Exmouth and a Golden Wedding

We had a very hectic week last week, so no blog for a while. Easter weekend saw us at the WECU congress in Exmouth. This time we made it all the way there with our van intact. After unloading I then had the enjoyment of spending most of the easter weekend in a room under the playing hall with the bookstall. However, there were plenty of people to talk to and the weather outside wasn't too good. Most mornings John and I managed a short walk before opening the shop and then we took it in turns at lunchtime to go for a walk.

After getting home on the Monday evening, Tuesday was a hectic work day. We had to post out our internet sales and bring the internet shop up to date with the weekend sales. We also had some engraving to do (we recently purchased an engraving machine).

On Wednesday we had the shopping to do for my parents' golden wedding party on the Thursday. Fortunately, most, although not all, came from one shop. I had been planning the menu for weeks and had now taken to dreaming about it. My only concern was if I was unable to get a side of salmon - I needn't have worried.

Thursday was spent preparing food, transporting tables, chairs, crockery and food to my parents' house and then further preparation. Why do salads all need preparing at the last minute? Still, it all seemed to go well and the food was enjoyed. People were impressed by the 'golden yellow' table cloths - normally gracing the tables of the bookstall. We had also specially engraved coasters for the occasion - John spent Wednesday evening on that whilst I was busy losing a chess game in Redhill.

Friday was a strange day. We were both exhausted, but the business has to continue. I felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders though.

Death of a Van

This week has been a very emotional one for us, so I just haven't felt like writing. Everything was too raw to put into words.

Last Thursday we travelled down to Exmouth to the West of England championships. We had problems with the van on the way down, finally getting to Exmouth 9-10 hours after we left home. John decided to take a bye for the first round, on the Friday morning, to help me to set up the bookstall. After that, it was a good tournament for him. Of the 6 rounds that he played, he drew 5 and won one, resulting in a share of the grading prize. Not bad going as all of his opponents were graded higher than him.

Exmouth was beautiful. The chess took place in The Royal Beacon hotel, but we stayed down the road at The Manor. Although our window was small, we still had lovely views to the sea, and by leaning out, of the Exe. In the evening the sun was a fiery, red ball as it set over the estuary.

Normally we would leave on the Monday afternoon for the drive back, but with the problems we had been having with the van, decided to stay an extra night. This meant that we had a chance to walk around the town, visiting the new development along the estuary and watching mussels being unloaded at the quayside.

Tuesday was a different story. Delilah, our beloved van, was dead. She refused to start and the RAC were to arrange a relay back. It looked like a blown head gasket and possibly other damage too. Now we had the problem of trying to get back in time to post the items which had been bought over the weekend. We arrived back with 1 hour before the last post and both went to work wrapping, addressing parcels and certificates of posting and finally made it with minutes to spare. It was then time to console each other with what may happen to the van.

Wednesday's first job was to empty out all the chess equipment and bookstall from Delilah before the garage could have a good look at her. Fortunately a good friend with a Volvo estate helped and the job was done quickly. Then the bad news. A blown head gasket, blown water pipe, possibly distorted cylinder head, and a gear oil leak. The latter was the most worrying and, with an automatic gear box, could easily send the bill into 4 figures. After discussions and much soul searching, it was decided to scrap her. But the day wasn't over, and we had a chess match to play in that night (I won, John lost, but was heavily out graded by his opponent).

Thursday and we took the final few bits out of Delilah and said our goodbyes. Both of us were emotional, she may only be a lump of metal that got us from A to B, but she was our lump of metal and we loved her. Now we have to find a new van.........