Day Six: Style

It is important for a grandfather to be up on the latest trends in fashion. This begins with proper research and then the appropriate attire of all dolls.

Day Five: Living Together

I am probably dense but I could never figure out gender roles. It seemed to me that my girls could shoot guns, ride horses, climb trees and build things just as good as any boys. They were great help when working on cars, building fences or digging ditches. A better plan, it seems to me is for everyone to work at serving and enjoying each other.

Day Four: Generations

I didn't know my grandfathers and I only saw my dad's mother a few times but I spent quite a bit of time with my mom's mother. She was a very small lady so a child barely had to look up at her but her heart was huge. I have many fond memories of being with her and doing things together. This no doubt planted the seeds which make being with and doing things with my grandkids so enjoyable. Of course a part of this is letting them do things which their parents don't allow or might frown on!

Day Three: Library

Today I took Bowie to a reading time at the library. It was very educational. My first thought was, "I am the only male here and the only one over 60!" The story lady brilliantly moved from quiet story to action song keeping the toddlers interest for the entire thirty minutes. But, perhaps the most fascinating aspect was watching Bowie's reaction to it all. She quietly stood at the back, close to me and watched with rapt attention. I have heard her mom talk about how she slowly moved into new social settings but had not witnessed it. I saw myself some 60 years ago and remembered the one and only day I went to kindergarten. It was overwhelming and my mother in a rare display of care for me, saw me as "not quite ready". I stayed home and gladly marched off to first grade a year later. It was oddly reassuring to watch Bowie and to realize it was okay...she was okay...I was okay.

Day Two: Monday Night Football

Along with a large segment of the population I eagerly anticipate the season of football each year and now am looking forward to enjoying it with Bowie.  Now let me be clear that football's value for me isn't as a social commentary on crowd behavior or human kindness, and especially not on its presentation of gender roles (although we do finally have a female ref). No, the true value of football lies in its ability to provide the perfect background noise for a nap. Ahhh, I'm getting sleepy just thinking about it.

Day One:Food

Well I just dropped my son and his wife at the airport heading for Rome. I have ten days to make a lasting impact on my 3 year old granddaughter, Bowie. So my first input involved a stop at McD's. Now you need to understand, Bowie's parents do not consider this acceptable food. I on the other hand consider it an essential part of becoming human. It is an acknowledgement that some cattle, probably living in another country, or some chicken with enormous breasts gave their life so I could exist. Thanks animals and thanks kids for leaving the country and giving me plenty of time to implant some of my weirdness into your child. I can't wait for tomorrow!