Celebration Dinner

We celebrated Harry's graduation in the new chic Stratford restaurant located in the Bruce Hotel. The hotel itself won't open until May 24th but it certainly looks promising, and it has the smell of new construction that I love so much.

The best part of the evening was getting to know Harry and Laura's friends a little better. For some, the friendship dates back to middle school and they have an easy familiarity and humor that made the evening very pleasant.

Marilyn was eager to try the menu, especially after learning that the chef had been buying cheese at the Milky Whey when she was shopping for us this afternoon. I am less adventurous than she, but I loved my "Potatoes, potatoes, potatoes ..." appetizer that featured a variety of potatoes with a mildly seasoned white sauce drizzled tastefully around the plate. The others all chose a second appetizer but I just couldn't eat any more, especially because I had enjoyed several pieces of excellent bread.

My lamb main course was a kind of patty made of shredded meat, breaded lightly and roasted, not quite what I expected but excellent nonetheless. Unfortunately, the summer ratatouille (if that's what it really was) was full of olive bits, which I detest, so I didn't touch the accompaniment after the first surprising bite.

A few of us had dessert (not me) but all enjoyed miniature pastries. Just enough to finish off the meal. Perfect end to an exciting, milestone day.

New Doctor in the House

Harry and his lovely wife, Laura

Harry became the latest M.D. in the Marshall family - #5 by my count: Dr. Mark (Harry's paternal grandfather), Dr. Ken (dad), Dr. Marilyn (mom), Dr. Kate (sister). Harry earned his Ph. D. a few years ago, the first degree in the seven-year joint MD/PhD program offered by the University of Western Ontario.

It was a cold morning in London. Seems to be I've sat through many a sweltering graduation ceremony, but this wasn't one of them. The morning was run efficiently and well. Most of the speakers were brief and a few even had good things to say.



Harry and his mom, Marilyn

For me, the most memorable words were from Professor Jacob Van Dyk, the recipient of an honorary degree at today's event. His advice to the graduates was simple, direct, and easy to remember: 1.  Prioritize the big things or you'll never get anything done; 2. Invest in other people - they contribute to your success; 3, Celebrate your successes - don't get bogged down in your failures. He used the acronym "PIC", cracking a joke at the PICC procedure familiar to all the new graduates and many of those in attendance.

Graduations are emotional celebrations, often tinged with a little sadness. How I wish Harry's dad had been with us today! He would have been bursting with pride to see a second child begin a medical career. I think of my parents too and the happiness they would have savored on this extraordinary day. Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10203360959561121.1073741850.1125181306&type=1&l=12341c26f9