My Scottish Roots
Grannie was a McIntosh like the red, tangy
tart ones I craved every fall.
Small in stature filled with spunk,
fiercely defiant. Her eyes would pierce
straight to your soul tolerating only truth.
Frugal from the Depression saving
her used teabags in fridge for two
more dips in her flowery China cup.
A master at bridge and slot machines both
competitive to a fault. Her laughter
filled her visits with handmade flannel
nightgowns I cherished each Christmas.
Visited her at 19 by myself in California
where she loaded her car with lady friends
as we toured Napa valley wineries.
Feeling lightheaded, I gasped,” Grannie
Are you sure you can drive?” Her friends
giggled saying, “We could never ask
Quilla that question!” Grannie glared
in the rearview mirror putting
her pedal to the metal.
18 thoughts on "My Scottish Roots"
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love this! your granny sounds wonderful to be around! lovely to have these memories and be able to put it to words.
I have to laugh at the first stanza. I sometimes have to build the apple sets for the grocery store I work, and the Macintosh apples are the hardest because they just want to roll around endlessly!
Like my Grannie lol
Lovely portrait of a feisty lady! Especially like the comparison to the apple.
Yes and her maiden name was McIntosh!
Great combination of cherished memories!
Her spirit leaps out of the page!
Delightful! A great portrait!
Delicious memories! What a character, and you described her beautifully. Comparing her to the apple – priceless!
thx!
I love the comparison, especially because she shared names with the apple. I feel like I know her after reading. Great piece!
Oh how fun! What an adventure!
Lovely remembrance. You’ve really brought her to life.
Macintosh is my favorite apple because it reminds me of my childhood (in Upstate, N.Y.). Love how you used the tart apples to leap into your sassy grandma.
She was originally from Watertown, NY then moved to Williamsport, Pa and later to Santa Rosa, California to help my aunt Ruth after her divorce.
so happy to get to know your grannie!
This is a woman worth knowing! Thanks for sharing her!
I really like the opening line. It underscores immediately that “take a bite outta life” attitude.