Welcome Ophelia.

It sounds like you've got a plan, and I hope it all works out for you.
Don't worry about being alone over Christmas, you're not the only one, and it's how I like it (yes, I am a grumpy old SOB)

Here's a cautionary tale about mixing pipe smoking with motorcyles

http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/showthreaded.php?Cat=0&Number=515160&page=0&vc=1

Enjoy the site

Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse