"I’m a native western Pennsylvanian, born in and raised near the tiny town of Latrobe, made famous by Fred (Mr.) Rogers, Arnie Palmer, and Rolling Rock Beer.  I was lucky enough to be acquainted with Fred, and yes he was just like you would expect him to be. An amazing man! I so wish he was still with us.  We sorely need his kindness and love these days!
 
My first real job was at the US State Department, where I worked for NATO and got to meet the original astronauts and JFK when he came for press conferences.  I shivered with the rest of the crowds during his inauguration but was so excited to be there!  Over the years, I worked with Presbyterian preachers and all types of lawyers (don’t ask!), the dean of the business college at the University of Tennessee (they claim to be the real UT), and as US benefits director for an international company based in Michigan.
 
In addition to PA and DC, I’ve lived in South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Michigan, with moves back to PA several times in between.  I’m in Texas because my husband David retired and asked me where I wanted to go next.  I didn’t hesitate to say “Austin” because both of my kids were living an hour apart from each other in Texas, along with my granddaughters.  I have two great kids, a son and a daughter.  My son now lives back in Texas, and my daughter is in Lakeway.  My granddaughters live in Austin and San Antonio. I’m so lucky to be within driving distance of most of them, although people who know me well will tell you that anything within the continental USA is considered driving distance to me!  Probably true!
 
I’ve lived in Texas since 2002, and abandon it fairly often to go on lengthy solo road trips, usually spending my summers with family near Pittsburgh to enjoy ‘hammock weather’ in July and August.  My late husband, sweet David lived in Texas only a couple of years before I sadly lost him to stomach cancer, but I’ve stayed here because – you know - grandkids!  Now I also have a four and a half year old great granddaughter and a one and a half year old, both are the light of my life.  I love being their Gigi! They are such an inspiration for me to stay as fit as possible.
 
I belong to Silver Sneakers and love to get moving as much as possible with my exercise family. I love it and recommend it to everyone I meet, especially those who complain of boredom or lack of mobility.  Get a move on! Seriously!  I also jumped out of a perfectly good plane several years ago with my brother and my granddaughter.  I’m not planning to do it ever again!
 
Volunteering with Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Meals on Wheels, and various church groups keeps me out of trouble most of the time, as well as sewing for fun and for a number of good causes.  It’s great to be retired!  My passion, other than my family is truly to participate in First United Methodist's mission to build a community where all people are invited to know God’s love and sent to join God in transforming the world.”