Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from Noreen Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  Noreen 1:33 pm on June 27, 2022 Permalink  

  Great Visit 

  Today I had a great visit from acquaintance, Linda.  Years ago we worked together on a quilt that we then raffled off to help a mother and wife that was going through a lot of medical things.

  Earlier this year we ran into Linda in Culver’s.  I commented that I had not seen any new stitching from her on Facebook.  Linda is now the head of the missionary quilting in her church and has taken a backseat from her own project.  All their quilts are headed to Lutheran World Relief.  

  That took me back to the times that Lena did a lot of quilting for missions.  Lutheran World Relief had offices in Willmar.  If the church ladies had all of their finished quilts delivered to them by a deadline, they were then shipped off to ports unknown.

  Today Linda picked up all the bolts of fabric that I had been holding for her, until such time that her ladies were ready to get the quilting season going.  The many full bolts of poly/cotton will be earmarked for the backs of the quilts.  One seam and the backing would be ready rather than multiple piecing.  Just as large of a stack was various flannel prints with which to make youth and baby blankets.

  Linda came early in the morning and we visited until noon before her car was loaded.  Linda was headed right to the church with her treasure trove. 

  Sharing what daughter-in-law Kersten had shared with me, gave my heartstrings a tune that will last for some time.  I had been pecking away at using some of this fabric, but realistically, this will make many quilts for many to make use of. 

  Linda was amazed at what I had for a sewing studio.  One of the neatest things was the teak wooden rocker she enjoyed while we chatted.

  Dennis was busy farming today.  The Cub-Lo-Boy was taken for a spin up to the corner gas station.  He is now changing oil in it.  It’s all in a day’s work.

  The skies are cloudy with maybe a hint of a rain shower.  The half inch we got last week sure did help things out.  There is a type of grass that we have that doesn’t take well to the extreme heat of early last week.  It crunches underfoot and has a hint of brown.  So be it.

   
• 

  Noreen 2:22 pm on June 26, 2022 Permalink  

  A Fantastic Day 

  When I got up it was 52 degrees and now mid afternoon it is 61 degrees.  We could stand a bunch more of this for the weeks ahead.

  I sat on the patio with six in the morning coffee.  It didn’t take long Jan came over and we had good visiting.  Randy had left at six as he is helping his son in rural Mankato with a Menards shed construction.  It is our city’s summer celebration but neither of us were taking part in any events.

  In between swapping out laundry, I would read a bit and go down into the studio to stitch a bit.  My “Long time Ago” project is now getting into putting the different pattern blocks together.  I have not minded this workout of pattern stitching.  It has kept me busy.  I can already tell, my project has a bit more of an organized look to it.  I couldn’t bring myself to go wild in mixing prints.  It matters not.  I enjoyed using some of Lena’s original printed feed sack prints in with what I had on hand.

  Dennis and I are going out for supper.  We are traveling west 12 miles to Mountain Lake and visiting the A & W.  A good adventure awaits.  Another spot that is on our list is the drive-in in Winthrop.  It is complete with the trays that clip onto the vehicle’s window.  We had stopped there one time as we were heading to visit family.  The food was excellent.

  Our weekend has been with contentment.  I hope your weekend has also been satisfying.

   
• 

  Noreen 2:08 pm on June 25, 2022 Permalink  

  A Saturday 

  I was having a six in the morning day.  Feet on the floor and Grammie was moving.

  Energy spurts are fantastic.  I had an agenda as I listened to the rain falling on the awning of the west porch.

  Both beds were deemed for fresh linens.  I do not have a linen closet like Lena did.  What comes off the beds, is laundered and put back on.

  I like our small vacuum that is to be used in shops.  I like it for the fact that it has great suction and has a very long hose.  Plant that in the middle of the living room and I can reach most points, having to not move it often.  

  Dennis had been doing his Saturday cleaning in the patio porch.  

  We had a sandwich at noon and we each realized we had fulfilled our agendas.  

  The rest of the weekend is open and free.  I can’t speak for Dennis, but I know the studio always holds something for me.

  I did look in vain for the last of the breakfast coffee.  Dennis had beat me to it and I couldn’t see starting a new pot.  Oh well.  A tall glass of water did the trick.

   
• 

  Noreen 2:10 pm on June 24, 2022 Permalink  

  My Last Nerve 

  I thought it was my last severed nerve . . . until I find that our internet is no longer up and running.  Is it the heat?  Is it a company that takes its customers for granted?  This has been cutting out at all times of the day for any amount of time.  I am striking while the iron is hot!

  My other severed nerve was this morning as we are working at switching banks.  Yesterday Dennis and I together contacted our provider for medical prescriptions.  Dennis spoke of his info as I did of mine.  Today there would be a call with the branch that can make such changes that involve bank changes.  I ask if Dennis needed to be present.  “No.”

  I kept my phone close all morning, including into the bathroom.  The call came at 10:45.  We each have our own I.D.#s.  All was going well.  We concluded that my information was changed and when she said she would now go onto Dennis’, the call ended.  The line went dead.  I checked to see what the number was that had called me and I then put the call through.  Oh my gosh!  Everything started from step one as we had completed yesterday.  After being put on hold several times, I was told Dennis would need to be on the line.  Of course Dennis wasn’t here.  I would have to call them back when Dennis could speak for himself.

  About noon Dennis came home and I snagged him immediately for us to get this call done and finish up this contact.  Again we started from the very beginning.  “No, Dennis, you cannot tell them you only want to speak to someone that speaks audible English.”  We both sat through several times of being put on hold.  Dennis kept patting my knee.  He knew I was burning that last raw nerve.  The actual transaction of changing routing numbers and an account number took less than 10 seconds.  Whew!

  We had gone through this almost verbatim when we were on the phone line with the VA.  Dennis receives a whopping $152.00 a month for Korean related health issues.  That has been a direct deposit.  Changes need to get done with the new bank info.  Mid way through the line went dead.  Cell phones are not impacted with internet service.  The second time we got through,  Dennis needed to give the date that he was inducted.  He stated the year.  No . . . they needed the exact date of year, month and date.  What had happened in 1955?  Dennis hung up and he felt he would need to go to the courthouse as his records are recorded.  I went to my vault of “stuff.”  We called back and Dennis could proudly tell the SOB that he was inducted May 13, 1955.  The rest took just a few seconds. 

  Because of Dennis’ frustration yesterday, he knew he needed to pat my knee today.

  Life is not for the faint of heart.  Yes, we are very thankful that we don’t need someone to speak for us or to help with life altering events, such as changing of banking information.  That being said . . . the difficulty of simplistic items sure can piss me off.

   
• 

  Noreen 1:54 pm on June 23, 2022 Permalink  

  Small Towns 

  Every small town in the state of Minnesota is trying to capitalize on a summer celebration to bring in people and money.  I see a change in our small town.  

  The worker “Bs” are getting fewer and older.  It takes a constant push to keep things going at the 110%.  Our celebration is within several weeks of the county fair.  If the pride were pulled in, the two could be combined and there would be a successful turnout.  As it were . . . mediocrity shows through.

  As I went to the library today, after a return trip from Mankato, it struck me as to how many homes are not mowing their yards.  City ordinances cannot replace self pride.  There isn’t a brick heavy enough to park in Dennis’ jeans to keep him from keeping our acre kempt.  We did mow the acre a week ago.  After having received two inches of rain it had turned hot with high winds drying everything out.  We are in for a dry spell and the grass hasn’t budged in height at all.  A heavy dew in the mornings will be a blessing for each spear to take in as much as it can.

  Oh well . . . there are no two people alike, and what a blessing that is.

  My blessing for the day is that we are home safe and sound and that we are of sound mind.  The weekend is soon to be here and here is where I will be enjoying my contentment with the ole cowboy.

   
• 

  Noreen 1:42 pm on June 22, 2022 Permalink  

  Oh My Gosh! 

  We opened our mail late yesterday.  There was a letter from our bank.  Hmm.

  Our bank in St. James is closing as of September 14th of 2022.  WTF!  Dennis has done business with this bank for over 50 years.  Granted, it was sold off to CCF, which is a conglomerate of locations.

  Talk about wheels spinning.  There is so much to take in.  Direct deposits, automatic payments and I have enjoyed making payments out of our checking account.  It has been very convenient.  Last night I started making a list.  This sure can catch a body by surprise when you have to take a hard look at your personal business.

  This morning I went to the Pioneer Bank and an hour later, I had a routing number and an account number.  We had no intention of putting this off.  In the world of changes that involve money either coming or going, no excuse is valid when we have been given a hard and fast window of opportunity.  Both accounts will be open and working until we know all is cycling as it should. 

  This afternoon we drove to Fairmont to the Social Security office.  That took us a total of 20 minutes talking one on one to a live person.  Nothing can be done over the phone.  Tomorrow we are going to Mankato to the PERA office.  Again, nothing can be done via the phone.   I do appreciate that, as a lot rides on clear and concise information. 

  This day has left me feeling tuckered.  Somebody, in a short period of time, took away my blanket of security.  Oh my gosh!  Suck it up Grammie and get this done!

   
• 

  Noreen 1:55 pm on June 21, 2022 Permalink  

  Spring is Gone 

  Spring is gone and now we can look forward to summer.  Do I really want to?  I did enjoy the early days of spring when the temps were in the high 60s and low 70s.  The bugs weren’t paying attention as yet and I couldn’t wait to get outside and dig in the dirt.  I did get some serious transplanting done amide rain showers.  The last so called shower was two inches.  I hope that that would have given all the new transplants enough rain to have settled the roots to soak up the fertilizer that was waiting for them.

  We are enjoying days on Stauffer Avenue that are quiet.  It is my kind of quiet.  No alarms need to be set for early morning doctor appointments.  Dennis always has the ability to run away to have coffee with various fellows.  If all else fails, McDonald’s does not discriminate.

  I worked on some items I call fillers in my sewing project.  It was really important to have the fabrics cut at 1.5″.  I don’t trust my left arm and hand to hold all things steady, so my weights came in handy.  It does go to show that you never throw anything away that you have paid for.  With so many finished blocks of various sizes, these finished 1″ inch pieces will allow for justifying seams.  Dennis came down and checked me out to see if I could still see straight.  I had not rushed with this.  I have my teak wooden rocker in the studio and it serves me well when I need to ponder my stitching.  

  Dennis had told me that our neighbor Edna had called him to help her get some items out for the recycling pickup.  Dennis has mowed her adjoining yard to us for years.  Edna was 98 this last week.  Living on her own and as sharp as a tack.  My, my!  Edna is 20 years older than I am.  It is something to aspire to.

   
• 

  Noreen 2:02 pm on June 20, 2022 Permalink  

  Up at Six 

  At six this morning, it was nice outside.  I strolled the acre and picked up a few branches for the burning ring.  Two kitties followed me around.  I also heard several lawnmowers in the distance.  Smart fellows.

  I was back in the house by seven seeking the rubbing alcohol for a newly acquired bug bite.

  Dennis announced that he was going to pick up his friend Dwayne and go shopping to Mountain Lake.  Dennis had decided he was going to start using an electric razor.  A few too many nicks of late.  A very wise decision.  Dennis now has a rechargeable Remington.  The White Drug in Mountain Lake is an awesome retail store catering to many needs and it is a locally owned drug store . . . a very rare drug store indeed.

  True to my word of yesterday, I have spent the greater portion of today in the studio.  I took the time to pull out a piece of backing that my mom had put together.  Now that has some age to it.  A folksy print to go with the patterns of “A Long time Ago.”  It is nice to know that things will be coming together. 

  Dennis got home at noon.  From Mountain Lake the fellows went to Windom for biscuits and gravy at Hardees.  Of course there were new faces to visit with.  Those fellows had known Dennis’ brother and his family.  Once they found out that Dwayne had been the owner of the International Harvester dealership here in St. James, the visiting took new life.  What a great day for Dennis and Dwayne.  It did the fellows good to meet and greet others besides the same ones with the same tales to tell.

  No comments are needed for the temps.

  I am thrilled that I can bounce from reading to sewing.  Never a dull boring moment.

   
• 

  Noreen 1:30 pm on June 19, 2022 Permalink  

  Happy Sunday 

  Happy Sunday, aka: Happy Father’s Day.

  The sun is bright with a brisk breeze for all that like it this way.  I was up before six this morning by the grace of a call for the bathroom.  I started the coffee and decided that I would take advantage of the cooler temps and the wind and enjoy our yard.

  My goal was to take out a few weeds before the bugs knew I was up . . . and it worked until 7:30.  The black flies were at it.  Dennis and I did get a cup of coffee on the patio before it wasn’t fun anymore.  I wasn’t about to put any bug repellant on as I knew I would soon be heading indoors.  I sure didn’t want to feel sticky for the rest of the day.

  Dennis made sure he had his cell phone with as there would be some Curry kids calling hi today.

  I did head for the studio with coffee cup in hand.  Today’s quest was working with 60 degree triangles.  Keeping the angle of the fandangle straight was a challenge to make these blocks work.  Looking at each cut triangle it would appear all sides were equal . . . not!  I had my trusting brass “picker-outer” close at hand.  As evident from my photo, not all tips of the triangles turned out perfect.  But hey?  Who do I have to impress?   Two separate finished blocks of these triangles will be incorporated in the final project.

  When I got this pattern, it was a mix of fabric prints for each old time pattern.  I had a heck of a time finding the older cherished patterns within the 60″ x 60″.  I had decided I wanted to make each pattern quite distinguishable within its own block.  Quilting is all about interpretation per quilter.  So today was my green and cream combo, plus the strip of six in gold and cream.

  Tomorrow if the heat continues, I will be turning the next page in the “Long Time Ago” pattern.  This pattern has kept my interest, much like the novel I have going in my west porch bedroom.

  Take it easy tomorrow.  I would like to think of you all rather than read about you.

   
• 

  Noreen 2:06 pm on June 18, 2022 Permalink  

  A Short Spell 

  I spent a very short spell of time outside this early morning.  When the buzzing around the face began, I was on my way towards the house.  As it were, I do have welts where my shirt collar didn’t cover the neck.  The histamine of the biting bugs has affected me more than other years.  What am I saying . . . I was not outside much of last year.  When I have been checking out the far east end of the acre in the early morning strolls, I had wondered why I could smell cow manure.  Not cow but deer.  They have been enjoying Hosta salad.  What a great way to keep things trimmed.  I was thrilled I had gotten the favored Hosta out of that area during my transplanting mode.

  There were several loads of laundry to get done before the heat of the day would cause the clothes dryer to add humidity to the house. 

  Dennis and Dwayne took in the morning coffee goers at McDonalds.  Dwayne is not driving these days so an egg and sausage biscuit were treated to Dennis.  For two classmates to enjoy spending time together . . . special.

  My sewing project had a block pattern that needed to be drawn out onto fabric and then cut out with scissors to allow for the curves.  The rotary cutter has been the tool used up until now.  Using the scissors is a bit rough on the hand.  Slow and steady and that will be the extent of the studio time today.

  Dennis and I have agreed on a 12″ tuna from Subway to split for supper.  While I had a road trip yesterday, Dennis did up the dishes for me.  It would be a shame to mess up a perfectly tidy kitchen counter.

  Stay hydrated during these days of higher temps.  Once the body feels off kilter, it takes a long time to get it back on track.  I am speaking of experience to a situation that happened several years ago.  A lesson such as that is not easily forgotten.