Physically I am 5’10, weigh too much, have brown hair (now), hazel eyes, and smile & wink easily. I am very upbeat and positive about just about everything. No matter what is going on, I can usually find some fun in it.

I have four daughters, a son, 3 granddaughters & 2 grandsons. I am single but am in a committed and very happy relationship.

I work very hard at my various endeavors, but am not a workaholic. I have several different businesses but my primary profession is as an antique dealer and mall owner.  Actually I own three antique shops - well, two antique malls and a eclectic resale shop. I also am still a web site designer and host.  It is a fun job that I have been doing since 1995.  I also work with southeast Texas' most popular estate sales team, dabble of eBay, and have a personal property (antiques & collectibles) appraisal business. Visit My Work page for more information.

As far as personality, I am usually upbeat but pretty laid back. I can be serious but am apt to find the humor in just about anything.

I was raised with southern manners and they are a natural part of me. I am honest and have always been able to find the fun side of life.

I would have to say that I am easily entertained.  I am not adverse to going out now and then nor do I have a problem with more relaxing times at home.  Live music is nice as are festivals in small towns, flea markets, auctions, fairs, and anything new.  I enjoy just about anything outdoors although primitive camping has somewhat lost its appeal. I do still enjoy camping but would rather do so in somewhat more comfort than a sleeping bag on the ground.

I like to read although I don't have time to it like I used to. Most weeks I manage to get through at least one book.

It is interesting how changes occur in our lives and how different we are in different environments and at different times.  For someone who does not know me well, it is easy to see only one side of me, the side more in evidence here on this web site, and get a slanted opinion of me. They might only see a softer side and not understand that there is a lot more to me than the polite, easy-going side.  For over 25 years I was in an extremely stressful situation where I managed Teamsters, drivers, dock workers, etc.  In that position, I was by necessity rather aggressive and hard-nosed.  It was a confrontational environment where if you were not strong, you would be eaten alive.  I thrived in that area for many years. So, yes, I enjoy music, I write poetry, and I definitely have a tender side, but there is plenty of strength in there, too.  I like being easy-going and finding the fun side to things, but when needed there is plenty of strength and resolve. I enjoy my current lifestyle much more than the "old days".

Actually, there are too many to list, but I will hit the main points:

Computers, of course.

Photography (I have a color darkroom).

Writing - fiction, non-fiction (training materials, organizational skills, goal-setting, quality process, etc.), & a poem or two.

Book collecting - particularly 1st edition of Texas authors.

Collecting all kinds of odds and ends like rocks, fossils, shells, Hopalong Cassidy memorabilia, penguins, trucking company cups, Winn Ross trucks, western art and no telling what next.

Chili Cook offs. I've competed since 1977, first with the Penguin Air Force and later with Rodent Red Chili Teams.

I also read like crazy - just about anything I can get my hands on, but my favorite authors are Larry McMurtry, Larry L. King, Tom Clancy, Stephen King, David L. Lindsay, Tony Hillerman, and Ken Follet.

I also like to travel. I've been in over half of the states, nine countries, and have lived all over the southeastern & southwestern United States. Places I have lived include: Dallas, Ft. Worth, Odessa, Houston, Brownwood, Paris (Texas), Tucson, Phoenix, Atlanta, Miami, Tampa, and various others.

Dallas, Texas - over and over again
Newsome, Texas
Rose Hill, Texas
Mesquite, Texas - twice
Rowlett, Texas
Garland, Texas - four times
Fort Polk, Louisiana
Darmstadt, Germany
N Lauderdale, FL
El Paso, Texas
Farmers Branch, Texas - three times
Odessa, Texas - two times
Houston, Texas - three times
Arlington, Texas
Delray Beach, FL
Brownwood, Texas
Tucson, Arizona (My absolute favorite)
Casa Grande, Arizona
Margate, FL
Ft. Worth, Texas - three times
Tampa, Florida - twice
Marietta, Georgia
Boca Raton, FL
Carrollton, Texas - twice
Lewisville, Texas - twice
Lake Worth, TX
Lauderdale-by-the-sea, Florida
Paris, Texas
Boynton Beach, FL
Lumberton, TX
Beaumont, TX - where I am now