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.

Ginger in the Gulf of Mexico

7-3-10 Ginger finally took the initiative to swim in the Gulf on her own. I thought this day would never happen. I'm so proud.

6-27-2010 Raced the Morton Plant triathlon this morning. I really enjoyed myself. I saw a lot of my tri buddies and all seem to be having a great time. My body felt a little over trained for this race. Pushing myself in a sprint today was a real challenge.

6-25-10 My wife Jody on the beach of the Gulf of Mexico.

6-22-10 My daughter Jackie Joined me for swim practice this morning. She is not a morning person so having her up early to swim with me was really cooll

Great Fathers Day 2010!

Talked to my son at the Indiana University dive camp. He said he really misses my cooking. He will be gone for 2 weeks.

Enjoyed having chicken crepes and a nice salad prepared by my daughter and wife.

Followed up by a game of tennis with my daughter.

Saturday 6-19-10

Spent the night at the Safety Harbor Spa. Jody and I brought our bikes and went for a ride after dinner. I woke up on Fathers Day and went for long run down to Philippe Park. Had a nice breakfeast, then back up to the room for a nap. This was a nice overnight retreat.

The Queen Bee!

Celebrated 25 years of marriage in 2009.

My son Thomas, age 16. Sometimes I wish we could trade places with each other for a while.

My little girl Jackie, age 19 is all grown up now. (2010)

Swim practice at the Carlouel yacht club. It is located down the street from where I live. I love swimming here in the morning as the sun comes up. I know things don't last forever, but I sure hope this does.

Sand Key 2009 Tri

I don't know who this lady is on my left but this picture was taken about 200 yards before the finish. On the last 50 yards she decides to pass me and crosses the finish line just in front of me. All the professional pictures taken of me crossing the line have her in front of me. Needless to say, I won't be purchasing any of those pictures. I vow to never again to let anyone pass me in the last 50 yards.

The newest member to the faimily in March 2010, Edmond Whitsett

Ginger got her a new buddy named Edmond. She is not very happy about her new friend but in time, these two will become best friends.