Dateline: 25 November 2016
(click the pictures to see larger views)
My wife, Marlene, and I traveled to Erie, Pennsylvania, the day before Thanksgiving to bring our grandson, Futureman, home for a visit. At four years old, he’s our only grandchild, and we hadn’t seen him in seven months. The drive was a long one, leaving at 5:30 in the morning and returning around the same time that evening. Futureman will stay with us for four days before we make the return trip to Erie.
On the way home, I pointed out that Futureman had on a Captain America hat, a Batman shirt, and Spiderman boots, then playfully asked about Mickey Mouse. His reply? “Mickey Mouse is for girls.” When we arrived at our house, he excitedly spun around in the kitchen and exclaimed, “Oh, I love being in this house.” His words surprised and delighted me. Every grandchild should feel that way at their grandparents’ house – I know I did when I was young.
Thanksgiving this year was even more special because Futureman was here. His father, aunts, uncles, and other relatives joined us for dinner, and Futureman was showered with love and attention. It was a truly wonderful day.
By today, the abundant snow we’d had before Thanksgiving, which had piled up over two feet high after a significant snowstorm, had started to melt away in the warmer temperatures and rain. Wanting to make the most of the remaining snow, we decided to go sledding on Murphy Hill Road, where we live. The bottom part of the road is quite steep and impassable during the winter.
All of us have fond memories of sledding on Murphy Hill from winters past, and we wanted Futureman to have those same experiences. So, Futureman’s dad, his uncle Robert, and I, now known as “Grandpa” instead of “Boppy,” had our own little sledding party on the hill. Here are some pictures I captured…
Riding to the top of the hill in the back of a pickup is best.
Futureman and his father.
Futureman and his uncle Robert.
It’s a long way down.
This deep gully is on one side of the road.
Yes, Futureman got tired out walking up the hill. We all did.
Robert with his dog. Her name is Remi (short for Remington).