Hobbies/Interests
Eric's Hobbies
Computers: This is perhaps one of my biggest pastimes. I love to play on the computer. Don't get me wrong, I do actually complete some work on the computer, but I do love to play. I mostly enjoy simulators of any kind. Some of the games I play regularly are Longbow II, Jet Fighter III, Fast Attack, F15 Flight Simulator, and Janes latest attack submarine game, 688(i) Hunter/Killer, and just about any other sim that Janes Combat Simulations puts out. I also try to keep personal records and finances up to date on our computer. Since I purchased a color printer, Diane has taken advantage of our CreataCard program to make and send greeting cards. And she thought the computer was a bad thing. I also have my computer decked out with about every conceivable Star Trek screensaver and sound files I could find. We recently upgraded the printer again, to an HP Deskjet 932. We can print out pictures now that actually look just as good as the ones you would get from professional developers. Click here to go directly to my Computer Links page
Star Trek: I was going to design this home page around Star Trek, but I also wanted it to be a little down to earth. I decided to just talk about Star Trek and provide some links to other Star Trek sites that I find enjoyable. I am a big "Trekkie" fan and try to collect cards and other assorted items from the series' and movies. I watch the episodes, when I can, and when they are on. We only had one channel in Germany, so that made it kind of hard to watch. If you are a fellow "Trekkie", drop me a line. In the meantime, check out some of the other sites that I have found here. Click here to go directly to my Star Trek page.
Genealogy: I have become an amateur genealogist. My dad got me interested in genealogy when he gave me a program called Family Tree Maker several years ago. Since then and several upgrades later, I have continued to put together my family history, both on my side and on Diane's. As you can see, I have made some space on this home page for genealogy, in hopes, that I may learn additional information and techniques for my continued search. Click here to go directly to my Genealogy page.
Nascar: I have been an amateur Nascar race fan for some time now.. My dad got me interested in Nascar and racing, as he used to race cars when he was younger and still enjoys going to the races and watching them. However, here is where we differ. I am a Jeff Gordon fan, Yes, a Rainbow Warrior fan. Ha Ha. My dad and my wife, Diane, are Dale Earnhardt fans. Well, Ok, I like Dale Earnhardt too, as well as Rusty Wallace, but Jeff is my favorite. Jeff hasn't had a very good year this year with regards to winning races, but in a recent news article he said he was comfortable with his status. He is settling down and not trying to force anything and concentrating on finishing the races. Check out the below links to Jeff's fan page.
Building Models: When I find the time to relax, which here lately I haven't been able to find, I like to build models. I mostly stick to the Star Trek models (Go Figure), but I also like some military models, such as the Apache Helicopter, Tanks, and the C-130 Airplane. I have put together a nice looking Enterprise - NCC-1701-D, from The Next Generation series. It took me a lot of time, but it was enjoyable. I have managed to collect a few of the other ships, but they are currently cluttering my closet waiting to be completed.
Reading: With my new job of Protective Services and traveling all over the world, I enjoy reading books. It passes the time on the airplane and in the many hotels that I stay in, plus it is cheap intertainment. Well, sometimes the books are not that cheap, but compared to partying, its a winner--hands down. In particular, my two favorite authors are Tom Clancy and Patrick Robinson. Tom Clancy is probably one of the best authors I have come across when it comes to the techno thriller. Tom's knowledge of the military services and their tactics, probably rivals most active duty soldiers. His books are the best with regards to accuracy, realism and believeability. Several of his books have been made into movies. Patrick Robinson is a newer author to me, but his work is also great reading entertainment. Please check out my Tom Clancy and Patrick Robinson pages, which highlights some of their books and links to purchase your own copies.
{ Tom Clancy Page } { Patrick Robinson Page }
Parachuting: I really got into this hobby/sport, because I spent five years at Ft Bragg, NC with USACIDC and went to Airborne school in 1993. Since then, I have only made about 11 or 12 jumps, but I love the feeling of jumping out of a "perfectly good" airplane. Everyone thinks that I am crazy, but that usually comes from "Leggs", a term "Airborne" soldiers call non-jumpers. My next step is to learn how to freefall.
Diane's Hobbies
Collecting Dolls: Diane enjoys collecting dolls of all kinds, including Barbie Dolls, female Disney charactor dolls, and culture dolls that I bring back from most of the countries that I visit on my trips. She has a large curio cabinet in the living room that is practically overflowing from all the dolls she has. She has several of her dolls sitting around the living room and bedroom.
Cross Stitching: Diane enjoys cross stitching most patterns. We have several of her artworks hanging around the house. She has made some for Christmas gifts to family and friends.
Making and Collecting Crafts: Diane likes to make small crafts for display around the house and collecting crafts from craft shows and antique shops.