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Wendy Varley's avatar

I like your grandson’s style, Ann! Sounds a fun, interactive way to watch telly and reflect on the world.

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Ann Richardson's avatar

So do I! He brings a lot of surprises into our lives. Attila is just the most recent.

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Eileen Susan_Dust the Diamonds's avatar

Invaluable fun! And also a learning exercise and experience on so many fronts-interacting between generations, current politics, history, world views, I could go on!

I love our times with my now 26 year old grandson. I learn so much from him, as he does from us!

One if the deepest values we hold us that of being heard and accepted just we are. Priceless.

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Ann Richardson's avatar

Yes, it is great fun - and the fun has yet to diminish, perhaps surprisingly. You would think the fun that could stem from Attila the Hun was limited.

I find grandchildren constantly stimulating, Eileen - at whatever age. I think I have enjoyed them more at every stage than I did with my own kids, when I was more worried whether I was doing the right thing and there was more inter-family friction. I wrote a piece about teenage grandchildren here https://arichardson.substack.com/p/teenage-grandchildren

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Susan OBrien's avatar

Excellent!!! Thank you for the family game suggestion.

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Deborah Gregory's avatar

Oh, what a wonderful way to make family discussions both smart and fun! Adding Attila the Hun into the mix as a wildcard participant is just hilarious - your grandson sounds like a creative genius! I love how your game turns a simple Saturday afternoon tradition into something so unique and full of laughter!

As I’m in a gloriously funny mood, this has tickled me pink and left me wondering if not Atilla, then who? Cleopatra? Genghis Khan? Joan of Arc? Hahaha! Imagine those conversations, the strategic plots, inspiring courage, and touch of dramatic flair from one certain Egyptian Queen! Thanks for the smile, Ann.

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Ann Richardson's avatar

Thanks for the restack. After it went - and after you and some others liked it - I couldn't decide whether to be pleased or annoyed. My posts have gone out every other Wednesday since late 2022! Still, Big Bird used to say that "everyone makes mistakes and so do I". As I said, it nearly ended up with other historical characters, but once you think how they think and then how Smerconish watchers' think, it's about all I can manage. PS. I was going to add that Attila won the vote last time, by a hair!

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Deborah Gregory's avatar

When your post landed earlier in my email, I was free to read and enjoy, so replied on the spot! Then I noticed your second post a bit later. Too late, but you know this is a great post Ann and came at the right time and day for me as I'm in a devilishly funny good today, so was tickled pink by your family game. :)

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Ann Richardson's avatar

It’s ok. I had one of those ‘oh fuck’ moments immediately and wrote the apology but once it’s gone, it’s gone you can’t suck it back. Your response and restack cheered me up up. Some people seem to be very alert to when others publish and other people never notice. I should probably never have written the apology but I am not about to write an apology for an apology!

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Deborah Gregory's avatar

No, no apology for an apology needed, Ann. I think your readers will enjoy this and next week, if you like, you could send out a regular newsletter. :)

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Ann Richardson's avatar

This IS my regular newsletter. I never write about my day-to-day life unless something is particularly interesting. I have decided I will send this one out again, but also send something else.

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Deborah Gregory's avatar

I know this is your newsletter, Ann. I love it! Good plan. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend.

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Patricia E. Gitt's avatar

What a fun way to think about news items of the day. And having a grandson join in the conversation is a delightful addition to the Grandparent-grandson relationship. An entertaining read.

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Ann Richardson's avatar

and thanks for restocking.

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Ann Richardson's avatar

Yes, it is all fun. I was planning to write something else this week, but suddenly felt inspired and wrote this fairly quickly. Then I really don't know how it went out when I was sure I pressed the button to go out in 6 days, but I felt so upset that I went to lie down for awhile. But it is out, and it is liked, so be it.

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