Florida Notes

Thank you, Lord. Made it safely to Florida. 1350 miles in Helga, my trusty 1991 Mercedes 300SE. What a wonderful interstate cruiser. I can't believe it's been off the line since November 1990, almost 18 years, and still runs well at 85 mph. The Florida Turnpike is the closest thing in the USA to the German Autobahn. Cars cruise at 85 mph and above all the time. Last year a deluxe motor coach passed me at 95 mph, I loved it! Helga has issues, but she's a good ol' girl. Busted windshield, hole in the exhaust system, and a little coolant leak are nothing I can't live with. Hopefully, my trip north will be just as fun!
Things are normal with my step-Dad. He's hanging in there quite well actually. Unfortunately, there may be some neurological issues creeping up on him, but I'm proud of how he manages each day with a smile, some humour, and a lot of LOVE from his care-givers Sharon and Pearl. He should be thankfull. I should be so lucky.
Ironically, there seems to be an increasing sense of urgency to make sure everything is where it should be with regard to his trusts and his finances. He seems to be doing an excellent job in structuring things with the Northern Trust and making sure his family will be taken care of in the future. I am very thankful he has decided to help Lauren with an overly generous graduation gift and he also is helping Patrick in his transition to the University of Iowa. The timing of his gifts couldn't have been better considering their Dad's finanical status. The need for income producing endeavors is quickly approaching. It's like a wall-cloud. Clearly defined, severity unknown, and risky. What does the future hold for me?
Tomorrow is the dreaded Weight-Watchers Weigh In, from now on to be call WWWI. My gut says it might be the first 'up' number in 8 weeks. I'll handle it. My goal of 200lbs by July still exists, but I believe I may get there a little later than that.
That's OK, just stay on the program. It works.
Well, time to depart. I'll be back soon. Peace, Hope, Faith and Love. Out, Ricky.

Another Quick Ramble

Hello, the spirit has moved me to post a quick ramble. I can't believe how hard the Iowa floods have affected me emotionally. Maybe it's because I lived in Cedar Rapids from 1966 to 1972 and know the enormity of the disaster. It could also be the fact that I know how much the economy is going to hurt due to the lost crops. But, most of all, it's a fear of the end. If one believes the Bible literally then please beware. Earthquakes, floods and wild-fires precede the second Coming of Christ. Could it be?
Next, I'm really worried about my financial future. Things are getting tight and there is no expected change in the near term. I am seriously looking at my options to return to the work-force. I need to do something and I need to do it soon.
Finally, significant progress has been made on the weight-loss front. I was 239 pounds on April 26th, 229 pounds on May 1, and 207 pounds on June 18th. Weight-Watchers works if you follow the program. I have lost 10% of my body-weight in seven weeks. A minor accomplishment considering I should have never been that heavy in the first place. Now the challenge will be to do another 10% loss with the ultimate goal being about 170 pounds. I played college basketball at 170 and I believe I can get there again with patience and perseverance.
Next week I am looking forward to returning to Stuart to spend time with Pearl, Sharon, and, of course, my step-Dad. I'm driving so hopefully I will continue to mentally sort out my many options for the future. With the Lord's help, things should become more clear. With that I close. Over and Out, Ricky

Be as You Are

Hello, my friend the Blog, it's Monday and rainy, a perfect time to post a quick ramble. Last week was a good week. Traveled to Fall Creek, Wisconsin, to pick up my cousin Mike for a ride to Mellen, WI. For at least five days previously I had mental vibrations and images of my grand-aunt Laverne so I responded by calling her.
Unbelieveably, she had been in the hospital for six days due to heart and circulation issues causing light-headedness. Mike and I arrived the day after Laverne came home. It was a wonderful visit. Good for Laverne and good for Mike and me. Family, it's where everything distills down to. You must understand the Lord provides us with many blessings, none greater than family. Mike and Mary show the power of blended families. I am truly at ease when I'm around them. I worry about Mike's health but he seems strong and making the right decisions...except for tobacco. Mary, wow, what can I say. Mike found a real champion when he found Mary.
Her love for everybody and everything is apparent. She's wonderful just to be around. Why, because she places family first and it really shows. I also saw Michelle Mack and Jenn Mattison for which I am so thankful.
On another subject, I enjoyed two days of basketball with the Hilltoppers at the East Aurora Tomcat Classic Shoot-Out. Coach Hoder allowed me to contribute from the bench and it was fun. These kids have potential but can they reach that level remains unclear. One positive sign is they easily handled Proviso East on Sunday after being down by 10 points early. This is the year of the TEAM, no stars, just eight or nine kids who are athletic and can play the game. Homewood-Flossmor and Neaqua Valley showed the guys what real team play is all about. I will revisit this subject often this month.
Be as You Are, understand yourself and leverage your abilities under the guidance of the Lord. Am I doing this? Yes, I am putting my dad and my kids first in my life right now. But I can see the end of my financial flexibility that allows me this life strategy. Returning to work could be in the equation. Returning to good health is already unfolding. I am asking the Lord for direction, may his will be done. May the Lord's face shine upon us. Peace, Faith and Love. Out, Ricky.

20 miles = 1 Bagel

Great morning with friends. Biked to Naperville and back with my running gang. We called it cross-training, it was really more like a wonderful ride in the neighborhood. It was amazing. Found places didn't know existed, like the DuPage river dam in Warrenville, the grove of wild flowers west of Warrenville Road, and the beautiful lakes at McDowell Park in Naperville. We stopped for a bagel in Wheaton on the return trip. A good morning for sure. For those counting, it was 10 AP's (activity points) for the WW (weight watcher) guy. Mornings like this lead to dreams of duathalons soon....please help me!
Well, my daughter Lauren survived her trip to El Paso. She's now back in Kenosha finishing off the degree. I sense some minor non-sense will unfold in June since she's living alone. Now, do I really believe her, that is the question. I just want her to grow up, get out on her own, and understand she can do whatever she sets her heart and mind on. She's a good one. A little spoiled, but it's under control.
Now, my son Patrick, that is a different tune. The first two weeks have indicated the same old stuff. Play, work-out, sleep, eat, eat some more, and basicly drive his old man nuts. I want him to find something he can be passionate about beside body-building. I'm really worried he has no clue what it takes to support himself. Well, he is in for a surprise. The walking ATM, namely me, is starting to malfunction. When it's time for gas, food, or baseball tickets, I'm not going to be as cooperative as in the past. I told him to do well academicly at College of Dupage, because it's about the only thing he is really doing so far this summer.
It's June 2nd and the Cubs are the best team in baseball! Last time that occurred was 1908. Funny, something else happened in Cub history in 1908, I just can't remember what it was!
The dreaded 'weigh-in' is a day early this week and I'm worried. I've been on plan most of the week but I think I'm even weight-ways. Need to lose, even if it's less than a pound. Just lose, Big Boy! Via con Dios, Ricky