My sixteen-month-old grandson has impetigo (an infectious bacterial skin infection) which he caught at nursery but he isn’t allowed to return there until 7–10 days after starting a course of antibiotics. As a result, we’ve covered some of the emergency childcare needs. It’s great to be helpful and looking after our grandson is always a lot of fun. He’s started talking much more and points his index finger when out in his buggy and calls out words like car, truck, bus and dog. We’ve spent a lot of time building towers with plastic cups (which are immediately knocked down) and stirring pretend porridge which is always too hot or too cold.
I thought 2023 was eventful but this year is turning out to be even more so. I’m delighted to share the news that my daughter and her husband are expecting a son in May. When our first grandchild arrives, we’ve been asked us to block out a month to help. This feels like an incredible privilege and we look forward to spending time with the family in Keynsham. Meanwhile, we have a 3-week backpacking holiday in Cyprus, a fortnight in Edinburgh and my mum’s 90th birthday to celebrate in April.
Me and Izzy on a recent trip to the Cotswolds.
David is in the process of clearing his aunt’s flat ready to sell it and fund her care home place. Fortunately, she’s very happy in the care home and it’s a joy to visit her and listen to her positive response to aging with good physical health, family around her and the excellent meals provided. We will be spending more time in Exmouth over the summer to finish work on the flat.
the writer is a lonely hunter 