Yesterday was a granddaughter day. Picked her up at her house about 9, went downtown on the bus and walked down the market place stairs to the Aquarium. I have a free senior pass, and she is a free "3" so that part was nice. Once inside I hardly knew the place from years ago when we took our kids. Many more touch-me, interactive kid friendly exhibits in a huge room. It was not easy keeping up with her running all over the place. Later we got into areas that were unchanged from 30 years ago, including my favorite room with the wraparound tanks and Puget Sound fauna. It was her favorite also, as it had been her Dad's and uncle's too. One difference was that I didnt fall asleep there as I always did years ago; it is easier to stay caught up on sleep now.
Afterward we hiked back up the many flights of stairs. I was glad she could do it, because carrying her might not have been very easy. I got her some fish and chips and myself steamed clams in the market. Her Dad had told me to break apart the fish so it could cool coming out of the fryer, which also gave me a chance to look for bones. She loved it, and had a sample slice of plumcrat while we headed back to the bus to get her home in time for a nap. She fell asleep on the bus, and the few blocks down the hill to her house was not easy!
I plan to do outings regularly, as in at least several times a month, though it will be harder when the rains come.
My Grandad took me all over the place when I was little. Not to kiddie attractions, of which there were fewer then, but to things that were interesting to him and he thought I would also like. One day we went down by the river to a bar/ restaurant and after lunch he and some men shot clay pigeons out over the water. He was an ER, due to the good fortune of his wife inheriting a princely sum. He knew everyone, and everything that a little boy might consider cool. One of my favorites was visiting the Army/ Navy surplus store, and getting some tank spotter or canteen belt.
I find myself clowning with my G-daughter the same way he clowned with me. At first, I had no idea where I was getting it, but later I realized I had received it with love from him, and was sending it with love to her, 65 years later. And she giggles the same way I did back then.
Ha
