Grandma's Gleanings
Words and Thoughts from Grandma
To say that I love my bird-feeding stations would be an understatement. A combination of seven feeders, varying in style and size, grace my property, helping to dot the landscape with the colors and sounds of nature. And seeds…we have them all here at the Winkle Nature Refuge: safflower and dried fruit for the brilliantly-colored …
It would be an experiment in independence, a nation comprised of free people-citizens who could speak, write, assemble, and worship without fear of a tyrant’s intervention. Prior to the American Revolution, the crown of England imprisoned, mutilated, exiled, and even killed men and women who voiced opposition, who belonged to minority political parties, or …
What child isn’t mesmerized by superheroes? Typically possessing supernatural powers, including lightning-fast speed, mind-boggling agility, and abounding strength, these fictional characters fend off evil forces in the universe, protect the public masses, and battle super villains. A staple in American comic books and films since the 1930’s, these superheroes have battled their archenemies by …
In my experience, this phenomenon is simply a myriad of really bizarre scenarios tied together by a few hours of darkness. My brain can conjure up some of the most unique, terrifying, and just plain weird dreams on record. My husband never recalls his dreams, so he is dumbfounded as I relay the mystifying …
I loved my Tuesday date days with my grandson; it was the one autumn afternoon a week that I set aside solely for him. After his morning preschool class was dismissed, we were on the road and the first stop for this growing lad was lunch. I wonder what the new McDonald’s toy will …
One of our favorite getaways as a couple involves traveling to Pennsylvania Dutch country in beautiful Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The scenery is spectacular…huge, sprawling farms as far as the eye can see, creating a view diametrically opposed to the mountainous terrain that we call home. And the food is simply amazing! One could feast at …
This would be so exciting! For the first time ever, I was going to make my very own home-sewn dress! Ah, the Junior High Home Economics Nightmare of 1968, who could forget it. I carefully chose the pattern, the fabric (which looking back, wreaked with gaudiness..yikes!), and all the needed notions. I didn’t know …
What a disaster! I have been responsible for some pretty outrageous kitchen mess-ups during my early years as a wife, but they all pale in comparisons to this disaster. We had been married for only a few years when I thought it useful to learn how to can our own foods. We had a …
Oh what a happy soul I am, Although I cannot see. I am resolved that in this world, Contented I will be. Born in Putnam County, New York, a sweet baby girl would become ill within 2 months of her birth. Due to the fact that their family physician was called out of town, …