Christmas Week -- lots of fun

Christmas came as always and was a good time to reflect on the Birth of our Savior.  Pretty cool when you think that the God of the Universe took on the form of a man in order to pay the penalty for our sins. It is interesting to think of all the giving that happens this time of year and yet many people forget the simple truth in John 3:16 -- 
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son...that whoever believes in HIM might have everlasting life.  From the ruler of the Universe to a baby to the ruler of the universe.....he is the reason for CHRISTmas.

On the day after Christmas Michael had to feed Justin's fish in Gainesville ....so ... Bernice, Derek, Cayce's Dad (Randy) and I decided to go up with him and travel by bicycle -- 94.4 miles.   We met early in the morning with a light fog and some trepidation on Randy's part-- his longest ride before this was 55 miles.  Bernice & I rode the tandem which meant we led the whole way because it is too hard to draft a single bike with the tandem. It goes too fast fast downhill and not quite fast enough uphill.  Both boys offered to lead --- but they did not mind drafting us.


We stopped at Paines Prairie on the way up enjoying the warm weather and hoping to see some Gators. Nope not one in sight on the east side of the road. But the break was nice.   We made it to the apartment and got the fish fed.

Along the way we had a total of 4 flats Randy learned not to ride in the piles of debris in intersections. He was a trooper and pumped them up with out complaining. He did VERY well keeping up and did not complain once....all in all a good sport and a good ride under his belt.

On the way back across the prairie we saw a boatload of Gators. There were dozens of them sunning themselves in the near 80 degree sun.  Shortly after that we had a great lunch at a cafe called Blue Highway in Micanopy.  YUMMY!!!!

Our last rest  stop was in Anthony at the little BP convenience store. Sam is the owner from India and is VERY friendly. He used to ride when he lived in India and always makes a point to make our stops at his store nice. This day he gave us some fresh sugar cane which was tasty.

Randy surpassed his old record by nearly 40 miles and was still smiling so it was a good day for all of us.


Yesterday I went about 315 miles on the motorcycle with a group of friends. 10 bikes in all --- we cruised through north Florida to almost the Georgia line then looped back. It included a lunch and breakfast stop and PERFECT weather. 

Sunny skies.... warm weather is it December

This was a great week of Florida weather... we had mid 70's and low 80's with very low humidity....oh and did I say Sunshine.  This while my family in NY was enduring 2 major snow storms and my friends in Wisconson were freezing.  It is a tough life but someone has to live here. 

Fairly short week at work as we only saw clients Monday and Tuesday.... a little followup on Wednesday and I am done for the year.  Michael will be there on a limited basis through year end.  It has been a great 7 months having him work with me in the practice--- He has learned a lot and does very well with clients.

The flowers were in bloom and the skies blue and we were enjoying the Tandem.  This picture was taken with the camera balanced on a rock -- hence the low angle.

Bernice and I rode to the Villages on Friday it was a great ride about 60 when we started which was was short sleeve weather-- it seems wierd for December but I will take it. 

We got our Christmas present to each other early as our racks and saddle bags (Panniers) arrived.  I put them on and everything fit  like a charm.  This is what we will carry our clothes/ tools/ etc when we ride down the west coast in September. 

There are 4 bags altogether--- 2 larger ones in the front and 2 smaller ones in the front.

Cold --Party--guests

I started the past week with a cold and it got the whole fever etc to go with it ....long & short I missed nearly 3 days of work.  The good news in the scenario is Michael is capable and fully licensed to carry on with clients now a days without me being there.  It was a good test for him and a relief for me.   By the end of the week I was feeling better.

Friday was my Holiday Open house where we invite some of my clients to our home for some food and fellowship.  It was a nice afternoon.  The food was yummy as usual. 

My clients really enjoyed the Chocolate fountain and told me I should have it in my office continually.  I think we will stick with homemade baked goods and good coffee -- I like chocolate too much for the fountain to work. 

Cayce was able to come over and help Bernice in the Morning with preparations -- that was a real help

One of my clients had just taken delivery of a Smart car.  It was the hit of party and at 3:00 the designated end of the open house he pulled it into the driveway--- Whoosh the house emptied and every body wanted to see the little vehicle. 

I actually drove it around the block ....it drives much bigger than it looks. 

Many of the clients wanted their picture taken with it.  They get about 41 mpg and cost about $14,000.  An interesting vehicle but not one I am ready to go out and buy.

Friday after the party we had some cyclist come and stay with us. We are on a list to provide hospitality to touring cyclist--- Christopher and Karen are from the NYC area and are headed to New Orleans. Nice folks and good conversation was had.  This is them leaving on Saturday AM 

I felt well enough to get in a 40 mile ride on the Tandem with Bern on Saturday AM after our company left.

I thought I would put this in to help those of us who live in Fl remember why--------

Dare to Dream

I have used this sign once before because it encompasses my view as to how things get done.  I like to Dream ----Visualize-----Plan---and Execute.  

Now as a Christian-we also pray about it and seek God's Will about things as well.   

This leads me to disclosing our next big dream--- In September of 2009 we are planning to ride from Tacoma (actually Spanaway) Washington to San Diego California.  It will cover about 1,800 miles and over 77,000 feet of climbing.  We are planning to do this on our new tandem-- just Bern and I (no tour group) -possibly a friend or two-- we will carry everything in panniers (saddlebags) .  I am currently working on the mapping (turn by turn) and have the first 10 days done. 

All of today's photos were taken with my I-phone and not in great lighting but they get the point across.  This one shows the tandem in a parking space in the Villages using our new  "kickstand" -- it is like a folding wand that holds up the bike. Much to the chagrin of several golf cart drivers who thought I had taken "Their" spot.



We did a 48 mile trip which included going around Lake Weir and on to the Villages.  I decided to show our northern friends  where oranges come from.  Pardon the bright early morning sun.... and to answer the inquiring minds-- No we did not take an orange-- tho I was tempted.

I like to capture recent gas prices when I think of it.  Actually they are now down to $1.65 per gallon for regular. 

I put this in for Wes & Rudy.  We recently sponsored a  golf hole for Rudy's K of C tournament.  To answer your question Wes...."Yes--Michael did have socks on and for the most part Rudy still has most of his anatomy"

This last picture is a warning as to how not to pose when I take your picture.  I warned Regan that he would show up on the Internet looking a bit silly.  You can be the judge.... 

I think he favors his Dad in this one....Cullie???

Have a great week and leave a comment if you would. Lets me know somebody is reading this stuff.