Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:59 pm on March 27, 2022 Permalink  

  Murphy Wood Soap 

  Today, I had no serious agenda.  I went down into the pantry to get a can of cranberry sauce.  I spied with my little eye a package that had come from Amazon.  It had been opened and some of the contents had been used.  Out came one of the packages of the Murphy Wood Soap wipes.  I had sent for them as locally they are not carried.

  After the better part of the morning, our bathroom has the scent of the Murphy Wood wipes.  Fantastic.  The woodwork shines and gave me a big thank you, and I thanked myself for due diligence.  Cleaning the groves in the oak mopboard was my goal.  My sister had commented years ago after Kevin had redone our bathroom that the ornate oak woodwork was beautiful, but oh what a dust catcher with the washer and dryer causing more lint than what would come from daily use of Northern bath tissue.  Hmm.  Never under estimate Lena’s kid.  At the time I was getting to the woodwork behind the toilet stool, I made sure that the cell phone was right next to me in the event that I went ass over teakettle reaching for all I was worth.  It was all in a day’s effort on Stauffer Avenue. 

  I had taken the suade sewing machine tote outside and set it on the bench for some sunshine freshening.  When I looked out the bathroom window, Dennis had it in the patio porch using his vacuum on it.  My oh my, what a difference that made.  The turquoise color came alive.  A stint in the sun, vacuuming and a light spray of fabric Febreze, it is ready for anyone’s smell test.  What helped was the case was never sitting open.  There isn’t even a hint of any fuzz or thread that it was ever used.  The price tag was still attached to one of the zipper pulls in the interior.

  More investigating on the mini-Bernina.  Lois had purchased a stitch regulator, for all stitches to be uniform, for the machine.  I will be able to continue humming Bringing in the Sheaves as I free motion quilt with it.  The quilting walking foot that has three different sole attachments was an extra purchase that allows for multiple feed dogs plus those in the machine to navigate, thus pulling the layers under the needle.  The only item this Bernina 530 does not have is the automatic presser foot, that is done manually.  Yes . . . I am spoiled with my 770.  Many of my stitching feet will fit on this machine.  

  Even on days when I have no agenda, the day fills in.  At the end of this day I am very content with my local effort.

   
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  Noreen 4:10 pm on March 26, 2022 Permalink  

  A Cold Saturday 

  It may only be 30 degrees, but at least the winds are now a strong breeze.  We have a piece of builder’s ridged 2″ foam over the top of the walkup attic steps.  With several roof vents in the attic, the north winds had a hay-day of giving that covering enough for some noise when least expected.

  Today we had an unexpected guest that stopped in from Decorah, Iowa, on his way home to Duluth.  Nephew Eric was here at ten this morning.  He had made the trip to his dad, my brother, in Decorah.  My brother Calvin had a storage unit rented for some time as they lived in a mobile home unit.  My sister-in-law, Eric’s mom, passed away in January and Eric has made several trips working on getting the storage unit emptied to consolidate items.

  Eric made his way this far north from his trip home to drop off his mom’s sewing machine.  Eric had been working with his dad to sell this model 530 Bernina.  I believe they had exhausted local listings as well as different locations where Craigslist listings were available.  My brother was done working with it.  This machine weighs 17.5 lbs. compared to my model 770 that weighs 35 lb.  With the case that it was brought in, it would make it very mobile . . . possible sewing retreats.  Eric’s mom bought the machine in 2011.  Eric had it serviced for her in February of 2021.  Lois never sewed with it after that.  

  This afternoon, I did go down and set it up.  Yes . . . the lights went on.  The automatic needle threader worked like a charm.  One problem . . . no bobbin case.  As luck would have it, the name of the dealer in Decorah, with a phone number, was on a sticker.  I called them and asked them to pull Lois’s account up and they reiterated the last service date.  I shared with them that she had not been able to use it after that date and thus the bobbin case had not been put in the machine after their servicing.  Yup, it will be in the mail this coming Monday.  All I needed to do was to pay the $7.00 shipping fee.  Sweet.  Lois purchased some high end additions to the machine and they were still in the store packaging. 

  There is a down side and one that Eric said had come to light when one gal inquired about purchasing the machine.  Both Calvin and Lois were heavy smokers.  The machine decking shows evidence of that.  As these days remain sunny and fresh, I will be putting the travel case outside for some airing.  The surface of the case is a brushed suede and may take some time to let the smell of cigarettes’ smoke diminish.

  So that was my day in a nut shell.  Eric had never been to our home and stayed long enough to do some catching up.  Sweet!

  Tomorrow is another day and from all accounts of the news, the cool weather will prevail for the week.

   
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  Noreen 2:07 pm on March 25, 2022 Permalink  

  Horrid Winds 

  During the night I heard the wind chimes banging in the evergreen right outside my bedroom. Every once in awhile a pinecone would let loose from the evergreen and bounce off of the awning over the west windows.  After this winter’s blast of high velocity wind storms, I was surprised any cones remained.  The wind has not let up at all during the day.

  There was some housekeeping that needed to be done in the east end of our home as well as the west end.  What is in between will wait for another day. 

  After Dennis came in for noon, we teamed up and put up valances in the living room on the tall windows.  It takes one to steady me on the step stool and me to get the dastardly rods attached to the brackets.  I need to be high enough for my arms to stretch out far enough.  We also got one valance up on the south window in the west porch.  The valance on the north window will take a bit more planning for after supper to get the bed moved away from the wall.  Never fear . . . before the eyes close for the night, it will be done.

  What was accomplished in the studio today was cutting fabric for six more blocks in my latest project.  Many cuts were one inch wide.  Each of the 4.5 inch square blocks have thirteen fabrics sewn into the mix.  Cutting was enough for one visit.  All of the fabrics for this project are coming out of my scrap tote. 

  Dennis and I agreed on Subway for supper.  Dennis loves his 6″ tuna on white.  I am having a turkey, bacon, guacamole on a tomato basil wrap.  Sweet!  

   
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  Noreen 1:41 pm on March 24, 2022 Permalink  

  Yuk, Snow 

  Last night when I went to bed, I looked out and there was fine snow that I could see against the street light.  This morning I was up at six, due to mother nature, and it was snowing.  We are in a long haul of yuck.

  The new project I am working on is all about small pieces of fabric.  Some is from Lena’s original feed sacks and the remainder is from my stashes.  The completed 60″ x 60″ colored copy photo is what I am striving for.  Ya, this is a stretch even for me.  I had no plans for the studio and when friend Lu offered me this pattern . . . why not try.  There is no hurry and being up for the challenge keeps life interesting.

  Today I finished a 12″ x 12′ block that I will call my purple phase.  All the purples are from Lena with a one color neutral.  This block is done in blues on the colored paper copy in the top row.  Working 1/4th seam allowances is going to be the key.  There are two blocks dubbed bowtie and I also have those done.  Can you find those on the paper copy?  If . . . in the meantime, I feel like taking a break and do some machine embroidery . . . so be it.  I do have a bridal shower and I do believe several towels embroidered would fill the bill.

  Dennis is not feeling this cool nasty weather.  He and the little red pickup went to have coffee in one of the apartment houses that his friend Lyle lives in.  It is the only apartment house in town that has a commons area for residents to gather in.

  Gutter Helmet was to be here today to re-install their product on the garages now that the shingling is done.  I have not heard, but I believe it may be a bit wet or perhaps even slippery as they need to get on the roof in some areas.

  Dennis and I have agreed:  leftover meatloaf and potato salad for supper.  Tomorrow something else will need to be contrived.

   
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  Noreen 2:15 pm on March 23, 2022 Permalink  

  What happened to the Rain 

  The rain that we had yesterday, turned into 2.5 inches of very wet slushy snow accompanied by cool temps.  So much for spring.  Late yesterday the flakes were as huge as the feathers off of the breast of a goose.  They floated every which way as they decided where they were going to land. 

  This week I have had quite a bit of communication with my brother and my brother’s son, Eric.  I cannot imagine taking care of a parent when there is the length of the state of Minnesota plus in visiting and communicating.  My brother refuses to consider moving closer to family.  I feel for my brother, but more so for his son.  It makes it all the more important for me to strive appreciating my children and not causing them concern.  Also . . . thankful that so far I am able to take care of myself.  

  Good news!  Both the Federal and the State Revenue Departments have accepted our income tax returns for 2021.  Check that off for another 12 months.

  Supper is the remaining meat loaf from last night and a batch of potato salad.  I will clean some strawberries for dessert.  Working hard to get as much food into Dennis as possible to get some weight back on him . . . 187 is a bit light for the summer ahead of lawn mowing.  

  Happy hump day everyone!

   
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  Noreen 3:41 pm on March 22, 2022 Permalink  

  Rain Showers 

  It began raining sometime in the early morning hours.  It is now 4:30 and it is still raining.  As in previous years, this rain should firm things up.

  It was chilly enough for the furnace to remember what it needed to do.  Thus it was warm enough in the studio for some stitching time.  Measure once, measure twice and cut once, with a whole lot of pressing in between.  It all builds patience.

  The coolness of the day made for a great meatloaf to pop into the oven for supper.  I peeled the last of the 5 lb. bag of potatoes.  Dennis is hoping there will be enough left over boiled potatoes to make a small batch of potato salad.  The first of 2022 if it all works out.

  The patio porch kitties have been hunkered down in their baskets all day.  They are all getting older and know where they’re better off at.  Plenty of time to scope out the backyard when it’s a bit dryer and warmer.

  I checked out the schedule on MNPBS and there is nothing good on this evening.  Dennis gets dibs on what will be viewed on the first floor.  Clocking out at nine in the evening is still my best plan.  I can easily listen to the television and feel good stretching out lying flat.  Lately tennis balls have found the right spots on the ham strings when I sit on a hard, straight chair.  The owee, owee is so worth it.  I really don’t have time right now for PT appointments.  What they say is true.  Sitting for too long of a period of time in the same chair is a n0-no.  Up and moving . . . a great strategy. 

  See you all tomorrow in a better, dryer day.  Hoping for some sun.

   
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  Noreen 2:02 pm on March 21, 2022 Permalink  

  Not Soon Enough 

  When it dries out in our yard . . . it can’t come soon enough.  There are branches to no end.  Dennis is ready to hook the rake up behind the rider lawnmower and pick up enough to start a small fire in our surround in the yard.  Over the several times our yard was bare this winter, the large branches were already taken care of.

  Today I received passing grades on how well Dennis incision has been cared for on his left foot.  March 28th can’t come soon enough for the angiogram that will be done on Dennis’ left leg.  A vein behind his knee needs to be opened and a vein running down from his knee to his foot is the second target.  Yes, it has been a long run, but there is no complaint on what has been given with the medical care for Dennis.  We do count our blessings.  We stopped at the Mayo Store as there was a new bundle of gauze that was waiting for Dennis.  Again . . . so thankful for good insurance.

  We got home at 12:30 this noon and for some reason the oomph was out of me for starting anything on the home front.  There is only so much energy in a given day and when it is gone . . . it needs to be nurtured for a go round in the next day.  We are off the clock until a week from today when we check Dennis in at 8 a.m. at the Mankato hospital.  

  There is a Watonwan Game and Fish Club event at the American Legion this evening.  Dennis and his bud, Orville Larson, are in charge of handing out giveaways to the young children.  They all go away with something.  Sweet!  It is a great way for Dennis to get out and see many.

  Tomorrow is a new day and new energies that I am banking on.

   
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  Noreen 3:30 pm on March 20, 2022 Permalink  

  Spring has Arrived 

  — and oh how we doubted that spring would come.  Not a sunny day but 63 degrees . . . I’ll take it.

  Dennis’ granddaughter Sadie came to spend the afternoon.  She is military and after a bit, I left them to talk shop.

  I didn’t get much more done today other than take a walk down Stauffer Avenue and then dress Dennis’ foot after he had a good hot shower.  Tomorrow we meet with Jody, the surgeon’s right hand gal.  

  There are days that need not be filled from the time my feet hit the floor until my head hits the pillow later in the evening.  Sundays had my dad napping the afternoon away while my mom sat at the kitchen table doing some hand sewing listening to New Ulm’s KNUJ radio station.

  I do believe this day will round itself out as one of the quietest here on Stauffer Avenue.

   
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  Noreen 1:32 pm on March 19, 2022 Permalink  

  First Things First 

  I promised myself there would be no more studio time, until I had our 2021 taxes done.  I had been putting it off.  Once I signed on to Tax Act, it went quite well.  The e-filing is on its way.  March 31st the amounts that we owe will be taken out of our checking account.  I could not believe it.  Our state amount was always high compared to the federal.  This year the state is minimal.

  After a walk I had intended to be in the studio for the afternoon.  Not!  It is just too cool downstairs to feel comfortable.  Early spring has the soil under the cement floor downright cold.  It might be 52 degrees out, but the air feels less if not being out in the full sunshine.

  While I was in the studio, I tried one last time to get the 1997 Dell XPS 1530 to boot up.  Nothing after many tries.  It was Windows 7 and it really didn’t owe me a nickel.  I fear it will hit the place where old computers go to rest.  The HP will be the total workhorse for us going forward.  The updates are done on a timely basis and we know how to get to the Geek Squad when we need them at Best Buy in Mankato.

  Dennis washed both vehicles this afternoon and let them sit out until totally dry.  I think a vehicle always drives better when they are clean.

  I have a call into the Welcome TV in Welcome, Mn.  When they return our call on Monday, we will be making inquiry of an antenna installed so we can access the television tower in Godahl, eight miles north of us.  After I contact Christensen’s Communications in Madelia, I will compare prices of their internet hookup to Mediacom’s.  As they say . . . it is time to cut the fat.  Dennis is on board with making some adjustments.  

  Enjoy a calm day of full sun.

   
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  Noreen 2:43 pm on March 18, 2022 Permalink  

  Getting it Done 

  Dennis and I have it down pat as to how to get his left foot dressed every other day from the surgery in January.  Between he and me, his nurse, I think there are definite signs of healing.  Monday we visit nurse Jody at the Mankato hospital for her take.  March 28th can’t come soon enough for the lower extremity artery Angiogram on his leg leg for a better supply of blood getting to the left foot.

  We have experienced a winter of doctor appointments for Dennis.  The walking pneumonia had quite a grip on him.  The one prescription of Symbicort coupled with antibiotics eventually did the trick.  I pulled him off of the Symbicort once the lungs were clear of mucus as it was doing a number on his vocal cords.  Dennis even used a spacer to get the inhalant as far down into this throat as possible.  Live and learn.   

  We had letters to get into the mail this afternoon and that ensued a drive out into the countryside.  Dennis said I needed to get the stink blowed off of me.  It did the trick.  When we came home, I went for a walk down Stauffer Avenue and then visited the studio. 

  Working slowly on my new project is key.  Everything must be worked with a 1/4 inch seam and all seams pressed to the darker side of that which has been sewn together.  What has helped me with the seaming is that I could move the needle in the machine to the right by three, allowing for channeling the fabric at a set marker.  I can’t work for long stretches as the left hand has a short attention span.  No way is picking out errant stitches any fun. 

  We have decided on Progressive’s Chicken Noodle Soup for supper with hot buttered toast.  Campbell’s soup does not hold a candle to our latest choice.  Also a lot less salt.

  Enjoy the weekend.  We have waited a long time for sweet temps.