You kids (at the end of 2014): Dec 9

Hi kids,

I'm taking a break to let Grumpa and GG jump in with examples of very characteristic things about you two these days.

*****

GRUMPA:

So it was Tuesday night hockey, and Oliver was strutting around the ice with what I took to be a new intensity. Although Rocket Richard's eyes were dark brown and Oliver's are blue, you could see the same fire, the same drive to succeed.

 

Suddenly Oliver wheeled at the blue line and swooshed over to where I was standing behind the boards. He stared at me, and I saw that intensity again—this kid was thinking about hockey, and nothing but hockey. Nothing else mattered.

 

At which point, just before swirling away again, back into the play, he asked: "Grumpa, is your place decorated for Christmas yet?'"

 

[Photo credit: Jenn Beyak. O on right, great bud Jonah on left.]

 

*****

GG:

Ok this is from our walk home from the restaurant on Sunday. I caution Georgia to watch out—there's a pile of dog poo straight ahead. 

 

Georgia: "That's disgustin'!"

 

Me: "I know. I hate it when dog owners don't pick up after their pets."

 

Georgia: "Me too!"

 

We walk along in silence, thinking about the failure of some pet owners, when we turn the corner on to Park Street and encounter a man walking his dog. As we approach him, Georgia confronts him in a stern (and loud) voice:

 

"Why don't you pick up after your dog!"

 

We left them in some confusion as we marched on by.