tuesday April 29th

We covered 40 miles today cycling along the Rhine river into Germany and then heading in a big circle back Nijmegen. Very scenic, cool and full of neat international scenery

Last night we had Indian food and today we will have Tex Mex --- all the food has been Fantastic

We actually had some climbs today the steepest was an 11% grade

reporting from HOlland

Day 1 about 50 miles from Uttrecht to Teil .... very scenic lots of small towns and farms along with orchards.

Day 2 we covered about 25 miles from Tiel to Nijmegen - We took leave of Tiel along the mighty Waal River along a picturesque dike on the route to Nijmegen. We visited the fruit farms along the way . Several times we had to work our way around small herds of Sheep that were free ranging and walking long the path. The weather was in the 50’s and light rain but the cycling was very pleasant as we were dressed properly.
Nijmegen is the oldest town in the Netherlands and was home to Charlemagne. Once there we explored the town and visited a bicycle museum

here are some pics --- kind of short but internet is limited

Great News, Time with Dad and bon voyage ahead

Well the BEST news we had this week was that Michael passed the Series 7 exam. This test is VERY challenging test he passed it with flying colors on the first try (many take several attempts and some never make it)

This is the look on his face post test



It is the time of year when the baby horses are born and we saw several that were very new.


There was also this critter who was so cute I had to stop and put it on the blog.



Derek was enjoying the warm weather and an excuse to enjoy the pool.


My Dad was able to spend a few days with us this weekend. It was good to sit and talk to him, catch up and hear some old and new stories.


He came down with his girlfriend Ann. It was nice to enjoy some meals, a concert, and a celebration meal with Michael and Cayce.


Derek was also able to catch up with his Grandpa. Dad noted that he was still growing at 6'5 and a half.


We said good bye at Steak & Shake with Dad telling them to make it his way



On this Friday Bernice and I will fly to Holland, board this boat and spend 2 weeks touring Holland via bicycle. Depending on Internet access I will post from there or when I return.

Spring is busy and fun

Michael and Cayce will be married on the 12th of July. They had their engagement pictures taken this week. The photographer did a really nice photo shoot. He is talented.

On Monday I left work a tad early for a 4pm Demo Ride at the Ducati store in town. I get to test ride an 1100 Multistrada it was fun to ride. Actually pulled my first wheelie on a street bike. It was kind of by accident but FUN!!

If you are wondering the cost of a prom ticket these days. It is about 10,000 pounds of rocks. That is $100 if you are not up the exchange rate. Derek spread the rocks bordering our pool in exchange for his ticket. Yes I am mean but he knows money does not just grow on trees. I guess that means he will be a republican (sorry for the political commentary but it is an election year)

Pepper is our Australian Shepherd who is about 10 years old. A very affectionate dog and cute too.

This is an old house that we ride by occasionally and Bernice really likes it.. so this is here for her enjoyment

We got in 4 rides this week in preparation for our trip to Holland which will be here before we know it. We fly to Amsterdam on the 25th only 12 days from today.

My weekly animal picture... when they see me now they pose. I think the white one in the back is named Derek (taller than most and always trying to sneak in the picture.

This guy is still following me-- all the way across the country and still I can not shake him.

We had a nice fellow named Peter from New Hampshire join us this Friday for a nice 45 mile jaunt. He rides a recumbent bicycle (kind of upright seating as you can see)

I rode past a forest fire on the motorcycle this past week. The heat was intense and a bit smokey -- they got is under control after a bit. I was surprised the road was open -- this pic was taken at 50 mph with my cell phone.

DARE to Dream

When I saw this sign it was a must stop photograph. From leaving GE in 1978 to coming to Florida in 1986 to cycling across the whole country--- each facet of the Journey begins with a Dream. All of us have dreams the trick is to take the steps to identify and achieve them.

In just a few weeks we hope to achieve another dream.... to bicycle in Holland and Germany. The windmills there will look different but do the same thing as our Florida.

I had to include some Cows for Colby my nephew in New York. I am told he enjoys the animals when I include them.





We began the move to my new office on South East Fort King Street. We are just about totally set up now. So I thought I would share some photos of the new digs.




The lobby







the primary client meeting room




Susan and Bernice's office




My office



The file room/kitchen and Michael's office are not finished yet.

We had some good bicycle rides and some good rain this week... luckily not at the same time.