National Grandparents Day – Memories

It was my Nan’s 90th birthday last month and my aunt hosted a surprise birthday for her which was absolutely amazing as all the kids, grandkids and great grandkids came so we could all celebrate with her.

I remember when I was a small girl my Nan and granddad got. Soda stream, back in the 80’s it was all the rage and when Nan said we could have a soda stream my brother and I was so excited. We used to ask if we could press the button to make it fizz. Oh no that button was not to be pressed by children which made it even more exciting when we were of an age where we were allowed to press the button of fizziness.

Much of my childhood was spent with weekends staying over my Nan’s and weeks in the school holidays. They were happy times.

Memories flood back, Nan making strawberry jam, her old twin tub washing machine, making cakes and scones and her chest freezer that looked as big as a coffin when I was small.

She still lives in the same house although now I am an adult it seems smaller than it once was. It is in the countryside nice and quiet. Her house was my dream house and we now live in a house similar in the countryside too.

With fields surrounding her house, it was not unusual to see sheep in the fields. In fact, at one point they would graze in the field that her garden backed onto, horses too. I absolutely loved going in the garden and standing at the fence watching the sheep and horses.

Another thing I remember was the fields being burnt; yep it was that long time ago. The field in front of her house was burnt after harvest and I watched both fascinated by the fire but also in wonder how it never spread to the house or the woods which was by the field too. Obviously, I know why now but as a kid, it was baffling to me.

In the summer my grandparents took my brother and me to the seaside often. We used to watch the ferries coming into port and out, go to the park and have chips or something to eat while there. It used to feel like it took hours to get there when in reality it took less than an hour.

My first camping holiday was with my grandparents and aunt, uncle and cousins. I absolutely loved it. I was 13 years old and Bryan Adams (Everything I Do) I Do It for You was number one. My cousins and I did a lot of activities that were hosted by the campsite. We also watched a sea rescue show and went to the Sea Life centre and saw seals.

I sometimes really wish I could go back in time to when I was a child, carefree and enjoying spending time with my grandparents. They were really good times and I will never forget them, ever.

Even the time my granddad told me to get out of the car because I was fighting with my brother and so I got out of the car and he started driving off. It did scare me, even though I knew he wouldn’t really leave me there lol.