On Monday, I put in my monthly appearance at South Shields County Court, where, since I retired, I have worked sporadically for the local Citizen’s Advice Bureau. The court finished at about midday, and after packing my traps I returned to my car!
Now, dear readers, I don’t know how many of you have gawped at an empty parking place where your vehicle ought to be, but believe me you experience some unusual symptoms. The eyeballs dash about in their sockets; the heart pounds, the palms sweat and breathing gets shorter. You walk around and peep to see if it’s parked behind that white van.
I experienced all these just after midday on Monday.
I returned to the court, and phoned Anne.
Once I’d scared the bejeesus out of her, I made my way through the court intending to report my loss to the local police.
Before I reached the door, I met the court usher and mentioned to her that my car had been nicked. Sympathy first, and then.“Now, Tony are you sure you didn’t park it in another place?”, she asked. At that moment the shortness of breath, came back. This time it was accompanied by a welling up of happiness as I realised the Civic was indeed parked “in another place” and I remembered where.
Within five minutes, the engine fired and I telephoned Anne to tell her to news. “Take care driving home”, she said.
And I did.
TH: "I don’t know how many of you have gawped at an empty parking place where your vehicle ought to be, but believe me you experience some unusual symptoms."
Yes, the last time something similar happened to me, I actually hoped it had been nicked. The alternative is to fork out £120 to the parking facists.
At least the thieves have honour.
Posted by: APL | 22 February 2006 at 02:12 PM