Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 4:14 pm on December 18, 2025 Permalink  

  Boo Boo Cold 

  I can attest to the fact that it feels like -34 outside.  We have always had a folding chair parked on the front deck.  This afternoon, I heard it being blown over.  The possibility of it landing where the front door could not be opened if we needed to get out quickly was a real concern.  Chair taken care of.  That was enough for me for the day.

  During the summer months, in fact one of the severe heat spells we had had, our garage was resurfaced.  For the first time, we actually had a door with the chance of locking it if needed.  Dennis handed the keys off to me.  I put them on a strap along with the key for a padlock we have and I placed them on the shelf in the kitchen right off of the back entry steps.  Easy to get at if and when needed.

  Dennis mentioned the keys to me this late summer.  For the life of me, I couldn’t find them.  Dennis’ phone gets recharged right at about the same place I had put the keys.  I cleaned off that entire shelf thinking they had been pushed along with whatever else was placed on the shelf.  I never not thought about them but no keys were ever produced.  I knew the day would come when we would need them to lock up the garage and my ass would be grass.  After all I was put in charge of them and you all know I have very little to be in charge of.  Anyway ……

  Tuesday we went to Mankato for errands.  We had picked the perfect day.  Not cold.  No snow flurries.  My job after the Sam’s Club purchase was to package up the 36 muffins for Dennis’ breakfast for 36 mornings.  Thankfully we have a huge bag that the packed six at a time fit into very well.  Easy to handle slippery containers until they arrive to the kitchen.  From that having gotten done, the bag is ready to be put back into one of our vehicles for the next trip.  If I put the bag next to the steps going to the back entry, eventually it gets to where it is needed.  I bent over to straighten the strap handles on the bag and something caught my eye.  Something shiny in the bottom of the bag.  Good grief!  It was the strap with the missing keys. 

  Sometime during these last months, the said bag sat patiently waiting to be taken outside.  With the commotion of the phone being taken off or being put on the recharger, the key strap let gravity take it straight down into the Sam’s Club bag.

  I now have the strap with the three keys on it where I keep other keys.  Nothing touches that area.  The keys are in solitude until such time we need them.  It did bring a chuckle.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:41 pm on December 17, 2025 Permalink  

  It’s Dwindling 

  The sun has had a dramatic effect on the snow pack . . . and the ice.  Our drive is completely free for the time-being.  Dwindle away.

  I was in the studio sewing until two this afternoon.  It felt so good to be among “my stuff.”  What had spurred me on was a YouTube video that Jordon Fabrics of Oregon puts on each week.  They do nothing but mail order.  Their specialty is pre-cuts for the patterns that they create.  The video is usually about 45-50 minutes long.  I sit transfixed and take it all in.  To see the pallets of bolts of fabric that they work with is right up my viewing alley.

  Back to my reality.  I had mentioned that I had ordered Olfa blades for the rotary cutter.  Two sizes: 60 mm and 45 mm to match the two cutters I have.  The 60s came with a previous order.  I was wondering when the 45s would show up.  Today in a shoebox sized box was a whole lot of fill-in paper for a very small package of the 45s.  So be it.  Jordon Fabrics uses nothing but the Olfa blades.  I am in good company.  They have multiple stainless steel jigs with slits in them to run the rotary cutters down them.  One may have slits every two inches, another three inches, etc.  Each one more than covers the 44 inch fabric that is folded in half for the run.  I am just in awe of the behind the scenes that of course is my passion: threads and fuzz.

  We have had hot meals for a four evening run.  This evening it is the Ego thick waffles and sausage.

  The gray air of the 38 degree temps feels every bit like the 15 degrees that the info speaks of.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 10:22 am on December 16, 2025 Permalink  

  Out of Dodge 

  Today we will be taking advantage of the weather temps and the road conditions.  We are getting out of Dodge.  Dennis has felt cabin fever for some time.  Satisfying that is a lot easier than going south for a winter stay or a cruise.

  Due to Dennis’ condition, I have had a list going for what I could find in Mankato.  Nothing serious.

  After our usual forenoon rituals, we will be heading out.

  This morning the Blue Jays have been raising a ruckus.  You can’t deny their call.  They are going after the small red berries on the ornamental crab tree.   I am surprised that the squirrels had left any.

  I had done some hand stitching last night after supper.  It had been laying fallow for several nights.  It took me a while to figure out where I had counted to.  With that came picking out the stitches when I made an error.  It’s all in the process.  I have mentioned before that I am a process stitcher and not a project stitcher.  The process for me to relaxation, taking away the needs that were met during the day.

  I don’t feel bad about using Amazon.  I had determined I wanted and needed some slippers to wear about the house and the studio.  The little soft ones that had so-called grippers on the bottom do succumb to multiple washing.  I found a pair of Ortho brand that I liked. Hard sole with no hands slip on and a good arch support.  My gosh they were here in six days.  I would have had no idea where to find that type of slipper in the big town of Mankato.  It feels good getting up during the night having good support on the feet as well as the support of the cane.  Having had to call the EMTs once this season, I don’t care to have them calling anytime soon.

  Well, the little red pickup is idling in the drive and that is my message to know we are about to depart.  No rushing about, just taking the ride in the sunshine.

  …………………………Who knew?  That our trip to Mankato was so successful and we would be home by 2:30.  I held true to my list in Sam’s.  Lots of fussy extras were not needed.  Soap pods and coffee were on sale.  What I bought will take us to spring.  Dennis enjoys the Banana huge muffins, one each morning in the patio porch with coffee.  I will be putting each muffin in a sandwich baggie and into the freezer they go.  He will be good for 36 mornings.  The wheat thins were my treat.

  The only other stop was Menards.  Our outside broom had a handle that rusted off.  Surprise, I bought the self same broom.  My dry Swiffer mop has four plugs that the new sheets are pushed into.  Pushed too many times and the sheet would not stay secure.  I now have a new handle configuration.  The old one will retire to the studio.

  It’s great when our needs are so easily taken care of.

  It was then . . . “Home Dennis.”

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 4:54 pm on December 15, 2025 Permalink  

  A Day 

  With the temps no longer severe cold, it is a day that feels good.

  Dennis was content in his patio porch.  I noticed one very heavy cat enjoying his lap.  Snuggles even ventured out for a bit.  Harriet not so much.  Watching through the window was enough for her.

  In the studio, I will be resuming my project of threads and fuzz.  It took a while to get back to a rhythm.  I have noticed with both the sewing on the machine and also the hand stitching, I am apt to take it slow and then realize a good out-come.  I do not enjoy picking out mistakes.  As I had already cut the 2″ strips for this sewing project, I am ready to find something different.

  

  That difference may come sooner than later.  In today’s mail was a package from Amazon.  It contained a bottle of our calcium 1,000 mg. daily usage.  It also contained my Olaf blades that I use in the rotary cutter for cutting fabric.  A dull blade makes for heft on the shoulder to cut through the 44″ fabric when doubled.  I watch YouTube videos that some can take up to eight layers thick of fabrics to cut using the same blades I use.  That is not in my wheelhouse.  I will be content cutting through two layers.

  Our supper this evening is leftovers.  Tonight is a repeat of the chicken meatball pasta dish. Those meatballs had a great bit of jalapeno spice and chopped up cherries for a good balance.  I also will be heating up the veggies, carrots and English peas.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 4:02 pm on December 14, 2025 Permalink  

  Mid December 

  The month of December is flying by, and not because our calendar is over-extended.

  More often than not I hear the opposite from people our age: ” The days are so boring and long.”

  We had visitors on this Sunday from Eden Prairie.  Carrie, Jeremy, Megan and Nicholas arrived at noon and the noon meal was ready.  Oven dishes work the best.  Carrie brought vegetables and a pecan pie for dessert.

  Megan caught a nap, Nicholas checked out the patio porch kitties, Jeremy cleared ice off of the drive and Carrie did the dishes.  All of those activities and the chit chat, a lot of it, prevailed.

  Dennis’ daughter, Sandy and Tom stopped in on their way home from Sioux Falls where they had taken in a hockey game.  Carrie and Sandy had not seen each other for years, but there were many “remember when” tales.  

  Dennis and I are now in a quiet home, each most likely reflecting on varying tidbits of a variety of conversations.

  Left-overs are in the refrigerator as well as the freezer was blessed with entra dishes that were brought from Eden Prairie.  A food shelf delivery that will serve Dennis and me for some time.

  The patio porch kitties can once again come down from the garage rafters and take back their domain.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:44 pm on December 13, 2025 Permalink  

  The Power 

  The power of the sun is awesome.  It will either melt some of the ice on the drive or melt enough to put a new clear-coat on it.  The cold is what it is.  Brr.

  This morning we had haircuts and pedicures at Maria’s on Main Street.  Oh what a relief it gives from top to bottom.  Dennis and I both appreciate her being in our lives.

  Tomorrow we will be welcoming a late Thanksgiving family, or . . . it may well be an early Christmas family coming to our home.  Doesn’t matter which as long as the traveling is done safely.

  I do have a few items to do this afternoon in our home.  It’s Saturday, so the tidy, tidy train is an automatic.  Several food items to prepare for a hot meal after they have traveled in the cold for several hours.  Dennis is sampling . . . that’s always a good thing.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:31 pm on December 12, 2025 Permalink  

  Past Winters 

  In past winters when we had a bit of cold and snow . . . all the time, it was a regular thing to tramp through the cold and snow to get to the north side of the house to knock down the ice that would build up from the vent as the furnace ran . . . a lot.  If too high of an ice build up, it can shut the furnace down.

  The Watson boys thought we were crazy when we asked them to re-route the vent.  They warned that having it vent to the south might build up dangerous ice on the drive.  We ask them to take on the project and that we had been duly warned.

  This is the kind of winter that I am very thankful we did the re-routing of the vent.  We have the awareness and are mindful.

  Another good decision was having the garage get some TLC this summer.  The old crooked service door did not have a latch.  Strong winds would come up leaving the door ajar and thus the garage furnace ran and ran.  Part of the garage project included a straight door with a lock and key closure.  The winds have been horrific for months.

  I am a firm believer in taking care of our homestead.  Doing items that are needed may cost as they present themselves but is cheaper in the long run.  A dribble on the budget now and then is easier than a total overhaul when so many things have gone to shit.  One of many of the lessons I learned and observed from my dad, Raymond. 

  I sure do miss Raymond and Lena.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:39 pm on December 11, 2025 Permalink  

  Cause and Effect 

  On gray days, it is imperative that I maintain a balanced day.  Things could go wonky if I stagnate.  After my morning rituals, I clock into the studio.  I remember when the news on KNUJ will be aired, and I enjoy getting the latest.  Surprisingly their local news takes in a wide sweep.

  The cause that is taking place in the studio is not for anyone else’s benefit but my own.  I take no donations.  The opposite is the most true.  Remaining creative and interested enough to work through fabric stashes . . . that is the objective.

  The effect that the studio has on me is the ultimate.  While in the studio I feel relaxed.  Contentment is at its peak.  I may do some sewing, or I may take a break and refresh my memory as to what a particular drawer is sheltering.  Right now there is a seven color quilt top in the works.  It may take me some time as I believe in pressing seams as they are sewn.  That allows me to get up from the sewing machine chair, walk to the other side of the studio to trim the seam, walk over to the other side of the church tables to iron the seam and then resume sewing.  I remember when Elvera began working with quilting.  She would get a quilt top done without having had the iron plugged in.

  Quilting is a lot like computer work: garbage in . . . garbage out.  That’s all I have to say about that.

  The studio is lit up like a Christmas tree.  It may be gray out, it may be snowing . . . I don’t pay any attention.  

  The evenings are my stitching time.  There also, I have lights abound in my bedroom porch.  “All the better to see you my pretty.”  I have no idea where that popped out from.  Actually, keeping older people around does bring some amusement.  In the evenings, Dennis enjoys his television cop shows, all the while either playing solitaire or on Facebook.  I can easily find a movie on Hulu while stitching.

  Yes . . . it’s a wonderful life.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:43 pm on December 10, 2025 Permalink  

  Needles 

  Admittedly, needles get away from me from time to time.  Seek and they will be found.  Anyone working with fuzz and threads knows the sentiment.

  This season, there is no way I can keep track of the evergreen needles.  Front door, back door and all across the floors.  The winds have been so horrific, I look closely to see if there are indeed some bare branches.

  Since 1987, I have guarded against all things less than good from being tracked into our home.  This season I am calling “Uncle.”

  Dennis has specialty shoes that he faithfully wears.  They are not easily taken off and put back on during the day.  So we have evergreen needles stuck to the shoes as Dennis comes in the back door . . . so be it.  If a bit of snow comes along in with them . . . so be it.

  I am the one usually manning the front door, either for the mail or for clearing the front deck. The huge evergreen tree has boughs of its branches hanging over the deck railing.  The deck is covered with its needles.  My shoes also like to bring in some extras.

  If that’s the worst case of what is needed for cleanup, I think we will manage just fine.  It’s our home and indeed a home that can and has handled almost anything in 38 years.  Even visitors can and do leave their shoes on . . . why not!

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:49 pm on December 9, 2025 Permalink  

  A Mess 

  The streets are a wet mess as the temps are in the thirties.

  Messes are not just on wet street and walkways.  There had been something amiss in one of our refrigerator’s crisper drawers.  It was not good.  It may have been in progress for sometime going by the labels of products that had been in the drawer.  They now were in a state of encapsulated gunk that resembled a clear-coat of some kind.  Mirror mirror on the wall.

  We were in need of groceries as the cupboards were creaking they were so bare.  Admittedly, we do that often to allow us to use what had and has been bought in the past.  An example would be our supper from last night.  A can of white chicken meat.  I made sure to wipe the top of the can as it had been on the shelf in the pantry for quite some time.  An onion that was about to sprout a new beginning was next.  The pay-back for letting it sit idle for so long was that I needed to take off my glasses while shredding it.  The tears were severe, I had to stop and rinse my eyes in the bathroom.  The last ingredient was a paltry amount of shredded Swiss cheese.  Mayo to the recue to combine said items.  The plastic container was popped into the refrigerator until it was time for supper.

  With my grocery list in hand I was getting ready to shop at our Super-Fair grocery store.

  There is an adage: seek and you will find, ask and it shall be given.  I honed in on the last of that adage.  I asked Dennis to take care of the yucky crisper drawer while I was gone.  Sweet.  I wouldn’t be around to tell him how to do it.   

  A win, win.  The drawer was clean enough to put the new produce in it and we had a variety of groceries back in the house.

  You have to love when a plan comes together.  The chicken salad was great for supper.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥