winter?

It's January weather. Maybe February (our second coldest month). Surely not early November! Brr!






Breakfast is early. Friday for us is a day of work, errands, of fitting in all that the week should have allowed.






Snowdrop's school is closed today and the girl spends a luxurious morning at her house. In the afternoon, she comes to the farmhouse.

I've been thinking about my role in her life lately. Because I see her so often, I tend to want things that parents (rather than grandparents) normally want from their kids: to be good, stay happy, and to do her bit to make life flow.

But shouldn't grandparents lend their time for the rougher moments? Shouldn't I be more of the old sage person who helps her navigate life's hurdles?  I no longer worry about work or stashing cash for retirement. I am retired! I want to write, but even more, I want to be there for those who need a bit of my help, love and good cheer. And patience.

But today, the little girl needs little of that patience. She is playful...







She is happy...






She is loving...






She is dexterous and creative.






And as always, she is eager to go out into the dark cold night with Ed to feed and lock up the cheepers.





There's always tomorrow and the day after. I'm sure my patience will be tested. And maybe my grandmotherly wisdom will click in and I will have helped her navigate those troubled waters. But today, we just had fun.