Grandpa Speaks: A Time Lapse Diary

By J.M. Loyd

About the Book
Grandpa Speaks: A Time Lapse Diary was written by an elder, first-time Grandpa. In time lapse form, this diary relates facts, feelings, and often emotions in a way that one might hear from a close friend or relative over the phone, in a letter, or on a postcard. It may have multiple entries in a day, days in a row, or a week or two with nothing. Then, like with a best friend for life, the entries just pick up as though no span of time in the conversation has passed. It looks back, paints the present, and hints at the future through imagination.
About the Author
J.M. Loyd is just a guy from Arkansas who grew up in a small town in the central part of the state. A town with three colleges and a fine ditch. I split my young time between them.
I was fortunate to attend school at the teacher’s college from nursery school through the fifth grade. It was quite an experience to be the guinea pig for the aspiring teachers standing in the hall behind the two-way mirrors.
I swam on championship teams for high school and two of the colleges. Achieved first chair trumpet in the school band, was a member of three rock bands, lead singer in two. Stage actor, set designer and finder.
I met my wife and put all of that away for our family. We worked together daily and raised our son. We married for keeps.
We had stores in the footwear and fashion industry and helped her family run the summer camp for children at our homeplace. I was named “Captain”. The name stuck. I led adventures groups, was the camp deejay, announcer, song leader and counsellor.
I am a licensed pilot, HAM, scuba diver, sailor, boater, builder, biker, herpetologist, gardener, fisherman, weatherman, salesman, locksmith, musician and lifeguard, mostly retired.
But, most importantly, a late in life Grandpa, with a lot to share.

• Language: English
• Publisher: RoseDog Books
• Release date: Nov 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890279330

Book preview

Loyed_Ebook_-_101723_3.pdf

The contents of this work, including, but not limited to, the accuracy of events, people, and places depicted; opinions expressed; permission to use previously published materials included; and any advice given or actions advocated are solely the responsibility of the author, who assumes all liability for said work and indemnifies the publisher against any claims stemming from publication of the work.

All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2023 by J.M. Loyd

Cover Art by Rob Carlos, 2023  

www.colorsmith.com

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted, downloaded, distributed, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented without permission in writing from the publisher.

RoseDog Books

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Pittsburgh, PA 15238

Visit our website at www.rosedogbookstore.com

ISBN: 979-8-89027-435-9

eISBN: 979-8-89027-933-0

Preface

Since I learned to speak and to write, I have offered tales and observations to those dear to me, kin and friend.  Always in a most haphazard fashion.  Often by phone, letter and text.  Recent years through the miracle of social media.  The latter having garnered something of a following among friends who watch closely for any post titled Grandpa Speaks.

It is as much about an elder first-time grandfather learning to be one as it is of a baby growing into a little boy.  Including reflections of having been a dad, a son and grandson.

Many suggested that it should be a book.  The realization that my son remembers very little of my father who died when my son was but four years of age and that I am well up in years prompted me to just do it.  

It is a diary of events and observations of our first four years together, in time lapse form.

This book is for Jesse, my favourite boy.

October 27, 2018

NOW we’re talkin"!

  Sang made up Grandpa songs for a good while.  (Hope I don’t scare him to death with my appearance when he opens his eyes.)   Keep a’rockin’ and singin’.

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October 27, 2018

I thank all for their good wishes.

Here, a new Mom and Dad step up.  The hard way, as we have done.  I love our Jesse, my pride is of these new parents.  I commit my life to them. And to their child. It shall be grand.

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October 29, 2018

First day that Jesse wide awake (for me).  Must be like watching a movie you clicked on and have no idea what’s going on, but you watch, in awe, anyway.

November 2, 2018

OH MY!  Timberlake sunrise rainbow.

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November 3, 2018

In the one level, old, old home of Jack and Jo.  So many years of love, family raising, Corndog caring.  We can feel the love and presence.  Is very special.

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November 4, 2018

Pop and papoose paid a visit.

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November 9, 2018

Save me, LouLou!

So, wide awake, love the rocking chair, Jesse realizes he’s in the lap of a grizzled, wrinkled, bespectacled, singing grand pa.  LouLou to the rescue!

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November 14, 2018

Had an in-home visit with my favourite grandchild.

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November 16, 2018

1st family dinner at Grand Ma’s (LouLou) house.  Was able, briefly, to wrest Jesse from her so she would dine.

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November 17, 2018

Was invited to join Sooj and Jesse on a walk around the lake.  It was grand, son!

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November 19, 2018

Okay, baby pics.  Aunt Tallulah in (not pictured) to meet Jesse.  In the arms of LouLou and Leebie (?).  Too much.  But Mary Jo (MJ to us, Sooj’s Mom) made it in this evening.  YAY!  Just love family affairs.

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November 20, 2018

Grandchild, Christmas present season, Star Wars.  Remembering the hours spent, as a Dad, sticking decals on Starfighters, etc. after child had retired.

November 23, 2018

Hey, Huck!  Meet your younger cousin, Jesse!

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November 24, 2018

So poignant.

  Meme Jo’s reflection  in the TV with her first great grandchild present.  Her 2nd, currently resides in her house.  All family moves about her presence.  

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November 24, 2018

Workin’ up songs for Jesse on Boogy’s Uke.  Not bad.

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November 26, 2018

 Not the banjo, nor the 6-string, nor the 12, nor the basses.  Not the trumpet, nor the flute, recorder or drum.  Harmonica, maybe, later, but the mission is set, and the violin may wait.  That which my father taught me shall be shared.  For entertainment, at least.  The joy of recall is nearly overwhelming.  Perhaps, may pass it on. One can only hope.

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December 4, 2018

Recon Jesse too young for Stairway to Heaven on ukulele?

December 8, 2018

Miserably dark, dank, cold, wet and windy day.  Saving grace: ugly eggs for breakfast, snack lunch of livers & gizzards from the gas station, fabulous pot of T made vegetable beef soup and  an iron skillet of cornbread for supper!

December 10, 2018

Dang chilly!  Late, go to bed.  Wait!  Bundle up, fire up Green Go, make a low headlights run thru the woods.  Yaya!  That’s the ticket.  Never know where the run will take you. Surprised to break out on the home run.  G’nite, all!

December 11, 2018

Get to spell mom and dad with Jesse for a long while this afternoon.  (Oh darn!).  Later,  Jesse home safe,  GREEN GO through the dark woods!  Around the levy, through the spillway, mud and all.  Then, the crescent moon near Pop’s Point.  Love you, babe!

December 14, 2018

Because who doesn’t need some reindeer at Christmas time?

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December 14, 2018

Daddy, your hat is dripping on me.

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Meeting Aunt LeeLee and Huck.

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December 18, 2018

Tree. Up again.  Stories of this space abound. It has been a few years since.  My T does these of love and talent.  Many have been sold.  This one is ours.  She will adjust the decor until the day we remove it.

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There are secret and special ornaments of family history hidden within. Awaiting the child that will enquire.

December 26, 2018

I never get tired of seeing my loved ones approach afoot from their home nearby on our Christmas day.

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December 26, 2018

It’s all about the babes at this point.  3 grandmas, 2 grandpas, 3 sets of married kids (2 sets of whom are parents), and by next Christmas, the third!

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December 26, 2018

There’s always a story, right?

  Having left the festivities to rest off the over indulgences, after a time our dear Sooj shows up to take Jesse (and herself) for a walkabout, would you like to go?  Having seen the pleading eyes of Serious Black, and as Terri said Yes, of course, I donned a jacket and bid SB to join.  He was thrilled.  Now, for the record, SJ and T are not short, slow walkers.  This would be a long haul apace for the old dog.  BUT!!!  Halfway down the levy, the remains of a large bass, mostly eaten by an eagle a few days ago gave Serious new life.  He kept trying to share it with each of us, in turn, as we tried to remain upwind of his treasure.  Finally, near the return home, in the deep woods, and as Todd’s dog and their dog cousin ran to greet us.  Serious Black just stopped and ate it.  Glad.  Left him with it.  He ate a good supper when he got home.

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December 28, 2018

Holidays continue: Thrilled to have Fam from LIT and SWZ at Timberlake to reunite.

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December 28, 2018

Out, reflectively of the day past, I went to gaze in the frigid night at the sky.  The sky, surprisingly devoid of the lights and strobes and sounds of aircraft  passing over.  Note the glow of the city of Russellville, past the mountain, some 26 air miles distant.  Total silence, save the occasional hum of the heat pump.  Winter is mostly quiet here.  Sleep well, Jesse.

December 29, 2018

Little Jessie

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When Mom has to work on show in studio, and baby has to stay with grandma and grandpa,  oh darn!

December 31, 2018

Happy New Year, all!  Enjoying the reflections and memories of all of the fabulous parties, outfits, bands, food, fun, friends, fires, roadblocks, ice, snow, fog drives, falling into the hot tub upon arriving home in freezing temperatures.  Tonight, feet up before a blazing fireplace, my lover right by.  Cat in the Lap napping.  Dogs in my charge, safely a’ home in their beds.  Shared a night ride in GreenGo with a dear Timberlake friend. Had our Jesse for a long while.  Happy New Year, indeed.

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Tiny milestone in the household.  After 2 months of not understanding, jealousy, and disturbed routine, the Cat in the Lap sniffed Jesse’s hand, did not run away.  But stayed by and observed.

And so ended 2018

January 1, 2019

Evolution.

   Evolution of tradition.  Inevitable, and years in the making.  The transition is the most difficult.  The spans abandoned, the spans awash with uncertainty, change.  The black-eyed pea hidden within the traditional supper, that substitutes Fritos for cornbread in a most delicious way. From the days when the two of us were enough. From there, to here.  You and I, we, they, you and I, again.  Have surely enjoyed, and shared the traditional New Year’s feast, as modified this day. With my girlfriend, best friend.  #marriedforkeeps

I’ve got sunshine, on a rainy day....  While Mom gets serious work done in studio, Terri and I get our bundle of sunshine, and on this dreary cold rainy day, was the perfect pick-me-up.  And, of course, I worked up the song on the new tenor uke.

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January 6, 2019

What a day! Yesterday, took the big scoot up the mountain.  Today, the little scoot!  Beautiful.  Not cold.  Got the C’mas tree out, THEN!  Got some fine time outdoors with Jesse!  Went on his first ride in Green Go which he enjoyed for 35 minutes.

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January 6, 2019

How quickly comes change.  From head banging and 5 days later to sitting in the chair.  The one that a mere 84 years ago, his great grandmother sat in at the store.  She wouldn’t get up.  So her Daddy, Pawpaw Stuart, bought it.  Later, (just some 20 odd years later) the daughter of the great grandmother happened to fall out of a chair at the table.  So, Pawpaw nailed the rocker to a dining room chair.  It remained there through all of his grandchildren, as each dined at the table until all reached an age that it was retired.  The coming of the first Great Grandchild, Ryan, saw its recovery and restoration.  The nails used by Pawpaw required the refabrication of the rockers and re-painting of the arms, so infused with the grease of babies and their fried chicken laden fingers.  Done! Ryan and his cousins enjoyed the rocker here, each in turn.  Stored again, in an improbable space, it survived.  Found, once again, after the first birth to our Timberlake offspring, the grandfather of same brought it to life again.  This photo of Jesse, in the chair at his uncle’s home spans generations.  Cool, No?

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January 8, 2019

Y’all get sick-o-this...  Ryan’s birthday.  1st time no trip to restaurant, nor home blown celebration. (New dad, and all).  (Welcome to parenthood, 43 years in the making).  There were meager (very nice) gifts, midday.  For me, a brief scooter excursion in unseasonable weather.  Followed by a delightful break for mom and dad.  Jesse, bright and alert, lay on my old shoulder, cooing, singing along as I sang a repertoire of marching songs for a long time.  (got the urpy shirt to prove...this, too shall pass).  Good nap. (Just love to watch the wake up.  slow as his dad).  After a delightful walk (I and Serious Black), Jesse and I watched tv and worked out toes and legs for 40 minutes. *joy*. (He even chewed my finger).  Hungry boy, time’s up.  Grilled bacon cheeseburgers for all. (Not Jesse...Yet).  Good day.  Happy Birthday, Ryan.

January 9, 2019

New changing table game.  Tug-O-War, hands vs foot with the fishey towel.  Great fun.  Properly anointed.  Gonna miss this one, as he heads out on the road with Mom and Dad for a few days.

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(later) poses question to the world:

Okay, y’all...baby has wracking hiccups. Cures?

(Lots of suggestions)

January 10, 2019

It is my right.  It is my job.  My kids return to the Indie road, dear child in tow.  (They’ve had the blessing of more time at home with new child than most working Americans, but return to work, they must).  Fans await.  I see the light in the eyes of the one set to give her all to them. (I also see the trepidation of this new family, setting out upon a major learning experience with love, commitment, and determination).  For those left behind...HOW WE GONNA DO WITHOUT JESSE!?!?!  *ahem*.  Oh yes...right, job as official grandpa, I’m gonna’ worry my ass off until they get home!  So There!

January 13, 2019

In the early, semi-darkness of the corner of the kitchen:

I; Sleepily and carefully pour a cup of coffee. Cat- LOOK at me when I bite you on the ankle!

January 19, 2019

Happy boy with full tummy resting in the best place on earth.

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January 20, 2019

YES!  Long handles, insulated boots, Carharts, gloves, knit cap with pompom on top.  Wife all bundled.  Camera, tripod, GreenGo goes.  Full Moon Eclipse night!   Well, the pics didn’t do well.  T lost her cap somewhere (find that tomorrow), got cold, came home to find the best view right above the house.  Kitty pissed at being put out, off schedule.  Eclipsed.

January 25, 2019

Cold and dreary, fighting off the gloom.  Little ray of sunshine showed up for a conversation to cheer me up.  (Speaks in tongues).  It worked!

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January 30, 2019

After brief absence, Reunited!

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And man! I wish all had seen how Super Mom did an international online performance with a 3 month old child in need of attention.

February 11, 2019

  Yes, Jesse, there was a near flood when you were but 3-1/2 months old.

Yes, there