I got my degree from SJSU...a BS in Bus Admin/Accounting...a 5 year ordeal which came to an end on May 23, 1998! *finally!* Got my final divorce on May 22, 1998. Graduated to a NEW and different life!! *yippie!!*  And the job search began!!! I moved to Northern California to get the heck out of the fast lane zone and into a slower-paced place with fewer people, a somewhat lower (??) cost of living, and some trees and mountains. It's a might colder and wetter in these parts....and even some snow on rare occasions, but I love it!!!  I'm still within a 6+ hour drive from family, and with computers, I am in constant contact with my kids (see the rugrat page link below).  I spend my weekdays working in the Timber industry in one little piece of the accounting system.   I spend most of my weekends in Oregon--read down farther and you'll see why!!!!
 
 

Nature and wildlife! I have worked with the local Wildlife Rehab center since 1986 as a volunteer, and was on the board of directors from1996-1998 (I resigned before my move) and held the office of secretary/treasurer. I had the privelege of working with some very unique special animals at the Nan Pipestem Wildlife Rehab Center.  Among them, a wonderful little bobcat we called Tashi. This is a story in itself that is unique, wonderful, and very sad! Her story is on the Center's page, and the picture on the initial page is one I took. Other animals I worked with included some baby raccoons, skunks, deer, ducklings, and many others. I put many hours of time into it, and it is all worth it when you watch an animal being released back into nature!  Now, I continue to support the center from a distance by taking over the layout and designing of the quarterly newsletter.
 
 

Horses!! I used to have a breeding farm several years ago. I bred, raised, and showed Thoroughbred horses. I owned a superior TB stallion who was my best friend during a very difficult time. He died in 1991 at the age of 24...a very hard loss.

...And CATS...lots of them. Well, five to be exact. They are all rescued from one place or another. They know us well...a *sucker* who can't say no! Each has his own story...ask me and I'll share them with you. Panther is the "senior citizen now, 16 now, Rusty just passed away the end of April, 2002.  She came to us in 1991, the day I buried my horse.  Then, there is  Smudge, an 18 pound Lynxpoint Siamese, who is around 11, Tasha, who strongly resembles a MainCoone, is about 9, and Babie who is now facing her 8th birthday.  A new little member just joined us.  She's a wee tyke of about 4 weeks old and, I'm told, was abandoned.  That's as much history as we have on her.  She came to us named Tabitha because she is a tabby, much like Babie, only with white on her.  One day I will get a good picture of her and add it.

Other *animals* I have raised  include three kids...Shelly, Lisa, and Jason.
Hop on over to my kid page, Rug-Rat Central and see what they are all up to, and what they are doing with their lives!!! The two girls are married and Shelly (the oldest) has kids now!  I have some pictures of my grandkids there too!!!  As of November 3, 2001, I no longer have TEENAGERS!!!
 
 

Art -- ( different forms of it ) is another interest.

I draw using charcoal or ink.  I have tried my hand at oils and water color painting.  I got fairly reasonable results with oils, and ho-hum results with water color, so I need a lot more practice before I would ever display them here. But, I am getting into photography! I always enjoyed it, but never really took the time to learn the workings of a good camera. Take a bit of time and visit my Art & Graphics gallery, and my   Photo Gallery!!  Some of the artwork was done by hand with charcoal, some with a computer paint program...I'm still learning how to manipulate the computer art to get the results I want.  It takes time...and I just haven't figured out how to get 48 hours out of a 24 hour day!!!
 
 

Flying is another interest of mine. Yup!! Airplanes. Bizarre combination of interests, huh?!?! I love flying and have been given an introduction into flying an airplane by Gary.  So far, I've had one introductory flight with a CFII (flight instructor) with assisted take off and landing...for now, I just attempt straight & level flying and turns...getting the feeling for what it's like.. Gary, gets a good laugh out of it sometimes too!!! He tells me I create my own turbulance!!!  If there was enough room in his airplane, he would be rolling on the floor laughing!!!  Just as well, at least that way he is there in the right place to clean up my messy flying!!! *Laugh* Although, on occasion, he says I do really well!!!  We go flying when ever we get the chance and weather permits.

I also enjoy camping, hiking, and other outdoor stuff. I've done all sorts of camping, from "primitive camping" in tents with no running water or potties, to luxury camping in a minihome, with indoor plumbing, showers, fully stocked kitchen...the works. The enjoyment level is directly related to WHO I happen to be camping with. Either way can be a wonderful experience or a major disappointment or even a disaster. The company you are with makes all the difference in the world!!! Gary and I get out into the forest periodically for a night and sometimes two, to relax and get away from the "city."  Of course the "city" we are escaping is all of about 2,000 population!!!!  When I get a chance, I'll scan some camping pictures and add them in here!  I have to rumage through my pictures to find them first!!!

Gary and I got our new computers within a few weeks of each other. I got mine just before graduation, and he got his a week after I graduated. The day of graduation, I had my computer packed and headed to OR for a visit. When his computer came and we set it up, his computer room looked like this:

We had a great time comparing my 300MHz Dell and 17" monitor (right) with his 333MHz Dell and 19" monitor (center). His old slow dinosaur 486 is on the far left!!!  Nearly standing room only in this room for those three weeks!!!  Just enough room for the two of us to get in there...and we were even able to breath!!

  Gary  used to organize The Gold Beach Fly-in and Pancake Breakfast at his home airport in Gold Beach, OR each year. After seven years of putting together the whole fly-in, he "retired" and is now content to just help The Brookings Flying Club to put together the Brookings Airport Activity Day on Memorial day weekend.  This year the Crescent City Fly-in Committee asked him to head up the committee to bring in warbirds to the Crescent City Fly-in held in July.  He jumped at the chance.  He LOVES warbirds!!!!

He's an active member of a Musketeer web board.  A suggestion of his lead to the Westcoast Gathering of Beechcraft Musketeers, at the annual Arlington Fly-in in Arlington, WA.  That event has taken place successfully for the last two years.