With the family vacation arriving quickly, one big part of the family won’t be joining us. Deke and Delaney.

I know I’m not the only person that treats and loves their pets like children. I certainly do and there is always a slight feeling of guilt leaving them for the week. But that is when we call on family once again.

Years ago when I started playing hockey, I met this group of guys who went from being just teammates to some of my closest friends. A couple of the guys went from teammates, to close friends, to what I have now considered for years my brothers. I’m lucky and blessed to have these people in my life.

So when we leave Deke and Delaney while we are enjoying the islands, my brother Kevin and his wife Gina will be house and dog sitting for us (again….because they have done this in the past as well).

I understand people having the need to put their dogs in kennels or pet hotels while they travel and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Those places can be great. But I cannot bring myself to do it to my two. So having them stay here and knowing everything is taken care of is 100% peace of mind to allow us to enjoy our trip…..and that is absolutely priceless to me. I cannot thank them enough for allowing us that.

So while we are away enjoying our trip, Deke and Delaney will enjoy their stay-cation with two of their favorite people. They will get to play, swim in the pool, and enjoy time with who we always tell them is “Mommy and Daddy 2”.

Pain Killer

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 oz. Aged Rum (Pusser’s Rum)
• 4 oz. Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz. Cream of Coconut
• 1 oz. Orange Juice
• Fresh Nutmeg (for garnish)
• Pineapple Wedge (for garnish)

Preparation: Place all ingredients into a cocktail shake. Shake vigorously to combine then pour over ice into a hurricane or highball glass. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and a pineapple wedge.

There are slight variations to this drink but that’s pretty close to the original served at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke. We’ll soon be in Tortola BVI and will definitely have to try one at Pusser’s since this was the rum originally used to make the Painkiller. I know it’s only Tuesday….but Cheers!

Do you want some great investing advice? Yes! Do you want to hear it from me? Absolutely NOT. I couldn’t agree more. Read this instead:

Warren Buffett’s Best Advice

One of Warren Buffett’s most enduring pieces of advice is to “be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful”. This means avoiding the market when it’s overhyped and buying quality businesses when prices are low. It’s a reminder that emotional discipline is as important as skill in investing.

Key Life Advice

Buffett also stresses the importance of self-care for long-term success. He says you only get one mind and one body, and it’s essential to take care of them now so they can last a lifetime. Poor sleep, lack of exercise, and chronic stress can erode leadership quality and decision-making over time.

Investing Principles

• Invest in what you understand — only buy businesses you can evaluate and explain.
• Buy and hold — Buffett favors long-term ownership of strong companies, letting compounding work over decades.
• Avoid market timing — trying to predict short-term peaks and troughs is risky; focus on quality and patience.
• Diversify wisely — for most people, owning a broad index fund like the S&P 500 is a simple, effective way to invest.

Personal Growth

Buffett advises not to beat yourself up over past mistakes — learn from them and move on. He encourages people to consider their legacy, choose heroes to emulate, and practice kindness, treating everyone as you would want to be treated.

In short: Buffett’s best advice blends disciplined investing with disciplined living — invest in quality, hold long-term, and take care of your health and mindset so you can lead and succeed for decades.