On The Mark: It's good to have grad parties back

I have thoroughly enjoyed the half-dozen grad parties I attended the last few weeks. It's always sweet to see how the featured grad beams at you and answers your "what's next?" questions. And I love the photo displays where you can trace the grad's trajectory, from lovable baby through finding himself or herself with the guidance and joy of strangers and siblings.

A good party also involves sitting down, forking up yummy food, and visiting with neighbors and strangers. It struck me this year how the physical setting encourages (or not) unexpected conversations with people you've not met before...