We thought we'd ask a few probing questions each week of our agents. This one is with Mary O'Toole, who works out of our Franconia office. Our roving reporter Elspeth asked the questions:

  I am currently reading? "How to use Quickbooks for Dummies"! I like to read how-to books; and also real-life stories/documentaries. What is your favorite restaurant in the area? Never disappointed with the Beal House Inn in Littleton. Favorite board game? Scrabble and any word-game; especially against my Mom! The person that influenced you the most? I had many outstanding influences in my younger life; including my parents, siblings; music instructors, swimming coaches, Girl Scout leaders, employers, college professors; just too many to mention any one influence in my life….and in my later life; it would be my partner, John; who has given me greater confidence to forge thru challenges; and spirit to enjoy life to its fullest and look forward to the adventures that await. Your favorite song? Any song with Josh Groban singing or David Garret playing violin fills me with Zen. What are you most proud of? I am proud of my equestrian capabilities, and dog and horse care and training knowledge and passion which I have had since childhood. My Great-Grandfather was a famous horse breeder in Galway Ireland; and the family says it is his genes I acquired. What is your favorite thing to cook? I love to cook and share our O'Toole family Irish Bread recipe What is your favorite winter activity? I enjoy snowshoeing; easy to do right from our dooryard Do you have pets at home? What are they? What are their names? We have a 1 ½ year old tri-colored Chihuahua, named Diogi(D.O.G.) whom we adopted from a rescue in Massachusetts. She is the sweetest, loves-everything and everyone little soul! Do you have a nickname? What is it and how did you get it? My family nickname is "Mare-z-dotes'; a nickname I got as a child because of the little ditty song…."Mares eat oats, and Does eat oats, and little lambs eat ivy….etc." I always thought the first word was "Marezdotes"! Do you like coffee or tea? I prefer coffee, and like it steeping hot with flavored creamers and whipped cream. Do you prefer the Ocean or the Mountains? Was born and spent my childhood in Portland, Maine; so I have an affinity to the ocean. I love walking the beach and the rock shorelines and say that is a great place to contemplate the meaning of life. For a more serious bio on Mary, click here!