It's a good time for reading, too. I've been plowing through an assortment of books -- a hefty (500 page) bio of Edward VIII, Michelle Obama's "Becoming," selections from the British Library's 1930s collection of lesser known (but quite good) mysteries, some wonderful mysteries by Susan Hill and now I'm into Fiona Barton's "The Widow."
I can't say I've bonded with the newest critter in my hood. In fact, I was surprised to see what I thought was a nocturnal creature in my back yard during the middle of the afternoon this past week.
He seemed to find quite a feast in the bird seed. Some of my FB commenters have mentioned that 'possums eat ticks. I don't think I have any in my yard but it's tick season and you never know.
Speaking of which, my vet sent out info on flea and tick natural remedies which you can find on the website HERE. It's that time of year, more so for dog owners and those humans who might be in more tick-infested areas. She also reminded us that it's cat shedding season (as if I didn't know) and frequent brushing is essential to help prevent your fave feline from serious hairball and possibly other issues from spring grooming. The one-pound hairball surgery mentioned below was enough to get me brushing Lizzie fast and furious!
The big news in our house this past week was the graduation of Rick's youngest, Kevin, from his MBA program at University of Michigan!
It was quite the day -- cold, gloomy. Our handicapper parking pass didn't help much given that the handicapper parking was still pretty far from the arena, not to mention having to climb the stadium stairs inside, which seemed extra steep.
I have to hand it to Rick. He made it but it was a long hike. I felt for the really old grandmas who probably couldn't have pulled that off. If it had been me on the crutches, I know I couldn't have pulled it off and I'm not that old yet. But there was no way in the world he would have missed this; I think he would have found a way to be there in person even if he'd been in traction!
We were in the peanut gallery near the end zone of what is usually the basketball court. For those who asked how far I was from the heron in the photos in this post, I could say I was about half this distance. I think that's about how far my zoom works well. (Harry, for the most part, isn't much of a moving target, either!)
Kevin was in the third row from the stage, so we were about as far away as we could be. Here's one shot -- that was about as good as I got. (I don't usually like to show blurred photos but several of you have asked about the camera. This is pretty soft, but then we were up high and more than a basketball court away.)
I could make out the smaller print on the seal that was on the curtained wall of the stage. That didn't move but it's still "soft."
Unfortunately, graduates are moving targets -- especially when there are a zillion of them (masters and undergrads). Consequently, my photos of the ceremony itself aren't great! But I had to include this one! That's our guy, shaking hands!
The speaker was some fellow from Shark Tank who did a creditable job, along with a couple of students, one of whom was quite good. Rick and I agreed he was a far more compelling speaker than the Shark Tank guy. I'm sure the other student speaker made her parents proud. Hey, we were proud and our guy wasn't even speaking!
I don't think anyone could be more relieved to see Kevin graduate than Molly! It's not easy going to grad school with a full time job, a toddler and a 9-month old who has started walking, and it's not easy being the full-time working mom, either!
And I don't think anyone could have been more proud of Kevin than his dad!
And I was pretty darned happy too!
So, here's to the graduate, here's to spring (whether it shows its face of not) and here's to Rick doing yeoman's work to get to and from the ceremony, stay for the party and even drive home with one foot swollen like a football and maybe five hours of sleep the night before. (And the night before that and the one before that. And that's probably a generous estimate.)
And here's to this one, too, who hung in during the whole however-many-hours-long ceremony without a nap! I adore this little monkey and his brother too!
Now, onward! Maybe with some sun for a change?
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46 comments:
Congratulations to all! I know I ramble on about MSU all the time but we also have a 2 U of M grads (my older daughter and son in law) and was very proud to attend their graduation in 2012. It was in the big house though, on a cold rainy day. I wish it would have been inside!
Getting your Masters is no small feat! Well done to Rick for the trek and journey it took to see the ceremony. We get opossums here every once in a while, too. Such odd looking creatures. -Jenn
The dismal weather is perfect for getting caught up on reading you have been wanting to do. Your newest creations is very cute. I have never seen a baby opossum. Adorable! Congratulations to Kevin! Stadiums are tough to get around and even more so when crowded like this. Crutches must have been so challenging!
I know both of you are as proud as can be! Sorry it was such a hike to your seat though. What a handsome young man and she is adorable, too. That baby is as cute as a button...love the little teeth! Have a blessed Sunday- xo Diana
Poor Rick to have to cope with all the stairs. Congratulations to all for the great accomplishment!
best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Congratulations to Kevin! So good that Rick was able to make the climb. How proud you must all be.
Oh your spring has been so busy. I'm a book lover and find your book choices intriguing - especially the one of lesser known mystery writers. Your yard visitor is quite familiar to me - the first time I saw one close up was late at night decades ago and he really looked weird when the flashlight hit his face! Congratulations to the graduate and Rick - he has a handsome son! Hope your week is fabulous!
Congratulations! What an accomplishment:) Cutie patootie at the end♥
Congrats to Kevin! I am glad Rick was able to make it to the graduation. You and Rick have a beautiful family. Our weather is much the same, too many cloudy rainy days. The Opossum is a weird looking critter. Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy new week ahead!
A special day indeed, wow, I hope Rick didn't re-injure himself! What a lovely family...
Jenna
Congrats with all the reading. I have been on a mystery binge (3 of the Elly Griffiths= Dr Ruth Galloway mysteries, the latest by Anne Hillerman and now one called the Fig Eater) which have all been very good. And congrat to Rick's son and also to Rick for making it through to the graduation ceremony. College graduations are the hardest since they never reserve seats and are so crowded.Looks like you are making the best of this non-ending grey weather. I can't get off the couch yet this morning and can't say I really want to. The Fig Eater book is in hand. Hope for sun! Hugs-Erika
Lots of proud parents in that crowd! Rick should have gotten an award for attempting those stairs on crutches. I would have liked to here Daymond John speak. I'm a shark tank fan.
I had a possum in my yard once, he chanced my dog and scared the crap out of me. Don't like those things.
Congratulations to everyone!
Congratulations to Rick's son. What a great accomplishment. It's extra hard getting an advanced degree and still having to work full time. Believe me, I know. So I know Rick is proud of him, as is Molly. Great that the little guy made it through, too.
When I got my Ph.D., everyone from undergrads, terminal Masters, and Ph.Ds were seated in the main hall. However, only Ph.Ds and Masters grads were given diplomas and hoods (Ph.Ds). Undergrads had ceremonies at their own school during the early afternoon. Even so, like you, it seemed like hours and hours and hours as each person walked across the stage and we listened to boring speeches. What bothered me was, all the Masters and Ph.Ds in Engineering were foreign exchange students. Seems we weren't graduating engineers back in 1995, and I can only guess what our Engineering dept looks like now. Sadly, I only minored in Engineering.
Congrats to Kevin!!
How terrific ! Congratulations from us too - to everyone. Oh my goodness what a lovely bright smile at the end of your post!!!
Congrats to the grad, and to Rick for having survived that climb!!!
Great to see Rick up and about, and congrats to the new graduate, Rick and the family can justly feel proud. Love the photos of the little one, too. Hugs, Valerie
Congratulations to Kevin. An MBA is a significant achievement. And Rick deserves the Medal of Perseverance and Fortitude (I hereby award it to him) for struggling on his crutches to witness the event. I am sure that little short of death would have prevented him from being there. I must say, Jeanie, that you look pretty proud too. A happy day for everyone involved.
OH, sweetie! :) I mean your little boy at the end, but also the possum. He's kinda a cutie, isn't he? I guess it's really opossum, isn't it? Makes me feel Irish to write it that way!
Blessings.
Good for him!
Possums are very useful animals to have around.
Congratulations to the new graduate! I'm sure his wife is very happy as she is presently using her superwoman powers. All kudos to her too. I'm glad Rick was able to make it for this huge milestone in his son's life. I see you are like me keeping busy with reading books during the inclement weather. This week it is supposed to be nice all week. If so that will be a good change. I'm not a fun of hot sunny weather but a little warmth and sun would be fine :-)
congrats on the graduation! That's so wonderful! and yes, I'm back to blogging. But I'm doing it at my old blogger site: https://agentlebreeeze.blogspot.com/
A beautiful blog Jeanie. I had an opposum and 4 babies in my garage last year. When the animal folk arrived to remove them she told us that opposums are great to have in your yard because they eat all the tings you don't want to have around.
And the presentation on Kevin's graduation was so special. You made me feel like I was there, altho I am not sure I would have been able to do all those stairs! I commend you and Rick. Love to all.
Congratulations to Kevin, and the whole family.
Not an easy feat to study while you have a family and a full time job!
I felt sorry for Rick having to navigate steps and distance, but I'm sure he wouldn't miss the occasion. The little grandson is a cutie.
Congratulations to Rich for making that long walk and climb and to Kevin for his big day.
Congratulations to Kevin. Also, well done to Rick on making it up all the stairs and such. Shame he suffered for it, but I bet he considers it totally worth it.
We have some sun today, but you wouldn't know it with how cold it is.
Congratulations to Rick for making that difficult trip in to watch the ceremony and congratulations to Kevin! We had a very pleasant weekend and lots of sun especially on Sunday! Now we’re back to the rainy stuff! I think we’re a good week off on our growing season.
Jeanie, sincere congratulations to all. Graduations are wonderful events in our lives. I do hand it to Rick, the day had to be difficult for him, even though he enjoyed every moment of it. Hopefully, you will see pretty spring days soon and that helps everything.
Congratulatons on the graduate's achievement - what a scene! LOL I remember when you had to get Rolling Stones tickets to get nosebleed seats!
Still impressed with your camera and skills. Even blurred, you can tell what the subjects are, which is not always the case with my own!
Definitely one of the upsides of city living - no possums roaming around! LOL
Have a great week!
Congrats to Kevin for a job well done and to Rick navigating stairs while on crutches. You looked like a breath of spring, Jeanie in your floral top, surely spring will arrive soon for you. Opossums are quite ugly and we have an over abundance of them. Enjoy your week.
We finally have sun today! But it could be all gone tomorrow. Yesterday was raining all day!
Congrats to Kevin.. you all must be so proud.
Oh God, this possum is so cute!!
I've recently seen hedgehogs close to my home! They live in the park nearby.
Congrats for Kevin :)
The weather here is also not the best. It's cold and gloomy. I also prefer spend my free time on DIY right now. But I'm also forcing myself to go out for even short walk - just to not to spend the whole day wearing pyjamas and making my stuff :D
I'm looking forward to see the whole picture you make :)
Congratulations to the graduate and the entire family. It takes a village to accomplish such a task.
I don't like to see nocturnal animals moving around during daylight hours. I always wonder if they're healthy.
I predict that you will get good weather soon!
Congratulations to Kevin and Molly too! I remember all too well how hard it was with one baby and full time jobs when my "live-in gardener" finally finished graduate school many years ago. Whew! Glad Rick made it too.
Eeeeeek, did I ever tell you I have an incredible fear of mice? Oh, my gosh, what did you do when you saw this critter? Congratulations to Kevin on his graduation. This looks like a nice ceremony. These are cute family photos, and I like the floral outfit you're wearing. And the sweet smile of the little one is my favorite. : )
~Sheri
ps....I loved your comment, Jeanie, on my Mother's Day post. It was wonderful, and Happy Mother's Day to you as well.
Congrats to Kevin. That is quite an accomplishment! I do not care for opposums! Aren't they creepy looking!
Congrats to the graduate, Kevin, and kudos to Rick for making it on crutches. None of us would have missed a similar event as well. You did some good captures even with the moving targets, Jeanie.
Graduations are a special time for the whole family to celebrate and phew you Guys made it - monumental effort on Ricks behalf - they could have given you a seat lower down and closer though! Congratulations to you all.
I have never seen an opossum - if they are anything like our Aussie Possums they are a protected pest, quite cute but not when they eat through our electrics!!
Happy reading!
Wren x
Congratulations to Kevin and his proud father. Good for Rick being able to attend despite all the obstacles. His grandsons look very much like their pretty Mother--same smiles!
We used to see possums in Brooklyn--they liked the watery shore and I guess the rats and garbage they found there. I thought they looked like the devil's child...lol
Same over here, way too cold for the season!
The possum is a cutie-pie!!!
Oh, big congrats, time is just flying by, is it! And, yes. We often take for granted we are fit. I was like an 80-year old last summer after the meds took off, it was insane and sad.
It was a gigantic event! Here it´s never that big. And we don´t have such hats/robes, either. Sad, actually as it marks a point in your life!
Beautiful pictures!
And, YES. Sun! Now!
Congrats to Kevin AND to Molly! It's a lot of work to get an MBA but also a lot of work for the spouse, especially since they have two small children! And wow their youngest was an early walker! Paul is still not walking... He's 14 months! But Phil didn't walk until 15 months and Paul seems to follow his milestones as they sat up during the same month. I think Paul could stand independently but he has no interest in trying! Stubborn little fellow.
Rick really had to work to be there for that special event but I can see how nothing would keep a proud dad from being there for that special moment!!
Congratulations to the graduate! Always a wonderful event and not to be missed if at all possible. I understand how Rick felt, of course he wanted to be there and I'm sure he would do what he had to to get there. Bravo Rick! Great family photos Jeanie.......Love your camera.
Congratulations! This is such a special moment for him and he must have been so happy to have his father at the ceremony. Love the pictures, they are wonderful. xx
Congratulations to Kevin, and congratulations to Rick for managing to be there. Of course he wouldn't have wanted to miss it, but that doesn't minimize the difficulties. I know Kevin had to be proud of his dad, too.
I had an interesting weekend, that I already can laugh about, even though it involved poison ivy, stepping on what I think was a rattlesnake, and putting my car in a ditch. All's well, though! I've stopped itching, the snake is probably still trying to figure out what happened, and the car's already in the body shop, with minimal damage. I shouldn't tease, and this isn't the place for a full explanation, but there was no collision, I'm perfectly fine, and now I get to drive a RAV4 for a few days. A push-button car? Who knew?
Jeanie, that little possum. So ugly he's cute, I think it is something about his tail. So glad Rick got to attend the graduation and congrats to the graduate. A really great looking couple..Happy Day..xxoJudy
Wow, such an achievement and such happiness!! Congratulations! Glad you all could make it.
If 'possum's eat ticks, then I'm all for them. Ticks have broken my heart as I no longer hike because of them...Great photo of that unique little animal.
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