Computers: Needless to say, I enjoy and spend a great deal of time
at my computer. I use it for HTML, Visual Basic
programming, and almost everything else.
Pen & Ink Sketching: I did pen and ink sketches semi-seriously
for 10 years severa years ago. I have given most away to friends and family or donated
to charitable causes. I hope to one day sell a drawing or two, but who knows if
that will ever happen. See my Art page for some examples
of what I have done (wildlife mostly)
Home design & drafting: I went to college to be an architect and though I never
got my degree, I am still very interested in designing and creating my own working
drawings of homes. I worked as a structural draftsman for a year which very much went
hand-in-hand with my academic training. In the past, I took two semesters of an AutoCAD course through the higher education center here in Rawlins and now have the capabilities of doing drafting work on my computer.
Motorcycles: I own a Yamaha 250 dirt bike that I haven't ridden for many years since I wrecked and tore up and knee and subsequently had reconstructive surgery. I converted my passion for dirt bikes when I was young into a total passion for my Harley now. I bought the Harley that I had wanted for many years in 2007 and haven't looked back since.
Bicycle riding: I have a 21-speed road bike that I rode at one time for pleasure and exercise around town with a few short jaunts on a couple of the local highways. Nothing like
the views and relaxation that comes from riding a bike! I haven't ridden for several years but may take riding up again when I retire.
Woodworking: I have been making things out of wood since I was probably 10 years
old and my Grandfather let me use his power tools. My father was an excellent woodworker
and I love this hobby as well. I have a business called Sawdust Unlimited which I have run for over years where I design, build and sell all kinds of items in all kinds of woods, though oak, pine and cherry are 3 favorites.
Wood Carving: I started carving wood about 8 years ago after catching the bug from
a former boss. I am fully self-taught and am still learning every day. As with my
sketching, I do mostly wildlife and enjoy this hobby a great deal.
Visual Basic: I have been programming computers for many years, starting with BASIC back in college. I then converted to QBasic when I got an IBM compatible computer. Subsequently I then converted to programming in Visual Basic. I have written many programs, including a program we use at work on a daily basis. I do this because I have a passion for programming and am able to create something that assists me in organizing my life. Hopefully, I will have more time to spend during the winter months on using Visual Basic
Camping: I have been an avid camper since I was a child. Some of my earliest
memories are of camping with my family and I still enjoy it today. We don't camp a lot these days but have been camping when we go to Sturgis and enjoy it a great deal.
Photography: I bought an SLR 35mm camera while in college and have been taking
pictures ever since, though not nearly as many recenlty as I used to when my children
were younger. I now use a digital camera almost exclusively and love the convenience of using memory cards for the photos rather than taking the pictures then having them developed and storing the photos
Video photography: I have owned several video cameras, beginning with a Sony VHS camera, then a JVC VHS-C camcorder and now a JVC HD video camera that has a built in hard drived. I am very much a novice but love looking at the videos years later.
Music: I really enjoy listening to music. It seems I have a stereo in every room
in the house I use often. My favorite music has evolved from rock 'n roll in my 20's and
30's to modern country and class rock n roll today. I still enjoy the old rock 'n roll but listen mostly to the
new country artists. I purchased an XM radio (SkyFi2) several years ago which I listen to all the time at work. I also have XM in my pickup which we listen to whenever we travel. I listen to the 60's, 70's, 80's and a couple class rock stations.
Collector comic books: I got interested in comic books again when I began carrying
comics in my trading card shop I ran here in Rawlins for 3 years. I still collect a
couple titles and buy older comics when I can get them at a reasonable price.
Trading cards: Like every youngster, I collected cards when I was a kid, but also like
everyone my age, got rid of them at some point in time (much to my current disgust). I have
been collecting for the second time in my life for several years and still get a great deal
of pleasure with collecting cards, especially those with autographs.
Fishing: I am truly a novice fly fisherman, but I enjoy it a great deal. This area is
a fly-fisherman's paradise but I don't seem to have a lot of luck. I just have a lot of fun!
Guitar: I have been playing the guitar for probably 30 years and I hope that one day I
will actually have some skill. Or maybe it's too late. No problem, I play just for my own
relaxation anyway.
GPS/Geocaching: I purchased a Garmin E-Trex Vista and used it for driving where it would give driving directions until I discovered Geocaching. This is a hobby where one uses their GPS to locate boxes which have a log book, pencil and trinkets inside. When the box is found, you are supposed to sign the log book and exchange a trinket in the box for one you are carrying with you. You locate and download the coordinates for the caches from the internet and then you go 'log' your 'find' after finding the treasure. My wife and I are both interested in this adventure and will continue to do so for some time to come. This hobby is very addictive and gives one the opportunity to get out into the outdoors, do some walking and hone your skills with the GPS. It is super fun!
Coin Collecting: I started collecting coins probably 20 years ago and have become more and more avid as the years go by. It is impossible to collect every coin and every set but I love proof coins so purchase a silver proof set for every year as well as a proof Silver Eagle coin. I am actively collecting the America The Beautiful quarters for myself as well as both my grandkids. I also have albums of the presidential dollar coins that I am filling for myself and both grandkids. I pick up the occasional Sacagawea, Kennedy halves or Ike dollars as well. This can be an expensive hobby but I try to bargain hunt whenever possible but I also derive a huge amount of pleasure from this hobby.