HI FRIENDS,

Today was a great day, sunny and not too much wind. I see that the local weather is to be wet and cooler this week. I didn't have any time for the yard today as it was a busy workday.
All looks pretty good anyway so I seem to be mildly caught up.

We had just a little time today to visit the Street Of Dreams and was not able to see all of the homes but the ones we saw were very spectacular. I especially love the architecture and then I love the way the interior designers have created the flow, there is just so much creative talent out there, its an amazing thing what the human mind can create. And the well placed artwork was great I have always admired all great painters and good art really speaks to you and can be oh so powerful. It also seemed to me that the designers are not at all afraid of color and it can never be too bright for me and those pools were some of the best ever.

As far as the landscapes were concerned naturally I have a highly critical eye as I have been in the business my whole life. I thought some of it was excellent and the plant choices were tops and on the other hand I felt in my opinion that perhaps some designers did not have the experience to allow the home to reach its full beauty potential. I did think that the pool landscapes were very good on the ones I did see. A lot of tropicals were used so I hope we don't have a cold winter.

Well, take care, Vince

Dear Friends:

Tonight was one of the best sunsets ever on my dock, these things are really addictive. The water was still and the horizon was dark orange then a lighter orange above that. Then there were two vertical rectangles of the most amazing grey blue, in fact I studied the color as it was quite unusual. The Jack Russell stayed right by my side carefully noticing a frog, as well as the numerous fish jumps. As we walked back we went through the garden to admire and feed the koi fish and they too are addictive in their beauty. It was a successful evening!

Well, last Friday my friend Dave who is an Orthopedic Surgeon gave me a shot for tennis elbow. I resisted it for months as I'm not crazy about putting weird stuff in my body but it is clearly feeling better. So the plan is that the moment it seems to be back to normal Ill go out on the court and try it out. My backup plan and I'm not kidding is to play or learn to play with my left hand if the right still hurts, I really have to play as its the only sport I really like and the exercise is amazing. My good friend and teacher is a local tennis pro and the goal is to run me all over the court but I love hitting hard and that is part of the problem with the tennis elbow. So I will let you know how it turns out so stay tuned.

On another note, the dogs are doing great! Little Barcelo is now a whole 4 pounds and he is quite the character Yorkie. He is teething really bad but oh what fun the whole family is quite involved with the dogs and its not possible that they could get more attention than they do.
The Golden Lab is the oldest perhaps 7 or 8 and she has a little arthritis but she still has a lot of fun and definitely has taken on the mother role with little Barcelo.

A few weeks ago there was a 9 or 10 foot gator between my dock and the shore never have I seen one so close so needless to say the dogs are not allowed anywhere near there. We have an issue with the Jack Russell as he is quite the aggressor and is eating way too much as he gets older so we definitely have to get his weight down. The standard Poodles are fine as well and they too require lots of attention which they get in the late afternoons and evenings, and what great ferocious watchdogs as they hear every little noise and are on constant patrol.

No I haven't been on the boat in awhile mostly because the water seems to be too rough whenever I want to go but I think this weekend will be the time.

The garden looks amazing and I will be adding some Queen palms this week to the driveway area which I think will have a big impact, and as you know I never met a palm I didn't like! The weeds are mostly under control and the roses are just coming into bud so that's all for now.... take care.

Dear Friends,

You wont believe my cholesterol number! Yes I am very very happy! Last year when I was checked my number dropped dramatically from the year before. I told everyone on the radio exactly what I did in hopes that others will also have great results. My Dr explained at that time that I was one of the small percentage that diet really helps a lot. The year before I dripped about 30 points or so then this year I am now at 150. Never have I been this low. What did I do ? Well, exactly what the Dr told me to do.

1. Increased my exercise, in my case I have always been passionate about tennis so I have been playing hard twice per week consistently.
2. I do a lot of estimates so I think that I also get a lot of walking in as well.
3. I watch for fatty foods and still have bad stuff occasionally but less junk food than years ago.
4. Cut out all soft drinks which is very hard and it seems about once a month I still crave a root beer or coke and yes I go on a binge but less and less.
5. Eggs only on Saturdays and then its a white egg omelet with extra tomatoes and no meat.
6. I was never really crazy about fish but I find that when I go to the restaurants I still order the salad which I have always loved and yes even an appetizer and I am able to finish the fish but I am not as bloated as when I eat meat. My great brother in law, Ivan was a huge influence with me to eat more fish as he is a health nut and lives in Switzerland and is quite the knowledgeable health guy and has inspired me.
7 My wife buys less and less junk food and this is a major help too. However when I am out driving around I do stop at the store to indulge in vanilla cookies and sometimes even macadamia cookies if I'm having a stressful day, so you see I am hardly an expert at this stuff.
8 OK, now here is the big thing that I feel in my heart has made a big difference. Its soy milk!! Yes I use it on my cereal and I have loved the taste from the moment I tasted it many years ago. I never drink regular milk and I don't have any scientific studies but I really think that it has helped lower my number.
9. I realize that all of us are different and what worked for me might not work for you but my goal was not to go on any meds unless I absolutely had to and now it seems I have gained a lot of time.
10 So listen to your Dr and have a family member or a good friend inspire you. My wife has been an incredible inspiration as well as she is quite motivated and is always reminding me to do certain things but not in an irritating way. Her family has naturally occurring high cholesterol even though they have no body fat, exercise and eat little red meat so its even harder for her as she must work much harder than me to get similar results. By the way she also does the soy and loves it.