The Gramzie Chronicles

  I know I can't be alone in feeling like summer has whizzed by at an unprecedented pace this year, and fall is not far from making an appearance. I am a huge fan of fall, so its arrival is always welcome, along with the cooler temps. They, whomever "they" are, always say that time goes by faster for those occupied with life and busy. I can attest to that. I don't remember a year where we have been so consumed with things that we have almost lost an entire season! I got to watch the world wake up again this morning, up around 5 bells. Funny how it always seems to happen on a Sunday, but I do enjoy it. Understand that I'm not a very early riser, as a rule. My watch goes off at 6 a.m. but it's not unusual for me to drift off for another 30 or so. At any rate, I'm not so besotted with the world waking up that I'll get up that early all the time! There are just random things in my head today. The first is to say one of my favorite authors is John Grisham. ...

  I think I expected too much of this week in thinking that life would magically become "normal". Then again, perhaps I need to review exactly what normal means. One of the realities of living in Small Town, Iowa is that many things needed to complete a project need to be ordered, which means more waiting. More waiting means I am pushing my patience to a whole new level. On the plus side, the electrical issue that popped up was addressed immediately and it was a simple, very quick fix. Another blessing is that if it happens again, we will know what it is. The air conditioner/furnace has the thermostat wiring completed. So, a big thanks to Wyatt and Ryan for taking such excellent care of us. My heart goes out to our contractor, who set aside time to install the closet doors, only to have that effort stymied by the lumberyard failing to order the jam and track for the new doors. He and I both agreed that common sense is the new superpower.  We are both at their mercy now. *...

  It's over. Dear friends of ours invited us to their annual popper party this evening. Randy, I felt, deserved a break so I encouraged him to go as I am exhausted in every way. My sister was celebrated, with all 8 remaining siblings present, along with both large families. When it became too "people-y" for me, I'd find a quiet place where I could step back a little and still see who was coming in, trying not to miss anyone I needed to acknowledge. At a few of those moments, my Grand 2 would appear with a hug and a kiss on my cheek. I swear he had radar! I'd dreaded that day so much, and am much relieved to have it in the past. My kids, Randy, and I closed ranks and retreated home rather than going to the meal following. It was hot, and we were pretty drained. The dogs were so happy we were home, and a bit of meal prep chaos took the edge off a difficult day. And now, our family is all gone, leaving us with a fridge full of leftovers. True to form, I dealt with th...

  Awake shortly after 4 bells this morning, yet struggling to remain in bed despite intrusive thoughts preventing me from drifting back, I finally succumbed at 5:11, wandering through the house. Bo thought it was a good time to rouse the neighborhood, but did retreat to his kennel for more snoozing. I stood outside on the back deck, absorbing the peace and quiet. The birds were not chirping, the solar lights still threw out some glow. The stars were bright in the ebony skies, a sight I used to enjoy much more often. Back inside, leaving the door open to allow a rare cool breeze in, I was struck by the absolute silence, almost as if the house itself was still slumbering. It was heavenly. Then, precisely at 6 a.m., the world came alive. Birds singing their anthems, a train blaring its way through town, the sun making a meek entrance on the east. For once, I got the first cup of coffee. Not a bad way to begin a day. ☘

  Clearly, I need to lighten up here.  I have my eye masks on, to make me look "bright". I think they may be overselling them. Teeth brushed, morning routine complete, making me overthink some pretty petty things. Play along, please. Do you have things that must be done before your day really gets going? There are days that have shotgun starts, making getting the "usual" done right away impossible, but as a rule, the bed is made, dishwasher emptied...that sort of thing? If you have a dishwasher, do you run it during the day, or at night? If you decorate for Fall, have you started yet? Fall is my favorite season, but frankly, I just got my house set to rights following the renovation and the thought of rearranging anything makes me tired. That, plus the fact that we are still being systematically steamed outside. I just can't. If you have a dishwasher, do you load it back to front, or front to back? Do you find yourself rearranging it after someone else loads it?...

My family faces something we knew would happen one day, and dreaded; the beginning of losing siblings. This loss is of the second in our birth order, one of only three sisters amidst the horde of boys. The outpouring of caring and sympathy has been frankly overwhelming and very much appreciated.  There is one thing I feel compelled to address and clear the air. Now, this is strictly to ease my discomfort, and is in no way a condemnation of anyone. My sister and I were not close. This all began as children, born close together, not a new or recent development. We grew up as different individuals, in a big crowd. As adults, with our own families, we drifted farther apart in spite of living in the same town. Simply put, we just stayed in our own lanes.  At no time, no matter what disagreements or hurts happened, did I ever forget that she was, above all, still my sister. As my wise brother-in-law shared with me, some things just can't be fixed, so we just let it be. But now,...

  I try not to question God about Her motives, but find myself asking why Iowa has become the world's newest rainforest. Every window in our home is fogged over and after 2.5" yesterday, we've woken to yet another soaking. The humidity is insane: I don't care that it's supposed to be good for your skin.  It's keeping me from my outdoor happy place, so I can only imagine how lonesome my John Deere is feeling! All my new plantings, along with the existing foliage, are thriving however! Speaking of happy places, the kitchen, sans the doors for the furnace closet, is finished. I'm over the moon with the space, organization, and simplicity. There is even room for my pro Kitchenaid mixer to remain out, instead of being housed in a cupboard in the garage, needing to be hauled in for each use. Now that's luxury to me! In the week that it's been functioning, I've produced bread, cookies, and a peach pie. The door is always open for my friends to drop by ...