INTRODUCTION

Here is a story of two souls who have been doing a multitude of activities throughout their lives, separately, but found each other on September 19, 1998. Their stories are so different, yet in some ways so similar. The similarities are in the love of outdoors, wines, music, brewing and beer just to name a few.

Martha: The Reference Librarian at Elmira College . She is in charge of reference, government documents and library instruction. Her degree(s) are in Studio Art (BA - Wellesley), Art History (MA - Indiana University) and Library Science (MLS - Rutgers). Her passions include listening to music (classical, jazz, humor, rock), performing music, painting, gardening, Hockey (NHL), kayaking, canoeing and Astrology.

Steve: A self-taught Computer Professional who is currently consulting and looking for permanent full-time employment. He enjoys sports (NY Yankees, NY Knicks, Green Bay Packers) on TV (or in person when opportunities present themselves), playing sports, cross-country & downhill skiing, computers, kayaking & canoeing and the list could go on and on.

Together, they enjoy a good paddle in the Old Town Loon 160T (tandem kayak) or the Old Town Penobscot 16 (canoe), walking through the woods, going on long drives, enjoying good wine and wine festivals, brewing good ale (and later enjoying that ale once it is drinkable), spending time with our friends and family and the overall joy of nature!

In June of 2002, we bought a house in Elmira, New York only about 2 1/2 miles from Martha's work. The house is what is featured on the front page of the site. At this time, Steve spends much of his time renovating the house. Redoing the wiring, exposing the studs and rebuilding as necessary. It seems that one project leads to about 4 or 5 more, but progress is being made. Martha is also putting Steve to hard labor in digging the flower beds. The soil around the house is a clay with a fine harvest of shale and other interesting rocks. We recently found out that the property where the house sits used to be a rock quarry - go figure! But Martha is planting Daffodils, Lilies, Crocus' and other species of beautiful flowers that we will be able to enjoy in the spring and the rest of the summer.