I think my van has completely won my heart after the crazy blizzard.
The short story: (for the long story see my blog http://www.motopainter.wordpress.com)I am currently living in Happy Valley up a steep hill. The snow storm hit Thursday and how fun it was to watch drivers in the neighborhood get stuck, slide and block traffic on the hill outside the house. Unfortunately for me, this was the one weekend that I really did need to leave the house. I had to get my art in to Portland for a big show, and if I didn't go I'm the one that misses out.
My options for locomotion are, my 1997 6cycander small pick up truck with no weight in the bed, or the van. First thing Friday morning at around 6:30AM I find myself in the driveway putting chains on the Van. I never thought the day would come that the Van would save the day and sure enough it did. The Van enabled me to go down AND UP this very steep hill with out a slip. I was also able to get into Portland via 82nd to deliver my art, as well as get home, and then go back to pick it up on Sunday.
Hurray for Noah(van) my snowy savior.
. If I had an extra 6k-8k lying around, would like to get my hands on a mid 2000's BMW R series (I think BMW has gone astray as of late, some lower end bikes are manuf. in China, and have friends who own high end late models which have been troublesome) . And for some odd reason, I lust after the 1200 series Goldwings made from 83/84 or so until 86ish. They just scream 80's, you can get them cheap, and think it would be fun to have a Lazy-boy on wheels for an occasional Sunday ride, or for my 65 mile round trip to work. Also two up friendly (although since my wife rides, and my 16 yo daughter has her own life, I rarely ride two up any more). Classic Guzzi's are cool too...love the V Twin turned sideways. 
