Colin,
Absolutely stunning story! Your G-FATE looks great and you inside even greater
I have no doubt that mechanically your flying lady is spotless and reliable, I wouldn't expect less from a plane you own. Initially, I was sure that the story will be on page 44-45, and that I will find you between the two young persons on the page 45 with the Czech registered OK light planes (only joking!).
How do you share your Pagoda soft spot with your Falco? Especially that I gather both are rather VFR machines, which means that they both compete for your spare time during good weather...
I have also bit into the aviation bug, starting in 2000. I never flew such amazing planes like you. Learnt in a C172 and moved to a Saratoga. Then I tried various types, ending by flying a Seneca and a C310. I also got my IFR and CPL. I always found that taking off is also departing from all the issues as there remain on earth. Great mind refreshing exercise.
Don't be parcimonious on photos of your plane and Pagoda together...