I have a friend who is somewhat obsessive. He won't really mind me calling him that, as long as I spell it correctly and use good grammar - his name is Laurie.

Today we met Laurie and his wife Rachel at the park, with their children of course - but not just them. Oh no, today, he brought the Bluebird 2012 with him.

Men, given time, will find things to do. Men with children, given time, will do the things they wished they could do as children - we live vicariously through our kids. Me, I eat, hopefully things that are well cooked and nutritious. Laurie's Mum - a lovely lady called Anne - knew how to cook and fed him well, he craves other things. We all crave - the existence of desire cannot be denied.

Laurie always wanted a go-kart. The kind of thing that we read about in Whizzer and Chips annuals. Now he has children he isn't going to let them miss out on a go-kart, but Laurie is somewhat obsessive, in a good way.

If Laurie builds a go-kart it will be like no other, No tea chest with pram wheels, crunching along at no speed at all, careering wildly into every pot hole due to the awful steering. Laurie built the Bluebird 2012, possibly the greatest go-kart ever.

It is very big. It has two seats but can easily seat four. The steering is smooth, it rolls like it is gliding on ice and even has some really fancy brakes - like a high end road bike.

Isis and Eve had a really great time. It was cold and windy and Olias was getting grouchy in the rucksack so Toni, Eve, Olias and I came home leaving Isis to go around and around in the contraption, pushed up hill by Laurie and no doubt speeding down at great speed, courtesy of the gravitational pull of the Earth.

When they brought Isis back Laurie was looking a little pooped so I asked him if they'd all like to stay for dinner. I had some pork roasting in the oven and although I hadn't got enough roast potatoes on, I could always rustle up some potato, parsnip and garlic mash as well.

It's another party.

So we all at roast pork and a home made spotted dick.

Being a parent can be fun if you let it. Parties, go-karts, fine dining (although my roast potatoes weren't good today - I think my timing was out).

The world needs obsessives like Laurie and maybe it needs fools like me. Let's all be different and be grateful we are.

And if you are in Longford park one day and see Laurie and his kids zooming down the hills on the Bluebird 2012, ask him for a go. He really is a lovely guy and will happily push your kids around, laughing and smiling, then bring them back, safe and sound.

He might die of a heart attack on the way though, so keep a watchful eye.