Arse!

My previous optimism has been obliterated. The car failed its MOT in spectacular fashion. Of the list of items it was failed on, the steering rack tops it and with the car worth just £300 at most, it probably isn't worth paying for the repairs. Today has been miserable. I hate the waiting and today I passed the time by working on the train layout. Despite having a couple of shed heaters, it was freezing cold in there. In fact I'm still thawing out five hours on.
My wife is distraught and very depressed. We secretly knew the car would probably fail but expected it to be the brake pads. Instead we have a long list of things including brake pipes, springs and a lot of welding. It can all be done, and the car will certainly pass the MOT but at huge cost. I'll find out tomorrow exactly how much but if it's more than £300 then we'll be looking for a new car. The guy we take the car to has told me he'd be interested in buying the car from us. After all, it has four new tyres and a host of spares he can make use of. So hopefully the money he gives us for it combines with the amount we have set aside will finance a replacement run-around.
It's all just the latest thing in a long, long run of bad luck. Who was I kidding to suggest that their would be nothing wrong with the car? Myself I think. I wanted to believe that we'd get away with just the fee for the MOT and almost convinced myself of it. I think my wife believed my reassurances a little too much. The reality is that whatever you believe, it will normally be ten times worse. If you think it will take an hour or two, it will be more like thee or four. If you think they'll call you, they won't. You'll end up chasing them. This is the reality sadly and trying to remain positive is often the biggest mistake you can make. Arse!