AND THEY’RE OFF: It’s 9:45, and the house is quiet again. It’s OK, because I really do need to get a few things done. But I miss the grandchildren already.

Naomi pulled out just a few minutes ago, heading north toward Connecticut, taking the “play, play, play;” “shoot from the hip;” “live like you mean it;” “no holds barred;” “go for the gusto;” “take no prisoners…” grandchildren with her.

I captured a few more choice images over the past 24-hours. There’s a fine line between taking enough photographs to chronicle what’s happening, and missing the experience because all you do is take pictures.

My rule is essentially a nod to journalism. Pictures, like words, simply provide an outline, a sketch. They’re a kind of CliffsNotes version of the event; a precis, summary, or abstract.

Yesterday, for example, I was amazed at David’s constant energy output. We took a two-and-a-half mile stroll along the Neuse River Greenway; David must have covered around four!

He pranced, trotted, galloped, ran, and hopped. Curious, excited, delighted. He named everything he could; he yelled out colors; and he was always turning to make sure his enthusiasm was properly noted.

Beks just sat in her stroller, contented. She jabbered, pointed, smiled, and cooed the entire hour.

The walk was a microcosm of the visit. Beautiful weather, idyllic surroundings, happy children, witnessing learning and growth happen right in front of my eyes! It’s like watching a computer download a new program: 35%… 60%… 80%… 95%…. and then – BINGO! – they’re all loaded up and looking for the next topic to master.

It’s that sense of delight at discovery; the freshness, buoyancy, zest, and sparkle. I once used the word “ebullience” to describe our daughter, Naomi; I think I need to use it again.

Of course, the learning curve is mine, too. David is a kind of Jedi master right now in the field of ebullience, a savant of verve; he is my sensei of joy, my enthusiasm master, my mentor of fun.

Yes, hanging around the grandkids is good. I may not have completed much actual work this past week, but I certainly am accumulating a lot of great material.

Peace – DEREK

(a few more pics…)