the mystery of the yellow ring – Molly funny


Whose birthday was it this past week since we’re in the birthday celebrating mood recently? That would be Pretty’s dad who turned 91 (or 90 – no definitive date but what’s a year here or there among friends) on May 2nd. Last weekend Pretty and I met our granddaughters and their daddy Drew for an overnight visit in the upstate to celebrate Walker Williams who is known to his family simply as Papa. As always, the hospitality of Darlene and Dawne, their dog Gabe, and an assortment of cats made the celebration in their lovely lake home extra fun for everyone. We missed the granddaughters’ mommy Caroline who had to leave early for a wedding in her family.

four-year-old granddaughter Ella napped during an afternoon boat ride

on Lake Bowen

Nana needed her sunglasses – Naynay had sunshine on a cloudy day

(what can make me feel that way? my girls – talkin’ bout my girls)

Naynay, is this yellow thing a bracelet? asked two-year-old Molly

outside local brewery following dinner later that evening

Hm. Better ask Neena, Naynay said

Neena, is this yellow thing a bracelet?

Molly, the hole is too small to be a bracelet for me, Neena said as Daddy smiled

oh, so this is where the yellow circles go

three cheers for the kindness of strangers

On Sunday morning, we took Papa for a birthday brunch. Molly sat at the head of the table next to her great-granddaddy who she felt obligated to entertain since older sis Ella watched “tubes” on Neena’s phone. Whenever Molly understands her behavior is inappropriate, as in throwing food she doesn’t like on the floor, she has learned to give an infectious smile and say “Molly funny.” It’s impossible not to smile back at her.

look, Papa. Molly funny

When Molly was finished, she said, All done.

And on that note, so are we – for today.

Stay tuned.

age is just a number, and Ella says hers is unlisted


How old are you, Ella? my friend asked our granddaughter Ella. Ella looked at me. I looked at her. Tell her how old you are, Sweet, I said. Ella appeared disinterested in the question, almost as if she were thinking why are the elderly so concerned with my age – can’t they show more curiosity? No one ever asks me what I’m thinking about, for example.

I’m 4 October, Ella finally replied.

(which was her interpretation of what we typically say her age is:

she’s 3 but will be 4 on October 1st)

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Overheard at bedtime last weekend:

Nana, why can’t you come live with me and Molly and Daddy and Mama? Ella asked.

Oh, darling, Nana has her own house and has to take care of three dogs and Naynay, too, Nana replied.

Naynay can take care of the dogs, Ella said.

Problem solved.

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Molly and me watching Wimbledon – I miss them both

Pretty and I acknowledge and embrace our adoration of our two granddaughters Ella and Molly. We realized when Ella was born we would become the typical grandmothers who think their little girl might be the cutest, smartest and funniest child ever. When Molly was born, we were sure they both were.

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Following a week of Vacation Bible School at Lolly and Pop’s church, I asked Ella if she knew who Jesus was. She said she did. I said well, good, tell me and Nana about him. Nana was in the front seat driving the car. Ok, Ella said and then came the slightest pause. She tilted her head slightly in Nana’s direction and said hmmm…Jesus was somebody that…hmmmm…(long pause)…he had…hmmm…he was really…hmmm… Naynay, I don’t know anything about Jesus.

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Slava Ukraini. For the children.

everything, everywhere all at once – Cardinal style


the two OG cats post Carport Kitty

neighbor cat visits regularly

Charly getting white hair, too – but still always at my side

Carl’s life is as blurry as this picture with loss of hearing, vision –

but his smell for treats as healthy as ever

loyal old man Spike at his guard post: no retreat, no surrender

photo by mother Caroline

our granddaughters three year old Ella holds year old Molly

Okay, so I shamelessly stole the 2023 Oscar winner title for this little Monday morning personal multiverse that Pretty and I inhabit every day. Mea culpa. Enjoy – no goggles required.

Thankfully, all quiet on the Cardinal front today.

Stay tuned.

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Slava Ukraini. Lest we forget the war rages on.