Milestone

I stopped driving in the UK when I sold my Opel Manta in 1998 having already moved to Istanbul.  With Mum and Dad living in London, it was so easy to get around on buses and underground whenever I came home - and of course Dad always drove on substantial journeys together.  Then the craziness of Istanbul, where insanity is either the cause or the cure for survival on the road became intolerable to me and finally,  I sold my my Fiat 500 in 2011, so haven't really driven since.  Consequently, I had rather lost my mojo for driving.  Till now. Last month, things being what they were, when I was here for two weeks we insured me to drive Dad's car and I started driving around the immediate area to the surgery and supermarket.  And jolly fun it was too.  Independence as sweet as when I first passed my driving test or bought my first car !! (an ancient Ford Anglia that I named "Annie").  Since coming back last week I have been preparing for this moment ......  (fanfare!!) ...... today I drove to the hospital to see Dad.  All by myself.  And back again.  On the left hand side of the road too.  Yay! A journey of only about 5 maybe 6 miles across town, but a milestone for me.


As I write this my bro and I are watching the World Cup semi final - Germany 7 : Brazil 1 .  Oops.


Ale in England #8 Bishops Finger (another ale brewed by Shepherd Neame in Faversham, Kent)  @ Alc 5.4% vol - potent stuff!