Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:03 pm on March 9, 2022 Permalink  

  No Place Like Home 

  Be it ever so humble . . . there is no place like our home.

  Some days I have more get up and go than others.  I did manage to take down the Christmas valances a time ago and since then the living room almost echoes.  The first step in getting something done is to start.  Today . . . out came the spring-looking valances.  Step one got done.  I even pushed myself, and the valances are now laundered and dried.  That will be it for that project today.

  It may have been brisk out, but I did take a short walk on Stauffer Avenue after lunch.  It felt right.  If the forecasts are correct, it will feel even better next week.  The good thing about it being so cold during the overnights is that it does help to freeze-dry some of the soft areas that are muddy.  My kids loved mud when they were tots.  Our back entry today does get items drug in with shoes.  There would be no comparison to the back entry on Stauffer and of our farm home in Boon Lake Township. 

  The boots that the kids wore were pretty much slip-ons.  It felt good that they could be independent.  In from the outside, it was so easy to give each leg a kick in the air and the boot would come off.  No, that’s not right . . . they flew off.  Snoopy, our dog, slept in the back entry and would duck.  It was not unusual to find mud splattered on the walls, and as the boot would continue in flight, it would bounce off of each basement step depositing whatever came in from the outside.  There had even been an occasion or two where either Kevin and Carrie came in without a boot on a foot.  Then the guessing game ensued.  Where was the mud puddle that had a boot taking root in it!

  Oh for memories.  I have no shortage of them.  The smallest of incidences in any given day brings a flood of the best times of my life.  Sweet!

   
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  Noreen 2:57 pm on March 8, 2022 Permalink  

  Tuesday the 8th 

  Oh my oh my!  What a difference a haircut makes.  Dennis and I both turned ourselves in to the Curry Comb.  Niece Brenda noticed that Dennis had lost a bit of weight.  When Dennis went out to the pickup while I was in the chair.  Brenda gave me the idea of mixing the chocolate boost, 30 grams of protein, with ice cream and it could pass for a Culver’s shake . . . which Dennis likes.  Great tip.  I happen to have a great 1960s avocado green blender right on the kitchen counter. 

  I called my sister-in-law today on the family farm in rural Stewart.  JoAnn had torn her right ham string while having fun bowling.  Ouch.  She will be wearing the brace for another four weeks.  As it was, she had the same surgeon that did both of my reverse shoulders.  She was in good hands.

  Today was mending day in the studio.  A few of Dennis’ items needed a stitch here and a stitch there.

  We did have a burial day last week.  A down filed jacket of Dennis’ is no more.  As much as he loves his patio kitties, they play hell with the jacket when they come for some nurturing and flex those claws.  I will say that the Gorilla Duct Tape did wonders for repairs.  It was time for a new jacket.  Sam’s Club has the lightweight jackets often during the winter season for $19.99.  I usually have a spare on hand for Dennis.

  For myself, I have enjoyed wearing vests for most of our winter outings.  It is so much easier for me to get on.  There again, good ole Sam’s Club has allowed me to have a variety for less than $20.00 each.  I do keep my eye out.

  This week is an up and down roller coaster in regard to temps.  Come on spring!

   
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  Noreen 2:42 pm on March 7, 2022 Permalink  

  Tweet, Tweet 

  Oh my gosh, do the birds ever have an agenda.  They start their tweet, tweeting a little after five in the a.m.  This morning, I fooled them and stayed in bed until 7:30.  Oh that felt good.

  I can’t believe that this weekend we turn our clocks ahead.  Time literally rushes by.

  Dennis had a coffee guest in his damp patio porch.   This wasn’t our first rodeo with spring weather and water on the patio.  Just like any other spring, it all turns out . . .  A.O.K.

  When Dennis’ daughter stopped in after her shift at Casey’s today, Denise stops in just about every other day, she said it hadn’t been very busy at their fuel pumps.  Hmm.  She thought some people decided driving to pick up a piece of pizza might take some gas that they would need to go elsewhere.

  I am having a good day here on Stauffer Avenue.  First floor taken care of complete with an oven meal for supper with some cranberries on the side.

  Surprises can come in the mail, more so than just bills.  I received a beautiful card today from nephew Larry’s wife, Jennifer.  As we already had an agreement to disagree on being paid for the Christmas stockings, I apparently have a store credit at the Gathering Friends quilt shop in Bird Island.  Super sweet and super sneaky!

  As I am punching out this message, I am pushing hair out of my eyes.  Yes!  We are in need of haircuts.  Brenda at the Curry Comb is closed on Mondays.  She will be getting a call in the morning.  Brenda does the bookkeeping for her brother Brett’s concrete business and Mondays are when Brett and Brenda put their heads together for the upcoming week. When Dennis and I put our heads together it is most likely to affirm to the other as to what day of the week it is.  Such is life.

  Bummer.  The PBS channels are in their “pledge mode.”  All of my enjoyed programs are on hiatus.

  Today is the day I am working on the binding for my mini quilt.  I prefer doing a sample to make sure I have the correct width of the binding and what seam allowance to take.  It is so worth the time.  The end result is my kind of tidy, tidy.  When binding is sewn onto the back of a project and then tipped to the front . . . using the correct seam allowance, it appears as if the binding was put on with only one run under the needle.  That is super sweet . . . tweet, tweet.

   
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  Noreen 3:03 pm on March 6, 2022 Permalink  

  Strange Weather 

  We had all four seasons within one late afternoon yesterday.

  The afternoon was mild letting us know spring was right around the corner.  The skies turned dark around four.  The thunder began rolling and rattling the windows.  All the patio kitties were in their baskets in a heartbeat.  Dennis barely made it into the house when the skies opened and the rain pounded down.  The next time I looked out the bathroom window there was freezing sleet covering the garage roof that soon sounded like hail when it hit the sky light.  A very short burst of snow followed.

  When Dennis went out to the patio porch after supper, there was no way he could enjoy having a few more minutes in his rocking chair.  The carpeted wood floor was wet.  It was actually more than wet, there was standing water.  Hmm.  It was a very good thing Dennis had just vacuumed the carpet that afternoon or there would have been more than water showing.  Nothing to do but turn off the lights and call it a day.

  This morning when we went out, the water was down.  With the furnace on in the garage and patio porch . . . that’s all we can do for now.  What surprised us was when the ice on the patio cracked with water trapped underneath.  It took awhile before we were assured the garage was not coming apart.  Talk about a strange 24 hours.  The Mankato radio station said we had 1.5″ of rain in a very short period of time.

  Dennis napped this afternoon and I stitched a bit in the studio.  The sun never did shine today, but the concrete drive is now clear of the ice.  The ice crystals on the boughs of our huge evergreen on the northwest corner of the house, looks every bit luxurious.  It reminds me of the expensive silk greenery during the Christmas season. 

  Spring cannot come soon enough, but . . . with it will come new challenges.

   
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  Noreen 3:59 pm on March 5, 2022 Permalink  

  Rain Showers 

  Rain showers and there is grass in the front of the house that looks quite green.

  Strike while the iron is hot . . . and that was me today.  I was up at six and both beds were stripped before I had even had my first cup of coffee.  I knew once the washer was started, I would have plenty of time to enjoy the brew.  As we have no carpeting, it is easy to put a wet Swiffer on the mop and tidy up the bedroom floors.  I will admit, it feels good to have enough oomph to get some household chores done.  Get the work done first and then the sewing studio is there to be enjoyed with no would have, should have, or could have.

  When I have heard other women talk about needing new furniture, have at it.  It has been my thought process . . . forever,  “I don’t need a lot of bells and whistles within our home, but I do need and deserve a clean home.”  As it turns out our tiny home is the perfect size to keep the dust bunnies at bay.

  Dennis was also on a streak vacuuming the patio porch.  With the three kitties spending a lot of winter days in the patio porch, there is no lack of mischief that has been gotten into.  Things get pushed off of the table, cardboard has been clawed with shreds floating and where oh where did they find water bottle caps to play with!

  Dennis’ daughter Denise stopped in after she was done with her shift at Casey’s.  Erratic hours are the norm.  A stop in is always appreciated.  Good grief.  We have three Casey’s stores.  All are busy and all are seeking more employees.   

  Putting out a light supper is the last item of the day before hitting the showers.  Going to bed this evening will be like diving into a sea of soft flannel freshness. 

  If by chance the rain showers turn to snow showers, we will be tucked in right here on Stauffer Avenue for the remainder of the weekend.

   
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  Noreen 2:59 pm on March 4, 2022 Permalink  

  South Brisk Winds 

  Wow, that wind can switch to the south and pick up right where the strong north winds left off . . . in a heart beat.  As it is 38 degrees, I did pop a window to get some fresh air in the house before the next system of sleet, ice and possible snow moves in.

  June had lived down the street from me for years.  Today June asked me to her apartment across town for lunch.  A sandwich never tasted so good.  We had lots to catch up on.  We are partners in crime when it comes to getting our second shingles shot.  Her and I will be heading to Lewis Drug right after the first of April to get the deed done.

  I received a text from nephew Larry, rural Stewart resident.  The extra Christmas stockings arrived in good stead.  Larry stated he is not in any hurry to use these Christmas stockings as they would be for the next round of grandchildren.  The two youngest of his children are not in a position as yet for that to happen . . . maybe. 

  This afternoon, the sewing machine has been humming.  I am doing what a long arm quilting machine does . . . quilting my mini-quilt.  The backing, batting and top are secured, ready to get all layers stitched together.  It is all about getting the machine set up, digging out the gloves that have nubbins on the finger tips to help guide the layer of fabrics under the needle, and practicing Bringing in the Sheaves.  Singing a tune while the needle is stitching allows for a smooth flow of circular motion.  All that remains is to quilt the flowered border and sew on a binding.  All in all the project has turned out well to this point.  One day at a time.

  The weekend is upon us.  No plans and after a busy week . . . yippee!

   
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  Noreen 2:58 pm on March 3, 2022 Permalink  

  The Hand 

  I know that there are times when the hand of God steers me.  In the store this morning I had my grocery shopping done and was headed out to the car.  As I looked back as I got in the car, I saw a friend just going into the store.  The cane came back out of the car with me and I was determined to catch up with Linda.  

  From the back of my memory I remembered working with Linda on a quilt that we did for a fundraiser.  I had questions for Linda.  Her and I stepped to the side of the quiet dog food aisle and chit chatted for a bit.  When I did leave the store it was as if I was walking on cloud nine.  Linda is now retired from teaching in the Comfrey school and has taken a role with their church making quilts for Minnesota nursing homes.  

  In my sewing studio I have what her group can use.  I quilt with cotton and I never mix blends as they will not wear or launder the same.  I happen to have material that is a poly/cotton blend.  It is new, clean material.  My sweet daughter-in-law, Kersten, thought of me prior to the dumpster arriving at the closing of the Dueber’s store in Fairfax.  It was as if there had been a calling that this fabric could be put to a wonderful use.

  I am still sewing, piecing quilt patterns, and able to do quite a bit after the stroke.  No . . . it doesn’t go as fast as it had prior, but then, where am I going in a hurry!  Slow and steady as no one in the family is on the list for a new quilt at this time.  Absolutely . . . I have several ready to go when the need arises.

  Linda was so excited for what she will be coming to our home for and then taking with her.  We have exchanged phone numbers and next week I will give her a call.  Of course we will have coffee and cookies before lightening the load from the sewing studio.

  Yes . . . the hand of God pulled me back into the grocery store today.  I couldn’t leave the store empty handed so . . . we can always use some extra toilet paper.

   
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  Noreen 2:54 pm on March 2, 2022 Permalink  

  Heavy Air 

  Gray skies may bring moisture.

  All the water that had ponded in the east portion of our acre is down.  With less standing water anywhere, there is less change of refreeze.

  A good friend of ours experienced the refreeze of ice and was airlifted to Rochester.  He had severe damage to multiple ribs that punctured some organs.  Very scary.  This Grammie only steps on dry surfaces or she doesn’t go.

  Today I decided to reach out to my brother in Iowa.  That is the shortest phone conversation with him in decades.  It may be telling of his new life since his wife has passed away.  

  One more trip to UPS at four this afternoon.  The fabric that my nephew’s wife had sent for Christmas stockings has been exhausted.  I am off the Christmas stocking train.  A total of eight were stitched and lined.  The four being sent off today will need to have names embroidered on as their family grows.  I am human.  I sometimes have thoughts that are less than pure.  When Carrie was here last week and Dennis, I and her were having a sandwich together, I made the comment that I wondered if the tables had been turned, if my sister would have been the aunt that stepped in to help Carrie and Kevin.  Neither one of them said anything, but both were shaking their head back and forth in a non-verbal no.  Hmm.

  As of this afternoon, my machine has a new needle in it and it has been cleaned and oiled.  The church tables are cleared and ready for a new day in the studio.  Sweet.

  Dennis ran an errand and the first thing he announced when he came home was that gas was $3.59 a gallon.  Just the beginning.

  The skies are not only gray but the air is heavy.  Winter is yet to be over.

   
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  Noreen 3:06 pm on March 1, 2022 Permalink  

  Lakeshore 

  This morning we were up early . . . in time to see the sun as it began coming up.  As we were having coffee in the patio porch our lakeshore of a backyard glistened.  I almost expected to hear the calling of a Loon.  My goodness.  Our last snowfall of five inches was all that had amassed in the yard.  The way it has melted and ponded, I wonder what type of flooding we would have if the winter had been a continual dumping.

  I didn’t stay in the patio porch as Dennis was getting company.  Bruce is a distant cousin of Dennis’ and enjoys stopping in.  Hmm.  He also seems to find donuts to bring with.  In times past, Bruce worked for the plating plant in town.  I remember decades ago when Bruce nickel platted a proof press for Kevin.  Indeed . . . it did shine as a brand new buffalo nickel right out of one of the mints on the east coast.  

  I am taking a break from the studio.  All is going so well, I didn’t want to overdue it.  When the sun shines through the south basement windows it lifts the spirits and arthritis is not to be felt in the studio.  I have several pattern books open on the church tables in the studio.  Contemplating some projects that would make use of my scrap box.  Within that box there is nothing that would need a 12″ ruler. 

  My mid afternoon break is over and I need to return to the studio before my mojo leaves me.  Life is sweet here on Stauffer Avenue.

   
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  Noreen 3:50 pm on February 28, 2022 Permalink  

  My Goodness 

  My how time flies.  A year ago today, my kids were keeping track of me via phone calls as info was disseminated from the nurses in Rochester.  Who knew something like a stroke could happen out of the blue!

  I am here on Stauffer Avenue a year later, oh so appreciative, to be in our home talking smack on my blog each day.  All has worked out to, I would say, 90% of my old self.  Small limitations on the left side to keep things interesting.  Patience, resilience and stubbornness make up my days.  Thanks be to God, my kids and good doctors.

  These days the wild life, aka: squirrels, are making me ready to pop up the patio umbrella, pull out a lawn chair and sit back and watch all the activity.  There is not even a breeze, but the limbs on the crab apple tree are a swaying.  If it were not for all the puddles, the patio cats would be having fun on chases.  Funny how cats don’t like getting their feet wet.   

  I received an invite to join the stitchers on a trip to the metro.  The goal is the SR Harris.  It is a fabric warehouse.  I gently declined as I need not add to my stashes.  When we meet later in March the tales of fantastic purchases will be hot and heavy.  Bless their warrior hearts.  I have one project to wrap up in the basement and it has been over a week since the lights have been turned on.  It is starting to itch.

  53 degrees and what is in the form of puddles today may be ice in the morning.  We have no plans until Thursday!  Yippee!