My husband and I live in Houston on a quiet street near Rice University. Our work commute is a 7-minute walk to the Shepherd School of Music, and we enjoy hosting post-concert parties and other gatherings for students and colleagues. We also enjoy walking  the Perimeter, a well-maintained, easy-on-the-knees, 3-mile path that circumnavigates the campus. When time permits, we like cooking together; vegetarian dishes are special favorites. I particularly enjoy nurturing nurture houseplants, all of which can live outside on our deck in Houston’s mild climate. Other shared hobbies include hiking, travel, and languages.

Although the moniker “stepmother” may often have a negative connotation, my husband’s three wonderful sons have redefined that job description and blessed my life in countless ways. For example, the original version of this webpage couldn’t have happened without the work of Brian, a Rice computer science major who is now an independent software developer. (Check out his highly useful products, iPhoto Library Manager and Power Tunes, at http://www.fatcatsoftware.com.) Phil, another Webster son and IT specialist, also worked on this website years ago and now is a geometric artist whose beautiful work inspires me (http://www.philwebsterdesign.com). And for those interested in really excellent reviews of horror movies (not my preferred genre of film, but to each his own!) visit Eric’s Movie Corner on YouTube, hosted by son Eric. In addition, my husband and I are fortunate to have two absolutely lovely daughters-in-law, an amazing 3-year-old granddaughter, ten fabulous nieces and nephews (counting their spouses),  six great nephews, three great nieces, and three gifted godsons.

My extended family includes not only the dozens of students and former students who take the time to keep in touch, but also our incredibly generous Japanese friends, Shigetaka and Chizuko Sawa of Yokohama, and their sons, Taka and Michi.