Storms and a sore hip

It was a week of predicted storms --that for us here in Ocala did not ever hit hard though we did get some much needed rain. I would guess there was somewhere north of 5
inches but the winds never got over 35 mph here. I am glad we did not get hit harder.

I only got to ride on Monday then it proceeded to RAIN some each including today.




My left hip developed acute bursitis last week. For a couple days I was in SERIOUS PAIN.... finally got some strong anti inflammatory drugs and it is healed. I have gone from very healthy and flexible to nearly immobile and back again in the span of 6 days.

My doctor buddy Don said it is kind of like a blister on the ball end of the femur and it can develop soon and is easily treatable ....well by yesterday I was healed.

Having an ailment like that REALLY makes you appreciate good health.








Wow a moment ago the sun was out. Reminds of the lyrics from:
Hello muddah, hello faddah
Here I am at Camp Granada.
Camp is very entertaining,
And they say we'll have some fun if it stops raining!
-------------------

Wait a minute; it stopped hailing.
Guys are swimming, guys are sailing.
Playing baseball, gee that's better.
Muddah, faddah, kindly disregard this letter!

Mid August and there is a storm brewing

It is the time of year when storms are common and we have one heading our way. You never know if they will strengthen or follow projected paths BUT you need to be ready so we have our water and have tested our generator. Now we wait.


Back to last week in Chicago-- here is a pic of an old friend of mine "Mel" from Baltimore. It is fun at these meetings to pick up with old friends and Derek liked Mel( He is a funny Guy)

the Brian Setzer Orchestra played a private concert for us on Friday evening they were VERY GOOD

This is one of the cool buildings in the city...affectionately known as the "corn cob" -- it sits on the rivers edge and has parking on the bottom 3rd and then a multitude of balconies above. It was across the river from our hotel.


We had guests from China this week to keep up with the fever surrounding the Olympics. This was not a family of gymnasts rather some very good friends of mine that live there Teaching English in the University in the city Liaocheng (about 4 hours from the Olympics.

On another note we are having Michael Phelps for dinner next Saturday.

.......ummmm..........Not the swimmer but the owner of our local bike shop.

A few days in Chicago

Derek and I just returned from Chicago where he celebrated his 18th birthday while attending an award conference with me. The Ameriprise National conference is held every two years and rewards the top 10% of advisors with an amazing conference.





Immediately after landing at Midway we went on an architectural cruise on the Chicago river where we marveled at the diverse sky scape of Chicago.






On Thursday morning we heard Chris Gardener speak. He was homeless and became wealthy. This is the man the movie "Pursuit of Happyness" is based on. (that is how they spelled Happiness)




On Thursday afternoon we went on a Segway Tour around the city and saw the city up close. What a fun way to get around and enjoy a beautiful city.











On Friday afternoon we were able to see the Cubs beat the Cards at Wrigley field. We were at a rooftop party for the game. Very nice way to see a ballgame. The Cubs fans sell out every home game all 42,000 seats-- Amazing for a team with no world series win for the last 100 years.





We rode the subway to the stadium and enjoyed a scenic walk back to the hotel in a city we greatly enjoyed.







Friday night we had a dinner and were able to catch up with old friends. Here I am with my buddy Wes from Tallahassee. It was a great evening.







Our entertainment was provided by the Brian Setzer Orchestra. He is the guy who played in Stray Cats. They play swing music and they put on a GREAT show!!!!









On Saturday we were addressed by Magic Johnson, former NBA great from the LA Lakers. He has become a well established entrepreneur.





On Saturday afternoon we were able to tour the Lincoln Park Zoo. A free zoo that I like much better than the San Diego Zoo





We were able to have lunch and tour the zoo with "Uncle Joel" who lives in
Chicago and was with us on our cross country ride last Summer. It was very good to catch up with Joel.







With the Hancock tower in the background today we left the windy city and safely got back to Ocala.

August Middle of summer

We had a good but very full week. Lots of clients to see and it was truly a family business last week --- my assistant Susan was out all week attending her Mom's funeral. She passed away on July 24th at age --91. That meant Bernice was filling in for her. Michael & I appreciated Bern filling the void.

I saw this Bike Jersey at my local bike shop and was rather dismayed the largest size it came in was XXL --- Children's. Click on it to open it and read it easier... VERY COOL





About two weeks ago we ordered a tandem (bicycle built for two)-- it is custom built and should be ready in early October. Ours will be Pearl White Metallic -- notice it is coupled (meaning it can be dis-assembled and checked as a normal piece of luggage when flying. ((Once again click on it for full size)

Yesterday Bernice was at a Beth Moore Conference and my other riding buddy was in Texas....so... I went on a motorcycle ride. We put on just about 200 miles or so. I went to 2 friends Jim and Steve who also had black Harley Electra glides. We headed over towards the beach and found some nice back roads.

We started out before sunrise hence the dark photo above-- we road till about 2pm with stops for breakfast and lunch.


We saw a pretty cool Russian motorcycle with a two wheeled drive side car arrangement






This pic is of Jim and his wife from a couple weeks ago-- it was taken on my phone and hence the delay of posting it.

This week Derek and I will head to Chicago for the Ameriprise National conference... so I should have some good pics for next week