The Gramzie Chronicles

I'm sure you remember me sharing that one of our most frequent offenders had been blocked on our phones.  Well, long story short, eventually he figured it out, talked to Randy and promised that if there was anything he didn't want to do for him, he would take no for an answer.  Reluctantly, his number was unblocked. Friday was an unusually busy day for us, not customer based.  Randy had his hands full with "stuff", and I spent a grueling afternoon working on the yard.  Hot, dirty, and tired, we both finally surrendered late afternoon.  So, by 5 p.m., we were both showered, in our pajamas, and ready to settle in with supper and the Fever game. At 5:45, while we were eating, the phone rang.  As is his habit, Randy let it go after seeing who it was.  Who, you ask?  Three guesses. After 4, yes four, successive calls with no voicemail, he shut the ringer off.  He has left if off all weekend, and plans to shut if off on Thursdays at the end of the ...

  Anyone who knows me well knows I'm a fall fan.  It may be that since I am a fall baby that it comes honestly. My flowers are hinting they're almost finished; some have already given up.  I'm about to begin cutting some of them back in the beds, like the hostas I transplanted this spring.  The unrelenting heat of weeks past took their toll, but I have faith they'll rebound next spring. Right now, the weather is glorious, but I'm still longing for a change.  So, gradually, I'll begin switching things around in the house.  The tulips and tiny mums I've had out since Easter have been replaced with sunflowers.  Pumpkin shaped pillows are on the sectional, and some changes are made in the bedrooms with the bedding. Full-blown fall comes after Labor Day.  I don't do as much Halloween as I used to; Nancy will make an appearance until Thanksgiving, as well as some wall art and a few other items.  I'm watching for the big mums so I can place one...

  I've observed somewhat of a phenomenon in my backyard.  Since the episodes of the hellish heat and humidity, it would seem I've lost my birds, in spite of having the suet and seed filled.  The seed was mysteriously disappearing, without any noticeable feathered guests, so last night I filled them and liberally sprayed the rabbit and deer deterrent.  As I suspected, the feeders are still full this morning.  We do have at least one deer that clears the fence, and apparently it has lengthened its feeding season into the summer months.  With the exception of one little squirrel and our bunny, the small animals have also left us.  There were about six little sparrows enjoying the bird bath last night, but even that has been largely unused.  I'm hoping they all return soon. It's another tractor ride today, so I get the entire day to myself, and after an incredible case of the "slows" yesterday, I need that to mop floors, and perhaps even wash windows....

  Recently I've seen more and more information and awareness of mental health.  I also realize that most people are not comfortable talking about it.  If you are one of those, you may want to skip this. I've been open about my reality with mental illness.  Right from the start, I want to make it clear that the one thing I will not tolerate is being referred to as "crazy", nor will I accept anyone else being labeled the same.  What that shows is a blatant ignorance of the subject. Looking back, I've found that my difficulties were evident as a teen, I just didn't know what it was.  Ha, the beauty of hindsight.  Now, I can understand why teen suicide happens.  That is when we, as humans, are so much more vulnerable and impressionable. I've gone through my share of therapists, some good, some really not.  If I may, I have to say there is nothing more frustrating than going for help, and having the immediate concern dismissed and having it t...

I'm feeling like a failure as a mother. When we were raising our kids, one of our rules was that if you start something, you must see it through to the end.  If, after finishing it, you don't want to do it again, that's fine.  We made two exceptions to that. Ryan broke his elbow from a pogo stick fall.  His little league coach was horrible, but he just put up with it, never complaining. It was a painful experience for us, watching him be humiliated and ignored, but we had to enforce it anyway.  So, when he showed up for a game, not in uniform, but sporting a cast, it was not even acknowledged.  The only reason he went was because he felt he wanted to support his team.  Needless to say, he never went back.  Jennifer experienced a severe sprain from a collision with a hurdle during track, which ended track season.  She played softball all summer in an air cast. Maybe we were too strict.  Perhaps the rule too harsh, because when I witness t...

I may be the only one this happens to, but song titles come to mind in relation to a day's happening. The rain this morning was a true blessing.  So much so, I'm not even mad about not being able to mow!  Instead, I'm looking forward to the lawn being restored to all green from the humidity and renewed moisture. Speaking of the humidity, this brings me to a realization we have made.  So many questions resulted from the bright, happy wallpaper having to be removed from the laundry nook in the kitchen.  Until recently, I didn't really have an answer to why it failed.  Now that I'm facing redoing it, I've reflected on what I may have done wrong so it doesn't happen again. Looking back, when I was in such a toot to get the kitchen done, the weather was similar to what we are currently experiencing...so very humid.  That, in addition to the fresh drywall and paint, made for less than ideal conditions to be hanging paper.  I'm convinced it didn't seal t...

  This is not a whine-fest.  I'm simply going to outline the circumstances of the last two days to clear my mind.  Honestly, I don't know why I worry about justifying what I write.  It appears I have next to no following, so I'm doing it for myself, and that's okay. Yesterday:  the one year anniversary of my sister's death. The tractor ride that I had hoped would give me some freedom in my day, cancelled, leaving a disappointed Grand and husband.  I kept on with my plans for the day, errands and groceries, food prep when I got home.  Lots done, with no real satisfaction. Today:  I was notified of another classmate's passing.  Hubby left for another tractor ride.  You may ask, "I thought you had your own tractor". Oh, I do, but don't get included.  Now understand, my idea of fun is not sitting on a metal seat for miles on end.  Just once, however, I'd at least like to be asked. I'm not seeking sympathy, just some understand...

  I've turned into my Great Aunt Mildred.  Before I explain why, let me tell you a little about her. Aunt Mildred was my Grandma Laura Laughlin's sister. She was a tiny spark plug of a woman, always saying she was as wide as she was tall.  As a mother and an aunt, she was a force to be reckoned with.  Tales of her from my mom and her cousin, Ruth, detailed how strict and hard to please she was.  But, when it came to their kids, well, we could do no wrong.  When we'd visit and ask now she was, she'd reply with "I'm just fine...from here up", with her hand under her chin.  She had a lift chair to aid in helping her up, as her mobility decreased with age. Her mind, however, remained razor sharp. She could tell anyone who'd listen every one of our birthdays, godparents, and never confused our names.  With nine of us, that's really something!  She lived in her home in Laurens into her 90's, with Meals on Wheels, a house cleaner, and many of u...