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.
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.
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.
The lobby 
the primary client meeting room
Susan and Bernice's office
My office
We had the chance to have David at our house for a few hours and it was fun. He loves to be read to and he and Pepper become fast friends. We miss David's adoptive parents Cullie and Sandy who left Ocala to be Missionaries in Haiti several years back.
Derek had a graduation this week from a very selective program called Leadership of Marion Youth. Both of our boys have now graduated from this program which after application, interviews, etc selects a few kids from each of the 6 high schools in the county and then exposes them to various sectors of the community relating to leadership. 
Both Derek and his best friend Michael Armstrong qualified and it is appropriate that they each got the rewards on the plaques shown here. (click the photo to enlarge) 
My buddy Jim was considering getting rid of his Harley in favor of this more tame ride. Unfortunately the four riders of this mighty steed would have none of that. Yes you read right 4 people were going to ride this thing all at one time
I was not sure if they are members of a circus or friends of Cullie...but all 4 of these people boarded the scooter. They then rode out of the parking lot with smiles on their faces. 
We then entered the restaurant called Margaritaville in Homosassa FL for a nice meal that started off with a flaming cheese appetizer. When this was served it was met with a rousing cheer of Ooompah!!! Got to love a good Greek restaurant.
As it was nearly time to climb back on the Harley and head home they have a nightly celebration of remembrance of the 9/11 tragedy and tribute to the troops. It was accompanied with Lee Greenwood's Proud to be an American and flag waving.
My soon to be new business partner and I traveled north to attend the "Dream it..Do it" conference. It was some excellent training, great renewing of old friendships and an opportunity for Michael to meet some of our companies leaders. We had a great trip and both learned a lot. This coming week looks to be a busy one as we prepare to move to our new location on Friday the 28th. 
This picture was taken today and is a preview into my practice. It is my hope and the boys desire to join me in my practice with the long term plan being to have them run a joint practice together. 
This is the family photo an obligatory event for Easter. We had Cayce take this and it came out nice. The boys are growing up; Michael is a young man entering independent adulthood. He will make 3 important events a reality this year: College Graduation, starting his career, and Marriage... all within 3 months. We are very pleased with all three. Derek is finishing up his Junior year of high school and is maturing as well -- making big strides in: continuing excellent grades, building on a very good work ethic, and boldness in his Faith.
This is Michael and Cayce. Their big date is July 12th. She is a sweet girl and we look forward to her joining our family formally...in our minds she is already. Saturday they went apartment hunting... life is busy here. 
We took a nice ride this afternoon on the Harley. It was to see our friend Dean in ICU at Shands up in Gainesville. He fell from a ladder about a story up onto concrete. He is in very serious condition with a fractured scull, bleeding on the brain, and several other broken bones. Please pray for his recovery.
We stopped at Cross Creek on the way home. This is a small community south of Gainesville that seems untouched by time. It sits on a creek that connects Orange Lake and Lochloosa Lake. Very tranquil.
This was the home of author Marjorie Rawlings. She wrote the famous book The Yearling. 
