The Early Years
After moving to Florida from West Virginia, I met Richard at Edison Junior College in Fort Myers, FL. I earned B.A. and M.M. degrees in music from the University of South Florida and began a career in music as a college instructor, opera, and stage performance. This gave me the opportunity to perform from coast to coast. One of the biggest "thrills" of my musical life was winning the Metropolitan Opera Auditions in Florida. 
I began my career as a voice and music education instructor at a college in Texas and was under contract with the Houston Grand Opera. After marriage, I taught public school music before moving into special education and later, computer technology. I retired in 2004 but continued as Webmaster for the Highlands County Schools until the end of 2009.
The above photo was processed in 2009. My hobbies include travel, music, and genealogy. Visit my genealogy site here.
...And now the rest of the story.
The Middle Years
For years, my husband Richard and I had worked together on many projects, such as facilitating technology workshops for our school district (1984 - 2004) and as choral director (me) and organist (Richard) at the Spring Lake Presbyterian Church USA (1982 - present). in Sebring, FL where I continue to serve as webmaster. We also worked together several years as musical director (me) and accompanist (Richard) of our local community chorus, the Delta Chorale. After I retired from that position, I was asked to return as associate director, and later director. The group has disbanded after 26 years.
Our passion is travel. We have shared many wonderful moments traveling to South America, Russia, Europe (4 times), Australia (twice), New Zealand 2002, South Africa 2005, China and Thailand 2005, Hawaii and Tahiti in 2006, and the Mediterranean and Middle East in 2007, Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia, and UK in 2008, Anarctica and South America in Jan. 2009, Alaska and Denali in June 2009, and Panama Canal in Oct. 2009. We have several more upcoming trips in the works, the first being an Asia to Alaska cruise.
The Past 10 Years
During the past 10 years, we have created slide shows detailing our travels. On occasions, we use these slideshows as entertainment for churches and community events.
Another passion of mine is genealogy. The fact that I have no living ancestor or siblings, has led to a search for my roots. My quest started with just a few names of great grandparents, many hours on the Internet and libraries have provided details and photos beyond my wildest expectations. I have already undercovered 20 ancestral Revolutionary War patriots as well as another half dozen soldiers all the way from the French & Indian War to World War II. My maiden name is Ankrom and have created a website: WE DIG Genealogy that showcases many of my ancestors. If you have any ties to West Virginia or surrounding states, please check out my webpage! We just may be 'kin'.
Over the years I have created many websites for organizations, civic groups, businesses, schools, and churches. Now that I'm retired, I will often create a website without maintaining that site. The links on the left side lists some of my websites that I continue to maintain.
