Dorm Decor and Saying Goodbye & Hello

This past year was one of those years that was different from the rest.

My older daughter, Miss S, started college,
so we said, GOODBYE!

And I was down to one daughter, Miss A, still at home to homeschool.

Miss S's room was empty.

Miss S was not home to play Bach and Mozart and Chopin for me while I cooked dinner.

Miss S was not here to help Miss A with her homework, or to hug when needed.

It was quieter.

We did cry.

We did laugh at memories.

And we did talk on the phone,

BUT--

I missed Miss S.

Miss A missed Miss S.

We all missed Miss S.

(Try saying that 3 times VERY quickly!)

What gave us and Miss S comfort was that we set her up in her dorm,
(and dorms are U-G-L-Y)

to make it feel more like her own room, (minus the Apple Green walls).

Her Hall (building she lives in, the third or middle floor).

What you would see if you stood outside on the balcony.

The foyer, left side.
Doubles as a foyer, linen closet, using the baskets to
hold towels, toilet paper, extra lightbulbs, soap, paper bags.

The foyer, right side.

Doubles as a kitchen, pantry, clothes closet, cupboard.

The campus has an enormous rose garden, 

and when the blooms are nearly spent, 

the landscapers trim them & lay the roses on top 

of the nearby shrubs for the students to take with them.

I should tell you, she has no roommate. 

Poor American college student--a room all to herself!

So, there are 2 of everything, 2 beds, 2 dressers, 2 desks.

We brought the bookcases.

This area is for her friends or sister when they come visit, which they did, a lot.

Love note from dad.

Her High School graduation gift.

Where Goldilocks sleeps.

Where the 2 bears sleep.

(What do you mean there are supposed to be 3 bears?

The other bear must be in the shower or at the Dining Hall, I think).

Where Miss S eats.

What Miss S eats.

A visit with Miss S.

Miss A and I are very proud of her.

Miss S is in the middle.

Her last class of her Freshman year was today.
We will be picking her and the rest of her things today and tomorrow.

So, Miss S will be home for the summer,
HELLO!

I am looking forward to laughter and piano music and hugs.
Miss A looks forward to help with her homework.
And what I most look forward to is NOT seeing an empty room.