Monday, June 15, 2020

Claremont College

Nel had the day off, so she thought we could take a drive to get away from the house for awhile.  She is working from home teaching, so she needed a break.  She wanted to stop by her favorite coffee and pastry shop in Claremont, but I told her that I wasn't ready to go out in the public yet, so I brought each of us a slice of lemon cake and frosting that I made the night before, and she brought a thermos of coffee.
 
We ended up at Claremont College, and Nel showed me all the different areas surrounding the college.  We first stopped at a shady courtyard and sat on a bench to enjoy our coffee and goody. 


 
There was a bronze horse there that
Mia took a liking to.


 
This is the same courtyard that we gathered at
after Nel got her Ph.D. many years ago.

 
She has a child now, so I'm sure many thoughts ran through her head when we visited the college she attended all those years.

 
The Theatre.
  The mural on the theatre walls was interesting.  Nel hopes that it will be open and that The Nutcracker will be playing there for Christmas.



 
Mia looks so small on these steps.
It's such a grand theatre.

 
This is the library courtyard.  It's not open to the public right now, but I was able to take a few photos surrounding the area.

 
There was a white flower bed
that was so pretty.


 
A blue bird stood still long enough
for me to take its picture.


 
Another courtyard.  The purple flowers scattered to the ground looked beautiful.  I see them all around this area, and they come from the trees that grace these neighboring towns.


 
On the way home, we saw these words inscribed
on one of the college gates.

 
There is a neighborhood of charming houses in Claremont that we drove through.  Not every house in the neighborhood is kept up and beautiful, but about every third house is very nice.  This is Nel's dream home.  Not too small, not too large, just a perfect size cottage.

 
Nel was at Claremont for 7 years working on her Ph.D.  It was a wonderful day, and it was a special time for her showing me around the area where she learned....so many years reading so many books and eating so many tuna melts and taking naps at a nearby park.  I felt very collegiate after spending the day here haha.  And being with this little one made it more special.

 
~Sheri

29 comments:

Laurel Wood said...

Sounds like a wonderful and relaxing day. The courtyard looks like a nice place to have shared coffee and a treat. Yes, Mia looks so tiny on those steps! So happy you were able to be out and about but safe from crowds of people. xo

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

Looks like a fun day! Glad you were able to get out and about. I have been going out more and more. I am ready for things to get back to normal. I miss going out for dinner or shopping without worrying about the virus.

Pilar said...

It looks like you all had a fun day! Mia is so precious, and she does look tiny on the stairs! I wanted to go visit my old college here in the city for my 10th anniversary of graduating. The virus put that on pause for now. Wishing you a wonderful new week Sheri!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning beloved Sheri! That house, I'd say that is one style I could dream about and could live with! Very California, very Minneapolis, in fact! It is amazing how going back to a place can retrieve so many memories. What an honor to have been in college, to learn, to move on in society to help others learn as well. I hope Mia will have that opportunity one day. Big hugs to you my dear as you navigate another day of learning and remembering.

Debbie Nolan said...

Dear Sheri the photos of the college where Nel attended were beautiful. What a great shot of the blue bird and of course Mia. Hugs!

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Glad you were able to have such a lovely time. Days like that give us something to be thankful for. Have a great week ~ FlowerLady

Anne Hagman-Niilola said...

It is lovely get away from home even if only for a short time.

Chatty Crone said...

First of all I love that cottage too - I want it.
The college looks so unusual. She went there 7 years. How can she still be so young. Has she let her hair go back dark or am I confused. She is pretty either way.
Mia is adorable.
I love lemon cake.
Nice captures of the bird and flowers.
It was a beautiful campus.
Love, sandie

Jeanie said...

This is a gorgeous campus. And so nice it wasn't packed so that you could comfortably walk about in it. Isn't Mia the cutest? How nice you brought your cake (sounds delish, by the way!) and could just wander this beautiful site I suspect you'll return. I hope so!

Louca por porcelana said...

What precious time with your loved girls!Mia is so cute!Gorgeous pictures,love them all!Hugs,dear Sheri.

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Sheri, what a lovely day you enjoyed with Nel and Mia. I'm sure Nel was happy to take you back to her alma mater. Your cake sounds delicious! I'm glad to hear you are being safe. It was a great time to visit the college. And darling Mia is growing up so fast! Enjoy a lovely week ahead.

Betty said...

The college is so beautiful and so is the little one. I like that horse too. We are just now getting out and around.

R's Rue said...

❤️

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

A wonderful day to spend together! Love seeing the beautiful campus - you must be such a proud Mom (and Grandmom :). So many memories of dedication and persistence for an amazing achievement. Lovely photos...the theater is amazing and those purple trees are so beautiful. So nice seeing your beautiful daughter and grandchild. Sending hugs xo Karen

Carola Bartz said...

Lemon cake sounds good! I don't blame you for not wanting to go into public, I usually avoid it as well (except for grocery shopping).
I believe those blue flowers are coming from Blue Jacarandas?

Susan said...

Wonderful photos, Sheri. Oh, just lovely. What did Nel get her PHD in? That is so commendable. So happy you are having FUN. Thanks for your visit to Writing Straight from the Heart. Always very happy when you visit! Hugs (air hugs with masks! ha ha) Susan

RaeAbigael said...

that looks like a lovely school! keep safe! :)

xoxo, rae
http://www.raellarina.net

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It's me said...

Owwww the little one is so cute....sweet little girl....love from me Ria 💕🍀💕

Polly said...

Mia is so cute. I agree with Nel about the house, it's lovely. You had a great day out, good idea taking your own goodies. Looks like there weren't too many people about.

nonie everythingsewing said...

Wonderful to have special days, especially now. I did find comfort when you said you didn't feel ready for public yet. My son thinks it would be okay for me to venture out for groceries and he is probably right, I just don't feel ready.

Carla from The River said...

A very special day for you Sheri.
I like Nel's dream house. :-)
Mia is a cutie!!

Rose said...

Oh, this sounds like such a wonderful day...Mia is growing so much. She is just so cute and adorable.

Himawan Sant said...

Oh, what a unique statue of a horse at Claremont College ... I like the idea of ​​going for a walk in the campus area, setting an example for us to travel around not having to travel to distant locations.

Have a nice week :)

roughterrain crane said...

The paintings of the theater make us excited and bring you into the other world.
Stay safe and enjoy a weekend.

Marilyn Miller said...

How proud you must be of Nel, that is quite an achievement. What a lovely walk on the campus. I haven't been there for many years. Loved the white flowers too.

The Liberty Belle said...

Mia is simply adorable. It looks like you have a delightful visit to Claremont. I really like your photo featuring the purple flowers.

Roberta said...

Dear Sheri,
Thank you for sharing your amazing walk across the Claremont college!!
The photos are lovely!
Wishing you a pleasant week

baili said...

dear Sheri
this must be special trip for you by all means indeed
Nel showed you areas where she spent seven years of her student life :)
it is pleasure and pride for every mom i believe

you have beautiful beautiful way to capture everything as all photos speak for your amazing talent :)))
sights of area are serene ,i loved favorite house of Nel as well
blue bird and flowers specially white flower is GORGEOUS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mia is cute precious angle :)))
i hope you are loving your new settlement my friend
wishing more grace of lord to you and your loved ones !

Pam said...

Nice looking place. How close is that to La Mesa Ca? What is she getting her PhD for? My daughter in law is working on hers for Family Therapy. She has gone to college in San Diego but also went to Fielding in Santa Barbara.