Judy Cox Ermold:  

July 23, 2015 My last Classmates update (below) is dated Nov. 12, 2009. Six years ago! How can that be? When I have a minute, will post an update. November 12, 2009 Time for an update? You already know I was a late-bloomer, earning a master's in English/Writing this year. The focus of my thesis was a children's book, although previously I had been writing in my nonfiction comfort zone. Still recovering from May 2009 back surgery (PLIF) but doing O.K. Fortunately, was able to participate in a family trip to Scotland and Ireland in late September. My husband, our two kids and their spouses visited my maternal ancestors' homeland in southwest Scotland and paid respects at the rustic gravesite of my 9th-generation ancestor (1675-1730), my great-x7 grandfather. Walking the land in Cutcloy, where he and his family farmed, was a thrill. Next, we hopped over to the Emerald Isle to visit my husband's distant cousins in Killarney, where we saw the prez of Ireland (Mary McAleese) and lifted a pint to Arthur Guinness on his birthday, in a packed and lively pub. (In fact, the stout-maker's birthday attracted more press than the president's visit, although the Irish adore her!) Last spring I joined Sigma Delta Tau International English Honor Society and now, as an MSU alum,...Expand for more