Moving the car this morning and unexpectedly trying not to have a meltdown,
Dad and I were up early this morning in preparation for a BIG day with lots of hard work laying ahead. I removed her cover and blankets before reversing her out of the back yard with mom lending a helpful eye while I squeezed her through the gap between the kitchen and the garage. I realised that this is the start of her next 3-day journey and ultimately her final one in South Africa. I cannot remember the last time I had a breakdown and it has certainly been a long while since I had to fight and avoid having one. So naturally I was caught by surprise this morning when I was unexpectedly confronted with a flood of memories and emotions, while driving the car on the streets of Ceres for the final time. Almost in tears, such a big and insignificant (compared to other things) moment all at the same time and I honestly cannot believe we got this far. How did I get here again???
It was a full day in the sun, cleaning mostly the underside of the car. Removing decades of filth and dirt, stripping it away, layer by layer every time we applied engine cleaner followed by dad hosing her undercarriage down with the steam cleaner. By the end of the day she was in an immaculate condition, clean as a whistle with no seeds or plant material hiding away. Honestly, I cannot see that New Zealand biosecurity can have any problems with her, or her condition. Needless to say, we are both very tired and sunburnt this evening and I will be heading off to bed soon. I can see that dad took some real “knocks” and his back will be reminding him of this tomorrow morning.
It has been a real tough day, but again with great success and we just need to remember to “steady the course” while believing that everything will work out. I took note this morning when the emotions flooded through my heart and will remember this day forever… and a bit.
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33.3636 – 19.3151
23 October 2024
FP-286
2 responses to “The final (short) drive with the Ford.”
Aaah what a Day for You..
Teary eyed just reading this post.. 😪
Ps Love the foudie with You in the car..
Hope to see many more “-)
I asked mom to snap that one quickly in the morning. there is only one of those. The next ones will be in NZ.