Twenty-two years ago this July, I took my first look at my first grandchild. I still remember my first thought: Oh, my long-legged, lanky girl. She was so tiny, but oh, those long legs! She was my first girl. I had brothers, I had sons. I’m so grateful I’ve had the chance to watch her grow into a long-legged, lanky, lovely young woman.
Last weekend, BW and I drove down to High Point, NC for Kayla’s college graduation. Let’s get this out of the way. HORRIBLE drive. I don’t know how our girl managed to make it as often as she did over the last four years. Trucks, trucks, trucks everywhere!
Was it worth it? Oh yes, and then some.
The campus is simply gorgeous. Such a wonderful environment for the students, faculty and staff. No wonder she loved it. We stayed in the hotel on campus, and that, too, was lovely. Friendly happy people everywhere—much better than trucks!
We had a great time Friday night at a reception, then out to dinner with our grad, her other grandparents, her mom and younger brother. Joined a little later by her guy, JR. Fun, casual restaurant with good, southern food.
Normally, they hold graduation outdoors, and early on Saturday. But the rain wouldn’t quit. So they worked hard, held two ceremonies in their big auditorium. The first for those getting a Bachelor of Science degree—that would be JR—Congrats, JR! (We lived streamed that one.)
Then that afternoon, those who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree—that’s our girl. Who graduated summa cum laude. Talk about working hard! You don’t get straight As for four years without putting in all you’ve got. Add smart and strong to the long-legged and lanky!
We couldn’t be more proud of her.
Lovely ceremony, with a warm, personal touch despite the size of the graduating class.
Kayla’s maternal grandparents rented a house off campus, and we had a fun party—and finally got to meet JR’s family. Now I know why he’s such a sweet, warm, loving young man.
Despite the rain, and excluding the drive (!) an absolutely perfect weekend.
And fortunately, the drive back on Sunday wasn’t nearly as awful.
Milo was so happy to see us, he tried to jump in my lap—I drove the last leg—before I got out of the car, and did the same with BW. Atticus, equally happy, has a little more restraint.
Our house/dog sitter reported she woke up about three on Friday night, and discovered Milo in bed sleeping beside her. LOL. This we don’t allow, but I guess he thought the new human would.
No, get in your own bed.
Meanwhile, the gardens are growing and blooming and giving me a lot of pleasure.
Thirty years ago, BW and I planted a wisteria. It never bloomed. No matter what I did, year after year, nothing. At one point as we were adding onto the house, we moved it. Thought the shock (I read to treat them rough) might inspire it. Vines galore, but no blooms.
We hacked at it, yanked it out as it tried to take over. It wound itself up a couple trees, and we gave up. Over the years, we were satisfied to see maybe a handful of blooms way up on the tree.
Thirty years later, I look up. OMG! Countless blooms dripping down, a fountain of that gorgeous purple. No, a waterfall. I don’t know why it suddenly decided to put on a show, but it got a standing ovation.
In the beds and planters, things are putting on their own show. Weekends have been rainy—and we’ve had plenty of rain during the week, too. I’ve only had to water pots off and on. I’d be more than happy to if the rain would just quit for awhile!
Our water feature sprang a leak in the liner. That meant the crew had to take it all apart, replace the liner, rebuild it. Well, they built it back better! I’m thrilled with it, and love it’s all done as the yellow flags start to bloom.
Religious spraying has, so far, kept the deer at bay. Also Milo barks at them, gives chase. I’m knocking wood that I’ll actually see the day lilies bloom this year.
Since we’re having yet another cool and rainy Saturday, I’m going to make soup. I’d rather spend time in the May sunshine tending my gardens, but I’m not quite dedicated enough to weed and deadhead in the chilly rain.
So soup it is.
We had Girls Night Out in Boonsboro on Thursday. What a crowd—again despite the rain. It was great to get out and see readers again. We all signed for over three hours, so whew! I managed to get into Gifts before the event started, and planned to breeze around the others shops during the evening. Well, that didn’t happen! Thanks to everyone who came out on a cool, rainy evening to see me and the other authors, who explored the town, the shops and restaurants.
And a fun bonus for me? Both Logan and Kayla worked the event. Yes, see how they grow.
Whatever the weather in your world this weekend, I hope you find something to enjoy.
Nora
Just wanted to say, a writing buddy and I booked a room for a writing retreat at the Inn back in January. We had no idea there was going to be “Girls Night Out” while we were there until another guest mentioned it. Of course, we stood out in the rain to say hello and thank Nora for all she does for authors.
I’d like to add we had the pleasure of meeting Kayla at the Inn–she served our breakfast for our first two days. She’s a delight.
We had a wonderful time for our three-night stay in Marguerite & Percy. (Yes, it’s a fantastic sink!)
Green with envy, Terry!
Congratulations, Kayla!
Nora, I too have done that drive on Route 81, to NC. It is a nightmare! I told my husband, never again, lol! He said it is a major truck route. I swear it added 2 hours to our trip.
So glad you enjoyed the graduation. In defense of High Point (I live in the eastern part of NC), it does manufacture textiles as well as furniture! Gotta move that product. LOL! But traffic is horrible in that area. Your gardens are beautiful. Love your stories and always look forward to reading the new ones, but enjoy revisiting old friends in your previous stories. Take care.
Happy Mother’s day! So lovely to see how your grandchildren (and garden) grow and bloom.
Nora, the gardens are beautiful
Congratulations on your granddaughters graduation
Happy Mother’s Day
Thank you for all of your books, you are amazing to me
Karen 💗
Thanks for sharing all of your news and photos. I wondered why we didn’t see photos of a Kentucky Derby hat but a family celebration definitely takes precedence. Congrats to all!
Congratulations Kayla and JR! Time does go by quickly. Your gardens are beautiful especially that little dragon pot! Your property looks like an oasis tucked away from the pictures, how peaceful that must be. Thank you for sharing!
Congratulations on the granddaughter and the Wisteria !
Wow the blooms high up in the tree! Wouldn’t have been able to imagine it-thanks for sharing the photo!
Congratulations, Kayla and JR!!
Nora, your gardens are beautiful! Love the wisteria. Wishing you a very happy Mothers Day!
Congratulations Kayla and JR. Sorry I missed GNO this year. Looked like a great time despite the rain. I miss going to all the signings. Take care and enjoy your Summer. Happy Mother’s Day!
You are not wrong about I-81. Not enough lanes, too many hills, and far too many trucks. Even my hubby who retired from the freight business tries to avoid that route at all costs.
You have such a smart, lovely granddaughter! All that hard work paid off. No wonder you are proud of her.
Maybe your wisteria didn’t like the previous location. I’m not a gardener so I can only hazard a guess. I choose plants and then delegate the planting and care to my reluctant resident gardener. Yup, he is the same guy who would rather swim naked with crocodiles than travel I-81! Maybe not since he doesn’t like swimming either.
Thanks for sharing your world with us. Congratulations to both RJ and to Kayla. It’s quite an accomplishment. Your gardens are beautiful & Happy Mother’s Day.
Also, Thank you for writing all of your wonderful books. They give us pleasure all the time.
Can’t wait. The new one comes out in just days!
Wishing Kayla every success! Covid added a special touch to life…so she met and exceeded great challenges! Well done!
The gardens look fabulous! Rain or no, I am impressed with how much further ahead your gardens are compared with those in the area I live in!
And now…my nw reason to live…the latest book! Cannot wait
Happy Mother’s Day!
Congratulations to the graduate!
Love your books!
Please keep them coming!
Congrats to Kayla and JR! Raleigh/Durham was part of the area my district office took care of when I worked on the East Coast – I remember that road too well. Logan has gotten so tall (and handsome!). Your young adults reminds me I’m getting old – lol. Your gardens are just spectacular! That wisteria finally figured out where to stay out of your way. You probably already know to keep its seed pods out of Milo’s way. I live in a semi-arid area and we’re getting more than usual rain, too. Spring can be sneaky. Thanks for the blog, so glad you had a good time.
Happy Mother’s day, have been a long time fan of your books. Rereading the Born in Fire, Ice, and Shame right now. I enjoy seeing pictures of your gardens as that is something I love to do as well. Take care.
Happy Mother’s Day! We here in Iowa have also had more than our share of rain! Your gardens are beautiful!
Enjoy your summer!!
Congratulations, Kayla and JR.
Love your beautiful garden!
I “love “ the love your family has!
Congratulations to Kayla and JR. Our nephew graduated from High Point also on Saturday morning, small world. As usual your gardens are lovely and an aspirational for mine, right! Happy Spring, awaiting my Mind Games next week. Thanks for all you do for us, Hi Laura. Hope you go back to book signings again, so miss them. Happy Spring.
Happy Mother’s Day too all of you!
Congratulations to Kayla and JR! A wonderful achievement! And Kayla with a summa cum laude – WOW! Hard work and dedication! The photos of family and garden are fabulous! You have beautiful and smart grandchildren, and a green thumb! Pets to Milo and Atticus.
Congrats to all! I know everyone is so happy and proud.
Congratulations to Kayla and JR!The photos of the graduation and family are beautiful! So glad you love to garden !Your grounds are beautiful with all the flowers. Happy Mothers Day to you and God bless you and all of your family!
Congratulations to Kayla and JR. Wonderful to see all the photos.
Your gardens are lovely, especially that crazy wysteria.
Hope your soup is delicious…enjoy.
Congrats to Kayla and JR! Our Katie graduated yesterday, also summa cum laude. We are so proud of her hard work.
Happy Mother’s Day! Love your garden 🌼
Currently reading the In Death books again.
Always nice to see your gardens. Really like the water pathway. Congrats to Kaya as JR. WAITING FOR MIND GSMES to arrive. Have a good summer and enjoy life. Love all your books.
Congratulations, Kayla! Well done. We had wisteria in the backyard of my old house. I sometimes want to knock on the window and ask to see if it is still there. lol, when the wind blew it would “rain” purple blossoms. Enjoy!
Always,
Stephanie
#professionalromancefan
Congratulations, Kayla! Someday I’m going to visit Boonesboro…it’s on my bucket list. Nora, your gardens are beautiful. I love seeing them in your blog. Thank you for being the sharing person that you are. Happy Mother’s Day from one grandmother to another!
Congratulations to Kayla and J.R. and to Kayla for graduating Summe Cum Laude. Have enjoyed watching, through your blogs, your grandchildren grow into beautiful young people. So Happy Mother’s Day. As always your gardens are lovely and I do love the dragon flower pot(s). Here at the Jersey Shore we have also been having lots of rain and wind. Know as soon as June arrives will start complaining about the heat, LOL. Looking forward to reading MIND Games. Thanking you for sharing your family with your readers and for these many years of fantastic reading.
Thank you so much for sharing some of your life. Congratulations to Kayla and JR. It’s also lovely to see the photos of your family and garden.
Wisteria is always a challenge! Even with perfect conditions, it is still finicky. Enjoy those blooms!!
Congratulations to your granddaughter
Your gardens are beautiful.
Nora thank you sooo much for sharing your family and your gardens, both beautiful, with us. Congratulations to Kayla and JR on their graduation. My daughter here in East Texas has the opposite issue with the wisteria on her property….it’s trying to take over everything! Like you, I am so sick of this constant rain
for 3 weeks….thunderstorms and lightning,(and hail) very, very frightening! My poor CataTude is traumatized. Love your books and have re-read them over & over. Love ya.
Congratulations to Kayla and JR on graduation! Wow, the gardens are beautiful. What a nice surprise (30 years) that the Wisteria decided to bloom. Thank you for sharing.
Congratulations to scholars. What a joy to share your family a nd garden. Thank you. Love your books! My kids gifted me stay at your Inn! Loved everything the Inn the people the shops!!! Your books helped me through some good and not so good times. Thank you.
What a lovely post! Congrats to Kayla and JR! Your garden looks beautiful! Glad your wisteria finally bloomed a plenty for you!
Congratulations to all….students & families!
As always, I learn from you…..I did not know High Point University has a hotel on campus! Nor do I recognize the restaurant
photographed….please share the name!