Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 3:42 pm on November 15, 2025 Permalink  

  Great Day 

  With a day of sunshine, it feels like a great day for fall to have hung around.  Leaves are dancing every which way.  Neighbors are putting up Christmas lights even though the ladder seems to want to give way to the strong winds.

  In a time gone by, I might have been right out there making sure the holiday lights were in perfect position fighting with timers for maximum effect.  I will be sure to enjoy the neighbor’s hard work when the lights will be on.

  Jan from next door came over and enjoyed the guest chair in my bedroom porch.  Easy visiting as we watched traffic.  Jan marvels at the perfect spot I have to keep my thumb on the happenings.

  Dennis has also had a day of fellows dropping in for chit chat in the patio porch.  Everyone seems to be enjoying the last vestiges of fall.  Once all of the job jars have been emptied, the slower pace sets in and it is good for the soul.

  I have enjoyed acknowledging the year of 2026 and all that it will entail celebrating our nation.  With quite a bit of turmoil in and around our state’s political statis, it came easily to plunk in some stitching.  Dad’s woodworking is the perfect place to showcase items as events present themselves. 

  

  Small stitching projects are satisfying when the actual stitching is done.  The rest of the story . . . the finishing, takes on its own challenge.  Patience is all that is required.  I know from watching others on YouTube’s floss tube that many send off the raw stitching and pay someone else to finish it.  Man, oh man, that really changes the whole idea of self-satisfaction.  I will continue working with glue on my fingers and pins poking me when I least expect it.

  This evening it is a waffle/sausage type of supper.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:27 pm on November 14, 2025 Permalink  

  Friday the 14th 

  I have had some retail therapy today and I am exhausted.  In my defense I had done a needs analysis over the last several weeks.  When I fight with certain elements in my studio, it gets to the point . . . no more.  From various departments, I had a list of eight items.  The total cost of my therapy was $89.00.  Thank you very much Amazon.  I have no idea how many stops it would have taken in Mankato with the same amount of success.  Even the fuel to begin the run-around might have been mind-blowing.  I can now relax and know that my days in the studio will be more relaxing as I wait for several days.

  Ordering from Amazon’s warehousing and imagining having all these items being pulled for one order, takes me back a few decades.

  On Excelsior Bouvard in Hopkins were several large company’s warehouses.  My dad took me to my rooming house on Sunday nights and picked me up Friday after the milking was done.  I had happened to get a job in what was then Coast-to-Coast Hardware warehouse.  As stores requested supplies to be shipped to them, those requests became printouts.  Getting to work, I would be handed a list for . . . let’s say Hutchinson’s Coast-to-Coast Store.  I would walk the multiple aisles carrying my basket matching each item on the the printout to the bins of IBM cards.  If the store requested four coffeepots, I would pull four IBM cards signifying matching printout numbers to matching cards.  Cutting to the chase . . . I would love to see how it is all done now.  Yes, I am a curious Grammie. 

  My brother called this forenoon.  It was great to catchup with him.  Assisted living units were perhaps not his ideal desire, but it is what it is.  Eric is just about 30 minutes from him and can stop and see him often.  Calvin is able to visit with anyone and I am sure he shares his views to those that stay put long enough to listen to one or two or more of them.

  A batch of egg-salad is on for supper by request.  The little onion that I used was strong enough to bring me to the point that I could not see straight.  Changing up options of texture and taste does a person well.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:45 pm on November 13, 2025 Permalink  

  Have No Fear 

  Have no fear you little applique scissors . . . I will find you.  As much as Grammie has tidied, tided, I am missing a scissors used in trimming fabric during applique.  Applique is when fabric is used to create a portion of the desired designs and this scissors allows for super close trimming.  I know I will find it, just not today.  It was hanging on the south wall of the studio.  I need to get a close up and personal look at the bumper of the drainage tile that goes around the perimeter of the studio.  Last month I spied with my little eye a small rotary cutter that had been pushed off the back of a shelf and there it was, just peeking up of where it had landed, between the cement wall and the bumper.

  I had been doing some stitching of the 2026 nation’s celebration.  I had two designs that were in need of finishing with stuffing and trim.  I have the trim application down to a science.  I can no long do hand stitching to apply the trim, but I know how to use Aleene’s Tacky Glue and my stick pins.  It works like a charm. 

  

  It gives the little pillows a touch of finish.

  To keep my hand in finding designs to download successfully, I have one on the hook that looks to be one that needs to be stitched.  Eeny, meeny, miny, moe which flash drive should I load it on?

  

  I have all the flash drives gone through, complete with what each one holds.  I have one drive that has minimal on it, butterflies for Maria’s aprons.  That is the one I chose.  When I assure you that I have the where with-all to stay busy for the duration, I am not joking.  As I mentioned I need to do the process often so as to not have to ask for help.  Well, hell’s bells, now where would I go for that.  Yup, YouTube if needed.

  Adding photos to my postings is also something that needs to be done often so I do not forget the needed steps.  Is it any wonder why by nine each night, I am ready for a good night’s rest.

  Our supper this evening is a bowl of rich tomato soup.  Made rich by using some heavy cream I have left in the refrigerator with a grilled cheese half sandwich.  Dessert will be banana cream instant pudding with 2% milk that is two days past the sell by date and a banana that is begging to be used.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:41 pm on November 12, 2025 Permalink  

  The Warmth 

  The warmth of the sun cannot be denied.  Each day of natural warmth is a blessing.

  I didn’t visit the studio first thing this morning.  I needed to read more about the gummed up situation I had yesterday, a simple stitch-out that took me five hours.  Bernina Jeff is an older fellow in Colorado that works in a quilt-shop, multi machine sales floor.  He knows his stuff and I like his YouTubes.  The neat thing about YouTubes is that when a specific question is asked, it takes you to the resolution without reading through pages of information.

  Yesterday as I was stitching, all had gone well for half of the project.  Then . . . every few seconds the bobbin error message would stop the sewing machine.  I knew there was no mechanical reason for it, so I would push the error button and then push the stitch button.  This went on for the remainder of the project.  Grr.

  Within my sewing machine are many options for using the machine.  After all these years, I have only touched a minimum of what is possible.  There is a sensor that will light-up telling me I am about to run out of bobbin thread, the error message.  This is to eliminate being into a project that you would not like to have interrupted loosing a place that would mar the outcome having to begin anew.

  Bernina Jeff councils that if I know, I have cleaned everything and anything that is not wanted, re-threaded, put in a new needle whether you need it or not, I can go into the machine’s “setup.”  First things first, make sure the tiny LED light’s message that the bobbin is clear of any fuzz.  Then I can poke the icon of a wrench.  I then poke the “eye ball.”  This will allow me to shut off the eye ball option of knowing and the machine “seeing” when I am going to run out of bobbin thread.  This shut-off is ideal if the magnetic silver on the bottom of the bobbin is not able to send clear messages. 

  After all that, I went down into the studio and did as instructed.  I repeated the stitch-out of yesterday.  I completed the same design in under two hours.  I don’t know if that bobbin’s magnetic silver covering was to blame.  I will try to re-engage the eye ball and see what happens.

  This wonder of wonder of a sewing machine has taught me a lot.  Mostly patience.

  I am a curious stitcher and a patient stitcher.  My world would be oh so small if I were not.

  This evening we will be having the remainder of the tuna oven dish of Monday night.  Last night the bean and ham soup hit the spot.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:07 pm on November 11, 2025 Permalink  

  Returned 

  Great fall days have returned. . . for now.

  My Veteran is having a good day.  After a breakfast box and coffee in the patio porch, he decided to check his eyelids for cracks.  Naps are good for the soul.

  I headed for the studio this morning.  I had it in my mind to get the module on the sewing machine and stitch out a design.  There are many steps to achieve a successful product.  If I don’t keep my hand in that process . . . well, that would just not be good.  I have all the materials needed.  Whether what I stitch is needed by someone is not the point.  I need to maintain my level of comfort in the challenge.

  What I had not counted on was getting a thread jam early on in the stitching.  Nothing to do but begin from the inside out to solve it.  Sure enough, in the cavity where the hook is, the area that holds the bobbin, there was a short length of thread.  That itty bitty bugger was preventing the needle from engaging the bobbin thread to pull the thread up to make a stitch.  Keeping the machine running smoothly encourages patience, a whole bunch of it.

  I did succeed in my quest.  So much so, that I think tomorrow I will repeat the process.  I have always enjoyed sharing from my studio when someone drops in.

  The leaves in the neighborhood are catching hell this afternoon.  With the winds of the last days, it has really stripped most of the trees bare.

  I am always thankful when we have made it through the remainder of October and the first week into November.  That span of time contains real estate taxes, six months of the home owner’s insurance as well as six months of the car insurance.  Whew!  A great feeling to have all handled without stress.  

  The remainder of the tuna oven dish is being postponed until Wednesday night.  Ham and bean soup seemed a good fit for this evening’s meal.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:38 pm on November 10, 2025 Permalink  

  A Monday 

  Clarification was needed.  Neighbor Jan stopped in this morning with a piece of our mail that had been left in error in their mailbox Saturday.  It was a piece of junk mail, but nontheless it was our name and address on it. 

  Jan commented that she had come too early as I was still in a bathrobe.  I didn’t want to say anything to make her uncomfortable, I just passed on it.  After Jan had left I had thoughts.

  Jan was wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt.  I believe it is a generational thing.  I didn’t grow up with “the sweat” as a line of clothing.  In my day, you were either in a bathrobe or you were “dressed” for the day.  

  In my eighties, I am in my “robe” phase of clothing.  As this was Monday morning, the laundry was started and I was in my pink robe that had suffered from a splash of bleach some time back.  This robe serves me to hustle about the east end of our home that includes bathroom and kitchen.  After the laundry was humming, I began a tuna oven meal for tonight’s supper.  Dennis was on board to open several cans of the Sun-Kist Tuna that was packed in water.  With all ingredients in the round blue speckled roaster, it was ready to be popped in the oven about 4:30.

  Dennis took out the recycling and house garbage as Tuesday’s our garbage hauler will be here by seven in the morning. 

  I went on to do the dishes from the prep.  That led to a tidy of the kitchen cabinet fronts next to the coffee pot.  He, she, me . . . does splash a bit pouring an early morning cup.  If it hits the front of the cabinet fronts it is bound to also frequent the floor.  Tidy, tidy.  I can work up some heat with the hustling and bustling, thus the lightweight pink working robe.

  When the east end of our home had been taken care of, I knew I would be feeling the fact that our home temp is set at 70.  I chose a warmer robe as I would be relaxing, having been cooled down and enjoying a second cup of coffee and yogurt for a late breakfast.  The work robe hit the laundry.

  Yes, multiple weights of robes for various times during the day.  Actually, I have three robes, light, medium and heavy.  No “sweats” for the Grammie, just a variety of robes.  FWI . . . robes are not for the studio.  Being “dressed” allows for maximum mobility.  Tee Hee!

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:00 pm on November 9, 2025 Permalink  

  Sunday the 9th 

  The snow flurries of yesterday chose not to make an impact.  A few sheltered roof tops are still harboring the white.

  What has made an impact is the wind from the northwest.  If one were to hold open a huge garbage bag facing the wind head-on, it might very well fill the bag.

  The wind allows for the trains running through town on the tracks a block to the north of us sound as if they are right next door.

  Last night, we had a poor-man’s supper.  No we didn’t add a rock to the soup to make it go farther, we were fresh out of rocks.  What was added to the can of Progressive Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup was the chopped up cauliflower from the night before,  as well were the leftover mashed potatoes used.  I heated the mashed potatoes in the microwave.  They were then divided into our two soup bowls.  At the table the soup was ladled over the mashed potatoes.  A very hearty supper it was.  The consequence . . . leftovers used up in a tasty hot meal.  

  I am so proud  of our front sidewalk flag.

  

  The cap of a marker covering the top of the post and one of my green quilt clips hugging the flag to the post is letting the red, white and blue fly brightly and proudly.

  Dennis has his favorite cucumber dish prepared as a side-dish for supper.  His choice of a Maria’s frozen dish will be piping hot.  I am opting for a salad with my cucumber dish on the side.

  I did look through the embroidery design on the computer.  Quite a few to think on.  I have someone that doesn’t do Christmas without the Grinch.  No . . . ironically it is not Dennis. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:39 pm on November 8, 2025 Permalink  

  First! 

  Today was the first of the snow but I doubt it will be the last.  The Farmer’s Almanac tells us it will be a different winter from the last several mild ones we have had.  By the way, 2026 will be the last edition of the Farmer’s Almanac . . . so says somebody, I didn’t get their name.

  I don’t know about Dennis, but I feel pampered and special today.  This was our monthly visit to Maria’s Salon.  Amazing what a pedicure and a haircut can do for one’s feeling of wellbeing.  When Dennis is in her chair they talk about experiences either from his Korea days or her days when her family traveled where the fruit and vegetables were for harvesting.  When I am in her chair we talk about crocheting, yarns and women stuff.

  We stopped at Super Fair grocery on our way home.  We were in need of pasta and Dennis is in the mode for a tuna oven meal.  Star-Kist tuna packed in water is what we have on hand, and we are firm believers in using up what there is before buying new or more.  We had gotten spoiled with the white Albacore that is packed in water.

  It was difficult, but I did find a cucumber that was acceptable.  Most were soft and mushy.  Four pears and four avocados are also in the crisper along with the remaining Mcintosh apples that I have.  We never are without food.  I am at the point that shopping for produce here in town is what it is.  I still like to go to Sam’s Club and bulk up for the non-perishable items.

  Unfortunately, today the arthritis is not taking a time-out.  Weather as we are having today brings out warmer jackets and it sucks that I need help with the left side of the jacket.  Friction of my shirt doesn’t play well with the plush.  My thin nylon jacket slipped right on.  I am not one to back away when asking for help.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:35 pm on November 7, 2025 Permalink  

  What! 

  What is up with this!  Those bones, oh those bones crick and crack.  No . . . it is what is holding the bones together.  Nothing out of the unusual or ordinary.  Just a case of arthritis kicking in.  The first floor was where I stayed today.

  It seemed like a good day for YouTube watching with some stitching thrown in for good measure.  I do have something to take for when it hits hard and I said Uncle at 11:45.

  When I sit in my bedroom porch and hear the windchimes clattering, it does make me glance at our small USA flag that we have strung on a sleep post.  Those narrow ribbed posts were often used for stringing electrical fencing for cattle.  It works just great for our flag.  We did have to get smart after loosing one in a horrific wind storm in the late spring.  Though the steel post is ribbed and not smooth the winds whipping eventually walked the flag up the steel post and where the flag landed no one knows.  Initially we stripped the hem down the steel post with a safety pin clipped at the top to keep it in place.  The rough top of the steel post ate a hole through the hem on the top.  I did patch the hole first with needle and thread and then a dab of glue on the spot. 

  I knew the wind would whip its way for another hole.  The cap off of a Sharpie marker fit onto the tip of the post.  A quilter’s clip meant to hold fabric firmly in place attached the bottom of the flag to the post, gripping it tight.  Each day since we did this, I am thrilled to see the quilter’s bright green clip not letting the flag budge up one inch of the steel post.  I have lots of bright green clips if one breaks.  

  We had ordered two of the small flags.  When I saw that they were stitched and not printed, the extra heft helped.

  The meds are helping.  I never take them past noon of any day as they may effect my steadiness.  My shower-time is about eight at night.  We have multiple hand holds in the walk-in shower as well as a shower stool.  Safety at its best.

  Chicken tities for supper with vegetables.  Of course bread and butter pickle chips.  We like various brands.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:01 pm on November 6, 2025 Permalink  

  Season’s Change 

  Whatever made us think that the blustery days would not come.  

  The leaves are dancing in every which way.  I am sure they will settle down on someone’s yard and snuggle in for a long winter’s rest.

  The studio time was a bit short today.  There actually was a rhyme and reason to all the tidy, tidy I had been doing.  Some time ago,  I had fabric cut out for a certain quilt top.  I could envision the booklet of directions. High and lo I tidied.  Nothing.  On all four walls of the studio I tidied.  Nothing.  This was so unlike me.  Enough already!  I sat down and did an order from Amazon.  Knowing the author and what the front cover looked like did help.  I will be getting the booklet at the whooping price of $2.60 from a Goodwill in California.  I didn’t need a new edition.  This booklet was deemed in good shape.   I can rest . . . all is good.  The booklet is in the mail.

  I have two items on the calendar for myself.  I called the cardiac unit in Mankato.  I knew I was to have an Ectocardia ultra-sound in this month.  I kept checking the Mayo Portal . . . nothing.  Some things one needs to do on their own.  Not much for availability.  I will have the Ecto here in St. James January 6th, 2026 with a follow-up with a doctor on the 14th of January.  I am on a call list if there is a cancelation.  My surgeon left Mankato.  Dr. Haly is an MD as well as a cardiologist.  I do have an appointment with my primary here in town the beginning of December.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥