I was born and raised in Portola, California in the Northern Sierra Nevada Mountains to a working class family. Both of my parents, though my father never finished high school and my mom got her diploma right before her oldest boy did, were voracious readers, and had insatiable curiosities about the wider world. My mother served as the librarian at the Portola branch of the Plumas County Library for many years. My parent’s work ethic and quest for knowledge was passed on to their sons.

My greatest accomplishment was marrying my wife, Ursula, and stealing her away from her German homeland, 38 years ago. Now you know why the emphasis and setting of much of my work is in Germany.

After a long and difficult journey, involving attending several colleges and universities I finished a multiple MS degree in Geography, History, and Anthropology, and completed my Ph.D. in Geography at Oregon State University.

Due to a legislative cut in programs at the University of Idaho, where I was a tenured associate extension professor, I suddenly went from academia to the world of private consulting. During the tough years of the 1980’s I hung my degree on the wall and re-pinned the stripes of an army sergeant on my arms. I retired in December of 2001 with over 25 years of service.

My dream to be a full time writer came true with my retirement. At last I can use all my experience including being a ranch hand, a state park technician, forestry technician, garbage man, handy man, social science researcher, academician, private consultant, salesman, and soldier to have a ball doing something I enjoy. I will keep this up until I decide what I want to do when I grow up.