Roundup
Sun, 17 June, 2007 – 9:11 pm
Had a costly week this week. On Monday we had Dave's sister over who had stayed Sunday night, so we took her home on Monday evening via a restaurant in Parkgate. We were hoping to go to our favourite restaurant but didn't realise it was closed on Mondays, so we went to another just down the road but it was a little more expensive that our usual place. Then on Tuesday my VW Polo was due its service and brake fluid change. I also decided to get a second key for the car as I don't feel comfortable only having one key for it (that's all I got when I bought it). A second key is not cheap however! After being quoted £350 for the service plus £150 for a new key (extortionate, I know!) I spent the day waiting at home to be called to go pick it up. However when I finally got to speak to someone I was told it needed some replacements too which are going to be done tomorrow along with the key coding. Luckily the quote was a little off for the service, but plus the replacements tomorrow and a new key (which I've now got down to £94 for a not so fancy all in one key) it's still costing just over £400. Ouch.
On Thursday my Mum and I met up in Birmingham for the Good Food Summer Festival at the NEC. A warm and crowded hall but we picked up a few things and sampled a fair few delights! We had a good wonder around the Homes and Garden shows too however I have no space left in the garden and this home isn't mine to buy for.
This weekend we finally got a little sun shining through which gave me a chance to clean up the garden of old lettuce and spinach, and plant a load of seeds to get going ready for July as we're away down south for almost 4 weeks from Tuesday. The chilli plants are looking good and a lot of them are almost 6 inches tall now which is great news. They'll be getting planted into the ground once we're back in July.
Yesterday we also had a BBQ for ex colleagues of Dave's from where he used to work. We'd been planning this since he left 18 months ago, and finally had it yesterday. Luckily the rain held off for most of it, and with the gazebo right outside the backdoor I could cook regardless of weather. We finally got to bed at 3.30am today so I'm a bit tired now! And I have to be up early to take the car to the VW garage tomorrow!!
Atleast there's only one more week until Wimbledon starts 
It does my head in the amount of money charged for services and repairs. Even worse if you go to a 'reputable dealer'.
By Mark on Wed, 20 June, 2007
Mark, I completely agree. I've now paid out £340 in a service plus a new air filter and spark plugs, plus another £105 for a new key - and it's not even an automatic press a button to do everything key.
By Sarah on Wed, 20 June, 2007