Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Today, we jump into the Silver Fox and head north to Camarillo to attend Megan’s high school graduation. The 90-mile journey was uneventful. With a Breakfast Mac and a Latte in hand, we headed up the 55 to the 405 to the 101 and arrived about 90 minutes later!
We stopped at Diane’s home first and planned the day. Diane rode with us to the school, which was about three miles away.
Upon arrival, we hiked to the back of the line and made our way to our seats. We had Diane (mom), Geoff (dad, Steven (brother), two of Megan’s friends, and us! We had reasonable seats.
Mother Nature decided to drop some liquid sunshine on us, but not enough for an umbrella.
Above the podium was a large TV, which was used to display individual class members, and later, it was used to show the diploma ceremony.
On the big silver screen.
Graduation regalia may seem modern, but it dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, when universities first began to form in Europe. At that time, most scholars were also part of the clergy, which explains the resemblance of the academic robe to religious garments. Back then, the tassel served both a functional and decorative role on early academic caps, and over time, it evolved into what we know today: a key symbolic element representing academic achievement and status.
Someone is pretty happy.
Grandma Mary and Megan share a moment!
It is always nice to get the family together.
Geoff, Megan, Steve, and Dianne.
In the U.S., most high school and college graduates wear the tassel on the right side before receiving their diplomas. After the certificate is awarded, the tassel is moved to the left side to mark the transition from candidate to graduate. That flick of the tassel marks a moment of transformation from one identity to another. One side says you’re on your way. The other says you made it. And if it feels a little bit like opening a door, that’s not an accident. Graduation itself comes from the Latin word gradus, meaning “step.” The tassel marks the one students have just taken.
How come Grandma is the shortest?
Grandma’s little brood.
When the caps were tossed into the air, approximately 130 of them, we thought they were gone, but Steven ran out and sorted through all the headgear, finding his sister’s work of art. Our hero!!
Steve was the hero; he retrieved Megan’s cap.
What a clever idea. Pictures from the last four years are bonded to the top of the cap.
Quite an original idea.
We returned to Diane’s house and dined on groceries from the Cheesecake Factory! We headed home around 6:15 p.m. and arrived just after 8:00 p.m.
Colleen sent a picture of her brood taken on Mother’s Day. Jacquie, Cassie, Grandma Colleen, and Sarah.
Colleen and my granddaughters.
Returning home, we puttered around the house for a bit and then watched “Home Improvement” for about four episodes…we needed a good laugh after fighting all the traffic.
