Candes Saint-Martin, my favourite spot in La Touraine.

Monday 8 December 2014

No peace for the wicked

I've just noticed that I haven't posted on this blog since November, 22nd. Shame on me! Especially as you've been writing such nice comments and even e-mails with useful and much welcome advice. Please accept my sincere apologies.

So much has happened since I last posted. First of all, there was the fact that my mother 'won the lottery', by gaining access to this wonderful Service Flat. But more about that later. As I mentioned before, we received the good news on Tuesday, November 18th - after a first refusal the day before. You can read all about that here.

Then, on Thursday, November 20th, I went shopping for a new car. I had two dealers/brands on my list ... just for this first visit. There was bound to be a second shopping trip ... Until I came across this beauty ...

Don't worry about the radiator grid. It's in perfect condition.
The distortions are due to my poor photo shopping skills. 

The photo above is one of the car as I saw it on that very day. It still had the previous owner's license plates on it, So I tried to blot it out using Photoshop (unsuccessfully, I admit). 

It's a Toyota Yaris Hybrid. It has two engines: one that runs on electricity and the other on petrol. It's a 2012-built with hardly 30,000 km on the meter. From a first owner. It's exactly what I was looking for ... the Hybrid feature, I mean. A brand new was over my budget. This one was and is perfect though; model- en price-wise.

I bought it right there and then and picked it up on November, 28th. I've been driving around in it ever since and it's a real beauty. Last Thursday I had it fitted with winter tyres, because some snow has already fallen in several parts of Belgium. Not where I live. Yet, my mother tells me she can feel it in her bones ... a sign that snow is coming. Or maybe she's just getting cold feet about the upcoming move?!

A move, implying that I have some very busy weeks and months ahead, but I'll keep you posted as much as I can. 

Note to Bob: I'll soon contact you by e-mail.

9 comments:

GaynorB said...

It's a lovely looking car and I like the hybrid idea. Most importantly, it is exactly what you wanted!

Good luck with the move preparations.

Jean said...

My mum was an expert at predicting the weather, according to her bones - and she was usually right!
Your new car certainly looks a real beauty.

Bob said...

You have been busy and sounds like you will continue to be busy. That was a quick purchase. Glad you like the new car.

VirginiaC said...

A "new car"!!! What great news...I am so happy for you Martine. I'm glad you found one to your liking so quickly.

Leon Sims said...

Toyota will give you many future years of reliability. I know of a tow truck driver who claims that he picks up lots of Mercs and BMWs but not Toyotas. Congrats.

The Beaver said...

Bonjour Martine

Cute car .

Diane said...

Good luck with the new car. Have a great Christmas and New Year. Take care and good luck with the move. Diane

Anonymous said...

Great looking new car. I am on the look out for a new car too and am not quite sure which to choose. They are all very expensive. I hope you are enjoying it.
Veronica

ladybird said...

Gaynor, The car is just perfect. The move ... I take it one thing at a time. Thanks.

Jean, The car is a beauty and just what I need .. agile and pretty :)

Bob, Thanks for your call. What a nice surprise!

Virginia, It was pure luck! But I'm so happy with it!

Leon, I believe you. Until now, no complaints. It's a fabulous car. Hope it will up to my expectations.

TB, Cute and fabulous :)

Diane, Thank you. Season's Greetings to you and Nigel too.

Veronica, I recommend the Toyota Yaris. Great little car, even the non-Hybrid model. Enjoy your Christmas break.