Welcome to my little niche in the world. Its not too big and it’s certainly not elaborate, but then again I am a firm believer in “keep it simple stupid.” Like the squirrel I sometimes get the nut and sometimes not, but more importantly I never quit trying.
My bio is purposely vague and sketchy. After all, who doesn’t like a good mystery every now and again?
I was born on a mountain top in Tennessee . . . oops, that’s not right I am thinking of Fess Parker, well no, wrong again, it’s Davey Crockett, the role Fess Parker is best known for. Actually I was born in Long Beach, CA in December, 1946. In the days of tiny black and white TVs, big radios, no cell phones, computers, hand held games, GPS or any other wondrous and exciting electronic devices. No, contrary to what you might be thinking, dinosaurs were not roaming the earth, true their might have been a few Wooly Mammoths, the occasional Woolly Rhino and even a saber toothed cat every now and again, but no dinosaurs. While growing up I lived in an actual house, not a log cabin, we had heat, running water and even in-door plumbing . . . pretty cool right?
I thought of myself as a jock in High School. Liked sports and members of the opposite sex, but books and studying, not so much. After graduation from high school in 1965, in March of 1966 I joined the Marine Corps, went to Vietnam in 1967 where I was wounded on an operation in Quang Tri. I started a family and went to college.
Lots of ups and downs along the road of life. Some were and are great and a source of many happy memories while others I would just as soon forget, but alas, I cannot. My sons grew up, went to school, got married and one is now the proud papa of 3 kids of his own. My youngest son, Geoff died rather suddenly 8 years ago. His death was one of the hardest bumps which I had to learn how to traverse.
My first wife and I had a parting of the ways, but I was fortunate to find my bride of nearly 25 years, Susan, the love of my life and my best friend. My step-daughter Dani gave us 3 more grandchildren. So we have the makings of a basketball team with 1 sub.
Susan and I moved from NJ to retire in FL 17 years ago. We both manage to keep busy. She is a breast cancer survivor so gives much of her attention to helping find a cure. Additionally, she spends every Friday at Big Cat Rescue . . . a sanctuary for many mistreated and abused felines.
I enjoy taking morning walks with my Seeing Eye Dog Humphrey. He is a great guide and an even better friend. I am into audio big time. I have a kick-ass system with components from Bryston, Krell, Esoteric, Clearaudio, Oppo, KEF and Power Sound Audio.
I have had several A. k. a.’s over the years, everything from CY to Doc and to Big Mike, but to my mom I was always Michael and to Susan I am Mike, well, at least when I am on her good side that is. I will not discuss other names she uses when I have been more naughty than nice.
My philosophy; I am who I am, if you like me that’s cool, but if you don’t then that’s your problem not mine.
Fellow Marines remember: “Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever”.
Some of my likes, in no particular order, with the exception of the first listed of course.
Susan; my wife, best friend and love of my life
The Polar Express; great Christmas movie for kids of all ages
Big Cat Rescue; a fantastic organization
U. S. Marine Corps; Semper Fi, hoorah!
Honesty; Abe Lincoln comes to mind
Bravery, courage and strength; the men and women serving in our armed forces
Grandchildren; It doesn’t get any better
hamburgers; Wimpy got it right
NY Yankees; “the Yankees win”
Tattoos; why not, I have 11 of my own and Susan has 3
NY Giants; Go Big Blue
Audio, the equipment, the vinyl, the cd and SACD music; rock, folk, country and some show tunes
Concerts and plays: very cool stuff
Having the courage of your convictions; our founding fathers
Nature and the great outdoors; so much to enjoy, watch and learn from
dog guides; proud owner of Seeing Eye dogs for 49 years
All things Christmas; there is still a part of me that is a little boy
chocolate; wow, really yummy stuff
Walking and swimming; fun while keeping you in shape
IPhone; a way cool device, and it’s accessible too
Some of my dislikes, in no particular order
Dallas Cowboys; arch enemies
Boston Red Sox; stay in Bean Town please
Politician; not my favorite sort of folks
People with inflated egos; you know the type
Snakes; bad encounter in Vietnam, no thank you
Insects; with the exception being the Lady Bug
Athletes who think they are bigger than the game; boo! Hiss!
People who take themselves too seriously; chill
too much makeup; paintbrush anyone
vegetables; after all, they are green for crying out loud
Hot weather; yeah, I know, what am I doing in FL
Having to wear a hat because I don’t have much hair; nuff said
Women in their sixties who wear clothes made for women in their twenties
The Grinch who stole Christmas; an all around despicable felow
Body piercing; I have enough orifices and I don’t need any more
Having to keep lists; trying to remember everything sometimes becomes challenging
A fantastic site and a must visit
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
In case you encounter problems on this site e-mail: anyone but me
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