Gamma Shark

What is a Gamma Shark?

Well…that would be me. 

When my oldest grandson was learning to talk, he couldn’t say my name, Grandma Schardt. It came out as Gamma Shark. And that name just kinda stuck with me. 

With Schardt being my maiden name, I reclaimed it after my divorce. My kids were happy that their kids would have a Grandma Schardt too as they loved my mom. When I got remarried, I didn’t want to take that away from them so my new last name is hyphenated, the best of both worlds. I guess once a Schardt always a Schardt. 

My family has always pronounced Schardt with a silent “t”, like a “chard of glass”. Once when I was staying in Bar Harbor, Maine, at my friends’ Airbnb, I visited with a couple of young German men at breakfast. Since my last name is German, I asked them how they would pronounce it. They said it would be Schardt as in Schmidt, a hard accent with emphasis on the “t”. That makes sense. I’m not sure what generation dropped the “t” or why. 

This week I will be hosting my 1st Annual Gamma Shark’s Summer Camp for my grandkids. From 10-4, Monday through Friday, our days will filled with activities. Crafts, outdoor games, indoor games if it rains, story time, a Bible lesson, fishing, and plenty of snacks. Friday evening will be a family night of hotdogs, s’mores, and plenty of laughter to end the week. 

My daughter, Charlie, is flying in tomorrow to spend the week with us. Later this week, my daughter, Denae, and her family will be driving down from the Chicago area. 

This is quite exciting for me. I spent much time planning this week. I sent out the daily schedule of events to each of the families. Every day will begin at the flagpole in the front yard for the pledge of allegiance. Every hour thereafter, is accounted for.

My daughters discussed how the schedule reminds them of school. I guess it probably would as they were homeschooled by me, so they know what my scheduling looks like. But Charlie duly noted that I didn’t schedule TV time (for the kids) or nap time (for her…and me). Maybe I’ll let you sneak one in, Charlie. 

D and I are working on the last details today. I’m inside the house doing a lot of little things and writing while he is manicuring the yard. I’m thankful it didn’t rain. D also made a special gate for me today so I can get to the cabin easier from the backyard. He’s such a great sport. He’s the best. 

Hopefully, many good memories will be made this week with six happy campers…and a couple of tired adults.

♥️

Andi