So, the car went off to the recommended mechanic – the one my usual garage suggested as they lacked the specialist equipment. It was a trek to the other side of town, and I opted for a reflective walk home, with Magnus happily trotting alongside. I hadn't even reached my doorstep when the dreaded call came. The news? A hefty repair bill, but with a significant caveat: the fix might not even work.
The culprit was a DPF clean. Being no expert in mechanics, the term was new to me. Apparently, a Diesel Particulate Filter had become choked with soot. If cleaning failed, a costly replacement loomed.
Removing the filter for cleaning felt like a gamble – money down the drain if unsuccessful. Yet, we took the chance.
The call finally came late that afternoon, just as we were leaving Morticia's hospital appointment. The news was a huge relief: the clean had worked, and our car was back in action. I picked it up soon after.
The relief, however, wasn't instantaneous. A stress hangover clung to me for days. Only now am I starting to feel something like normal. And with this weight lifted, I can finally look forward – planning my holiday, dreaming of what to see and do. I've even begun sketching out a comic adventure inspired by my upcoming trip.
On a lighter note, last week, amidst the hum of impending car repairs, my birthday arrived quietly. No grand plans, no milestone fanfare – just a low-key day with family. Little did I know, they had a secret tucked away: a pure shot of nostalgic magic.
Their joint gift wasn't just a present; it was a time machine. They conjured "The Spectrum," a lovingly crafted recreation of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum – my beloved 8-bit companion from the early '80s. Holding it in my hands instantly zapped me back to a childhood filled with the clunky click of rubber keys and the vibrant, blocky graphics that sparked a thousand adventures in my young mind.
This isn't just a pretty replica. It is the original experience, faithfully recreated, but with thoughtful modern upgrades like HDMI and USB ports. Imagine – loading classic games via USB! A whole universe of retro treasures awaits online, promising countless hours of exploration. The adventure is truly just beginning.
And what's a birthday without cake? My wonderful friend baked a Battenberg, my absolute favourite. Surrounded by my family and a slice of that perfectly checkered goodness, it struck me: sometimes, the simplest days truly are the best.
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