I enjoy working in the garden, but my time there is more limited more than either Rose or I would wish. When almost five years of age a violin was put under my chin, and it has never been removed. During my boyhood and earlier adolescent years my goal in life was to be a professional musician. By the time I was twelve years of age I had given three public recitals, including violin concertos. After I had a life-changing encounter with the risen Lord at age 15, my plans gradually changed.
Today playing the violin is an avocation.
If it is not getting too close to academic matters, I enjoy reading journals and news magazines. I believe it very important to keep up with current events and ideas, as much as I can. At times I share results of my less academic reading with students. Actually, high times of my life are spent with students, in and out of the classroom. I regularly begin the day with my Bible and a time of prayer, at times combining an approximate two mile walk with heavenly fellowship and intercessory prayer.