These are the things I like to do when am I not working ie in my free time. Unfortunately, that of late has become rarer and rarer but I still do manage to include some of these things into my week. All work and no play . . .
I am a member of the Church of Christ in Guyton, Georgia. The Church of Christ is a non-denominational church that takes that Bible as the sole and complete authority for church and life. We speak where the Bible speaks and are silent where the Bible is silent. If you would like more information concerning the Church of Christ please feel free to email me or email my father, Miles Peeples, who is the minister for the Chaffee Road Church of Christ in Jacksonville, Florida.
I am a avid reader who enjoys nothing better than a stormy night and a good book. I enjoy many genres of literature including the classics of Jane Austen, the fantasy/science fiction of Anne McCaffrey, the espionage thrillers of Tom Clancy, and the masterful horror of Steven King. My horseback riding experience has been restricted to western pleasure. I am most in awe of the dressage and hunter/jumper english riders as well as the western trick, roping, barrel racing, and performance riders. I am a still a novice but am eagerly awaiting having the time to advance in my knowledge of horseback riding. Like my taste in books, the movie and music genres I like are very diverse. Not much I won't go see or listen to at least once.
Cross Stitching is my relaxation hobby. It is a needlework technique in which the individual stitches are diagonal and two stitches cross to form an X. I have many cross stitch patterns most of which are animal related, and I have at least one pattern for most of the AKC dog breeds. If you are interested in a pattern, please email me.
I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in pet visitations, also known as pet therapy, with my Akita, Zen. He and I get to go to local schools, scout troups, nursing homes, retirement centers, community fairs, etc and discuss the importance of responsible ownership as well as letting the people interact with an animal. Scientific studies have shown many positive effects that pets have of people. The simple act of petting an animal lowers the blood pressure, slows the heart rate, reduces stress hormones, and increases relaxation. People who own pets typically live 2 to 3 years longer than people who do not and tend to have less health problems. For people who cannot have pets (like those in a nursing home or retirement home), bringing pets to them is a way to allow them to take advantage of the benefits that pets bring to people. Small children are taught how to properly and safely approach a strange dog and how to properly take care of a pet. Pet visitations are a lot of fun for the participant, their pet, and for the people being visited. Please take the time to participate in this activity -- it is a win-win situation for everyone. Most kennel clubs have such a program so if you are interested contact your local kennel club or a local nursing home to see who does their pet visitation. Zen and I have spent countless hours doing pet visitations and are always eagerly awaiting our next opportunity.
