We are Tom, Pat, Alex, Elliot. In 2002 we moved from Knoxville, TN to Punta Gorda, Florida. We're on the Gulf side of Florida, about half way between Sarasota and Ft. Myers. Pat is President of the Edison College Charlotte Campus , Tom a Certified Safety Professional and member of the Suncoast chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals working for Zurich Services. Alex is a Junior at the University of Central Florida. He is majoring at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Elliot is a Junior at Charlotte High School. Elliot participates in the Model UN program there. His team recently placed first in their division at the Princeton University Model UN conference. J.T. still lives in Knoxville, TN, less than an hour from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. J.T. works at Lowe's and has married the beautiful Heather Anderson June 2007.
In Knoxville, one of our favorite activities was attending the basketball games of The Lady Vols, always our number ONE ranked (or should be!) team (National Champions THREE years in a row, 7 times overall and always trying again!) in Women's College Basketball. Their determination, skill and desire never cease to amaze us. The Lady Vols came up just short in 2004 but made a good game of it. We watch on TV now that we're in Florida but still enjoy. At least we don't have to stand till they score now!
We also enjoy some home games of the Florida Gators, Pat's alma mater and favorite football team. Of course mine is the Tennessee Volunteers. I got to watch the Gators beat the socks off the Vols in 2007 thanks to Aunt Barbara's generosity in inviting me. Being a tremendous Gator supporter I know it was a stretch for her to invite a Vol! We enjoyed Tampa's Gasparilla Festival in 2004. It was quite a party.We used to vacation every year. One of our favorites was Emerald Isle, North Carolina. If you are ever there, make sure you try the fried oysters at Jordan's Restaurant and take the kids to the bumper boats at Jungle Land!
Our all time favorite has been the St. Augustine, FL area down to Crescent Beach. We had a good time even the year of the fires. Interested in the area? Try here or try another good site for area info, here on the Old City page.
We recommend a horse drawn carriage ride around the city and don't leave until you have had dinner at Columbia Restaurant. On the beaches you want to try Saltwater Cowboys Restaurant, a local fixture. Both offer "to go" which will sometimes help avoid a wait.
Click here to reach a page of pictures from our vacation which include some shots from the Firestorm of 98, St. Augustine, FL, etc.
Click here to reach a page of pictures from the 1998 Family Reunion which happened while were on vacation.
Of course, now that we live in PARADISE, it is difficult to work up a desire to vacation. Future target vacations include the Yellowstone National Park, Maine & the upper Northeast states and the Dakotas (in summer only).One of our favorite weekend trips while living in Knoxville was to Deer Ridge, a condo resort on top of a mountain at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains. A place with beautiful views and things for the kids to do. That translates to a great place to relax. If you are visiting the Smokies, check with Deer Ridge. You won't regret it.
Know what an Anagram is? Check out the Anagram Genius Server and see how many words can be made with your name. Another neat web site is Kala's Huge List of Internet Camera's.
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