THE MAGIC OF THIS SEASON
The Christmas holiday this year was especially magical and memorable. It was our first in-person Christmas with Tim and Jen and our granddaughters in three years. 2020 was full blown Covid and we stayed home. Last year, 2021, we came to Manhattan, but Covid hit a family member and we retreated back to Florida. We had been here a week, but weather and fear kept us from museums and even going to see the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. This year, the weather has been challenging and cold, to say the least, but we have been soaking up time with our granddaughters, catching up with Tim and Jen, and did walk down to see that tree.
At 6 ¾ (the three-quarters is important) and 10 and a half, F and E are becoming their own persons in wonderful ways. F is thriving in first grade, wiry and full of energy, with a well-developed sense of fun. She likes to build things (Magna-Tiles and Legos), invent scenes with Calico Critters, and is an avid reader and a budding writer. We enjoyed reading several little booklets she wrote about a cat and a dog and were delighted to receive her book about a cat’s adventures in three chapters, illustrated by older sister E, and created just for us!
Eleanor is a thinker, a lover of books and words, and is becoming more independent as she engages with the outside world and her circle of friends. A voracious reader and aspiring writer, she signed up for the middle school newspaper, fencing, and creative writing as her after school activities.
We got to hear the girls play the pieces they are preparing for their upcoming piano recital. Another evening, we stayed with them while their folks went out. We didn’t need to do much except be present. They are very self-sufficient.
I brought a children’s novel about a Mars rover named Resilience (A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga) that we’ve been discovering together. This robot rover is unusual in that it seems to have some human feelings. Sophia, daughter of one of the scientists working on the rover’s mission, writes to Res (rover’s nickname). These letters are counterpoint to Res’s ”thoughts” and provide some context for Sophie’s concerns and her mother Rania’s job. I’ve been reading the book aloud with the girls flanking me, one on either side. It’s a good story and has made for some very special time together. We didn’t get to the end, but I’m sure they will complete it one their own.
We had planned to take the girls out to lunch this past week to a nearby restaurant. E was sick so it was just F with Grandpa and me. We missed having E there, but we had a fine time with pizza for F and pasta for us.
And then there’s the magic of Christmas Day itself. This year we and the extended family celebrated on Christmas Eve. It was a reunion with the other grandparents and Jen’s sister and family including baby H, the newest girl born in April. E and F are reveling in having a cousin nearby.
I always love watching our granddaughters open their gifts. There are smiles of delight and an occasional whoop, along with big hugs and enthusiastic thanks. Nothing beats seeing their joy over more books, personalized note cards and stationery, craft items, Legos and the like! Tim and Jen are great hosts, and later we all dove into a delicious Middle Eastern/Mexican dinner.
This year, their tree came down early, they packed their bags, and now they are away. The Chief Penguin and I had such a memorable time. We are storing up the many hugs and looking forward to our next visit, but first, we anticipate a full recounting of their travel adventures!
RECENT VIEWING
Harry and Meghan (Netflix)
Despite the negative and mixed reviews, we watched all six episodes of Harry and Meghan. I expected to feel that they, especially Meghan, were overdramatizing their situation. So, it was a surprise to sympathize and empathize with the treatment they received in the tabloid press. And to learn that the palace never pushed back nor did anything to defend Meghan publicly.
Overall, the series is somewhat uneven, and I was a bit uncomfortable with the candor and intimate sharing in some of the early episodes. It is indeed their love story. Harry and Meghan come across as loving and also as involved parents with their two kids. They are articulate about their experiences and readily share their feelings. And I was impressed by their intelligence.
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It being the season, it seems appropriate to end with yet another tree photo. I hope that whatever holidays you celebrate, you’ve had a happy, healthy time!
Note: All photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)
