Option A:

or, Option B:

Any guesses as to which one I end up picking?

I’m not super confident my eagerness to go with Option B will be maintained through the next couple of months. It is 45-50 minutes on the bike, each way (about 9.5 miles), potentially a lengthy time to be exposed to the elements. However, rumor has it that El Niño is brewing, which often means a milder winter for us. So, despite the impending winter season, I may still be opting for Option B.

In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy a saner (not to mention healthier) way to get to work, and hope that by being outside more, my ability to withstand the cooler temperatures will grow (something my still-Ecuadorian blood often objects to).

This lovely two wheeler has been sitting relatively unused for the past thirty-plus years. It’s a Japanese-made bike (a Zebrakenko “Wind,” to be precise) with many, if not all, original parts.

I like the simplicity of design, with a couple of embellishments like this head badge:

Since it’s been sitting around so long, it’s going to need a little rejuvenation. Hence the crash course in, specifically, rear derailleur adjustment. And, for things that I’m not able to do (like truing the wheels), we’re a hop skip and a jump from our local bike shop.

It’s still high biking season, and with all the commuting I’ve been doing on my city bike, I’m looking forward to some road biking, unencumbered by my pannier full of clothes and lunch.

Sure enough, around tea time I caught a glimpse. The next time was in the morning. I was about to water the plants and I noticed the little guy looking outside (it’s been a beastly summer, and we’ve closed the house up much of these last couple of weeks). I think he, like us, was missing hanging out outside.

There have been other sitings, but I’m trying not to interfere too much, so I just barely got this picture and then promised to put the camera away. I took it while we were sorting through some of our books. I’m sure he was starting scope out the available titles to have on hand during the long winter nights.

Anyway, the reason why I’m sharing all of this, is that there are many homes that do not have a tomte living nearby, looking after things. They are easily offended and will move out if not properly treated (like, did you remember to put out a bowl of porridge last Christmas night?).

I’m pleased to offer a particularly smart and willing wizard for hire. This house wizard can offer similar services as a tomte. Though not up to speed on the history of your home, he possesses some of the same qualities as a tomte – particularly constant vigilance.

He prefers a high spot in the room (perhaps the top shelf in a living room bookcase) – somewhere where he can survey the room and get a sense of what is happening in the house.

Since you pay an agent (me) for his services, he will not run out on you if you forget to get him a present, or suddenly find yourself cursing up a storm.

If you are interested, find out more here.