Our Royal Frost Birch — and matters to crow about.

A beautiful  young Royal Frost Birch is now in sight: our dual tribute to my beloved mother and adored father-in-law.  They both lived their lives in ways that had an enormous impact on others, and we’re sure they would have smiled  together at the sight of the tree we planted for them.  The birch has always been my favorite — and this one, unlike the white barked trees that I wrote letters on during camp days, is darker toned with burgundy leaves that will turn orange come fall.  And — in a couple of weeks or so, my father will be a few doors down from my mother-in-law in a superb assisted living facility, just a short drive away. Close to us to start a new chapter.

PBK?  Yes, Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude!!!   The PBK ceremony was so touching, as our son stood between two close friends and was inducted. My uncle, who calls on only the most special occasions, welcomed his grand-nephew into his  favorite club.  Then, the day after the PBK ceremony, as the rain slowed down,  we opened our graduation programs  to find three  asterisks next to our son’s name and to hear the public announcement of his Latin honors.   And his wonderful friends and their parents and the professors we met encircled us throughout Graduation Weekend!  He’s off to tie his studies and his years of ground work to still greater realization. He’s back in D.C.

Finally, mountains of awe for a young family friend who has been awarded a fabulous national honor in the toughest pre-college competition in the land!   Kudos to A.A.!