A lot of “Thank Yous” and “Goodbyes”
- from Rick and Anne Astley
Anne and I are now in our new home state of Wisconsin where we have bought a condo just a few minutes from our eldest son’s home in the city of Brookfield and just a little over an hour from that of our youngest son’s family who live a little north of Chicago. We’re due to move in August 25th and look forward to the comfort and security of not just living much closer to family, but without the stress and hassle of having to cross Chicago to visit one another.
Our move was not without its share of sadness, especially as we had to say goodbye to so many good friends, many of 25 years+, most of whom we were privileged to have met during our 26 years with the Windsor-Detroit MG Club. We’re now going to have to seek out a new British car club knowing that, whichever it is, it can never compare to Windsor-Detroit.
We owe a big thank you to all of you that were able to attend – in torrential rain and lightning – the July meeting at Buca di Beppo at which we couldn’t have wished for a better send-off. Our special thanks too to Vicki for organizing the event and to the forever thoughtful Vince & Kelly Lacroix for supplying the cake, chocolates and banner. When we first learned of it our reaction was one of embarrassment; convinced first that we didn’t deserve such an honor and second that just a handful of people would turn up. In the end the attendance proved to be overwhelming and very humbling. Many members, who for one reason or other could not attend, have since reached out to us to say goodbye and our thanks to you all too.
A Wisconsin reunion was with our 2 British cars. Our 1970 MGB was transferred to our son here about 8 years ago and he drove our 2004 Jaguar here a few weeks ago after finagling flying back from a business trip via Detroit. There is some consolation in moving here in that the Jaguar will cost, like every other passenger vehicle, $80 per year to tax rather than nearly $400 in Michigan where it was assessed on its value when new of some $80K. Moreover, next year, upon its 20th birthday, it will be eligible for a forever $250 Collectors Plate, the only restrictions being that the owner must have a regular vehicle registered and does not drive the collector’s vehicle in January.
Our very last thank-you and goodbye go along with our best wishes to you all. Please care for and cherish the Windsor-Detroit MG Club, it well deserves it.
Rick & Anne