Hard Decisions

Probably everyone basically knows what a packrat or the more extreme case of a hoarder is. But what is the opposite? I am! I am a minimalist, and will very likely throw out whatever comes in my way of Ordnung. So, besides charity and garbage cans, Ebay and Craigslist are my best friends when it comes to getting rid of (to me) surplus items.

Until recently I wasn’t aware that there is actually a clinical term for this disorder, too. It’s called Obsessive Compulsive Spartanism (OCS) or Ataxophobia. It manifests itself in the need to limit one's possessions in order to keep life simple, organized and under control. I get pleasure out of the fact that my worldly possessions fit in a few boxes, and pride myself in being able to react flexible to any kind of change in life.

The above goes to explain the following. Recently it started bugging me that the husband’s red Vespa hadn’t been on the road as much since he upgraded to Whitey, his Suzuki Burgman 400. Naturally for me it raised the question, what to do with two small scooters, if only one is needed, really. I pondered a lot about the pros and cons of whether to keep Paolo, my 2006 Vespa GT200 or stick with Bella, the 2008 Vespa GTS250.

Both two-wheelers have been equally upgraded; both are mechanically sound and well maintained. Bella however has a bit more power, is fuel injected; it sports a front rack, a higher windshield, and a hard box, plus it has two years and 8,000 km less under its belt. Decision was tough but settled in favour of Bella. Now I need to find a new home for Paolo. There, I said it. I will sell the rugged trusty old battle scooter and continue my commute on the beautiful dragon red Italian diva.

Der Sommer ist weg...

 ... und der Herbst liegt auch in den letzten Zügen. Die sintflutartigen Regenfälle und der kräftige Wind der letzten zwei Wochen haben den Bäumen das Laub mit Gewalt und vor der Zeit von den Ästen gezerrt.

Wenigstens werden wir an diesem langen Wochenende (Remembrance Day) zur Abwechslung mal mit dem für diese Jahreszeit so raren Sonnenschein verwöhnt. Allerdings sind die Temperaturen nicht weit weg vom Gefrierpunkt.

Die Badesaison ist also für's Erste vorbei. Dennoch sitzen wir an unserem Stand und lassen uns von den Sonnenstrahlen wärmen. Für das Bild haben wir dann mal die Mützen abgenommen.

Unser Inlet hat auch heute wieder viele Besucher angelockt. Manche versuchen sich an vergänglichen Skulpturen:

Andere geniessen einfach die Vielfalt der Vogelwelt. Hier 'parken' traditionell die Enten.

Der rotgewandete Baum auf der linken Seite hält tapfer an seinen Blättern fest, während die Bäume rechts schon ihre Altlasten abgeschüttelt haben.

Kahle Äste greifen um sich. Bei Nebel verstärkt sich dieser Effekt, der jetzt so harmlos wirkt.

Was für eine Farbenpracht! In wenigen Tagen wird es damit ein Ende haben, damit ein neuer Lebenszyklus beginnen kann.

Auf unserem Pier beobachten wir wieder Robben bei ihrer Jagd nach Beute. Nichts Neues.

Wir haben aufgegeben, unsere Runden um's Inlet zu zählen, aber an die zweihundert Mal werden es wohl dieses Jahr gewesen sein, und trotzdem war es kein bisschen langweilig.

Riding Wet Coast Style

It didn't stop raining for weeks, at least that's what it feels like. I go for a hike, I get wet, I go for a ride, I get wet. I go shopping... you get the picture.

Daylight Saving Time gives me the benefit of an extra hour, which I gladly spend on taking out Paolo for a spin around the block.

Leaves and water make for a slippery surface. It is just one more road hazard to be aware of come this time of the year.

There is moss everywhere, as a constant reminder of the humid air. The naked branches of the moss covered trees seem to want to grab my little scoot. And more of the nasty green stuff on the ground wants to see me slip and fall.

Despite the dreadful grey of the day there is beauty. Empty roads are one of the many advantages of season's ending. And sometimes the clouds part to give way to a nice view on a mountain or a lake. So, it's not all bad.

I just wonder why people keep staring at me and my Vespa? Is it so unusual to go for a ride in the rain and have fun jumping through some puddles? This is how I clean my bike.

Paolo playing hide-and-seek. Doesn't he seem to fit right in with the colours of the fall foliage?

And while I am continuing my journey through the rain with dark clouds hovering I am dreaming... not of a white Christmas, but of dry roads, and blue skies.