At Last

After eight long years I finally successfully defended my dissertation and completed my PhD! I have minor edits to complete and then I can turn my final copy in to the graduate school once they are approved. Meantime, I will be hooded at graduation on Friday, May 8, 2009 at the Breslin Center at MSU. What a sense of relief to finally have it behind me.

A special thank you to my committee of Eddie Moore, Punya Mishra, Luke Reese and Patrick Dickson as well as to my former advisor Dave Krueger and to the CARRS graduate school secretary Diane Davis. You all helped to make it a truly enjoyable experience.

Remembering Alison

I remember her very first cry. My sister Alison was born at home. My younger sister and brother Deb and Dave were off visiting relatives, but Andrew and I were allowed to stay in the house while my mother gave birth. We were alone together in his room which was across the hall from my parent's room. I remember her cry like it was yesterday. "She's here!" I said to Andrew. A few minutes later my step-father came in to tell us that Alison Edminster had been born and we had a new sister.

Growing up we spent our summers in Maine along the Atlantic Coast. One of our favorite places in the world was Reid State Park. Here we are on a beautiful summer day, lined up in front of the lagoon. Left to right...Andrew, Me, David, Deborah, my cousin Cindy, cousin Robbie, and little Alison...always the independent one who wouldn't stand in line. This is how I will remember my dear sister. The bright young child who loved music, cats, reading, chocolate and who never stood still in line for the picture. Be at peace Alison, you are greatly loved.

Mike Does Well in Indiana

Mike is off in Indiana showing this weekend and he has had some luck with little Pomeranian Treat taking his first point at his first show early this morning, followed by Treasure taking her second point late this afternoon. Way to go Mike!