This week we thought we'd ask a few probing questions of a staff member. This one is with Mary Menzies, who works out of our Franconia office. Our roving reporter Elspeth asked the questions:

  I am currently reading? Any mystery. I sometimes have two or three books going at once, but I'm an addict – if I have a book I have to read it! No self-control or moderation. What is your favorite restaurant in the area? My very favorite is the Sugar Hill Inn. They have delicious food in an elegant atmosphere. This is our go-to spot for birthday and anniversary dinners. The person that influenced you the most? My mother – she taught me how to think analytically. She got a Master's degree in Zoology in 1929 and was very well-educated for her time. Your favorite song? I love music and I love to sing – almost every song is my favorite. Favorite musical genres range from bluegrass, blues and Cajun to Celtic, Classical and 60's Rock and Roll. It's shorter to list what I don't like. What are you most proud of? That I will stick to something until I have figured it out and mastered it. My "stubbornness" is one of my strengths (and also one of my weaknesses) – just ask my boss! What is your favorite winter activity? Sitting on the couch by the fire with a book in my hand, my Golden Retriever on my lap, and a cup of hot chocolate nearby. I am not an outdoor girl. What do you like to do in your spare time? Read. Do you have pets at home? What are they? What are their names? We have a Golden Retriever named Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-Lee). We named her that because we thought she'd be a party animal – we were right. She is three years old and totally spoiled. Every person is a friend she hasn't met yet and she thinks that "Pretty Girl" is her other name, as in "What a pretty girl!" Real Estate memory? "I could not believe the time that I got stopped by the police because I had been driving around after dark going up different driveways trying to find a customer's house." Do you have a nickname? What is it and how did you get it? My mother called me Lupine Stupine because my middle name was Lewis (after my father). I hated it – it sounded a little too much like "stupid" to me! At Peabody & Smith they call me MM or M&M because Andy likes to give everyone nicknames and we have four Mary's working here. Do you like coffee or tea? I prefer good tea, but if I have to choose between mediocre tea and mediocre coffee, I'll take coffee. Do you prefer the Ocean or the Mountains? The mountains!! Although I grew up in southern New Hampshire, I have always felt that I "belonged" in the mountains. For a more serious bio on Mary, click here!