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Monday 19 February 2018

Busy, busy

Our eldest granddaughter, Sylvie, 




had a day without school and her grandfather and I spent it with her. It was a busy day with a variety of activity, including a drawing class at the local library. Shopping for a gift for her sister’s birthday preceded lunch. 


The kids’ choices of restaurants always fascinates their grandfather and me. We never know where we will be eating since the kids usually pick a different place every time. This day it was the golden arches, not my favourite but their grandfather doesn’t mind.


Then we took some food to the local food bank, shopped for her new sneakers and seeds for the animals along the boardwalk. After a short time home at art work, we headed to the boardwalk.


We needn’t have worried about the animals. Others have been feeding the muskrats, birds and squirrels. Instead, we watched them go about their lives and chatted about the various critters. 


The mourning doves were perched in the trees around a common feeding area. The puffiness of one, trapping air under its feathers to stay warm, resulted in our favourite photo.





Its neighbour across the path wasn’t as cold.





This area of the boardwalk has deciduous trees which are at least 20 meters high. We heard the tapping long before we saw the woodpecker. Sylvie didn’t recognize the sound but she will in the future. Passers-by helped us locate the bird high in the tree. The red patches on the male fascinated her when she saw the photo.





We finished our day with her tap dance class which Sylvie thoroughly enjoys.  As I drove her home, we talked about our plans for our next alone day, her time without her sister and brother. No time for board games today. Next time! But, we don’t need plans, just time together.


34 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

How wonderful for you, and posts like this will help her to remember should she look back on it.

Rhodesia said...

Lovely photos and I agree that the dove puffed up is excellent. Well done. Have a good week, Diane

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I've said it before Marie, how lucky you are to be able to spend so much rewarding time with your grandchildren. I miss mine so much when they go back to Sydney after Christmas. Looking forward to seeing them in April and thank heavens for Skype .☺ Sounds like you had a wonderful day with Sylvie.

DJan said...

It sounds like it was a wonderful day for all concerned. I agree that you are so lucky to have her nearby so you can send time with her. And thanks for introducing me to a sweet soul. :-)

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Always good to spend time with young people - despite their questionable taste in eateries.

Catarina said...

What a wonderful day you had!! She is so beautiful!
And the first picture.... absolutely gorgeous! Good timing!

Danielle L Zecher said...

That sounds like such a fun day. I'm go glad you're able to spend one on one time with your grandchildren like that. They're very lucky.

Debbie said...

my kinda' day, how fun for all of you!!! i like a big mac, maybe once every six months i get the itch. i order it no pickles so they will make it fresh. i am ashamed when i go, i always hope i won't see anyone i know. but just once every so often....

your granddaughter has such a sweet....

and the bird captures are really beautiful!!!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Sounds like an absolutely delightful day!

Mage said...

Just perfect./...thanks.

Barbara said...

The photo of the woodpecker reminds me of my mother. When she caught me doing or about to do something I shouldn't and spoke to me about it, I often asked how did she know. I have eyes in the back of my head, she would say. So does the woodpecker.

Jenn said...

What a nice day! Those mourning doves are cute.

Joanne Noragon said...

Aren't they grand! The kids and their surprises.

Bill said...

What a wonderful time you have with your granddaughter.
Alone day what a great concept that is.
The bird photos are gorgeous.
Thank you!

Marie Smith said...

I hope so, AC.

Marie Smith said...

We both loved that dove, Diane.

Marie Smith said...

We slways have a great time, PDP.

Marie Smith said...

Sylvieis one of our treasures, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

How true, John.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Catarina.

Marie Smith said...

We are the lucky ones, Danielle.

Marie Smith said...

It was a great day, Debbie, but any day with the kids is.

Marie Smith said...

It was, Debra.

Marie Smith said...

Grandparent time always is, hey Mage?

Marie Smith said...

Lol. Great memory, Barbara.

Marie Smith said...

The doves were great, Jenn. Picture perfect.

Marie Smith said...

The kids make life interesting, Joanne.

Marie Smith said...

Time with grandkids is priceless, Bill.

jenny_o said...

I agree with bill burke - alone day is a great idea. Your granddaughter is lucky to have you all to herself now and then. Love the bird shots.

Marie Smith said...

We are lucky to be able to have her with us, Jenny.

William Kendall said...

That's a day well spent!

Silver in AZ said...

Such a precious time, and she is just gorgeous!

Marie Smith said...

It was indeed, William.

Marie Smith said...

Sylvie is a sweet soul, SW.