a week of celebrations

Thursday evening I turned the alarm clock off for a 10 day holiday. It was symbolic more than anything because I usually wake before the alarm clock but it feels like an official way to mark the holidays. 

Annie is back home with us, for a short while. A week ago, we went to her graduation. We left for St. Andrews at 7 am, stopped in Cupar for a coffee and arrived in good time at Annie's. We walked into town together, to find the Younger Hall. The actual graduation ceremony was as boring as these things are but I was proud seeing Annie walking on the stage, kneeling down in front of the vice principal to be capped, and then have her hood placed over her shoulders by the bedellus. It is so very medieval, I would prefer a more modern ceremony if I had a choice. The beret used at Annie's graduation was made in 1696... The thought of this manky old thing touching Annie's head was not one to dwell on for too long, although it is probably perfectly clean. We then met Annie at the Quad, an outdoor space in an old part of the university. It was windy. There we also met Annie's friends and families, which was nice. We had a very posh lunch at The Seafood Restaurant. It is the kind of place where a waiter picks up your linen napkin when you go to the loo to fold it up for you neatly so you can put it back on your lap upon returning to the table. The food was very delicious, even for someone who doesn't like fish or seafood much. Next up was the garden party, which took place in the biggest marquee that I have ever seen. After a big lunch I couldn't possibly eat any of the perfectly identical paper plates with wee sandwiches on but I did enjoy the prosecco. Then we walked back to Annie's flat, loaded some of her stuff in the car and drove back home. A fine day indeed.

I am afraid there was some disagreement over a photo to share. I have one I like very much, taken when I caught Annie unawares. I love it because it captures her personality and beauty perfectly. She hates it, generally prefers photos that are more planned, with just the right smile etc etc. So you just have to imagine my beautiful daughter wearing her graduation gown.

We also celebrated James' 18th birthday. It was a low key affair, starting with a late cake breakfast and presents. We gave James a new phone. Well, new to him, it is a refurbished model. He was not expecting that and was absolutely delighted. He then met with his friends, went into town and did what newly turned 18 year olds do. They had planned to go for a pizza but decided to join us for a BBQ instead, which was nice. Iris didn't bother showing up for that but Sam came and it was joyful. We are in the midst of a heatwave and it was just fab eat outside. James and his friends went back out after dinner but came home at a reasonable 1 am, in a reasonable shape. They stayed over, choosing to camp out in the living room. No runaways, just friends! No photos of James either, sorry,

It was a week of celebrations actually, I also went to my own student's graduation last week. Graduation is usually the only opportunity I get to meet students in person and I make sure I attend as they often come from far away. This time, we had three graduands travelling to Glasgow, with their families. We went out for dinner, too. It is really nice to have a conversation not hampered by poor internet connections! My students are just amazing, they all are. Well, there is the odd exception every now and then but overall, I am a lucky teacher. 

In other news, I went on a walk with my friend Jo, up by Loch Ardinning. It was quite hot but not too hot and I absolutely loved it. So did Jack. He wallowed in some muddy water and then needed a swim in the loch to get somewhat clean. He is a bit daft, doesn't go in the water unless chasing after a stick but there weren't any. He chased after small pieces of water melon instead, which was quite funny. He likes the weirdest kinds of foods. 

We'll be going to Aberdeenshire for a few days next week, I am quite excited! Thanks for visiting 😊