The bikes and go carts have been put away, the Lego is back in its big bag, Billy is wondering where everyone's gone, my secret book (below) won't offer any more gold for a while, the story books are all back in the library, we no longer find lost socks by the pool, there are no more miniature clothes on the washing line, the inflatable Crocodile has been deflated, Lady M is looking soulful, there are no more toys littered over the lawns, no more demands for instant veggie pasta delights, no more drawings on the kitchen table, and no more "have you seen my yellow shoes, Grumpy?"
The worst thing about having Boo Boo and the Cherub here, is that they eventually leave; everything seems so quiet without them.
So sorry Cro, You could facetime them and read a story to the little monkeys.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure we'll be doing that, but for the moment it's all so horribly quiet. We'll get used to it.
DeleteI expect Lady M. is planning her next trip to Sweden already.
ReplyDeleteShe hasn't mentioned it, but in secret I quite expect you're right.
DeleteIt's that sudden quietness that hits you. Rick will miss Kat terribly when she returns to base.
ReplyDeleteThere's no question that it affects our Dogs as much as it does us!
DeleteFor most of human history extended families lived in close proximity - supporting one another. No wonder that modern people feel an aching sense of loss about separation.
ReplyDeleteI still think that extended families, all living in a large house (or complex) is the best way there is. It happened here until quite recently... not so much now.
DeleteI can feel with you,Cro - and at the same time am almost envious: I (am the grandma, and all other relatives and friends) could not see the (luckily very healthy) little triplets since February...
ReplyDeleteThe result of 'Lockdown' I presume. We've managed to see four of our grandsons, but not without caution. It's a horrible situation.
DeleteAgree with Britta above - no sight of myGreat Grand daughter since Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThrow caution to the winds Weave; invite them over! As long as they know they're safe, and you know that you're safe, there shouldn't be a problem.
DeleteAren't our lives all about love and loss?
ReplyDeleteBut, hopefully, with more love than loss.
DeleteGrandparents around the world share your pain in parting.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they do. It's not nice.
DeleteYou must miss them terribly when they leave. I think you sound like wonderful grandparents who make such fantastic memories for your grandsons when they visit. I bet they miss you too. X
ReplyDeleteI hope they do. I'm sure they miss the location, house, pool, dog, etc; they have such a good time when they're here.
DeleteYou enjoy the boys so much it will take to adjust!! Grandkids give such pleasure. I know I miss mine and I see them every week, or more
ReplyDeleteThey're so much fun when they're small. When they get to 13-ish; not so much so. Then when they get to 18-20 they become nice again.
DeleteI was going to say ‘ did you know you had a crocodile in your swimming pool ‘ but I see that you do đ€Ł
ReplyDeleteIt’s always very sad when our children and grandchildren go home but that’s part of being our age ! I’m sure it won’t be long before some of yours are back and the fun can. begin again. XXXX
We have another visit in October, so that'll be nice. Then through winter into spring I don't suppose we'll see anyone. We have to take advantage while we can.
DeleteI'm sorry the boys have gone, Cro. I know how much you treasure their visits.
ReplyDeleteC'est la vie; they'll be back, we simply have to wait!
DeleteThe joy of grandchildren. Mia lives in Japan and I was able to have her here at least once a year, now not so much. Osaka is a long way.
ReplyDeletePoor Billy he doesn't really understand.
He's been going up to the barn looking for them. Dogs don't seem to understand the comings and goings of us humans. Nor should they.
DeleteHiding your gold in Adam Bede?? I just had my hands on that book in rearranging a bookcase. I have a terrible time parting with my books, and doubt I could make a secret book of one. It really is sad to come to the end of a family visit. Thankfully there are ways of keeping in touch now, so much better than letters and phone calls. Travel will be easier one of these days, we hope!
ReplyDeleteI can assure you that I DID apologise to George Eliot before defiling her wonderful book. It has become a real favourite with the boys, as it has 'TOP SECRET' and 'DO NOT OPEN' written on the cover. What child could resist, only to find gold coins inside.
DeleteWith everybody working from home and kids learning remotely, people in the US are moving out of the city and in to the countryside for more space. Is the same happening in Europe? Your children and grandchildren might be flocking to you. Your location is ideal on so many levels. I, too, like the idea of a multi-generational family compound.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest son has just moved from Kensington in central London, to a small village about 30 miles out of town. It is very much a trend in the UK, but I'm not sure about here in France.
DeleteI wonder if they ever gave thought to taking you along?
ReplyDeleteI would chain myself to a tree. I'm not leaving here unless I'm forced to.
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