So great news.  The trip to Portugal was a resounding success.  I successfully navigated my way through the 1st stage of European Tour Qualifying by finishing 13th place at Ribagolfe Club just outside of Lisbon, Portugal.  It was a very difficult course that demanded length and accuracy off the tee.  That really is what characterized this layout:  driving it straight with length.  I drove the ball just okay this week, which would normally not be good for this course, but my putter saved me this week as I made a ton of putts during my 4 rounds.  I finished the 4 rounds in a total of 2 over.  4 over was the cut at 20th place.  Normally I would be scratching my head wondering what went wrong after posting 2 over for 4 days, but trust me that was a solid effort on a grueling championship course.  The winner only posted 5 under for the week.  Going into the last round, I knew I needed just a solid round to get through, and when the pressure was turned on I delivered with a steady round of even par 72 to lock up my spot into 2nd stage in Spain the last week in November.  I can take away a great deal of confidence from this week realizing that A) I have the game to get to the next level and B) I was able to perform well under the gun while completely maintaining my composure and mental clarity in the heat of the battle.  This was my 6th try at Qualifying Schools if you count my 3 US Tour Qualifyings and 2 Canadian Tour Qualifyings in years past.  It was the first time I have successfully advanced onwards to the next stage.  Though it has been a painful process at times, the giant gorilla has finally been lifted and I am exuding confidence from finally passing a test.  This was just the 1st stage of 3 total for European Tour Qualifying, but now there are only two left.  The 2nd stage is much like the 1st where only 25% once again will move on to the final stage.  At the final stage the top 30 players earn their tour card.  So that is it in a nutshell.  I arrived home today after 9 hours on a plane.  Above are pictures of my family at dinner one night in Lisbon, and also of a 60 yr old glass of port wine I had for dessert the last night of our trip.  A nice way to cap off a successful week that points me directly in the direction I need to go.  Next up for me is hopefully the Nebraska Open later this week.  I am currently the 3rd alternate, so I am waiting to see if a couple guys drop out.  After that I head up to Boise, Idaho to try and get into next week's Nationwide field.  Things are coming together for me and it is nice to feel some positive vibes come my way.  I'll check back soon.