My dear daughter Mary has been dealing with trials lately. Being sick (bronchitis for weeks), having her shift at the restaurant changed (not much money coming in), struggling with classes, trying to find common ground with Marty. Her lack of money sent her into a frantic search for another job, once again.

And no, she didn't go into the criminal career.

Instead, she has taken a leave of absence from school and is going to attend a real estate school. Four weeks, which can be separated if necessary, with a guarantee that she will pass the license test. She has thoughts of using the license not only to sell homes but also to buy them. To buy fixer-uppers, work on them, then sell them. I do think she would like doing that if she can swing the first one. I feel hopeful about this. I think she has thought it through and knows the downsides of real estate well enough.