I was introduced to camping when I lived in Wichita Falls, TX during the 6th grade. My parents talked me into joining scouting and I had a blast. I was lucky enough to have an exceptional troop leader that cared about our advancment. My father got wrapped up in the troop as well and we would go on any camping trip that was planned. I still have an axe that was awarded to me from that troop.
My father was in the Marines and my mother was a good ole country girl from middle Tennessee. I have one sister, thank goodness, that lives in Massachusetts, but I don't hold that against her (yeah, not much). We moved many times and lived in Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina, California and Hawaii. I joined the Air Force after having way too much fun in college. Stayed 22 years and lived in Lousiana, Florida, Oklahoma, Hawaii and England. When I retired from the Air Force I moved to Dallas, TX and lived there for 8 years before heading back to Nashville.
I have three wonderful children; Christie, John and Alysa. Christie graduated from Oklahoma State Univ. and now lives in Connecticut. John graduated from Georgia State Univ. and lives and works in Atlanta, GA. Alysa moved back with me and will be attending Middle TN State Univ this year. Christie is in the computer business like me; John is into cars and movie productions; Alysa is working at a sport store and plans to return to playing softball.
John has camped with me once and I have given him one of my tents (the one pictured on Henry Horton & Mousetail). I plan on taking Alysa out with me in the near future. And if I can get my oldest to come down below the Mason/Dixon, I'll take her too.
I am divorced and currently live in Nashville alone with my camping gear and have taken up wood carving as a hobby. I work long hours (mostly by choice) within the computer business. I have really started enjoying getting back out in the woods. Tennessee is a beatiful state and I wish I had moved back sooner than I did.
I enjoy the peace and quiet nature has to offer. This country of ours is so large and beatiful and there is so much to see and savor. |
