Univ of MD: Recital

Literally the minute after we (insert: Allen) had everything packed up from OAEYC we (insert Allen) started driving east. We stopped at the house to switch out my car for the UHaul and continued heading east toward Maryland. Noelle had selected the date for her doctoral recital based on my availability a million moons ago. Little did we know all those months back, what would transpire between then & now. All the more reason to appreciate this event.

For those of you readers who are not of the classical mindset or experience, the first picture is Noelle playing her oboe -- the initial, instrumental, love of her life. The second shot is her accompanist and good friend -- with a bit of a view of the stage area. The next is a shot of her with the English Horn, certainly not to be confused with a French Horn or a bassoon. It has a much deeper/fuller/lower sound. I really shouldn't allow my memory to report on how many years she's played the English Horn. I'll ask her for the specifics, but it is a relative new-comer in her career..... not like in the last year or two, but not forever either.

In any case the evening was both a delight and thrilling, if that's possible. The best part is that I am no longer the least bit 'nervous' for her and can listen with appreciation. Of course I report this from a completely unbiased vantage point, just that of a proud mama-bear. The program selections were diverse and amazing. IMHO. The final picture in this group is her dear professor and mentor, known to one and all as Prof. He 'discovered' her all those years ago, in a summer program & recruited her to U of MD. I think he's pretty proud, too.

Mrs. K's Tollhouse

Silver Spring. Another memorable meal -- this time in an 'historic' setting. We learned that this site was Eleanor Roosevelt's favorite -- back in the day, when it was out in the country. We concluded with the sharing of various desserts, hugs in the parking lot and everyone headed out in their own direction. We always marvel at how much the four adults have in common. Of course the obvious for the two mommies is that we share the same first name, but there's also our mutual interest in quilting and special needs children, too!

More Celebrating!

CELEBRATE!!

Prof Mark Hill & Bean

Ceremony Festivities

Pomp and flourishes. One of the lovliest parts of the ceremony is that as each candidate was presented for their degree there was a personal vignette read for that recipient -- written by their supervising professor. This was so insightful and inspirational.

Graduation Day: U of MD

The day gets underway early at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. There's blue sky and sunshine. Smiles and roses. Robes and sashes. Lots of excitement in the air as we head in for the recognition ceremony of the music building.

Maryland Here We Come

Click your heels three times.... turn around quickly and we're headed east with Maryland as our destination. On an absolutely gorgous evening we scoop up Noelle and head to our dinner reservation in Annapolis at Severns. Another blink and Zac and his family arrive. What an incredible, memorable seafood meal hosted by Zac's parents, the Hollisters. So much fun to get caught up on all of the adventures of the past month. They've just completed another leg of their dream and have purchased an airplance -- so of course, the guys have MUCH to talk about when we're together.