Chronicles of Nana

This is a monumental week at our house. Our grandson is graduating from high school…not just any high school but a private academically challenging one that we have contributed mightily for him to attend. For the last seven years  we have sacrificed a great deal of money and time so that he could have full advantage of the best schooling that is offered. This aspect of his life has been important to us all. So, his graduation this Thursday is especially meaningful to us ….

PASSAGES….

 In a sad, bittersweet sort of way we will all be graduating right along with him…I remember graduation as a turning point in one’s life, it certainly was for me. Plans have been made for his future. He received a new gas economy car that will transport him to a local college. Lucky for him, his closest friend has chosen the same college to attend so he will have that close association with a good friend continue for awhile.

A DIFFERENCE…

The difference in this turn of events is that, unlike high school, where his family supported him financially, he will have to help work off his tuition and expenses by working at odd jobs on campus. This opportunity will heighten his abilility to try various outside jobs and perhaps, firmly cement his decisions for a forward career. A good deal of humble experience never hurt anyone!

DECISIONS….

Currently his interest is in the medical field. However, this too can change. While in high school he has had several work experience opportunities open up to him with computer graphics and imaging. Deep down, I am hoping he might channel his desire to go into medicine by combining that interest into a medical computer imaging career. Computer technology is a vast arena in the medical fields nowadays.

CHANGE IS CONSTANT….

He has warned us that graduation may become emotional for him…being a member of a small ( 70 something grads) school makes the relationship with students and teachers even harder to break away from. The small school atmosphere makes it difficult to say goodbye…

The passages of life can be difficult for sure. We are standing on the side lines watching a young person become a man…He is a great kid! I know what his Mom’s is thinking.and feeling..not an easy time for her either…

THE REWARD…

However, after the pomp and circumstance we will  jump a plane to Hawaii…this trip has been planned and paid for for months. We have had a few garage sales to augment our travels. So, Friday we head west to the paradise island where we will escape for a week of fishing, swimming and visiting with friends. We have even planned to play with a dolphin or two!

It has been many years since visiting the islands. In the past it was usually in conjunction with Grandad’s work. This time we all are mainland tourists. It has been such a long time that I am sure it will be like going for the first time ….once again….

Times are getting rough…this could be our last big splurge for quite sometime. Grandad and I proceed with caution but some things are worth the sacrifice….a young man’s education is worth the effort and Hawaii has become the reward for all of us!!

Aloha…

My time finally came to watch the faces of several grandchildren as they experienced the Magic Kingdom for the first time. I would not have missed this for the world…so I nearly crawled my way in order to be with them at this momentous occasion. Yes. I was hobbling on one leg but with the use of a cane and a rented scooter I once again came out of the park with more energy than all the rest…wise ole Nana that I am!

AT THE AIRPORT…

First. may I mention the polite consideration of the airline and airport personel. They take utmost care to make the disabled comfortable…I have heard horror stories and have personally seen the elderly and impaired treated less than satisfactory. But  my experience this time was excellent and acommodating. I appreciate the respect and treatment given by these special and sensitive people. I realize this is not always the experience for some but it is nice there are those who seem to be well suited to the job and who extend themselves in such a gracious manner. I am sure no one delights in “feeling up” and all lady in security or having to put on her sneakers because she can not bend to tie her shoes!!

DOWNSIDE…

I found the coordination for wheelchairs for arriving flight passengers to be awkward and prolonged. A process that needs improvement. The Baltimore airline crew had to wait on plane with me for a wheelchair to arrive. I hope they expressed themselves behind the scenes after this lengthy pause in ground operations. We did pre-request that wheelchair assistance be available at our arriving destinations. Apparently some procedures are not flawless!  Security seems to have tighten up…has become more thorough but fast. The lady who had to pat me down asked me what was that lump  and I replied it was a lump that belongs to me! When one gets my age everything heads south with lumps about the gut and thighs!! Why is that?…

SCOOT ABOUT…

The scooter was awaiting at the hotel..it was my constant companion for 48 hours. I appreciated every minute of it…it was my E ticket to fun. We were there to meet the grandkids as they came into the park. They were so cool on the outside but every once in a while I would see delight jump out in giggles and screams. Disneyland has a way of opening up a whole new world for children. There is a spirit of controlled freedom that lifts the spirit to a new level. I saw my 15 year old reserved but cool grandaughter smile frequently which she should do more often because it brings out her beauty.  I watched a 7 year old grab the magic and “go for it.” She was fearless as she conquered every new adventurous ride. My eleven year old could hardly contain her excitement as she delighted in the whole experience. And the super calm one remained calm under pleasant pressure! My grandson liked teasing his Mom and taking the littlest ones to the rides in Fantasyland. The five year olds held hands and challenged each other to be brave….and they were!

PEOPLE ARE FUNNY….

I did alot of people watching … it was literally a scream to watch my family at the Haunted Mansion all huddled about Dad as he and there Aunt let out the most blood curdling screams. My grandkids were wrapped around Mom and Dad tighter than duct tape! There was a mass of humanity there that day…watching families interact and having fun was enjoyable. After all the Magic Kingdom is the happiest place on earth!

WHO THINKS ON VACATION..??

People get so caught up in the magic that they do not think….for one they stop in their tracks right in front of a moving scooter. As I scooted about it was apparent that most people thought I was invisible. I nearly ran over a thousand people that day! It would not have been a pretty sight….but I am getting very good at the scooter thing and boy did I see alot of them scooting about the park. Soon there will be more scooters than strollers!!

WHO WANTS TO LEAVE..???

We had to make our goodbyes at noon the next day…it was sad to have to go knowing we all had to go our separate ways. My grandchildren would soon be off to see Nonni and Pops for a few days before heading home….

We arrived back home in the evening welcomed by a new batch of snow…spring is having a hard time springing!

We are now back to reality and it sucks big time…. I have just returned from the dentist and a lengthy root canal. All my teeth ache. To complicate the situation the goop impressions they took lifted out another crown so I have more work to be done.

Geez…what a welcome to the real world..I”d rather be dancing with Mic and friends!!

In a few weeks my grandaughter “Munchkin”, her Mom and Nana will be flying off to the Magic Kingdom once again. This time it will be truly magical. Seeing Disneyland for the very first time is like finding heaven on earth..well, that’s pretty close if you are eight years old!

THE FIRST VISIT…

 I was about that age when I first experienced Disneyland…and I have been there many times since. My children were raised with an annual trip to the Magic Kingdom for many years. Now, I will be able to see and experience the hyper-thrills given to my grandchildren as they rush through the gates where time stands still. The kids range in age from 14 to 5. I am anxious to see how their goodly parents divide themselves between space mountain and mad teacups!

AN APPROPRIATE GUIDE…

My caboose child has been a Disney brat for years. She even worked at the local Mall in the Disney store. She, of course, has indoctrinated my munchkin grandaughter in all things Disney. The munchkin has also been to the Magic Kingdom in Orlando…the last family adventure before her Daddy passed away. She is well versed into all things Disney and even collects the pins and trades them with park employees. She and her Mom will be the perfect guides for our first time visitors. I plan to tag along and make it all memorable by taking lots of photographs. But I especially anticipate being the one to watch what joy is …if I don’t ride an attraction and just scoot about on my scooter and snap pictures…..I will be happy.

My last few visits have been more as a spectator than participate anyway. I have watched many a parent rant at their kid” for Pete’s sake..smile, we’re in the happiest place on earth!!”

TIPS..TIPS..TIPS…

Here are some tips that can make the stay within the park more memorable and sane. …

1. Don’t over dress..California casual all the way. Lots of visitors have had to buy sweatshirts in the park for the nightime chill. Be prepared …or pay the price.

2. Planning on a one day visit? Plan to be there at park’s opening time and staying until closing to maximize the cost factor.

3. Souveniers are expensive…have the kids mow alot of lawns and babysitting so they can purchase their own goodies.

4. Food is costly as well, so leave the park and go to McDonalds or Taco Bell. Or prepare a lunch in an ice chest and eat up in the parking lot.

5. Once entering the park go to the fast pass stations and pick a time for the most popular attractions so you do not have to wait a long time in line.

6. If you are a “first time” visitor or celebrating a birthday, go to city hall and receive a free button. These buttons identify you as special and cast members will go out of their way to make you feel good.

7. If your family splits up to head toward separate desired attractions always pick a spot and time to meet up. Carrying a few cell phones could help in this regard.

8. When leaving the park for whatever reason except going home, always have your hand stamped. If you hold an annual pass this is not necessary.

9. When purchasing items to take home…wait until you are ready to leave and purchased them then. Caution..there will be crowded stores. No one wants to carry these items around all day! However, there are lockers available too.

10. Make note of parade times and special events..oft times one must be in the area early in order to get a good view.

11. Food can be found through out the park but one might want to consider eating at off meal times to eliminate the crowds. Do not buy more than your family can eat..oft times the kids just need enough to keep them running. Liquids are important and one pays for all that is available in the park, even water that you can carry. Water fountains are usually around the restroom stations.

12. There are a few “sit down” restaurants but reservations are usually required.

13. There are stroller and scooter rentals available within the park. However, when you leave one must walk. For those who have limited walking compacity consider renting a scooter from a local agency and have it waiting at your hotel upon your arrival. Provided your occommodations are close to the park this arrangement can work out well.

14. Many people carry in backpacks that can hold diapers, water and snacks. Avoid taking in a purse, unless it be a fanny pack or can be securely attached to the body.

15. The water attractions will get you wet…prepare to dry off in the sun or pack an extra t-shirt in the carry-in.

16. Wear comfortable shoes…lots of walking.

17. In California Adventure one can get samples of freshly made bread and tortillas in the cannery row area. If you have a birthday button you will receive a dozen fresh tortillas for stopping by and it is free.

18. On most attractions disabled visitors have faster access to the rides..follow the directions posted or ask a cast member.

19. Mickey and friends are available through out the park to take pictures with your family. Be mindful that they have  a limited time to spend with each family. Be courteous and move on when done.

20. Take time to visit Downtown Disney where there are several restaurants, merchandise shops and vendor wagons to explore.

One of my recent visits to the Magic Kingdom brought me a moment of great satisfaction. It was closing time and as we filtered out of the park into Downtown Disney, my munchkin grandaughter who was standing upon my scooter for a free ride, feel asleep. As we worked our way back to the hotel many passerbys noted the sleeping beauty and smiled….my comment was “Nana won this one!”

And sleeping beauty was very content….

Recently I did something I have always wanted to do…I went to a Saturday morning showing of Disney’s “Enchanted” with several of my grandchildren!!! There we were Nana, Grandad and four of the parents and eight grandkids taking up an entire row at the local movie theater…..

MUSICAL CHAIRS…

After a battle of ring around the seats, we all settled with our popcorn, drinks and red vines to view Disney’s latest spoof on itself. It truly was that!! Half cartoon and half be- witched into real life by a cranky witch who feared the loss of her kingdom and powers. The witch was beautifully played by Susan Sarandan right down to the no teeth and wart on the nose. Beautiful as the doting mother of prince charming but when her ire was up she became really hard to look at…believe me!

TAKING FANTASY TO BROADWAY…

This film pretty much took fantasy into real life and spoofed all the old Disney cliques of movies long past…Putting a princess into modern NYC is like asking Mary Poppins to dance hip-hop! There were many moments that left one laughing outloud and the kids seemed to enjoy it.

I am not sure about the dragon’s revenge and demise (the witch went too far!) However, as with all Disney it had a happy, not so real, ending that left everyone smiling. It was a Goofy movie…I am sure he would have liked it too!!

THE OPENED DOOR…

The best part for me was when prince charming was frantically going from door to door looking for the fair princess. He happened upon a door answered by a hagard woman with a batch of kids about her and she exclaimed..”Your too late…” That cracked me up…guess I identified too closely to her plight!!

Anyway, it was a flight of fantasy that if not totally magical it was entertaining in a storybook sort of way. I would give it 3 stars….but for a Disney film there are usually alot more!

I don’t know maybe old Nanas need to just enjoy the grandkids laughing and having fun…

Tis fuel for the soul!!

Saturday I did something I have always wanted to do…I went to a Saturday morning showing of Disney’s “Enchanted” with several of my grandchildren!!! There we were Nana, Grandad and four of the parents and eight grandkids taking up an entire row at the local movie theater…..

MUSICAL CHAIRS…

After a battle of ring around the seats, we all settled with our popcorn, drinks and red vines to view Disney’s latest spoof on itself. It truly was that!! Half cartoon and half be- witched into real life by a cranky witch who feared the loss of her kingdom and powers. The witch was beautifully played by Susan Sarandin right down to the no teeth and wart on the nose. Beautiful as the doting mother of prince charming but when her ire was up she became really hard to look at…believe me!

TAKING FANTASY TO BROADWAY…

This film pretty much took fantasy into real life and spoofed all the old Disney cliques of movies long past…Putting a princess into modern NYC is like asking Mary Poppins to dance hip-hop! There were many moments that left one laughing outloud and the kids seemed to enjoy it.

I am not sure about the dragon’s revenge and demise (the witch went too far!) However, as with all Disney it had a happy, not so real, ending that left everyone smiling. It was a Goofy movie…I am sure he would have liked it!

THE OPENED DOOR…

The best part for me was when prince charming was frantically going from door to door looking for the fair princess. He happened upon a door answered by a hagard woman with a batch of kids about her and she exclaimed..”Your too late…” That cracked me up…guess I identified too closely to her plight!!

Anyway, it was a flight of fantasy that if not totally magical it was entertaining in a storybook sort of way. I would give it 3 stars….but for a Disney film there are usually alot more!

I don’t know maybe old Nanas need to just enjoy the grandkids laughing and having fun…

Tis fuel for the soul!!

We recently had the opportunity to visit Disneyland for two days with our two daughters, a grandson and our 5 year old grandaughter. It was in celebration of a birthday for our caboose child who was raised with all things disney in her life…

SCOOTIN’ ABOUT…

It was a whirlwind of activity that can test the stamina of two old grandpoops. Grandad hadn’t been in the park for nearly 10 years and he was skeptical as we boarded the two scooters rented for us. But…he got the hang of it and we scooted about with the best of them. Not only was there masses of people but many were riding scooters as well. One afternoon we were returning to the hotel and a woman came up and asked me how we arranged for the scooters. She exclaimed she had spent 3 days in the park and was more than ready for a scooter too.

 Actually the scooter thing is a grand idea. they are small and compact enough to manuver most tight spaces and can be riden right up the the loading zone on most of the attractions. Most families zig zag from land to land so the foot mileage does mount up. The only downside is that the people around you are so caught up in the magic that they do not watch where they are going or stop dead in their own tracks so those who drive the scooters must constantly watch out for the human critters who seem to think scooters can do no harm!

We were able to ride our scooter right up the elevator and into our room. It was convenient and saved the body alot of aches and pains…

A HOLIDAY VISIT…

We had never been to Disneyland during the Christmas holidays. Needless to say, on a weekend, it was crowded. It was also cold…usually when we went it was hot and uncomfortable. It was weird hearing carols being sung in so many different ways!I felt it was nice to know that some things never seem to change…going to Disneyland no matter what time of year, is like making fantasy a reality. Sometimes that is a good thing….at least for a couple of days.

A TRAINING THING…

My favorite ride still is Big Thunder. I can never decide whether to scream or laugh so I do both! My knees cannot take some of the rides nowadays but I found myself, older and wiser, and people watched…which is great fun! I am amazed the lengths people go to for escapism… the costumes and hats, though rediculous somehow fit in just fine.

PEOPLE…. 

Whenever I go, I always witness the dynamics of families… the good and the bad! Seems like it runs the gambit at Disneyland. It gets to be nine at night and Moms and Dads are running about with strollers filled with sleeping kids still trying to catch one more ride or thrill. Of course, we now have multi-generational people raised with the Disney traditions.

The big  and newest adventure is the Nemo submarines. We just did not go there but our birthday girl took her daughter first thing Monday morning when the crowds no longer existed.

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES…

Grandad and I especially enjoyed eating at the Blue Bayou…good food is hard to fine inside the park. Celebrating a birthday in the park is always special. The birthday person gets a button to wear at City Hall and through out their stay employees go out of their way to recognize the special day. We planned a private party in our hotel room. Throughout the day, housekeeping sent a washclothe cake and balloons, a birthday cake was delivered and a basket of goodies awaited the birthday girl when she arrived.

There were parties everywhere….upon our entrance in the park there was a crowd of about 8 year olds all dressed as Princess Bell. We saw many young couples walking around wearing bride and groom Mickey ears. In downtown Disney there is a makeup boutique for little girls. As we walked by there were little girls being pampered to princess everything!!

NIGHT TIME MAGIC…

The park at night is magical, especially during the holidays. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is adorned with cascading lights that look like snow. Main Street is festooned with garlands and wreaths that cross over the street and the plaza has a very tall Christmas tree ladened with the biggest ornaments ever.

But to be honest…the magic was nice but it was wonderful watching it through the eyes of a five year old.!! I would have to go back many years to capture that wonderment…Disneyland and kids and kids with puppies…now that’s a good time!

May it always be so…..Goofy messed with my hair and gave me a kiss and Mickey and Friends say HI!!

I had a good and fun experience last week. I and my yard became the service project of some of my grandchildren. I called my daughter-in-law to enlist the help of the grandkids to help rake my yard of all the accumulated autumn leaves. Now that we have a fenced in back yard we are left with piles of leaves that have no where to blow by against the fence…

SEASONS CHANGE…

Last week I was admiring all the golden leaves as they clung to the tree branches and this week they have all turned brown and fallen to the ground. Our home is situated on the hillside more than halfway up the mountain, thus we normally get to pick up the blown garbage that comes down from the hill…it is so with the leaves.

SETTING THE SCENE…

So…it was a warm, windy day when my grandkids piled out of the car with rakes and garbage bags in tow to chase the floating leaves about the yard. I must say such a chore is so much better done by more than one person! In no time the leaves were piled up mile high and stuffed into the bags. Once tied securely, the bags became the trampoline for the littlier ones. I now have several squashed leaf bags sitting along side the garbage cans.

THE REWARD…

I wanted to reward the children with  money that could go toward their Christmas shopping, but Mom said that she wanted her kids to learn to serve others. Understanding that… I dumped the left over Halloween candy bowl upside down and told the kids to have at it!!

Such a little payment to see the grandkids all working together….and having fun as well! It would have taken hours for me to complete this job, instead I was able to sit on the stoop and watch… and have one or two grandkids come over to me and say..I love you Nan!

It was a good day….

I sat upon my computer perch watching a snow storm accumulate upon the tops of the mountain. Tomorrow the white stuff will glisten in the daytime sun. It is Sunday… and I have returned from  my daughter’s church to see our youngest grandaughter sing in a children’s program. Since we have very early morning church, it was nice to sleep in alittle more and have more time to put myself together….as one gets older that does take more time!

A SLOWER PACE TIME…

I like Sundays where we live. It, somewhat, reminds me of Sundays long past. When the town buttoned up for the day and nearly everyone was at a church giving their gratitude to Heavenly Father. Life becomes slower, the pace easier and family and friends gather…it really can be a day of rest!

Since our immediate household holds two full-time employees and a full-time student who work five days a week, Saturdays become the “go get it done” day and Sunday is so appreciated as a day of rest and reflection. Weekends go too fast!!

THE CHILDREN SPEAK…

So we sat in church watching the little children heartily sing their songs and intently listened to their messages, sometimes spoken so softly that only Heavenly Father could hear….that’s okay He was listening! I love watching the little children sing….loud at the good remembered parts and alittle apprehensively during the long lost words of the other parts! Their faces illuminate their innocence, eyes wide, wide open and smiles that sneak in between the words….

FOLLOW THE CHILDREN…

It is said that one should become like little children to know Heavenly Father… today’s theme concerned faith. Faith is not always a tangible thing and life is hard and does at times test that faith. I know…because in my weakest moments I struggle…

Here, I am an old Nana with vast experience in life and I learn at the feet of little children whose faith is unrelenting and pure. They are life’s treasure..you know. Like puppies, they grow up and have to weather the storms that life’s passages bring…I hope life does not steal away their childhood and dreams. I hope parents realize the importance of their mission in bringing forth strong, righteous and faithful men and women.

However, for now I will enjoy the wonders of children and their innocence and the sounds of their sweet voices lifted up in praise of Him…

It’s been a renewing and good rest day indeed!

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET, BEAUTIFUL GRANDAUGHTER!!

MAKE IT A GOOD ONE….

I REMEMBER THE DAY!

LOVE YOU

NANA

Have you noticed when you put together a puppy and a five year old child there comes critical mass? At least critical mass for an old Nana…

SMART DOG…

The new puppy in our house is a very intelligent one. She out smarts us all the time. She is also very fast…the other day I watched my daughter chase her in the back yard. One was literally going while the other was coming! I know Mookie listens because I saw her take a peek at Blue’s Clues on the TV the other day. But, like children she only listens to what she wants to hear…

Mookie is at the gangling stage, all long legs and fluff. She is an independent thinker and so am I…there in lies the problem. I am determined to get her disciplined. The photo of the timid, shy dog was very deceiving and totally wrong!

SIGNIFICANT OTHER…

Mandy, the other alpha female canine in our house, seems to control her the best. Mookie will slam dunk her all the time and Mandy loudly puts her in her place. I know this is working because when it comes to puppy chow time Mookie will bend to Mandy’s dominance…

Even so, like children she has become a pest and there are times I see on Mandy’s face…”oh…pleeze get me outa here.” I open the door and give her space!

I like watching the interplay between the two dogs. It is a good case in dog physcology and when confined with them I find it most interesting. I have no doubt that in time these two will come to terms and become good companions…it’s the time getting to that point that concerns me.

KIDS AND PUPPIES…

Of course, the five year old kid and Mookie have become fast friends. What is there about children and puppies? They play together for moments on end….I guess they speak the same language! It becomes loud and active play and occasionally I have to call a time out…..for me!!

Should we all survive…perhaps it will be me who will have to be put on a leash!!