You are wonderful grandparents.  Do the children enjoy Gracie and Sallie?

Gracie does not enjoy the children and hides. Sallie takes it all in stride, though I still caution the kids when they're around her. They're used to climbing all over their dogs, and I'd hate to have Sallie snap at them (which she hasn't done).

I looks like Sallie is settleing in nicely.

Great picture!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mary

Had Jim been sitting there watching you work? :) Nice picture of the guy with a soft heart and the animals.

What a nice picture of your hubby with the lovely little critters.  Are you worn out from taking care of a house full of kids?

Jim had been sitting there watching me log into WT! This is as physically close as the two pets have been, so I reached for the camera.

Yep, I'm a bit tired after the kids -- but I made my daily goal!

Nice picture!  I am impressed the two pets will at least tolerate each other this close!  You are good grandparents for having such a sleepover!  I'm sure the kids loved it!

Hello dear friend!

I've been looking at this lovely scene here ...

Its a really nice photo of your Jim and Gracie/Sallie.

I love to hear/read about your granchildren and what they're up to, I'm sure they all love spending time with you both.

Sleepovers sound like fun when you're staying with grandma and grandpa.
... and WELL DONE for getting in all your steps too!

Rosemary, I absolutely love hearing from you. You remind me of my sister, Becky, who always says nice things, too.

Tapadh leat, as Gaelige!!  = Thank you, in Irish!!

Its not at all difficult to say nice things here on your step blogs Susan, you're really someone special.

Jim looks a very happy and contented man and your energetic zest for life .. your interest and knowledge of oh so many things (where to start? plants/flowers/customs/banjo/mandolin playing/quilting/jam-making/trees/animals, the list just goes on forever!) make such good reading for everyone here.

Keep right on blogging and stepping my dear.
Sláinte chugat!  =  Good health to you!

well Gracie the cat likes Jim. I think Sallie looks a real sweetie, very happy and at home. I know you survived the sleepover, but you are a glutton for punishment. Is Jim any help with the grand kids?

Jim is a great help with the grandkids -- if he's home! He had to go out in the field the following day. But, the older grandchildren have become amazingly good help with the younger ones.

We don't do this often; but, you know...well, I have become amazingly sensitive to the beauty of each day, and I want my grandchildren to remember me fondly. I don't mean to be melodramatic in this, because I think it's a beautiful way to live. But I do have metastatic cancer, and I never forget it.

It is a beautiful way to live!

You know, it's kind of scriptural, Susie, as in "Oh, THAT's what he meant when he said you must be like a little child..."

and see the beauty in the moment. I agree!