Dartford crossing

Headed north up to basildon in Essex. Dad left to go to work (impressive? For a retired person!). Susan dropped me off at local hotel to pick the rental car up. Was good to see them (and mum for lunch again on way to Essex) - if only for a flying visit but will see them for longer in a few months back in SD. Have a ford focus (white) which goes like the clappers. Suitable for the Essex roads. My mate who I am visiting there is a ford officiando (his dad works for them in dagenham). He informed me that it's a 1 litre engine! Turbo charged though so sounds like a right mean machine.

He is recovering from an op (which prevented him attending my stag - although he was best man and stag org over in SD for courthouse wedding last year). We hobbled around the shopping centre in basildon and picked up a few gifts for the wife and the latest (soon to be replaced?) England shirt as my new kit for the footy season when I get back.

Went out for all you can eat Chinese then back to his for movies including Pegasus down (not bad action movie) and jackass 2 and 3 with some beers and run and cokes. Had a good natter then to bed and up to Manc tomorrow.