Ward’s Top-5: Places I’ve Lived

Each month I post Top-5 Lists covering a variety of topics: books, movies, foods, etc. If you have a topic you want me to provide a list for, contact me.

5: I spent five years in Phoenix, and while the summers were a challenge, the rest of the year is gorgeous. My boys were young, and we camped quite a bit in Northern Arizona. I also did a lot of airline flying on the West Coast, which was very low-stress.

4: Panama City, Florida, is home to Tyndall Air Force Base. This was my first assignment after finishing USAF pilot training, and I have great memories of the flying. There’s nothing like being a young lieutenant when your only job is to go out and fly air-to-air every day.

3: I went to college in Orlando. It’s an unusual town with a lot going on. Everyone knows about the theme parks, but I spent most of my time across town at the University of Central Florida. I was never a starter on the soccer team, but I have great memories of making the squad as a walk-on.

2: I spent nearly a year in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s the only place I’ve lived that truly has four seasons. The Balloon Festival in October is terrific, and I’m still addicted to Hatch green chili sauce!

1: I was born in Sarasota, Florida, and that will always be home. Love the beaches and water. It’s a lot bigger now than when I grew up, but I have great memories and a lot of friends here. The odd hurricane aside, there’s no place I’d rather be.