Yesterday proved to be one of the more challenging days of the year so far. It seemed to be going well for the first waking hour ,so dressed to impress ,I jumped into my four wheeled motor carriage and headed for the clinic of Dr. Jubilation C. Scroat. The motor carriage holding area was packed, so I had to coast around the surrounding streets to find a large enough space. I was parking my vehicle when I noticed an unusual icon on the icon board. The image seemed to suggest temperature.I was just registering this when I felt a strange warm smell coming thrugh the ventilator. Not a burning smell,just some small sign of overheating. I felt panic rising so I switched off the engine,and sat thinking for a moment or two. Something wrong or nothing ? In truth I did not know.
I switched on again,and the same thing happened. I took the calmest decision I could muster.
I would attend my appointment with Dr. Scroat,then take my vehicle to the nearby motor fixing shed for the goblin mechanics there to assess the risk. These merry boys are the best mechanics in the world,and would not be fazed by a little warm engine.
Jubliation C. was in fine form when I reached his inner sanctum. We always manage to have a jolly appointment,not completely bogged down by tales of woe and ineffective medications. We had one or two minor items to discuss,and I waved him cheerio with a smile. I always feel better when I have seen Dr. Scroat. Unlike many modern alchemists, he actually remembers your elven name. He altered a few health giving preparations for me and I felt renewed.
Once back at the motor vehicle I headed off for the Puffalito Fixing Shed to get the boys to give my little wagon the once over. They looked at me quizzically as I related my tale of dashboard woe,asked for my keys, and told me they would return soon with an answer. They did,some one half hour later,looking tenser than I remembered them. I knew the news was unlikely to be jolly.
Puffalito Head Boy looked me straight in the eye and said "It's the Under Gasket on the engine.You need a new one. We will fix it by THURSDAY."
I stared back,disbelieving. "Undergasket ? THURSDAY? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE JOKING !"
I thought of all the things I would have to do before then,without my motor vehicle.
Sadly he was not joking. He looked sympathetically at me,but I knew I would just have to accept his judgment.I took the tram back home to my litle toadstool,and I cried.
I was still crying on and off when Pendragon came home.
He hugged me tight and wiped away my tears.
"Don't worry ," he said. " You know,Amarantha,I think it is time the old motor carriage took a rest. You need a new jalopy for your travels and numerous exploits in your new life. "
I knew Pendragon was right. Three visits to the Puffalito Fixing Shed this year already were three visits too many. But I would miss my old scarlet jalopy. She has been friend and travel companion for the past six years. But a nice new shiny one................. it did sound appealing..................my tearful peepers dried up a little at this suggestion.
So we are already making plans to view some likely candidates for Amarantha's new carriage before the weekend.
Tomorrow I visit my old stomping ground of Dingley Dell Academy to present two awards in my name ,to the children there. I am already looking out my best outfits to choose something smart and bright with which to mesmerise the wee folk. I shall have to take the Puffalito Minicab Service there as I won't collect my motor carriage till later. In the evening I am attending a dinner for the two teachers retiring from work at Dingley Dell.
I have bought them each a leaving gift with which to start their new lives.
It should be a jolly evening although both elven ladies will be missed.
I have a little time to spare before Pendragon arrives home ,so I intend to tie the unruly hollyhocks back in the backyard. I did some weeding this morning,watched the Backyard Boys at their labours,and planned some selective planting to complete the emptier pots. Everything is blooming and looks wonderful front and back. Neighbours have been stopping to admire our handiwork,but I don't think we can take all the credit. The glorious plantlife and all our garden helpers must also be praised.
The dahlias stand tall and ruddy,begonias white and pink fill the pots profusely, geraniums red and petunias pink reach for the sun. The glory of summer abounds in our toadstool gardens,and our toadstool,fifth from the left ,is full of light and colour. Despite the upset of yesterday,and the poorly nature of my motor carriage,days here are happy ones,and full of promise.
May all your motor carriages be healthy ones,and your visits to the fixing shed be few.A fine July evening to you all,my fine friends, from Amarantha Willow,the Rainbow Faery.
