A huge milestone

Congratulations to the SandCastle Son on his High School graduation!  (pics will have to wait on technology)

His local HS rented out ASU's arena for the event.  Vehicle traffic getting into the event was horrific.    With nearly 900 students walking plus probably ~5 well wishers each means around 5000 attendees.  We finally found 4 seats together way up in the nosebleeds.

And we believe this is the moment we all waited for.  Sorry for the blurry pics, it's the best an 8x optical zoom can do, combined with less than rock solid base and atmospheric distortion given our distance from the stage.  I really should have brought the spotting scope!.

Pedestrian traffic exiting the venue was equally ugly.  But we skipped taking pictures on the South Lawn and made for the truck to beat traffic.  And it wasn't bad.

We had reservations at a local restaurant with three surviving grandparents + special guest Gmma, Local Aunt and mom & dad,  SCSon noted an acquaintance walking through and shook hands..  turns out it was his JROTC opposite at another school.  I really wish I'd gotten a picture.

Selection criteria for the restaurant was "easy access" and "wide menu selection".  Scored on both accounts.  Three of us chose the Fish & Chips, Mom had the Cubano, one GPA had the Filet while the other had the lamb.  Special Guest Gma opted for the french dip.  She didn't even leave any juice behind!  While a little loud, and the service was a bit on the slow side dinner was a success.  The SCSon picked out an apple pie and ice cream for dessert at home.

Congratulations to the SCSon!  You earned it.  But the real test starts in August!  I hope you're smart enough to ask for help when you need it,

"There are no guns on campus"...

... Said the woman with a Glock on her hip (right next to her "only-one" badge).  Without a hint of irony, I kid you not.

Spent the day at new student orientation for the SCSon's new university.

SCSon had the choice of a standard ID card or a "Sponsoring bank" access card.  They aggressively pushed bank card.  "He doesn't need a credit card" I stated authoritatively.  "But it's not a credit card.  It's a DEBIT CARD!!!" She gushed.

"That's even worse!"  The message was clearly received and we bypassed the serpentine line to sign up with "Sponsoring Bank".

The schedule claimed it would start at 8 am but didn't actually get underway until 0845.    Where they jam packed 30 minutes of material into 7 mind numbing hours.  Plus a lunch I wouldn't pay three dollars for if I had a choice.  Oh and they charged $75/person for the privilege of attending.  And it cost me a vacation day to attend.  SCQueen begged off at lunch... I texted soon after "Pleeease!  Maaake it Stooop!"

A parent asked the glock carrying only one "What about defensive weapons like (sic) Mace".  "Well we wouldn't want anyone to carry anything like* what the police carry.  And besides unless they have it out in their hand when attacked, they won't have time to get it out.  And besides, the attacker will probably just take it away and use it against you."  I wish I was playing Cliche-Bingo!

It was a painful day, but I was there for the SCSon.  And I'd do it again tomorrow if I had to.

At least the SCSon has his fall quarter tentatively set.  He still wants to get signed up for AFROTC too.

PS..  School intentionally left unnamed out of security concerns for the SCSon, not to protect the school.

* Message received: She believes police should always have superior weapons to the unwashed, preferably unarmed, masses.

Well that bites :-(

Bearing Arms has long been one of the first blogs I check everyday.  I will miss Bob Owens daily commentary.  I will also congratulate him on leaving the property in good hands of Jenn and Beth.  I believe it's in good hands and will continue the daily visits.

Godspeed Bob!  You are already missed.

danno