What a combination; a grandfather and a granddaughter. What's a grandfather to do when tring to imagine what might most please a young girl mid-way between her childhood and adulthood, other than to take her shopping? Grandmother was busy in the kitchen, preparing bread dough, chicken soup, a raspberry cheesecake, and chose not to accompany them.

It's not that granddaughter specifically asked for anything remotely like a shopping expedition for new clothing. But when the offer was proffered why would she demur? She prepared herself for the outing in record time. Off they went, giving the stay-at-home one hugs and ample time to do the baking and cooking and clean-up for the morning.

And then, where were they?
Well, they were there, with grandfather patiently watching as granddaughter considered items then impulsively placed them in the shopping cart. She would hold up an item, cock her head, place it against herself, and ask her grandfather what did he think. What could he think? Anything and everything was enhanced held up against the youthful glory of his grandchild.

When she declared herself to have completed the search, she looked at her grandfather who was totting up the results. He didn't turn pale, not one bit, but he did recommend that some of the treasures be returned to the tables and racks, and granddaughter complied without murmur. Taking what remained to the dressing rooms where again he waited compliantly.

When they returned home granddaughter was anxious to show grandmother everything. One item after another excitedly extracted from the capacious, colourful bag she had been given to haul her loot home in. There were belts, filmy scarves, handbags, jackets and shirts. Each one colourful, fashionable and quite lovely.

Grandmother flinched only slightly when she had seen the size of the carry-bag and imagined what nestled inside. And, needless to say, the cost involved.

It was, after all, March break, a special interlude when school is out and students take a break, some going off with their parents to Florida, Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica. This student came to visit with her grandparents. To share time and space, and companionship.