A week with grandchildren

Our grandchild J, the one with black hair, and her friend N, the blond one, are two eight-graders who spent time with us this week. Their visit was a reality check for me and my husband.They had so much energy and so many ideas and opinions that we got a real shot in the arm, an update on today's tastes and hot topics.

Here's what we learned:

1. school life weighs heavily on teens; their major concern is to do well and to be liked by their teachers.

2. life is a game; the girls tested each other on the beach, in the car, on the race-track, on the golf course, at the theater, at the zoo. They tested their knowledge, their skills, their opinions.

3. teens are in their own world all the time, until something catches their attention. Most of the time, they express themselves quite openly, yet, aware that adults may be offended by their remarks.

4. they are worried about the future, about cost of commodities, about making good choices in life.

5. they are versatile, polite, adaptable and grateful.

In many ways, teens and seniors are alike:

1. We supported Jeanine as the ultimate winner in the show, "So You Think You Can Dance".

2. Italian food, hamburgers, pizza, salads and ice cream are our favorites.

3. We like private moments.

4. We enjoy preparing food. Correction: they like to make ice-cream and pudding.

5. We love beaches-running , jumping, combing, and photographing.