Growing a Grandma

Ah, the joys of travelling!  The excitement of planning, exploring new places, immersing oneself in different cultures, and creating lifelong memories.  Nothing quite like it.  In truth, I think life is always better when you know there is a travel plan in the drawer.   But let's face it, planning a trip abroad in our 60s is a whole different ball game compared to our carefree and spontaneous adventures in our younger days.  I remember quite clearly the days of carefree tossing of two pairs of shorts and three tank tops ,two pairs of underwear and flip flops and away we go!   Now, with a newfound appreciation for comfortable shoes and elasticized waistbands, this blog post is here to guide you through the hilarious and oh-so-relatable differences of planning a trip abroad as a mature woman.  Our bodies may have acquired a few creaky bones, an achy joint here or there, and a reliance on panty liners and extra panties for when a laugh or a sn...

Write it Down - the Importance of Testimony A good couple of months ago, my eldest granddaughter, 12 year old Yuvali came to me and told me she had a school assignment she needed me to participate in.   Ok said I , jumping at the chance to contribute some of my primitive and outdated knowledge to this genius digital generation…although I wasn't sure of what use I could be!   So, the assignment was , she had to interview a senior citizen ( OMG - that's me!)! The interview was pretty much about my life as a child and a young adult.   You know, questions like “ Did you have running water or electricity?” or “How did you get to school - what! you had a CAR?” I guess she thought I had to flog my donkey and cart to get there!! Oh my! But, it got me thinking. How I would have loved to have known more about MY grandmother's life. The games SHE liked to play as a kid. What terrible world events happened in her lifetime? And I must be very honest -...

Life is Short - On Age and Ageing At the beginning of last month, I was blessed to celebrate my 65th year of living this glorious life.   I celebrated the day with sticky chocolate cake, loads of sprinkles ( that my Dyson vacuum cleaner sucked up from the floor with great efficiency), my delicious grandkids and tons of mess.  Just the stuff I adore. And appropriately, I’ve been thinking a lot about ageing. Not in a morbid or miserable way by any means, so don't get me wrong.   While I feel great (and that is not to be taken for granted) and I’m grateful to have the gift of my health(also DEFINITELY not to be taken for granted) , I can’t help but think of the fragility of time and how fleeting it can be.  I never really think of myself as old. Crazy and a little weird - yes, but not old.  I’m starting to think maybe that needs to be redefined.   Recognizing my age allows me to look at things from a different perspective. It helps me see ...

Slap Bang in the Middle of Middle Age A day in the life of…. A day of extreme opposites, of present realities.   It's no secret that I am the besotted gramma of five treasures.   My house, or for accuracy's sake, my apartment, is geared towards these treasures.  I have a toy corner, and toys.  Clothes for five ages, diapers in two sizes, strollers, a twin stroller ( more explanation on that another time), and a bunch of other grandkids stuff.   That will definitely be the subject of another post :)   My car - is pretty much the same. It looks like the municipal garbage dump, but that is besides the point.   The back seat is completely taken up by one rear facing infant car seat, and a front facing upholstered booster car seat. The baby seat is anchored down, with isofix and stabilizers and stuff I don't know how to pronounce - and is immovable.  The booster seat can be uninstalled and reinstalled pretty easily if ne...

Glory of the Grandma You can see and hear us everywhere. Pushing strollers in the streets, playing in the parks on the swings, in the supermarkets, on the buses going to wherever.  We are the Grandma's, the quiet army of helping hands and support teams that rally in any way we can, in any way our reality allows, to back our kids and assist them with theirs.   What a joy. What a precious privilege. For all involved. We are all winners.  We listen intently to their stories, we walk slowly.   We stop to check the snails and say meow to the stray kitty. We get enthusiastic about everything and smile and kiss endlessly.   We bring treats and surprises, and we keep to no schedule. Naptime is optional. As is eating your veggies.   We do movies,and stories ( for the 12th time if necessary) .Fun rules supreme. We almost never say no.   Not even to glitter stickers on the floor.  We allow feet (and shoes) on the sofa and l...