TO BALDLY GO...: ENGINE LIGHTS TO VIKING FIGHTS

Tuesday, 16 September 2025

ENGINE LIGHTS TO VIKING FIGHTS

ightmares aren't always about monsters and darkness; sometimes, they're about an engine light flickering on for the fifth time. The last year we spent fighting with our old car felt like an endless cycle of breakdowns and stress, leaving me with a sense of dread that just won't go away. It’s seriously impacted my mental health, and it’s made me wonder: can you get PTSD from a faulty car? On the positive side, I've had more days off from work now, and I even had a great day out last weekend.

The Ghost of a Faulty Car

Despite driving our new car, I just can't shake the unfounded dread that something is about to go wrong. The anxiety is off the chart sometimes for no real reason, and I've no idea how to deal with it. Maybe it will just fade with time, but it's proving to be a stubborn feeling. A friend, who obviously knew my inner turmoil, sent me a picture that perfectly conveyed my fears:

A seasonal expression of my
inner turmoil

New Shifts, New Challenges

Another adjustment we’re facing is a new shift pattern at work. The longer shifts are certainly taking some getting used to, particularly the afternoon shifts, which now feels a bit ruined. On the positive side, we get more days off throughout the year, so it's a bit of a trade-off. Time will tell how the new hours affect the dynamic of the team.

A Perfect Day of Vikings and History

A great day out is always made better when there are Vikings, and there were Vikings! We went to a heritage open day at Conisbrough Castle, which is the nearest castle to where I live. It’s a cracker, with its impressive keep and ruined walls just bursting with history. The day was made even more special by having our grandson with us, and the fact that entry was free (it's usually a tenner each) was a bonus.

Our day wasn't even marred by the sudden, torrential rain that came and went in 20 minutes, soaking everyone and everything before stopping just as quickly. During the downpour, I took the opportunity to explore the keep, which had been brilliantly restored since my last visit, probably 35-odd years ago on a school trip.

The true highlight, of course, was the Viking re-enactment. The Sudjorvik Living History group put on such a brilliant show, bringing the castle's history to life with genuine flair.

The past year has certainly left a mark, but a day out filled with castles and Vikings is a wonderful reminder that there's always something to look forward to.