When Ted and I split up one of my first feelings was that of greatly increased vulnerability.

One of my friends and her husband, Barbara & Vernon, were real experts at skeet and trap. They invited me to join their local group and I decided to give it a try .. I'd never even handled a firearm! I got a 20 gauge automatic shotgun, a Winchester, and took some lessons. I never got very good, but, did learn to handle the gun, and myself.

Later on, living alone in the boonies, it seemed a good idea to get some smaller, hand protection so off I went and bought a Charter Arms 38 mm revolver. Fortunately, the Montgomery County Sheriff was offering a Ladies Handgun Familiarisation Course, so, I took it. We fired at a 25' target and I was disappointed that I only hit it four times (out of five) until a deputy showed me that two shots had gone in the same place! That was a real surprise.

I became a good shot and, later, bought a 9 mm Beretta automatic which certainly improved my accuracy.

I joined the National Rifle Association although their fees did eventually cause me to drop my membership.

Tai Chi was always something that I wanted to learn; their graceful style and grace, plus the associated degree of calmness, were so impressive, to me.

I took two series of classes at Kingwood Community College and enjoyed them greatly. I graduated, too, but did not ever achieve the standard that I wanted. Basically, I need to practice it daily and to meditate as we work. It's one of the most beautiful things in life.