A grandchild graduates

The neighbor, the graduate, the grandmother, the neighbor.

When the portable basketball hoop appeared in the driveway across the way years ago, we thought it an unusual addition to our 55 and over community. But Grandpa Anderson knew what he was doing. Today we celebrated his granddaughter's graduation from Shakopee High --- and her basketball scholarship to Southwest Minnesota State University.

The cake had a Mustang on it. The Southwest
mascot, of course. Not true that Katie couldn't wait
and took a finger swipe at the frosting.

Caleigh Rodning was all smiles today as friends and family gathered at her father's Savage home for  traditional graduation festivities -- a beautiful, sunny day for the little shy girl we watched grow into a beautiful, confident woman with wide-open, blue sky on her horizon. That's not just because she's an accomplished athlete;  her achievements extend to the classroom as well, in a studied, balanced approach that will serve her through a lifetime.

Our long-time neighbors, Grandparents Wes and Shirley Anderson, are justly proud of the girl who showed promise as a golfer, but passed on that path after discovering she preferred the social, team aspect of a fast-paced basketball challenge.

We'll watch her career with interest and wish the best to the neighbor kid we'll always remember driving the baseline on our tarmac.

FATHER AND SON -- Duane Slaughter, Caleigh's mentor and swing coach, with his Dad, who drove up
from southern Minnesota to honor the grad.

 Hammerschlagen -- the object is to drive your nail into the stump first by taking turns with the wrong end of the hammer. Mostly you'll miss. It can be a drinking game --- but not today, of course. (Stan beat Katie by two strokes -- sober.)
Entertainment also included video of Caleigh's ball games, memorabilia, and introductions to a ton of relatives enjoying a huge spread, beverages and good company.
A disproportionate number of folks in the gathering have roots in the tiny town of Hanska, Minnesota. A road trip is planned to see what it's all about there.