The "Big" Train

I suspect that G likes trains even better than the children do.  She loves to hear the sounds of "Duke" and "Remus" (as Noni calls the big engines) moving through downtown Varina.  

So G can feed her own addiction under cover by setting up trains "for the grandchildren."   

This is the one Gunner calls "The Big Train." It's G's favorite, too.

 

   

    








Wait, is that a dinosaur next to that deer or just a blurry picture?

This is a fast train.  Now you see it....

Now you don't!

Background scenery courtesy of Noni & G.
 

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.
Psalm 127:3

No Self-Respecting Ghost ...

So I looked up one day and there was this sign posted in my hall ... 

As best as I can tell, it can be interpreted...
                "Duncan plus Noah and Laurel Ghost Hunters"    

And then this crew showed up on my back porch...ready for business:

And I'm pretty sure I now know why Gunner's name did not appear in the advertisement.  Seems his degree of readiness was slightly lacking.

While it could be that the ghost of Aunt Myrtle lingers, still ready to slam the back door with all of her might, as she did in life...  

Surely the game faces of the Ghost Hunters would put a cold chill into the heart of any haint...  

 

And I'm pretty sure no self-respecting ghost would stay on for long at G's house!

                           Behold, children are a gift of the Lord. 
                                       Psalm 127:3

The First Battle of G's Front Porch

This day shall live on in history as the date of the First Battle of G's Front Porch. It was a most momentous encounter involving cavalry, infantry and artillery. It was fought by many brave and noble soldiers.

All was fought under the banner of the standard bearer... 

who also served as chief soldier on guard duty.

Artillery presented itself in the form of "Old Mike." 

It had to be carefully sighted to be accurate

 and then loaded with the deadly ping pong ammunition.    

Besides the artillery, the cavalry with its study steed served well.

One soldier was especially versatile in her battle skills, being master of the cannon. 

the plastic blade,  

and the sword.

Together with her ready sidekick, she was a formidable foe.  

Of course, there were also foraging and cooking details to ensure that the troops were well nourished. 

On the menu was a hearty stew followed by pink icing.  

  

While the battle did not go well for some... 

In the end, all survived to fight another day.

How wonderful it would be if the scene of the aftermath of all battles could be...piles of flower petals. 

Dedication:   This post is dedicated to Jason Castellow, who on this day of December 29, 2015, can say:  "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."  (II Timothy 4:7-8).

A Visit to Granny's Grocery

Welcome to Granny's Grocery and Sundries
We have what you need to run your home right!

Come in and do your shopping with us...

We have toys...

We have sweets...

We have fruits...

We have vegetables...

and service with a smile!

Come on in and fill up your shopping basket today!

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord
(Psalm 127:3)

I'm brave! (as long as I'm in charge!)

Children are brave--listen to them--as long as they are ‘in charge’ of what might be scary to them.  
For years, Noah has enjoyed climbing Pudding Hill at G’s house and pretending to be a wild animal. It might be a daddy deer, or a fawn, or something more predatory…like a bear.
Today it was the dreaded ‘Football Wolf’—an elusive and rare beast.
“Granny, do you remember when we used to play wild animals”?  he asked as we visited Pudding Hill for the first time in a long while. I did, and I was afraid he was going to say... without saying...“Its over.” 
But no, not yet.
Playing wild animals on Pudding Hill has always been a scripted endeavor. G strolls around at the bottom of the hill pretending to be clueless about the savage beast or whatever lurking at the top. It goes something like this, and today Laurel and G were both part of the scenario.
G:  “Oh, I’m just walking along on this beautiful day. I don’t think there is anything scary around here.”
Noah: (Making animal scratching noises at the top of the hill and appearing above the mound) “Snort” or “Roar” or “Howl” (as appropriate).
G: “Oh no! It looks like a _____” (fill in the blank; today a Football Wolf).
Noah: (Appears or disappears at the top, poses, and sometimes charges down the hill toward his prey.)
G: (As the prey) “We’d better run away! Here it comes!” (or maybe, “Oh, look! It’s a baby deer. Let’s feed it.”  Etc. etc.)  
G was happy the time for the appearing of wild animals on Pudding Hill was not over.

What's that I hear?

Oh, no! It's a...!

Dreaded and elusive Football Wolf

Crouching

Coming for us!

Confrontation!

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord  
                       Psalm 127:3-5