Opal Reflections
Perspectives through Prose, Poetry and Photography
Aprons Away!
I’ve always harbored a fascination for sprinklers. It’s been in my blood, part of my lineage, ever since I can remember; when the only relief from the sweltering summer heat was running through the hastily set-up backyard spray. I believe that this sprinkler-seeking instinct is in the DNA of most kids.
It’s invigorating to watch the patterns of sparkling droplets spraying across the green expanse, as the bright sun rays reflect off each glowing globule. So it was without inhibition that I became their willing accomplice in this frolicking venture.
Shrieks and squeals of feigned fear filled the backyard scene, as I aimed the spray at my precious progeny, seeking shelter within the box. My daughter (their Mom) would soon return to find her drenched-to-the-skin, sneaker- sopping-and-muddy boys, shivering with excitement and glee. She’d conclude that clearly, I’d given up every shred of propriety. She would, of course, be correct.
What mature adult would deliberately toss the refrigerator packaging- a huge corrugated container – out onto the freshly-mowed lawn? What dignified retired woman would (from her deck-high perch) aim the water spray at the soppy, floppy fortress? I confess…“C’est moi“, as I easily and happily succumbed to their taunts and teases.
The years seem to fly by, and yet, blessed moments like this are often only an impulse away. I’m appreciative that Grand-motherhood gives me permission to act like a silly kid again; to take off the apron, leave the supper dishes in the sink and instigate some fun. The household chores can wait until tomorrow. These tasty morsels are set before me now, as a feast for the partaking.
“Stop and smell the roses!” For some that is sound advice. But my preference will always be: “Turn on the sprinkler, boys!”
Written for Trifecta challenge week 75:
BLOOD (noun) 1a (1) : the fluid that circulates in the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins of a vertebrate animal carrying nourishment and oxygen to and bringing away waste products from all parts of the body (2) : a comparable fluid of an invertebrate b : a fluid resembling blood 2: the shedding of blood; also : the taking of life3a : lifeblood; broadly : life b : human stock or lineage; especially : royal lineage c : relationship by descent from a common ancestor : kinship d : persons related through common descent : kindred e (1) : honorable or high birth or descent (2) : descent from parents of recognized breed or pedigree.
and
Photo (prompt) used with permission of Studio 30P.
20 Comments on “Aprons Away!”
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Lighthouse in the Mist, Cape May, NJ
Bandit
Festive View from the Pub, Peddler’s Village – Lahaska, PA.
Home Sweet Home
Opal Reflections 
I hope when the day comes, I’m the fun and silly grandma. Bring on the sprinklers!
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I have no doubt, Tara.
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Took me right back to my backyard in the summer. Definitely gotta catch those moments as they fly past!
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Yes..and if you do, they will remaining you treasure cheat of memories for a lifetime. My childhood was so very different com that of my own children and grandsons today, but some simple pleasures, like playing in the sprinkler, transcend generational and cultural realities. Thanks, Kymm.
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Oh, I love this. I’m about to bring my children home to their grandparents for the summer, and I know they’re all hoping for lots of these moments.
My daughter’s preschool has an ‘open weather’ policy that means when it’s raining, they go out to play. When it’s hot, they get water balloons. They’re encouraged to splash. We bring home sometimes four wet outfits per day, but I absolutely love it. So does she. 🙂
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What a great idea for the kids, even if it means a few extra clothing changes. I am fortunate in that my grandsons are all nearby. I don’t know how I’d manage if they were not within an easy walk or drive. I’m sure there will be many memorable moments coming their way this summer.
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Love this, and I bet this will be a memory your grandchildren cherish for a really long time. It will be one of those “remember that time when” stories.
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Yes, Jennifer…we have lots of those stories. Sounds like you do too! Thanks for commenting.
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What happens at Grandma’s stays at Grandma’s. You are very lucky to have such wonderful family times. Take advantage of every single one. Life is precious and meant to be lived and enjoyed. Congratulations, Grandma, on providing such wonderful memories for your children and grand children. Thanks for sharing your philosophy in such a well-written, enjoyable way.
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Thank you for such a nice comment. Yes, I’m blessed that my children and theirs, are nearby and popping in almost daily. I hate that the oldest grandson is ten already. He promises me that he will never outgrow wanting to be at Grandma”s. From his lips to God”s ears! And the added bonus is seeing the wonderful parents my kids have become. Thanks!
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Oh yes.. such grandparents are the best… ha,
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This is such a happy story – and you must be the best gran! LM x
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The best grandmas provide giant boxes 😀
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And invariably, the box beats out the play station every time.
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Grandparents get to have all the fun! My sons love to play in water, too! And they think my parents are the best. It’s in grandparenthood that they’ve forgotten the word ‘no’ and they have more chocolate stashed in their house than a grocery store candy aisle.
(My older son just had a field trip to the zoo for school and told me about how he went in a lake. I told him he better not have, and he said the chaperone said they could (?!) Now I wonder if the chaperone was a grandparent…)
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Even I, an indulgent grandparent with lots of cookies, ice cream and chocolate in stock (for emergency) would not have let the kids I was chaperoning go into a lake! But I guess your sone found it to be memorable…and thankfully, no harm done. Thanks, Janna.
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Coucou! C’est moi!
Cute story, grandparents have all the luck don’t they?
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Absolutement! Thanks for leaving a comment.
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This post has made me feel awfully nostalgic!
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That’s the key…as long as you are feeling these emotions, you’re in good shape (one woman’s opinion 😉).
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