Whenever I hear how our planet is going to hell in a hand-basket, it makes me feel better to think about scientists like my niece-in-law Melinda Knutson. If there’s any hope for our planetary homestead, it will most likely be due to the dedication, drive, learning, and determination of people like her.

Melinda is married to my nephew David Ford, and today, March 5, is her birthday.

David was also born during Melinda’s birth year, 1955.  For more about Dave from a previous blob, click here.

Their only cousin who shares that birth year with them is my daughter Lisa Ford. Lisa is a copy writer living in Seattle. Lisa does her utmost to keep her marginally senile mother from qualifying for admittance to the funny farm. She also  produces great quantities of professional writing each year and so does her cousin-in-law, Melinda.  The published scientific papers Melinda has written and contributed to during her career is remarkable.  And so is she.  Since 2005, she’s worked as a Wildlife Biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

If you’re curious,  click here for more about Melinda’s professional background.

Of their other claims to family fame, Melinda and Dave are world-class ballroom dancers, and I hope they’re out this weekend celebrating her birthday on the dance floor.

Happy birthday, Melinda.  Please come again soon to visit us at our wild-life refuge in Seattle’s Laurelhurst neighborhood.