The Luck of the Draw

New table flowers this morning. I have a lot of flowers in my garden but most are not good for cutting. I bought purple chrysanthemums at the grocery store and added Lady's Mantle from the garden. 

 It's high school graduation season and this June our families have a bunch of them. Fortunately we don't have to go to the graduation ceremonies, they are limited ticket only, but we do go to some of the parties. On Saturday we attended Sophie's party. She is the granddaughter of Tom's cousin Martha, and they are all part of the Whidbey Island "Phosie-Gertie" bunch. It was a mostly sunny day with mild temps and we sat outside and visited. We had a good time and the graduate and her family were very pleased that we showed up.

Showing up is important. When you get old it's easy to think HS graduation isn't a big deal, but then you remember back to your own and then your own kids, and you realize that it is a big milestone in one's life. 

On Sunday we attended my great nephew's grad party. The day was chilly and drizzly, but fortunately the two families  hosting had booked a lovely indoor/outdoor venue. Again we heard "I'm so glad you came!" Both parties involved quite a bit of driving, but as I said, showing up is important.

My niece Katie, the grad's mother , took photos.

The graduate Hans with his grandma Laurie, my sister.

Hans with us.

Isaac and Irene were there too for their cousin. That's Katie, taking the selfie. 

Jill wasn't there because she was up in the mountains. She was in charge of the "Experience Field Trip for the Mountaineers Alpine Scrambling Course." On Saturday, that warm, sunny day, Irene was with her and taking the course, which she passed. This event had been rained out the weekend before and the Saturday group lucked out this time. Jill joined the climb with Irene.

Yes, there are people just nearing the top. This is what "scrambling" looks like. It's not for the old or the faint of heart. The leaders got their students to the top.

Tom loved this pic of Jill helping the guys cross the swiftly flowing stream. 

I loved this photo of Jill and Irene at the top. They are mountain women!

Of course Sunday wasn't quite so pleasant. Irene came home to go to the party, but Jill had more students to guide. Even in the drizzle she had fun though. Mountaineers are tough. 

It's cloudy, chilly, and blustery today, but it's housework and laundry day so it's OK. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunnier and milder. We have a Sounders match at the stadium in the evening. Looks like we'll get the luck of the draw.