My chess playing began at an early age in Flagstaff, a university town in the central mountains of Arizona. At an elevation of 7000 feet above sea level, we enjoyed four seasons and often received more than 100 inches of snow in the winter. This is a sharp contrast to the southern half of the state which is mostly Sonoran Desert, where I live now. Sometimes summer temperatures can exceed 115 degrees F (46 C) and one year made 122 F (50 C).

I played chess most seriously in grade school and high school. A most memorable chess experience was being one of 50+ people playing John Peters simultaneously (probably around 1977 or so). Being young, I had rearranged the pieces on the board considering different lines of play while he was moving game to game. To my horror and embarrassment, I found I could not remember the original position. Mr. Peters easily restored the game to its original state and soundly trounced me (leaving me both impressed and taught a lesson).

I am happily married with two beautiful daughters, two married step kids and six grandchildren between them. We are blessed to have a busy household during holidays!

For me, loosing to an opponent is not so bad if I was out played or out witted. I dislike blundering and beating myself. So, if you are reading this because we are playing or about to play, I hope we both play well and enjoy it. After all, why else play chess than to enjoy it!

pdmura