I became a grandfather for the first time on December 18th 1997. Her name is Erica and she is perfect. She (and her parents) used to live a bazillion miles away (Calgary, I'm in Toronto) and now they live 12 bazillion miles away (Whistler, BC (the lucky sods!!!!)). Erica and I have met once, when she was 6 months old and now her Grandma and I are going to visit for a week starting next Friday. From the beginning I decided that I was going to be the musical grandparent and to that end have sent her CDs that I felt were appropriate for her age. When I visited her at 6 months I sang quiet songs to her, accapella. On this trip I am taking a bath-tub toy that has a floating scale she can play by hitting the floating things with a 'fish hammer'.

How can you help? Well, she can't spend the whole week in the bath tub and I want to make the best use of the time. What are good things to make a musical impression at 20 months? Her father has a guitar but I don't know how much he plays it. Maybe I can encourage him by example. Please suggest anything you think will help.

Grand-Dude? What the heck is Grand-Dude? My family has a history of names such as Grand-Peg, Grandma-Jay, Grandpa-Pop, ... When I was asked what Erica should call me I said Grand-Dude. Her parents immediately balked at the name but by the time the beautiful Erica was born they liked it. I've been Grand-Dude ever since. (I don't think I'll ever grow up.)