Overheard at Chipperfields' ... Part LXI ...

"So," J-- approached the table where a couple of other regulars were seated, "how's things?"

"Good," answered the first.

"Fine," answered the second as he turned and glanced out the window, "you driving new wheel?" his thumb hitched towards the window as he turned back.

J-- grinned like a cheshire cat, "Yeah, ain't she sweet?"

"That the car you've been waiting for all this time," asked The Rev as he approached the table, coffee in hand.

J--'s grin widened, "Absolutely," he sat down at the table with his tea, "nice aint it?"

"I guess," said The Rev as he sat at the table, "for an import."

"What?" squawked J--, "an 'Import' !! Why that's a product of some of the finest European engineering."

"Saw you fiddling with glove box," said The Rev quietly, "problem with the engineering?"

"You saw that?" said J--, his eyes narrowing, "when?"

"When you were pulling up," said The Rev, "is there a problem with the glove box?"

"The latch is broken," J--'s shoulders sagged slightly, "I closed it too hard this morning. And with the cold and everything ..."

"Fine European engineering," snorted the first regular. The Rev raised his eyebrows and smiled as he lifted his coffee to his lips and took a sip.

"You guys," snapped J--, "none of you know a fine car when you see it. That," he paused as he pointed out the window, "is one of the finest automobiles ever put on the road. And when I'm filling up behind restaurants for cheap, don't come crying to me."

"So you like the french fry wagon then?" asked the second regular.

"Don't be calling it a french fry wagon," laughed J--, "it's a highly tuned diesel hybrid."

"French Fry Wagon," chimed the two regulars and The Rev simultaneously.

"Hey," called Jay-dee with a smile from behind the counter, "If you don't simmer down, I'll have to throw you all out ..." her eyes narrowed into a stern expression that was tempered by the smile she was trying to surpress. She glanced around the busy store before heading over to the table. As she approached she asked, "what are you guys arguing about anyway?"

"Oh we're not arguing," answered The Rev, waving his hand towards J--, "we're just discussing J--'s hot new wheels."

"You FINALLY GOT YOUR CAR??" Jay-dee exploded excitedly, "Really?"

"Shhhhhh," said J--, waving his hand at her, "otherwise, we'll have to throw YOU out ..." he laughed as he spoke, "yes, I got my car," he looked out the front window, "it's sitting out there."

"I can't believe it," said Jay-dee excitedly, "you've been waiting months for that car."

"Months?" scoffed the first regular, "it seems like he's been waiting since they lifted the war time embargo on Volk-vagens for that car," his voice emphasising the Teutonic pronounciation of Volkswagen.

"Har, har" smiled J--, "you guys are just too funny." He turned to Jay-dee who was smiling broadly, "I guess you've earned the first ride."

"You can pick me up at 4 when I'm done work," she said very excitedly with a broad smile, "I can hardly wait."

"It's only a car," observed The Rev dryly, "and it's a small car to boot."

"It's a precision piece of German engineering ..." J-- began only to be cut off by the second regular.

"Yeah and Hyundai, really is Korean for reliable," he said.

"And IKEA really is Swedish for common sense," observed the first regular.

"Funny," said J-- smiling as he shook is head, "very very funny ..."