Posted in Easter

Peeps!

On my way to the back of Walmart to get what I came for, I saw this amazing sight: an entire aisle devoted to Peeps. An entire aisle!

All the colors are there. Pink, yellow, blue, and purple are represented. But look at the flavors.

I’ve only eaten traditional Peeps. None of these sound appealing to me. But I have not tried them, so I should reserve judgment. But none of these flavors tempt me.

The first Peeps were hand-piped in 1948 by the Rodda Candy Company in Lancaster, PA. Just Born purchased Rodda in 1953 and automated the production of Peeps. Peeps are the number one non-chocolate Easter candy. The Just Born factory produces 5.5 million Peeps per year.

Peeps retail stores just couldn’t cut it, the last one closing in 2019. But don’t worry. There are plenty at Walmart!

Posted in grandparenting

The magic of snack time

My time with my son and family wasn’t all work. Their mom and dad took advantage of my presence to run a few errands, usually in the afternoon during nap/quiet time. Not everyone slept nor were they quiet, but no one forgot what come next.

Snack time.

I love being there for snack time. I love to serve them up and consume them myself. I watched carefully when my brother and his wife brought out the snacks. Lay out a snack charcuterie and let them nibble on what they’re most into at that moment.

It’s a good strategy. Fruit, cut up veggies, pretzels, cheese are popular. So much so the three of them consumed all of it. Every crumb.

I wasn’t done yet though. When I was rifling through the pantry, I happened upon the remaining stash of Easter candy. Jackpot. Everyone also had a couple little candy with the condition they didn’t need to mention it to their parents.

These grandchildren eat their sweets slowly and thoughtfully. Small, carefully planned bites. Fingers licked clean. Wrappers inspected for crumbs.

No matter how happy or sad, busy or bored, running or relaxing, the phrase guaranteed to get everyone’s attention is, “Do you want a snack?”

I love being grandpa at snack time!