Prairie

Graduation Day In The Desert

Today, my lovely daughter Christina, graduated from Arizona State University - and I was there to see it ! The Convocation started at eight a.m. at Wells Fargo Arena, with several hundred young adults, now with super fortified brains, taking the walk to the stage for a hand shake, announcement of notable achievement and a folder that says "your diploma will be mailed to you."  At 10:30, we exited to a scorching blast of 90 degree heat - and we were so ready for a cold drink and nice bit of breakfast.  I'm posting a few photos of the day's event, and my two daughters, Julia and Christina.  

Just so you know - that splotch on the ground is not "sick." It's merely a splotch of some foreign matter.  It looks very deceiving doesn't it; Christina and the daub of white on the ground. Although extremely nervous and excited, she was simply bending over to zip up her gown. I think I over scrutinize my photos. By now, you know how weird I am. 

And they're off !  Mum following with the camera.

A few photos before we go inside.

We arrived early so as to get good seats.

She's slightly excited - she found her sister's name in the ASU Program. 

I was pleased to find out, the guest speaker was Hugh Downs.  For those of you in the UK that have never heard of him - Hugh has been a journalist, author, American TV personality and all around public face for over three decades. Intelligent, a wonderful persona, inspirational and adventurous - just a few words to describe him. I've enjoyed watching Hugh report news and present documentaries since I've been just a little ankle-biter. I have a great deal of respect for this man.  He kept the speech short - I liked that.  

Just look at the brainpower amassed in this stadium.  I wish I had a small fraction of their youthful smarts and recall ability.  I would like that - for balancing my checkbook and finding my car keys.

There's my baby - getting ready to walk to take the glory walk to the stage - you go Christina !! Did I mention she graduated with highest honours and wore TWO cords ?!  Proud mum.

Anyone got a tissue ?  Sniff, sniff - blub, blub.

I so like the communication of love , showing appreciation to Mum and Dad - upside down even ?

Ready to conquer the world. I love this girl !

Showing some sisterly love - ahhhh !

Waiting for our table, I snapped these photos of the graduate - lovely !  I'm so proud of you Christina.

Catching Up From America !

I've taken a short break from blogging as I thought my posts were a bit blah.Lucky you - I'm back now !! I'm visiting family in the Valley of the Sun - Phoenix, Arizona. My youngest daughter graduates from Arizona State University with double honours - very proud Mum here !  I was really excited to visit family and was gagging to get out in the desert amongst the orange and purple sunsets and cacti and snap lots and lots of photos.  Instead, I'm staying inside, trying to escape the 100 degrees F. temperature. Tomorrow, and into next week, it's to get to 104 degrees - yikes !!  To be honest, this heat is kicking my butt.  I'm so knackered most nights, I'm ready for bed by nine p.m. To think I lived here for over twelve years in this climate. As I have no photos of the desert - have only taken photos of my daughter's silly cats - will post some cool, green photos of Cambridge that I took right before leaving England.  I know I moan a lot about the weather in England, but I'm a bit homesick for rain right now.  Really missing my cows. Can you just smell the fresh air and even smell the colour of green when you look at these photos ? Is is possible to smell the scent of a colour - I wonder ?!

Okay, so I've played with the colours a bit.  Can you smell monochrome and sepia? I even miss the funny little balloon fella, who when he speaks, sounds like an animated, bass robot with a gurgling in his voice.  I find the big red ballon somewhat repulsive - will leave it to your imagination. So if you need to write me - I'm here, hanging out with two house cats in the desert - in an air conditioned house with all the fans going at high speed - ahhhh !!  It's almost noon - time for an ice cold Becks.