Sunday 26 April 2009

Althea works hard and earns a weekend off

Last weekend she wouldn't start on Sunday morning so I had to go to Halfords and buy her another battery. I bought a smaller one which is the right size for her and it does seem to be much better. It charges fully unlike the previous one which was too big and would never quite reach full power. This also means I have a charged spare fo when she's feeling grumpy and doesn't want to play.

I got to the boot sale late last week but still made money. Today I got there early and made very little. I don't mind as I am only doing it for fun and to get rid of some stuff. I have met a couple of blokes who used to work on LD vans and were happy to give me their phone numbers. It made them happy to see her and talk about the old LDs and for me it's priceless to have their knowledge on tap.

I'm starting to get used to how many people love Althea but will never tire of it. Everyone from old old men on wobbly walking sticks to very young kids with lots of questions. She is the star of the boot sale and I'm looking forward to taking her to her first festival.

Speaking of which I met a DJ called Mixmaster Morris (who I have been a fan of for many years), and while I was fixing his video projection gear during his set at inspiral lounge, I told him I had a festy wagon with his name on the front and a PA system in the back and he was delighted. It looks like we'll do something together soon.

I'm taking her either fishing or to see Ed and family next week. If we go to Norfolk we'll drop in on Donna if she's still where we left her. She's worked very hard dragging all those old radios to Kent and back and deserves a rest. I am going to subtitle this blog "everyone loves Althea"

Thursday 16 April 2009

What a week!




It started with a drive down to Hamble to test out the campsite I found near where I want to fish in the summer. Althea behaved perfectly all the way and Sharon enjoyed riding in the back where she could read and play music. The campsite placed me in the corner nearest to the river as I had requested thanks to having checked it first on Google maps. It's truly amazing to be able to look at a satellite picture of the campsite and book the pitch accordingly.

Althea was warm and comfy. The bed turned out to be the exact proportions of a standard double so ready made bedding fitted perfectly. The tinted windows make her into a great hide and we enjoyed watching the birds and rabbits which were oblivious to us.

In the morning I fished a little but more as a test than to actually catch fish. The mark is great and I'm looking forward to fishing it when the fish come.

That was Sunday 5th. On the way down we took a break to have a look at a car boot sale which we decided to sell at the following Sunday.

We filled the back with old radios, gramophones and an assortment of bits and pieces from my garage on Saturday night and got up early on Sunday to drive to the sale. Sharon climbed onto the only patch of bench left and off we went.

In the queue I got talking to a lady who fell in love with Althea and made an offer to buy Donna. We set up the stall (see photo) and did good trade all day as well as spending lots of time talking about and showing people Althea. I had no less than 6 offers to buy Donna who wasn't really for sale. I also got talking to a man who had worked on LDs and talked me through the electrical system. What a find he was.

I have been intending to go and see Donna soon and decide what exactly I was going to do with her. I half wanted to just keep her but having spoken to so many people who were so keen to own her and do something with her I decided it was best for both of us if I sold her.

On Monday the man who had seemed least excited but most practical and most likely to do something about it called me. He wanted it for his daughter who lives very near to me and is a professional carpenter/restorer. They both love to fix up vehicles and I'm sure they will get Donna looking fantastic. She was very excited when she saw her photos and a few hours later she was hers, bought without even seeing her in the fibreglass. So though it saddens me to say goodbye to Donna it also makes me very happy that she will be so loved and so close too. I look forward to seeing the expressions on peoples faces when they see not one but two Morris LDs on the road in SE London.

So Donna is gone but not far, Althea has proved herself as a campervan and boot sale attraction and the summer is just about to kick in. I spent my boot sale takings on a new tomtom sat nav to replace the ancient palmtop based one I've been using for 5 years and am very much looking forward to using it. I might even take a chance and take her abroad.

Friday 3 April 2009

Destiny's Tile

Sometimes with Althea things that should be simple and quick can drag out for weeks but sometimes they just drop into place. I have been looking for a marble effect tile to put next to the sink for months now. Most places don't sell single tiles and I knew one would come along in time. I just opened my front door to see my neighbour across the corridor standing in her doorway with the exact tile I wanted in her hand. A short conversation established that it was a left over and voila, I have my tile.