This past weekend forced me to take steroids, and regular ibuprofen to alleviate my horrendous back pain as payoff for lots of car travel, and sitting. Not withstanding all of that, it was an eventful weekend full of pride and beauty.
The trip to Boston, was meant as nostalgia and it was full. As I flew to Logan, I pondered Durgin Park and wow, having a lunch there was fabulous. We had a nice hostess. What was that all about? Where was Dottie? Probably dead sadly. The whole area around is fancy, very fancy and I am sure that none of these new people select the same Durgin Special, just the same we ordered 30 some years ago, however not at those heavenly old prices. These were considerably more expensive, but the food was great and there was lots of it. John reminds me that it was in fact 36-38 years ago.
From Durgin, walk walk walk. We saw Boston University, and it was great! Lots of campus,lots of new buildings and lots of flowers, unlike what the campus was like when I was getting my MSW. We walked over the BU Bridge, and it is still and forever under construction. We walked to Harvard Square, to the Coop, bought water and walked. We walked to Fenway, and here the fun began and the tragedy set in.
John and his tickets Yea!
Sadly, the Red Sox lost, and our love, Big Poppy had another bad night. In addition the Center Field folks were having a Mets/Sox war and they threw lots of beer and got into lots of fights. It was rather distracting to watching the game. Oh well, there we go. Another tragic Red Sox night.
We drove to S. Hadley and to the Mount Holyoke beginnings of the graduation process of Isaiah’s. It was a full weekend, and we took in the immense beauty of the college, the relationships, and even took a few side trips. What a great time. The graduation speaker for Mt. Holyoke was the President of Ireland. She is an amazing woman who spoke and who has been reelected enough times to be unopposed in the last election. The fantastic Irish brogue, the words about women. Great. The Princess from Saudi Arabia who had started a college for women and given her life to it, spoke about the need for women to never accept second…to rise to the challenges. It was awe inspiring. The other honorary doctorate recipient was a scientist who had done work that I cannot pronounce, but it apparently is so good that she has received hundreds of awards, and is a Mt. Holyoke graduate. And seeing Isaiah walk across the stage after the four up and down years was terrific. Of course the sad parts of the day, as usual, are the saying goodbye to the best friends. May Alicia do extremely well, and Godspeed.
The interesting President of Ireland
The Princess of Saudi Arabia, an outstanding woman
Isaiah receiving his diploma--note the smile on the Pres. of Ireland's face (the beard?)
Daddy is special
Oh to say goodbye to Alecia "roomie"
Chrissy spent the whole graduation rushing water around to those who declined to accept the bottle of cool water offered to each of us as we walked in. Even photographers keeled over. She enjoyed it, but agreed, water was crucial in the bright clear sun. This girl is bound for medical school!
It was great to meet Isaiah’s boyfriend and learn about his talents, his humility and groundedness.
Ariel and Isaiah are in the gender studies "meet and greet". Isaiah's favorite teacher was there.
Impressive at this graduation, all the faculty seemed to be present. I believe that is the measure of dedication to a school and it's students. Certainly as Allison transitioned to Isaiah ever the hard way, they were there ever step of the way, encouraging and supportive.
In the meantime, John and I trekked to Northfield, went to the graveyard of mother and dad, and had some funny comments about mother’s decision that none of the rest of us could be buried at the Northfield graveyard. We also took a quick trip to the Bridge of Flowers, and it was stupendous. Revived my soul. And I got a contract out of John to return to the area and spend a few days tooling around this beautiful area. As we returned to Northampton to have dinner, Julia, Isaiah, Ariel,John and I ate in peace and said goodbye. New England…New England. What a very lovely place. Congratulations Isaiah---Starting as Allison, ending as Isaiah. Reflections, intellect, small school, on to bigger school, more intellect, more reflection.!
In the meantime, John and I trekked to Northfield, went to the graveyard of mother and dad, and had some funny comments about mother’s decision that none of the rest of us could be buried at the Northfield graveyard. We also took a quick trip to the Bridge of Flowers, and it was stupendous. Revived my soul. And I got a contract out of John to return to the area and spend a few days tooling around this beautiful area. As we returned to Northampton to have dinner, Julia, Isaiah, Ariel,John and I ate in peace and said goodbye. New England…New England. What a very lovely place. Congratulations Isaiah---Starting as Allison, ending as Isaiah. Reflections, intellect, small school, on to bigger school, more intellect, more reflection.!
What better way to reflect than with the flowers of the Bridge of Flowers?
Jack in the Pulpit--(Phallic?)
Bearded Iris and Solomen Seal. Why do these Solomen Seal look like bushes and mine look like twigs? And half eaten by deer? Where did I go wrong. I'm going to drag my carcass to the cow pies this weekend.
Purple Lupine Oh how the hummingbirds would love this-again off to the farmers market. Some of those plants will be mine!
Bearded Fire breathing Iris-they must have these on line.
Fluffy Peonies-I need some
John looking very cool on the Bridge of Flowers. Handsome or what? The greatest gift of all and I don't even have to order him, or rush to the farmers market to find him. As you can see, the weekend was packed full and worth all the back pain! Is this me on Steroids? I was there-I promise. But the person behind the camera is rarely seen. My beautiful toes, flowery red and blue dress, African shawl. Ah well, at least I knew I was wearing them.
Jack in the Pulpit--(Phallic?)
Bearded Iris and Solomen Seal. Why do these Solomen Seal look like bushes and mine look like twigs? And half eaten by deer? Where did I go wrong. I'm going to drag my carcass to the cow pies this weekend.
Purple Lupine Oh how the hummingbirds would love this-again off to the farmers market. Some of those plants will be mine!
Bearded Fire breathing Iris-they must have these on line.
Fluffy Peonies-I need some
John looking very cool on the Bridge of Flowers. Handsome or what? The greatest gift of all and I don't even have to order him, or rush to the farmers market to find him. As you can see, the weekend was packed full and worth all the back pain! Is this me on Steroids? I was there-I promise. But the person behind the camera is rarely seen. My beautiful toes, flowery red and blue dress, African shawl. Ah well, at least I knew I was wearing them.
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