The Daily Grind

As many of you may know, despite living in Nottingham, I work for UCE Birmingham. According to my dashboard computer, it is 52.6 miles each way. It usually takes me about an hour each way, although I try and time my journeys so I avoid the traffic.

This morning it took me three hours between leaving the house and getting to my desk. The M1 was clogged, so everyone took the M42. When I tried to leave the M42, the A453 was clogged because everyone who usually took the M42 tried to take the A38 instead.

The moral of the story? Don't commute if you can avoid it - I will be expanding on those thoughts in a forthcoming article on the BBC Nottingham website...


ADDENDUM - 26th April

Just to let you know that it took an hour and forty minutes to get home last night. So I was at work for six hours (luckily I had some time in lieu so I won't have to play "catch-up" too much), and spent nearly five hours on the road.

This morning it took me an hour and a half to get to work. For the first time since I started commuting (sixteen months ago), it is really starting to get on my wick...

No punchline required

Scam

Just something to be aware of. I recently advertised one of my cars on the Autotrader website (a Volvo 480 from 1988, since you ask).

I had "interest" from two people via email, saying that they want to buy the Volvo for relatives overseas. They said that they wanted to pay by Banker's Draft, but overpay, to include the shipping fee.

I had my suspicions, but both provided a UK address and telephone number.

However, one of my colleagues said that she had a similar experience selling her old car on Autotrader. Apparently they rely on you releasing the car before the payment clears, and paying the shipping fees upfront (which, obviously, I would never do). It then turns out that the "Banker's Draft" is fake, and they have got a free car and not paid for the shipping.

So I ended up emailing both my "sellers" to say "sorry, but someone else has come in and offered me cash upfront", and I never heard from them again.

A cautionary tale. The scary thing is that if one in ten people fall for it, it is still worth their while. So remember kids, if it looks fake, and smells fake, it's probably fake.

For the record, the car didn't sell, so I am waiting until the end of the month when I will get it taxed and MOT'd, and I am going to keep it!

Saucy

Good news! Encona Sweet Chilli sauce, the best condiment that I can think of, is now available in an upside-down squeezy bottle!