09/11/2011

This is my view in the morning during swim practice at the Carlouel Yacht Club.

There is only a handful of us that are willing to show up at the pool this early.  It is hard for me to understand why more people would not want to enjoy this part of the day.

It starts out dark, and half way through practice, we get to enjoy this beautiful sunrise.

Of course it is not alway this nice, especially as the winter season sets in.  We try to brave the colder weather, but eventually, the chilly water, cold air and winds will move us back to the Long Center which is an indoor 50 meter pool.

9-10-2010

I went to visit my daughter this weekend at FSU. Her and her 3 roommates share an apartment at the Polo Club. We ate dinner out Friday night at Macaroni Grill. Saturday, we went shopping at Target for curtains for her room and watched the FSU vs OU football game. After watching FSU getting killed by OU, we decided to go hang out at the apartment pool. Saturday night, I cooked dinner for the girls in the apartment. On Sunday, I got up early and went to Target again and bought a rice steamer for the the girls apartment. I headed back home that afternoon for a 5 hour return drive home. Seems like such a long drive home by yourself. I really had a good time and getting out town for the weekend is what I needed.

9-3-2010

My son Thomas, age 16 in his junior year at Clearwater high during his first dive meet of the season. Thomas is the oldest and the most experienced on the team this year. His teammates all look up to him. Thomas has this presence about him. When he walks out on the board, he attracts a lot of attention. This season should be and exciting time for Thomas.

Swimming with my Dad

8-02-2010

What great morning to have my dad who is in from OKC to join my friends and I for a sun rise swim. My mom and wife also came to spectate.

20 years ago, my dad started working with me on my freestyle stroke. He was always much faster, but over the years it has become the opposite. He just turned 74 and I can see what my body will be like in 24 more years.

One of our favorite things to do on our birthdays is to swim our age in laps. Each lap represents a year of our life. We reflect on each year with every lap. I will never forget when my dad turned 60. We made it a grand event back at his pool in OKC where he practiced. We did (60) 50 meter laps on the minute. There was a group of family and friends swimming and more to watch.

I cherish the moments more with my dad as he gets older. I know our time left together is limited. Its been a long and fabulous road we have shared together.

7-16-2010 Swim practice with my tri buddies

7-15-2010 Jackie celebrated her 19th birthday

7-3-2010 Edmond's first time on a board in the Gulf of Mexico.