The Gramzie Chronicles

How I wished for a day when I could post an entry full of energy, hope, and some raw humor. Instead I find myself trying to process so many life adjustments. My tolerance for the Facebook feed has reached its peak. I'm not running and hiding this time, rather adjusting to simply checking on the Friends feed to acknowledge birthdays, followed by a quick perusal of recent events. The political climate is so bizarre, it's almost impossible to remain honestly informed, plus the vitriol is rankling.  So, we watch just enough news to stay in the loop of current developments, then focus on sports or movies...or, my favorite, shutting off the TV, or reading a book in lieu of doom scrolling. The shop shut-down is still progressing, with a lot of editing.. The panic jobs are still coming, which does not bode well for a clean break. As I've shared before, the biggest frustration has been those who feel they are, and always will be, an exception. I'm giving up my unofficial role as...

Mother Nature is off her meds...again. All I can think of is all the rock we took hours to rake back on the road, and knowing full well that it's once again thrown back by the snowplow. My hope is that no more of our sod has been dug out by the same.  And, my pristine yard is littered with debris, plus our arbor now prone on the ground. In the spirit of gratitude, I know I'm more than able to set things to rights.  My optimistic move putting the grills and deck table out, now ice and snow-covered, was not in vain. While we didn't get a chance to enjoy them this weekend,  the time is near. We've also been blindsided by another tragedy that we are processing. I won't elaborate as it isn't family related.  As April 1 draws near, I'm also considering retiring from Iowa Family Services. There has been a glitch in my client's status that may, or may not, be rectified, and I'm okay with either option.  In the true spirit of Emmetsburg's St. Patrick'...

  I'm burrowed under a blanket, still in my Ireland sweatshirt and Hawkeye sleep pants, watching it blow and snow, nursing another cup of coffee. My brother and his family, as well as our friends, all left early yesterday to miss the inclement weather. Even though churches have been cancelled, the Kiwanis Club is still at the VFW, flipping cakes for those needing a hot breakfast. Something tells me Randy will be home earlier than usual. I try to take advantage of these quiet solitary mornings, so my plan is to give myself a facial, and perhaps, a coat of polish on my stubby nails.  It never fails that when I do a self-care day that I think of Dolly Parton in Steel Magnolias: "There is no such thing as natural beauty. It takes a lot of work to look like this".  I honestly don't put in a lot of effort, but do have a skincare routine. Makeup is more minimal now that I'm not going to work every day. In fact, a swipe of mascara, touch of blush, and lip balm keep me fro...

  I live with a self-proclaimed weatherman. No doubt this comes from being raised on a farm where their very existence depends on Mather Nature's whims. Every morning revolves around what the temperature is, and what it could be. later in the day. Will it rain, or snow? Windy or still? Each of these topics get brought up, and updated, throughout the day. Plans need to be made around the climate. So, we do not have curb and gutter (I know, not a graceful segue), so when the snaw plows clear the streets, we end up with dirt mounds from where the driver gets too close to the grass.  These mounds have gravel, rocks, black dirt, and chunks of sod, all requiring it to be raked back where it belongs. We discussed getting this chore done on Randy's "day off" Friday. I had a "me" morning planned so I could wash my hair, and maybe polish my nails. The stars are not aligning. Gramzie's Study Hall with our Online Academy student extended to 11 p.m. since he accompan...

You know the adage: Practice what you preach.  I need to pay heed to what I preach, I've found...the hard way.  Recently, I gave advice on checking for expired or not-so-fresh components in our pantries. Did I check mine? Yes, or at least I thought I did. Turns out I was not as thorough as I should have been. Let me share how I found out. I have a recipe for Minted Squash Orzo, which we both love. I do switch out the mint with parsley, but I digress. One of the ingredients is garlic oil, which plays an important role in the flavor profile. During the preparation of this dish, I did not smell anything off.  Upon tasting it, however, there was something a bit "off".  We did eat it anyway, but when we finished, I made a pass through my ingredients.  The garlic oil had turned. Not just that which was in the dispensing cruet, but both bottles I had in reserve had expired.  I did check the unopened bottles, and they were a no-go. Needless to say, the cruet g...

  I am not a proponent of Daylight Saving Time.  All it does is give people one more thing to argue or complain about.  One caveat is that it makes Spring come an hour earlier. The extra light is welcome, but I'm not one who is bothered or affected by when it begins or ends on the clock.  This comment is indicative of being retired, clearly, as I don't have a job or school dictating my days! With the snow having disappeared,  I've been itching to get outside and DO something. But, the ground is muddy and it's just cold. I did go out and worked in the garden shed, in preparation for the seasonal shift of its contents, a week ago. Honestly, all I could do at this point is raking leaves away from the fence...that which is not frozen to the ground.  It's too cold to justify that. St. Pat's is around the corner and I strongly feel we are due for a balmy celebration. Randy and I both remember the year it was so warm and lovely, we had coffee at 5 a.m. on the deck...