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Wednesday 11 October 2017

Alone day

Equal time with Nanny and Poppy, that’s what she wanted. Our eldest granddaughter, in Grade One now, doesn’t have time alone with us like her younger sister does. So recently, my husband and I collected Sylvie after school to spend a few hours alone with her.





At the bulk food store, we bought peanuts to feed the squirrels 





and blue jays along the boardwalk. It’s one of our usual activities which she really enjoys.



There had been torrential rains the night before and the longest thunderstorm we had ever experienced. As a result, the water in the stream which empties into the harbour was high and muddy from the run-off. 





“Oh look, muddy cuddles,” I said to Sylvie as we stood on the gazebo and looked into the water below. As a two year old, Sylvie loved Peppa Pig and the muddy puddles where Peppa splashed around. In Sylvie’s two year old vocabulary, muddy puddles became muddy cuddles. Now the phrase is a part of family vernacular. 


We watched as a yellowlegs foraged for food along the island in the stream. He seemed to disappear into the background and it was fun trying to spot him.





Back at home, arts and crafts filled the time until supper. Sylvie can spend hours at them, especially when you show interest in or work at them with her.


We finished the day with her favourite meal as we chatted about school and the million other topics her active mind conceives and which she voices almost non-stop. 


She paused briefly and asked, "When is the next alone day?"


46 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Such special memories are being created on Alone Day!

Rhodesia said...

What a lovely post and I am sure well appreciated by your daughter. So when is the next alone day :-) Have a good week Diane

DJan said...

Wonderful, Marie. I love your posts and was just trying to figure out what makes them so special. They feel like a poem and somehow I just fall under your spell when I read and gaze at your pictures. Thank you. :-)

Linda d said...

Pure sweetness and creating warm memories that she will cherish. Cannot wait until the day when I get to have alone day with a grandchild.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Love this post Marie. Yes grandchildren don't like to feel as if they are missing out on having you all to themselves now and then ☺ fabulous shots of the squirrel and the bluejay. My two love being out in nature too, so much to explore out there!

Celia said...

One child at a time is a so different and special and maybe the best way to get to know them in a really special way. Hugs to you both.

Joanne Noragon said...

We should have a family vernacular contest and see who gets most right. We have pigooses and bolbows in our family.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

The word "puggles" is part of our family's vocabulary, also meaning puddles. Pedals are known as "peggles", and a muddle is a "muggles". Sandals are called "tangles" and a shadow is a "daddo". The window sill on the other hand is always a "cinder will".

Elephant's Child said...

Precious moments. For you all.
Love this post, and mourn (again) never knowing any of my relatives.

Catarina said...

I share DJan's opinion about your posts, Marie. They are well written, they are poetic, they are sweet.

What a lucky granddaughter this lovely girl - with beautiful hair - is!!

The pictures, naturally, are fabulous! My favourite adjetive! : ))

Bill said...

How cute, "Alone Day". That will go down in your family's history along with a big smile. Enjoy the time alone with each grandchild, that is priceless!

Anonymous said...

What a blessing to spend this Alone Day with her! I enjoyed the photos and isn't it funny how every family has a new phrase that is theirs alone? lol

Mage said...

How magic. :)

Marie Smith said...

They really are, Debra.

Marie Smith said...

The next day is undecided as we have both girls visiting this weekend.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Jan. I value your opinion.

Marie Smith said...

Alone days are special, Linda as you will see.

Marie Smith said...

We like to be active with the kids if we can, PDP.

Marie Smith said...

It is special to have them one at a time, Celia.

Marie Smith said...

Lol. Family vernacular is special for sure, Joanne. I don't know what your words could be.

Marie Smith said...

Great words, John! They would be great in a children's poem.

Marie Smith said...

They are precious moments, EC. I am sorry you didn't know any of your relatives.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Catarina. The lucky ones are we, her family.

Marie Smith said...

I hope the kids remember these things about us, the way my husband and I remember our grandparents, Bill.

Marie Smith said...

Family vernacular is such a special thing, isn't it Mildred?

Marie Smith said...

It is, Mage.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

You know it's meant a lot to her to have this alone day...it may well become a family tradition!

Anvilcloud said...

It's neat how families can pick up their unique words and phrases. We have a morch, which is what Danica called our little front porch when she was younger.

Anonymous said...

Hi Marie! (I'm back to blogging). Sweet to spend time with your older granddaughter! I haven't looked here since winter and your pics sure look different now! Andrea

Silver in AZ said...

What a special time. It puts a true smile on my face; for all of you!

Marie Smith said...

The Happy Whisk has left a new comment on your post "Alone day":

I love that you guys did this. Here's to a killer good weekend with a great big side of boogie boogie. 🎃

Marie Smith said...

I think it will be a family tradition, Marilyn.

Marie Smith said...

How cute is that term morch! Priceless, AC.

Marie Smith said...

Welcome back, Andrea. Hope your summer was great!

Marie Smith said...

Mine too, SW.

Marie Smith said...

I had trouble posting your comment, HW, but I am including your blog address here.

https://www.blogger.com/profile/13438469476168485775

Jenn said...

How nice to have that alone time, and it looks like it was a wonderful time. I remember as a kid taking turns having sleep overs at my grandparents house (I had 2 younger sisters, so it was a treat to be alone!!)

Debbie said...

oh that is so sweet!! goes to show you those little ones know what is important - and how much you mean to her!!!

beautiful captures from the day!!!

Barb said...

How sweet. Our Grands all enjoy time alone with us. However, usually it's the youngest (5) we have the most. We also have words and phrases we now use that came from a toddler's lips. Have a wonderful fall.

Marie Smith said...

That time must have been good for you, Jenn.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks, Debbie. The kids will never understand what they mean to us until they have their own grandkids.

Marie Smith said...

That toddler speak is the cute and so special to each family, Barb.

jenny_o said...

It sounds like you are very close to your granddaughters. And that you're taking care of that relationship with the older one now that her schedule has changed. Good job.

Marie Smith said...

The grandkids live nearby so we are fortunate to see them often, Jenny.

Barbara said...

The youngest Grand Girl was sitting beside me and saw the picture of Silvi. She looked at me and said "she shouldn't be running, she might fall". Guess my Girl has heard it more than a few times because it came out sounding just like her Mama. LOL

Marie Smith said...

Lol. It doesn't take them long to learn from us, Barbara.