Siezing the day
The grandchildren descended last weekend. The day started out sunny, but clouds soon gathered and the weather became quite threatening.
A good excuse for 'Grumpy' to drag out the old dragon kite - the one we bought in Tiananmen Square ten years ago. 
The gusty day was just right for a kite... as was the vacant land beside the shopping centre that the developers haven't moved in on yet.
The heavy cloud cover didn't make for good pictures, but at least it didn't rain - and no-one had to worry about trying to keep a hat on.
The string is attached to an old fishing line which makes it easy to reel it in - and more difficult to accidentally let go. Grumpy's invention!
Meanwhile, the fast-growing, littlest grand-baby is such a joy to watch as he begins the lifelong task of assimilating what there is to know about the world around him.
He has been starting small with the musical toys that dangle above, and of course the various family faces that hover nearby.
Something a grandma can cherish - the first smile of recognition from someone who has been in the family for only 8 weeks!
* [TIP FOR GARDENING GRANDPARENTS: the absorbent filling from wet disposable nappies - 'diapers' in other parts of the world - makes an excellent additive to garden soil, holding large amounts of moisture for long periods.
** [Used nursing pads can be recycled too. The little flat disk shapes fit nicely into the base of a plant pot.]
Hi Jude, I can really relate to that first baby's smile. It has taken a long time for my baby to accept me at all. I hardly ever see her so she took a while, but finally she knows I am 'nana' and on the last visit she even climbed herself up into my lap - mind you, as soon as she realised what she had done, she was straight back off again. I have patience.
Great pictures, thanks.
Posted by: DellaB | August 23, 2006 at 07:33 PM
I must go in search of households harbouring babies! My two cats gave up wearing disposable nappies a couple of years ago! ;)
What a great idea!
Posted by: Lee | August 24, 2006 at 12:11 PM
That oh so colorful photo of your young grandchild is fabulous! I'd have the happy contented look on my face too if I had such joyous surroundings.
Wow, I had forgotten all about nursing pads...
Posted by: Val | August 24, 2006 at 09:14 PM
Your grandchild is just beautiful, Jude!
Congratulations!
Posted by: Sonia | August 27, 2006 at 05:43 AM