Greetings

First a little about me. I'm 51, married to a Harlie (a great wife!), and in decent shape physically, since I stay on my feet all day at my work. I'm Assistant Manager at Hobbytown in Northbrook IL, right behind the owner in placement in the store hierarchy. It's a great job! Lots of fun stuff and relatively good hours for the industry. Pay is only OK so far, but the store has only been open for 5 months, so there's lots of room for improvement. We're in the very well-to-do North Shore area of the Chicago Suburbs, and in a strip mall that has a old-style deli, video arcade and a large fabric store, so the clientele is built-in from the start. Business is good so far, despite the sour economy.

      We live about a 20 minute commute south in quiet, well-shaded suburban Des Plaines. Our apartment is on the lower floor of a converted Victorian-era house. It's a 3-bedroom unit with 1 and1/2 baths, AC, new kitchen. It was recently renovated, has lots of windows, old hardwood floors and great character.

     Harlie is 31, and a Sales Manager at a large hotel in the suburbs. It's about the same commute in the opposite direction. She likes her new job, as it gets her decent working hours and pay. It's a little tough selling hotel space in this economy, but she's hanging in there, making her goals and impressing her bosses.

     Now onto our real life.

     I am the Honorable Lord Etienne le Couteau des Roches, Herald Pursuivant to Their Majesties' Shire of The Grey Gargoyles, registered Master of the Flaming Dragon, and was the Last Lord Mayor of the Towne of Ayreton. I am accomplished as a Pewter Caster of coins and medallions, Leather Worker, and occasional Court Herald. I am the Creator of Concept, Game Master and Auctioneer of The Stone Dog Inn. I hold many awards from both the Middle Kingdom and my former Kingdom of Atlantia for my service to those kingdoms, and excellence in my crafts. I held the position of Seneschal of my Shire for a four-year term. 

     She is the Mistress Sarafina Sinclair, Laureled by Their Royal Majesties Palymar and Aislynn for Elizabethan Costuming. She is an ever-willing retainer to the Queen of the Middle Kingdom and many of Her predecessors, Member of the Order of the Golden Bee, and Web Minister to the Incipient Barony of Ayreton. She is highly thought of and sought after by all for her advice in the field of her expertise, as well as an example of forthrightness and good cheer. She has held several other offices for our Shire.

Intrigued? What the hell is all that? Stay tuned for more later...