Rosie

Rosie is the new King Charles Spaniel in the Julius household where I am staying all this week.  She’s a beautiful puppy, full of fun and always misbehaving.

 

My sister, Beverley, and I were brought up with dogs.  They were an important part of our childhood.  So it is not surprising that she has chosen to have them as a part of her family.

 

I’ve just been speaking to your father on the phone who tells me how much you have learnt in your first week of life.  He was happy to report that your mother and he had a bit more sleep last night, as you decided not to disturb them too much.  I remember when we were living in New York in 1986, shortly after your father was born, how many times he would awake during the night.  We were living on the 21^st floor of a Manhattan apartment building on 47^th Street between 2^nd and 3^rd Avenues.  We had so little sleep one night that I really was thinking of throwing him out of the window.  Fortunately I didn’t, otherwise you wouldn’t be here today!

 

It has been raining for most of the day here in Aldeburgh.  But that doesn’t stop our enjoyment, although I would very much like to go out for a walk but don’t want to get wet.  This is all-too-typical English summer weather. 

 

Tomorrow I will take my mother Avis back to London before flying home to Prague.

 

 

Grandpa Jonathan

Aldeburgh, Suffolk

My love of food

When we went on family holidays, I often joked with your father and your Aunt Rachel that the biggest dilemma was what we should do in between meals.  Food has always been very important to me.  Some would argue that it has been too important, given the size of my girth.  But I have to confess that I really love it.

After a very pleasant pub lunch here on our week in Suffolk, we found a lovely cheese shop which kept me entertained for a while.  I was delighted to see such a wide range of delicious varieties – some of which are in this photo.   I tasted a few and found that the Welsh Bomber was my favourite.  Yummy.

But there is more to life than food.  Tonight we are going to a gospel concert at the Opera House in Snape.  Music is another one of my loves.

Food and music – what a wonderful combination!

Grandpa Jonathan

Aldeburgh, Suffolk

Morning swim in the North Sea

Today, your grandfather went swimming in the North Sea. 

Now, you need to understand that the waters off the British Coast are different from the Israeli Mediterranean.  It was cold.  But it was invigorating, and I really enjoyed my 20-minute exercise.

I suppose it will be a few years, but I look forward to enjoying a swim with you, my dear Ya'el, in this part of the world.


Grandpa Jonathan
Aldeburgh, Suffolk    

Meet your great-grandmother Avis

I am spending this week with my mother, Avis, who is your great-grandmother.  She is in her eightieth year and now lives in the north London suburb of Northwood on her own as her husband, my father, passed away in 2006 at the age of 82.  They lived in Jerusalem from 1979 to 1991 where my father worked for the Israeli Ministry of Health as Chief Dental Officer for Southern Israel.

Grandma is pictured here with Floss who is the 14 year-old Schnautzer belonging to the Julius family.

She is much looking forward to meeting you in person.  I hope to bring her to Israel very soon.

Today we all went Southwold in Suffolk where we had lunch, walked around and did some shopping.  It was raining a bit, but that didn’t stop us from having a lovely time.

Grandpa Jonathan

Aldeburgh, Suffolk

Home sweet home

I am now in Aldeburgh in Suffolk, staying with your great aunt Beverley.

I've just spoken to your father and have been told that your mother and you left hospital today.  You are now at home as a family in Givat Shahal.  I am told that you appear to find it strange in the outside world, but I am sure you will soon enjoy the comfort of your own home.

You are always in my thoughts, my darling Ya'el, and I am already missing you.


Grandpa Jonathan
Aldburgh, Suffolk

See you soon

As I leave Israel after my two-day visit to see you, I am trying to imagine what you will look like and what skills you will have acquired by the next time I come.

Now, I am flying to London and tomorrow I will take my mother Avis, your great grandmother to the country house of my sister Beverley, your great aunt, on the English west coast in Sussex.  We will spend a few day there, together with two of your first cousins once removed, Tom and Annie. 

I have visited Israel many times, but this has been the most special.  I am leaving as a very proud grandfather.  I will return soon, by which time I hope you will be smiling beautiful.

Grandpa Jonathan
Ben Gurion Airport, Israel