Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 3:12 pm on May 16, 2022 Permalink  

  All is Well 

  On a grand day as this is, all is well with me and mine.

  Dennis had his pre-op physical this morning at our local clinic.  We got home at noon and we both agreed this would be a good day for making nice with the acre.  I think I could do the push mowing around the house but I won’t hold up in doing the trimming of the acre as well.  Dennis put the Sear’s rider on the second to the highest level.  The front yard looks manicured at that height with no scalps.

  I enjoy being outside doing yard work.  I have been doing it since I had babies riding on my lap of a riding lawnmower.  Hmm.  That was in the 60s.  It is surprising how easily they would fall asleep.  We had two Oak trees just far enough apart from each other that the hammock was the perfect dumping off spot to pop them into to finish a nap.  Orlin had even made a small fenced in area that was easy to move from spot to spot to keep the kids out of the sun and far away from the mower.  Sweet times those were on the farm.  I can recall them as if it were yesterday.

  Fast forward to last year . . . 2021.  I didn’t accomplish much in our yard let alone contribute to the tending of the acre.  I had tried, but when I lost my balance while being a novice with a cane, I nicely had to stay where I sat until Dennis came to my rescue.  He got me up on my feet and steered me to the closest lawn chair.  He then took my cane away so he knew I would stay where I was planted.

  Much has improved over this last year.  I understand my body and what it and I can do together safely.  The together part is the mind plus the physical body.  Maybe I will always be tuckered at the end of the day.  I don’t nap during the day.  Whether I am in the studio or in the yard, I give it all that I have.  I am in the comfort zone of my home.  It is my safety rut.  I also know that I do experience sensory overload when we have a full day outside of our home.  A stroke can and doesn’t effect just the physical body.  However small . . . there is some spillover into the mindset.  That is the best way I can think of explaining that.  

  I am here to tell you, I accept who I am and what I am able to do for myself and Dennis.  We are a team that sometimes appears to be tattered from stepping up and taking . . . one more hit.  I am not one to throw in the towel . . . neither is Dennis.  Dennis and I talked about this just this last Saturday once we had the patios tricked out.  Dennis went through so many medical issues with me when I was in my late 50s and early 60s.  I then took time off with the medical world until the stroke and heart surgery in 2021 when I was 76.  It wasn’t until Dennis had turned 82 that he had medical issues and that was the carotid arteries.  Hmm.  We summed it up by reminding each other of the great medical advancements we each have experienced.  Sweet.

  What is also sweet is how great the acre looks this afternoon.  What a great spring week.

   
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  Noreen 2:17 pm on May 15, 2022 Permalink  

  Oh What a Day 

  Oh what a beautiful day!

  I was up a bit before six this morning and was ready for what the day brought.  Now that we have chairs out on the patios, I took a cup of coffee and headed to the east one.  Each day I marvel that there are still some Hosta just making their appearance.

  I checked out the two Rainbow’s End Alberta Spruce that we purchased at Drummer’s Nursery last year in Mankato.  The tips are loaded with new buds.  I had hung onto the sales receipt as Drummer’s would have replaced them had they not made it into the 2022 growing season.  There is an envelope I can throw out.  Dennis had watered them last year consistently with fertilizer.  The end of the potting shed looked naked.  With one last swallow of coffee, I began making one trip at a time for some garden art to put out onto the lava rocks. 

  The north side of the potting shed had been the Koi pond for decades.  The fall of 2000, the Koi were taken to Renville County to my brother’s as Mike and Jo had a pond and our Koi would join theirs’s for that winter.   We found out in the spring of 2021, all of our Koi had made it just fine.

  By the time came at 9:30 this morning, I was ready to pack it in with the potting shed’s north side tricked out.  It had taken me many trips to bring items out of the potting shed . . . one at a time.   I did bring out a fresh cup of coffee and took a break.  After I had taken the photo, I realized that with the end of a rake, I could have nudged the welcome sign in the peak of the shed a bit to straighten it out.  That may get done tomorrow.

  Dennis was busy in the garages.  We can’t figure out what the patio porch kitties had gotten into.  There were greasy foot prints all over the floors and they went around both vehicles.  They were greasy enough that cat hair and dust stuck to their foot prints.  We could find nothing that was tipped over or broken.  Not to get the grease tracked into the vehicles, Dennis set about cleaning the cement floors.  He had won a spray container of cleaner for tires.  That spray went onto the foot prints.  Dennis let that set awhile and he then followed up with hot sudsy water and a stiff brush.  It was a good thing the brush had a good length of a handle as his back got a good workout.  Rinsing the floors with clear water and the floors air dried.  The floors are clean and clear of tell tale foot prints.  Leave it to the patio porch kitties.

  Oh what a day we have had.  Today all we have left is showers and getting fresh dressings on Dennis’ left foot.  He has been getting several hours each day with the arterial pump on the left leg.  We both have good feelings about the surgery on his left foot later this week.  Positive affirmations with lots of prayers.

   
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  Noreen 4:28 pm on May 14, 2022 Permalink  

  Open for the Season 

  The older ones on Stauffer Avenue are open for the season.  We have chairs out on the patio and the 10′ umbrella is out and up.  It just feels good to take a cup of coffee out and enjoy what the day may bring.

  We have a neighbor that takes care of a home that was his parents.  No one has lived in the house for years.  One day my neighbor Jan and I were wondering how many goodies could possibly be in the home.  I commented I would love to get a hold of an old trunk to fix up.  Jan looked at me and said she might have just what I was looking for in her attic.  Sure enough.  We now have two old trunks in our patio porch.  The wheels in the old cowboy are turning as he is sizing up hinges to find and working on taking the tattered old oil cloth off.  Amazing!  I thought of daughter-in-law Kersten and her collectables.  Several years ago Dennis did a bang up job on an old wooden highchair.  I think this might be the ticket for him to putz on while recovering from surgery.

  It was a great day outside and I am hoping for many more.

  Bring on a great run this next week of enjoying Minnesota.

   
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  Noreen 1:25 pm on May 13, 2022 Permalink  

  New Schedule 

  Today we are adding a new schedule to Dennis’ day.  We have been given an arterial pump through the VA for as long as Dennis needs it.  It is a blood pressure cuff that fits on the foot as well as the left leg.  It is to aid in encouraging blood flow to the foot.  Though the second angiogram was successful this is just a plus, plus.  Ideally three hours a day starting four days after the surgery at one hour intervals.  For these days prior, it can’t do anything but help to have the foot in as good of a position as possible.  Whatever we can do for a successful surgical healing, we are all in.  It won’t be hard for Dennis using it in the patio porch.   All I need to do is visit him and the kitties to get it on properly.  We are continually impressed with the care that is given with our local clinic, with the Mankato facilities and the VA.

  I was up at six this morning and right now as the mid point of the day is approaching, I can smell the wonderful aroma from the crock pot.  A layer of baby carrots, several potatoes sliced in half, face down plus slices of onion.  I have a two pound Angus beef brisket that I rubbed with seasoning to top it off.  I had several onion slices saved to put on top of the meat.

  Having the house tidied and Dennis situated, I spent time in the studio.  Today I finished the last of the sixteen pineapple log cabin blocks.  What a great feeling.  The three separate units are placed at three locations in the total project.  The colors are my rendition of being scrappy.  Slow but sure, there is headways being made.  Previously the nine blocks of the pineapples were completed.  This project is a good one.  I never have to wonder what to start next in the studio.  I have a spare copy of the project in its entirety close at hand and mark off each finished design as I come to it.  I do see where the stitchers may be anticipating a retreat in September.  I am thinking on it, but not very seriously.  Since October of last year, my time for spending it in our home has come second.  Getting my partner up and going in good health has been a good investment and well worth it.  I do believe we are heading around the bend for a win.

  Great temps today and this coming week is going to feel as if spring is smiling down on us.  Enjoy!

   
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  Noreen 2:13 pm on May 12, 2022 Permalink  

  Ishy Feeling Day 

  After a night of rain and some wind, I did check the acre.  All was well.  It was a noisy night as it began about seven and rumbled and rumbled.  Lightning flashes were still going on when I went to bed at nine.  Talk about water standing in the fields!

  Today was a trip to the wound doctor in Mankato.  Dennis’ previous incision showed remarkable improvements since he now has blood flow to the foot.  I received instructions today for the surgery coming up on the 19th.  Though the second angiogram was a success of opening an artery and veins to the left foot, it was not soon enough to offset the bone infection to the big toe on the left foot.  That toe will be amputated on the 19th.  De. Renee commented that Dr. Goe going from the ankle up to the knee for vein opening is not a well known procedure and is not even done in Rochester.  Hats off to the success of Dr. Geo in Mankato.  By the way . . . he looks as if he would be a junior in a Chinese highschool.

  As I was saying.  Usual post surgical instructions are to leave the surgical dressing on until the patient returns in three weeks.  Dr. Renee says they have to do that as most patients have no one at home that would know what to do until that three weeks is up.  Dr. Renee has seen the work I have done in dressing Dennis’ foot since January 21st.  I am to change the dressing out after the first three days.  Cleanse the incision with the vinegar and saline solution and put new padding and gauze on it as I have been doing.  Compression wrap during the day and take it off during the night.  Repeat every third day.  

  Dennis also had a prescription to pick up:  a knee scooter at the Mayo Store.  It was a $1.00 deposit on a credit card for three months of rent.  No weight bearing for a time after surgery.  We talked on the way home and by opening one of the glass sliding patio doors he could make it to the house on the knee scooter and then butt scoot up the three steps into the kitchen and then use the walker that has a seat on it and roll around in the house.  We will get this figured out.  No muckie, muckie on this recovery.  It needs to be done by the book.

  The outside air is horrible.  Of course I had to look at the temps.  It feels like 96 degrees and the dewpoint is 70.  It is an ishy day.  Right now a fan is doing its thing.  If we can hold on for several days it may again feel like a nice spring. 

  I am experiencing Nurse Ratchet sensory overload.

   
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  Noreen 1:39 pm on May 11, 2022 Permalink  

  Slow Day 

   It is a slow day on Stauffer Avenue,

  We had heard many warnings of bad weather but nothing materialized.  The air is as thick as Lemon Margarine pie.

  Dennis did put the plants out that have been in the patio porch.  He is confident that the killing frosts are over with.

  I have been working with fuzz and threads.

  The weather tomorrow may be icky as well.

  Stay comfortable and take things in stride.

  We will see what tomorrow brings.

   
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  Noreen 2:52 pm on May 10, 2022 Permalink  

  Quite the Day 

  This morning as I was just coming to, I had a fright.  I need to back up.

  Dennis is one to wear clothing that a homeless beggar would think twice about wearing.  He thinks it still has just one more good wearing in them.  After showering last night and PJs were put on, the holy jeans and the tattered chambray shirt were put in the kitchen waste basket.  I tied the bag shut and carried it right out to the garbage bin that gets picked up on Tuesday mornings.  Dennis has plenty of choices in his dresser and on hangers.  

  Back to this morning.  I don’t think I even had opened my eyes when I realized and heard the early bird garbage truck barreling down Stauffer Avenue that had picked up our bin.  Oh my gosh!  The fright I felt.  I remembered pulling out the red hanky from the back pocket of the blue jeans I had pitched but I didn’t check the rest of the pockets!  Dennis wallet!  I laid in bed and got a really sick feeling. 

  Dennis had gotten up early and was dressed in jeans as he had said he was going to mow the acre today.  If the wallet had been in the jeans how would I broach the subject of what I had done, or should say, had not done in checking the pockets.  I was in a pickle.  When Dennis came in the house to refill his coffee cup before heading to the back garage I made light of the fact that he would be farming today and gave him a pat on his butt as he headed down the back entry steps.  Lordy, Lordy the little square wad that I had patted was his wallet.  Relief doesn’t cover the wash that came over me.  Life’s lessons come with a whole lot of humility.  

  The morning was off to a very good start.  Dennis got the Cub-Lo-Boy out for mowing.  This first time it would be to put a good trim on the yard as the mower is set quite high compared to the Sears mower.  We had purchased a very light weight trimmer several years ago.  It is also good for balance for me when in use.  I trimmed the areas around the house that Dennis couldn’t get into with the Cub.  As I said, this first time was to even out what had sprouted sporadically.  Different types of grass . . . different heights.  When we were both putting our respective garden tools away . . . the acre looked smart.

  Wow what a day!  It all turned out great.  There is an oven meal that has allowed for good leftovers from last night.  I know I will sleep very deeply when I put my head down tonight.  Silly ole Grammie.

   
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  Noreen 2:09 pm on May 9, 2022 Permalink  

  Peaceful Day 

  All we had to do today was hang on as the winds whipped everything to a frenzy.  I did go out early and nabbed several yellow looking flowers complete with their roots.

  I am tempering the yard work that requires pushing, pulling or lifting.  I so appreciate the fact that I can take care of our forever home, I will not put that in danger.  I have had decades of yard work when everything was manicured.  I am giving myself permission to take the days as they come. 

  Arthritis doesn’t play favorites.  If my arms and hands stay flexible, I will be able to continue to use disposable catheters for my day-to-day needs.  I remember all too well, just a year ago, when the Foley catheter was banging against my leg with every step I took.  Humbling for sure.  It is my responsibility to stay on track.

  The temp is 84 degrees with the humidity and the dewpoint both in the mid sixties.  Not a good thing.

  There is an oven meal ready for the oven this evening.  I prepared the meat for it and Dennis finished the rest, complete with doing the dishes.  Sweet.

  All I can say about today:  It is well with my soul.

   
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  Noreen 12:59 pm on May 8, 2022 Permalink  

  Hello Everyone! 

  Hello everyone . . . it’s me . . . a Mom!  A great day to get well wishes from my kids via the phone.  I even got a call from Oregon . . . Dennis’ oldest wishing me a Mother’s Day.  A.J. is Dennis’ youngest grandson and was visiting his mom today.  He stopped in to say hello.  I am a very content person today. 

  This afternoon we got back to a project that got put on hold.  It would have gotten done by Tuesday but there was a toolbox that was emptied and the contents taken to Fairfax on Wednesday.  Thursday we had an appointment in Mankato.

  Today, I now have two bricks under each of the eight legs of the church tables.  These are the heavy duty bricks that take heft in even picking up two for me.  This 34″ height will make a huge difference when I stand at the tables cutting cloth.  My sewing machine table is 26″ tall and by the time the bed of the machine is reached it is 30″.  All is as it should be here on Stauffer Avenue.

  Yesterday, I cleaned my friend Judy’s Bernina.  Judy had been classified as legally blind for a long time. Judy had been using the machine off and on until five years ago when nothing would work for her.  The sewing machine has sat out and was not cased until her husband knew I would be taking it with me on Friday.  He had to drive out to their farm home to retrieve it and bring it to the townhome they are now renting in Mankato.  He was put out about the errand to the point that he would not put it in my car from their garage.  I hefted the machine into their laundry cart that has wheels and got the job done . . . right into my car.  Seriously!  The machine was a sorry sight.  Dennis put himself in charge of taking the cloth case out to the garage to clean it.  Out came the old needle that was as dull as a bad pitchfork.  Everything is oiled and as clean as a whistle complete with a newly filled bobbin, a spool of thread, and it is threaded with a new Bernina needle.  Dennis did an amazing job on the fabric carrying case.  It now looks like a Bernina and sews like a top.  Once I return the machine to Judy . . . her girls are on their own.  I just haven’t figured out how to get it back into their home.  It may be via the laundry cart.

  Life is sweet here in our forever home.  I wouldn’t trade Dennis for all the coffee that Folgers has.

  The dew point and the outside temps are very close to each other.  That is weather that feels close and has the 20 mph wind helping.

  New week is coming . . . ready or not!

   
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  Noreen 2:21 pm on May 7, 2022 Permalink  

  Warm Winds 

  This morning had me up a bit before six.  My main goal after coffee was to give the back entry a cleaning.  As I was shaking out the rug, I noticed how matted the grass was off of the sidewalk.

  What ensued was raking the area by the back door and then over to where the recycling and garbage bins were.  I then went to check on the southwest corner of the house and spied several Fairfax tulips that were in bloom.  The Russian Sage is popping up.  I can’t wait to see the abundance of lavender blossoms on their stems.  North of the front steps the Autumn Joy are breaking ground.  As I went from spot to spot I raked out the dead stems from last fall.  By that time my arms were in need of a break.

  The rest of the story from yesterday when I went to see Judy was that I brought home her sewing machine.  Her daughter and granddaughter would like to work with it, but Judy knew it needed cleaning and a once over.  Dennis carried it into the studio for me and in time, I will see what can be done.  From the appearance of the carrying case, it will surely need some TLC.

  After the noon break, I had very little to do to finish a total block other than sew the nine smaller blocks together of the pineapple design.  I am almost sure in nature there may not be perfect pineapples.  Well guess what?  Mine aren’t perfect either, but it sure was a fun challenge.  I have seven more of this design to sew.  Four in one area of the project and three additional ones in another corner.  I am going to ramp up the blocks by using different color combinations. My church tables are full of scraps ready to use.  

  I did break down and tidy up the floor under the sewing machine.  Fuzz and thread abound in the jute back carpeting.  The best tool for getting it done was the Scotch lint roller.

  Dennis has been just as busy as me.  Some of the cat hair is no more.  The shop vac got a good workout.  As the kitties will be spending more time outside, their baskets got an overhaul.  Some items are on the clothesline and I caught a whiff of the fire ring.  Spring cleaning 101.

  The warm winds are nudging 72 degrees.  That is a huge change and it may bring storms.  Hang onto your bloomers gals.