A Perfect Day

There aren’t many days when things just slot into place, are there? But today was one such day.

We were up very early, suited and booted, to get over to Michael’s by 9 o’clock, so that we could travel up to Stoke for his Graduation Ceremony at Kings’ Hall. And honestly, everything ran so smoothly, just like clockwork. The journey along the A38 was wonderful – a clear road, clear blue skies and excitement in the air.

We parked beautifully at the Bet365 (harrumph…… of which I don’t approve) stadium, home of Stoke City Football Ground (of which I do approve). We were directed to be right outside the doors so that we could amble inside for ticket-gathering, robe collecting and greeting fellow doctorates. Oh my, those robes…. very Harry Potter-esque. Absolutely spiffing.

Michael met up with as many of his cohort who were attending the event, and how good that looked. They were a wonderful bunch of people and so very easy with one another, thrilled that they had all made it through the thick and thin of the pandemic, supporting each other, to get to this momentous day. And we were thrilled for them.

We caught a shuttle-bus across from the stadium to King’s Hall, where we were ushered to the very front row. Gosh, I was already over-excited but a front row seat? Beyond our wildest dreams. Bliss.

The venue was a very intimate place, beautifully presented and everything well-organised. The speeches were good, and the graduands doffed their caps to The Chancellor as he acknowledged each and every achiever to the rostrum. The relatives and friends of those stepping forward were fair bursting with pride. And what excitement at the end of the ceremony as all the caps were tossed in the air. A fabulous tradition.

Photographs, big hugs, excited laughter and cheering followed. We left Michael to enjoy his time with his friends as we made our way back to the stadium for a glass of fizz and some cake. I had a fleeting thought that I ought to save the fizz for when Michael arrived. It was a fleeting thought….. we toasted him in absentia.

After the fond farewells to a truly remarkable set of people, we made our way over to a pub/restaurant, The Wayfarer in Stone, for a celebratory meal. That was lovely, too. Very nice food and, of course, very good company.

A good journey back home topped off the jigsaw-fit of the day and then, of course, the icing on the cake, the grandchildren arriving home from nursery excited to see us all after our long but blissful day. Gosh, it really couldn’t have been better.

To round the day off nicely, I Zoomed with the College Girls this evening. There is nothing nicer than someone asking you how it’s all gone, and you excitedly telling them all about it, is there? Well, of course I did – I couldn’t help myself. We were very proud parents.

Had a lovely chat to everyone and did manage to allow others to get a few words in edgeways, I think. Such a wonderful group of friends – and Michael’s ceremony made me think back to all those years ago when we first met. 50 years is a long time, and I thank the Lord that we are still there for each other. May Michael’s Uni friendships last as long and be as equally fulfilling.

Here’s us this evening having a good time, as always….

47,240 people tested positive for the virus today. Hmmm…… might be a few more tomorrow after what we saw at the ceremony today. Very few people were wearing masks – even in the ‘Face Mask Zone’ areas at the stadium.

147 people died with the virus today.

46 people died with the virus in hospitals in the last 48 hours.

745 people were admitted to hospital with the virus today.

Sapere Aude: ‘Dare to know’

Motto: Staffordshire University.

Mine, from now on…..

God bless you one and all.