Father's Day

We spent a happy, peaceful Father's Day, celebrating this wondeful father and grandfather of the family.

Gert and Dorette came for lunch. Gert was in Japan last year on Father's day - when Franco was only 6 or 7 weeks old, so this was his first father's day that felt like Father's day - at least I hope so Gert! It was Frans's first Father's day but he andThelwyn had to go to Vanderbijlpark to fetch Douel - a well trained Arab gelding. (Anyone interested in buying a good Arabian horse with lots of endurance potential?)

Franco spent the day exploring new frontiers. Our sitting room is quite big, so normally we arrange the furniture in two groups. Franco discovered the lovely tunnel between the two couches.


What it is to be a grandfather!

Franco just loves being outdoors. (Trouble is, someone else must also share his enthusiasm for the great outdoors...!)

Another irresistible Ouma Elna smile.

The "ringworm" on the back of his head is not ringworm, but a bit of plaster stuck to his hair. The plaster was stuck there after blood was drawn for tests during his grommets operation. His Ouma was brave enough to rip it off when he had his bath that evening. As an ex Speelgroeptannie and preschool teacher, I am used to plasters and pulling baby teeth. However, I tried to loosen the glue first by rubbing on a little bit of peanut butter when the plaster has started to peel away - I know peanut butter helps to loosen chewing gum in hair. It didn't work though, but after the bath, Franco had a nasty rash in his neck. It seems he is VERY allergic to peanut butter! - had never eaten it before and also (fortunately) did not want to taste it when I offered some while he was in the bath. The blood tests revealed that his iron is too low and that he is allergic...but not what he is allergic to, so now it will be a process of elimination. Sterkte Dorette!

Very nearly walking on his own. His balance is much better after the grommets, but he is in in no hurry to walk on his own - pushes his bus and kitchen stools around though as gets where he wants to be.

We got some sad news a few days before Father's Day. Farao has bone cancer. See the lump on his right front paw? There is nothing to be done, but to make his last days as comfortable as possible. He is on painkillers and they help - he still goes with us when we go for a walk - even limps up the koppie! He still digs in the garden - this hole is right next to my only rose bush and right by the front door! However, such "mishaps" are now ignored... and he may get some titbits hereto forbidden due to his big mass. (He weighs more than I do!) Who has to die with a healthy heart and kidneys anyway? Let him enjoy his last days.