#whatspetrolDad?

Strange title you may think, but I shall explain.

Working for the company that I’m now with, is a damn steep learning curve, and that’s only to learn about the basics of hydrogen generation.

We’ve all no doubt read in the press that we’re heading towards the use of electric cars and that the government wants to get rid of diesel engines by 2050. But what about the use of hydrogen cars? There’s a few out there already, along with hydrogen buses in London and now the first hydrogen powered train. Electric cars have their limitations and despite some manufacturers claims that they can do 250 miles before a charging, we know that most will only do about 200. Unless you can afford the new Tesla which they claim can do closer to 300…….but it’s still electric! I can do 200 miles in one day if I have to go to the office in Doncaster, so plotting my route for charging points would be fun.

So with the demise of the diesel engine and the improvements of electric and hydrogen transport what will happen to petrol? What’s petrol Dad? was on a notebook given away as a freebie at an event recently and it really makes you think. Stop reading this blog and think about it for 30 seconds………….This got me thinking more about things that we had as kids that aren’t around anymore. There are many of course, but one word or phrase that sticks in my mind is the advert for the Apple iPad Pro, where the young girl says to her neighbour whilst she’s lying on the grass in her back yard using her tablet ‘What’s a computer?’ Watch it and see what you think.

But what’s making a comeback? Vinyl records were killed off by CDs and then downloading and streaming of music, but we’ve recently seen a few ‘record shops’ open up again. Having something tangible makes all the difference right? So how are we dealing with simple commodities such as food and drink? We need to reduce the use of plastic so what do we use for milk example? I’m all in favour of bringing back the glass bottle for milk and yes, getting it delivered by the milkman who would still collect the cleaned empty bottles. Maybe instead of using an electric milk float he could use a hydrogen one? It would still be quiet and wouldn’t wake you at 3am on the morning, or you could get a lift ala Kat Slater style after a night out.

And talking of comebacks; look out Jane Fonda! Many, many years ago I used to teach body conditioning (it was like aerobics). Exercise and music has always been a passion of mine and I’m currently studying hard ready for a two-day assessment next month to get my licence to teach again. But it’s not aerobics and of course you can guess it’ll have a twist, but I’ll keep you hanging on that one……..bear with.

I still can’t believe that it’s only been 10 weeks since I’ve been made redundant. I’ve crammed so much work in during that short space of time. Did I tell you that I’d picked up a second contract? Even I can’t believe that. I’m really starting to believe in Karma these days.

Since I’ve started working for myself, I’ve decided that I need to look after my mental health more. So every other weekend when me and Frodo get together, we usually do something fun and this weekend was no different. Off to Leeds we went on the bikes, the long way around of course. 230 miles later, we’d crossed the Pennines, ridden through Holmfirth where Last of the Summer Wine was filmed, had lunch at Jem’s Speed Shop in Batley, drooling over many of the bikes for sale, a pitstop at Squires Biker Café and then a ride through Matlock and Matlock Bath on the way home. All topped off with a bite to eat at the Mucky Duck and a bottle of Bollie at home.

I think that this about sums up the weekend……..CHILLIN’

• 

So what’s petrol?..………that little drop of liquid gold that allows me and him to head for the hills to have some fun.

Til next time.