knuckle driving today. Still a wee tremor in my left foot as it remained surplus to requirements.

Oh, anno We're so alike. Long ago, I was being watched by my boss, as I attempted to park a Mitsubishi Colt in what I thought was a big enough space. He knew better. Finally so did I. I drove off and parked in a road half a mile away.

Thanks for sharing a cuppa soop.

Our rattletrap of a vehicle gets slapped in the face by willow branches (and often nettles too but they are dying back the noo) every time we go down the hill.

And as for getting slapped in the face with water... let's just say we're really glad of the fast wipers on the badly drained parts of The Road

WELL DONE, that Soop!

ffinnochio Any time you're in need of a breather, just pop in and I'll pop the kettle on. I have every sympathy with you as you try to be "perfect" in order to present your home in it's best possible light. It's unnatural, isn't it. I am so thankful that we backed down in the end. Both Mr soop and I had had a bellyful of "people looking"...I kept thinking, why don't you b*** off and leave us alone. Naughty, I know.

bags my beauty, thanks for popping by. What have you been up to? Running yourself ragged, methinks. Tut!

...you are such a tinker boots...

The worst time to try parking is when an older man [and it is always an older man] insists on waving and bellowing instructions. I can do quite well on my own but not with some bloke dancing and waving in my rear-view mirror. After one such episode, the man suggested I ask my husband to buy me a smaller car as I obviously couldn't manage a big one. I did manage to stop myself running him down.

Anyway, I need a sit down and a stiff drink. I went to see Mum today and only managed to stay 30 minutes. I felt really embarrassed to be making my excuses to the staff who are there for really long shifts. I was fine until Mum stopped talking to me and started to read the paper I had taken her and her 'friend' came and sat next to me and kept clutching my leg in a vice like grip but saying nothing.

I'm having a bit of a trying time anyway at the moment so that was the giddy limit and I was forced to call in to see DD3 and the babies on the way home. Felt better after that - Bertie kissed me better, so no doubt I'll have a cold soon too!

Finnochio I spent a great part of last year sharing my stress and worries about selling our house on GN, and don't know what I would have done without the support! I completely understand how you are feeling, but it will happen! Been here over a year now, and the nightmare has gone away. (Hugs)

Same to you, kitty (hugs, I mean)

soop you describe all I have ever felt when faced with a car type challenge.