The Beast is causing trouble at the moment. Having managed an entire season with no major disasters he has proven his worth, and is now seeing how far he can push his luck. I will add that much of this is not his fault, but in the interests of fairness it is only partially our fault, so he will have to take at least some of the blame.
As we are currently in the deep, dark depths of the off season we’re using the consecutive festival-free weeks to get as many big jobs done in the van as we can. This happens to involve lots of outdoor, routine stuff like oil changes which are fine when it’s lovely and warm, but frustrating in subzero temperatures. This was probably what led to the wrong nut coming off the bottom of the engine, causing two other pieces of engine to drop out with it. In normal temperatures this would have been no more than bothersome, but with the cold and the rapidly fading daylight it became a bit of an issue, which was probably why they went back in the wrong way round.
This was later fixed, after many phone calls and a neatly scheduled visit by the brother who knows about cars (and associated family) along with one of those magnets on a stick. We then all went to the playground to celebrate.
The van, perhaps upset because he didn’t get to go on the swings, has now decided not to start. I don’t really blame him. It’s very cold. We will have to get him sorted this weekend. we have a fair idea what the problem is, but it’s another job on the list that comes with owning an old food van. Characterful, charming and iconic, but challenging. Like the French edition of star wars monopoly, or the cast of Corrie trying to do a wheelie in a milk float.
Aside from these minor issues the winter is progressing well. We have now got the fridge, due to be unboxed over the weekend and installed as soon as we work out how to get it into the van. The shiny new lino floor is being trodden in and the gas door; former objet d’arte on loan to our hallway, is once again a gas door. I have made the executive decision to stop worrying and enjoy the snow, because it’s pretty, and according some of the more sensationalist news outlets consumed on the day job this will be the last weekend before snow-driven anarchy sets in.
Here it is. We're all very excited about the unboxing. Plus this thing is huge so must have loads of special features.
i’m appalled that you haven’t made a comment about the fish on the box.
Love the fire-breathing fish that is apparently moving at superluminal velocity.