Grandparents

Just been in southern Ireland for a week with my parents and children. For some strange reason my beloved did not wish to join us! (I think it was the driving rather than the company). However, that did mean he missed Anni for two whole weeks because we picked her up straight from Camp. Anyway we had a nice, relaxing week and visited a few places of interest such as Avoca, where Ballykissangel was filmed and we did the open top bus tour of Dublin. It was good too see Mum and Dad enjoying themselves. Anni loved doing puzzles with Grandad. I love this photo of them together.

Times with grandparents are precious. I never knew my Mum's parents. My grandad died when she was 16 and my Grandma died 7 years before I was born. But if she'd lived I would have called her Nana and she would have knitted jumpers for me. I like what I hear about her.

I had a Grandad until I was 8. He was small, sweet and slim and didn't say much. (That's where I get it from then?) He loved peppermint creams and his name was Robert, just like my Dad and my brother. My Grandma died when I was 13. She had 25 grandchildren and used to call me Elaine. She'd say "Hello Elaine. What's your brother called again?" At which point I would inform her of my real name and the fact that I have two brothers. She was big and brash and bossy and gave me tea with sterilized milk in. (Bluurrrgh!)

Our children are very blessed to have two sets of grandparents living close by. Especially ones who know their names and are lovely to them.