The various news media have all been obsessed with just one subject at a time and there’s no getting away from it.
I have started to look at my friends with a very gimlet eye and those that I know to be of the hither-and-thither-shuffling persuasion I will not see much of while this whole virus business is going on. I have no problem with people who travel, use distance public transport and have a hectic social life at any other time, but not now. Over 70s are encouraged to remain relatively stationary and as most of us don’t go out to work, a few weeks of fixed aboding shouldn’t be too onerous. I have some extra provisions in, plenty of books, a garden for pottering, birds to watch, music to listen to, fellow bloggers to interact with, and locals whom I can see when the need moves me. I am on steroids for asthma and therefore have a weakened immune system. Deliberately exposing myself to catching the virus would be silly. It’ll be unlucky enough to catch it involuntarily.So this is me for a bit.
I went for a haircut the other day, a regular 5-weekly event which takes a fairly small outlay and a car journey of no more than 30 minutes total there and back. It was one of the cold and wet specials England goes in for with abundant gusto and I was looking forward to getting back beside the Aga. It’s a very narrow, winding country road which makes it difficult to go fast and I was taking my time, a typically rolling English road made by the rolling English drunkard. Almost back in Valley’s End the disaster happened. I hit a deep pothole, filled with water and therefore invisible, and first the front tyre, then the back tyre, burst. It was an explosive sound and I was momentarily thrown and quite scared. Once I collected my wits I knew I couldn’t stay where I was, anyone coming round the bend would have hit me, so I limped the car a few hundred meters, very slowly, leaning on its right side, until I could safely pull it off the lane. It’s never a bad idea to be close to your particular mechanic, ever since we moved here we’ve used the same chap and it only took him 10 minutes to come and rescue me. He drove me home, then picked up the car. He was back before evening, all four tyres present and correct.
Insurance companies don’t cover pothole damage. This is deemed to be an ‘at-fault’ claim. So, as well as paying an excess, you could lose some of your no-claims bonus, and risk higher premiums in future.
I was interested in the etymology of ‘pothole’ : a depression or hollow in a road surface caused by wear or subsidence. From dialectal pot (“pit, hollow, cavity”) + hole in Middle English.
Some say potholes are so called because of the potters who dug up chunks of clay from the Roman Empire's smooth roadways, more than 3,000 years ago. That explanation is more romantic but possibly less likely than the ordinary etymological one.
We on Oahu suffer from, and complain about our potholes constantly! In this, as in your opening remarks, yours is revealed a better written, Great Britain version of my own life. This is what the great essayists do: speak to one personally, even as they demonstrate their stature. From my cocoon to yours! Fondly, cloudia
ReplyDeleteFriko, I'm so glad you weren't hurt when you hit that pothole... and I'm sorry that potholes are named after potters (didn't know that). But happy you are safe and hopefully your car is all fixed. I also didn't know that insurance didn't pay for pothole damage (that's 2 new things I've learned from you today).
ReplyDeleteAs for the virus scare, it's always something, isn't it? But yes, it pays to be cautious.
So glad your mechanic was able to come to your rescue without too much of a wait. It's a bit like pothole city up our single track road as well.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know insurance companies don't cover pothole damage! I'm glad you we're hurt!
ReplyDeleteI imagine that was terrifying at first but your realization that it all could be handled in a reasonable time was probably most assuring once you were back home with your car fixed! I had something similar last year, but it was a nail and not a pothole and the tire had been leaking for a while and hubby, who was driving the car those days, never noticed the warning light on the dashboard! I notice it as I was crossing one of our largest and two-lane only bridges over the big end of the river. It all worked out, but it was scary.
ReplyDeleteHow lovey that your mechanic came and helped you so quickly. I wish I had such luxury around here, but no, I would b e calling AAA and begging them to help me sometime that day. Good it went so well. That would be very disconcerting. Love your pretty socks, BTW. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhile I certainly don't want this new virus appearing on our Island, I tell myself that a couple of weeks of "self-isolation" would not be a hardship to put in - there are endless household projects, reading, music, and gardening to fill the time. As it is, I work in a place with several hundred teenagers who are mostly not inclined to sufficient hand washing and containment of germs. Sigh. I use disinfectant wipes (not a new thing for me) and have remained very healthy this year, thus far.
ReplyDeleteToo bad about the deceptive pothole and resultant damage. Glad your mechanic was not far away.
OUCH on the pothole damage. I am so glad you are safe, and that your mechanic was able to come to the rescue.
ReplyDeleteNo toilet paper, tissues, hand sanitiser, rice or pasta available here at the moment (despite no recorded cases of the dread virus). Sigh.
That loud sound must have sounded like an explosion and frightening, and I am glad you got the tires replaced so quickly.
ReplyDeleteI swear Chicago potholes hold the crown for most potholes in the US. People have planted (temporarily) flowers, others have put spaghetti and tomato sauce.
ReplyDeleteDriving into a pothole is serious business. Glad you were able to get help.
Pleased you are safe. This one on Steroids also for arthritis and sjogrens so weakened immune system also. Do want my helper to take me to market tomorrow as son arriving soon from Thailand, hopefully he makes it. Stay well, do all you share.
ReplyDeleteIn Arizona we don't get potholes I suppose because we don't have snow/salt for the roads.
ReplyDeleteWe've loads of potholes on our roadways here. They can be treacherous. Glad all is well with you. May you enjoy your time sequestered away as Covid-19 makes its way around. x
ReplyDeleteYou do well to stay home if you don't need to go out, in your situation it would indeed be tampting fate (if it exists).
ReplyDeleteSo far, I have not stopped going to the office and using public transport, but then I am not in a high risk group, and if need be, I can do much of my work from home.
The pothole incident sounds scary, good job you were not hurt and no other cars involved. Your mechanic is a good, reliable man!
I agree, it does seem sensible to keep out of everyone's way while the virus is active. But you're obviously much better at amusing yourself than I am; I'm fidgety already. Spending the day on the sofa with a book and endless coffee is only fun when one should be doing something else!
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, may this prove to be shortlived and may we all stay well.
As you say, the media does have their obsessions. While our newest disease is a concern, the media's role in stirring up panic is considerable, as is the role of social media. I'm more concerned about the panic wiping out the stock market, and taking my pittance with it. I'll be working until 95 if that happens.
ReplyDeletePotholes are dangerous, and your experience proves it. I was interested to read that your insurance didn't pay for the damage, since my policy would have covered it, just as it covered the damage when a mysterious critter chewed through fiberglass panels on both sides of the car. We have a choice of carrying liability or liability with comprehensive, and that's what I have. Everything from rock-cracked windscreens to potholes gets covered. I'm just glad you were close to home, that you had the ability to get to the side of the road, and dependable help was available.
Greetings from still very wintery Alberta:) Glad you were not hurt because of your pothole mishap, friend Friko! I'm quite familiar with pot holes as well as with snow banks and mud roads:) Love and "knuddles", cat.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good thought as this virus gets worse: We have our blogger friends to visit with. Potholes are terrible and I'm sorry you had to encounter one like that.
ReplyDeleteOuch, that pot hole sounded a bit scary. So glad your mechanic was close by and fixed you right up. I have road hazard insurance for my tires. Will check to see if the pot holes are covered.
ReplyDeleteStay safe with this flu mess. At least we do have things to keep us entertained if we self quarantine.
That pothole incident sounds frightening. You have a great attitude about this virus. We had a dad in our town take his daughter to a party after his older child came home with the possible virus. Family told to quarantine at home. He chose to go to a dad/daughter dance at a fancy hotel. Some people!
ReplyDeleteScary! Glad it all worked out. Having a helpful, reliable mechanic is a good insurance policy in itself.
ReplyDeleteone pothole and two ruined tires. bummer. so glad it was taken care of quickly. as for the coronavirus, I mostly stay at home anyway but I do have to go to a big store tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you have a good mechanic! Sounds like a real sweetheart.
ReplyDeleteI'm deciding to be a little more careful than I would be normally with this virus, too. I am also prime virus material--LOL! Stay safe! :)
Hi Friko - yes I can imagine you being practical and getting on with things; also as you say having those locals nearby to help out when in dire need - potholes are appalling aren't they.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the reading, the garden ... the mini outings in a safe environment; I'm lucky as I'm of robust health - but I'll be sensible ... I went to London for a couple of visits recently ... and saw lots - so don't need to go again for a while. Eastbourne has its attractions ... though your scenery is just stunning ... we'll see how things develop. Love the socks - and am glad to see 'you're sorted' and will cope - take care ... and yes blogging does have positive effects at times - cheers Hilary PS more sun will help cheer the cockles of our souls.
If something like this had to happen, how fortunate to be fairly close to your home and mechanic. Whew. We are known for our bad roads and potholes here in Michigan. In fact, the present governor's campaign slogan was "I will fix the damn roads." I think everyone I know (including me) has had some sort of pothole issue -- holes in the bottom of the car from bumping into the edge, lost hubcaps, bent tire rims and yes, the tires. I'm so sorry you had to experience and again, relieved you were close to home. (Our insurance doesn't cover it either.)
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm high risk for the virus and trying to be very careful. I love being home with books and wool and paint and fortunately Rick has a helper for his trade show so he'll drop me off for a few days with my friend where we'll probably stay in more or less and at least avoid the big crowds.
It seems that you are handling both your exposure to the Coronavirus and a disabled car with aplomb and efficiency! If you have an already compromised immune system extra caution is merited. We have been conscientious with hygiene requirements but have not so far cut back on our social activities. We had dinner at a restaurant with friends last evening, and the restaurant was full, so others are socializing too. We do an annual weekend to Algonquin Provincial Park every March and we will be going there this weekend. We are sixteen in total and no one has indicated a desire to cancel. I also have public speaking engagements coming up and I will be running a bird ID session for children next week, and none of those sessions have been cancelled either. Stay well, Friko.
ReplyDeleteDear Friko, so glad that the tires going down into those potholes didn't shake the car so much that your head hit the steering wheel or any glass. Like you, I'm mostly going to lie low during this possible pandemic. I have asthma and COPD and I'm in my '80s, so that puts me in what is called here the "vulnerable" category. You, too, there is Britain? Take care. Peace.
ReplyDeleteWow! Both tires! Incredible! Glad not more damage to the car or you. Yes, having auto repair people to count on in such crisis times a plus and one we nurtured here. I had to seek a new relationship a few years ago when the mechanic moved after my husband died, but all has worked out well.
ReplyDeleteDo take good care of yourself. I, too, am sticking pretty much to myself since no point in inviting trouble.
Very sensible of you to stay home and avoid crowds since you seem to be in the "prime group". I'm pretty sure you won't get bored anytime soon when I see your list of what you plan to do. I still go to work (in a high school...) and just am careful - there's not that much I can do in that environment. I'm concerned but not panicked.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the tires getting wrecked, but glad that nothing happened to you. Your mechanic sounds like a keeper. Our county's roads are full of potholes, it's probably the worst in the entire Bay Area. The only "solution" our local politicians come up with is asking for more money and then nothing gets done...
When I read the title I expected a story about your new image, fashionable stylist or something. Plain thinking? Guilty!
ReplyDeleteYou were really lucky. Two tires at once on a country road would have have terrified me. As for the virus, it must be the top news all over the world. It is more or less quiet in our town. My undergraduate from China hasn’t returned from New Year holidays yet, but he remembers about the forthcoming exam and sends papers by mail. And it is wise of you to stay away from contacts, this wouldn’t stay for ever. We’ll get over it! By the way, I published kind of therapy for this time of troubles, would you like to try?
With best wishes,
Irina
Chicago has legendary pot holes. Someone filled one up with spaghetti and sauce, someone else planted marigolds.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your posts.
I'm glad you are well and the damage has been dealt with. From what I read, this could be more than weeks...I had such anxiety getting supplies today that I'm happy to remain home for however long this lasts. Be well.
ReplyDeleteOh, dear!! The only bright light in this story --besides that you are alive!!! -- is the having a mechanic so close and responsive. I can imagine sitting by my car for hours in a similar situation. I don't have to imagine very hard because I did that not long ago waiting for a tow truck, and I was sitting on the square in a town, starting to get very cold. They were only coming from a mile away but maybe they were finishing tea or something. Ha!
ReplyDeleteAh that was a sad mishap. We hit a pothole on our wat the opera two years ago. Our leased Benz had coverage even the towing. But it meant we had to take a cab home after the performance and it was dear as we live outside of downtown Toronto. I wonder if a cyclist hit one of those what damage the person would experience after feeling the rage on the passenger side of our car. Also if you take a photo of your pothole and tire damage the city pays for some of that if you submit a claim.
ReplyDelete