Grandma's Gleanings
Words and Thoughts from Grandma
If compromise didn’t exist, agreements would never by attained between people of diverse opinions. The Great Compromise of 1787 is one example of bridging a gap between two different viewpoints. The government of a free nation was being formed when a disagreement arose between the smaller states, who sought equal representation, and larger states, …
Nothing struck more dread into this young, elementary school student than report card day. Most of that achievement summary was great; I always did well in spelling, reading, writing, and any type of history. But noticeably absent from that list is math. We received two math grades, one for computation and one for problem …
On August 25, 1939, a cinematic masterpiece would debut in theaters across the United States. Based on the 1900 children’s novel by L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz would become one of the best-loved movies ever produced, with those beloved characters of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion etching a spot …
If you wear corrective lenses as I do, you may be familiar with the term myopia. Myopia is an eye disorder where light focuses in front of, instead of on, the retina. Put simply, your eyes have improper focus. Because the eye is incapable of bringing the light into sharp focus, distant objects will …
One moment of distraction and it happened. I was busy working my evening job behind the deli counter of a small family-owned store close to my home. I was exhausted, working as many hours as I could squeeze into a week, trying to eke out enough money to pay for my college tuition and …
If you had lived in my hometown during the years of my childhood, the place to be on a Saturday morning was the Majestic or Manos Theaters. Both theaters were centerpieces of our main street, along with our Five and Dime Store, a feed store, some Mom and Pop clothing boutiques, and of course, Isalys …
There we stood, silently, arms crossed in deep concentration, as if we were viewing a priceless Monet at a chic French art gallery. But we were not in France, we were at our local shopping mall, enjoying an inexpensive date night, passing the time by window shopping. We would always find ourselves drawn to …
I would learn the definition of this legal term soon after I crossed the finish line of high school and approached the threshold of college. Before you can receive an student loan, you must sign a promissory note. A promissory note is a financial tool used to put the terms of a loan in …
Can there be anything more hysterical than this? Here we sit, beautiful late-spring morning, perfect temperature, sunny skies. By the enthusiasm of the crowd gathered, one would think that Olympic competitions are being held here, but they would be sorely mistaken. We are gathered here to watch preschool kiddos play a game of soccer…and …
God has enriched my life with some fabulous memories, and some of the most precious ones are associated with Lake Erie. My husband and I have spent moments walking hand-in-hand on those sandy beaches, making plans and sharing dreams; we have flown kites, fed ducks, had picnics, and watched boats sail upon those beautiful waters. …
If I have learned one fact by being a parent of four and a teacher of many, it is that kids are unique little critters. A curriculum and style that is effective for one, can be fruitless for another. A reward and discipline system can yield fabulous results for one child, while appearing unprofitable and …
Wow, it is so hard to believe that I am approaching the end of this writing journey. Hopefully by the end of June, I will have all of my devotionals posted. I cannot find the words to thank those of you who have been so supportive of this project of love meant for my grandchildren. …
Allow me to set the scene: the turnpike or interstate is jammed with traffic, with cars, buses, trucks all vying for space, flying at breakneck speeds far above the posted limits, weaving between lanes in reckless abandonment, resembling a true-to-life version of Mario Cart. Then as you round a bend, you catch a glimpse …
Joe Rollino probably isn’t a name passed around the dinner table with much frequency. Although he weighed in at a modest 150 pounds, his ability to lift 635 pounds with his fingers and 3,200 pounds with his back would win him several accolades and strongman titles. But it would not be his Strongest Man …