Hi folks,

I'm from Ohio, which our P.R. people like to refer to as "the heart of it all". O.K., you have to look at the shape of the state, and squint really hard and use alot of imagination, and then maybe, just maybe, you will see that it is almost, kind of, maybe shaped like a heart.

I live outside of the small town of Genoa, between Toledo and Cleveland. Weather is the major topic of conversation here over the last several months, as in "yup, I heard it's gonna be a bad winter". Today is cold and overcast, and a great day to read all about my fellow Mudcatters.

Music has always been a part of my life, my earliest memories are of my Mom singing to me. When I got a little older and couldn't find someone to sing with me I'd dig out my Dads Mitch Miller records and 'Sing Along With Mitch'. Girl Scouts was a God send for me, because I was always in very musical troops.

After college I worked for almost 10 years in a childrens home - had a captive audience!!!!! And, although many of the kids I worked with had many problems, they also ended up with a great knowledge of folk songs, and some great camping experiences!

Took the plunge about 11 years ago, got married, and now my we have 8 kids - the majority adopted and 2 from his first marriage. We usually have 2 or 3 foster kids, so once again I have a captive musical audience!

My kids really like it when I sing to them at bedtime, but I'm afraid they just fall asleep out of self-defense! My musical talents are limited to a love of music, can't play any instruments and my voice isn't great, but I do love singing, and music in general.

I check out the Mudcat at least once a day, but usually haven't got a lot to contribute, or the time to type in a message, but I love reading what everyone has to say, checking out the links, and learning everyday.

Bless you all!

Carolyn