"He's a tramp; he's a rover ..."

More "perils" in my gypsy lifestyle these days.

I have ended up for the rest of April in San Diego near La Jolla and UC-San Diego. My sister's husband's brother (i.e. my brother-in-law) Jeff is renting me his apartment temporarily while he undergoes rehab after his operation last month.
I basically needed a quiet place without distractions (and housemates) to get work done, since the dissertation absolutely, positively must be in by April 29. It's in an apartment complex of about 400 units on a windy and desolate (if you're on the right side) hillside. Everything looks like it was built last week (or, if there are any trees, a year ago). There isn't even a full-service post office within 15 miles. But there are plenty of malls and biotech offices.

My final battery of deadlines started fast and furious last Thursday (April 14), when I had to Fedex my dissertation to my committee chair for final approval. (He's the "quality control" person, the last to care about the content.) If he signs off Monday or Tuesday, I then have to rush the final version to the College of Education's format checker for her final approval. If I manage both of those approvals next week, it should be pretty clear sailing to the 29th (and a diploma). A lot of work and picky-picky revisions till the final packet is in the mail, however.

The big news from Ann is that she sold her condo in four days! They had an open house last Sunday, she got 9 (!) offers right away, and accepted one of them last Wednesday (April 13), which also happens to be Dad's birthday. The buyer was so determined to get the place, she offered $40,000 above the asking price. (And you can buy a whole house in Urbana for that amount in some places!) So, Ann was asking for $479,000, and the woman offered her $520,000! But it wasn't only the price. Ann also had a good feeling that the woman would be a good match for the place, since she was single, an advertising professional who traveled a lot (and the condo is 5-min. from LAX). So, exhausted, but happy, Ann is back in Fallbrook with Cam till a few inspections next week.

My PhD graduation ceremonies will be May%