I feel a bit strange posting a month after Allan.. I don't post as much as the "regulars" here - and then more requests than responses! Yes, I am a Mudcat leech...

But here goes. Born 1955 into a Navy family. Lived in Vietnam in 63/64 - my one moment of fame was being on the cover of Parade Magazine in July 64! Lived also in Japan and climbed Mt. Fuji to get caught halfway up in a typhoon ("why is everyone leaving the mountain?") We eventually settled around DC and Dad retired in Arlington, VA.

Went to college at Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA) - married after I graduated. After duty around the Finger Lakes in New York we moved to Greencastle, PA (where his family lived). There I had my three "Inspirations" - now 17, 15 and 12. Divorced their Dad (an alcholic) in 96. I suppose some day I will be ready to date again. I don't think I'm licking my wounds any more, but I'm not in any hurry to venture out.

Before the divorce I'd worked part time as a self-defense instructor, computer trainer and then full time in computer sales. Finished my M.A. in history in 96 and started taking classes for teacher certification. Had to stop that to support the kids and myself. I couldn't stand sales so I finally took a wild leap and quit to return to school and complete certification. Finished that and student taught and subbed this last year. Unfortunatley I couldn't get a full time teaching job. The good news is I just accepted a position and will be joining the employed again. It's a long commute so I will probably end up relocating toward DC if all goes well.

I have no musical talent except for a decent voice and three chords on the guitar which I learned in the early 70s. I've always loved traditional music (when Dad was in his cups he used to sing Maid of Amsterdam and Abdul Abulbul Amir). However, my repetoire and knowledge was pretty meager until I started my web page. It was the web page which led me to the Xerox site - and then to here. Well, I'm not sure I know a great deal even now - but at least I have resources to look things up!

My web page is here - filled with the music I love and musings and a bio...

I am constantly amazed by the knowledge and good will of the people here. I'm very glad to be a part of it.