The Gramzie Chronicles

  Happy Monday...?  Can you stand more whining from me? Our two most prolific repeat offenders have been on the rampage already. The first, now blocked, began his campaign on Saturday night, of course. Randy has his phone completely shut off on the weekends just for that reason.  This morning, there have been voicemails and texts, all which will be ignored.  The second showed up as I was helping Randy construct a cage of sorts on the tractor loader so the eaves under the rain troughs can be painted.  We were in a conversation about the building when he unceremoniously informed me that he and Randy would be going in the shop and shutting the door, dismissing me with a wave of his hand no less. WTH. I'm now fuming in private, especially after finding out Randy agreed to a service call, in this oppressive heat, this afternoon.  Well, at least if offender 1 shows up, he'll be gone. Randy's retirement, I'm feeling, has become the biggest joke in town...at l...

  I had a rotten morning.  Not even that third cup of coffee could pull me out of my funk.  As usual, it was one of those days when I spent most of my time wondering what in the world was wrong with me.  And, as usual, I got no answer...or perhaps a list too long to tackle.  Also, the shop is way too full for someone who professes to be retired.  Nothing was hitting me right. My house was clean enough to be healthy, my desk was clear, laundry wasn't even a consideration, and even baking didn't have appeal.  There wasn't even a reason to shop when there was nothing I wanted or needed.  After a long day up and down a ladder, painting yesterday, the four remaining windows can wait So, finally dressed, and facing a front yard of downed leaves from Randy and his right-hand man trimming the crab tree,  I decided to mow. Ah, my favorite therapy.   Despite the fact that it wasn't really necessary, other than the obvious cleanup, I had to do some...

  I don't think my dear man realizes how precious his presence to his older grands.  Sure, they spend a lot of time in the shop with him.  Either they are helping him, or doing their own thing, it matters not. They are with him. Just now, Grand 1 came in. "Hey, Grampa, would you like to go fishing with me?"  I gave hubs the side eye, like "don't you dare say no".  So, off they go, including Grand 2. It's so different with me.  What I get is, "Gramzie, you're out of cookies", or "You're out of ice cream".  These are the same little boys who used to clamor to be allowed to "help" with the cookies.  That evolved into "I can make them myself" (I "get" to clean up).  Now? Crickets. In all fairness, I know they are growing up.  They still come over to watch games.  Or stop just to see what we are having for supper. (hint, hint)  You know, just in case it's better than what's at home. I'm her...

Since returning from Chicago, it's been nonstop here.   The construction crew started on the shop the day after we got home.  The best news (for me) is that the front is blocked by their trailer and the lift, so no work can get in the overhead door.  There was one mower that squeaked in before that happened, but nothing since. It's heavenly! That's not to say we have been sitting around, watching. There have been loads to haul to the dump, painting to be done, yard work, and cleanup between days.  There has been marked progress each day, and we are both so glad we are getting this done. Today, though, I desperately needed a house day. The laundry and baking got caught up right away, leaving me free to help outside, but there is a lot that's been put aside until now. The big Grands are here, helping Randy do some house painting, mainly so Randy stays firmly on the ground. That leaves a couple of windows for me, but it won't get done today.  The shed, our sto...

  I remember mentioning how the algorithm on my social media changes immediately following my 70th birthday.  As someone who once considered a career in journalism, I found myself delving into some of these advertisements, out of curiosity, in case I was missing out on something. Here is what I've discerned. Aging for women is not for the weak or insecure.  I've found that there are issues of which I was not aware are, apparently, critical as I've never been 70 before.  I hope all of you have brought your senses of humor today. *Old lady smell they assure that you have but don't know it? We have a soap for that. *Hot flashes keeping you awake? We have a bed cover for that.  Said cover will also save your marriage, in some cases.  *Meno belly poking fun at you?  We have a miracle supplement for that. *Want your lady bits to resemble when you were 5? We have a cream to wipe it all away. *Don't know your feminine archetype?  We will tell you wha...

  As I nurse my third cup of coffee, I thought I'd check in.  Last week was torturous, as you can imagine.  I still expect him to be standing behind me in the kitchen, or snuffling me awake in the morning. I did make Randy two promises. One is that I will take the summer to see if I can live without a dog. The second is, if I decide to add another member to our family, it will not be a puppy. Interestingly enough, I've seen several posts of rescues that, if circumstances were different, I'd jump at. Being gone so much in the next couple of months would not be fair to a rescue. I want to be able to dedicate the necessary time to adapt and adjust a pup so it feels safe and secure. Fortunately, I have friends that will generously share their fur balls with me. We are looking forward to being on the road. Grand2 has a wrestling tournament this weekend, and we have a trip planned for several days next week.  We'll be back in time for another tournament! How is retirement ...