12/17/2016, Durango Colorado

Part of the excuse we have for going to New Zealand is to celebrate our younger daughter’s graduation from college. We celebrated our older daughter’s graduation with a trip to three “Lands”, Iceland, England and Ireland. Checkers received her BS in chemistry with a math minor this morning, so we will go to another land.

Yesterday, me, Brian and Laura, our older daughter, drove to Durango from Denver to be here for the graduation. On the way, we were wondering out loud what Christmas will be like in the Southern Hemisphere. Would they bother with Christmas lights? We will be flying on the Solstace, so the daytimes will be at maximum. And so many of the carols would be odd. It will be fun to find out!

Last night, we all went to a concert called, “The Majesty of Christmas” at which Checker’s boyfriend was singing. We thought it was a short group of carols, but it turned out to be longer, with a lot of instrumental Christmas music as well. The performers were talented, and I think we were all glad to be reminded of some of the old songs. Most originated in Europe: England, Germany, Czechoslovakia etc., and many I had never heard before.

Here we are in front of the Clock Tower at Fort Lewis College, graduation day.

*****Written by Clare*****

• New Zealand 2016-17