Have I mentioned I’m going to be a grandma soon? February 3 to be exact, or somewhere around that date, London is planning to make an appearance. Yes, she has a name and we know she will be a girl. I’m paying attention these days to what Grandmas do. How can I not? Everyone I know tells me how special it is.

So.. this week when I met Kara and her Grandma, I got some tips. I was visiting in Ashland, Oregon and couldn’t resist Lithia Park. Brilliant reds, yellows, and orange leaves swirled on sidewalks in town and over the creek in the park. My camera longed to be used, but the first thing that caught my eye was not the park colors. 15-month-old Kara, dark-haired and dark-eyed, and her red-haired grandma, who drew me in. They were standing at the foot of a bridge watching the water drizzle over the rocks.

Kara, acorn in hand, watched grandma toss a similar acorn in the water. Kara, though, was reluctant to let go of the nut in her hand. What would happen? Would it come back or was it go forever away from her? You could almost watch the wheels turning in her mind. Not enough words there yet to express her thoughts, but she was watching everything closely and making a decision based strictly on emotion.

Finally, her decision made, she followed suit and threw an acorn in the water. It was then I noticed the one in her other hand. Smart young lady at 15 months. One in the hand would be worth two in the water.

Grandma extolled the virtues of not only her first grandchild, but Grandmahood in general. I can see the joy already and am looking forward to its reality. Poor London child doesn’t know what she’s in for. Her mom, aunt and uncles have been mentioned in articles, books, and blogs for years. She’s not even born yet and she’s already in print. I, of course, love it.

It was nice meeting you Kara and Grandma. Thank you for making my visit to Ashland such a memorable one.