Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 11:18 am on September 5, 2026 Permalink  

  Different Saturday 

  Maria had appointments early today for a wedding.  We will be primped and styled this afternoon.

  It gave me a lot of time to get Saturday items done.

  Our oven concoction is now a crockpot concoction.  Browning the pound of hamburger was the first step.  Draining the excess grease off and while the kettle was still warm, I took advantage of being able to easily fold in the cream of mushroom soup and white cheddar soup.  Next came the Simply Diced Potatoes to be folded in.  The package of the California Blend out of the freezer is microwaved a bit.  Cutting up the contents while still firm was my game.  All the ingredients folded until I could not do one more fold.  To transport this mixture from the kettle to the pot of the crockpot, I set the pot in the dry sink to give me a better lower height for my arms.  Last but not least an even sprinkle of fine crushed bread crumbs to seal the goodness as it heats.

  Before we leave this afternoon the crockpot will be turned on low as all ingredients have been pre-cooked.  As I walk by, my hand will brush across the outside of the crockpot to feel the warmth as it begins to prepare our supper.

  A time ago we were gifted the opportunity to have meals delivered to our home after we chose from the online menu.  Everything included:  spice packets, packets of sour cream, potatoes to peel, carrots to peel and the protein we had chosen.  When the funds of the gift were gone, I called the company.  I wanted to make sure there was no more delivered on a pay as you go method.  The gal asked why we were closing the account and I told her elderly people with physical limitations found the peeling and prep difficult.  She apologized as there were gift packets for just such customers.  Hmm.  I declined trying that.  Goodbye.

  I like what I can concoct in my kitchen and the ole cowboy never complains.  We’ve never gone hungry as I prepare meals much like what Lena prepared for Raymond.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:07 pm on September 4, 2026 Permalink  

  Out and About 

  Four of us were out this morning for a meet and great at 10:30.  By twelve thirty, even the air conditioning in the coffee shop was not doing it.  We agreed to see if next mid-week would work better.

  Coming back to the car even the car handle was not to be held for any length of time.  Dew point higher than humidity, it can feel like 101.

  I had planned on making an oven meal for this evening.  Any additional heat coming from the Whirl-Pool oven would be too hard on the AC.  Even the sky light in the kitchen brings more than wanted.

  Our supper is agreed upon . . . a cold supper with all major food groups still represented.

  Dennis is content this afternoon at his HP listening to country western music that can flip over to WWII history bits on the Reels.

  Off and on I take in a Hulu older television series while working an Amaze Go on my phone.

  Brother-in-law Orville called last night.  He needed to visit a bit and reminisce.  That’s the least that I can do for him.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:32 pm on September 3, 2026 Permalink  

  My Trip 

  This was the first day of the Super Fair’s Sale flier.  Here I come!

  My freezer had Dennis’ favorite oven meals, but . . . I wanted things in the freezer to make a meal out of.  Well, beef brats were on sale, I wanted at least three packages in the freezer, not so much for a meal but with sauerkraut, I guess that is one of our meals.  Seasoned two pound pork tender-lions for the crock pot were $3.99, one for the freezer.  I made some additional meat for the freezer pop into the cart.

  We have not had soup for supper in months.  Today Progressive soups at $3.59.  Hard to believe but I bought two cans.  Two cans of Campbell’s ham and bean for $2.99 each.  One can of Campbell’s white cheder soup for $1.99.  That is going into a hamburger and potato hot dish this weekend.

  Determination and a list.  The pantry needed a boost.  Dennis did get a treat of one Twin Bing candy bar at $1.75. 

  I always take the small carts for ease of getting around in the store.  The last items to top off my shopping was avocados, pears, peaches and grapes . . . my kind of treat.

  Got it all tucked away and me . . . being tuckered.  Breakfast coffee still is good.

  My little cart, full to the top at $105.12 with $29.78 in markdown savings.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:02 pm on September 2, 2026 Permalink  

  Not So Nice 

  It’s not a very nice day out . . . sticky feeling after a short burst of rain last night. 

  Yesterday when I went to pick up our car tabs at the courthouse, there was no feelings of been there, done that.  Walking down the long hall to the motor vehicle office, not one live person could be seen in the four offices I passed.  New inner doors with touch key-pad locks.  Plex-a-glass over a four foot tall counter with a bell that would, could, might bring someone.

  It felt as if it would be a real chore to service the public with so-much as a greeting unless beckoned.  I am glad I worked at the courthouse when it was a “happy to see you” place.  I did take note that the wallpaper I had insisted on in that long hallway was still there as well as the homey light fixtures that replaced the two bulb fluorescents that hung from dusty, rusty chains.  Yup, memories.  Just give me the PERA and I will call it even.

  Our city water department has been busy in the backyards of our block.  Water pressure is slow to non-existent at times.  A small town’s infrastructure is always a work in progress. 

  Dennis went to see his cousin Bruce today after Bruce spent 26 days in the VA hospital for lung cancer.  Bruce had worked in a platting plant for years.  It brings to mind, toxic fumes.  Bruce lost 36 pounds and is reported to be very week but glad to be home.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:01 pm on September 1, 2026 Permalink  

  Much Has Been Done 

  In the span of 24 hours, both trees that needed to be take care of, have.  The crew pulled out this morning at 9:15.  The areas look as if they have been swept.  Actually, they have.  A skid steer loader can hook up and unhook attachments as fast as I can change feet on my sewing machine.  Now comes the waiting . . . for the bill.  It’s called life.

  I got the new tabs for my 2012 MKX.  $56.25 every year.  Hopefully that may change to the downward next year.  Last time there was any action was when Jesse Ventura was governor.

  What will still need to be done, is a trip to Subway for a 12″ Tuna.  Working men may do away with a 12″ on their own . . . us older ones on Stauffer do just fine sharing one.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:02 pm on August 31, 2026 Permalink  

  Monday!! 

  We are like Grand Central Station here for a Monday morning.

  Tom came by to let us know that our tree man was setting up equipment on the acre to take care of a fallen tree.  As Tom was visiting, AJ came in the back door.  AJ is checking on his crew that is the Fedium fellows installing underwire cable.  Lots of chatter.

  I left for the grocery store with list in hand.

  When I returned, there was a second crew of the tree man’s working on the Hackberry tree.  Two for one on this Monday.  Why not.  We are very lucky that the list we were on will soon be over and done.

  This is a lot of excitement for my ole cowboy.  It is also a day when we honor taking care of our property and we do it well.

  Grocery’s have been tucked away and that will do us for a week and a half.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:18 pm on August 30, 2026 Permalink  

  Sometimes 

  Sometimes, one day of the week feels just like the last or the next.

  Whatever . . . I like this day.  I find joy in the day and what it brings.

  Today, there are many, many Monarchs fluttering about.  A sweet site indeed.  Such mighty tiny beings preparing for their winter flight.

  Last night, I prepared what will be our supper this Sunday evening.  A bag of diced rotisserie chicken thawing out of the freezer.  A quarter of an onion diced and before I knew it a meal had been prepared for a day that promises to be a quiet day.  What’s not to like.

  I have a book that I am getting involved in, The Tin Man. A few stitches have been put into a new project.  Going through the endless amount of junk paper that finds itself coming through the mail slot as tomorrow is recycling day.  Lighten the load to make room for more.

  There is only one bandage left on the ole cowboy.  It’s on a rough spot on his left elbow.  The elbow that has a spot on his computer chair and could be tempted to be rubbed into bleeding.  A bale of gauze should do the trick.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:45 pm on August 29, 2026 Permalink  

  All is Well 

  The 18th of this August, Dennis and I had a great road trip as well as getting the sewing machine tuned up.  By the way, it is humming as if it were brand new.

  Later that day, Dennis had the leaf blower going to blow off all the acorns that makes it feel you have roller skates on while traveling on the patios.   I turned towards the house to begin getting a supper on.

  An hour or so later I heard Dennis come into the back entry.  Our usual acknowledgment was “Hello” to each other.  Dennis responded by telling me he needed some help.  Dennis had fallen on the east patio, that cannot be seen through the bathroom window that has the curtain clipped so I can keep track of what is going on.

  Both arms from the elbow down and several fingers were bleeding.  Dennis couldn’t get a grip on anything to help himself to get up off of the cement and he had crawled into the patio porch and then walked to the back door of the house.  

  First off was extra strength Tylenol to begin working for a body that would soon feel what it had been through.  Lots of warm wet wash cloths to blot the thin skin that had rubbed off.  Slow but sure, the Bacitracin was applied to each and every wound as the bleeding subsided to each and it could be dried enough to help the bandages adhere.  The last were the knees.

  I was prepared with what it took to dress the owes.   I am always prepared to be there for Dennis.  Dennis needs to do and be allowed the things he has aways taken care of.  If it had been serious, we would have been to the ER. 

  When and if those visits need to be done, it will be a doctor’s report.  What may follow is that that visit will alert those that check on the elderly.  I am prepared.  As long as we, and I do mean we, can manage it’s us . . . the ones on Stauffer avenue.

  Bandages have been changed often and healing is progressing.

  With that I will take my leave.♥♥

   
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  Noreen 2:27 pm on August 28, 2026 Permalink  

  Hello Studio 

  It was time to work studio time back in my days.

  The sewing machine had been set on the table and not even uncovered.  The foot peddle was as clean as new.  Electrical cord wound with a bow.  

  Getting it all set up took me a bit.  I prefer keeping the embroidery module on the machine at all times.  That way the arms of it don’t get bumped.

  I did have three items that needed some mending.  I have been asked if I do alterations.  No.  What I do for myself may have a whoops now and then and that’s on me.  Doing for other people puts pressure.  I don’t need that.

  The Old Alley Quilt Shop in Sherburn is closing due to the death of the owner, with no offers of purchasing it so it can remain open. Of course, there are emails of discounts.  Dennis has offered to take a road trip to the west with me, but I have no need of anything. 

  The six o’clock evening news is keeping up with what the 2026 State Fair has to offer, while showing seas of people.  I am happy that there are enough people to keep it going. 

  I hope everyone enjoys these last days of August.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:11 pm on August 27, 2026 Permalink  

  Neighborhood Watch 

  I can’t help but notice what goes on outside my HP window facing south.  Stauffer Avenue has five times more vehicles than population living on it.  Sometimes very suspicious.  The most suspicious is a vagrant on a bicycle cruising for the better part of the day.  That is why we have locks on our doors for the better part of the day as well as during the night.

  A trip to Lewis Drug. While at Lewis Drug, I did purchase the largest bottle/tub of Vicks-Vapo Rub that was possible.  Dennis is a believer of said product.  It also cracks him up that it is $17.99.  

  I then stopped to see Karen at the Collage.  The retail door is closed and Karen is working on cleaning out.  I think the first floor was easy, compared to ten years of clutter in the basement.  That area is beyond my navigation.  Slow but sure she will get it done.  All I can do is offer moral support.

  We are having two quarter pound Schweigert’s wieners cut up into sauerkraut for supper.  The skins are a bit tough to plop into a bun for an easy bite. 

  All is well with my soul.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥