Granny's Spin Zone

The Lost Month

2005-02-28T14:47:00.000-06:00

February has been one very long month. Cold, wet, totally intolerable weather. I have spent this past month beneath my covers, nose to the computer, redesigning my web site (http://grannygrafix.tripod.com/).

The sun has finally decided to peek out from the clouds, and all of the birds are flocking around our treetops, wondering when the next cold blast will drive them from their branches. Bewildering as the weather has been, we and God's creatures seem to adapt to it in our awkward fashion.

Someone once said that if there isn't anything else to say, just talk about the weather.

I did.

The Great Carsoni

2005-01-23T14:38:00.000-06:00

Several days have passed since my last post. Thought of writing about the cold weather that has hit us nationwide, since the old adage is that when you don't have anything else to say, talk about the weather. Then, Fox News splashed us with an alert. Johnny Carson, NBC's king of TV's Tonight Show, has passed away at age 79.

Johnny was a fixture in my household for thirty years. I never went to bed without first watching his show and listening to his newest puns and gags. I laughed with him, and I cried when he stepped down from his throne at NBC. Bette Midler did nothing to quell my tears, with her sincere farewell song on that night in 1992.

I join with the entire entourage of Johnny's friends and fans, world-wide, in wishing him "God's speed" toward Heaven's Gates. And, as he leaves his beloved audience behind, he'll turn and say, "Be right back..."

Reading Habits of Smalltown, USA

2005-01-16T19:47:00.000-06:00

To gain insight to this small community, here are the best-selling books listed this week.

1. 3rd Degree by James Patterson
2. The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands
3. The Last Juror (GRISHAM, JOHN)
4. Deliver Us from Evil by Sean Hannity
5. The Purpose-Driven Life
6. Deception Point by Dan Brown

"3rd Degree" is a mystery tale, involving a serial killer and a possible connection to one of the members of the town's Women's Murder Club. I hear there's a new local organization forming here . . .

"The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands" instructs wives in maintaining a happy hubby. This came on the heels of Amber Frey's new book release, "Witness For the Prosecution of Scott Peterson."

"The Last Juror" is set in 1970's Mississippi. Racial conflict, murder, and revenge against members of a convicting jury present an interesting, albeit time-worn, plot. And maybe refreshes some old memories here and about?

"Deliver Us from Evil" is Sean Hannity's interpretation of history in motion and our responsibility as citizens to help keep our country free. You probably won't like this, if you're a liberal Democrat -- or Hollywood celebrity.

"The Purpose-Driven Life" could be called "The God-Driven Life." Rick Warren, the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, takes the reader on a 40-day spiritual journey toward understanding life and God's plan with you in mind. I'd sure like to get a look at His daily planner . . .

And, so you have it. Elsewhere in the world, people are reading books about financial success, healthy living (weight-watchers anonymous), all things ethereal. Only thing ethereal being looked into here is living with God in the Afterlife. Otherwise, most folks are interested in solids. Mystery, mayhem, patriotism. You know, the stuff life is made of.

Dr. Diabolique

2005-01-11T22:32:00.000-06:00

Is it just me, or is someone trying to sabotage all of the exotic and fun resort spots in the world? First, Florida, Haiti and and the Gulf Coast were battered by multiple hurricanes of epic proportions in late summer 2004. More recently, happy vacationers and residents in southern Asia were swept into the ocean at the hands of an indifferent tsunami. And, now, chunks of the California coast have been chipped away, to become mud and sludge, as they slide and slither to the bottom of cliffsides. In all of these unfortunate natural disasters, death and destruction have been emblazoned in our memories, and ugliness and corrosion have replaced the once awesome and pristine shorelines frequented by those able to afford the holiday luxuries they held.

Maybe nature is just reclaiming its own natural landscape, tearing down the manmade hotels and shops designed by man. Or, maybe it's some guy who hasn't been able to take a vacation to offset the drudgeries of daily struggles. Suppose he transforms into this comic book hero, Doctor Diabolique. He designs this machine that creates horrendous storms, and he aims them at his hated rivals, who are having more fun than he is. Or . . . maybe it's just the boring earth cycle explanation, since these phenomena have hit before.

But, the Dr. Diabolique theory would make a neat movie. Hollywood, anyone?

Bible Lessons For Sale

2005-01-08T19:30:00.000-06:00

A glance down the shelves at the book store revealed a publication entitled "Bible for Blockheads." Since I own nearly all of the "xxx for Dummies" manuals, this one particularly caught my eye. I picked it up and found that it was, indeed, a teaching guide for those interested in learning more about various chapters and verses contained in the Christian Bible. I guess calling us "dummies" for wanting to study biblical material wasn't considered politically correct. Better to call us "blockheads." I haven't quite come to any satisfactory conclusion on this. Maybe someone else has a theory. If so, feel free to send your comments. I wonder when and if they'll release similar books on the Koran and Tora. We could all use some understanding of other religions, before we expound criticism. Without this understanding, they could rightfully call us dummies OR blockheads.

Blessed are the Grandkids

2005-01-06T21:46:00.000-06:00

Grandchildren are a constant source of pleasure. Mine keep my daily routine anything but routine.

Back in school, after the holiday season, 11-year-old Steven was at his desk. While Ms. Smith stood before her classroom, explaining the lessons for the day, Steven was engrossed in a new library book. (His favorite pastime is reading, and he takes pride in the number of books he has consumed over the past two or three years.) Disturbed by his apparent lack of attention to matters at hand, the teacher stopped at Steven's side and quietly cleared her throat. No response. She spoke softly, "And, what are you doing, Steven?"

"Reading, Ma'am," said Steven, not glancing from the page before him.

"Did you understand your assignment for today?" asked Ms. Smith.

"Yes, Ma'am," he nodded.

"I find that difficult to believe, since you have been reading throughout this session."

Steven looked up and smiled, his blue eyes sparkling. He replied, "Yes, Ma'am. I'm practicing the art of multitasking."

Out of the mouths of babes ...

Robins in the Rain

2005-01-05T17:47:00.000-06:00

I think the robins in our yard were grounded by today's sudden deluge. Either that, or we're in for an early spring. But, the Almanac says we're going to have some b-a-a-a-a-d weather in February, so I'm afraid our feathered friends will have to take their soaked carcasses elsewhere for a few more months. Nice to see them, though. Meantime, I'll just return to hybernation and await the sounds of sprouting new greenery.

Have a sunshine day, y'all!

More As Seen on TV

2005-01-04T16:13:00.000-06:00

My husband just ordered another useful item for our kitchen. A revolving rack with plastic containers. He says it's because I never can keep the lids and containers on an even count. So? I have aluminum foil to solve that problem. Besides, what happens when the grandkids come over and decide to play "twirl the plastic thingie" at Grandma's house? All of the containers AND their lids will end up flying through the air, to be separated and never reunited. And, where does that bring us? Back to Square One, of course: uneven number of lids for number of containers . . . or vice-versa. (sigh) Another twenty bucks shot on a gimmick. If he brings me one of those robotic vacuum sweepers that lurk about, finding bread crumbs and dust bunnies, I'll put it down the ant hill and rid myself of two pests at once!

As Seen on TV

2005-01-03T16:11:00.000-06:00

I received one of those unique, one-of-a-kind gifts this year. A jar opener. An electric jar opener, to be precise. Now there is one more gadget resting on my countertop, taking up a 9-inch diameter space that could be used for something useful. Like, maybe, a cylinder filled with plastic wrap. What happened to the days when hubby could be summoned for this important task? Oh, well, if I'm lucky, that big jar of dill pickles in the pantry will be ready to open by July. Can't wait.

Post Holiday Blues

2005-01-02T16:09:00.000-06:00

There's something sad about taking down all of the Christmas decorations. I found this year that it can also be a dangerous venture. As I half-heartedly removed the outdoor lights and baubles, I felt a pang of regret that they would be put away for another year. A pang? No, it was more like . . . a burn . . . a sting . . . ouch! My leg was ablaze with an inexplicable malaise. Fire ants! I had stepped into the middle of a small mound of the blasted critters, and they were having a feast on my flesh! A dose of ant-killer soon defeated the mighty army and I returned to the job at hand. So much for sentiment. Next year, all decorations will be indoors!

Apologies to O'Reilly

2005-01-01T15:20:00.000-06:00

My apologies, Mr. O., for paraphrasing your "No Spin" philosophy. No harm or pun intended, since I'm a diehard fan.

My blog title was inspired by my grandmother, who used to regale us with tiny morsels of life. We used to say that Grandma was "spinning a yarn." That's what I'll be doing here, except they'll be true tidbits, gleaned from daily life in the new millenium. I'll be tossing in a bit of "homespun" philosophy from time to time, and that adds the spice to the stewpot. So, let's get on with my spin on things, and you're free to jump in anywhere with your own comments.