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Monday, 13 February 2017

All You Need is Love


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Don't forget you still have time to spread the love ...


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We sent Valentine cards to our grandsons when they were small, now it’s the turn of our granddaughters, only this year we sent books as well. It’s very easy to spread the joy of reading. A book left in a waiting room, a surprise in the post. It doesn’t take much. My Godmother never failed to send a book on my birthday and at Christmas, some were way beyond my reading ability but if anything it encouraged me to try harder. My dad also loved books and he and I enjoyed nothing more than browsing second-hand bookshops. Now it’s my turn to spread the love.

Speaking of love and grandchildren it must be time for an update. Our granddaughter Zoe was six in January and is already into her second school year. Her little sister Lilly doesn't start school until January 2018, but in the meantime she is loving kindergarten. As most of you know our son, daughter-in-law, and two little granddaughters live in Australia, while our two grandsons are in England. I recently shared some photographs of our grandsons, and today I'm sharing a few of our granddaughters. I hope you enjoy them. 

 Zoe Christmas Day 2016 


and on her 6th birthday in January 2017 – can you spot the difference?  


 Lilly at the beach January 2017


and at kindergarten a few days later. 


In case you are wondering this is how her painting turned out.

I’m sure you can guess what it is but to give you a hint the small purple spots are snow, and the larger one is a present. 

Always remember there is enough love in each of our hearts to heal the world. 

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63 comments:

  1. Valerie-Jael13 February 2017 at 10:19

    Spreading love is always good. Your littl'uns are gorgeous, how is is that kids look so good without their teeth?! Have a good week, hugs, Valerie

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    1. Barbara13 February 2017 at 11:03

      Awww thank you Valerie! I don’t know what it is, but you are quite right kiddies without their front teeth do look adorable. It's quite the same when you get to my age though!

      Delete
  2. WILLIE...! =(^..^)=13 February 2017 at 10:37

    Ah! Another lovely 'SLICE' of loveliness...
    With musical overtones...!
    All You Need Is Love...The Beatles..67/87...
    Heal The World...Michael Jackson..92..!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWf-eARnf6U

    And..Yes! Valentines Day tomorrow...14th.
    Goodness! I shall be busy, I've already had
    the Post Office on the phone, several sacks of
    cards to be delivered...must get some help in! :).
    "Willie..you don't half talk a load of trollop".
    HeHe! wishful thinking!!! :0).

    Spot the Difference....? Someone's knocked Zoe's
    front teeth out...! :(.
    Never mind Zoe..they'll grow back again! Mine did,
    though a bit pointed...!

    Oh! Just remembered another song...On the side of
    the phone box...Hello! Lionel Richie...No1 in 1984.

    And talking about slices...I popped up the chocolate
    factory last Friday..picked some bit's and pieces up.
    They had some Sicilian Cassata there, half price..£2
    So got myself a slice...Which l'm gonna enjoy with a
    Moka coffee, as soon as l've finished here...Yum! Yum!
    And, a little Sicilian music in the background!
    I shall enjoy it ALL..out on the patio..a tad cold, but,
    the sun's out in ALL it's glory!
    Ah! How the rich live...!

    Lovely post Barbara, lovely photo's...Carry on...!!! :0).

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    1. Barbara13 February 2017 at 11:04

      I just knew you would get the musical references Willie, and you never let me down!

      You also spotted Zoe’s tooth, well done, although I’m pretty certain it FELL out – you are a one!

      I never doubted you would get sack loads of Valentine’s cards from your adoring public. Speaking of which I might try to ‘persuade’ Terry to pop up the Post Office, I’m sure they have some left-over cards on display, and they might have some half price chocolates if I’m lucky. I won’t be eating them on the patio though, it’s freezing out there! Be sure to wrap up well Willie, you might be rich, but you can still catch a cold. :-)

      Happy Valentine’s Day for tomorrow. xx

      Delete
    2. WILLIE...! =(^..^)=13 February 2017 at 11:31

      That's all people say to me.....!
      "Wrap up Willie..wrap up"....!
      Me and colds just don't go together!
      Plenty of Olive Oil and Garlic...But!
      Then! That'll keep most things away! :).

      So...For book giving day, l've got this
      book! I'm going to tear a few pages out,
      to leave at the Doctors! Tear a few more
      out.and leave at the Dentist..and so on!
      Good idea or what...! :0).

      Delete
    3. Barbara13 February 2017 at 11:44

      As if I would ever tell you to wrap up – keeping warm is one thing, wrapping up is entirely something else! Besides I enjoy our ‘chats’ far too much to say that to you.

      As for the book, it would be like a treasure hunt. You could leave a note with the pages at the doctors telling people to proceed to the dentist and so on! On second thoughts just think of all the germs, much better to wrap up and sit on your patio! :-) x

      Delete
  3. Castles Crowns and Cottages13 February 2017 at 10:47

    Good morning Barbara dear! Your grands are GORGEOUS and the first photo, she looks just like YOU!!!!!!! Books are a marvelous gift for anyone. Oh how I wish you a grand Valentine's day and more LOVE to come!

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    1. Barbara13 February 2017 at 11:10

      You couldn’t have paid me a greater compliment Anita, thank you! Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day I hope your lovely husband spoils you. Before I go, I must mention your latest Instagram and blog photographs, they are just beautiful. Barbara x

      Delete
  4. Beth Ann13 February 2017 at 12:36

    Lovely post. Lovely pictures of your granddaughters who are beautiful. Spreading the love through books is such a great thing. I sent mine out last week and the recipients all have them and are enjoying them already. Thanks again for the great introduction to International Book Giving Day!

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    1. Barbara13 February 2017 at 17:04

      You are most welcome Beth Ann, and thank you for featuring Book Giving Day on your blog. Thank you also for your kind words about Zoe and Lilly, we think they are beautiful but then as grandparents we are bound to. :)

      Delete
  5. Alex J. Cavanaugh13 February 2017 at 13:08

    Looks like someone lost a tooth.
    Sorry the grandkids are so far away. Your granddaughters will appreciate the books though.

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    1. Barbara13 February 2017 at 17:06

      Hi Alex, yes another milestone, the loss of her first baby tooth. It is sad them being so far away, but we try to get together every couple of years, and the Internet is a good way to keep in touch.

      Delete
  6. Alex13 February 2017 at 13:24

    These are wonderful cards. And your grands are just beautiful. The difference in Zoe's two photos - that missing tooth, no doubt.

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    1. Barbara13 February 2017 at 17:07

      Well spotted Alex, the first tooth of many no doubt. I’m glad you enjoyed the cards and photos.

      Delete
  7. John13 February 2017 at 13:48

    All the mentions of love here make me very selfish.For of late………..

    I keep most of my love for the love of the memories of the love of my wife,
    Who for forty-nine happy, wonderful years was the love of my life.
    We shared a love so tender, yet deep, fulfilling, complete,
    Thoughts of it’s beauty and passion now do cause me to weep.

    Having said that I still have great fondness and regard for others
    in my life and have not forgotten what day it is tomorrow.

    A delightful post and pictures again Barbara. John

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    1. Barbara13 February 2017 at 17:25

      Hello John, your poem is beautiful. I hope you find lots to smile about on Valentine’s Day. Barbara xx

      Delete
  8. Guernsey Girl13 February 2017 at 14:58

    What lovely photos, Barbara! You must be so proud. I agree with you that books make the perfect Valentine's gift for children and, like love, they last forever!

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    1. Barbara14 February 2017 at 08:05

      Books and love last forever is as true as it gets Marilyn, and yes, we are very proud of our little granddaughters and our grandsons.

      Delete
  9. Bish Denham13 February 2017 at 15:14

    What lovely girls! It must be tough with them being so far away. Here's wishing you lots of Valentine hearts, filled with love and chocolate!

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    1. Barbara14 February 2017 at 08:54

      Thank you so much Bish. I wish the same for you. Happy Valentine’s Day x

      Delete
  10. colleen13 February 2017 at 18:56

    Zoe and Lilly are ADORABLE! Happy Valentine's day, Barbara! I hope you have scrumptious chocolates, flowers, and your choice of a lovely book to relax with.Lots of hugs, of course! including a Big (((HUG))) from me.
    Lucky Willie! I wish I could have some Sicilian cassata. Maybe I can find a good recipe...

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    1. WILLIE...! =(^..^)=14 February 2017 at 07:05

      Here ya go Colleen....Found this on line..
      Though you may find it easier to buy, already
      made...! :).

      http://www.academiabarilla.com/italian-recipes/step-step-recipes/cassata-siciliana.aspx

      Delete
    2. Barbara14 February 2017 at 08:56

      Thank you so much Colleen. I hope you have a lovely day spent doing all the things you like best. Happy Valentine’s Day Barbara xx

      Delete
    3. Barbara14 February 2017 at 08:58

      That was so nice of you Willie. Happy Valentine's Day, Barbara xx

      Delete
    4. colleen14 February 2017 at 20:54

      Thank you, Willie! Truly easier to make than to buy -unless I travel a very long distance.Very sweet of you to post the link!
      Barbara! I am having a lovely day. Flowers are blooming, chocolate is delicious! I am happy. I hope you are replete with good things as well. We know Willie is!

      Delete
    5. Barbara14 February 2017 at 22:42

      Hello Colleen, your flowers and chocolate sound perfect to me, and I’m glad you had such a nice day. We spent a quiet day at home because Terry is in quite a bit of pain after having a tooth extracted at the end of last week. He has stitches in his gum, and his mouth is very sore. We’ve promised ourselves a nice lunch somewhere when he is feeling better.
      I think Willie must have repetitive sprain injury after opening all those cards! :-)

      Delete
    6. WILLIE...! =(^..^)=15 February 2017 at 08:22

      I'm typing this with my right hand...!
      I think it's more like 'repulsive' sprain
      injury! :).

      Oh! Poor Terry...Hope your looking after him,
      and running about for all his wants...! :).
      Tell him...l slept with my head under the pillow
      last night...When l woke up..ALL..my teeth were
      gone! :0).

      Delete
    7. Barbara15 February 2017 at 12:10

      He asked me to thank you but also said can you stop making him laugh … it hurts! :-)

      Delete
  11. Linda13 February 2017 at 19:30

    Your grandchildren are gorgeous, Barbara! I love all your photos, images and art. Thank you so much for sharing, and Happy Valentine's Day to you! :)

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    1. Barbara14 February 2017 at 09:00

      It was my absolute pleasure Linda. It's wonderful being able to share photos of my grandchildren – I’m a very proud grandma! Happy Valentine’s Day, be sure to spoil yourself today. xx

      Delete
  12. Sandra Cox13 February 2017 at 20:24

    Oh my gosh! Aren't they the cutest things every! I know you're proud.

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    1. Barbara14 February 2017 at 09:02

      I certainly am Sandra. I just can’t help myself. :-) Have a happy day today. xx

      Delete
    2. Sandra Cox16 February 2017 at 14:53

      And rightly so:)

      Delete
  13. Three Hoodies Save the World13 February 2017 at 21:13

    I've just had a couple of teeth just wrenched out and I don't look half as good as those children.

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    1. Barbara14 February 2017 at 09:09

      Ouch poor you Roger that can’t have been fun, but I’m sure you look as handsome as ever. Happy Valentine’s Day, Barbara

      Delete
  14. Sue (this n that)13 February 2017 at 21:28

    Hello Barbara, having grandchildren is such a wonderful experience and I can see you enjoy it so much as well. It's a whole new level of love that we didn't realise could exist.
    Your granddaughters are delightful and are showing creativity so beautifully.
    Thank you for sharing, it's a beautiful heartwarming post.
    Cheerio now :D)

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    Replies
    1. Barbara14 February 2017 at 09:42

      Hello Sue, Terry and I are blessed to have four wonderful young people in our lives. We thought our lives were complete when our son was born but for him to share his four amazing children with us is more than we ever expected or deserved. We are rich beyond measure. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post, thank you. Have a lovely day. Barbara x

      Delete
  15. Anonymous14 February 2017 at 12:02

    Lovely valentines and BEAUTIFUL pictures of your granddaughters! A second before I spotted the missing tooth, I thought her pretty hair looked a tiny bit shorter. Fun to see them both working. Happy Valentine's Day, Barbara!

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    1. Barbara14 February 2017 at 13:07

      Hello Marcia, I hadn’t noticed Zoe’s hair, but I do believe you are right. Maybe it was cut in time for her to go back to school. I must ask.

      Lilly sticks her tongue out when she is concentrating as does her daddy (our son) and granddad (Terry), it always makes me smile when I see it.

      Happy Valentine’s Day, hugs Barbara

      Delete
  16. Darlene14 February 2017 at 22:12

    Those granddaughters are so cute. I hope the tooth fairy visited Zoe. Have a Happy Valentine's Day!!

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    1. Barbara15 February 2017 at 12:11

      Oh yes, the tooth fairy came and has paid two more visits since then! :-)

      Delete
  17. The Reader's Tales15 February 2017 at 08:23

    These are wonderful vintage cards :)
    Hope you had a fab magical Valentine's Day

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    1. Barbara15 February 2017 at 12:14

      Hi there, I found the cards on Pinterest and there are lots more like them, so I’ve added links under each of the images. Thanks for calling in and leaving a comment, Barbara

      Delete
  18. Felicity Grace Terry15 February 2017 at 17:44

    My granddad always used to send my (naughty) little sister and I a Valentine Day card.

    Such pretty little girls, I love the mermaid look.

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    1. Barbara16 February 2017 at 15:34

      You’ve mentioned your (naughty) little sister before Tracy, and it always makes me smile. I have a big sister, and I’m sure she considered me to be naughty too. :-)

      Delete
  19. Julie16 February 2017 at 04:35

    Oh Barbara, your grandaughters are absolutely beautiful. What gorgeous photos of them. Thanks for sharing them. Belated Valentines Wishes to you Barbara x x x

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    1. Barbara16 February 2017 at 15:42

      Thank you for the Valentine Wishes Julie and for your kind words about our little granddaughters. Barbara xx

      Delete
  20. Sandra Cox16 February 2017 at 14:52

    It's wonderful that you had special family members to instill a love of reading.
    Have a great one:)

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    1. Barbara16 February 2017 at 15:44

      Hello Sandra,
      I consider myself very lucky and will always be grateful to my dad and my godmother. Thanks for coming over.

      Delete
  21. Melancholy and Menace17 February 2017 at 00:48

    Aww, such beautiful grandchildren 🖤
    The gift of books is always a perfect idea. A nearby village have started wrapping books in brown paper and leaving them in bus shelters and on park benches for people to find, read and pass on. I'm thinking of beginning the tradition in my own town.
    I do love vintage cards. Belated Valentine's wishes to you, dear Barbara xx

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    1. Barbara17 February 2017 at 15:11

      Thank you Yvonne, I certainly think so, but I suppose that is only natural. :-)
      We all share books among friends so really it’s just about widening the circle a little. It’s a win-win situation the person giving the book feels good as does the finder.

      Delete
  22. Tamara Narayan17 February 2017 at 16:01

    Your granddaughters are gorgeous. Books are my favorite present to get and give. And the old fashioned valentines are so much prettier than the ones I buy for my kids. Today, sadly, it's all about the candy instead of the card.

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    1. Barbara19 February 2017 at 07:56

      Hi Tamara, books are my favourite things too. I wonder if my granddaughters in Australia are wishing I would send candy I hadn’t thought of that, just carried on with the old traditions. :-)

      Delete
  23. Nasreen18 February 2017 at 06:38

    Beautiful photos of your granddaughters. We don't do a big deal about Valentines n our house as my husband says...Day of Love should be every day :)

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    1. Barbara19 February 2017 at 07:53

      I think your husband is quite right Nasreen, and what a lovely thing to say.

      Delete
  24. Stephanie@Fairday's Blog18 February 2017 at 17:23

    What beautiful pictures of your granddaughters. :)

    I love the idea of sending books along with Valentines to family members. So sweet! Hope lots of books were shared during International Book Giving Day! So fun and World Read Aloud Day was this past week too. Lots of reading celebrations around the world. Love it!

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    1. Barbara19 February 2017 at 07:58

      Hello Stephanie, I love it too, the more books we share the better as far as I’m concerned!
      Thank you for your kind words about Zoe and Lilly. We think they are the most beautiful children in the world, but then I’m sure that is the say for all grandparents.

      Delete
  25. Yanting Gueh20 February 2017 at 07:49

    I love the pictures of Zoe and Lilly, Barbara. Yes, I spotted the difference and kindergarten is a wonderful place to be. So much playing and creating! Didn't know it was your father who'd influenced you on book-shopping/hunting in second-hand stores. Giving books as valentines is the most romantic idea. They last so much longer than flowers and chocolates. Hope you had a great one!

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    1. Barbara20 February 2017 at 16:00

      Lilly loves kindergarten, especially as she misses her sister now she is at school. She is a very busy little girl and is happy to occupy herself, but it’s good for her to mix with other children.
      My dad loved books and bookshops, and he and I always enjoyed those Saturday mornings. My brother and sister are a lot older than me, and mum wasn’t interested in reading so it became something of a tradition for dad and I. In the summer, we scoured the bookshop then bought a bag of cherries or some other fruit from the market, which we ate sitting on a bench before a walk around the church yard. We must have read all the headstones during those Saturday mornings! On winter days, it was the bookshop followed by a walk to Woolworth to buy penny sweets or maybe a cake which we ate sitting in the car. It was the one time during the week I didn’t have to share dad with anyone else and I always treasured it.
      I hope you are enjoying a happy week Claudine. Hugs Barbara

      Delete
  26. Intangible Hearts24 February 2017 at 18:19

    I'd be careful posting such beautiful photos of grandchildren where the big bad wolves hang out. You are truly blessed!

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    1. Barbara24 February 2017 at 22:14

      I hadn’t thought of that Eve, but you are quite right! :-)

      Delete
  27. Shashi Nayagam28 March 2017 at 18:08

    Beautiful grand children and I was thinking the same thing when I saw the pictures.i am glad the previous lady mentioned it to you. Looks like your grand daughter is a budding artist

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  28. Barbara29 March 2017 at 07:38

    Thank you Shashi, they are certainly beautiful and precious to us. I always check with my son and daughter-in-law before sharing the photos, and I'm careful not to say too much about where they live, but it is good, sensible advice, and I appreciate it, thank you.

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I really appreciate your comment. Thank you!
Barbara xx