A Modest Return to Blogging
In a world where I propagate my thoughts 140 characters at a time, I tend to forget that I can extrapolate some of my thoughts into more meaningful content. Sometimes, I'm afraid to do that for fear of writing about my frustrations at work. Work frustrations are nearly universal and don't make for quality writing.
Sarah did a great job eulogizing Grandpa Zera in her previous post. I want to thank everyone for their outpouring of support and good wishes. Grandpa died on his 91st birthday. At the funeral, Dad returned our unopened birthday cards to Grandpa. Here's what I wrote to him:
Happy Birthday, Grandpa! You've achieved so much in your life. you raised three boys into men who appreciate the value of hard work, sacrifice and strength. You've protected and served not just your community but your country as well. Being your grandson fills me with pride! We love you.
Since last Wednesday, I've been very bad about what I've eaten and my body is starting to tell the story of a man forlorn for food. Burgers, gizzards, pizza, McDonalds breakfast, steak hoagies, beef jerky, and more Diet Coke have all crossed my lips and my body is starting to show its discontent with my decisions.
The good news is that we've got lots of fresh and unique vegetables from Michigan to get us back to eating better. From John and Becky, we procured a grip of tomatoes, a spaghetti squash and a few beets and carrots. From a farm stand in Charlotte, we bought some fresh corn, some beans and some onions. Initial reports are that the corn is delicious. I'm looking forward to some roasted beets. I recognize how much better I feel when I eat fresher, more sustainable food.
Saturday, we took Grody and went to Grand Mere State Park in Michigan. Nearly a mile hike from the parking lot and over a huge dune is some of the most remote, most undisturbed, most dog-friendly beach in Michigan. Grody and I ran on the beach a bit and played fetch in the water, although he didn't go too deep. Sarah did some reading and some sunbathing. We drove to Lansing and the sun's toll on my body became evident as I crashed hard. So hard that I missed Grody swimming on his own for the first time. Unfortunately, he was swimming because he wanted to eat the geese in John's duck pond, but I'm proud of him for overcoming his fear of swimming.
After I woke up, I examined my splotchy sunburn and we went to Joe's Gizzard City just in time to be seated next to the loudest children in the world. After a beer and some dinner, we were all pooped so we went back to the homestead and went to bed (but not before discovering the Netflix app for the iPhone!).
This morning, we visited Pa in the nursing home. His nursing home was immaculately appointed. It was more like a high-class lodge than a nursing home. Inlaid stone walls and nice big TVs everywhere. He was in good spirits and we shared some time with him before Sarah went shopping with Becky and John and I went skeet shooting. I hit 13 out of 50, which is respectable for a city boy who shoots maybe three times a year. On our way home, we hit some serious traffic, but some McDonalds ice cream made the post-traffic home stretch much more bearable.
Once we got home, it was pizza and TV time. Sarah was motivated to do some running while I did some freelance work. Grody curled up on his blanket, content after a weekend of terrorizing anything that moved and was remotely his size.
Public note to my cousin Jarrod: It was good seeing you at the funeral. Why don't you ever comment on our blog? Send me your email address: Mine is bryan.zera@gmail.com
It is great to be reading your blogs again! Thanks for writing, both of you!
What Becky said!
"Work frustrations are nearly universal and don't make for quality writing."
A-hem.... That's why they call it work! If it was fun, they would call it "play"!
Dear Brian,
Yesterday was the first time in a month that I checked your website and noticed the "public note" on your blog. I do not have a personal E-mail address yet but my dad gave me permission to use his in the meantime. I really like what you wrote in Grandpa's card. Writing must be in our genes here in the Zera family. I made sure I told Grandpa I loved him in my birthday card as well. I almost went to see him the day before he died but pulled out at the last minute. I wrote a special tribute to grandma and grandpa in my October article of oldies record album reviews entitled "Personal Reflections--My Grandparents". If you would like a copy, or would like an oldies music trivia question answered, please let me know, because I am The Music Man! You look really good in a tux, Brian, and It was real good seeing you again at the funeral. Hopefully This message will post this time and I touch base again real soon! Until then, you and Sarah have a great week! Your cousin Jarred (note the spelling)
Dear Bryan,
We sure have come a long way from this very first post, haven't we? I found out for myself that I am a very good note writer like my dad, who writes notes to me every day before he heads to work. Before I began writing this note I checked your archives. Great pictures of Grandpa and the deer in his yard! I printed them up and plan to give them to Dad later this evening. Speaking of Grandpa, things are coasting along with the cleaning of the house. We took care of the clothes, now we are planning to deal with the plates. We already have an interested party who wants Grandpa's car, we gave his recliner to our church's co-pastor, and another friend of ours from church got Grandma's crock pot. You got another friendly reminder from my mother in your birthday card about Grandpa's stuff, so PLEASE E-mail us right away and let us know what you want. As I mentioned in my last post, I have a couple of new blog ideas for you: how about giving your followers a trip down memory lane and tell us what your favorite music acts were growing up and what you like now. I am also interested in what your favorite memories of Grandma and Grandpa are. For me, it was coming to their house at Thanksgiving evening and talking, plus having the great dinners that Grandma cooked. If this is too personal for this site send me an E-mail. Has Sarah's liste of things she is grateful for finally run its course? Perhaps she can start that up again as well. Just a couple ideas for you to consider. Have a great night and I will touch base with you again real soon! Your cousin Jarred