I live in South Amherst with my husband, Douglas Substanley, whom I married in 1982. He is a retired bank officer. I have a stepson, Alex, age 29, who works in Tokyo, Japan as the head of the computer systems engineering department for an Internet portal provider.

I am a newly retired teacher, having taught elementary school in Elyria and Amherst for 30 years. I have a B.S. from Kent State and a Masters from Bowling Green. My teaching career was the most rewarding thing I ever did in my life. If it weren't for Rachel Hannon, our high school English teacher, I would not have been motivated to work my way through college. She encouraged me even after high school graduation to pursue a college education in the teaching field. I hope that I have touched students' lives in a positive way as she did mine.

My lifelong hobby has been training and riding horses. For me life without a horse is like an Oreo cookie without the filling. I presently have two horses, Roscoe, my beautiful white trail horse and Shadow, my "Tennessee Walker" show horse. I will have an active and exciting summer, trail riding and showing all over the state of Ohio and neighboring states.

When I'm not "horsing around", I'll be home working in the flower gardens around our century home or inside on some remodeling or redecorating project.

Doug's hobby is golf and when he's not working around the house, he's off on a golf outing or trip. I attempt an occasional game, but haven't been hooked yet! Doug and I enjoy traveling and are planning some nice vacations when the weather in Ohio turns cold and gray. We will probably move to a warmer climate in 2 to 5 years. For now we must stay here to be close to my mother who is 87 years old and needs our help with everyday tasks.

We look forward to every day as an opportunity for new adventures!