I have a confession - for the last 2 years I have patiently, persistantly and lovingly guided and trained this sweet little grand-daugther into one of the best snail catchers in all the land. We don't call them "snails", we always call them "ca-ca snails". We have had a lot of fun and deep conversation while in persuit of these annoying creatures, it is a time I really look forward too (for more than a couple of reasons). Now, I've never told Annie what happens to the ca-ca snails we collect, she just loves being outside and helping Grandma and I refuse to believe I am taking advantage of her - she's really a natural! Lately, however, her mother has been expressing some reservations about Annie's participation in this "activity" and I believe has been thwarting my endeavors.
Her eyes are sharper and her little fingers quicker than mine, and she doesn't hesitate to snatch those ca-ca snails no matter how big or how small and place them in her bag -
Just a few in this early morning catch (the princess outfit just adds, doesn't it?)
I just can't stand what those "ca-ca" snails do to my plants!
And flowers -
Well, the last time we had our "hunt" I was working elsewhere in the yard and noticed Annie hunched over a paver and gently talking to something . Curiously, I walked over and saw she had taken a few of those ca-ca snails out of her bag, placed them on the paver and was encouraging them to "race" each other. I asked her what she was doing, and with those big brown eyes she looked up at me and said "Gramma - I really love snails" 
WWWHHHAAATTT??? Could this really be true? I was stunned (this has Marisa written all over it!). I told her to go ahead and play with the er...a "snails", but not to forget to put them back in the bag when she was finished. Awh - now I do feel guilty in having her participate in our "hunting" activity.While contemplataing this new twist to my plans, I remembered a game her mother and I used to play when she was a little girl. Maybe next time Annie comes up for a visit, instead of engaging in our regular "hunt", I'll get this game out and explore the possibilities of helping her develop other talents - afterall it claims to be "an exciting game of pursuit, chance and skill".
P.S. I know all about snail bate, but it doesn't work as well as "disgarding" them in the bags.
7 comments:
HAHAHAH! thats all i have to say! hahahahahahahha!
haha!! I love it!! Sounds like you 2 have plenty of fun!!
Love, Love, Loved this post. Oh the things grandma's do. Keep this one for Annie to read one day.
Jolyn had a neighbor that told her to put BEER in a saucer or large bottle cap and leave it out in her garden. This would attract the snails and as they crawled in the would drown. Jo says it worked a little too well and she is sure that she saw a flashing Neon sign one night as she came home from work. "Party at Jo's".
my mom plays this game with isabella and ryan as well...something about the tiny fingers and sharp eyes, right? i love that annie really likes snails. it does sound just like maris.
Marcia, I really think you should write a book! I loved your posts! Cute story and I CANT BELIEVE CATE IS WALKING. GOSH!!! I even see the picts and still can't believe she is walking! Fun time spent with grandma and granddaughter!
Way to go Granma B! Too much fun! Our little Jacob even brought a 'house' for the snail family he's 'collecting' here...& took them home (he-he)!
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