Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

So, dear reader, the nature of this blog is about to change. The large part of the content will now be devoted to a restoration project on a 1992 Norfolk Gypsy, which Naoko named Kanusha because it does not mean … Continue reading →

So, since my last posting much has changed. I have left my beautiful house by the sea and have moved to my new crib. I have sold or got rid off the majority of my possessions. I no longer have … Continue reading →

I always remember the terrible shock when I spied hundreds of men, squadrons of concrete trucks, cohorts of diggers, starting work on the LHC. Having spent some 10 years involved in the negotiations on funding plans and political support, all … Continue reading →

My colleagues organize a farewell BBQ on Saturday, which turns out to be the coldest, and most dreich day of the year. Onna gives me a beautiful Awamori flask. I am very touched. We have to move inside cos it … Continue reading →

He has bought the Scaffie, the trailer, the Tophatsu and the truckette: all the things I love. Lots of good times with that boat – more good times to come with next boat, whose name is Kanusha. I asked Naoko … Continue reading →

The same can be said about my retirement date. There is a flurry of things to do. However I would like to thank folks whom I have worked with in this last week of my life of travail. We have … Continue reading →

La Truckette spends a lot of time standing and waiting. Of late, she has demonstrated her valor. As I negotiate the change of life, she plays a critical role. Today I have to pick up the fridge and washing machine … Continue reading →

Things start to get serious. I have to get rid of lots of junk that has been gathering around the house or  rotting on the deck. Okinawa is not kind to stuff. Everything rots and corrodes at very high speed. … Continue reading →

So I have doubtless done a very stupid thing but, as I have probably mentioned before, no risk, no fun.  The safe option, the trip carefully planned, the ferry booked in advance,  leads to each adventure being reduced to frantically … Continue reading →

One disadvantage of retirement is that your employer no longer pays you. Strange but true. As I move towards that state I realize that I will have to downsize residentially. My wonderful, beautiful house that has delighted me for the … Continue reading →