Hi down there. My name is Tux. I'm the Linux mascot. Chris thinks I'm cute - like her MINI Cooper - not as cute as GUMDROP, but there will only ever be one GUMDROP. Like the cars, I pop up now and again when she needs a friend. But now, here's Chris:

Music ... my tonic. I play the oboe when I can, although there are limited venues here for playing. I also sing in the choir at St. Paul's Memorial church. I support the University Symphony, in part by holding a season subscription, and also by taking lessons from the Principal Oboe, Scott Perry. See my Music! page for more.

Family has my heart. Here you'll find our homes and the tales that go with them, relatives - from those whose memories I cherish to those whose lives have just begun, and friends who are a part of my "extended" family. My daughter and granddaughter occupy a tender place - they are far away, in Houston, and I miss them so much. My granddaughter is growing so fast, and I am missing her childhood. My daughter is doing well on her own as a Dental Assistant in Houston - but Texas is SO far away. My sister and her family are in Richmond, and my husband's brother and family are in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. My friends continue to be spread all across the country . . . my best friend and I have traveled once to France, later to the Greek Isles to see one another . . . since she lives in California. Modern technology is both enriching and isolating.

Fitness is a primary interest of mine. Exercise has been a source of happiness and relaxation for me. Aging is for the birds, though.  I have spent the past ten or so years bemoaning the consequences of degenerative disc disease. Two surgeries later . . . I still have pain that won't quit.  It is so easy to take mobility for granted - as I did in my running days.  Now I would be content to walk for exercise, but pain sets in after 10 minutes or so.  Major surgery is scheduled for October 2008, when hopefully the collapsing column called a spine will be set right again.

Experiments in web technology. Here you'll find my trials at web development.  When I worked at UVa, this was my favorite task.  Unfortunately, institutions rarely operate on a cost-effective basis.  Equality among the masses leads to using people in ways that not only waste time, but result in demeaning treatment that squelches whatever joy and creativity might have been generated by cultivating one's talents.

My job was with Information Technology and Communication at the University of Virginia. I am a 'Hoo on at least two counts, and the University will always get my support. I retired in the Spring of 2007 and love it.  At long last, I may work part time with Physical Therapy @ ACAC ... I wish that had been a viable option when I was in college.  My primary interests have always been in medical fields - I love working with people, and the idea of teaching them how to foster a strong, balanced way of coping with physical ailments is exciting.

Christian Roberts