Bribery, Granddaughter, Gambados

I bribed my granddaughter to be good, not only with me, with a promise to take her to Gambados, an indoor play area. Earlier in the week, I promised to take her on Sunday because my daughter said she had behaved well throughout the Easter holiday. She was so excited that she told the plumber, the postman and everyone else she came into contact with: "My grandma's taking me to Gambados."


So, yesterday, with cucumber and cheese sandwiches, shortbread topped with chocolate, and small cartons of apple juice for lunch, she had her reward, and I deserve wings and a halo. Gambados is an indoor children's play area. The music turned up to full volume, excited children's chatter etc., and adult conversation conducted loudly in order to be heard is deafening.


My five year-old granddaughter's enthusiasm and happiness made the visit worth while although my wings and halo haven't appeared. From 10 30 a.m. when we arrived until we left at 12.45 she did not stop smiling. She climbed up the platforms to the overhead area with tunnels and other challenges, drove bumper cars making three point turns and reversing with expertise, hurtled down a long slide as well as riding a horse on the fairground style carousel.


She loved our visit so much that I've promised to take her again if she continues to be good.


I took her home, and then, for an end of the holidays treat, we went to our favourite vegetarian Indian restaurant, Sakonis, in Harrow.


Full to the brim with good food, we went home and I dashed down to Asda to buy some Schlur and nibbles to contribute to Watford Writers official change of venue from Cha Café to Oddfellows Hall.

Can't Take It

4 and 3/4 year old granddaughter cane out of her reception class at primary school, looked at her mother, pressed her hand to the side of her forehead and said: "I can't take this any more."

Daughter thought. Sorry kid you've got ten more years to go.

Mind you granddaughter's excellent teacher said she has settled in very well and made several friends.

First Day at School

Today was my youngest granddaughter's first day at primary school. The four year-old  had been insisting she would only go if the uniform was pink. Yesterday evening while I put her to bed she said she knew she would be sad at school. Her oldest brother was going on a school trip to Wales and had to be at school at 7 30 a.m. so I stayed at my daughter's house overnight. My daughter dressed her in her uniform in the morning and handed over her red book bag and red sports bag. When she came downstairs my granddaughter was bubbling over with smiles and enthusiasm.

She knew her class teacher, who had taught her older brother. The teacher asked them to go into the classroom and sit down in a circle. My little 'princess' was first through the door and first to sit down. When my daughter collected her she was very happy. Phew!