A Special Blessing, Jen's Graduation in Florida

From Grand Isle, we headed north and west. After parking at Rainbows Oaks, the Escapee Park and headquarters, we woke up early and drove to Houston. Timing it just right, we got caught in rush hour traffic but we made it to the airport and had a pleasant flight to Florida.

The reason we left the rig, (and Molly who spent the time in the kennel) and flew back to Florida, was to celebrate our daughter’s graduation. Jenny has spent the last three and a half years working on her Masters, while at the same time working as a registered nurse. Luckily, she has had the constant support of her husband, Eric!

We had a day to relax before the Pinning and Hooding ceremony, so of course we went fishing. The dock provided an easy place to fish and we caught our usual various species. Mangrove snappers, pin fish, and even a gaff top catfish all were safely caught and released.

The Pinning and Hooding Ceremony took place in an ornate room of the Campus building, (this ornate building was originally a resort, but it also was the headquarters for the Spanish American War). The Pinning ceremony is a tradition that has its roots in the crusades, but was revived in the Crimean War. Each nurse is pinned to signify their dedication to their patients.

The first part of the ceremony was the usual speeches. Two nurses from the Phi Kappa Phi, an honorary nursing society, congratulated Jen and her friend Katy, both had graduated with honors. Next, as each member of her class crossed the stage, they were first hooded before being pinned.

On Saturday the Universities graduation ceremony, were held at the Fairgrounds. The ceremony went quite well, although I napped during the speeches. Those with Masters degrees went first before the undergraduates received their diplomas.

To celebrate this day Eric took us to a Brazilian steakhouse, where we had one of the finest meals we have ever had. The salad bar contained a plethora of specialties including heart of palm! The waiters served the meat on a large kebob slicing off a taste of each of the meats. These included pork, lamb, beef, and sausage. I couldn’t eat it all!

The final day Jen and Eric’s friend Mike, took us to a picnic on a deserted island. The island has no name as it is temporary and is located at the mouth of Bunces Pass. A hundred or so other boats showed up, but most people simply stayed on their boats and partied. We choose to go ashore and had a wonderful time, (Renita and I of course covered up)!

It was a great end to a special week. Jen was so happy to have us attend, like we would have missed it? The whole week went too fast. We have been truly blessed! S special thank you Eric and Jen, for the week in the Huttie Hotel, (we stayed with them in their condo). Clear skies and congratulations to Jen!