We got to campus about 5:30, after one of smoothest rush-hour trips I have ever had on I-35 We ended up being placed in Myers Hall, on the 4^th floor (“4^th Myers” in Carleton parlance). This was the top floor of an un-air-conditioned building. Our room faced west into the hot June Sun. We propped the door open, and later were able to do something to mitigate our circumstances.

We went to the dinner for my class at a tent in the Upper Arb. Several faculty members reminisced about our era, saying nice thing about our class. We were seated at a table with a couple of my classmates, and were starting to have a nice conversation with NA about children (we have sons with similar issues), but NE, acting quite drunk, kept interrupting and making it impossible to talk. Quite disagreeable.

Later that evening I went to the lounge for my class. mia_mcdavid was tired and stayed in our room. I brought over some of my homebrewed mead and stout, which was a big hit. I stayed until every bottle had been opened, and then went back to our room and went to bed myself.

Despite the heat, we both managed to get some sleep. After breakfast we went over to the library for an internet fix (the college computing staff was well prepared for the influx of visitors). Afterwards we joined the Parade of Classes, only a couple minutes late. We dropped out of the parade at the end, not joining everybody else for the Convocation in the Chapel. I did not want to inflict an hour of crowded and hot college ceremonial and speeches about how great we are on Mia. Actually, I think Carleton is a great institution, but the point need not be repeated ad nauseum.

We played hookey by strolling up and down Division Street, which is Northfield’s downtown. It has a lot more interesting stores than in my time (1968-1972). There are at least three antiques stores, which I noticed because I was feeling like something of an antique myself. There was a nice shoe store there, and Mia bought me a new pair of Birkenstocks as a Father’s Day present. The pair I had been wearing was 20+ years old and falling apart. Mia insisted that we throw them out immediately.

We were having such a pleasant time that we realized we would have to hurry if we were to get back on campus in time for lunch. It was too hot to hurry, so we had a nice lunch in town at Chapati. In my college days I never dreamed that such a good Indian restaurant would be a block away from campus.

Afterwards we took a nap, then joined a substantial party of my classmates to clear brush from Lilac Hill. The hill had been one of the glories of the Arb every spring in my time, but the lilacs were long gone and the hill was a lost legend–current students do not know where it is. The college is trying to change that. However, a lot of brush needs to be cleared before the lilacs can thrive again. We made a lot of progress toward this goal.

After much needed showers Mia and I considered dinner. Once again we decide to skip the official meal and go into town. Neither of us have found them to be a good way to really interact with my classmates–something I will remember for future reunions. Other events, e.g. the Lilac Hill Work Party and (at previous reunions) Folk Dancing, are much better. Into town again, for beer and sandwiches at The Contented Cow, another wonderful new temptation in Northfield. We sat outside on the patio, the weather having moderated. One of the churches across the river played a couple hymn tunes on their carillon at 7 PM, including “Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”. We then got some ice cream at another place a block away.

We got back into campus with time to spare for the Boiled in Lead concert. This was late getting started, but quite good. Less Celtic-style music than I expected, but they played quite a few Macedonian and Hungarian tunes. Like they say, “Country music from many countries”.

Before bed we stopped in briefly at the lounge for my class to reconnect, then went to bed. We had had a good Carleton day, filled with interesting, fun, and meaningful activities, all within walking distance. Our car never moved.

This morning we joined a bunch of my classmates for breakfast, then said our good-byes and left.