I am married, have twin sons in college out of state, and two pets. The five-pound poodle exhibits too much separation anxiety but is bold enough to bully the, twenty-pound cat who is not happy with his weight-loss diet. I am CEO of the Family Ponderosa, i.e., I am a stay-at-home, empty-nesting mom, and the days are just packed (to borrow a phrase from Calvin and Hobbes). I grew up traveling across the country about every four years as is common among military families. As a result, I love to see new places and things. I love the mountains and the seashore (perhaps that harkens back to my Scandinavian heritage -- back to the Old Country where the fjords dramatically bring mountains and water together). In my adult years, I have traveled from the Spanish Main, to the Great White North, the Land Down Under, the place Where America's Day Begins, spring-boarded off the Land of the Rising Sun to get to the Spirit of Aloha, and places in between before returning to Deep in the Heart again. I have both a bachelors and masters degree in European History. I enjoy reading and writing, photography, tai chi, visiting historical places, learning languages, plus a few other interests -- and, of course, traveling -- all natural things to pick up when you are a Marine Corps Brat.
