The reason I took to writing in the first place was to preserve family history, put a human face on the people who made it, save the memories to pass along, and talk a little about the heirs for whom it is intended.

Episodes of “KIDDY KORNER,” will be posted from time to time, featuring stories about grandchildren: Graham, Jr. (10) Bradley (8), Victoria (6), and Duncan (5).

Dorothy and I live next door to the afore-mentioned, and their parents Paulette and Graham. Both houses are set on pie-shaped lots at the bottom of a cul-de-sac. I spend a lot of time at the desk in my office that faces our driveway. To the left is the other window facing Graham’s barn. The set–up is a little like an observation tower.

Four and a half months into our new adventure, the joys of living next door to our four grandchildren keep unfolding.

EPISODE #1: This past Sunday, I was treated to an afternoon most of us grandfathers just dream about. Lacrosse runs in the family. I played at Yale, a midfielder, and son Graham was first string All New England Crease attack in Prep School. Grandson Bradley, age 8, had just joined the Connecticut River Lacrosse Club and attended two practices. Graham picked me up at 1:30pm and there was Brad in the backseat, newly outfitted with the latest cleats and pads, shiny new helmet and mouth-guard and blue uniform jersey, number 20 (his dad’s number) emblazoned in white on the back. We were off for his first game, away at the Surf Club in Madison.

What a setting! Graham brought a fold–out chair for me and set it up on the sideline about even with the north goal. The field was set back from the Long Island Sound about 200 yards. Either side of the facility, the Sound was clearly visible. The chilling breeze came off the water. My chair was set up facing the sun.

Madison was going through their pre-game drills with a precision that did not bode well for our Bantams. Our group was recently put together with a few holdovers. Bradley was new to the scene and seemed a little tentative in the warm-up. The referee arrived, blew his whistle and the game was underway. The first period was sloppy on both sides. Bradley was on the bench with the reserves. He was one of only two to see no action. The second period, the story was the same. We had scored the first goal, Madison the next six. I was going nuts. Why wasn’t my grandson getting into the game? Graham tried to calm me. I had coached him in hockey. He knew my potential for speaking out. A little over half way through the second period, Madison took a time out. We substituted a midfield, and Bradley went in at defense. He played his position like a roving line backer and disrupted Madison’s attack for the balance of the half and the third period into the fourth. During his time on defense, Madison scored only once.

He was rewarded with a shift at attack and promptly scored a goal. Although Madison won by a comfortable score, our team jelled as the game progressed. Watching Bradley gain confidence with each enemy assault made my afternoon in the sun one to remember.

EPISODE #2: The rules in our house are simple. The grandchildren must let us know when they come in and when they leave. One episode illustrates the old saying “That rules are made to be broken.”

The Oreo Snatchers

Oreos have become the wampum of 22 Curiosity Lane. A treat at tea-time; also a reward for homework completed. Withheld; a strong admonition for missteps by miscreants.

Tea with their white-haired nanny has become a ritual when Tory and Duncan get off the school bus. Then it’s time for homework.

One afternoon recently, Nanny was out shopping. I was typing in my office. I heard the door open, but paid no attention. A few minutes later another sound as the door closed. I looked out. No car. I called. No one answered. I turned to the other window and was surprised to see Tory and Duncan standing behind their barn, stuffing Oreo after Oreo into their mouths.

I waited until Dorothy returned. We summoned the Oreo Snatchers and conducted a proper grilling. They tearfully confessed and promised never to repeat their crime. They had also violated House Rule #1- the mandatory verbal check-in. They were both given 4-minute minor penalties and made to sit in the two penalty chairs. No tea. No Ores. All tea parties suspended for two days.

My grandmother used to say, “Be sure your sins will find you out.” A good lesson learned!

EPISODE #3: April 5, 2010: A very important day! Dorothy’s Birthday!

7:35AM

Again from the vantage point, seated on my swivel chair in the den, I spun left to the window facing Graham’s house just in time to see Graham Jr. leading Bradley, Tory and Duncan through the mud and rain, heading for our house. Duncan was towing a large balloon. Today was Nanny’s big day and she was about to be awakened. All four streamed in making the obligatory verbal check-in, “Hi, Pops,” taking off rubber boots and raincoats. They headed straight for our bedroom. I followed at a distance and arrived as they roused her with a stirring rendition of Happy Birthday, led by Tory, the chorus lined up at the end of the bed. Duncan presented the balloon and each one gave her a card. Any subsequent gifts would be a distant second. Hugs and then they were out the door and off to school.

Any lingering doubts about leaving Long Island after seven decades and making the move to Essex fast faded that morning!

— George S.K. Rider