Greg picked me up around 2:30 pm, and we headed to Mariucci Arena, where the rest of the family was also headed to attend Maisie’s Chanhassen High School graduation beginning at 4:00 pm. I brought our camera on this trip, hoping to take good photos using the zoom for closer shots when Maisie was handed her diploma. We are so proud of our girl.
As it turned out, the camera battery went dead at precisely the time she was approaching the stage for her diploma. Fortunately, other family members took good photos of the event using their phones. People don’t use stand-alone cameras as much as they did in years past, as cell phone cameras have improved significantly.
We observed this fact when we noticed that very few tourists were using cameras, as they felt comfortable using only their phones. I haven’t gotten to that point yet, when I prefer to have a more proficient means of zooming in for close shots of whatever may be our subject of the moment.
When looking at the graduation program, which featured over 500 students receiving diplomas, we assumed we’d be there for hours, perhaps as late as 8:00 pm. However, after the music, various speeches from school staff and students (which were both interesting and inspiring) followed, and the diploma process began, with the staff starting to address the 500-plus students on the list.
We were all surprised how quickly the list advanced, and finally, Maisie’s name came up. Wouldn’t you know, the camera battery died, and I couldn’t get the second battery in place in time for the perfect photo ops. Alas, Greg managed to take several good photos of Maisie as she received her diploma.
I am waiting for Greg to send me a few of those photos, as he’s currently working. In the meantime, I decided to prepare this post using the pictures I took before and after the battery failed.
After the ceremonies ended by about 6:00 pm, considerably earlier than expected, we all met outside, waiting for Maisie and her boyfriend, who would meet up with us. Unexpectedly, it started pouring rain, and we all got soaked. I ended up placing the camera under my shirt and somehow managed to take the included outdoor family photos in the rain.
After we finished the photo session, we all headed to our respective vehicles to drive to Texas Roadhouse in Shakopee, about a 30-minute drive from the arena. The rain had stopped by the time we reached the restaurant, and all 11 of us had a wonderful dinner, hosted by my ex-daughter-in-law, Camille, Maisie’s mom.
Sitting across the table from my grandson Miles, age 17, Maise’s brother, we had our usual entertaining conversation. Oddly, even with a 60-year age difference, we have so much in common, it’s uncanny. We love technology, the same movies and series, and have a passion for science, health, and fitness. The conversation, so thoroughly enjoyed by each of us, made the time fly by in a blur.
All of a sudden, it was time to go, and we all took off, with me, Greg, and Heather in their respective vehicles. They brought me back to the hotel where I changed into my pajamas and settled in for the night. I called my sister, Julie, and we spent an incredible two hours on the phone, talking and laughing as we often do.
By midnight, I crawled into bed, and a short time later, Tom called to let me know he was on his way back to the hotel after spending the evening with his family. I stayed awake to greet him, as we shared our stories of our evening apart.
On Saturday, Maisie’s graduation party begins at noon at Camille’s house and ends at 4:00 pm. We don’t have plans for the remainder of the evening, but we’ll see what unfolds. On Sunday morning, we’re meeting Tammy and family for brunch at 11:00.
Our calendar is filling up quickly, but we’re enjoying every moment of this special time in Minnesota.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, May 30, 2015:
