Dear friends and family,

One down and one to go. I finished the first of the two comprehensive exam questions last Thursday. (A week and a half late.) It is 29 pages plus five pages of references. I feel good about what I wrote and hope my Dissertation Committee will too. The second one is due in less than three weeks. My body still hurts from the constant sitting (reading and writing) of the last one. But I have a pretty good idea of what I will say. So once more around!

One down and one to go. Lon has been accepted to a graduate program. And not just A program, but the one he really wants. It is a Wholistic Counseling program at John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, California (near Berkeley). He doesn't know about funding yet, but is looking into it. We are still waiting to hear from the three programs that Troy has applied to. It is probably a good sign that he hasn't heard back yet.

Things are pretty mixed. We are working hard and making headway in our professional lives. Rowan is still a complete joy -- smart, loving and healthy. On the other hand, Tina becomes more and more hostile. This weekend she threw a fit, screaming at Lon in front of Rowan and the entire town square. It is clear that she has no intention of being reasonable. We have to come up with the money for legal fees (and moving). We are planning a yard sale this weekend and hoping for a miracle. And we have each other and love each other now more than other.

Although the next few month will be difficult ones, we are happy about our long term prospects. We are also very happy to going back to so many loving friends and family in the Bay Area. Wish miss you all very much.

Yours,
Dawn