Here's an update to let you, my other family, get up to speed on what's happening.
My life is moving on, my soon to be second ex-wife has returned to France, & my son who's stayed here with me is blossoming, and turning into a great young man.
I have been extremely fortunate to find, since the split, that a friend I made here is actually my soul-mate & we're building a future together. She actively encourages my passions & is definitely a keeper.
I had confirmation this morning that we take possession on July 5 of our new (to us) place about 40 min from the centre of Montreal & 30min from the US border. It's got over an acre of land surrounded by fields so no neighbours & plenty of room for you schmoes to pitch your tents. Also has a HUGE garage/toybox & a 21' saltwater pool.
This afternoon I put down a deposit on a brand new 2014 Moto Guzzi Stelvio which I'll pick up after the move. Got a great deal from an out in the sticks country dealer, really nice folk, worth the distance. Spousal approval was unnecessary as she told me to go & get the best deal I could, I swear she's more excited for me than I am myself. Like I said, she's a keeper.
All in all, I find myself more relaxed & happier than I think I have ever been.
There are still obstacles to overcome in my life & I'm working to solve those problems in the best way possible for all concerned.
It's been a whirlwind year so far. Life though is indeed good at the moment.
I'll be having an inaugural weekend barbeque pissup sometime too. September possibly?
Good for you, my friend! Definitely keep in touch when you're in NC. We're about smack dab in the center and I'd love to get out and ride with you again. this time not on the same bike.
Innes; that sounds pretty damned good to me. I think you're going to enjoy the Stelvio. Most of the Guzzi owners that I know who've got one love theirs and wouldn't ride anything else. I'm happy for you and hope that life continues in the trajectory it's on for you.
It's beautiful, about 300km from the border with Vermont. I need to find out if I can get Canada to forgive my transgressions so I can see it first hand.
"I need to find out if I can get Canada to forgive my transgressions so I can see it first hand."
Hah! Back in the 80's I traveled with a friend up to Toronto for spring break- decided it would be fun to run around on the subway for a while, so I parked the 280Z and jumped on... got back after several hours, my car was towed! I had no cel, no way to contact my friends- finally figured it out, the dang car was towed to the BFE other side of the city! Paid the taxi, paid the impound fee, figured they could extradite me for the frickin ticket...
Canada, like Australia, does not allow felons to cross it's borders.
Canada has an expensive process by which I can apply for permission to enter. My understanding is it's a one-time deal, you pay the money and they say yes or no.
The only thing stopping me from doing it is I believe it's around $2000 for the privilege of letting them decide if I'm allowed to come in.
I have very little actual need to go to Canada any more, so it's not high on the priority list.
Looking forward to Mark's WV rally in about a month... I passed on heading up the BRP on a three day trip starting this morning- forecasts show rain, and my Beemer tires aren't up for it... heard back from a buddy on that ride, said they didn't see a drop of rain today...
Today I'm fulfilling an Allman brothers song, stuck in Lodi again. Office cockup, delivery is 6 tonight not this morning. Nice weather for it though, and I can try an Arby's bacon sandwich for breakfast.