Classic Mojo

Well more loss of Blip Mojo, an annual event for me around this time of year. My apologies to all for my lack of commenting etc.

Got so worried about it that I went to my GP early evening, convinced that my last blood test about three weeks ago must have revealed some serious lack of essential cadmium, lead or another such essential mineral that people of my age were bought up on.

(NB: Bavarian TV is currently running a theme week about the "68er" Generation and while I was at 14  just a bit too young to call myself a "68er" rebel student, somehow feel tied to that time. There have been some wonderful documentaries about the protests, the music, the fashion etc. Almost seems like we are at a point to need to resurrect some of that spirit - democracy, women's rights, capitalism, anti-war. While I do use, like and appreciate today's anonymous social networking, I do think we could do with some non-violent, large scale, protest marches that actually make our leaders fearful - as did the recent anti-gun rallies organised by the youth of the USA which sadly has now been lost in the Twitter storm of porn stars, Russian meddling etc.)

Sorry - back to reality - doctors in Germany have recently been called to open their surgeries for more hours a week to combat waiting lists. I think aimed at the specialists but also requires GPs to do so. The health bodies want them to open to increase from 20 to 25 hours a week, Our GP surgery still shows officially they are open 15 hours a week on four days - Mo, Tu, Th, Fri, four mornings and Mo & Th evening.

I have until now only ever reckoned with a 5 to maximum 30 minutes waiting time but as I walked in today, 15 minutes before official opening time and saw all the 20 odd chairs in the waiting room full, I walked out. The receptionist reckoned my blood test didn't look too bad but I am still concerned something is missing, so may try Friday morning.

I had to go to Memmingen in the morning as I got a call yesterday evening from the DIY store that my lawn tractor was working again. Turned out that they had got the electrical diagram from the manufacturer and started a search. Took about 90 seconds. A connector at the key starter had come adrift. A bit annoying that the mechanic two days ago hadn't taken my "suggestion" of removing the petrol tank (2 screws) to have a clear view of almost all the wiring as I am sure we would have seen it. Never mind, at least the two guys there were very friendly and helpful, if perhaps not the very best technically. A smile and helpful manner can make things seem much better.

I went past the Classic Car site I posted two days ago with its empty forecourt but saw that my criticism must have got broadcast or someone stole and sold my data. Today the forecourt was brimming with cars. So I had to Blip them for you and reward the owners for reacting rather than simply making a meaningless apology for their poor showing.

The Brits were out in force too. My daughter dreams of an old VW camper van, my son could do with a REAL Mini so that he can appreciate what we 68ers were brought up on, The German Ford Taunus  (name was used from 1939-1994) was a classic and Ford UK was to adopt the style for the Cortina model from 1962-1982 as Ford tried to streamline its European operations.

My car is the Jaguar and I am looking for a sponsor to buy it for me but they will also need to give me a full time, competent mechanic and a warehouse of spare parts to keep the beauty on the road at least for 2 or 3 months a year.

None of the cars had any prices or details shown. Looks like they are almost all re-imports from other countries - the VW camper seems to be from South Dakota, the Mini and Jag from Italy.

Finally, a lovely evening dog walk in Ottobeuren. Met a young Lehla border collie and Luna was almost quite sociable with her. Flash, of course, was his normal gentleman and simply took a passing look before going to the young lady owner and demanding a cuddle. The owner had been raised as a child on Pekinese dogs until her late teens but then when the last one died, she didn't have a dog for several years as a student but had recently thought it was time to have a new pet. I did remark on the strange choice of border collie and she smiled and shrugged her shoulders. She clearly is enjoying the experience and fully into classes and all that.