The Gramzie Chronicles

I am a huge proponent of wearing pajamas...all day sometimes. I have found that on certain days, I get the most done in mine. Now, I'm not a Walmart pajama wearing customer. Even I have limits. Will I walk to the corner to get the mail? Sure! Remember, I'm talking pajamas, not lingerie. Let me count the ways: My office is pajama friendly. I can get lots done in there as it's all done on the computer. Banking is mobile, too.  I love baking in my pajamas. I can clean the oven in my pajamas. I can pick up Grands in my pajamas. I save on laundry by wearing pajamas. Oh, the possibilities! On the other hand... I will not mow in my pajamas (but have been known to scoop snow). I will not paint in my pajamas. I will not get groceries in my pajamas. So, if you ever are looking for someone to share a cup of coffee, don't look shocked when I answer the door...in my pajamas.☘  

There is a whole lot of trust going into this entry, and I'm hoping I can count on it being a judgment-free zone.   Rest assured, I'm not jonesing for sympathy or any other emotion from anyone. There are just things I need to get off my chest. (oh, God; here she goes again)... We have already explored the reality of the world we live in being a very heavy place, and the hits keep on coming. It's all a lot. For everyone. The harder I try to cope, the worse I feel. So, I'm burying my head for a few, only checking in on my friends on social media and ignoring the rest of the noise until I feel I'm back on my game. There are, after all, only so many dozens of cookies and loaves of bread I can muster. That said, with the load of outside chaos weakening my reserve, the day to day even becomes overwhelming. I'm so sick of the "Christians" preaching their version of what is righteous, being the self-appointed judges of us all. I grew up in a traditional Irish ...

  If you know me well, you already know I don't care about your politics. So understand from the onset that this is not about that. What matters to me is a person's integrity, empathy, morals, and kindness. I am a huge proponent of mental health care and am taking exception to those who claim that it's being used as an excuse or validation for the gun problem in our country; actually it's being blamed for many of society's issues. But, I digress... I've been very open about my personal struggles and have had to come up with various coping skills in order to be able to navigate social media. I had to delete my Facebook account several years ago, losing my blog and hundreds of pictures and videos. The hate and division at that time was too much for me. I activated a new account just this year as I feel I'm in a better place and because I missed being in contact with classmates and friends from afar. I've been much more selective with whom I associate and h...

  I promised not to get political here. I'm keeping that promise because what I need to get off my heart isn't about political parties. It's about the seemingly unending gun violence and its grave effect on our society. I support the 2nd Amendment. I do not support ownership of assault weapons, or the use of weapons to arbitrarily end the life of anyone. Red flag laws need to be more carefully acted upon. Gun violence has become the leading cause of childhood deaths. This is not acceptable. What was particularly emotional for me this morning was discussing what our schools are doing for intruder drills with my 10 year old 4th grader. I needed to have some reassurance from him that he knows what to do and that it's being taken seriously. The older boys are wise to the current social events and I'm confident they can handle, and act upon, a threat in school. But, the little guy really blew me away with the  matter of fact way he went through the protection process. Re...

  I have not had a day like this in a long time.  Rhetorical question: Do you ever find yourself not knowing what the heck to do with your day? Ever just feel unsettled for no apparent reason? Today began perfectly normal. Good night's sleep, coffee accompanied by the usual morning routine. Then I found myself wondering what to do with myself. It isn't as though there is nothing to do. I could be out painting trim and the garden shed door. The problem is the weather cannot decide what it wants to do. I could do some baking but we don't need bread and the cookies are not gone. Something always need to be cleaned, but...meh.  I finished up the laundry yesterday, with the water pump going out on the washer after the last load. That's in progress while we wait for parts.  I don't feel guilty for not wanting to freight train through another day. August was a lot, and September is beginning the same way.  What am I doing? I confirmed our reservation for my niece'...

  Realizing this may be an unpopular opinion, I think (close enough) it's Fall. The nip in the air may only be a hint, but it's enough for me to have put out the mums, and bring in the fern twins for the upcoming winter. The wreaths on the doors are changed and the deck rugs are power washed and stored. Even Randy has started up the fireplace and broken out the sweatshirts. It's hands down my favorite season. My beloved Hawkeyes lost this year's annual meeting with the Cyclones, but I do believe they will have a successful season. Both Iowa teams have had great opening games, so this will be fun to keep track of both with their exceptional quarterbacks. I'm holding out hope that, in spite of our Iowa heroine, Caitlin Clark being out for the duration of their season, the Fever will advance in the playoffs. And don't forget about our Kate Martin; the Valkaries are also making their mark! The naysayers better watch out for these women in 2026! Lastly, but most impo...