The day we left from the Buffalo Airport it was sunny and mild. We were heading to Houston, then to College Station, Texas. My granddaughter was about to get her white coat. They get their white coats as they begin their fourth year of school.

We found out the ceremony was a really big deal.

A lady who was associated with the college years ago left money for the veterinary students to each receive a white coat that they would need to do their rotations.

We flew most of our trip between 35,000 and 38,000 feet in the air.

There is always a rush when the plane takes off. We traveled in excess of 425 mph. We could follow our flight and get all of the statistics during the flight on a small screen. I like being able to do that. We were seated near the wing of the plane. I did not have the window seat was able to see some out the window.

Our first stop was LaGuardia Airport in New York City. It is huge. We assumed since our flight out was at gate 83 and the gate, we came in at was 79 that they would be close together. Wrong! We had to go down an escalator, board a shuttle, get off, go up an escalator and walk the length of the Delta system. It was a good thing we had plenty of time. The last leg of the flight was uneventful and our suitcase was their when we arrived.

That evening Carly’s boyfriend suggested that we try a Portuguese restaurant that was near his apartment. We were game. When the menu arrived, we had to read everything to find out what we wanted to order. When I asked the waiter about the food, he nodded that he did not understand and went for someone who spoke English. I chose a small entrÈe of stuffed dates. They were wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with cheese. They were very good. I had four large dates and since no one wanted to try them I had them all to myself.

Our twenty-five-hour day (Houston is an hour behind us) came to an end at eleven, but thankfully the weather was great for our flights.

The next morning, we found out we did not get a complimentary breakfast at our hotel. If we ate there, the yogurt was $7.00 for a small cup. Who knew how much eggs and toast would have been! We waited for my granddaughter, then went for breakfast. The breakfast was very good and so was the coffee.

That afternoon we visited a butterfly garden. It was so relaxing to just sit and watch the butterflies flutter about. I got some good ideas for feeders for the orioles and butterflies.

From there it was on to the Museum of Science. We walked miles that day, but everything we saw was interesting. The last section focused on sustainable energy.

That night we headed for College Station. We stopped at a gas station/store and picked up our supper. My daughter and I shared a sub sandwich. We all ate from the fruit bowl I bought and the chocolate chip cookies. We all enjoyed Slushies.

Friday was the day of the white coat ceremony. A girl from home who also goes to school there joined us for the event.

The coats hung from a bar on the stage and each student’s name and home town was called. They put on their coat, then shook hands with faculty members. I must admit that I got tearful when my granddaughter walked out in her white coat. I was so proud of her.

The ceremony was simulcast so her father and aunt and uncle who were at home were able to see it.

After the ceremony there were a lot of pictures taken. I met one of her professors that she has worked for. He also accompanied the group on the trip to the wildlife preserve in Africa. He told her mother she will be getting an award in April. We are not sure what for, but she knows about it.

The celebratory supper was at an Italian restaurant. Carly and I shared a pizza. Then, it was off to an ice cream parlor for dessert. They freeze the ice cream and spread it out. Then, it is put into rolls and put into the dish. We were all able to choose the toppings we wanted. I had pretzels as one of my toppings and they were really good.

That night I got the first look at my granddaughter’s apartment. She told me it was not as nice as Paul’s, but I thought it was quite nice for college housing.

On Saturday we were off to Texas A & M to see where she goes to school. We walked around the campus.

To be continued…..

Ann Swanson writes from her home in Russell, Pa. Contact at hickoryheights1@verizon.net.