(yup I am starting the story that way)
Between the ages of 16-18 I had a motorbike, (granted it was only a 50cc) there was an overlap because as soon as I was old enough I took driving lessons and passed my car test in July 1991 just before my 18th birthday, so I bought a car and enjoyed the freedom of the open road, as most of you know Shaz and I got together in March 1992 (34 weeks later).Shaz loved the look and sound of a motorcycle but she flat refused to ride pillion on one, She was fine on a quad, although I had once managed to get her on the back of a scooter in Greece.
Fast forward a lot, as Shaz and I where inseparable, we went everywhere together, even work, so with me being sensible I could not justify the cost a motorcycle that would just sit there and look pretty.
So where am I in this?
- 29th June - I passed my Theory test
- 23 July - took my CBT (you cant fail this, but they can insist you need more training if they don't think you are safe) I was perfectly ok with it.
- 29th July - full day on a 125cc
- 31st July - Full day on a 650cc when we got back my instructor was like, I want put you in for your Module 1 test, he was obviously happy with how I was with it.
A motorcycle licence needs 4 things CBT, Theory, Mod 1 and Mod 2
Then it will be training for Mod 2 (no dates as yet for this) kind off depends on what happens on the 25th.
So what next?
22nd August (next Sunday) I will be practicing manoeuvres ahead of the test
25th August (the morning off) I will be having a go of my Mod 1
Then it will be training for Mod 2 (no dates as yet for this) kind off depends on what happens on the 25th.
So what else have I been up to?
Well the back garden is on hold at the moment, my focus is shifting to the front one, there is a reason for that, in the short term I will need a secure location to store the motorbike as we do not have garage, so the front garden it is securely anchored down until I can sort out the back.
Work begins on that next week.
But on a more personal note.
This month has been particularly hard for me, as it has also it has also been for our family too, as most of you know Shaz and I shared our birthday (which is/would be today) so the last few weeks has been really (insert naughty word here) tough.
The reason is not just that it would have been our birthday today (yes I know it is still mine, but I wont be celebrating that for a while) but it also marks 6 months since we lost Shaz.
How the (insert naughty word here) has it been 6 months already?
So this weekend we will be toasting to our beloved Shaz, consuming lots of Gin in the process, I can feel the hangover already 😬.
I had considered maybe organising a wake, but I will be honest with you, on reflection I would not be able to cope with a wake after this amount of time, I don't think family could either.
Instead when we get on top of this (insert a fresh new naughty word here) human malware that is Covid 19 (or what even number we get up to), we will when it is safe to do so organise a crop or two instead, we can eat lots and lots of cake.
A gratuitous snap taken back in 2014 I give you Bird-ception, a bird, on the bird, while holding a bird :)
And finally
11 comments:
Thinking about you today Doug. Good luck with mod 1 and enjoy your day practising (on mine and my sister's birthday). A crop sounds like a fantastic tribute to Shaz.
It doesn't seem right to say Happy Birthday Doug, when I know your heart is still broken. but I hope you enjoy the day as best you can, remembering Shaz. Good luck with mod 1 and a crop definitely sounds good. Sending a virtual hug.
A time to remember your lovely Shaz and to share lots of gin with family.💕
Best of luck with your motor cycle test etc - you will pass with flying colours and it will be great to be able to get out and about with your friends and family. We will all raise a glass to you and Shaz today and hope that we certainly can get together at a "tribute" crop, maybe in the Autumn. xx Jo
It will certainly be a different birthday this year Doug but I’m sure Shaz would still want it to be a good one for you so please make it the very best you can...for her and us of course. All the very best with the bike training and tests....I’m sure you will fly through them.
Biggest hugs,
Annie and Dod
Xxxx
It’s a tough day Doug and doesn’t matter if you don’t feel like celebrating yours, we understand that. Sending hugs to you anyway xx. How can it be six months since Shaz died. I know this year has gone fast but that’s unbelievable. I hope that you have several gins with your family, i shall have a large one too and raise a toast to present and absent friends.
I think it’s fab you’re doing all the motorbike training, it’s a door to new experiences, I know you’ll be amazing at it.
Hugs
LLJ xxxx
Such a bitter sweet day, full of happy birthday memories, and now missing Shaz. six months. How can that be. But you’re doing it Doug, one day at a time and probably on some days, one hour at a time. Shaz would expect nothing less, I feel her cheering you on and laughing that the front garden gets a makeover to hold the bike! I had a very large gin last night, your birthday names on our lips. Cheers.
I've been thinking of you both a lot this week, especially on your birthday. Given that you shared your birthday with Shaz, I'm not surprised you don't feel like celebrating this year. Good luck with your MOD1 test. Hope we do get together at a crop again one day. Hugs, Elizabeth & Alan xx
Thanks for posting Doug and keeping us updated. Good to hear you're working on your motorcycle license. The open road is calling and I'm sure you'll enjoy riding with your family and friends. I can't even begin to tell you how often I think of Shaz and in turn, you. Even though I'm in the U.S. and never met her in person she had such an influence and was very well loved on SCS. I raised a glass to both of you in celebration of your birthdays - but only a single glass as I'm such a lightweight! Take care of yourself.
Hi dear Doug, so sorry I'm a bit late here.
I have been bit absent from blogland. However youre in my prayers each day, its truly been an incredibly hard six months for you, but you've done Shaz proud, in all the things you've been doing while working and normal life things at the same time.
Amazing to be so far along on the process of getting your bike licence. I had no idea it was so multi layered but guess it makes sense when you consider the power of those machines.
The open roads with family will be great in the days ahead. Keep safe though.. and upright.
I loved the three birds photo, you and Shaz certainly went to some amazing places. And the defragged zebra was soo funny. Reminds me, mine prob needs defragging. My computer is 9 yrs old so bit of a grandfather! 😁
Blessings dear Doug, esp in the tough days, you're in my prayers and thoughts, Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz. X
{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
I am late here too....I was just oddly pinged. I subbed to the blog but it is not sending it to me. Weird.
The holidays/special days don't stink-they reek- the first year. Just that simple.
Time becomes insane. Each day can feel like forever but you blink and months have passed.
I think it is great you are doing something for you that matters. Shaz would love that. Of course you deserve it!
Keep taking care of yourself in whatever way that needs to be
hugs
Margot (NYC)
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