New wheels

Hello, it's us. Sorry, we dropped out for a while there. We're back again now though.

The most exciting news (although it's only me getting excited) is I've finally got a new car - that's new to me rather than brand-new. It's odd, but recently I've been getting quite interested in cars, think it's the 40-something thing - mid-life crisis looming no doubt, sports cars calling, etc. There is another explanation, which I may elaborate on later.

So, I sold the run-around (Fiat Cinquencento) and the family car (Mitsubishi Carisma - yes, spelt like that) far too easily (ie too cheap) about three, or even four, weeks ago and have been relying on trains and my pushbike to get around. It's not been terrible, but I'm glad I've got a car again - and to my amazement my meager budget actually stretched to big black BMW.

I've never been a BMW fan. As anyone who has driven on a motorway will know, the outside lane is owned by Germans for the exclusive use of their cars only. Tends to make other drivers quite grumpy. Ask the wife. Now I can join in. Ha. I've always quite liked the look of the BMW Touring. I spotted one in Norwich, cheap, and a straw poll revealed it's the only Bimmer you can own with self-respect in tact. What really happened was I mentioned to my (former mechanic) brother that I quite fancied a BM and he didn't say no straight away. That's all the encouragement I needed to be honest.

I have to say I absolutely love it. Kids like it too because it's an estate and they can sit in the boot drinking coffee and eating biscuits when we go to the beach.

Love this pic too. Everyone looking natural, no one gurning.