Welcome to the forum MickED and GMR64. I hope you enjoy your stay and ride safe.
I have something in common with the both of you.
1st: I also took an extended LOA from riding, about 30 years. How could this be from such a young guy?? Beats me!
I work evenings and commute on my bike so I can tell you through experience that a light bar is a wise investment. As far as windshields go a lot of folks here do not like them but in my opinion it is a MAJOR improvement. I bought one that can be removed in minutes but once I rode with it, it has not come off yet.
2nd: GMR64... Howdy neighbor. I live just down the road in Rio Vista.