Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:33 pm on June 9, 2021 Permalink  

  More Tests Completed 

  Yup, we still know how to get up by five in the morning. The 3-D Cat scan was having us front and center by 7:20.

  I had bloodwork first and then off to the heart wing in the clinic.  The test involved being prepped with an IV that would have a contrast dye added during the Cat scan.  The surgeon in Rochester had requested that my heart rate be reduced to 50, slowing it down for good readings as the flow of the contrast was followed.

  I had taken a one-time strong dose of a blood pressure med this morning.  When I got to the test the heart rate was 60.  Two units of Nitroglycerin, I have no idea what represents a unit, were added to the IV.  A bit later I was given a pill of the same med to put under my tongue and finally the scan could begin.

  This 3-D Cat scan will allow the surgeon to know if there are any problems of blockage that would need to be dealt with during the heart surgery.

  Ever so happy to have more taken care of that is needed for next week.  We did motor on to the next medical facility for the Covid test.  I should get the results in 24 hours.

  I will be thrilled in time to come to have posts of a normal day on Stauffer Avenue.  Patience is required.  Dennis and I have done remarkable during these three months of a waiting period.  Just think of the raucous we could and can cause when we have recovered from this surgery.  Fair warning to my kids.

   
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  Noreen 3:36 pm on June 8, 2021 Permalink  

  Communication 

  I have communications coming from the medical world non stop.  There have been texts, phone calls and emails taking me step by step on appointments that are ongoing prior to next week’s surgery.  It is amazing.  There is no way there is anything falling through the cracks.  I had to pick up one pill this morning at Lewis Drug.  I will take it tomorrow morning before the CT Angio Chest exam.  I am given directions and I will follow them for a successful outcome.

  Today was very warm.  Dennis was at it very early this morning working with landscape fabric.  I helped when I was ask to.  His project is going to turn out just great.

  This afternoon Dennis got to pick out new glass frames as he will have new lenses as well after the cataract surgeries earlier this this spring.  The frames Dennis have been wearing are the same heavy gold metal ones that he has been wearing with each new prescription of lenses when needed, since I have known him.  The new lightweight ones are charcoal gray.  Very foxy. 

  We will be in Mankato by 7:15 tomorrow.  It is all falling into place and we will have a quiet weekend.

   
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  Noreen 1:12 pm on June 7, 2021 Permalink  

  Need for Flexibility 

  When it comes to appointments, there is a need to remain flexible.  All the appointments that I was to show up for in Mankato on Friday the 11th in regard to the June 15th heart surgery have now been rescheduled for Wed, the 9th.  The blessing is . . . the same locations, same time, just a different day.

  In the planning, was the need to get a new prescription for the disposable 6″ catheters.  Our family doctor phoned it right over to our Lewis Drug.  I went to pick up a supply this morning and they told me they don’t work with Medicare.  So much for the loss of independent owned drug stores.  Our Lewis Drug is one in many.  As it were, online, I found out that the little town of Mountain Lake, 12 miles west, does work with Medicare.  Dave owns his own store.  I got a phone call this afternoon that our family doctor came through with a prescription to Dave’s store.  Tomorrow after hair cuts and an eye appointment for Dennis, we will drive over to pick up a two month supply, knowing it won’t be a problem in the future.  Whew.  Medicare covers the cost 100%.  While recovering, it is a relief to have that important part of my days taken care of.

  Amazon has nothing on Dennis’ son-in-law.  Tom knew that in time to come we would have rock around the shrubs that we have planted in the filled-in Koi pond area.  Last week he offered landscape fabric.  We found out last night that we have rocks coming on Sunday.  I texted Tom last night and let him know we would take him up on his offer of the fabric. 

  I was just putting on my glasses this morning to see the new day when I heard Tom’s scooter heading out the drive.  Early bird for sure.  When I went out to the patio with a cup of coffee. . . our local Amazon delivery was on the back bench:  A roll of the landscape fabric, a pair of heavy shears and a utility knife.  The only thing missing was a pair of gloves . . . we have a total landscaping kit.

  In the bright warm sun this early morning, Dennis worked on leveling the dirt around the shrubs and even took the last bag of garden soil out of the potting shed to assist in the project.  I did not encourage Dennis to work with the fabric as the area is in the shade in the afternoons and early evening.  We have a window of several days.  Even after the rock are here on Sunday, Dennis has his trusty wagon to hold the rock and work a bit at a time.

  I had a sheaf of paperwork laid out on the table in the sewing studio.  Dennis was napping in his recliner.  Me and my cell phone headed downstairs.  Double checking with phone numbers, policy numbers . . . making sure nothing would be left to chance for a time to come.  It needed to be done even if there was not a medical event next week.  

  I spent a lot of time with phone calls today . . . a necessary evil.  I have made notes so as to not forget any of it.  

  I do feel flexed out.

   
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  Noreen 2:19 pm on June 6, 2021 Permalink  

  No Doubt 

  No doubt about it, summer has arrived.  Temps in the 90s with hot winds that are bound to dry out potted plants.  I am very thankful that we do not buy in to purchasing beautiful potted flowers that tempt the most frugal of gardeners.  They have been beefed up with enough fertilizer to put on a great display, but their roots are nestled in peat moss which doesn’t hold moisture.  The plants that we enjoy made it through the winter.  Best perennials ever.

  Dennis and I sat on the west patio for a long time this morning in a very brisk wind.  As soon as the gusts of wind would wind down the tiny flies found us.  Dennis had planned on us getting decorative rock for the shrub area in what had been the Koi pond.  I kept distracting him as the plan was a good one but not in the heat of the day.  We kept moving about outside while staying in the shade until at noon, we decided to check out our chairs in the living room.  Good choice.

  The plans are getting real for my departure to Rochester next week.  I have a day of tests in Mankato on Friday, a 4-D Cat scan and several others.  I also will be tested for Covid at that time.  That is the only test that makes me feel uneasy.  I had Covid in February.  I remember too many tales of invalid tests and that one little test could alter a lot in regard to the heart surgery.  Oh well.

  Supper is Manwich sloppy Joes and potato salad.  That in itself is enough to prepare for Dennis’ belief that he has one hot meal each day.  No more heat in the kitchen than necessary.  Hey . . . who am I to push yogurt and apple sauce.

  How warm is it?  The patio porch kitties are lying on the garage floors totally sprawled out.  It is tempting but I would work up a huge sweat trying to get upright.

   
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  Noreen 2:55 pm on June 5, 2021 Permalink  

  Feeling Small 

  In the scheme of things today and how diligent my two children are in their endeavors . . . I feel small.  Oh so small.

  It matters not how different the paths may be in my children’s lives.  I could not cut it.

  I am not the brave person that I see is in place today in my family.  I know failure is not an option if trying never took place.  Striking out for their hopes and joy.  There is nothing like it.

  When I hear of the schedule that Carrie has in the metro, I cringe.  I am the one that had security by raising two kids on a farm with family just several sections down the gravel road.  No worries of traffic to keep the kids safe from or less than desirable civil unrest.  Carrie has managed to wear many hats, one of which by giving my 17-year-old granddaughter the confidence to drive to a summer job each day and put in a good day working in a green house.  There is no shortage of opportunity or availability in the metro.

  I harken more to the quiet life that Kevin has in a smaller town surrounded by rural agricultural farms.  Everyone may know more about your business than what is welcomed, but there is a feeling of serenity that comes with it.  Those that dwell in small rural towns need the services of what is available “just down the street.”  The “down the street” business owner is a multi-tasker.  He may feel the wear and strain of his muscles just as the fellow outside of the city limits that hefted hay bales.  A small rural town; a great place to call home.

  Wonderful lifestyles so very different but so self-fulfilling to bring to each knowing what it took to bring the day to a good end, grateful for what they have and who they are.

  I feel so blessed for what these two people can still teach me, but I remain feeling so small.

   
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  Noreen 3:15 pm on June 4, 2021 Permalink  

  Great Morning 

  At seven this morning, the coffee never tasted so good as I sat on the west patio.  It was quiet in the neighborhood.  School buses and the traffic that needs to pass our way towards the school is done as of yesterday.  It was just me, the squirrels, birds and of course the patio porch kitties.  I did eventually walk the acre to see if the Roundup from yesterday’s application on some clover as well as a few other undesirables had kicked in.  Clover gives in easily, time will tell on a few others.

  We have a fantastic crop of mint, aka: cat nip, growing adjacent to the patio.  Ironically, the kitties don’t take notice of it until a stem or a leaf is twisted off, and then the pungent aroma is released.  It is ass over tea kettle to get to, to roll around in it and munch on it.  In time, using the weed whip and taking off the very top of this crop will keep the kitties content.  Why would they stray from Stauffer!  They each have their own pillow nest to sleep off their highs.

  I got errands done after a noon break.  Lewis Drug, Dollar General and the grocery store . . .  the latter to pick up one item, a bag of Flax Meal.  It was warm enough that when I got home Dennis was in the patio porch listening to country western music on the RFD television channel.  Perfect spot.

  I have about an hour before getting supper so “the chair” is going to be visited . . . sweet.

   
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  Noreen 2:04 pm on June 3, 2021 Permalink  

  Good Plan 

  Though there are older ones that dwell here on Stauffer Avenue, Dennis and I are still able to contribute to helping when a plan is on the table.  

  Kevin is a new owner of his own business in Fairfax for auto repair.  Within the building is a full-functioning wood stove.  Cool mornings can get the chill removed with a bit of fire.  It is May, but the foreword thinking person he is he put out a text that any scrap wood or pallets would be appreciated and put in storage for the coming winter.

  Ok, this older one can’t help it.  Without it taking more than a week, I had my thumb on a single location that had several hundred pallets and they were attainable.  I don’t have the far reaching “people” that Dennis has, having lived here his entire life, but I had one up my sleeve.

  This Saturday morning by eight, Kevin and Kersten will be at the pallet site as there is a forklift available to load the pallets on their large car trailer.

  When Dennis knew of the plan, he added to it.  We have been storing, in our backyard, friend Dwayne’s 8′ x 14′ implement trailer.  Dennis took on the challenge and is out to find lock down straps so we can also be at the pallet site to take an additional load of pallets to Kevin’s garage safe and sound.  Come Friday night, before Dennis turns in for the night, Dwayne’s trailer will be hooked and chained to the trailer hitch of the little red pickup . . . thus said Dennis.

  There have been times, and one of those times was this morning, that I verbalized to Dennis that Kevin sure could use his dad’s input and advice if cancer had not taken Orlin.  The ole cowboy’s response was that he and I could still step up and help as much as we are able to.  Yup, we sure can and we will.  Sweet.

  Life is there each day, to keep an ear and eye out.  If we can be there to help, to lend a hand how better to serve Him.

   
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  Noreen 2:32 pm on June 2, 2021 Permalink  

  Whew! 

  We are hoping that the bushel basket of Maple seeds, aka: airplanes, that we raked up will lessen the volunteers that will show up in short order.  The seeds and a trash can of twigs made a great bonfire.  I have a container of Roundup with the pump up applicator that I do not share with Dennis for use.  I know that if I get the tips of weeds wet with the spray, it will continue to travel to the root and take care of the entire plant.  Less is more.

  With my small clipper I trimmed out a few volunteer Lilacs.  It only takes one or two to train for a desirable shrub plant.  Before I knew it, Dennis had collected more for the fire.

  Our neighbor is having his home shingled.  Off came the old shingles with six fellows in bright yellow shirts scurrying their steep hip roof.  Lots of loud Latina music.  It may have made the work go easier as the temps climbed beyond 80 degrees.  When neighbor Jan left for work this morning, little did she know that Fairmont Roofing would move in today and now all of her plants adjacent to the house are buried under shingles and tar paper.  We have all been there at one time.  Contractors have a job to do and it is not playing kissy face, huggee bear to plants.  It is still early to replant some.

  I spoke with sister-in-law JoAnn this afternoon.  Dennis’ Koi like farm life.  She is short one as a racoon got it.  She set a live trap and now the farm is short three racoons.  This morning she notice two baby Koi about an inch long . . . or they could be from the fish that Megan had gotten in a small bowl at the checkout isle in Menards years ago.  Doretha has been swimming with the Koi for quite a few years.  Way to go.  They have a light tan coloring.  Interesting to see if they show colors as they get bigger.

  I have spaghetti and meatballs in my favorite blue speckled round roaster to fix in the oven for supper.  Classico have various flavors of tomato sauce and this one speaks to having a vodka additive.  Time will tell.

  Tomorrow I am traveling to LaSalle, five miles to the north, to meet with an old acquaintance.  Sometimes the rewards of long-time people in our lives becomes sweet.

   
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  Noreen 3:22 pm on June 1, 2021 Permalink  

  Each Day 

  Each day brings new challenges and items to pay attention to.  This has been going on since . . . forever.  I am not an advocate of burning time.  Being thankful to have a day, I like to make tracks every day, even if the turtle could leave me in its dust.  I sometimes don’t tell all.

  I still do have physical tell tale signs of having a stroke three months ago.  My left cheekbone is still black and blue and tender to the touch.  My chin on the left side has remains for some of the bruising to be absorbed within my system.  The healed, horseshoe shaped scar on my left butt cheek lets me know when I have sat too long on our hard plastic patio chairs.  Some of what I experience in my day-to-day activities or lack thereof is mine to own and mine to work through.  No need to articulate.

  I am doing all that comes my way each and every day, in my own style and in my own time.  Nothing is being left unattended.  No welfare check is needed here on Stauffer Avenue.  I remain a busy person and still can be a pain in the ass to my children and Dennis.  Tough titty.  The gratitude that I send in petitions to my Lord could fill a library.  I get to take care of our home.  I get to make decisions.  I get to pay bills.  I get to be a pain in the ass to anyone when they least expect it.  I get to be me . . . it could have gone either way in February.  Making plans for the day is a treat.  I am not looking in the rear view mirror . . . my site is up there right around the next curve.

  A sunny week ahead with no plans for it right off hand . . . subject to change.  Grandma Laura, I do have something at the end of each day to be accountable for having been given the day.  Catch ya tomorrow.

   
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  Noreen 1:56 pm on May 31, 2021 Permalink  

  No Denying 

  There is no denying that when the sun greets me in the morning, I know there is lots more good to come. 

  Dennis helped strip the beds and he was off to the patio porch with coffee and raspberry scone in hand.  He has really gotten into those scones.  I am waiting for him to ask me if I would try baking some.  Right now I am picking them up at the store.

  How wonderful that those that make their annual trips to the various grave sites of loved ones have good traveling and good weather.  Special.

  It is now mid afternoon and the older ones on Stauffer have called it a day.  The acre looks manicured.  Dennis mowed and I trimmed the areas that he could not get close enough to.  Close to the trees is off limits.  The tender bark does not like to be scuffed.

  The beds have fresh linens to be enjoyed after bathing and showering this evening.  Does it sound like we had a full and good day . . . we surely did.  I have no doubt we will find something to keep us busy tomorrow.  Life is sweet.