Class of 1994

Two big changes at ye ol' Alma Mater this weekend, 25 years after I was last there as a student:

1. The chorus in "Walls of Ivy" has changed from "Middlebury, Alma Mater, symbol of his strength and truth..." to "Middlebury, Alma Mater, symbol of our strength and truth."
2. It is now necessary to put this warning near the appropriate warming tray in the dining hall: "HAM: Contains Pork."

Other than that, the beer is still cold, the campus is indescribably lovely, and the friendships I forged there are lifelong.

I think both kids enjoyed the three-day visit. Lincoln was very impressed by the food and wondered if students ate that well every day. Between mouthfuls of sauteed scallop and shrimp risotto and flourless chocolate cake, I told him it's gotten much, much better the last quarter-century. Greta agreed about the food and told me she could imagine studying French and English lit there.

A quick recap of the festivities: After arrival and check-in it was straight to Mr. Ups for a well-lubricated welcome-back mixer. I pretty much saw everyone I ever knew within 20 minutes of being there. Sent the kids back to the dorm around 1030pm and stayed out a couple hours later catching up over Fiddlehead IPAs. Friday began with a hike up Snake Mountain, rated moderate by college kids, but pretty much a 2-hour uphill march made a little more difficult by all the recent rainfall. Friday afternoon we scored an invite to Lake Champlain courtesy of my classmate Heather, who has a summer cabin in Ferrisburgh, VT. It was too cold for any adult to jump in, but of course both kids did. Maizy the dog -- a flat-coated retriever -- was the life of the party. Never tired and loved to do belly flops into the water chasing sticks. Dinner Friday night was at our dorm dining hall -- all floor-to ceiling windows and Vermont maple ceiling beams, preceded by games and other kid-friendly activities outside.

Saturday Carey woke up early enough to attend a reception for veterans, where she scored an awesome hat and personally met the college president, Laurie Patton, who escorted her to the next event, a lecture by environmentalist rock star Bill McKibben. Lunch was at Dr. Patton's home, then some downtown shopping, and convocation with all the reunion classes -- from 1949 to 2014 in five-year increments. Each class had a spokesman who was charged with welcoming back his/her classmates in 150 words or less. The 92-year-old from the Class of 1949 started things off with the best line after he slowly made his way to the lectern. "I'm happy to be here." Another notable line from the class of 1989, confirming judgments made three decades ago: "The classmate you thought would have a private jet has a private jet."

The evening finished with the traditional dinner on the green, moved now to the athletic fields under huge white tents. The very drinkable Von Trapp Golden Helles on tap, followed by dinner, dancing and fireworks. Greta was very pleased to welcome her 47-year-old father to the floor when the band started playing "Shut Up and Dance."

All in all, a lovely trip down memory lane, made all the more special because 25 years later I'm married to the girl I fell in love with in those verdant hills.

That's my freshman dorm Carey's pointing at.

The view from atop Snake Mountain

With the much-maligned Frisbee Dog statue, installed during my time there. Greta's left shoulder conveniently covers the anatomically-correct bits.

Spelling M-i-d-d with the Winthrop girls.

Sixth floor of Bicentennial Hall, an open rooftop filled with telescopes. We had great views of the moon and Jupiter.

Overlooking Lake Champlain at Heather's sister's camp, a little less modest up the road from hers...

Can you find me?

Question: Will they re-chisel the HIS to OURS on the chapel?

South Jeff, South Jeff, and the Potomac School.

Turns out Greta can literally read anywhere

Maizy the very water dog.

Not plastic, Dad. Fine Vermont hardwood. ADK chairs dot the campus, enticing everyone to pause for a moment.

A few beers in with Heather at the final party.

After the final party at the start of a 1.5 mile walk back to our dorm. Seconds later a sophomore in a golf cart stops to ask if we need a lift. Ummm, yeah!!

This was Carey's plate on Friday night. Steak AND seafood = red AND white.

I wasn't aware this shot was taken, but it's a lovely way to end. What a blessed life.