Only As Old As You Feel...

You may recall from yesterday's post that Agnes and I spent yesterday at our daughter's home, helping take care of Leya while a workman installed their home security system.

Well...

If it's true that you're only as old as you feel, this morning I feel like I've passed Mike in the superannuation sweepstakes. Amanda's comment on yesterday morning's post is particularly appropriate...she said: "I think all grandfathers have that kind of dread about a full day with the grandchild. They love it but at the same time, they know they are going to be completely wiped out. My mom told me that my dad would keep disappearing whenever they were watching Aaron. It turned out that he was sneaking cat naps!"

I didn't get any of those cat naps, but we did have a great ... if exhausting ... time. Here's part of the story in pictures...

In Japan, I've heard that the girls walk on your back. In Virginia, it's a little different...

An energetic toddler can be challenging enough...but when she double-teams you with the dog, things are tough...

No lying down on the job, Opa! Sit up!

Now roll over!

This was the prelude to her patting me gently on the back to make me go to sleep, the way the teachers at her day care center do. As you might suspect, no actual sleep was involved.

Time to help mama fold the formerly-clean shirt from the laundry basket...

But there are more important things to do with that shirt, like playing "Where's Leya?" ...

Or having a tug-of-war with Oma...

Or helping mama polish the floor ...

Want to know how I felt at the end of the day? Check my profile photo. But there's nothing like a happy, loving grandchild to make you feel both exhausted and fulfilled.

Now, it's time to go to work so I can relax.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo