We only have seven whole weeks left in the UK now, and we have having to get a move on with regards the clearing out of items that we cannot simply take the the USA with us.

Up until about a month ago, I was under the impression that I was able to take my prized BMW 540i with me, but that all changed last week when I spoke to the importer who had to give me some bad news.

Although my car matches the US models in almost every respect there was one slight issue, the fact that my steering wheel is on the correct side (the right!). It seems that the car would indeed pass all of the other tests, but due to the fact that it was right hand drive they would only be able to import it if I agreed to put it through a crash test! Then, if it passed, I would then be able to import another RHD BMW 540i without any problems. Talk about stupidity!

Anyway, I decided to not start a bureaucracy fight and have decided to let my pride and joy go. It's going to be a shame as I really enjoy driving it and it handles like a dream.

My other prized possession is the bike, which Robbi hates anyway. The Kawasaki ZZR1100 which I have lovingly treated to quite a few discreet modifications over the years, has to go too. Oh well. Perhaps I am now at the age where a Harley will do as opposed to a 170mph rocket!