One more set of grandparents

Yesterday was Percy's birthday. In return for the eCard I sent him, wishing him on behalf of ALL of us, he sent me his thanks plus the great news that the "baby" has become a grandparent.

"We became grandparents ...........Farah our daughter had a lovely daughter.....Lyela on the 19th of Feb.........."

I hope all of you will join me in wishing both the parents and the grandparents, Frainy and Percy, all the very best on this very very happy occasion.

There is nothing more satisfying than being a grandparent. Vijay Nayar in New Delhi recently wrote:

"Radhika is married and we have a granddaughter who is almost 6 years but orders us as she is 25."

And, like me, I am sure Vijay complies as demanded!!

Here is a picture of our two grandchildren, Samuel and Asha, both 7 now, about to blow out the candles on Asha's birthday cake, decorated by themselves, last summer, when we had a family reunion here in Oulu.

A grandparent has no real responsibilities, but sheer enjoyment. Annikki and I are enjoying our grandparent roles, sorry only that our granddaughter lives in Lincolnshire in England and we see her only during the summer holidays. We talk regularly on the phone now that international calls have become virtually free!!

Samuel, our grandson, is back in Finland after his year and a bit away in Newcastle. We have been having great fun. Yesterday we were tumbling in the snow like only 7 year olds can. His mother was horrified at the mess we had made with the pristine snow cover!!

Samuel is waiting to ride the first electric scooter that has arrived in Finland, made in China by an NRI friend of mine from Bangalore and shipped out to Finland as a prototype.

Here is a picture of my Zambian friend, Kamutaza Tembo, a graphic artist, who put it together for me, testing it out in the icy conditions. We have to wait at least another couple of weeks to take it out for a real spin. Absolutely soundless, it cruises along at 30 kilometres per hour and has a range of about 40 kilometres, which is just perfect for our small town of Oulu. Recharging time is short.