I'm headed to Memphis this morning for a quick overnight, staying with a friend, and speaking this evening about the history of the US Women's Movement. I return tomorrow by noon if all goes as planned.

This week my classes at DTS start up again--teaching two sections of Journalism. And I'm putting the finishing touches on the second draft of the second half of my dissertation. Of course I wanted to have that done by the time school started, but something always comes up. Still, I'm close, which feels great. Then I wait for my readers, and if they approve, we move toward the defense.

We spent Christmas eve with our "son," Carlos, and his bride. And we had a quiet Christmas with Aussie friends, who were so fun to watch when the snow started falling. A few days later, Gary's brother's family arrived, and we spend a couple days with them on the San Antonio Riverwalk and at Sea World celebrating our daughter's 18th birthday. EIGHTEEN? Seriously? How did that happen? Gary's dad has been with us for a long weekend, and we both head out today.

I'm reading Dostoevsky's Notes from the Underground, and frankly wondering why it was such a hit. But I love the author, so I'm trusting it'll get better. Soon, I hope.

Ta ta for now. I'll let you know if I see Elvis.

P.S. Loving Downton Abbey!