Pretty Purple Petunias

I captured this moments before a scattered thundershower hit the deck

Today,,, we are getting ready for Edward's graduation open house on Sunday. We've actually been getting ready all week and I realized I have taken virtually no pictures. so I stepped out this morning to photograph the petunias on our deck.

We will be welcoming a contingent from Celeryville this afternoon which is always exciting. Yes, the Queen Mother will be among them.

A Very Big Flash Back Friday (72)

I thought it was Wednesday yesterdayday, so I didn't post. Here are all the first days,,,

The Sky was Really Blue That Night

After the ceremony, we were all very excited to be photographed with our new graduate.






And the girls were maybe the proudest of all.

Netherlands Nuesday 30

Sign in Bedum

Happy Memorial Day

Waiting for the parade (actually 4th of July last year)

The Graduate

Finally, I am posting the moment for which we have all been waiting!

Class verse: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 30:32

The speaker, Rev. Galen Meyer, described hope as the intertwining of the tiny little thread of our will with the large steel cable of God's will throughout our life, and I thought this was good, because what is hope without God?

Processional

So this past Thursday night, we headed over to graduation - the Queen Mother, Opa, Edward & I in the car. John left earlier with the girls since Maria was playing in the orchestra and we were to meet John's mother there. Mom and I were riding in the back and broke out in a doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo, to the tune of Pomp & Circumstance. We were really getting into it when Edward joined in with the cello part. It was a priceless moment indeed.

I later learned from Maria that they played through this 2-3 minute piece exactly 11 times - she counted. Each time includes 2 times through the melody. It must have been about the 10th time when Edward finally came in the procession and I was so excited. Tomorrow I will continue the story.

Flash Back Friday 71

The Graduate, 1991

Pomp in Our Circumstances

Still enjoying the Dogwood tree...

So this evening we will be going to see Edward graduate from South Christian High School. The Queen Mother has announced that she and her consort will be arriving this afternoon for the ceremony. I'm sitting here looking at the fixture which she has christened the "cuss and clean" and wondering if she might be up for a cleaning project later on...

Getting Ready for the Pomp & Circumstance

Gather round while I pack the last lunch. Ever.

So yesterday was Edward's last day of school and I was aware that I was packing a lunch for the last time. It felt good. I am not a morning person, so this has been a rather startling aspect to my morning. But I have 2 younger daughters, you say? They have taken on their own lunch packing duties with a gusto, but I never had the heart to make Edward do it. So there you have it.

Netherlands Nuesday 29

Queen Mother with Bouquet 2

Quote for a Graduate

Until you spread your wings, little birdie, you'll have no idea how far you can fly.

A friend of mine who has a cottage up north on the Pere Marquette river sent me this picture of a bald eagle who is building a nest nearby. I needed to blog it of course.

A Royal Birthday

The Queen Mother with her new baby Beatrix

Today, I wondered what could possibly follow on the heels of yesterday's post, but then I realized the date - set in stone forever - it's my mom's birthday!

Happy Birthday dear mother from afar! Hope you're having fun.

Edward's Last Mile

Official time: 4:59.8

Last evening, Edward ran the mile (1600m) for South Christian in the Regional Track Meet downtown at Houseman Field against 15 other schools. His goal was to get under 5 minutes and he had quite a cheering section there when he did it. It was pretty sweet!

I think he's also in serious competition now with the girls for the high drama award. You know how when the crowd cheers in the stadium, kind of a low yay sound? I remember actually going up about an octave when he crossed the finish line.