Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 3:03 pm on February 16, 2022 Permalink  

  Weary with Success 

  Yesterday we met with our family doctor for what we believed was a sinus infection for Dennis.  We had never met with our family doctor in this regard.  We did allow him to know that this sinus situation has been going on for a long time and that is why we met with an ear, nose and throat specialist in December of 2020.  A nose spray was given to Dennis and that was it.

  At this time the sinus’ are at war beyond anything in the past.  As quick as his pen was out, Dennis was on his way to the lab department.  Dennis had a CAT scan with contrasting dyes.  This morning, I checked the Mayo Portal.  Given the big words, I could still understand that is was something that will need additional attention.  With any infection in the body it does alter the fine balance of red blood cells and white blood cells.  Dennis’ red cells are just a bit low.  We will be having a follow-up for the next step.  One of the blood draws were for uric acid.  With Dennis having gout, it is important to have a level that is in the mid-level and it was.  Good news there.

  This noon we met with the surgeon that did the metatarsal surgery on Dennis’ left foot.  Hmm.  The incision is not healing as quickly as when the third toe was removed on Dennis’ left foot.  Any infection in the body has a “cause and effect.”  In the meantime we will be visiting a “wound doctor” next week.  As Dennis has no real feelings in his feet from neuropathy. I felt relief knowing that there would be hands on that knew what to look for and then how to go forward. 

  By the time we got home this early afternoon, I was weary but feeling good knowing we are making some headways with Dennis’ health here in our clinic and also in the Mankato clinic.  Success is in the future.

  Spring can’t come soon enough here on Stauffer Avenue.  Taking life one day at a time . . . one step at a time feels good.

   
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  Noreen 2:40 pm on February 15, 2022 Permalink  

  The Freezer 

  Today was one more day to check to see what the freezer could offer up for supper.

  It was time to get the last four slices of Christmas ham out of the freezer and put into bean and ham soup.  I had bought a container of vegetable broth and several cans of different beans for this day.  Some chunks of peeled potatoes would top it off for a low and slow simmer.  A few drops of vinegar into each of our bowls of soup and it is a supper on at about five.

  The other day when I had retrieved six meatballs to go with a can of store-bought pasta.  I failed to disclose one item at the supper table until it was time to clear the table from the dishes.  The meatballs were totally plant based.  Dennis had asked why I had not mixed the meatballs right into the pasta when heating up supper.  I knew that the round balls would not stand up to a lot of stirring around.  They had been molded into nice round balls.  Dennis did not pick up on the contents of those totally round balls.  Shh!  We don’t tell all when supper is put on the table.  I do know that I will not purchase them again, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.  It was Dennis’ favorite supper meal . . . hot.  That was all that was needed.

  My friend Judy called from Mankato today.  Though blind, Judy has a good outlook.  We actually visited about a favorite author that we both enjoy.  Through the Minnesota Association for the Blind, she receives audio cassettes when they are given certain authors that she requests.  What a sweet thing for her.  Each new selection may have as high as 10-15 hours per cassette.  The second bedroom in their townhouse is Judy’s domain.  Alexius offers her, her favorite music.  There is a trundle bed for a time when great grandson, 4-year-old Zander, can stay over for a night.  Judy’s daughter is raising Zander and they only live a mile away.  It seems to work out perfectly for all.

  Today at 3:45, we will see what can be determined to give Dennis some relief from a sinus infection.  I recall several winters ago, our neighbor Randy, that blows snow for us, thought he was having a heart attack that took him to the ER, and it was a sinus infection.  My aunt Florence would get a sinus infection so severely that her entire face would swell with black and blue areas.  It looked as if she had been beaten.  Oh what we can take for granted in our worldly bodies.

  God willing, tomorrow we will be in Mankato for a check on Dennis’ latest foot surgery.  I believe when we are enjoying spring weather, many maladies will clear up as well.  I hope, I hope. 

  Tonight for supper, there are no hidden ingredients.

   
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  Noreen 2:29 pm on February 14, 2022 Permalink  

  A New Week, a New Day 

  It’s a new week, a new day and a new attitude for me.

  Yesterday was some laundry, a batch of scones and prep work for supper . . . and then I bottomed out.

  Yesterday afternoon, I had reach my capacity for giving, for caring and giving care.  There comes a time when what is going on in a home and in a relationship feels one sided.  As I sat in my chair and watched the Curling competition in the Olympics,  a comment of Carrie’s came to me.  “Mom, you have to take care of yourself first, not Dennis first.”  Carrie had even gone one further and told Dennis’ oldest daughter, Denise, that she and Kevin would advocate for me and Dennis’ five children would need to advocate for Dennis.  Ya . . . right.  

  Dennis has five submarine children.  They surface when it suits them.

  Since October we have been doctoring with two separate foot surgeries for Dennis and multiple trips to the Mankato hospital and clinic for after-care.  Our dining room table would take first place in a health care kit contest.  The incision wound is changed out every other night.  We are now in the midst of a sinus infection.  Don’t get me wrong, Dennis does not complain but there are a lot of “needs” in a 24 hour period.  Sinus infections don’t allow for long stretches of sleep or a quiet home.  It is not within me to turn my back.  Dennis has seen me through a lot, but not with “hands on.”  Moral support counts for those that can’t do.

  Kevin was correct when he made a comment to me several years ago.  He referenced that at that time Dennis may well have had an additional 10 years of life for the care he had received.  I want that clock to continue ticking for Dennis, but I do get a timeout from time to time.  Yesterday . . . I took it.

  Tomorrow afternoon, we are going to see our family doctor to get some insight on the sinus situation.  Dennis said he would abide with what is suggested.  The only saving grace is that hopefully Dennis has been uncomfortable and miserable enough, he will take council.  I should have him sign something.

  As I said, a new day that brought the biggest most beautiful snowflakes ever.  The little things in life can lift the soul and spirits if we are just open and allow them in.  Perhaps being a caregiver is what God needs of me right now.  I do go to my happy place for bursts of rejuvenation . . . my studio.

   
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  Noreen 3:45 pm on February 12, 2022 Permalink  

  A Cold Morning 

  I was a bit taken aback when I realized I had taken off for the grocery store and it was -7 degrees.  The cold had not stopped anyone.  The store was packed.  When I saw what was in many of the carts, I remembered tomorrow was a football game.

  The sun is bright and with no wind, there is a saving grace.  When I sat in our west porch for a time at noon and read, I could feel the warmth of the sun coming into the south windows.  That couldn’t be said for the studio.  The two small south windows don’t do much to warm a concrete floor . . . but my shoes keep my feet warm.

  Listening to KNUJ, I think every area that has any sized body of water is, or has had a fishing contest.  Hopefully there were some skillets hot on the coals to fry up a few while some were busy catching their limit.

  I will say I was excited to see if the glue had held the pinwheels together.  If the light catches them in just the right way there can be seen a glistening bit of glue.  Hmm.  Better to be safe than sorry.  My mini-quilt top now has on the borders . . . making the top complete.  It has a folksy finish to it.  I used the fabric that came with the kit.  I know there are more steps but first there has to be some serious vacuuming done in the studio. Hard as I try to hit the circular files, and I have plenty of them sitting around, the threads and fuzz have a mind of their own.

  Sometime, I need to pull out my tote of quilt batting to see if I have something to use on the mini-quilt.  Last year when Brett was finished with a project on his long arm, regardless of the size, he gave me the extra batting.  I had tape that was sold expressly for putting pieces of batting together.  I know for the backing and binding, I am set and do not need to purchase anything.  What I will do in the next days is think on how I will free motion quilt this top.  Yup, I will be humming “Bringing in the Sheaves” to keep my rhythm.  With several blocks having clear vinyl on them, it will take some pondering.  In the mean time the instruction booklet will be added to the library of patterns on the shelf.

  There were six ample sized meatballs in the freezer.  I did not want to cook up pasta for a “dish for two.” In the grocery store, I bought a can of Spaghettios.  It has been decades since that found its way into the cart.  It will work out just fine.

   
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  Noreen 3:42 pm on February 11, 2022 Permalink  

  Hold On 

  Hold on to all that is not nailed down today.  The winds are horrific.  When the winds are this strong from the north, the service door has to be latched from the outside when Dennis comes and goes.  When Dennis is sequestered in the patio porch, he blocks the door from the inside as the winds will blow the door open and shut non stop.  We may have had some wet stuff that fell as there are icy spots on our driveway.  With some thawing temps off and on, our patio would make a great ice rink.  

  I did wear myself out in the studio today.  I now have three pinwheels stitched out.  It is a lot of trimming of the foam and both colors that make up the pinwheels.  The most challenging is to get the four corners pinned down and getting glue where it needs to be.  Tomorrow when I release the pinwheels from all the pins, that will tell the story to see if more glue is needed in certain spots.  It is difficult waiting for glue to dry.  My dad’s saying comes to mind, “You don’t have time to do it right, but you always have time to do it over.”

  There are quite a few other embellishments to fabricate.  It is all putzie and a good left hand is sorely missed.  I know I will need Dennis to help tie a knot on the fruit jar of flowers in order for a bow to finish it off when all is said and done.  There is plenty of time before that will be needed.   The red pickup needs to have a twine banner strung with flags.  The pinwheels go atop the three pop bottles.  A pair of cherries adorn the large dark blue block in the middle of the mini-quilt with twine from a green bow.  I have made two cherries in the block above the dark blue block out of circular scraps that are gathered in the middle. 

  This mini-quilt is so unusual as in the embellishments are three dimensional and placed on embroidered blocks.  In a pieced quilt, it is all straight stitched one block unto another.  Between you and me . . . I think I am ready for the mundane pieced project.

  Hold on . . . for a second time, our appointment in Mankato for Dennis’ foot to be checked has been rescheduled from this Thursday, to next Monday to next Wednesday.  It is a good thing we have plenty of supplies to redress it every other night.

   
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  Noreen 3:25 pm on February 10, 2022 Permalink  

  Challenged 

  Today the clouds are thick and there were clouds in the studio as well.  I was challenged.

  The Red, White and Blue min-quilt is coming to an end.  No, I don’t have the borders on yet and then there is the batting, and the backing and lastly the binding.  Only die hard lovers of threads and fuzz can stay so entertained.

  With this mini-quilt comes some embellishments when all the above steps have been completed.  The curiosity got the best of me.  I jumped ahead.  Just how would I use my machine’s software to turn out pinwheels.  I would need three of them.  With all the materials were three foam pieces.  A great place to start is reading instructions. 

  I used one of the smaller hoops loaded with stabilizer.  The first step was to tack down the foam.  As the hoop sits in the embroidery module the first fabric to tape down was the blue, being larger than needed.  Taking the hoop off of the machine, I needed to turn the hoop over and tape down red fabric, also larger than needed.  Again the hoop was placed in the embroidery module.  The stitching continued.  The final stitching was doing a satin stitch around the entire patch.

  Believe it or not, as soon as I get the glue to hold down points to the center, I will have a pinwheel.  Right now I am counting on the pins to hold everything until dry.  The end product is only 2″ x 2″.  I have two more to do.  As I had mentioned, I love all things thread and fuzz.  That one tiny pinwheel was it for me for the studio time.

  There are several other embellishments to do, but the pinwheel . . . I had to prove it could be done.

  We had huge snowflakes for a short time, nothing serious.  Our driveway remains totally clear.  Our neighbor Randy’s gravel driveway and yard is an ice fest from one end to the other.  

  This afternoon, Dennis is out with his friend Dwayne having coffee.  I think it was long overdue.

  I will be staying up late tonight as I have several PBS mysteries that do not begin until eight.  I can sit back and be entertained, no challenge there.  Dennis has quite the slate on the cowboy channel.

   
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  Noreen 1:52 pm on February 9, 2022 Permalink  

  Gloomy, Windy and Warmer 

  I would say 40 degrees is warmer and desirable.

  I had a 9:45 clinic appointment this morning.  I have a pair of sports shoes that were going to be worn.  I use a shoe horn.  That small little knob at the heel of the shoe didn’t feel like it was cooperating.  That little item took me back to our family’s time at South Branch.  

  Nothing said being up to snuff like the kids having Nike shoes.  At that time Nikes were quite extravagant.  We had a small dog, Sparkie, that stayed in the entry of our home while we were at work and the kids were in school.  What dog likes being cooped up and out of the family loop.  There were screams of horror and tears when we got home and Carrie found out Sparkie had chewed off that little knob on the heel of her “like new” Nikes.  It was so unfortunate.  Carrie did wear the shoes with the good fortune that the hem of her slacks covered it.  Oh how my mind wants to do a replay at times.  When that happens it warms my heart.

  Anyway . . . today I had my first dose of vaccine for covid.  I had kicked this can down the street long enough.  Without trying, I remember how much my kids . . . Kevin and Carrie, spent making my stroke and heart surgery their number one priority.  Over a shot that many I know have had with no ill effects, I can’t take a chance of putting my kids through something that was in my power to avoid.  I love them too much for that.  Life may have many ups and downs as it is . . . me getting covid need not be one of them.  March 2nd I will have the second shot.  Whew!

  I have spent some time in the studio this afternoon.  Hmm.  With the entire stitching of the top of the min-quilt completed,  I am off 1/2 inch going across 1/2 of the top.  As I am having the last of the cold breakfast coffee, I know that I will need to trim it off.  There are two borders to be put on with one being a red and white stripe going vertical.  That border needs to be spot on.  

  The moral of the story, aka: the stitching is only as accurate as the one feeding the fabric under the needle.

  The “Kevin” Korean Bar-B-Q chicken of last night’s supper was tasty.  The soy sauce and Worchester sauce was a good change of pace for us.  It would be great over rice.  Dennis was more thinking of mashed potatoes.

   
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  Noreen 2:45 pm on February 8, 2022 Permalink  

  A Puddle Jumping Day 

  We have a thaw going on outside.

  Believe me when I say it is a puddle jumping Day.  It was a first hand experience.  With so many medical appointments we had put off haircuts.  We were ready for dog licenses.  Dennis’ niece Brenda has the Curry Comb here in town.  She is closed on Mondays, so I had this morning pegged last week for 10:30.  We both felt wonderful.  The last time we had visited her shop was two weeks before Christmas.

  There are puddles hiding ice . . . and a lot of it.  Dennis had left me off at the walkway of their boulevard.  I took one step up with my cane and three backward to catch my balance.  A bit of a wet shoe was all that happened.

  Interesting tid-bit from Brenda.  Yesterday she received her income tax refund from the filing she did ten months ago.  She had called several times only be told that it was being processed.  We had to pay in and I am here to tell you it took a gnat’s second in time to cash our check.  Go figure.

  It was sunny enough that the patio kitties thought they were going to escape the patio porch for the first time in a long time.  Nope . . .they wanted to sit in the open doorway and look out.  That didn’t fly with Dennis.

  Yesterday when Dennis went to Lewis Drug for some supplies for changing the dressings on his foot, he came home in shock.  The most expensive item was beta dine, also known as Iodine.  It was $15.60.  Not long ago, it would have been less than $1.00.  Someone is scalping.   

  This afternoon was a good day to be in the studio with KNUJ radio on.  I find it interesting to hear what other small towns are doing to keep their heads above covid.

  This evening for supper we are having a skillet meal that I found in Hy-Vee.  Dennis chose it.  It is Korean Bar-B-Q flavored chicken that is finished off by heating the chicken cubed or in strips in a skillet and then putting the flavored Bar-B-Q sauce over it.  Nothing ventured nothing gained.  It is a brand I have seen advertised on television called “Kevin’s.”  I will be sure to let you know how it was.

  Snow showers are coming with perhaps rain and drizzle.

   
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  Noreen 2:14 pm on February 7, 2022 Permalink  

  Subject to Change 

  Doctor appointments are subject to change.  We would have been checking in at the surgical appointment on this Thursday.  With a phone call received, we are scheduled for one week from today at 11:30.

  Dennis just left for the Lewis Drug to purchase some additional dressing supplies for his recovering foot.  With his appointment being rescheduled more items were needed.  In days of old, the bone would have been cut off and the traveling doctor would not have seen this patient again.   Common sense still prevails. 

  I will tout the advantages of Vaseline.  With Denis foot sealed from heel to toe, when we changed the dressing on Saturday, his skin on his foot was like dry parchment.  Yes, gauze comes in a pre-rolled package as does the sticky ace bandages.  That doesn’t mean you need to use the entire 4.5 feet of it.  If that sticky ace bandage edge is exposed to bare skin, it rubs with its harsh sharp edges.  There was an area next to Dennis’ ankle that had rubbed.  Doc Pidy is in charge.  The incision site is covered by a 4″‘ x 4″ pad with enough gauze wrap going around the foot multiple times to cover that plus two inches on each side.  The sticky ace bandage allows for the gauze to stick out a good inch on its own.  The ace bandages used to have a clip to adhere it to itself.  The sticky stuff can be stretched a bit and clings to itself.  

  Oh . . . back to Vaseline.  After rubbing Dennis foot twice now with Vaseline and putting a sock on, the body heat captured in the sock has done the skin a 99.9% turn around.  The skin is supple to the touch.  I advocate it and we have the largest tub of it in the house that can be found in a store.

  Today was bed linen laundering.  A good feeling to get the beds dressed before nightfall.   

  We have agreed on a light supper.  I like that idea.  Dennis said he would opt for some ice cream later on.

   
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  Noreen 2:47 pm on February 6, 2022 Permalink  

  Sunday with Flurries 

  When the temps get a bit warmer, snow flurries are a possibility.  The warm weather soon cleared off the small amount of snow covering on the concrete driveway.

  I decided to visit the studio today.  After what seems like a long process, there is some satisfaction in knowing half of the mini-quilt has come together.  With all blocks trimmed, a scant quarter inch seams allowance has allowed the sewing to go smoothly.  My machine allows the needle to be moved either to the right or left so the scant quarter inch seam allowance is quite easy to maintain.

  In this half of the project the pickup has red vinyl stitched for its surface.  The glare on the bottle of fireflies is due to the fact that clear vinyl is stitched over the fireflies in the jar.  The pitcher of lemonade and the pop bottles also have clear vinyl stitched on top.  The rockets are stitched with glitter fabric.  I will need to make and sew pinwheels to add to the sticks in the pop bottles. 

  These patterns are quite labor intensive and a fun challenge.  It does pass the days of cold.  The blocks begin as oversized and that is where all the trimming comes into play allowing for great matching of seams.  In the coming days the blocks of the right side of the min-quilt will need to be trimmed.

  The winds from the northwest are gusting and moving some snow across the streets.  I had had KNUJ radio on listening to the fish contest on Sleepy Eye Lake.  Sounds like a rousing crowd.  I have never been fond of ice fishing.  Many years ago Kevin and his dad had joined another father-son duo for ice fishing.  Kevin happened to step on and through what had been a bored hole and with just enough of a skim of ice over it to hide it.  When they came home and told the tale, that did it for me going forward. 

  Winter sports evade me.  I have never been skiing, or have been on a snowmobile.  My only adventures were ice skating on the pasture slew when my siblings and me cooled our heels.  Spring will soon be here and I will have plenty of options.