My dad was brought up in the wilds of Mexico where my grandfather owned & operated a silver mine. The family tangled with Pancho Villa the rebel general of the Mexican Revolution who invaded US territory and led American soldiers on a wild goose chase all over the harsh Mexican countryside for months. They traveled out of Mexico on horseback for two weeks, finally arriving in the states. (They had lived on crackers and deviled ham.)

My dad eventually became an army colonel, a career diplomat. My mother was a teacher and a public speaker. As an "army brat" (and proud of it) I lived all over the world with my parents and sister. As a child my Dad insisted that I become an expert equestrian as well as a riffle sharp-shooter! I did and I loved it. I married Lt. J.J. Normington II who came home from World War II with two purple hearts and three air metals. Jay and I graduated from the University of Wisconsin and later raised two beautiful children, Peter and Patty. Jay taught all of us hunting and fishing and after a career as a C.P.A., Jay and I started Saddle Mound Cranberry Co. Inc.

In addition to teaching math, English and geography at Madison East High School, I found time to function as Secretary of the University of Wisconsin Alumni as well as serving on their Board of Directors.