Here I sit in my big home, surrounded by nearly an acre of grass. This is where Jody and I thrived and suffered, and thrived some more. My dear wife is everywhere here, cheering me on. I’m looking over to the couch where we cuddled for many a movie. And there’s the kitchen, where Jodiette created brilliant meals. (Sigh)
What’s true is that I don’t want to live here anymore. The energy within is loving. It’s also of the past. I need a new start. Part of my bursting forth is becoming a member at the Tarandowah Golfers Club near Avon, Ontario. I love the beauty there. Saw a red fox a couple of days ago. But Tarandowah is a 40 minute drive from Union. Can’t I live somewhere closer?
Two weeks ago, I discovered the aura of Belmont, a town of maybe 2000 west of the golf course. I was trying to create the perfect golfing day, and unearthed a breakfast spot (The Belmont Diner), a place to read (The Belmont Library) and a pub (The Barking Cat). Cool. But now that I had set up my perfect day, where would I hang my hat? (Actually I don’t wear one.)
On Friday, April 29, I asked Chrystal, the owner of the Diner, if there were any condos in Belmont. I was guessing there weren’t. “I think that one of my customers is building some out on Manning Drive. Go check it out.” So I moseyed over to the northwest edge of town and found lovely new single family dwellings … but no condos. Oh well, I guess Chrystal was wrong.
A few days before, I stood in the presentation centre of a future condo building in St. Thomas, a city of 35000 just north of Union (about 30 minutes from Tarandowah). I liked the layout of a small unit and over time decided to put down a deposit of $5000. I didn’t really enjoy the area of town, but it was a condo, and I didn’t want any more yard work.
On Saturday, April 30, I left home with a cheque in my pocket. I remembered that Chrystal had said she’d talk to Glenn, the builder, about me being interested in a condo. Oh, what the heck, why not drive out to Belmont for breakfast first, and then go back to St. Thomas for the deposit? Couldn’t hurt.
It didn’t.