Alas Poor Fiat

 

It's a sad, sad day on the farm. My Fiat X1/9, that I've had for the last fourteen years and driven the length and breadth of the country, has failed it's MOT. Not just a little bit failed - no handbrake adjustment and off we go this time. Welding is involved.

Or, it would be involved if I could justify it. With two kids, a wife and pickup truck to support, the Fiat was a bit of a guilty pleasure. With 103,000 miles on the clock and nearing it's 20th birthday it owes me nothing and now that I'm facing a big bill to keep it going, it's time to send it on it's way.

So, if anyone wants a winter project and a fun little runaround that is a joy to drive and still suprisingly practical, make me an offer and it's yours. There will be no messing around waiting for over-optimistic values. The best offer I get by September 9th will get the car.

Raspberries

 

These raspberries are a late fruiting variety, but it's their first year so some of them seem to be jumping the gun a little. They taste perfect with a little bit of cream or ice-cream.

 

We quite often have balloons coming over early in the evening at this time of year, dipping low to get the best view of the Cam as they go by. The roar of the gas burners is quite subtle at first but regular enough to get noticed and cause a mad scramble for the camera and a long lens. This one was obliging enough to be taking a slow breeze directly over our house, so I got a few photos. It'd probably help to have a polariser and lens hood (and be a better photographer), but I'm still quite pleased with the image.