Annie

Good news came in pairs to Granddaughter Paige's house. While visiting this summer Paige informed all within listening range that she will become famous in time for her 13th birthday. Rock and Roll is her chosen vehicle to stardom and untold riches.

Music would lead to an acting career followed by veterinarian school. She got the order skewed. Monday she learned she would be lead in her middle school play. Liz will now be known, at least at school, as Annie, the role that propelled Sarah Jessica Parker to fame.


No sooner did she share her news with family, when the phone rang. A local theatre troupe called to announce she had been selected as the lead in Harriet and Walt, a children's series I am not yet up to speed on. Fortunately, rehearsals do not conflict.

Toad

On the Road Again

I know, but this time it's for fun. Mrs. T and I are leaving our kennel in the hands of her capable daughter and heading to Topeka, Kansas to pick up granddaughter Paige. Paige has shown up on these pages before, usually under the guise of some mischief. This time she is coming to stay with us, alas for only a few weeks. The best part of being a grandparent is having grandkids to spoil me all summer.

Do you recall the trauma that was 11? Starting middle school in the fall? Now that she is 11, and entering middle school, some changes are necessary. Paige informed her family that the name Paige is sooooo juvenile. From now on she will only answer to Liz.

Or in our house, "Liz, the girl formerly known as Paige." We'll be back in time for the storming of the Bastile.

Toad

Paige a Service Kangaroo?

A very old photo, Paige is now much older, has all her teeth, is taller and sings like an angel.

I was speaking with granddaughter Paige's older sister about plans for her upcoming high school graduation. Parents have been provided a multi page list of thou shall nots for the ceremony, but I found a loophole.

Graduations should be all about the student, it's why we go, but they can also be about the shared family sacrifice necessary to reach such a momentous milestone. That's why I asked Paige to share the ceremony and be her sister's Service Kangaroo. It's like a service dog, only a kangaroo.

Official Service Kangaroo Uniform

As I explained to Paige, she would hold her sister's hand and hop alongside in the processional, stand behind her while on stage, then take her sister's hand hopping alongside while she picks up her diploma, and hop out when the show was over. (The thou shalt nots don't even touch on this eventuality.)

Paige asked why.

Carefully, we went over her role in the proceedings, explaining that the kangaroo was vital during the picking up the diploma part, as she would have to carry, the rest was filler. Her sister would need one hand to hold the Kangaroo's hand and may need the other to adjust her cap, or gown. The Kangaroo, having the only free hand, would have to carry the diploma. Q.E.D

I gotta tell ya it's an ongoing tough sale. Paige strongly and persistently argues that if sis wasn't holding the Service Kangaroo's hand she could lug her own diploma.

Paige however enjoys being the center of attention. Once I fully explained the benefits of being on stage, the only Service Kangaroo in town, watched by tens of hundreds, probably even be on TV, the seas becalmed.

Now the joke's on me. The suit shown above costs $1165 US. I've going to have a MUCH tougher sale at home. It better come in school colors.

Toad

Grandpa day

Part of the fun of Grandpa Day is the opportunity to try new things, in the name of being the cool grandpa, while all the while maintaining traditions. One of our traditions is going to the movies, Paige picks, I buy.

We have seen some turkeys over the years. Remember Kung Foo Panda? I was there. The Pokemon movie? Seen it. Paige and I disagree on the worst of our adventures. She says her worst of all was Wallace and Grommet, either because she was too young, or poor home training. I hope for the former. I'm voting for Pokemon.

Today was my initiation to the Toy Story franchise, in 3 D thank you.

Those of you awaiting some snarky, I'd wish I had never been born commentary, are going to be disappointed. I liked it. Seen in a crowded theater with lots of kids and cute moms escaping hellish outside temps, it was a very pleasant way to kill a couple of hours. I even cried at the end. If you have kids that age, you are going anyway, so there is no need for my endorsement, but I give it unconditionally anyway.

What came as the biggest surprise was the 3D angle. Paige tells me there is 3D and Real3D. My inaugural was Real3D, and I'm hooked. I may never willing see another 2 D flick ever ever. If you are drifting into geezerhood, and don't have kids at the ready, take yourself just to be amazed at the viewing experience. The trailers will blow you away.

Back to the pool.
Toad

It's Paige's Birthday!! Hurrah

It is this little angels 9th birthday.

As most formerly 8's are, she is mostly trouble and teases her helpless grandfather unmercifully.
When I asked her what she wanted for a birthday prize she told me she would love a box of rocks and maybe a couple of sticks and leaves. That seemed simple enough, so I threw in a couple of handfuls of dirt and some snips and snails as well. I hope they arrive in time.

Will you join me in singing a special Happy Birthday to Paige song?

Toad