Life Skills

Okay, I know- ANOTHER Grandpa entry. Humour me.
After all, I AM the one who taught Grace how to use this play tower.

The Challenges of Aging

Our poor old Cleopatra is not getting much better. Steroids helped for a while, then getting her teeth out was a good move. She was without medicine for a few days at the end of August, and seemed fine. Then she went down rather fast. The latest lot of medicine doesn't seem to work well with her fur. She is a survivor, though, and carries on. She still knows how to enjoy a patch of sunlight, or a cool bit of shade- the gifts God gives us all.
I guess her quiet dignity in the face of adversity ought to be a lesson to me when I feel life is tough.

The New Cat on the Block

We seem to be destined to have 4 cats. We lost one in the spring, then along came the neighbour girl with a skinny morsel that needed a home (but not her home).
So, here he is. As usual, he got his official, royal name (Prince Philip -Prince to make it royal, and Philip after our short-termer at the time). Then, the aliases. First, pp, then, as that is gross, 2p, then 2-piece (bouncing off the Japanese comic series, One-piece). And, in the tradition of theose wise cultures who name their children for obvious characteristics, he has been dubbed "Batman" (for his ears). He is gradually growing into his ears, so maybe we will do as the aforementioned societies often do, and re-nick-name him as new characteristics become obvious.
So far, my 2 granddaughters are "Bright-eyes" and "Wiggle-wart" to me. We shall see what new names they grow into.
In the Book of Revelation (2:17), Jesus says, "To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it."
Surely this name will be for something our Lord has seen in each of us. Live so as to receive a name you will be happy with.

Introducing...

Erin Watanabe, grandchild #2.
Erin was born on July 24. Through the kindness of daughter Anna's in-laws (who brought them 6 hours closer to us, and hosted the visit), we were able to see our new granddaughter when she was only a week old.
Recently Anna came to stay with us for a few days while her husand, Jun, was in Germany. It was great to get to hold Erin, to look at her, and to wonder "Who is in there?"
Time will reveal this new person God has put into our lives. So far, all I know is that she looks like Anna did, and wiggles a lot!
What an adventure- what a blessing!

Holidays

We were on holidays in August. It was not convenient to post, so- no blog entries.
We are just back, and tired, so this post is random- 2 photos from vacation, and one from today.

Yes, she thinks she is comfortable.
Our "white panther" in her usual roadkill sleeping position on my desk at Takayama (in the town of Shichigahama, Miyagi prefecture; see the Takayama-by-the-sea website).

Yes, it really IS a DeLorean.
Parked in front of an apartment building near Takayama.

Yes, this is easier than walking.
Granddaughter Grace takes the lazy way out on an afternoon walk over the hill behind our house.