Rachel and Bobdhubby have been married for over 23 years. They have an 8 y/o and they live in Oregon in the city of PORTLAND. Bob and Rachel consider themselves "nearly natives or Ohio Buckeye transplants" as they have been here since 1976.
When Rachel's parents were alive, they often tried to get Rachel and the family to move back to Ohio. Rachel's response was always along these lines..."If you make sure to HAVE blistering summers with humidity that make you feel like you are walking around with your clothes on in the shower, tornado warnings every other day, and also have the winters be so cold with snow that one could freeze to death if your car broke down.... THEN, a move back to Ohio might be possible." *grin*
Somehow Rachel's parents didn't see the humor in it, and would instead make comments about the rain in Portland. Rachel might be in serious trouble for letting this information out of the bag... but Portland does NOT get all that much rain! Well ok, maybe it does, (floods that are reported on international news are hard to hide), but at least no one has to *shovel* it!
Bob works as an Environmental Specialist and handles all the air, soil, water, and toxic sample tests from all over the state. Bob's creative energy often takes the form of music making. He has been a versitile muscian for 30 years. He can play a variety of instruments (and, in fact, at home there are over 60 instruments from all over the world). He recently has taken up teaching himself the fiddle. Inspired by an empty helium tank left over from an IRC party at the house, Bob began creating all sorts of drums. Most of his drums are made with recycled wood or metal products, although Alden and Rachel recently gave him a 30 inch white cedar rim for him to make his own ceremonial drum. Even though people have pushed him to do it for a business, his values keep him making them just for friends and family. He even got Alden and Rachel involved and they are also very proud of the drums they make. His latest endeavor is tanning the hides himself. While Rachel is not the most fond of a deer hide curing in the back yard, she sure is proud of his good work and creativity.
Rachel has worked in the helping field for over 28 years and has primarily worked as a Family Therapist. She is able to work with Hearing people as well as Deaf people, and is fluent in American Sign Language. She has worked with the whole range of services, from parents with newborn babies, to serious youth offenders.
Rachel's activities also involve being a Web Site Coordinator and providing basic training and support to people on navigating the Internet. Being an experiential learner herself, she offers people hands on help with this incredible resource! Clearly NOT a computer geek, she aims to share the knowledge and skills about the Internet she has picked up along the way.
Since INTERNET puts the world at people's fingertips, Rachel is *definitely* interested in being a tour guideA while back, Rachel was asked to be a guest on a local news show discussing the Internet and the issues of regulation. A lawyer was the other guest and argued for more regulations. It was a wonderful debate! =)
Bob and Rachel fancy themselves as inventors and enterpreneurs somewhat, (but haven't given up their day jobs *grin*). They have a business called
When not involved with her family and friends, w*rk, or various projects, Rachel thoroughly enjoys showing visitors from all over the globe, the delights of the Great Pacific Northwest. There is still time to "book your reservation" for the first year of the new Millenium. *GRIN*
As much as Rachel loves the NW, she also has a growing urge to explore and travel. Rachel and her family had the good fortune to go to Australia on the trip of a lifetime in March of 1996. To see their journal of events and some gifs, click on the various stages of the trip. In the Adelaide section, there are pictures of the wedding they had on their 20th anniversary and words to the song Rachel wrote for Bob.
Sydney, Brisbane, Ipswich, Goldcoast
For the time being, Rachel will just have to be content with traveling the world through the Internet. Rachel is grateful to, works closely with, and has much respect for, her local provider Hevanet.