Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 1:18 pm on July 6, 2021 Permalink  

  Catch Up Day 

  We had company today and it was to be a catch-up of what was new in my daughter Carrie’s family.  Eden Prairie isn’t a far stretch from St. James, but in the world of busy families, it needs to be planned.  My mama didn’t raise no fool.  Carrie was coming to check up on me . . . and us . . . to make sure all was doing well after the heart surgery.  It has been three weeks since the surgery and it had been two weeks since she last visited.  We passed mustard.   She has nothing but love and concern as this has been a family affair.   Whew.  There is nothing wrong in being kept on your toes as guidelines can be veered from.

  When queried, Dennis had my back.  It has been going well.  There has not been a single setback in recovery.  It is as if there were a handbook for chapters to be followed.  It is and does take time, and my goodness . . . we have alot of that.  

  With the hot outside temperatures abating, Dennis started the oven and baked out some scones.  It is wonderful to have something on hand for that first cup of morning coffee.  

  We are doing Subway for supper.  We both enjoy a treat of sharing a sub.  The choice of subs is still in the wind . . . and we had a coupon for a free sub that came with the gift card from Mother’s Day.  Sweet.

  We did have thunder and lightning during the night, but the small amount of rain didn’t register in the gauge.

  On a quiet day when the job jar isn’t rattling for attention, it’s a good thing we have junk mail to mull over.

   
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  Noreen 2:15 pm on July 5, 2021 Permalink  

  One Step 

  Nothing needs to be done in a rush.  It’s not prudent in my life right now.  One step at a time . . . a really small step.  

  I continue to do walking every day on our drive and the patios.  That comes first before trying anything else.

  Dennis and I went into the sewing studio today.  The sewing machine was uncovered and plugged in.  A good step.  Dennis lifted the embroidery module and attached it to the machine.  A good step and that was the last step in the sewing studio for the day.  Tomorrow . . . we will see how the day goes.

  I had wanted to go with Dennis to the store.  It was a short list of ice cream and distilled water.  We did do a whip around town to see what was going on . . .  not much as this Monday was considered a holiday with the 4th being on a Sunday. 

  It was hot out and I was content to have had an outing beyond our property.  Dennis calls it “blowing the stink off.”  For me it felt good to have gotten out of the house to push stamina in the recuperating.  What followed was a nap.  Naps are good.  Naps are also what the patio kitties are doing today in the porch and garage . . . sprawled out much like bear skin rugs.  The heat puts on sleep spells.

  Take care people.  The temperatures are not to be taken lightly.

   
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  Noreen 8:06 am on July 4, 2021 Permalink  

  4th of July 2021 

  Oh my gosh for the 4th of July memories!  

  About 65 years ago, our farm chores started extra early.  There was to be a huge 4th of July boat parade on Lake Alley just several miles from us.  Everyone had signed up early that would want to participate.

  Dad had been busy during the winter months getting ready.  Dead built us a family friendly pontoon boat.  Fifty gallon drum barrels had been scrounged, saved and cleaned.  Sheet metal had been welded for the cones for the front of the boat.  A railing went around the majority of the decking with fine chicken wire strung tight.  Safe and secure.  We had taken the pontoon out quite often that spring to various lakes for early spring bullheads. 

  Our church’s Luther League decorated the boat for an entry, complete with a cross that Dad had built and mounted securely.  All of the decorating had been the day before by the leaguers and after chores we headed for the large pasture area on the south shore of the lake for the lineup.

  A small community with a lake that wasn’t spectacular, had over 30 entries from around the area.  Dad’s boat was the only one that could hold more people than most.  The shores of the lake to the south and west were packed with picnickers and campers.  All of the homes on the east side of the lake had groves of friends and families to take it in.  

  Hmm . . . memories.   The 4th has always been a time when a spot would be found for a picnic.  Until . . . July 4th, 1968, when the firecrackers brought a firecracker all of its own.  Kevin Michael Schafer was born in the Hutchinson Community hospital.

  Our farm in Boon Lake Township became the spot for the 4th of July celebrations in 1969 and going forward for a time.  The rolling lawns around the house had room for all the family members from the Schafer, Wendlandt and Riebe families.  Close neighbors joined in.  Kevin’s grandmother, Esther Schafer, played the harmonica and accompanied Norman Riebe on the concertinas.  Fun family times with lots of food, fun and laughter.

  Orlin had set up horse shoes, and a net for some birdies to take flight.  Nephew Frank gave rides in the wagon behind the rider lawn mower.  Something for everyone.   

  Over the decades, of course, the 4th of July never goes by that my memory lacks evoking decades of memories.  As birthdays are and can be personnel, the day is now given over to the one born on that day to enjoy it.  Kevin’s day to do and be what is enjoyed.  It is after all “Independence Day.”

  Today, on this 4th of July, these two older ones on Stauffer Avenue are having some patio sitting time before the forecasted heat of the day finds us.  Sweet day with much to enjoy during the quiet of the town where most have found a place to be.

   
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  Noreen 2:49 pm on July 3, 2021 Permalink  

  The Month is Rolling 

  We are in the last half of 2021.  The first six months were a waiting room for me.  Today I am peeking out of God’s waiting room as the door was left open.  Not large steps but definitely steps going forward . . . kind of like the steps that I see everywhere on the floors of stores to keep six feet apart from one another. 

  That being said, today, I visited out local grocery store with Dennis riding shotgun at my elbow.  It was time to have a bit more on hand for meals than going by one meal at a time.  We know what we enjoy coming from our kitchen.  We have tried various premade dishes and they just don’t cut it.  We have also tried cultural dishes.  It may be our stage in life combined with what we have grown up with.  Checking out items that are packed in water, rather than a brine solution is our goal.  I think we are heading in the right direction.

  I do have a list as to what foods to avoid and what to shop for as per what a diagnosis of stage two kidney disease was in the medical clinical notes after surgery.  This is not life threatening by no means at this time, it is time to begin being watchful.  The main thing is, sodium, phosphorous, potassium and dairy make the kidneys work harder.  There goes my love of olives, pickles, tomatoes, bananas, oranges and a few other choice items.  It is not a 100% taboo, just being mindful.

  So there you have it.  Supper will be a tater tot oven meal with very lean hamburger, frozen vegetables and low sodium cream of mushroom soup.  Yup . . . you peek out the door of your tomorrows and take in all the possibilities of a good life.  I am a work in progress.

  As the month has begone its roll, so have I . . . rolling to the good life.

   
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  Noreen 2:04 pm on July 2, 2021 Permalink  

  Watching Traffic 

  One of my favorite perches is the west porch of our home that has windows on three sides.  Lots of traffic to check out.  I won’t be allowed to drive for several more weeks.  Not for mental impairment but the off chance of a steering wheel hitting me in the chest.  So be it.  Do I have anywhere I am expected . . . no.  Do I have anywhere where I want to go . . . maybe cruise the grocery aisles.  

  Dennis took on the acre of mowing today.  True to his word he took breaks.  It gave me a chance to play water person.  Water with electrolytes is not a bad thing as the sun is warming the air.

  This is Friday, the end of the work week for most.  The end of this week doesn’t really rack up much on my blackboard . . . and that is how it is suppose to be for now.  The walking is continuing with a cane for an added aid.  The items in the home that need doing are progressing, remembering the no, no on lifting, bending and pushing.  

  Dennis is down for a nap after showering off the grass pollen.  I think I have a few more cars and trucks to watch from my perch in the west porch.

   
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  Noreen 1:56 pm on July 1, 2021 Permalink  

  Sweet Day 

  Both of us awoke this morning with feelings of “let’s have a day.”

  Nothing does move until the coffee pot has gone off.  The aroma of Folger’s is what allows the day to begin.  My dad, Raymond, wouldn’t drink anything else.  We may not say much to each other while we take that first cup to our favorite spot.  Dennis’ is in the patio porch and mine is in front of my HP Notebook.

  Without knowing what the other was doing, I was slowly taking bedding and heading to the laundry, while Dennis was gathering items for the laundromat.  If there are kitties in the patio porch there needs to be criteria on the contents of their baskets.  Tidy tidy for the fur babies.  We don’t have rugs down in our home . . . one less thing to trip on.  Rag rugs in a household washing machine could shorten the life of the machine.  They are so soaked and heavy that the spin cycle labors.  I pushed buttons in the house and Dennis headed out in his little red pickup.

  As I took my walk this morning, I was thrilled to see the Russian Sage blooms beginning to appear on the long green stalks.  It is the most delicate of blooms and the butterflies love them.  Megan talked me into planting them last year in an area that had never quite come into its own.   Nailed it.  My sister, Elvera, would be smiling as the Russian Sage was her favorite.

  The afternoon is fading and we have met our objectives for the day that even included a great nap.  Life is sweet on Stauffer Avenue.  When in Mankato last week, we had picked up a prepared meal in Hy-Vee.  This seems like the perfect ending of the day.

   
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  Noreen 2:45 pm on June 30, 2021 Permalink  

  Time Line 

  My timeline for medical appointments is one month out from today.  Amazing.  That gave Dennis a start.  I assured him that the clinic is only five minutes away if we need them.  My lungs are as clear as a bell.  My wound is right on track.  The blood pressure of 108/61 passed mustard.  Each week since surgery, the level of hemoglobin has gone up by one point. All the medical staff is content with that in progress.  Slow and steady wins the race.

  We may be in for a very warm spell, but my early morning walks are on the schedule.  Enough about me!

  We had company today.  Dennis helped his daughter out by storing a car for her.  Today was the day that our back garage now has a free stall.  Sandy and Tom stayed into the afternoon for a good visit.  First time in . . . forever, that we had not prepared a noon lunch for company.  Dennis took our company uptown to the Mexican diner for lunch and I sneaked in a nap and was on my game when they returned.

  Our drive looks as if we are having a garage sale.  Cleaned out to the walls, a Dennis clean-up is underway.  The pickup garage project turned out so well yesterday, today it is the car’s garage.

  A light supper is on the menu as the Mexican diner must have had ample serving sizes at noon.

  Tomorrow is a new day.  I took back a lot of heart today hearing such a good report at the clinic.  Yup . . . this is doable.

   
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  Noreen 2:18 pm on June 29, 2021 Permalink  

  Good Things 

  Having had a good rain yesterday brought good things to the yard.  The grass is turning from straw to lush spears bending in the breeze.  The activity of the various birds stomping through the grass looking for a snack of bugs, is keeping the patio kitties on high alert in case they can sneak up on one.

  I did get a good nap in on the east patio early this morning.  My body needed to move at 5:30  It remains to feel that I cannot roll from side to side with the ease of “before.”  Sleeping too long on the flat of my back, lets me know it is rise and shine and find a more comfortable spot.  Finding  a variety of places to sneak in a nap makes it work out to the greater good.

  Watching the mid-morning news, it sounds as if our supper is right up to speed with what is coming as new offerings at the Minnesota State Fair . . . Mac and Cheese in a variety of forms.  Growing up as a farm family, we didn’t eat the dish.  It was meat, potatoes, veggies and what’s for dessert.  I don’t think I really missed out on the artery clogging dish, but Dennis sure likes his long-time consumed comfort food.  At 84, he can have whatever he wants.  There is still some tuna left for tuna on brown bread for me.

  I did venture into the basement today for several pantry supplies.  I patted the top of my covered sewing machine as I walked by.  Soon there will be more time and energy to fill the day with other than getting dressed and napping.  It all starts between the ears.

  What was between Dennis’ ears today was to clear out the garages and wash down the floors with bubbles and a floor brush.  He will definitely have earned his favorite supper.

   
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  Noreen 2:38 pm on June 28, 2021 Permalink  

  Riding Shotgun 

  Today Dennis was ready to leave Dodge.  I rode along shotgun as we went to Mankato.  His CPAP prescription is on a three month pick up.

  As we pulled into Mankato, Dennis suggested a few items at Sam’s Club.  I pointed and Dennis picked up products.  It was an entirely new process for my ole cowboy.  He pulled it off in good stead.  I did need to remind him that what he put in the cart, would need to be loaded into the car and then again unloaded into the house . . . last but not least put where it belonged within our pantries.  It got done and no one was harmed during this exercise of reverse rolls.

  When we had left Mankato it was 84 degrees.  The closer we came to St, James the more the temps dropped.  In short order it was 62 degrees and we could see a wall of water.  We drove right into the garage and rode out the rain.  One and three fourths inch of rain later it was home sweet home.  Within these last several days the total mount of relief from the dry is three inches.  My ole cowboy will again be having the mower taken out of storage and riding the acre.

  Today was a good workout for me in regard to doing many harmless steps.  I might be short on stamina but have a willing desire to push a small bit more each and every day.  Actually the steps are easier on me than trying to remove all the adhesive residue that I have wherever a tube or hose needed to be attached for stability right after the surgery and thereafter.  In the unopened packages the new adhesive wound coverages look like clear wrap that I have in my kitchen . . . not!  When they are schmocked on, they are there for the long, long haul. It is a painful process to peel them off.  Maybe by the first frost of the season I will not have outlines of medical procedures.

   
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  Noreen 2:47 pm on June 27, 2021 Permalink  

  Patio Time and Thinking 

  After the great rain yesterday, it was a chance to sit on the east patio and enjoy the time before the bugs gave themselves permission to invade.  We had commented that as we had had such a dry spell there had not been a hatching.

  I had my trusty walker with me on the patio as traveling the distance of our drive multiple times, there was not going to be a chance of a misstep.  The trees were alive with bird songs.

  Snuggles came and sat on my lap for the longest time.  Even his nurturing of extending his claws over and over was doable.

  I had a good breakfast and was dressed . . . with nowhere to go.  It was surreal.  Is this how it would feel if things had turned out differently over the last months?  Enjoying the spring-washed air waiting for an attendant to make sure I was attached securely to the walker to take me back to my room in a nursing home.  Hmm.

  Moments do creep up when the mind can wander.  It can wander all it wants to.  I gave Snuggles a friendly push off of my lap.  I left the walker in the patio porch where I will find it again for tomorrow’s walk and went into the house.  There are buttons to push on the washing machine and a cup of steaming coffee waiting for me.

  I do have many quiet moments ahead of myself as my body recovers from heart surgery.  As I was enjoying that cup of early morning coffee, I was thumbing through a quilt magazine.  Ya . . .  I like where that is going.