Grandma's Gleanings
Words and Thoughts from Grandma
Does the possibility even exist in our present day, high-tech world? Can someone actually place a phone call and get a real-live, human operator on the first try? I seriously have my doubts, and those doubts were reinforced recently as I found myself desperately attempting to get through on a health information line at our …
On January 26, 1945, Audie Murphy and approximately 40 U.S. troops sat shivering in a frigid, snow-covered field near Holtzwihr, France. Those battle-weary soldiers had been ordered to hold a vital roadway until reinforcements arrived, but the promised relief was slow in coming. When 250 German troops and 6 tanks emerged from the woods, …
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 …
Early in the history of agriculture, farmers would generally divide their land into two halves. One half would be sown with crops, the other half of the property would remain uncultivated, or fallow. This pattern would alternate, giving the land a year to rest. Even Scripture provided for a soil rest, “But the seventh …
He was perhaps the greatest American ultra-runner of the 1920’s, yet his rags-to-riches story is relatively unknown. Born in Finland in 1893, this top-rated cross-country runner immigrated to the United States at the age of 18, serving in the merchant marines during World War I. During his three-year tour of duty, he would complete …
I LOVE the experience, getting all gussied up, eating at our favorite restaurant, traveling to the big city, visiting the theater, reenacting our own rendition of Ma and Pa Kettle Go to Town! I especially enjoy the escapade when one of our favorite, old-time musicals is being performed. Modern theater is certainly far removed …
I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness. Penned by Thomas Chisholm, these words are a testament of God’s faithfulness throughout the course of a ordinary man’s …
November, 1942: I have not become the King’s First Minister in order to preside over the liquidation of the British Empire. He would be a controversial, yet resolute leader, an electrifying speaker, and an inspiration to a war-weary people during one of the darkest periods of world history. This small island nation, who at the …
What an impressive food! Benefits of this staple include improved heart health, lowered blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels, all while strengthening immunity and decreasing cancer risks. But that slimy taste and pasty texture doesn’t always fill my taste buds with glee, and although I do make a morning bowl of oatmeal part of …
We live in an exercise-crazed society, don’t we. And you can’t just exercise, you have to do it in style, with all the proper equipment: the running shoes, the yoga mat, the back support, the hand weights, the cute attire, and on and on. Regardless of the weather, we pass faithful joggers every Sunday morning …
We have come a long way from shopping the Mom and Pop stores of my childhood, those old, beloved, hometown stores where everyone knew everyone, a place when we were all friends and family. First came the transition to indoor shopping malls, causing the small towns that dotted my river valley to shutter their windows …
I have lived long enough, survived enough children and grandchildren, to recognize a good toy when I see one, and this was a GOOD toy. Purchased for our own little boys many years ago, this toy currently resides in a storage box in our basement, still available to entertain children with its simplicity. Domino …
For weeks we had been forced to jump through the unending hoops of government regulations and red tape. We were purchasing our first home through a Pennsylvania bond agreement made popular in the 1980’s, created to assist first-time home owners. Goodness, there were a LOT of hoops! Like anything government-related, we were bombarded with a …
From the earliest days of childhood, I was fortunate enough to glean this honorable virtue from my parents, my early classroom teachers, and those who were a part of my small hometown: devoted love; vigorous support and defense of one’s country; national loyalty; in a word, patriotism. I was taught to honor her flag and …
We look forward to this quiet ritual every March, a subtle yet sure sign that winter is losing its grip and spring will soon blanket our neighborhood. Nestled on a winding country road, skirting the edges of Brush Creek, is our very own Heron Hotel. Herons are social birds, nesting in a well-established heronry, …