We planned this cross-country journey to celebrate DD’s “qualifying exams,” which, for those unfamiliar, is the final step before ABD: “All But Doctorate.” DD is wrapping up her dual PhDs in Astrophysics and Astrobiology at UW Seattle, and DH and I wanted to be there to celebrate. DS, now living in Portland, was driving up for the occasion, so it was a true “fourfortravel” holiday-ish. (DS needed to return to Portland shortly thereafter.)

Then. One member of our dog-sitting team had a last-minute emergency; and the other was unavailable. DDog can not be boarded. After it was all discussed, I sent DH solo to Seattle. I had flown to Dublin to be with her during COVID Christmas 2020; I had helped her move into her flat in Seattle; and I had attended her UW orchestra performance in Spring 2025. Seemed only fair that DH go. (There will be 1.8M dog-sitter backups when DD is awarded her dual PhD’s, of course, because “fourfortravel” will ALL be there. Just saying.)

With DH instructed to “take notes” and “too many photos,” and perhaps with a tear or two in my eye, our hired driver dropped him at Dulles yesterday morning in time to…queue for entrance to the Turkish Airlines Lounge. (The lounge is consistently ranked high in customer satisfaction; DH agreed.) The Alaska Airlines flight taxied to the tarmac for…a one hour groundstop owing to stormy weather to the north. The flight plan was rewritten, and a southernly path was approved.

DD met DH at SEA Baggage Claim, having collected his bag (she’s fun like that), and in good order they picked up the rental car and enjoyed lunch at Agua Verde, a waterfront Mexican café near campus they both pronounced, “quite good.” (No photos. Sigh.) Afterwards, a brief campus tour to show DH the exam hall and the performing arts center, then check-in at the “Great Airbnb you chose, Hon” to await DS’ arrival.

Dinner last evening was from Dick’s, a nostalgic drive-in with an outpost near her house, at DD’s request, given that she wanted to call it an early night. The boys picked up some Guinness and light snacks, and chatted about whatever boys chat about to wrap up the evening. Again, no photos.

As I am posting this, “threefortravel” is having a sit-down breakfast at DD’s request (unusual, as her normal go-to morning meal is a cup of tea and a bowl of fruit.) Must be the nerves.

I’ll connect via Zoom in a couple of hours to listen to her presentation and await the decision of the faculty committee on her oral defense…

Congratulations to your daughter. We all plan and sometimes life interferes! I have been in your shoes and have had to miss a few important milestones but in the end it is the accomplishment that's important. At least nowadays a zoom option exists. LOL about the missed photo ops; my husband is the same!

Agua Verde and Dick's? Brilliant choices.

In the Department of Almost Useless Information, the Physics/Astronomy Building at the UW, which I'm guessing is familiar turf for your DD, was designed by Cesar Pelli who also designed iconic buildings like the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and One Canada Square, the first skyscraper in London's Canary Wharf. At the time, the P/A Building was the.most expensive structure (per square foot) ever built in Seattle.

I settled into my home office with a beverage (and tissues in the event the room became dusty ) and listened to 45 minutes of truly fascinating research from our articulate and confident daughter, then waited 20 excruciatingly long minutes while her committee discussed the presentation…and DD is officially a PhD candidate!

Following a light reception, DD and DH decided to go out to the Ballard Locks for a walk (DS returned to Portland). I’ll spare anyone reading this the three terrible photos of a seal, a Great Blue Heron, and a large boat passing through the locks that DH sent.

Today they are driving Whidbey Island Loop, so there is hope for better photos from DD.

Thanks! The building is quite striking, I will add.

'Tis a good thing that Zoom exists, and not just for Mom. DD's advisor was sick all week and had to Zoom in himself!

​​Today's forecast isn't great, but if you can get word to them, suggest they visit Meerkerk Gardens, a couple of miles south of Greenbank on Central Whidbey. It's a famous garden for rhododendrons and azaleas, which ought to still be in bloom. Breathtaking. https://www.meerkerkgardens.org/

Just sent word; I'm traveling vicariously with them. Thanks!

So sorry to hear you were unable to make the trip. You put a lot of thought and time into planning things out. Huge congratulations to your daughter's success and future education goals. Well done all around. Oh well, next time...

Indeed, next time. We could not attend our son's FBI Academy graduation because of COVID, either. Life happens.

DD sent photos from the crossing of Deception Pass. Absolutely gorgeous.

DD has "promised" to write the trip report, though I am suspect because she departs for her research collaoration in the Netherlands three days after she and DH finish their tour of the PNW.

In the meanwhile, DH and DD loved, loved their Whidbey Island Day.



Stay tuned.