Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 1:55 pm on August 25, 2021 Permalink  

  No Moss Here 

  There is always something happening on Stauffer Avenue. Dennis picked up his friend Dwayne for coffee this morning.  Dwayne fell and broke two ribs and cracked a third.  Though not feeling too perky he was well enough to get out of their apartment.

  Honey Bunny and I managed to pull a few weeds.  After a good rain, they are hard to ignore as they pull easily.  Honey Bunny, the oldest of the three, has been with us since 2009.  She refuses to be picked up but to be knuckle butted on the head.  She stayed until the last of the fallen branches were pick up from the rain storm and then she was off to points unknown.

  I worked in the studio for a while and then moseyed out to the garage after Dennis was home from coffee.  I knew he was ready to have a second opinion on his project.  Over the years our chainsaw Eagle, which is twenty years old and was purchased in Iowa, has been given a refresher or two in regard to a new poly spray job.  What was telling was the areas that had gotten moisture underneath the poly.  That had turned an unattractive gray.   As I had mentioned, there were products purchased at Menards for Dennis to work at stripping the old finish. I think he is doing well.  After I finish with this posting, I am gearing up to help.  Dennis has the bulk of the old removed, now it is the pin feathers that need cleaning.  We have always taken the Eagle in over winters and it has always been set up on bricks to keep water from soaking in from the bottom.

  There is no moss growing on either one of us.  We always find something to take care of.  It’s a good thing.

   
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  Noreen 2:09 pm on August 24, 2021 Permalink  

  Thunder Boomers 

  There were thunder boomers today that left Dennis’ lap too small as the garage kitties all wanted a spot.  Our rain gauge has a leak, but a good inch of rain over these last several days is a guess.

  Before I forget. Making oven meals with egg noodles not being cooked is not something we will do again.  It wasn’t horrible, just not being the tenderest of noodles.  You know the oven meal will be eaten right to the last of the leftover. 

  I was really beat last night for whatever reason.  Energy levels are not consistent.  I went to bed before nine.  I didn’t hear a thing.  Surprise, surprise this morning.  The kitchen had been tidied down to the last dirty dish in the sink from supper.  What had been in the dryer spinning away when I went to bed was neatly folded on the dining room table.  What a treat.  The start of a new day ahead of the game.  The ole cowboy came through just as on many occasions.

  Though it was dark as the ace of spades sometimes this forenoon, the lights were on in the studio.  After working on sandwiching Megan’s quilt this weekend, the safety pins are holding everything in place.  Getting the quilt under the needle is do or die to begin the finishing of it by actually quilting it.  I did try one small embroidery motif.  I may be ripping those stitches out.  I am not sure.  My main goal is to stitch in the ditch enough seams so as to feel confident that all layers will not shift.  This will be a long process so as to not go beyond my daily limits and have more stitches and seams to pick out.  Nephew Brett has always offered his long arm to me for my projects.  Nope . . . my arms wouldn’t be able to take it.  I like my slow and steady way of doing it.  The turtle wins the race.

  Megan and I texted back and forth last night in regard to her first day of her Senior year.  The first day went great but kind of exhausting and overwhelming with a lot coming all at once.  My advice . . . breathe.  I know she will do just fine.  She has a lot of her Grammie in her.  I am not sure if it is a compliment, but Carrie has often said how much of Megan looks like it has rubbed off from me.  Tee Hee!  I love it!

   
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  Noreen 1:52 pm on August 23, 2021 Permalink  

  A Monday 

  Today we entertained a first cousin of Dennis’ from the state of Washington.  Those cousins are few and far in between for Dennis.  It was great to have John visit.  There is 20 years between them.  John could vividly remember that when he was in high school, the family lived at Waseca, his parents had taken their family to the rodeo in town as Dennis had entered the rodeo, riding the bucking broncos and being strapped onto the bucking bulls.  Dennis was in his late 30s.  That might be the answer to some of his aches and pains today.  The visit meant a lot to Dennis.

  I am fortunate that many of my first cousins didn’t stray far from their parental homes.  My cousins from my mom’s side get together once a year at Darwin, near Litchfield, the home of the twine ball. My cousins from my dad’s side have a gathering every three years or so at a rural site near Brownton.  Several of us from either side email, phone and text. Sweet. 

  With the blessing of almost an inch of rain last night, the humidity is rearing its head today.  There might even be a tinge of green showing in the lawns,  It sure perked up the plot of catnip. 

  This morning, I had mixed feelings.  Megan’s first day of her Senior year.  Hmm.  Megan spent a lot of time with us until she started school.  Though Nicholas tagged along with her for stays, Megan is the one that taught us so much in her tender years. Those memories are priceless.

  Out came Mom’s church cookbook for tonight’s supper.  Yesterday, I picked up a few groceries at Cubs before we left Mankato.  As we had had a full day, I picked up some “heat and serve” supper.  Nope.  I would rather cook. This dish tonight is one of Mom’s recipes that she had submitted.  Sauerkraut, browned hamburger, sautéed onions, one can of cream of mushroom soup and wide egg noodles uncooked.  One half cup of water in the bottom of the dish with the noodles and remaining items going in.  Dish is to stay covered for an hour at 350 degrees.  I am thinking the water allows for good steam to be generated to cook the noodles.  There was another recipe submitted also using uncooked wide egg noodles.  It must work.

  The rest of the week is uneventful.  I need some time in the studio . . . it is beckoning me.  I become totally relaxed around my threads and fuzz.

   
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  Noreen 2:52 pm on August 22, 2021 Permalink  

  What to Do? 

  It was a great day to wake up to today.  Nice temps and our job jar was empty.  But then we didn’t look at it very hard.

  I had gotten an email from Menards that the set of brushes that we had ordered for Dennis’ lawn sweeper had come in.  Why not!  Taking a drive on a Sunday to pick up an order makes for a day out of Dodge.  It wasn’t my idea, but Dennis added on a visit for pedicures.  His nails must have been bothering him.  I didn’t argue.  Since we have been going to Nails Group, over six years, in Mankato, our feet have never felt so good. There is no way I can maneuver nail equipment like they can.  Each time, there has been a women in the shop getting a pedicure, that comments she wishes she could get her husband to come with her.

  Dennis has found a job for himself in the garage and it needs some paint stripper.  While at Menards he went to the service counter for his brushes, I picked out some supplies for him.  Water base strippers are far and few in between.  I am always happy to get the supplies he needs when he finds himself a project and I am not worried about the outcome.  I will take it the way it comes.

  On our drive it couldn’t help but be noticed how some of the corn fields are drying.  God willing the cobs have fully developed with the shortage of rain.  We did get a half of an inch several days ago with a promise of a bit more this week.  In total we are short fifteen inches.

  These last days have been such a gift.  According to the amount of traffic on the highway many others are making the best of the days before school bells ring.

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on August 21, 2021 Permalink  

  What a Great Day 

  This is what we have been waiting for for a long time.  A breeze with temps in the 70s.

  Not much going on here today.  The second set of bedding is done and back on.  In Lena’s case there would have been a linen closet to visit to choose a set of linens.  With automatic washers and dryers, the bedding is taken off, laundered and put right back on.  One set per bed is all that is needed.

  Dennis helped with the floors today.  The mopping doesn’t sit well as yet in the chest.  I remember how disheartened I was when Kevin reminded me that no wax flooring’s life for the wonderful surface would only have a life of twenty years or so.  Our flooring has gone a bit beyond, but not without extra elbow grease.  There are different wear patterns where everyday foot falls have gone.   Mr. Clean Erasers do a great job to work their magic.  I am not sure what the ingredients are within them.  Today we called it good.  It will last several weeks.

  The last of the fall events are taking place.  Threshing Bees and the Minnesota State Fair close down the fun stuff before school starts.  All events have passed without us.  I can’t say we feel we missed out on anything.  With covid still in the news every single day, home is the best place for us.  To have the fully vaccinated being able to still suffer experiencing it and perhaps passing it along . . . no thank you.  Big crowds are not for us. 

  I have memories of events in the past.  It wasn’t where you were or what you were doing but with whom you shared the time.  

  Enjoy this weekend and feel the younger you inside.

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on August 20, 2021 Permalink  

  Hoping for Rain 

  The forecast calls for rain and we are ready for it.  The rain has passed us by too many times.

  I had Dennis’ bedding under control in the laundry and decided to visit June this afternoon.  She has settled into her apartment and living quite nicely.  With the forecast for high winds coming with the rain, she commented that there wouldn’t be any leaf tips or branches in her schedule.  I am really happy for her.  She does make the best oatmeal and raisin cookies.

  Dennis had an eye injection at one today.  We both got home about the same time.  He is down in his recliner with eyes closed.  The shot leaves the eye feeling as if there are granules to blink through for a time.  Knock on wood . . . that is not in my scheme of things.  I have plenty on my plate for now.

  Checking on my stashes in the studio, I do have enough fabric for the back of Megan’s quilt. It’s fabric that has been pre-washed and ready to use.  Checking a little farther, the batting I have will also do.  I do have the batting in the clothes dryer with a damp terry towel.  The heat will allow for all the wrinkles to smooth out as I sandwich the top, the batting and the backing.  This project is getting real.  One step at a time over a period of time is making and allowing my left side, arm and hand to participate.

  Activity in that left arm and left hand require nerve endings to power the muscles and tendons.  Those nerves had been severely impacted by the stroke.  At the very onset I had nothing for movement.  Nerves take a long time to regenerate.  The day I could take the thumb on my left hand and touch the little finger on the left hand was memorable . . . and it took over a month.  Each day requires movement to challenge for more movement.  Each day when the nerves are weary and need to regenerate, the strength in the muscles and tendon is gone.  It’s time to close down for a while.

  I feel so fortunate to be where I am at this point.  It is “this or better.”  I can be left alone in our home to do the laundry and put the bedding back on the bed . . . sweet.  I still have discomfort across my upper chest, but in relationship to the layers that were cut through to allow my ribs to be pried apart for miracle hands to work their magic . . . it’s minimal.  I wonder what size of a “C” clamp they used? 

  The winds are picking up and the skies look as if there is something brewing . . . may it be rains and not storms.

   
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  Noreen 1:13 pm on August 19, 2021 Permalink  

  A Deal was Struck 

  Yesterday I realized that a portion of a five pound bag of potatoes was sitting on the attic steps waiting for . . . something.  I put a deal out to Dennis.  I would chop the onion and boil and peel the eggs if he peeled and boiled the potatoes.  I knew I had him.  He really likes my potato salad.  That was the deal I struck yesterday for today’s events.

  By early morning I got a text from one of the kids and I was already crying over the aroma of a white onion as the chopping ensued.  I like to get going in the morning and get it done.  I did boil the potatoes with the skins on.  Nothing enhances the flavor than what the peelings can add.  True to the deal, Dennis took the skins off of the potatoes with just a skim of a knife.  It will be good eating as I don’t skimp on onions or eggs.

  Yup, another warmer day than I would have enjoyed.  Friday is the day we have a chance for rain.  We have heard that several times with zero amount registering in the gauge.  The blessing is that we have not had any storms. 

  Yesterday, Dennis and I went to our family doctor.  I had not seen him since February.  So many specialists, now it was time for usual and customary.  The specialized meds will need to be stayed on for the full three months since June 15.  I can taper off of them and then be down to my usual high blood pressure that I had been on.  I will be so ready for less is more.

  No lights on in the studio today.  The kitchen duty today was enough.  I can still feel that there is healing going on and pushing it only causes discomfort.  My body does not lie to me.

  Take heart, this hot summer will not last forever.

   
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  Noreen 1:19 pm on August 18, 2021 Permalink  

  Another Long Year 

  Today was discussion that has been in the works for another long year. Actually, decades ago we had work done on the west porch of our home.  Our home is over a hundred years old.  It was moved into the city in the early 50s from north of town and put onto a new basement at that time.  

  There had been an open porch to the west, complete with the turned posts and a shed roof.  What open porch didn’t have the slanted floor to shed the rain and the melting snow?  In the 70s a carpenter, by the name of Thompson, enclosed the porch allowing for eight windows to be enjoyed.  

  In the late 80s when Dennis and I made this wonderful little house our home, a carpenter by the name of Kuehl shimmed out lumber to make the floor level.  Prior to that time whatever we had in the porch needed to be leveled with a shim.

  We, and mostly me, have enjoyed that porch to no end.  I love reading in the good daylight and it is also my bedroom.  With Dennis’ 10′ long hose for his CPAP, which can be dangerous when he turns over in bed, I need to also enjoy a good night’s sleep without having that hose accidently wrapped around my neck.  Ironically, with eight windows, nothing allows for other’s to view inside after the shades go down.  

  We never had done anything to make the step from the inside into a doable step down onto the concrete steps outside.  It was a 12″ step down.  We always used the back door.  In February when the ambulance crew got me out of the house via the front door, there was that 12″ to conquer. 

  This morning working with Dennis’ nephew, Brett, we began working on a solution to that 12″ step down from the inside of our home.  It sounds like a solid plan, but not in concrete.  It will be treated wood with a good sized platform directly out of the house and steps going to the south.  Pouring concrete over the old concrete steps is not a good plan going forward decades out.  Taking out the old steps involves working with the foundation of the house.  Again we are on a waiting list.  Brett is taking charge of the contractor that will be doing the work.  It was our choice of the steps as a ramp is a bit too much to assume right now.

  Whew!  A great day.

   
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  Noreen 3:36 pm on August 17, 2021 Permalink  

  Long Year 

  In the early 2020, Dennis had a slight accident.  Dennis backed into and scrapped the siding on our home while also taking off the water faucet.  I know for a fact he immediately contacted our handy man and our plumbers.  After the frost of 2021’s winter, we had our outdoor faucet replaced.  Today, August 2021, we have had the siding replaced.  Our lumber store would not break open a package of siding for replacement pieces.  Our carpenter, Elmer, drove over to Truman which is 20 miles to the south for the replacement pieces.  They were $16.00 each.  We didn’t buck as we just wanted it done.  Yes, either entity would have been welcomed sooner.  Small towns are short of service people for small jobs.  Talk about a long year . . . or two.

  I have kept busy with my head down . . . either reading or sewing.  The fictional book is almost to the last chapter.  Today the last stitch went into the blanket top for Megan’s 2021-2022 graduation year.  I had the 16 blocks embroidered in the winter of 2021.  The luck of the Grammie, I worked through my stashes to find what I needed for the sashing and the corner stones.  My goal was to end up with the 62″ x 50″ that would be a good size to use as a throw.  What was a gamble was the small amount of fabric I had to use as a one inch border to break up the dark blue sashing, as I was using the same fabric in the border.  Perfect.  As of now the studio is dark.  I think I have batting and backing for it.  I won’t know until the lights come on the next time.

  Tonight, it may be warm out, but we are having Shore Land’s Chicken Noodle soup for supper.  Nothing was forth coming when I asked for suggestions.  Take it or leave it.

   
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  Noreen 3:34 pm on August 16, 2021 Permalink  

  Laundry Monday 

  Laundry Monday is in my bones.  Pop a Tide pod in, set the dials and hit start.  It sure is different than Lena’s laundry Monday.  So many things are different than they were 70 years ago.

  What works in my favor is that I do remember more than I have forgotten.  I take very little for granted.  Our home could very easily resemble the home I grew up in . . . early attic . . . gotta love it.  We did acquire a pullout love seat twenty years ago to accommodate grandkids staying over.  Dennis has a recliner that we bought in 2015 that has the pleather peeling as much as I do when I am in the sun for too long.  Not the quality of those times of old.  We are sure there is a bit more life in both.  Who knows?

  Bells and whistles make for commercial stores thriving.  We feel badly for not doing our part.  We’ll get over it.  

  The best part of this scenario is that we can replace and acquire anything we need in a moment’s notice.  There is more at our finger tips than Lena and Raymond could have thought possible.  Hard to believe there could be more possible.

  As in 70 years ago, I hung out the laundry today on my precious clotheslines. Dennis helped.  They dried quickly and the house is filled with the freshest aroma ever.  Now I need an elf to fold the clothes.  Dennis does fold clothes to some degree.  If in doubt . . . at least get it into the right drawer.  I can live with that.