Second best

Yesterdays trip up to Manchester was tiring - 240 miles there and back with a few hours sorting out while we were there.

Finally sorted arrangements of the father-in-law's car - some negotiation required but now sorted.

Soon after he bought his treat to himself, a BMW 1 series convertible, we bought him a registration number for him to cherish and to remember his wife who passed away six years ago. Mum's name was Enid and he Alf, and so, on seeing EN10 ALF, we bought it for his birthday. He loved this because despite his health problems, he saw this every time he got in his car.

He left the car to Gail's sister. Having bought the, Gail said she wanted the number plate back if the car was sold. Fortunately for us, the car is entirely unsuitable, so we managed to buy the car instead.

I have spent all morning washing, vacuuming and polishing it. Later Gail took it out for a drive, top down. She came back with the biggest smile I have seen for many months. I'm glad we got this sorted, despite warranty and road tax running out requiring an MOT to boot.

There will be many chances to blip the new car, so, this is the old car.