After putting up with years of knee pain I've decided it's time to do something. I've had Arthroscopic surgery, jell injections and cortisone injections none of which worked more than about three days. So it finally took affecting my motorcycle riding to take drastic measure. I’ve ridden from Indianapolis to Massachusetts (960 miles) in one day, two times in the last 8 years and now I ride for a couple of hours and I hurt and can barely walk. On June the 17th I'm having a "partial knee replacement" on my ever painful left knee. I couldn't be happier about this. I’m actually looking forward to the rehab pain, heck I’m in pain now plus I have already envisioned what’s on the other side for me. I AM Focused mentally and have been working hard to prepare physically for several months knowing this was coming. I AM READY! (P.S. Please no stories of other people’s knee surgery to break my focus on this entire process).

What a great morning... I just finished reading 24 hand written letters from one of Custer Baker Intermediate School's 5th grade class. That just rocked my world this morning. THANK YOU!

Thanks to the two ladies from Froito-Lays that came to my program at the school on Friday. And a special thanks for the case of STILL WARM LAYS POTATO CHIPS...... Now I'm truly fat and happy.

I left Ohio at 2:30am drove over 700 miles, got home took the motorcycle to the Mexican restaurant in Connecticut and then rode my John Deere around the yard HAhahahah I just can't get enough driving.... My trip = 1 1/2 weeks, 38 hours drive time, 2,231 miles, 17 schools and over 7,000 students (-: LUVIN' IT!

"I've been riding these blue highways. Another night has made me stop. My weary bones can go no farther so here's wher they'll drop. I've got many miles to go and promises to keep." Alan Jackson ............ I made it into Ohio but still have about 750 miles to go to get home. I feel tired but I feel great. What an incredible last day on this trip. ROSSVILLE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL WHAT CAN I SAY... that standing ovation you gave today was so heartfelt it really made me feel emotional and pretty much blew me away. My heart has been touched by your kindness and the compassion you showed to me and my family and I will never forget you for that. I also want to thank all the students and faculity at Clinton Prairie High school for a great last program on this trip. In the last week and half I've spoken to over 7,000 students...WOW!!!!! Loving life right now.

WOW! I just finished up my third day in Johnson County Indiana and it was awesome just like the other two days. Franklin Community Middle School and Custer Baker Intermediate School. The kids in this county were just great and I loved my time here. Thanks to all the people that worked so hard to set this up and help make it all possible. I can't wait to come back again

A special note.... Today I spoke at Custer Baker Intermediate School which is 5th and 6th grade. I'm always concerned about the maturity level of students this young but this group of students numbering 500 were possibly the most well behaved group of students I have ever stood in front of. The level of respect and maturity of this group of students floored me. I've had schools where I felt like nobody cared and I've been in high schools that didn't even come close to the level of these students. I consider this a direct reflection on their parents and the people who teach them. GREAT JOB CUSTER BAKER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL!!!! THANK YOU ALL SO VERY VERY MUCH!!

I talked to over 1,000 students today at Indiana Creek Middle School and Custer Baker Intermediate School. On a day like this I could not feel better about what I do day to day. One of the things that really moved me today were two teachers that shared with me their personal struggle with nicotine addiction. One was a woman teacher that told me should would not smoke when she got in her car this afternoon and a student teacher that said he was going to quit dipping for him, his future bride and his nephew. I always hope that I will have to the power to change one life each day and I am thrilled that today I changed two. I am so thankful that I have been given a gift that allows me to move people to change.... Thankful indeed.

Day 6... Great day talking to over 900 students at Clark Plesant Middle school and 9 students in the alternative class at Franklin Community High school. Clark Plesant you guys rocked my morning. What a nice school with REALLY nice students, teachers and administrators. Just can't think of a better way to start my week in Indiana.

Day 5... Oh, that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil. 1 Chronicles 4:10