Scenic Roots

Doug

I grew up listening to acid rock in the '60's; guess that explains the hair, sandals, and tie-dyes. I'm still a fan of much of that music, the creativity of that era was awesome. When disco became the rage of the '70's, I turned to country music, anything was preferable to disco! In 1975, I stumbled across a friend's copy of "Will the Circle be Unbroken" by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I have been a huge fan of old-time country music and bluegrass ever since.

I have a degree in elementary education, and taught full-time one year. I substitute taught for several years before deciding that I'd received all the benefit that I wanted from my years of education. Now I'm just the chief cook and bottle washer for our family. The pay isn't very good, but some of the fringe benefits are okay.

I have been Mr. Mom to Erin and Amber from the beginning. It really is true; a man can change a diaper. We just use duct tape rather than diaper pins. It is amazing how well they have turned out, considering this disadvantage. They have certainly been raised differently than most of their peers. Maybe that is why they aren't afraid to play music that they enjoy, rather than what is popular. I have been home schooling them since '97. This has given us the flexibility to pursue a life of adventure and excitement.

I bought a mandolin when the girls were infants. Thought I needed something to beat on at night rather than abusing the wife and kids. That has probably been one of my better decisions! I am pretty much self-taught, which doesn't say much for my teaching abilities. I think it took me two years to learn to play two chords. I started playing and singing in nursing homes about the time Erin started kindergarten. I figured that if Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson weren't ashamed to sing in public, what harm could I do? I wrote, "Don't Tell Momma" for the girls to sing, and they've been the stars of the show ever since!

I started playing guitar when we started performing together. Mandolin, dulcimer, and fiddle just left out too much low end, so I switched instruments. Besides that, I already knew three chords on the mandolin, so needed a new challenge. Why be an expert on one instrument when mediocrity can be achieved on so many?

In my spare time, when I'm not backing over mandolins, I am often found doing volunteer work. Marci says that I never met a nonpaying job that I didn't love! One of my favorites has been as a coordinator for the 4H/Japanese exchange program. That has consumed tremendous amounts of my time, but it has been well worth it.

I really would like to have a paying job again. I am actively seeking a part-time, flexible job that is legal, ethical, and pays in the six figure range. Please contact me if you are looking for such an employee.

I'll leave you with a few if my favorite things.

Food: Definitely Mexican! Especially if you are buying. Did I mention that I am a tightwad? I love hot sauces of all kinds, I even collect the bottles.
Scripture: Psalm 37:4 and Proverbs 17:22. I try to live my life with these in mind.
Beverage: A Breve, which is expresso and 1/2 and 1/2. I like to top it with whipped cream! I buy Expresso Prima beans 5 lbs at a time from coffeeAM.com. Guess I'm hooked.
Color: Tie-dye. Is that a color? Who cares, it is still my favorite. Steak: Ribeye, medium-rare to rare!
BBQ Sauce: Maull's Jalapeno. Not hot, but excellent flavor. Bottled in St Louis, too bad I can't buy it around here!