Dear Granddaughter #1,

31 Aug 2010 5 Comments

by Sheila Clapkin in Growing Up, Letters, Purchases and Shopping, Quotes

Dear Granddaughter #1,

I think it is time for another Grandma letter.  This is an important one to me because I have so many ideas to tell. I hope you are well and comfortable with all that is going on in your world and the worlds around you.

First of all, when I call you, please sound a little joyful. Even if you do not think I am the greatest, make me think you think I am and make me think you are glad to hear from me. Why not? What does a little cheerful sound and a lovely lilt to your voice cost you? Nothing. It is also good practice.  Sounding cheerful always gives the person on the other end of your conversation a good, happy, feeling. I know you are not responsible for the way others feel, but you are responsible to be cheerful as much of the time as humanly possible. It is good for your electrolytes. It is something good.
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The Phone Call from the Washington State Police

27 Aug 2010 3 Comments

by Sheila Clapkin in Trials and Tribulations

A phone call came in yesterday afternoon from the police department in Bellingham, which I was told, but already knew, is located in the state of Washington. The officer introduced herself with such rapidity that I hardly understood a word she was saying.

When she asked who I was, and I said, “ Well, who are you?’

She said, “I just told you”

I replied, “You spoke so fast I did not understand you.”

“I am officer Greene from the police department in Washington State.”

“Oh.”

“We have a complaint that some teenage boys are making lewd remarks to people using this number.”

Right away the hairs on the back of my neck stood straight up.  I said, “Officer, this is a serious accusation and I want you to know we are an elderly couple and there are no teenage boys in our life.” More

What I Did on My Summer Vacation: Great Travelers on a Marvelous Adventure

18 Aug 2010 3 Comments

by Sheila Clapkin in International Travels

After every summer vacation, I remember having to write a paper, essay, composition or whatever you want to call it on: What I did on My Summer Vacation. Even though I do not have to write and or correct papers anymore, I still want to write about what I did on my summer vacation. It is a tradition and a habit, so…this summer we took our daughter and our granddaughter on a trip to Europe.

I am reminded why summer travel is so different from other times when kids are in school and mom and pop are working. Crowds. Huge enormous crowds everywhere hurrying from one spot to another. Lines, lines, lines. The street corners are 10 and 20 deep. If you wish to see an attraction, like the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace you literally have to be 6ft. 5 tall or more and have very good eyesight for distance. The lines for attractions snake around for blocks and blocks.
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