Today was not a good day, not a bad day, just a different day. I think I must have been getting complacent about going over to see Ray because today fate stepped in and I nearly didn't get there. I got half way and realised I had left the bananas at home so I stopped at a fruit stall and when I got back into the car, it wouldn't start. ARRRRGHH!

But dragonslayer number one appeared a man in overalls who asked the usual question: "You okay love?" Yes, love was fine, but the car won't start. He used up his expertise and then rang my roadside assistance service provider. Enter dragonslayer number two, a large fellow who did all the tests you do to a car that doesn't go, battery, fuel lines,fuses etc. The car obligingly turned over but would not go. Declaring it beyond his expertise he called in a tow truck. This is free because of the annual fee I pay so no worries.

I do think a tow truck is a wonderful thing, I've ridden in a few over the years and it is always a thrill. There is really something special about sitting up in the front with the car that is being rescued either up on the tray or bouncing along behind. Where are we going? Back to the company I bought it from. Dragonslayer number three is going to his bucks party on Saturday, he happily told me about his fiancee, his wedding plans, where he was going on his honeymoon. Keep the olds occupied and keep them from worrying.

I must say that my motor repairer was less than happy at having my crippled car deposited at their outlet but yes, they do hold my warranty, no they can't get to it until Monday, no they will not provide me with a courtesy car. No dragonslayers here, they probably feed them secretly at night when no-one is watching.

Enter the princess, well my daughter-in-law actually who I rang to rescue me, she phoned my son and between them they took me to Woy Woy to see Ray and home for dinner. Son no 2 brought me home. So I got to play with my grandchildren and some of the tension of the day slipped away. Alex particularly tonight seemed to delight in fascinating Granma. Certainly made at least part of the day seem okay.

While at Woy Woy I did manage to speak to the intern who is registrar for the treating doctor. Seems Ray has quite a few minor problems that they will have to try and fix before he comes home. She said some of it is due to the strokes, some of it due to diet, some of it due to age (HEY he is only 64 please!). I have asked for a family conference next week after I get the car back, I will try to get one of my sons and possibly my daughter-in-law there too as many minds together can think of more questions to ask and take in the information more thoroughly. I sometimes get sidetracked at these conferences and don't look at the "big picture".

I won't get the car back until Wednesday at the earliest so time to call in a few favours. I have had a few people ask me if there is anything they can do so, yes, they can drive me around a bit. And maybe see Ray for a while on Tuesday when I won't get there. I will see how sincere they were when offering help. I know not everyone can help at a specific time but that can be overcome sometimes.

In the meantime I will pray that whatever is wrong with the car is covered by the warranty!

PS Ray was pleased to see our son, not worried about me but glad I had brought clean pajamas.