Our new residential flat shimmers. We have a corner unit facing northeast and parallel to the Misssissippi River towards the Village of Appleton overlooking a series of vast cultivated pastoral fields undulating to the horizon. The 9′ floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms on both external sides of the apartment afford a brilliant and sprightly atmosphere. The prospect of the panorama from the drawing room vista upriver is especially mesmerizing. Having my desk and computer positioned to profit with maximum advantage from this exceedingly fruitious outlook was no small calculation on my part.

Indeed from start to finish our journey from the other side of town to our present situation has been one of noteworthy focus and application.  Frankly it is difficult to avoid the apprehension that this may be the last move we make for some time (if ever again). Blending the multiple imperatives predicted by downsizing, contracting with a coporate landlord, adopting an unanticipated singularity and a new and modern environment, has all contributed to a unique and uncommonly settling event.

Part of the feature of transition and improvement which distinguishes this modification is the freshness arising from being in a completely new property. Not often does one have the privilege to know the architect. And I will forever maintain that the landlord has accomplished an indescribable achievement to have isolated this covetable property for luxury residential rental units adjacent an agreeable riverfront parkland. Everything about the place bodes well for the future.  The initial landscaping is promising. The frequency of paddle boarders, cyclists and walkers appears to increase daily. And I have yet to see one view upriver – no matter how spectacular – which resembles another. Every day is  a further reward!

Intertwined with these picturesque riparian images are the underlying seams of related traffic. Today for example I concluded the purchase of an EVO 8-gear tricycle. By accepting this new mode of transport I have acknowledged my removal from the threat of imbalance. And having a basket on the back is a matter of self-evident utility.

Whether you want it for exercise or just to feel the simple joy of riding again, the Latitude 8 is a great choice. Riders who struggle with balance or just want the security that comes from three wheels on the ground will find this trike and its eight speeds equally capable at getting around the neighborhood as it is on longer rides to the store.

– Custom folding aluminum frame
– 24″ easy-rolling wheels
– Microshift DS85-8 twist shifter
– Microshift RD-M26L rear derailleur
– Mechanical disc brakes
– Comfortable, wide saddle
– Convenient large rear shopping basket
– Folded dimensions: 44 L x 38.5 H x 29.5″ W (with stem turned and bars turned down)
– Folded dimensions: 111.7 L x 97.8 H x 75cm W (with stem turned and bars turned down)
– Removal of stem/handlebars from frame will lower height approximately 4″ or 10cm
– Max Weight 300lb

While almost everything about our digs is new, there have been pointed contradictions.  My tricycle for example is used.  The woman who sold it to me had bought it originally at the end of March last. Subsequently she decided she’d prefer to have an electric tricycle.  She ordered one in the past 24-hours. While I normally would insist upon buying a new product I made a willing exception in this instance because the current retail price of the same tricycle is $849.99 compared to the $650 I paid (and which the woman had likewise initially paid). The Evo Latitude may now only be purchased on-line; and, I believe it is no longer possible to buy through an agent.  My brief examination of the matter indicates there may be issues surrounding availability. In the result I am satisfied that my decision to proceed as I have done is appropriate. Accommodation of this nature is normally not something I willingly undertake or even contemplate. Instead I am traditionally overruled by the paramountcy of my obsessions which include limitless fussing about detail rather than pursuit of compromise and adaptation.

The transition from obsession to performance (where the governance of the conduct is simple rationality) is no mean feat. It is illustrative of a profound mutation. I am only too willing to accept this departure from the past. It not only reinforces my mutability but also advances the persuasion of ingenuity. So while I find myself living in a brand new apartment, staring upon the mirrored surface of the Mississippi River, listening to the squawking geese, owning a second-hand car and tricycle, recovering from left knee replacement surgery, with a shockingly short haircut, I confess the alteration of my druthers has done nothing to diminish whatever anticipated delight I may otherwise have had. I stop to examine the Mont Blanc key chain which I bought almost ten years ago in the airport in Rome but which until now I have never once used.

This evening I am sporting a sterling silver bracelet (Buddha to Buddha from the Netherlands) which I lately withdrew from consignment. Mrs C and I will derive predictable amusement from this ancient connection as it alerts our more recent evolution.

Buddha to Buddha is an Amsterdam based lifestyle brand, one that celebrates life and its many contradictions. Known worldwide for its outstanding timeless jewelry designs made from 925 sterling silver.

I hadn’t imagined that things would turn out as they have.  Though from the start I have been optimistic.