I am a native of North Carolina, born and raised in the center of the state in the small (ish) town of Sanford. I have always had an interest in exploring unfamiliar places and learning about their history and culture. As a child my parents (lead by my Mom) would take us to “places of interest” around our state and the south. Those childhood trips made me want to explore more of the world. I am a graduate of Appalachian State University – Go Mountaineers- with a degree in History. Appalachian State University is in the northwestern North Carolina mountains, boarding Tennessee, and Virginia. The land of snow skiing and the Blue Ridge Parkway – Not a cruise terminal in sight. Of course, it is my History degree that makes me a travel expert, right?
Fast forward a few years…
I am married to the beautiful and adventurous Toni (Mrs. Amazing) – more about her later. There are three children and five grandchildren in our family. As well as our two dogs, more about them later also. Since we have been married cruising has been our favorite means of travel and vacationing. If I am not cruising, you would probably find me at the beach.
Toni (Mrs. Amazing) – does that make me Mr. Amazing
April 23, 2011, I was blessed to marry the wonderful and beautiful Toni Dawson. The very next day we left out on our first cruise. I have been hooked of both ever since. Toni is a native of Barberton, Ohio – home of Barberton style fried chicken . As mentioned above Toni has three children, two sons and one daughter, five grandchildren and our two dachshunds. Recently retired in December 2021 from the Lee County School system where she served as a K-5 Instruction Assistant for more than 25 years. She currently works part-time with Brooks II Real Estate Appraisals.
When Toni is not working, she may be found playing with the grandkids or being a bed for our two dachshunds. She also enjoys gardening, spending time with family and of course trips to the beach. Toni loves cruising as much as I do and has lots of new ports she would like to visit.
Cookie and Dawson
Cookie, a short hair black and tan with a little dapple dachshund, serves in our home as burglar alarm, alarm clock and thermometer. She will let you know when someone is within one thousand yards of her house, wake us up if I sleep in when it is feeding time and when it is cold out be on top of the heating vent before the furnace ever comes on. She enjoys eating (anything), barking at the neighbors, and snuggling under any blanket preferably on someone’s lap.
Dawson, long hair black and tan, is Mr. McLovin. He also enjoys eating, sleeping, and snuggling. He does not say much and is usually right beside his sister – yes Cookie and Dawson are littermates. If he is not busy licking someone half to death, he may be found belly up on the patio sunning. He likes long walks and snuggling.
