“Early Mazda rotary engine cars had a pull-out knob on the dash reminiscent of a choke (C8), which self-retracted,” says Greg Cox of Glenbrook. “There was story that a lady driver brought her ‘rough running’ car to a mechanic, the cure being to remove her handbag from the knob to allow it to fully retract.”
Is Eve Moyse (C8) of Dora Creek cramping George Manojlovic of Mangerton’s style? “Coming from your neck of the woods, Eve, those cramps would more likely be called a ‘Charley Steer’ rather than ‘Charley Horse’. Then they’d be simply a Dora bull.”
“After encountering several boys named ‘Messiah’, I’ve long awaited the referral for behavioural issues so that I can say: ‘You are not the Messiah, you are a very naughty boy’,” muses Jo Rainbow of Orange.
Kerrie Wehbe of Blacktown writes with “a reminder with all the festive craziness around, especially to the grandparents among us. Keep in mind the three most important words at Christmas: batteries not included. You’re welcome.”
Now, a Christmas paean from Paul Taylor of Winston Hills: “By George(s), I Seppose it is good to look back on quite a Loong but productive year, true to Granny’s peerless standards. Santa is about to Gibson well-deserved presents out and many will be hoping at least for a mini utti if not a full sized utti. As we settle down to our Christmas Tucker, perhaps of Lamb with a sprig of Rosemary, and Don we now our gay apparel in festive celebration, please remember it is, after all, the season of good Will. Do take the time to give thanks and wish one and all a very Meri Christmas.”
“I see this every year,” says Jack Dikian of Mosman. “Little kids lined up to have their photos taken with Santa in shopping centres. Some, who are clearly distressed, must no doubt be, clinically speaking, claustrophobic.”
And with that, another Yuletide is upon us. Time to give yourselves a break, safe in the knowledge that, this year, Granny refrained from using the abbreviation “Crimbo” (wouldn’t hurt you for quids, Ian Flowers). And a big thanks to those who have sent messages of magnanimity to us over the last couple of days, the aforementioned St Peter Miniutti of Ashbury and Allan Gibson, the Cherub of Cherrybrook, among them. Compliments of the season to you all. Let’s chat on Thursday.
Column8@smh.com.au
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