Looks like somebody has to play the Spit Dweeb around here so I guess it might as well be me.
First thing I would do is quit my job and move OUT of Ontario. I would find a nice piece of land in Nova Scotia, not too far from Halifax, though Quebec city has a certain appeal. There I would set up a building and restoration workshop in an old barn. The first thing I would build would be a wooden sailboat, for you see, I am a sailor at heart. Soon enough I would get around to restoration or replication of WW2 aircraft. It would take years of course, to learn the necessary wood and metal working skills, but I would need the time to learn how to fly as well. Luckily I already have the engineering degree.
Being a Canadian, Empire planes hold a special place in my heart, and of them, the Spitfire and Mosquito are my most prized. Soon enough I would be flying over the bay of Fundy, pretending like it's the English channel, and raiding the Americans in Maine
. Just imagine flying low over the Nova Scotia highlands, with the canopy open and the breeze washing over your face, while the Rolls Royce Merlin sings it's unforgetable song. I get shivers just thinking about it.
Of course I would make the rounds with my aircraft, visiting all the airshows and talking with other enthusiastic admirers of WW2 warbirds. Who knows, I might even see some of you there. I would like to be able to share both my time and hard won knowledge to help others preserve or restore these classic airplanes and ensure that they continue to fly for years to come.
Over the years I would also learn how to write and, maybe someday, I would have a book published. As someone once said, 'everyone has at least one bad book in them'; I would like to see if that's true.
Of course I would have to spend a considerable amount of time learning how to properly manage my new found fortune in order to ensure that it is not entirely sqwandered. Proper investing and management a la Warren Buffet, would insure finanicial security and prevent me from becoming spend happy.
Above all familly and friends would have to come first. If none of the rest should ever come to pass I would still die a happy man knowing I've done right by those I care for.
Quixotic
PS: I forgot to mention fly fishing for salmon and trout in the beautiful maritime rivers as well as my cabin beside a lake in northern Quebec.
