Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 1:53 pm on May 30, 2021 Permalink  

  Plans Squashed 

  The plans for the day were squashed by rain . . . mowing the acre.  That’s okay.  The gas in the tanks will last a little longer.  The new thread in the weed whip will last a little longer.  Tomorrow seems to have a better outlook.

  I did take a walk  into the backyard earlier during one of the breaks of rain.  Yes, the grass is indeed ready for a trim.  I also took note that all the Lilac’s blossoms that had frozen off, also left a length on the tip of each branch that won’t be putting on new leaves.  Nothing but a length of a dead branch.  Too bad.  The harsh winds of the coming winter will most likely snap them off.

  We were both in our favorite chairs this morning and the conversation had lagged.  Dennis asked me what I was thinking about as we had earlier talked about the calendar schedule for the upcoming surgery.  My response to his question as to what I was thinking on was “Not what might go wrong but all the good and wonderful days ahead to make plans for.”  

  I did go down into the sewing studio and unplug my sewing machine in case of the possibility of electrical damage from spring storms.  I pulled out the cover of the machine until a time in the near future.  It will be sooner than later.  That machine and I are better together than not.  It has kept my creative juices alive and in the near future the glass will be ready to be tapped.

   
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  Noreen 1:43 pm on May 29, 2021 Permalink  

  A Kitchen Day 

  A bit too chilly for coffee on the patio right off the bat.  The bright sun does promise a bit warmer later on.

  There is always a load of laundry to set the day in motion.  By pushing a few buttons, it freed me up to start an oven meal for tonight.  Classico tomato sauce with browned hamburger, pasta, caramelized onions and chopped up canned green beans.  Chopping canned green beans was easy.  I opted to put the hunks of onion in the blender with some water.  It doesn’t take that long to blot the the minced onions dry and finish them in a fry pan.

  Dennis was on board to help with the dishes and the freezer scored a portion of the oven meal in a small loaf pan with instructions taped to the top for the day that will come . . . “What’s for supper.” Later this afternoon the kitchen will be picking up the aroma of a hearty supper. 

  I did sit for a break to see what the junk mail held . . . nothing.  It was enough of a break to decide to make a Dump Cake.  Easy as one, two, three.  A huge can of sliced peaches, juice and all, into a 8×10 or so cake pan . . . no pan prep.  Sprinkle one box of dry cake mix on top.  I used yellow cake mix.  Cutting up one and a half sticks of butter into the half marks on the wax paper and placing the butter patties throughout on top of the dry cake mix.  Next, bake at 350 degrees for an hour or so.  The top will have taken on a wonderful color, perhaps with peach juice bubbling through.  

  It felt good to spend some time in the kitchen, knowing that this will be the beginning of feeding the freezer for a time when Dennis is home alone while I am in the hospital, or, an easy meal for the two of us when I am again home.  Not to worry.  I can promise you it will not be in the freezer long enough to catch freezer burn.

  Have yourself a great Saturday evening.  I think I need to check out what has kept Dennis busy in the garage after he escaped KP duty.

   
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  Noreen 2:04 pm on May 28, 2021 Permalink  

  A Sunny Day 

  After having 1.3 inches of rain, this rain will do wonders.

  Spending two days in Rochester this week it feels great to know we will have the whole weekend on the quiet side.

  I would not have been able to get through all the “doctor, medicine speak” without Kevin and Carrie with me for those two non-stop days.  

  For three months I have known what the next step would be after the stroke I had had. Yesterday, seeing the videos of the heart as it was beating within me and being able to see the small spheres that were a part of each beat but not remaining constant, brought it home.  We now have a plan.  Mama needs open heart surgery.  June 15th is the date.  Kevin and Carrie expressed their thoughts and questions.  I felt big time secure.  As we met in the hospital café and reviewed the information, we agreed, it all felt good.

  Coming home and including Dennis in as to what is going to happen, felt good that this plan was complete and we now have a span of time to be just “us.”

  This afternoon I visited my friend June to see her new apartment and catch up.  I am so happy that she is happy.  June 1st, she will celebrate her 80th birthday as her children have her agenda planned for the day.  Priceless.

  I went on to see what our new Dollar General store held.  Wow!  Starting this next Monday they will be having fresh produce.  The displays were set up, ready to go.  It will give our Super Fair store a run for their money and believe me, it is warranted.

  Happy Holiday weekend to everyone, but mostly to Kevin and Carrie.  They need to have time to take care of their lives, their homes, their health.  I sure do love those two.

  May the sun remain for the weekend.

   
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  Noreen 6:11 pm on May 27, 2021 Permalink  

  The Rest of the Story 

  We now know where we are headed for the future.  I will be having open heart surgery on June 15th at St. Mary’s in Rochester.  I check in on the 14th at 7:00 a.m. for pre-op work.

  So good to know that the plan is in motion.  Needless to say I am looking forward to bedtime, which is any time after I post this message.  Night, night.

   
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  Noreen 3:01 pm on May 26, 2021 Permalink  

  Wed. May 26, 2021 

  What a great cool morning for sipping coffee on the patio.  Cool enough that a sweater was needed.

  Yesterday was a long day of travel and waiting.  The review evaluation yesterday was the next mandated step towards surgery.  Checking to see how far I have progressed since the February 26th stroke is something I can’t be unbiased about.

  Today was a day to get caught up on a few things in the home.  This weather would not hurt my feelings if it stayed for the summer.

  This afternoon, Dennis’ niece and hubby came from Mora for a visit.  With the times that there are, it’s always great to check up other than a funeral.

  Tomorrow, Carrie, Kevin and I will be returning to Rochester to meet with Dr. Phillip Rowse who is noted for expertise in thoracic surgeries.  One step closer to . . . the rest of the story.

  I was in bed by 9:30 last night.  I may do a repeat this evening.

   
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  Noreen 7:02 pm on May 25, 2021 Permalink  

  One Down 

  First pre-surgical done at Rochester today, another on Thursday.  Blessed to have my children with.  I am pooped.

   
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  Noreen 4:05 pm on May 24, 2021 Permalink  

  Full Day 

  I did need to take a snapshot of our potting shed.  It is relaxing to sit in the east patio and know all is done.  All is well.

  Dennis will be at the VA by nine am today.  Dennis’ eye injection in Mankato at one.  We both have dental appointments later in the afternoon.  It is a busy day.

  Tomorrow Carrie and Kevin will be with me at the Mayo in Rochester for a consult as to what will be done with my heart.  Secure feelings to be with family.  Two family members are allowed.  It would be hard on Dennis for the walking that this trip will entail.

  Thank goodness it is five and we are home with all errands in the big town completed.

  On to tomorrow and see what we will hear in regard to the future of my family.

   
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  Noreen 4:21 pm on May 23, 2021 Permalink  

  Batting a Home Run 

  We are batting a home run as we start a new week.  As the weekdays fill in fast with appointments, Dennis decided to use the Cub Lo Boy for mowing the acre.  It sure cuts down on time with a 60″ swath.  Dennis did trade out the smaller rider for the area around the house.  It all looks manicured.

  I had an overflowing laundry basket that I chose to ignore this morning.  It was to be another hot day and getting the newly-purchased shrubs in the holes I had dug yesterday spoke very loudly to me.  It doesn’t pay for me to say I will take my time.  It takes me an eternity to get my projects going, heading for completion.  I have a lot of time, but a bit short on stamina.  The shrubs, having had their root balls loosened, been sunk into their holes, watered down and tamped in with loving care.  The potting shed project is complete.  Grow dammit! I can check that off my list of things I wanted to see completed this spring.  Going forward, it is maintaining whatever has made it through this questionable spring.

  Though the Lilacs didn’t have much of a showing for blooms, the evergreens are strutting their stuff.  The end of each and every branch has a tuft of new growth.  I don’t think Crayons have any greens in their boxes that would pay tribute to that fresh growth.

  We had fried egg sandwiches for noon lunch.  I’ve got nothing for supper, and . . . everyone for themselves may be on the docket.  I finished the day off with folding the three loads of laundry.  As per Kenny Rogers . . . “Ya gotta know when to hold it and know when to fold it . . .  .”  I am folding right now for the day.  I will be ready for what the new week brings.

   
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  Noreen 5:19 pm on May 22, 2021 Permalink  

  We Had a Day 

  We usually start out slowly . . . stick the nose out to see what the possibilities are.  As usual the three cats can’t wait to escape the patio porch.

  Washing off the rest of the house was on Dennis’ agenda.  Amazingly after he is done, the house gleams.  No . . . it does not last long, but we can start out with new dirt to catch on the siding.

  I watered down the two shrubs we have purchased for the filled-in Koi pond.  I dug around in the potting shed and dug out the manual post hole digger.  I had measured out where in the new dirt they would sit.  Me and the sand shovel do not work well together.  I am too tippy to rely on standing on one leg while pushing the shovel into the dirt with the other leg.  The old heavy post hole digger is perfect.  One end of the handle for each hand and arm, perfect stability.  The holes are dug . . . that is ready for tomorrow.  I dug out granule fertilizer that will be pitched into the hole tomorrow with some water.

  We decided to go to the Home Town restaurant for supper.  It’s the first time we had visited since the covid began.  Next time we will both be ordering half orders.  No one could leave there hungry.

  It is still warm out at six this evening.  Who knows what tomorrow holds.  We’ll stick the nose out and I am sure the day will unravel.  The blessing is that our job jar never seems to let us down.

   
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  Noreen 2:38 pm on May 21, 2021 Permalink  

  A Quiet Day 

  There was nothing on the schedule today.  Dennis was supplied for painting the last two lawn chairs.  The paint brand that we are using, Bher, has a wonderful option of an opening in the cover of the gallon of paint that a funnel, which is a freebie where the paint is sold, can be applied to and the entire open gallon is not exposed to the elements while a smaller amount can be poured out.   Perfect for Dennis’ project.

  I had drop-in company this morning.  A good gab session as we vented about clothes shopping.  I have not purchased much clothing since retiring.  I lead a very casual lifestyle.  I had some success ordering online.  Free postage and free returns make it work.  Yesterday, we did make a stop at a women’s clothing store.  A new pair of white pants was desired.  With less than great mobility, that was not an issue as the fitting rooms have remained locked since the covid.  I took home two pair of identical white pants in two sizes . . . plans to return the pair that did not fit.  Monday when we have an appointment in Mankato for Dennis’ next eye injection and also a follow up at Aspen Dental, both pair of white pants will be returned.  Yuk!

  At this juncture in my life, my waist does not conform to the waist sizes that are coming out in the brands that are offered.  Kevin had commented in years past that I do not have a butt big enough to hold my pants up.  True story.  I have always had to sew on belt loops for a belt when pants came without loops . . . even the yoga stretchies.  

  The pant issue was totally bisected with my drop-in visitor this morning.

  This afternoon I had a coffee party guest.  June, from the end of Stauffer Avenue. will be moving to her new apartment home tomorrow.  This was a celebration coffee for her, and I will miss her when my walks take me to the end of Stauffer.  Next week, I will be seeing her in her new home.  Stauffer Avenue has been her home for fifty years. 

  Here comes the weekend . . . enjoy taking it as you want.