Opa's New Toy

I know I am getting older but probably not too much wiser as I succumbed to a purchase fever of yet another motorcycle. After watching "the Long way around" the "long way South" and reading the "Investment Biker" there I was searching the internet and my 2 favorite dealers for a late model R1200GS. I even test rode one and as you might have guessed fell in love with the bike.
That being said I called Iron Horse in Tucson and "LO" they had one there as well a 2008 version with all the good (necessary) equipment at a price only $800 dollars above the 2005 model I test rode. So after 36 hours of thinking I did it and bought the bike in Tuscon after reading about the upgrades on the 2008 models! More HP improved brake systems and new trip computer and improved suspension all of which I will use on my back road trips in AZ and beyond.
So if you see banners of dust on some back road trail in AZ NM and beyond it might just be your "silly Opa"
Wish me luck!

A new way to see the world on a BMW

Well, finally I started to read the book "The Investment Biker" Around the world with Jim Rogers.
I don't really know why I took so long to read it but once I started I was hooked. Here is a man who made a fortune on Wall Street, retired from there taught and still teaches economics at Columbia University, giving it all up for 22 months and spends it as an "Eco" as in economic traveler, going around the world with his fiance on BMW motorcycles.
Since he did this in the early 1990s things have changed of course but his description of financial opportunities along with the travel log shows a world few of us will ever experience. From the safety of the US to the dangers of the Sahara the jungles of central Africa the immense landmass of Russia and China to emerging countries of South and central America.
One thing is found throughout the book....."the less Government interferes with the economy, the more successful the countries become."
Sadly though he points to our country as one that is going more and more toward Statism and regulations. The fact that any country that loses its freedoms and its dedication to free trade is doomed to become a third world country.
His description of the countries and the people is marvelous and the closing paragraph of the book really hits home:
" If there is one thing I have learned in going around the world, it's that societies become rich,swagger around for a few years, decades or centuries and then their hour is done. The other thing I have learned is that when all the wealth is gone, life goes on.
More important,I've also learned that if you've got a dream, you have to try it, you must get it out of your system. You'll never get another chance.
If you want to change your life,do it!"

This is one professor that I would have loved to be my instructor as he practiced what he teaches!

Thanks Philip for letting me have this book!

2009 in Review

I realize that it is the middle of January 2010 as I am writing this but nevertheless the past year was truly memorable for Opa and Oma Mueller!
First off we were able to welcome our latest Grandchild Rachel. Eric and Melissa now have 2 little Hawaiian princesses. One sweeter and prettier than the other! What a joy to have been with them and spoil them.

Then of course there was our Tucson grandson ( The Great Maxini, emphasis on great!)
All year long he amused us entertained us and amazed us! He is growing so fast and is a real little boy now, no longer a baby!

Marisa and Guy took a huge step toward a family as they announced that they have started adoption proceedings! As Philip said some little girl somewhere just won the parents lottery!
We hope and pray that the process will be speedy and without problems.

Then there were the travels to Arizona Hawaii, twice to Alaska! One solo ride by Old dad and one wonderful cruise with my Bea!

Add to that marvelous hikes beautiful dives, great hikes bless it with GOOD HEALTH AND LOTS OF LOVE and you can see:

Opa Mike and Oma Bea had a great 2009 and are looking forward to the upcoming year again full of promise!