Having been raised on a farm, I learned the value of hard work. Not only does it bear fruit but it also brings joy, plus the fact that getting your hands in the soil is very theraputic! I have always enjoyed working in my yard and vegetable garden. When the last of my 3 children left for college, I took a real estate course and became a realtor. Being the "people person" that I am. I thoroughly enjoyed the contact with people. After 26 years of real estate and having city life, I returned to the country and ended up in the beautiful mountains of southwestern Virginia as matron of Bethlehem Retreat though I maintain a residence in the NC trial area in order to be near 2 of my children. God has blessed me with 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and many friends.