Hobbies: I enjoy fixing things up. I've restored cars, airplanes, boats, and other stuff. I also enjoy seeing new places. It doesn't have to be Tahiti (though I've never been and would love to go). It can be something as simple as going to Saluda, NC. (Has anyone ever been? What's it like? Is it a quaint, romantic, and historical little town?). I also enjoy going to Breckenridge or Vail to snow ski once or twice a year. Another couple of weekends of Western NC skiing is also fun! White-water rafting is fun also.

Goals/aspirations: My goal in life is to be the best person I know how to be. Accepting of all individuals I meet with no agenda for changing them. My main goal is to be free of self, and forgiving of others of any real or imagined wrongs that (I believe) they may or may not have wrought upon ME!! LOL (Or, as Joan Baez so eloquently put it...

"...If love means forever, expecting nothing in return, then I hope I'll be given another whole life-time to learn...."

I'm trying to learn how to be more authentic. More real. With less facade. I'm learning how to define myself through my attitudes, behavior, weaknesses and strengths, rather than accomplishments, material things, and using other people to define myself. I take the same interest in bell-hops as I do bank presidents. I respect both. It's not the title, it's you the human-being that interests me. (smile)

(A more "immediate" goal right now is to finish sprucing up this boat I've found myself suddenly owning! lol ("What in the world am I doing with this thing?") lol HELP! LOL)

Myself: I was born in Knoxville, and have lived here most of my life. After graduating from UT in Business Administration, I became a pilot in the United States Air Force. This gave me the opportunity to fly all over the world and to see many different countries and cultures at a very young age! I was hired by a major airline flying 737's. based in Charlotte NC. I've also owned my own business. I began buying damaged aircraft from insurance companies, having them repaired (I would *never* fly anything I worked on...LOL) and re-selling them "retail" lol. This enabled me to retire from the airlines before the first round of bankruptcys hit the industry.

As to to what makes *me* unique? I'm very adventurous. I have alot of courage. I've ridden a motorcycle to the Eastern most point on the North American Continent and back alone! (St. Johns, Newfoundland. What a place!! lol BEAUTIFUL!!) I sailed the Virgin Islands on a 47' sailboat alone. I just brought a boat home from the Great Lakes, down the Illinois River, MS River, Ohio River, and up the Tennessee River. And this is a BIG BOAT! Having NO idea what I'm doing! LOL I'm too stupid to know better than to do just about anything! LOL I love the unknown!

OH! One thing I've always wanted to do is to raft the Colorado River. Someday!! And who knows? Maybe someday soon!! One never knows!! lol I love that feeling of committment. That decision to do something that only God, not I, knows if I can do. I love finding out "if I'm up to the task".

My taste in music? Jimmy Buffet, Vince Gill, B.B. King, Aerosmith, and alot of the 70's and 80's top forty. Elton John. I also like those good 'ol gospel hymns. "Just as I Am..." is one of my Favorites.

I'm up for anything you are comfortable with doing. Flying, boating, or just a cup of coffee?

My goal in meeting you is to learn more about you (and myself in the process). Maybe a "sunset cruise" with dinner? (Skipper and Chef?...I'll need your help!) Maybe lunch. Maybe Starbucks?

Merry Christmas everyone! And Happy Birthday Jesus!

OH! ...and a Happy New Year to all too! (smile)


:')