Today was Mollie's big day: Graduation from Virginia Tech! Actually, the day may have even been a bigger deal because of all the graduation events that had been canceled for our family since the beginning of 2020. Feeling excited, I woke up at 0630 and started teleworking from the hotel room. Brenna didn't get up until 0730 but we were then able to go breakfast in the hotel lobby together. In addition to the good feed, we had a nice time chatting. Back in the room, Brenna decided to take a morning nap (!). Meanwhile, I did some more teleworking and also took a short break for a call with Eileen. I didn't stop working until noon, when Brenna was finally ready to go. Just at the moment we were getting in the car, Erin called (there was, apparently, some kind of confusion developing about what the schedule was for the day). As we were leaving Roanoke, I had to take Brenna in search of "fancy coffee" (she said she REALLY needed it). After that, we drove south on I-81. Upon arrival in Christiansburg, Erin called to report that Mollie had canceled our planned family lunch at Alex's apartment. This meant that the rest of us needed to find a place to eat. Brenna and I stopped at the Blacksburg Cookout for lunch (I got a Chicken tray with corn dog and cheese sticks). Even though great minds think alike, it was still a surprise to encounter Erin at the same restaurant. The unexpected convergence allowed us to exchange gifts (she had some for me from Iceland and I'd brought items from New Hampshire). We were together at the restaurant from 1315 to 1445 and had a nice visit. Bonus: I got to see Erin's new engagement ring! Mollie called us during this time and we all arranged to meet after the graduation ceremony. Brenna and I then drove (via some back roads) to Lane Stadium and parked - we were able to get really close to the stadium. We found Erin and Alex and I bought Mollie a present (a gray teddy bear, beads and graduation t-shirt). My daughters had fun naming the bear "Grady". Going inside the stadium, we coordinated with Mollie (via text) on the best location. The weather was very nice and it was nice to be able to sit with Brenna, Erin and Alex. Nicky and Steve arrived just before the start time (1530) of the ceremony, which lasted for about an hour. We all took lots of photos and videos - and there was much cheering for our family here. It took four years of hard work. Brenna laughed at me (and posted on social media") when I told everyone “It’s an exciting time to be a Coogan!” but it was definitely true! Once the festivities were finished (1630), we found Mollie and took lots more photos. Mollie liked the gifts we got her. I got to do some visiting for a little while but Erin was impatient to depart (for Baltimore) and Nicky/Steve left soon afterwards. Meanwhile, Brenna and I followed (on a VERY bumpy road) Mollie and Alex to his apartment, where we met "Maple" (their dog). We next took a walk on the trails nearby - the weather remained very pleasant. At 1800, Brenna and I departed for Kabuki Japanese Steak House in Christiansburg. When Mollie and Alex arrived a bit later (1830), we had a delicious (and entertaining) dinner. The chef had some very impressive cooking skills and good aim with the shrimp toss - I caught one in my mouth! By 2015, we were finished and, after saying goodbye to Mollie and Alex, Brenna and I drove back (via I-81) to Troutville. We arrived at the hotel by 2100 and Brenna and I then went walking to get the rest of our steps. It was a very pleasant evening, with a pretty moon outline. Brenna was fascinated with the many RVs that had parked in the nearby Cracker Barrel's parking lot. Meanwhile, I enjoyed the chance to talk more with her. Back in the room, I did some more teleworking until about 2300. After that, I read a bit before heading to bed (2345). What a great day!
