Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 3:29 pm on December 16, 2021 Permalink  

  December Storm 

  What an experience on Wednesday evening!  A December storm like nothing I had ever experienced.

  The rain came after supper with lightning and thunder.  I have no idea if the rain amounted to anything. The winds kicked up about nine.  I had just gone to bed when it hit.  It can be very soothing when light winds sway the huge evergreen outside my bedroom.  The boughs often make a light swishing sound.  When the wind gusts hit the way they did last night, it was like a freight train barreling through.  The awning running the length of the front of the house has just enough play in it that it would buck during the height of the gusts.  The last time I looked at the clock it was two a.m. 

  This morning, as chilly as it was, I was outside checking the front of our home to see if there was any sign of the awning braces being loose.  They were not, but it sure fooled me.

  We had an appointment in Mankato this morning for a check on Dennis’ foot.  The area where the toe was removed healed great.  The bunion on that foot is a real challenge.  We have been cleaning it every night with a vinegar and saline solution.  It is called an Acetic Acid wash.  It must be quite common as it was given to us in a prescription. The area looked so good, we thought the appointments would be over.  Not so fast.  Nurse Jody got out her tools and managed to remove more gout crystals.  It had been a quite large open wound and has closed considerably. Dennis had to have x-rays of the feet.  Both feet for comparison, I would imagine.  I have just gotten a call from the clinic and the x-rays show no infection, including the thought that the bunion bone had been impacted.  That is great news. I must say the care has been outstanding.  It is somewhat difficult as Dennis has very little feeling in his feet.  Having continuous wet feet that got very cold while Dennis served in Korea has allowed neuropathy to be a part of his days.  We will be going back December 30th for a looksee.  I will continue being Dennis’ Doc Piddy . . . a quack of a doctor.  Tee Hee.

  The air is quite raw today with winds and the temps in the 20s. 

  A funny thing, when we were driving to Mankato some kids are missing a trampoline complete with the protective netting as it was lying out in a plowed field.  We have small branches down in the backyard . . . nothing more serious is a blessing.

   
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  Noreen 3:38 pm on December 15, 2021 Permalink  

  Canceled Visit 

  We were to travel two hours to the northeast today to visit a nephew.  On the other end, Larry cautioned about the forecast.  On this end, Dennis agreed.  These two old timers decided to stay safe at home.  The worst of the forecast may not evolve, but why take a chance in relationship to what has happened elsewhere with storms.

  It is 52 degrees out this mid afternoon with gray, still air.  Tornado watches are in effect.  When the ice cold air whips up and meets this warm air . . . it is anyone’s guess.

  I sometimes feel like a depository of all things in the realm of creativity.  I have worked with cork fabric from time to time and never amassed a lot of it as it is expensive.  Low and behold in November what looked like a plaid gun case came to me in my studio.  Oh my, oh my!  A friend has given up crafting.  In exchange for some of my embroidered towels, the contents of the plaid case were mine.  As I have no pending projects, today was the day I examined all of the contents of my very own gun case.  I was curious enough that I downloaded an easy zippered case pattern to try my hand at the cork fabric.  All went well.  While I was at it, I downloaded a cork fabric pattern for an eyeglass case as well as a folded passport case that could have multiple uses.  I have a variety of zippers and I may do several of this zippered case and use some coordinating zippers up as well.  I will continue checking out the internet for ideas to use the cork fabric.

  My crafting genes come from my paternal grandmother, Laura, and from my mom, Lena.  Oh, I can’t forget the kid’s grandmother, Esther Schafer.  There was never a scrap of anything that was thrown away or wasted.  Crocheting was in the bag with all three and I learned to crochet from Orlin when we lived in Texas.  I do miss crocheting as the wrists have lost  the swift rotation needed for the hook to make a stitch.  What I do have left, I need to save for day-to-day tasks.  Sewing and embroidery can be manipulated with the entire hand, using more of the fingers than the wrist.

  One minute it looks as if it could rain and the next minute the sun is out bright.  December’s very unusual weather.  If the winds do pick up as they predict, anything not nailed down will be . . . somewhere else.

   
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  Noreen 3:56 pm on December 14, 2021 Permalink  

  Tidy Tidy 

  With a sewing project completed, the cleanup is a must.  Who wants to come down to a studio that has supplies strewn about!  I know after today it will feel as if I am a guest in a studio akin to a well tricked out shop.

  The area rug that my brother Calvin gave me does add a touch of comfort when standing in front of the ironing board.  But man can it collect threads and fuzz and it isn’t fond of letting it go. What I have found to be the best weapon is the 3M lint rollers.  It’s only a 6 x 10 rug and it is doable.  The remaining floor is bare concrete and takes well to the vacuum.  Kevin offered to share a hemmed piece of carpet.  I thanked him, but passed. The area that the sewing machine sits on is concrete and the Swiffer works great until the Filter Queen canister needs to be brought out for the entire area.

  Dennis and friends met up in McDonald’s for morning coffee.  He rolled in right at twelve.  Apparently the fellows from the area kept dribbling in and that meant more news to hear or share.  I think it’s very healthy for them.  Dennis did share that McDonald’s has revamped the front.  A very small cloistered order area and a credit card must be used . . . no cash.  That took these old timers back quite a bit.

  I had PT and could barely walk when I left.  Finding that spot that needs work . . . I am all about Mike working those tendons and muscles to allow them to relax and fight nice.  My quality of life is 99% better than when I went to him for the first time.  Would have, could have and should have . . . yup, I should have turned myself in a lot sooner. Thinking I could walk it off was wrong.

  Arthritis is no stranger in my family.  My grandmother Laura was in a wheelchair during her remaining years only because no help was sought when she may have had somewhat of what I am experiencing today.  Mike knows what I am dealing with and until he says he can no longer help, I am in it for the long haul.  After all, where I am going so as to not see this through!

  ***Just got a text from daughter Carrie.  This afternoon she took over her own boutique in Edina.  Earlier this year I began praying hard as both of my self-reliant children now have their own businesses.  Bring on the “joy” in their lives.

  Thank you Lord Jesus for all the blessings that have come my family’s way this year.  Both of my children saw me through the days of uncertainty with the stroke and the heart surgery . . . my prayers for them is ceaseless. 

  On that note . . . tomorrow Dennis and I have been invited to my nephew Larry’s home in rural Stewart.  I may very well be worn out and not put a posting on.  Though I do know that we arrive at their home in the late forenoon and leave for our home in the early afternoon.  My driver is in charge of time tables.

   
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  Noreen 3:28 pm on December 13, 2021 Permalink  

  Dripping is Going On 

  No matter where you look there is a lot of dripping going on off of buildings as well as trees.  It makes for icy conditions under foot.

  Ice means I stay indoors.  Today I dug out the exercise band and hooked it over one of the hooks that is screwed into a floor joist.  A second one that does not have the molded hand handles will be used under my feet for some type of stretches of the legs.

  The plan today worked slick.  I am embroidering my last white dishtowel for the Riebe picnic in August of 2022.  I can keep an eye on the action of the needle while stretching some bands.  I know that my machine will be puffing as much as I am with this final stitch out. 

  Dennis had the idea of the dishtowel project.  I had wanted to ask him “Are you serious?”  I did not question him.  He had the little red pickup idling in the drive before I had my shoes on. We were going to Mills Fleet Farm in Mankato for white feed sack towels.  I knew they were of good quality . . . 30″ x 30″, hemmed and $.99 per towel. Number 50 is under the needle as I type.  

  Using a software program on my HP, I created a four line document . . . “It’s a Riebe Thing 2022.”  I used a variety of thread colors as I would load one after another on the embroidery module.  Each one took 29 minutes running at a slow speed.  Before the Covid hit, I had done 80 towels for Megan’s skate club.  The amount of time and energy for this stitching was literally relative. 

  When this project is finished, there needs to be some serious vacuuming.  Ideally the stabilizer on the back of the towels would come off in one piece. Bit and pieces is the end game.  

  When Carrie and Megan came for a visit in the early part of the month, there was a third tag along.  It was a crocheted angel that was hanging onto as much dignity as she could muster.  Over decades it is difficult for storage and what had been starched crochet cotton thread becomes limp.  Who knew that when I had crocheted her under Ester Schafer’s guiding hand that she would have endured all these decades.  Her frock now looks good and her wings are going to be flying proudly.  I couldn’t do anything about the scant yellowing during her lifetime. 

  Today finishes up two items that have been in the studio long enough.  I have no idea what will be next.

  I can share that I wish I had remembered the towels that are similar to Chamois when we were in the thick of window cleaning. They took off the window smears in a heart beat.  They can be laundered as long as softener is not added in the rinse cycle.  I will keep them handy for mirrors and such.

  I have had a great day and my furnace appreciates the warm temps as much as the gas meter does.

   
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  Noreen 3:14 pm on December 12, 2021 Permalink  

  Thawing 

  With temps in the mid thirties, the thawing is commencing.

  I stayed busy in the studio today.  The radio has Christmas music on nonstop for the afternoon. 

  Dennis came down for a visit, but soon decided he needed to move some snow off of the patios.  The three patio porch kitties watched in anticipation.  I am sure when some bare concrete shows, they will be venturing out.  Being cooped up for several days makes for a whole lot of meowing.

  A rerun of a pasta meal is on tap for supper.  

  I must say that with the sun streaming in, I might take a swipe at some nasty streaks on two west windows.  I ran across some cloths in the bottom of the towel drawer that are so similar to chamoe cloths.  Time will tell.

   
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  Noreen 3:07 pm on December 11, 2021 Permalink  

  The Sunniest 

  Right off the bat, it was going to be the sunniest day imaginable after a huge dump of snow.  I have not heard what the totals were, but according to the drive after Randy blew it off this morning, it would have been a heart attack waiting if shovels had been used.

  Dennis took his time cleaning up close to the garages.  Mandatory snowmobile boots, face mask and heavy mittens before he started.  Today Dennis used the Ahrens blower from Kevin’s Shop.  It has more bells and whistles than the Simplicity that Dennis has been using for many years.  It did get a good workout so Dennis can decide which one to keep.

  I don’t get much done in the house when Dennis is out blowing snow.  I remember too well what happened when we observed a neighbor of ours, Mr. Naszereth, get caught in a push behind snowblower.  It seemed as if it took forever for his family to rescue him.  What I have to do inside our home can wait until I know the snowblower is back in the garage and Dennis is safe in his rocking chair in the patio porch.

  I do have an oven meal ready to pop into the oven for supper.  I am using the ground bear meat with some beef ground meat with egg noodles and Classico sauce, a bit of garlic liquid bullion and a stir for good luck.

  I did get down into the studio by two this afternoon.  I am working on some white dish towels for a picnic next August with my mom’s side of the family.  Why put it off.  Each year one of us cousins takes a turn of a remembrance of a year gone by.  

  Last night I sat back and enjoyed the day that I had had decorating our Christmas tree.  My arms were weary but what a great investment of energy.  I will be taking it easy on the arms for several days.  Stirring ingredients is more of the folding of ingredients than stirring.  Those wonderful reverse shoulders are not taken for granted.  The left shoulder got a double whammy with the stroke.

  In the studio, it is easier to do embroidery on the machine than straight sewing.  The hoop is loaded with stabilizer, the fabric and then loaded onto the bracket for embroidery stitching.  With this project I am working on, I have 35 minutes to rest in between towels.  It could be less time, but I don’t run the machine at a very fast speed.  It is easier to take some extra time than wonder where flying parts land when something may go or if go amiss.

  Dennis had a great nap in his patio porch.  Very much needed after the workout of the snow.

   
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  Noreen 3:57 pm on December 10, 2021 Permalink  

  Forecasts 

  Weathermen must be so proud when they are right on with their forecasts.

  When I got up at 7:15 no snow was falling.  I looked out the bathroom window and realized the temps yesterday had totally cleaned off the patio of snow and ice.  It was my time to strike.  For days it had bothered me that the clapper of the wind chimes on the corner of the patio porch had gotten hung up on the bracket of the clothesline.  It wasn’t a surprise as the winds had been horrible.

  I slipped on some shoes and donning my nightie, I was out the door with my cane and across the patio I went to release the clapper.  I was so satisfied I didn’t hurry to get back into the house.  I knew there was no chance of being locked out, so I took deep breaths of the moist, crisp air.  I had barely gotten back into the house, slipped off my shoes when I looked through the bathroom window.  The wet rain mixed with snow was falling.  This had been meant to be.  It’s the little things in life that can bring so much satisfaction.  Had I mentioned this task out loud, it would not have been understood enough to have gotten done in a timely manner.  Now the windchimes can clang away!

  While I had the bedding going in the laundry, I opened the container that had the Christmas ornaments in it.  The tall skinny tree is what fits our living room. The short stubby branches leave somewhat of a challenge.  Never fear, I will persevere.  While I had a break from finding the right treasure for each spot on the tree,  I put the Department 56 Nativity on the shelf in the west porch.  The 18 piece set warms my heart when I put it up.  Had not this been a purchase when a drug store in New Ulm closed its doors years ago and wanted inventory . . . out the door, I would never have been able to purchase something this wonderful.  I totally enjoy the story that these pieces tell of.

  Randy has just left our drive with his long green line.  Though the snow is still coming down, Randy does like to take the snow out mid-way through what is told will be the total of perhaps 10 inches.  Randy’s drive is gravel and Jan has said he thinks doing our drive of concrete is a treat.

  I have a bit more time to put a few more items on the tree.  My hope is to get it done while it is still a Friday.  After all, my studio is calling.

   
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  Noreen 5:10 pm on December 9, 2021 Permalink  

  Huge Day 

  It was a huge, huge day for this white-haired Grammie.

  I had some additional stops to make in Mankato, prior to the luncheon at Baker’s Square.  The temps were mild with no chance of picking up icy snow under my cane.  On Tuesday there had been new snow and the cane worked great getting into the clinic.  Once inside I put down one poke of the cane as a test and it could have slid fore a long time, with me flat on the floor.  It was good to find that out early in the winter season.  All three of the rubber feet need to thaw out before using it on non-carpet flooring.

  I will fix my favorite cowboy supper and then I am calling it a day.  My hands are tender today from writing out Christmas cards yesterday as well as working with Gorilla tapes yesterday.  It was one of the first questions I had had for Dennis, “Is the seal on the doorway holding?”  Relief was the answer.  No drafts from that doorway.

  Tomorrow is a day that may have snow in it.  I will be staying indoors and looking out . . . thank you very much!

   
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  Noreen 3:50 pm on December 8, 2021 Permalink  

  Tuckered 

  Several days ago we began working on sealing up the service door to the patio porch.  We knew we had to add to the length.  In the meantime, in between time what had been affixed to the top slid down.

  We took the afore mentioned foam and laid it on the table to add the needed length.  It is a good thing Dennis had been to the Fleet store for another roll of Gorilla electrical tape.  Dennis also bought a roll of the 3″ Gorilla Duct tape.  Hmm. The Gorilla Duct tape does not stick to the foam.

  Fear not!  We were not giving up.  The duct tape stuck to the door frame and the electrical tape stuck to the duct tape and that in turn stuck to the foam. My oh my!  We finished up by covering the foam with a sheet of  clear wrap.  We will need to have a savings of $20.00 in heating gas to cover the cost of the tapes.  

  No senior citizen was harmed in this DIY!  As I am the crafter in the household, I manned the tape for this project.  It works better if the sticky side of the tape is worked with lineal feet facing the target.  My arms were tuckered.

  With the doorway having been finished by noon, I wanted to return to the studio to the project I had started prior to “Grammie, I need a favor,”  I had foldout Christmas cards purchased from the Christian Book site for the great grands and some other wee ones of family and friends.  All was laid out in an assembly line: cards and envelopes, address book, stamps and pen.  My goal was this afternoon’s mail.  Dennis came down and let me know he was going out for coffee.  I needed just a few more minutes and he became responsible to check all envelopes for a forever postage stamp.  Whew!  Got that project done and away Dennis went with envelopes in a bag destined for the post office.  After the year I have experienced, this is the first year of each child getting their own card in the mail rather than something from the sewing machine.  Who doesn’t like to get something for themselves in the mail in a family of more than one child!

  My arms are now officially tuckered.

  Tomorrow the stitchers are meeting in Mankato at Baker’s Square.  Oh my gosh!  Not a medical appointment!  This is totally a social event.  I am excited and the temps will be cooperating.

  It began at zero this morning and it is now 25 degrees.  Let me tell you, it felt like 90 degrees in the patio porch this morning working with foam, tape and plastic sheeting.  Even Dennis shed his jacket.  Snuggles watched it all from his vantage point . . . his basket.  Gotta love it.

   
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  Noreen 3:28 pm on December 7, 2021 Permalink  

  Not a Fan 

  So not a fan of the snow that we got overnight and into the forenoon.  I was partial to the greens and the browns.  It didn’t take long for the streets and sidewalks to get slick once the plows packed it and then shaved it down.

  I believe I can feel the end of the PT tunnel.  It has been a longer journey than I had first thought.  Keeping active has always been easy for me.  Since the events of February there had been more sedentary time than I had realized and when I was ready to shift gears the body had made it known, it was not happy.  We are having more happy days than not.  I intend to do everything I can to keep it that way.  After all, my favorite snow pusher is right out the back door.  Not to worry, I will not be offering my time at any of the neighbors.  Dennis has first dibs with the driveway and I am cleanup by the doors.

  A checkup at the eye clinic in town today was to determine if the stroke had caused my peripheral vision to be impacted in my left eye.  Amazing how medical science has evolved.  At this time, all seems well. 

  By the time the appointments had been met for the day, the studio lights will have to wait until tomorrow to be turned on.  I did take the opportunity to catch up on phone calls to aunts.  Lorraine in Arizona is doing well in her 90th year.  Janet in her 88th year in Brownton is now off the clock from helping her farmer bachelor nephew with kitchen duties.  It takes so little time to let them know they are thought of. 

  The evening is coming soon with gray skies.  Very little wind in allowing the snow to lie where it fell.  That was all Dennis needed to try out the snowblower that he recently had tuned up after bringing it home from Kevin’s shop where it was not needed.  Though a new carburetor was put on, it needs to be used to get it running smoothly.  Hmm . . . just like me.  I need to be active to let my body know how to stay tuned up.