It is comforting that I can recall most of the plant names I learned when I was young, but occasionally I catch myself in mistakes, which I try to set right - for my own satisfaction. It usually is a matter of looking closer, to get it right. This is probably all a good exercise to aid in mental sharpness as I progress through old age. (details: I thought was Valeriana edulis was actually Saxifraga rhomboidea.)

I majored in Biology with a Botany emphasis in college because of my interest in nature ever since I was teenager, wandering the San Gabriel Mountains of California with my dog. Even before that I would go out and explore anything wild I could find. My earliest memory was finding a pond behind a gas station in the suburbs of Omaha. I can still remember the wonder I felt at observing tadpoles and other aquatic life. That interest led to my first job after college, as a Biological Technician. Later my position was converted to Botanist, and I eventually landed a position as a Plant Ecologist which allowed my family to move back to Denver. Even though I had to go back to school and learn computer programming, then change positions so my family could stay in Denver, my early interest in Botany is what led to a 40 year career. After starting work as a computer programmer, I tried to maintain my interest in Botany and Biology by volunteering for nature centers, and hiking and backpacking with my dogs.