Our time as vagabonds has ended quite abruptly.  My better half heard about a job opening and the same day was interviewed on Skype.  Three days later we flew to Michigan to meet the owner of a couple of properties and the team that works at them.  We were wined, dined and wooed but it didn’t take long to appreciate and respect what the owner has accomplished and created.  Michigan herself was glorious, brightening blue skies with the splendor of Autumn leaves, and fresh, crisp air, my favourite time of year.  It’s a part of the State that neither of us had seen, and we quickly fell in love.

Returning to Ontario we celebrated (Canadian) Thanksgiving.  For the first time in over ten years all of my children were together, my son and girlfriend arriving from British Columbia to meet their new nephew.  I don’t think I stopped smiling all weekend.  And then it was time to pack up again for another trip, this one to Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. 

The owner of the Michigan properties also runs a Relais and Chateaux resort in Virgin Gorda and is developing land a few miles from it as well.  I’d never been to the BVI, let alone to a tiny 8-mile long island.  We flew in the owner’s jet and as I peered out the window I saw water that was so many shades of blue and green that I doubt an artist could even create such colours on his palette.  A manager was needed to run the resort and oversee the hospitality side of the land development.  We spent six days at the resort and were sold on the job.  The offer came quickly, the work permit issued in record-breaking time, sorting and shipping items down south was hectic and swift.  It seemed within moments I was kissing my new grandson goodbye. I'd been privileged to share in the first two months of his life. Through tears I handed I handed him back to his mother, promisingomised to return the following month.

We arrived on Virgin Gorda two and a half days ago.  I feel like I’ve been plucked from one world and dropped into another warmer, more lush part of the planet.  We are staying on the resort until we get our bearings, (or possibly longer) as it’s much more convenient for Steve to be close to work.  Anywhere else on the isle requires a boat ride.  We will be island-folks for two years, returning after our stint to live and work in Michigan.  

And now, it’s time to explore!