JBDBME

‘Do you expect me to talk, Goldfinger?’

No Mr. Bond. I expect you to d(r)i(v)e.’

To say that my latest drive was sensational would-be an understatement. As with previous JB blogs there are tenuous links but this one is ‘bleeding obvious’.

After our loss (nuff said) I had to adjust a number of ‘take for granted’ tasks which in an everyday context don’t appear to count for much. But believe me when I say never take your better half for granted. They are with you, which from their side may have been because you were loved (that’s the main reason) or out of duty. My experience found that out of duty sucks but when I was fortunate enough to find out of love my perspective changed. The whole experience has to be told as ‘together’ which ours definitely was.  We have been together 37 years, for the best part 24/7 as we ate, drank, relaxed, played, worked and enjoyed our own company.  There were occasions of discord, but hey we’re human just like the rest.

One of the things we always did was drive, either one took charge or was happy to be passenger, up to (in my case) later years.  But with the progressive nature of my problems, one of the things affected was my driving, to the point where we agreed that I was potentially a danger to myself and of curse others.  I effectively gave up driving last June (some of the last words were ‘don’t let your dad drive’) following sound advice.

This was the prime mover in the train of thought which shall be known as the grand finale.

Not driving made a huge difference to my life having passed my test when I was 17 years old (No there wasn’t a man with a red flag in front of the car when I took the test.) since then if I’ve driven less than 30,000 miles a year is wasn’t often.

Second initiator. Last Christmas we received a ‘buyagift’ voucher from daughter 4 and son 3 which was due to expire. So, I redeemed the voucher to a later date and after ‘under instruction’ looked through the variety of experiences offered and saw one the hit the spot, but involved driving. 

Third – as a medical and age thing my ‘license to drive’ was due for renewal in November this year.

That word ‘synchronicity’ came into play, the planets aligned, Aquarius dawned, all the eggs leapt into the same basket, there was a total eclipse, 5 loaves 2 fishes (now it’s getting silly) but you get the drift.

Phase 4 – research.  When the lights stopped flashing, the tempest subsided, the heavenly choir (he’s off again) etc. etc. etc. (Yul Brynner – the king and I) I started checking the various elements that need to come together to make the thing work.

Dates -if I could get the dates to work – game over.  So when in doubt always fall back on the best advice I had ever received or could offer – if all else fails, follow the instructions.  So as the voucher dictated a number of necessities the date for the venue availability had to be in line with the end date. After contacting what turned out to be the right people the desired date was reached and confirmed, much to my delight. 

With the main event sorted the rest jumped into place, but something was lacking.  It was to be a major day in my life for a number of reasons but if I could make it a fun day for my nearest and dearest – that would be great.

So that threw up another task but no problems -sorted, I’ll ask them- simple.

Now I’ve got everyone there watching me having a great time, what about them?

The idea grabbed me, it was the sort of thing we would have done together and when I float it by d1 and d4, they agreed.

Problem alert – where? ‘Good old google, good old son, good old google, let’s try another one’ to the tune of ‘nice one Cyril’  1966 -world cup

So after ages of research the ‘perfect’ opportunity arose and don’t you love it when a plan comes together. ‘A team’

So, after getting the plan done and everything hopefully covered and all the family being there it should be a good day.

There are some wonderful people.  No.1 -the venue and main event. When I phoned back asking whether the gentleman ‘Tom’ remembered our conversation – his comment of ‘how could I forget’ was encouraging. So between us we sorted that part and I like to thank him for his generosity and help. A good man.

 No2.second venue -Catherine – after a telephone call and some text this most generous lady organised the post main event finale

No. 3 – the family and friends – all I can say is a huge thank you for making what could have been a non-descript flight of fancy into a day I shall remember for the rest of.

So what happened I hear you cry – I can dream.

A -The prime movers were my ability to be a safe driver fading and the decision to stop driving for health reasons meant surrendering my license. With the renewal date as 05-11-2024 I needed to sort B

B – my wish and reason – the main event could have been a number of dates but 05-10-2024 suited me perfectly. Job done

C – final event-catherine making an offer I couldn’t refuse. Job done

D – family fully supportive with shifts and commitments altered to be there -brilliant my family.

This is how the day went

Venue – Everyman Driving Experiences – organised with Tom who thought the idea so good he gave me a gift of the in-car video and photos outside the car –very many thanks Tom

At the venue his team of people, ushers, instructors and supervisors understood what was happening and helped us throughout and were very generous with their time and assistance -an enormous thanks to them – wonderful people.

Final venue – a wonderful family run Tea Room – proper china cups and all the accessories aand most importantly staying open after their normal closing time just for us- very many thanks for the good food and wonderful atmosphere Catherine you’re a star.

Family and friends – what can I say – just the best.

To sum up, having made the decision to quit driving the event would have happened regardless on 05-11-2024. So you don’t need to begrudge the fact your old and are under an obligation to do something that will end a lifelong ability and assist in the process of losing independence and about getting old.  So if I saying don’t sulk be positive.

Therefore let’s celebrate the last 50+years of enjoying seeing the roads, highways and bye ways of here and abroad.

If you’re gonna go in style, in a car you’ve always dreamed about, why not?

Let’s go out in that super favourite car with all the gadgets which everyone tries to guess, you’ve known all along what the car is.   

Great fun fantastic day -normality starts tomorrow.