NS:: I'm FREE at last.

“I'm FREE at last. My youngest child has graduated from college. I had to sit through a 2.5 hour ceremony under a hot sun, but it's over. But, wow, after speeches by Carol Bellamy, Former Executive Director of UNICEF, and the college president, I'm all hopped-up and ready to go out and conquer the world. _____ But wait a minute, I've already had my chance. Ooh, I've gotta relax. In reflection they could save time at these ceremonies by not calling up each and every graduate so that the relatives can hoot and holler. And they should issue certificates of achievement to the parents.

Graduation was followed by a picnic. We had a choice, a blanket on the lawn or a blanket on the lawn. Not for me! I found a bunch of tables with reserve signs on them and a lot of people standing around wishing they could find a non-reserved table. I'm a born leader. I just plumped myself down at the first table that was in the shade and in a loud voice declared, "Sure glad I made a reservation." Then I motioned to others to have a seat. Very shyly they did. Never did find out for whom the tables were reserved.

So it's over. I did enjoy my $120,000 sandwich.”

“120000? ouch.

state schools are lot cheaper man!”

“Did ya tell your daughter what your allowance expectations were?”

“I already told my kids they gotta take care of me in my old age.

If you start the brainwashing early, they believe it.”

“NS, does your employer know you are now free??”

“sacco - State schools, outside of a few special scholarships and athletic grants, will not chip-in any or much of the funding required. On a per-need basis, Johns Hopkins Univ. and Grinnell College, together with a few loans, have paid almost 100% of the bills for four years for each of my two youngest daughters.

humanpackmule - I believe I saw a table where the graduates could sign alumni donation pledges just after the ceremony.

manuka - I quit working two years ago.
last edited: 5/23/05 2:29:15 PM”

“oh ok, than that's awesome NS. i thought you paid out 120,000 grand”

“Almost that, sacco. There have been costs for transportation between
Florida and Baltimore,
Baltimore and Rep. of Panama,
Florida and Rep. of Panama,
Florida and Grinnell, IA,
and Grinnell and Rep. of Panama.
Both daughters are dual citizens.”

“My college education cost my parents the grand total of $0.”

“Congrats to your daughter, NS.

When does she leave for Panama?”

“That's one dang expensive sandwich.”

“hope it at least had cheese on it :D”

“Mmmmm, cheeeeese.....”

“yup, van halen was better with roth.”

“congrats to you Nowslimmer, not easy raising children. Now time to start on your list of personal must do's.”

“CONGRATULATIONS to YOU Paul for such a job well done !!! You done good in raising the kids. Their achievements are a reflection on YOU!”

“you should be very proud of your daughter!!!!
mine doesn't seem to want to go back and get her BSRN. she thinks her 2 year degree is enough.”

“Thanks for the congrat.'s, folks. I am looking forward to some new adventures.

My JHU daughter and I just finished a nice hike this morning around part of Rock Creek SP Trail. She will be flying back to Florida this evening.

cottonsocks - The new graduate will be flying from Chicago to Costa Rica on Sunday, May 29th. Then I will be returning to your area, GSMNP, to try and lose the weight that is still dragging me down. I'll be in touch.

manuka - Thanks. (not easy raising children alone!)

cyndeee - Hope you and your son had a great time in Gatlinbury after leaving Trail Days. It was great to see you again. I hope your knee heals quickly.”

“Congratulations! I'll be where you are in about 2 more years.”

“Wow, congratulations! I'm counting down the days, myself. 2 down, 2 to go...”

“You got the number, NS...and a place to hang your hat.”