Monday 15 April 2013

Grandfather For a Day

I had Catriona, The Family's eleven year old daughter, for the day today.

"I don't like crossing Tennyson Street on my own, Graham."  So Catriona this morning when we went into town.  "Well you can always hold my hand if you want to." said I smiling "but you may not want to do that."  "The point is, Graham," came the response "people might think that I was helping you across the street."  

As I couldn't stop laughing we nearly missed the green go man at the traffic lights.

That set the tone for the rest of the day.  Catriona is witty and entertaining company and a joy to be with.  But then I'm not a parent!  As everyone assumed that I was her grandfather, though, I was delighted to take the role on for the rest of our time together today.
 
Imagine a 3D movie of animated characterisations of cavemen called The Croods.  The Dreamworks blurb describes it as a prehistoric comedy adventure that follows the world's first family as they embark on a journey of a lifetime when the cave that has always shielded them from danger is destroyed. Traveling across a spectacular landscape, the Croods discover an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures -- and their outlook is changed forever.  Does that sound just like my sort of film?  No.  However Catriona thought it would be a good idea to see it (and I certainly wasn't going to be party to her seeing any of the other 4 or 5 films that were showing at the cinema!).  We were the only people in that screening (actually on the way out we did see a young couple hidden on the back row: ah memories).  And you know what?  I thought it was brilliant.  I'd never seen a 3D movie since the days of those red and green paper spectacles you held up in front of your eyes and was mesmerised by the effects.  Catriona dismissed the 3D effects as below average.  We both agreed on the fact that it had been well worth seeing.

Afterwards I took her to play croquet.  She enjoyed that too.

Home for spag bol and another film until Mum and Dad came home from the practice and came down to The Cottage see how we'd got on (and so I fed them too).

I still can't work out what I have done to deserve such a good life these days?

20 comments:

  1. something about sowing and reaping .... :)

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    1. I'd like to think so Fiona but.........

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  2. Catriona sounds delightful. And do we ever deserve what we get (or get what we deserve)?

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    1. Yes Frances Catriona is delightful. As for the questions you posed I used to believe in the laws of karma but now I'm not so sure.

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  3. Worked hard, been kind to people, and generally been a good bloke. Though I agree with Frances that it does not follow that you get the rewards!

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    1. It's good of you to say so CJ but people may think that you are biased.

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  4. One of my FB-friends mentioned The Croods the other day and liked it but never explained what it was (and I didn't get round to googling it)... Thanks for enlightening me :) Sounds like you had a good Grandfather-day (including escort crossing the city streets)...

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    1. It's not the sort of film I'd get out on DVD and watch Monica but I'm delighted that I went to see it.

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  5. I can't think of a lovelier person to help you across the street...smile.
    Wow, she is one lucky little girl.
    Glad you both enjoyed the day...The Croods, croquet and then spag bol, I can't think of a nicer day.

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  6. Your day (and Catriona) sounds delightful indeed!
    I can tell I've been at the office for too many hours today - I really had to think hard before I figured out what you meant by "spag bol". Off to slump in front of the telly now for a while - my sacred Monday night occupation (and the only time of the week I do that).

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    1. I'm sorry Meike I am rather prone to using 'family slang'. I don't have a particular night for anything really I just go with how I feel unless I have something organised.

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    2. Well, Monday is my telly night because it is the only night they show the only series I currently like. Other than that, apart from dancing (which only happens on Saturday nights because that is when the venue is open to anyone), I don't have particular nights for anything, either. I often go for a run on Thursdays with my friend because that's the only night she has time.

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  7. She sounds wonderful!
    What a great day.

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  8. sounds like a fun kid to be with. It's amazing their grip on movies and media stuff. I have a 12 year old who lives behind my house and she keeps me informed.

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    1. Yes Red they are very savvy and switched on these days but then they are saturated with it one way and another.

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  9. What a lovely post about a lovely day.

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    1. Sometimes, Katherine, like a trip to an art gallery and a coffee with a Spanish donut after, the simplet pleasures are the most satisfying.

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