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You see, Elle, my long distance diagnosis was bang on.
I knew the boot was an electrical problem!
Did you ask Simon about a replacement car?
You won't go far wrong with Nubucks!

Yes, Rusty, we did ask him for ideas concerning another car. Like Chris did , he said he would look out for anything suitable for us, but I think, time wise, it's down to us, to go out and actively search.
Chris has offered to check out anything that we might find.
Simon suggested maybe a 1600 Ford Focus Estate? We've never had a Ford car...what are your views on that?
I fancy a Volvo. but they mostly run on diesel these days, don't they? and both mechanics don't recommend diesel unless you are using your car a lot to drive long distances. We only use it as a 'runabout', mostly, so apparently a petrol-driven car would be better.
(All this means nothing to me!)
Did you see on the News that the parole board is recommending that Oscar Pistorius be released in August? After only serving 10 months of a five-year sentence, he is to be released for good behaviour?
Where is the justice in that?

Hello, Elle!
I have only ever had one Ford and that was a Cortina a heap of years ago. Fine car.
I am not sure about petrol driven Volvos.
Volvo has a good reliable reputation, though.
I like Japanese cars, and German ones.
If you get a 2/3 year old car at a reputable garage you should do OK.
I don't know what is going on with Pistorius.
Seems a short time. I did not rate the judge in that case.
I feel very sorry for Reeva's family.
The state have some kind of appeal going on.
As I understand it, they want a murder conviction.
We shall see!

"A heap"
I don't mean the Cortina was a heap.
I should have put "a lot of years ago"
The Cortina was a good car!

It's ok, Rusty, I did understand what you meant!
A much cooler day, although a weak and watery sun is shining. Apparently, we're only going to hit a high of 14 degrees today.
Hope it's warmer where you are?
The car is running ok, altho' it feels like the sword of Damocles is hanging over our heads with regard to the boot!
I'm away to get my hair cut shortly - at least we have the car back in time as it would take two buses and a walk to get to my hairdressers!
Got anything planned for today?

Hello, Elle!
A fine morning here.
"get my hair cut shortly"! I like that! Double meaning!
On your way home you can look for your new car?
My only plan is to visit my eldest granddaughter.
She is cat-sitting for my son while he and family are in England for a few days.
She invited me for a coffee, so that's fine.
How are you and that fine chap, Thomas Atkins, getting on?

Hi everyone,

Rusty, I think you are having more or less the same type of weather as some close friends of mine; they live in Hawkshead (Cumbria) and we ' Spyke ' each other every evening -(and discuss crosswords amongst other things!).

Thus from their comments and yours re. weather conditions, I see a lot in common. Presumably you are not located too far from them?

Good morning, Pigale!
"Spyke", is it? That is new to me, Pigale!
I shall ask the young ones. They do their best to haul me from the Dark Ages!
No, Hawkshead is a good bit further South from me.
Several hours driving.
I live in Dundee, on Tayside, Scotland.
Beautiful day, now!
i used to sometimes buy gear from the Hawkshead Outdoor catalogue company.
Good gear at sensible prices!
How is the weather in France?

Ooops!
Sorry, Pigale, did you mean to type "Skype"?
If so, I have heard of it but never used it.
I hear it is very good though!

Morning to you Rusty - ~Am afraid my fingers played tricks on me, I meant 'Skype' and not Spyke! No wonder it was new to you!

I did not realise Hawshead had an outdoor gear company - my friends never mentionned it. I know of the links with Beatrix Potter, and I also know by name all the pubs...., ! I guess they view this as priority information and it will be if/when I go there. But we normally see each other here, since they own a house just ten metres away from my place.

Weather here very nice but rather cool because of North East wind, hence temperature does not feel more than 20/22. When protected from wind it probably reaches 25/26, which is nice. Due to increase tomorrow I think.

In this Centre area of France, we can either be the hottest or the coldest part of the country. The River Loire (only 12 miles away) has a great influence on our weather and we seem to be in the centre of a small circle with conditions of our own.

Glad to know you are having good weather!