"What did you do during the spring of 2010?" For the Bradfords, the answer is "Whoa! A lot!"

I completed my doctorate. My dissertation defense took place on the 26th of April. Some of my closest friends and work mates attended, as well as Ann. I was full of nerves and did my best to mask it. An hour and 20 minutes of presentation, question and answers, private deliberation, and it was over. Months of solid work, over just like that! Glad it is done is all I have to say. The experience is special, and I'm grateful for the friendships that managed to survive the intense time.

Better than that news, is that Amanda also finished her undergraduate degree. Commencement at Penn State was on May 16, and we were all together as a family. Ann and I took a couple days to drive north to State College, PA and picked up Jonathan at the airport on the way in. We missed having Stephanie (Jonathan's lady) with us, but we were assured that Jonathan called and told her everything almost as it happened. Amanda's boy friend, Jared, and her best girl friend Mairead, were with us during the entire celebration. Amanda now has a bachelor's degree in Communications and Media Studies! Congratulations Amanda!

We had a little single room cabin at the KOA campground in State College, which is a great place. The day after graduation, Sunday, the visitors who had the cabin next to us left, so we rented it too. Amanda, Jared, and Mairead stayed with us over Sunday in that cabin. During the day we had an intense game of Bochi Ball, and then a really exciting volley ball match. So much fun - yes, some beer was consumed.

During the evening, Ann and I barbequed some steaks while the others had a fierce b-pong match, and then later we enjoyed a bonfire.

We had the best time in a long time. Thanks Amanda, Jonathan, Jared, and Mairead!