Dr. Towner at Last!

I would say it is odd to be writing about this from our new home in central Georgia, but given the whirlwind activity of the last few weeks, it's not surprising that I just haven't had much time for blogging. So, in an effort to play catch-up with the blog, here are some of the major moments from our last weeks in Lincoln.

The first week of July, Cliff's big day finally arrived: the formal defense of his doctoral document in front of his committee. This was basically the last step before his professor stopped calling him "Soon-to-be Dr. Towner" and introduced him as "Dr. Towner." A friend of ours watched the kids that morning so that I could go and be there for support. I have to say that Cliff did a fabulous job, first presenting his work, then handling all of the questions, comments, suggestions and general discussion from his panel regarding his research. It turned out to be a lively discussion that culminated in us being sent into the hall for a few moments while his committee officially deliberated on his successful completion of the work. When we were called back in, Cliff got a big hug and an "I'm proud of you" from his mentor and professor, Dr. Barber. After that, there were a few forms to process and stamps to receive, and Cliff was given the all-important button: literally a pin-backed button with the Nebraska "N" that says "Congratulate me! I just turned in my dissertation!" And thus, Dr. Towner was born!

Outside Westbrook Music Building right after the defense:

Another shot by "Willy" outside Westbrook:

We followed the photo session with a brief celebratory lunch at Panera before picking up the kids. After that, you can guess what Cliff did at home....... he relaxed!!!

Also in our last weeks in Lincoln, I was treated to a lovely farewell potluck lunch from my morning water aerobics class. I've literally been with this group since the doors of the Fallbrook Y opened, so I've watched their friendships develop with one another, and I've grown quite attached to many of them myself. They are some of the greatest people I've ever had the pleasure of spending so much time with. They always, always made me laugh and kept me entertained.

A lovely cake made and decorated by the incomparable Karen C.:

Reading a wonderful card signed by them all:

A YMCA T-shirt that they all signed on the back:

In addition to the card, t-shirt and party, they also collected for us a very generous monetary gift to help us with the costs of our transitional weeks of moving. Their generosity touched me very deeply. Between the gifts, the party, the boxes some of them generously gave (and delivered to our house) for the move, the McDonald's gift cards and snack bags that some of them slipped to me ("to help with the car ride to Georgia"), I left town feeling pretty special. I will miss you all!!!!

Outside of that, the last few weeks have been a blur of packing, cleaning, driving, unpacking and cleaning again. More to come on our big move in a few days!!

Gina