The relationship progressed into marriage as each earned advanced degrees and Don accepted an appointment at Bucknell University. In the 1970's the family, which then included two little daughters, bought a farm in Pennsylvania and with lots of help from Amish and "English" neighbors raised Angus mix beef cattle and Cheviot - mix sheep and lambs. This was a hobby on the side of course.

Subsequent career changes occurred as Mary and Don became involved with teaching classes for parents of children and adults with mental retardation. After a number of years each ended up in the field of public administration directing and supervising programs and services for persons with mental illness and/or mental retardation. It was only a short step (about 15 years later) from administration into innkeeping!