Me after a rapier duel during our fencing club's appearance at a local Renaissance faire.

I'm taking a breather during a fencing demo at a local Renaissance faire. And yes, the costumes (and all the protective gear underneath) are as hot as they look.

My husband Derek and I enjoy a little rapier & dagger dueling fun during our fencing club's show at a local Renaissance faire.

Between fencing demos at the Biltmore House, there's always time for a photo op with your fencing club buddies. Is this a great setting for a match, or what?

I'm en garde to begin an epée demo with the Raleigh Fencers in the gardens at the Biltmore House.

My husband Derek and I in an epée bout during a Raleigh Fencers demo at the Biltmore House. Fencing coach extraordinaire Wes Caudill is officiating.

My husband Derek and I take advantage of the setting for a photo op between fencing demos at the Biltmore House.

Me and Derek. This was taken on our first cruise during a stop in the Dominican Republic.

Lucy, our Jack Russell terrier, pretty much runs the house. She's on constant guard, protecting us from cars driving by outside, neighborhood dogs being walked on the sidewalk, and the occasional lizard on the front porch.

Gracie (aka "Princess Grace") has to be one of the world's most spoiled retired racing greyhounds.

Boris & Natasha. Yep, I named Raine's cat after my own kitty, and Natasha is in MLTF, too. I used her name as the proprietor/madam of the Joy Garden, which is Phaelan's favorite stop on his first night in port. Natasha (aka "Princess Kitty") is fluffy, prissy and quite the tartlet. "Madam Natasha" was definitely a good fit.

Lucy, our Jack Russell Terrier, doesn't understand why I can't write and get kisses at the same time.

Andy and Gracie, two of the sweetest retired racing greyhounds on the planet.