Genealogy

I have always been curious about my ancestors and how they fit into the flow of history. I am interested in the way events, economic conditions, and governmental policies impacted their lives and spurred them to migrate farther and farther westward. I have identified direct 113 ancestors to date. Although my research goes back to the mid-18th century for some of them, I have yet to identify a single immigrant ancestor. Genealogy research is like a fun video game with endless levels – it’s never finished. It’s also an wonderful pastime for people who like to seek, access, organize, and preserve information!

Whitewater Rafting

There is no better way to beat the heat of summer than whitewater rafting. My favorite river for rafting is the French Broad. My favorite outfitter is French Broad Rafting Expeditions.

Hiking

I enjoy walking/hiking in almost any setting – mountain, beach, city. My most challenging hike was Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales (and the highest point in Britain – if you don’t count the ones in Scotland.) This is a picture of me on Offa’s Dyke with one foot in England and one in Wales. One of my favorite walkable cities is historic Charleston, South Carolina. (Charleston Ice is cool and delicious.)

Books & Reading for Pleasure

I like to read a variety of genres. Some of my favorites are . . .

•  Historical Fiction

The Lymond Chronicles by Doroth Dunnett
Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman

• Contemporary Fiction

anything written by Ian McEwen
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

• Fantasy

The Song of Fire & Ice series (aka The Game of Thrones) by George R. R. Martin
anything written by Guy Gavriel Kay

• Classics

 Charles Dickens & Jane Austen