About three weeks ago, my daughter took a trip to Guatemala so we had our almost two year old granddaughter, Aria, for a few days. I picked her up on my way home from Brainerd where I had been taking care of Aubree and Ethan. She was a bit unsure about leaving Dada behind, but once we were in the car all was well. I got her safely to our home, and she spent the next four days herding our dog, Maxine and our cat, Henry. She called them woof woof and meow meow. It was important that we all be in the same space.
Aria enjoyed playing with Baba's toys and potatoes. It was fun to watch her play with the blocks that my parents bought for my girls when they were young. She also found their old puzzles and my globe.
Brian and I found an rocking horse alongside the road a couple years ago that was free. We decided not to pass it up as the grandchildren might like it. She was shy about it at first, but once she got the hang of it, she loved it.
I was a bit concerned about making sure she ate enough so I tried to offer what she might like. Actually I felt like she ate quite well, and I kept it pretty healthy.
She absolutely loved the animals, and I know she loves Baba. She loves Grandpa, too, but is a bit shy with him. He can be overwhelming. One night she stood by my side when I was cooking and grabbed my hand. She said, "See" and pulled me to the computer room where Grandpa was sitting. Pretty cute. So overall, it was a successful stay. There was some difficulty with getting her to sleep so I made an executive decision to sleep with her in the spare bedroom. My sleep was essential to being able to keep up with her for four days.
She didn't ask for Mama or Dada, but the last day she did find their photo and laid down with it.
I feel blessed to not be working at this time which allows me the time and freedom to spend time with my beautiful grandchildren. They grow so quickly, and I don't want to miss these precious moments.
Thought for the day: I love these little people, and it is not a slight thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us. Charles Dickens, The Old Curiosity Shop
Our previously wild cat, Henry, has been living in our home now for six months.
About a month ago, I noticed him at the patio door looking out with interest. Before long, he was standing up and peering out and then started pounding on the door.
So I decided to let him out because I did not want him to feel like a caged animal and be unhappy. He would go out for a few minutes and then pound on the door to get back in. As time has gone on, and spring seems to finally have arrived, he has been outside for up to three hours. He always comes back which makes me happy. Normally he comes in wet or dragging leaves and pine needles on his thick fur. One morning I saw him take off and head hurriedly across Hwy 40 which runs in front of our home. This is a very busy highway so now I only let him out the back hoping he will forget about what lies on the other side.
It seems that even though he is well fed, warm and very much loved, he cannot ignore the call of the wild. At least he won't be making any little kitties while he is out and about.
I can't really explain why I love this creature so very much. It must be a combination of the throwback to my childhood of having tamed a wild cat plus his appearance in my world shortly after losing my sister. He gave me focus at a time when I needed it. Today I told him I love him to the moon and back!
Thought for the day: Who can believe that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes! Theophile Gautier
