Jacob and James

The photo is of Jacob (almost 4) and James (just turned 2) in Warley Woods. Not sure which one is Pooh Bear.

Jacob is the youngest child of my daughter, Karen. James is the youngest child of my daughter, Claire. Mrs. Treaclechops and I normally look after them on Fridays. It helps their parents keep childcare costs down… as well as keeping us young(ish) and fit(ish). Warley Woods is on the western edge of Birmingham.

The lads were very wary because there were rumours of a Gruffalo at large. They had to keep hiding behind trees and bushes whenever they heard a growling noise. I must admit they were very brave and stuck close together to support each other. Unfortunately, they couldn’t find a friendly mouse who may have been able to help them.

Being the very model of a modern granddad, I imparted some old-fogey knowledge to them whenever the Gruffalo went quiet and didn’t appear to be menacing them. I taught them to identify the holly bush and warned them about the dangers of the prickly leaves… and showed them the daffodil spears that would soon bear bright yellow flowers... then told them never to touch the red bins in the urban woods, city parks and public places 'cos they're full of dog poo.

When we got back home, Nanny made hot chocolate and I read them the story of the gingerbread boy. James was sad when the fox ate the gingerbread boy, but Jacob thought it was hilarious. It's amazing the difference that a couple of years of life can make.

Anyroadup… the rumours concerning the existence of a menacing Gruffalo in the woods proved to be totally unfounded… it was actually a BSG… BIG SCARY GRANDDAD!