To describe my corner of the world as hot these days almost isn't fair to heat. It is stifling outside as it often is this time of year.

So what has been keeping me so busy anyway?

My doctorate classwork ate up the early part of the summer. I am now in the serious writing phase of the first part of my dissertation. When I'm not writing, I'm thinking about writing!

The horizon is almost in view. It has been a long three years and I still have some distance to go!

Aubree was my date to the prom this year. She is really growing up!

My job is going very well. I played a large role in creating a 9th grade academy at our school, and unless I am moved somewhere else will head it up in the coming school year. I find this very exciting, believing that 9th grade is such an important year for kids. Most students who drop out of school have a poor 9th grade experience and I feel like this places me on the front line of the battle.

I spend some of my weekends playing "grandpa". No, thankfully Patrick and Aubree haven't had any children, but Terri's son and his wife have an adorable one year old. Just look at the picture! I do this thing with him where I shake my head back and forth and he imitates me. When he shows up at the house he initiates the head shaking and I join in. It cracks me up! I really enjoy having an infant around the house again.

Tomorrow we will head to my brother's house for an evening of swimming, good food, and fireworks. A good time will be had by all, and I look forward to this annual event!

Independence Day has always been a favorite holiday of mine. Happy 4th everyone!