Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 4:19 pm on January 24, 2021 Permalink  

  Winter Resorts 

  It looks much like a winter resort outside.  The snow is hanging off of trees and the sun is shining brightly.

  The snow was still falling when we went to bed last night.  Our street, though being a thoroughfare, was very quiet.  I know that I sleep hard, but how hard could it have been to have had our neighbor, Randy, already have our drive blown out before I took the first deep breath of coming out of the night’s sleep?  I did not hear a thing and our drive is only 1o’ from my bed as to where his John Deere tractor and blower had been . . . and it is not necessarily all that quiet.

  Dennis went right after the remains of the snow around the garage doors and patio porch doors.  I am always thankful that Dennis feels up to running the walk-behind blower.  Though it is self-propelled, it still takes some oomph to maneuver it.  Dennis does speak to having the heart and the drive to take on what he sees needs doing.  Thanks be.

  With the sun making our west house porch inviting, I sat and read for some time today.  Dennis went for a nap in his recliner after the snow removal and the quiet of the house . . . peaceful.

  There was a bit of time this afternoon that I went into the sewing studio to tidy up from yesterday.  Tomorrow, when and if I hit the sewing studio, it will feel special walking into it and having it welcoming without untidiness.  Dang that untidiness.  A place for everything and everything in its place.  Yesterday the afternoon got away from me.  At five, when I closed my shop, there were spools of thread that didn’t get put away.  The sewing machine didn’t get the fuzz cleaned out from the bobbin area, etc.  . . . where did the time go!  I don’t think it is because we have a small home that things are enjoyed to be in their place.  Years ago, when I was still working, I did have to visit quite a few homes.  The atmosphere and feeling in a cluttered home was far different from the tidy ones.  The demeanor of those that lived within the two contrasts was also evident.  Hmm.  I am going to continue in my quest for tidiness.  I never have to wonder where to start my day.    

  If my sewing studio and my tidiness didn’t keep me busy, just think of the pain in the ass I could become in my children’s lives.

   
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  Noreen 4:38 pm on January 23, 2021 Permalink  

  Possibilities 

  Today I spent quite a bit of time on possibilities of what and how to quilt the borders of my Santa quilt.  I haven’t even figured out how to quilt the body of the quilt but needed to play around a bit. 

  I decided on a design that is already loaded into my sewing machine from the factory.  This portion would be the first stitch out of a much larger design.  The remainder would be too heavy.  It would just be a matter of stopping the stitching, moving on to the next nine inches of the border and beginning anew.  There will be one a half inches in between each completed design to make up the 65 inches per side of the quilt.  Math . . . so important in stitching designs to balance it out.

  The white thread sample was to just get a feel of the design.  The second, on the correct scrap of material that matches the border, took a stop and a start.  I began with thread that matched the fabric too closely . . . back to the thread box.  I am also still deciding which way to have the design facing as it stitches on the border.  Possibilities! 

  While pondering on the quilt, I took time out to give Dennis a hair trim.  Little wings that poked out from his cap meant it was time.  I don’t get crazy as I need to use both hands to guide the clipper.  I don’t know when it got so heavy.  When Dennis gave the O.K., I sat in the chair and Dennis trimmed my neckline.  We have not been in the mood to take a number at Great Clips.  After all . . . where are we going that it makes a big difference?  We ended up with two satisfied customers.  That in itself is not always the case after walking out of Great Clips.  It can be a crap shoot.

  Right now there is a lull in the snowfall.  For our part the lull could continue.  This 1/2 inch would suit just fine.

  Take it easy if travel is warranted.  Making it this far into the 2020-2021 winter with no family incidents due to snow, ice and such is a win, win.  I’d rather think about everyone than reading about someone.

   
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  Noreen 3:34 pm on January 22, 2021 Permalink  

  A Nip in the Air 

  It may have had a nip in the air this morning, but for me, the sun being out and bright took top dibs.  

  We were getting ready to head out to Mankato when I got a phone call from Sue that does upholstery in Mankato.  The sewing rocker I had taken to her recently is done and ready for pickup.  Talk about a fast turn-around.  The Mayo Store will be our first stop to pick up the CPAP machine and then stop at Sue’s on our way home.  

  I marvel at those that can do upholstery work.  It takes power in the hands to put those springs in place or replace with new ones.  Years ago Elvera took a class at the Hutchinson Vo-Tech for upholstery.  We had one of Esther Schafer’s old over-stuffed rocking chairs that she asked if she could re-do.  It was a good job and we enjoyed having a new look for it.  It was the only chair that Elvera did.  That told the whole story of what was not going to be her new endeavor.  

  With this sewing rocker that will find its way into Carrie’s home, I was glad that she offered to find material that would work within their home.  My palette and what she would like would be worlds apart.  Carrie had brought over the material quite some time ago and it was then up to Sue’s schedule.  It was time that the little treasure came out of the attic.  I seem to have several backup rockers as it is.  There was a spring in this chartreuse seat that went down with you as you sat and you could feel the spring going from side to side until it hit bottom.  Upon getting up, one had to wonder how far up it would follow your butt.  Oh for the memories of February 1964 and going forward.  Priceless.  When I redid the wood, it was almost as if I could hear a sigh of relief coming forth from the rocker.

  It was exciting to see the new and improved rocker when Sue brought it out of her home.  With covid, the transaction was done out in the cold air of their drive.  Dennis and I had our masks on as did Sue.  I believe that there is a lot of life left in this rocker.  It was fun to rock babies in, to read in and also do a fair amount of crocheting in.  Now, the furniture is not meant to last as we are truly a throw away society, or . . . people just don’t appreciate the value of items.   

  The snow is taking a beating from the sun even with the temp only being 16 degrees right now.  The power of the sun gives us hope that this next round of snow may go around us or be short lived.  We know we have to take the weather the way it comes, but . . . we can hope.

  Tonight it is Bavarian Sauerkraut, caraway seeds added, with diced up beef wieners.  It sounded good to both of us and that is all that counts.

   
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  Noreen 4:42 pm on January 21, 2021 Permalink  

  Late for Coffee 

  Four in the afternoon may be a bit late for a cup of coffee, but the day did get away from me.  The laundry basket was overflowing.  Granted, our basket is not huge.  Just get it done:  three loads and we can start over.

  When Dennis came in this afternoon for our usual three o’clock break, I mentioned to him that there was a bundle for him to take out to his shop rag box the next time he went out.  He looked puzzled until he took the bundle apart to see what there was to see.  Dennis dang near cried.  Two of his t-shirts are now to be added to the rag box.  It was time.  The necklines were beyond being at the neck.  Talk about being frayed!  It had to be done and my tough love kicked in.  He is by no means short of t-shirts but he always grabbed the same ones.  He has lots of “second bests” that can now become his favorites.  That, my friends, comes with being the laundry person . . . choices.

  It could rain, it could snow.  The purple streaks in the sky are ominous. I did notice what was going on outside as I made lots of trips up and down the basement stairs.  I could put in for mileage.  Years ago, Dennis thought a pop-out would be a good thing for the first floor of our home for my sewing.  Hmm.  Pop-out where?  We are within 10′ of our neighbor Randy and Jan on the north.  We have 10′ of concrete drive to the south.  I think I am very happy doing the steps into the basement sewing studio.  Truth be told, I have it made down there.  It’s my stuff and I know where my stuff is.  Nough said about that.

  I am making progress today on the pinning of the Santa quilt.  With the laundry going, it always gave a break from the pinning.  There is no hurry in that project going forward.  

  The fall squash for supper last night was fantastic.  A bit of pepper was all that was needed on it.  Sad it was the last squash we had in the garage.  I may check out the grocery store’s stash of what they may have on hand for squash.  

  Tomorrow we will make a trip to Mankato.  The CPAP machine that needed to be sent in for a checkup and repair is ready to be returned to Stauffer Avenue with the loaner returned to the Mayo Store.  No charge as it is covered by our insurance.  

  The trip tomorrow may be skirting the snow that is coming our way.  Not to worry, Dennis spent time today tuning up and checking over his walk behind snow blower.  For the life of me, I cannot remember how many decades ago when Kevin passed this snow blower off to Stauffer Avenue.  It has never left us down for what we have needed.  Up until the winter of 2018-2019 and going forward, that walk behind blower handled the 90′ drive plus all the other clearing that was needed after every snowfall.  Neighbor Randy now does the drive and Dennis and the walk behind is right there to follow up with topping off of the clearing.  Sweet machine.

  Ah shucks.  It’s time to hit the kitchen to prepare the evening meal.  That time sure does come around quickly.  Plenty is on hand.  It is all about the same person that does the laundry to make choices.  Sweet.

   
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  Noreen 4:56 pm on January 20, 2021 Permalink  

  Sun Cleared some Ice 

  Whatever fell from the skies within the last several days is no longer on our concrete causing ice.  The sun wasn’t out all day but it sure did the job of making the ice disappear.  

  What a great day of having things go quite well.  The usual first floor ditties are always the place to start on any day.  It has all become habit forming and thus nothing is amiss.  I had vowed to not put any news on today.  Even radio KNUJ was not turned on.  The peace that passes all understanding.  Nothing political for me today. I didn’t inquire of Dennis what he had on in the patio porch.

  Going into the sewing studio, the first thing was to oil the sewing machine and put in a new needle.  The affirmation quilt blocks I am doing take up to several hours of stitching each.  It makes everything run like a top to pay attention to the machine.

  As the stitching was going on the module of the machine, I decided to be brave and begin the process of working towards finishing the Santa quilt top.  After all, I had the batting whip stitched together . . . what was holding me back!  I have no idea how I am going to quilt this project under the needle.  In time to come something will pop up.  Getting the backing and batting and the top together in itself is a challenge.  No puckers, no lumps . . . that is the quest.  I do get a fair amount of walking exercise done going around and around my church tables.  It’s not a 100% to navigate, but dang close.  Bending and stretching does the job.  When I felt that I was as taut as possible . . . out came the goodie bag of safety pins.

  If I had room, I would entertain the quilt rack such as what my mom used.  They were nothing more than 1″ x 4″ boards that could be clamped together making the basis for the sandwiching of the quilt.  Mom’s always were tied onto the dining room chairs.  Nothing fancy.  Working from one side or the other, the 1″ x 4″ was rolled as the quilting progressed.  Mom was also stressed for room, so the dining room table could be found dead center under the frame.  When the quilting was towards completion, the table was scooted out from underneath.  It worked.  So . . . my safety pins will also work.

  My main goal is to maintain the layers for a time as the quilt will be wrestled severely under the needle of the sewing machine.  The finished quilt top will be 65″ x 65″ and doable for the process of moving it around so that the needle can work its whiles.  I don’t close the safety pins at this time.  Right now they stand as sentinels doing their job of holding and holding fast.  When the entire top is secured with pins, I will take my time and close each and everyone one of them.  Trying to work with pins that are open . . . not!   I did get a good amount of pins in today and tomorrow will be another day.  It does get hard on the back and I choose to quit before the back can begin to ache.

  Dennis brought in the last squash from the garage from the fall harvest that our neighbor shared with us.  It was a treat to have had Dennis halve and clean it for me.  It is in the oven and it is beginning to fill the kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

  Each day I putter on.  Each day I have given local effort to the wellbeing of Dennis and me.  Proud and self-sufficient is what Dennis and I strive for each day.  Label this day as mission completion.

   
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  Noreen 4:15 pm on January 19, 2021 Permalink  

  Wow for Snow 

  The snow that we have had today could have been dubbed a feather party, as that is how large the flakes were at times.  With the sun shining in between the feathers, it was quite beautiful.

  It is four in the afternoon and the lights in the sewing studio are off for the day.  It was quite the shock when I came down this morning and realized what I was looking at.  The affirmation embroidered quilt block design I did yesterday was embroidered on the back side of the fabric with the iron-on stabilizer looking quite smart sporting those 42,000 stitches.  Ugh!  

  It goes to show what happens when you don’t keep your mind on the project.  Yesterday, when I came home from PT, I was fairly uncomfortable as it being the last time, it was a thorough going over.  Dennis’ son was in the sewing studio when I set things up and it all took a dump going forward . . . because I was not focused!

  I did do the embroidered block over today, causing me to be very cautious.  Checking over the fabric that I have for these blocks doesn’t allow for any more screw-ups.  I have got to stay focused, allowing for such things as me not being the only one in the house.  Thereby allowing for questions that need to be fielded, finding items that Dennis needs that have been misplaced or following up with phone calls that need to be made for his scripts.  Yup, staying focused is the key to the real world.  

  I have gotten my 75″ x 75″ of quilt batting sewn together.  That was a happy accomplishment.  The 2nd run of that particular quilt block also made for happiness and joy.  All the little things in my day bring balance to my life.  That’s a good thing.  I hope your day had balance in it.

   
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  Noreen 4:27 pm on January 18, 2021 Permalink  

  Sunny Monday 

  Taking a day off yesterday was what was needed.  This morning is a new week, new thoughts and new outlook.  

  Yippee for me . . . I graduated from physical therapy this morning.  I have my at-home therapy as laid out by Mike.  In time to come, Mike encouraged me to come back if I can’t maintain good mobility.  Ya, I know.  I had left it go too far before surrendering to the doctor for a referral for physical therapy. Different exercises for different locations of the arthritis in the back, in the hips and in the legs above the knees.  Most of the therapy can be done in my sewing studio.  A perfect time and place to do it.  The most important item . . . DO IT!

  We had a surprise visit today from Dennis’ son.  He is the over-the-road hauler from Arizona.  He had a load going through our area with a 24-hour layover due to drop off sites being closed for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.  Kenny has just gotten a new truck last week and he commented how many more safety issues this truck has.  With a new truck he was telling me he had then gotten all new bedding for the sleeper.  He was amazed how much difference a new mattress made.  He does live in that truck.  When he leaves tomorrow he will also have a new quilted blanket for the sleeper from me.  I seem to know how to make more.  

  What I was doing when Kenny stopped in was working with pieces of batting.  When nephew Brett takes a quilt off of his long arm, he trims off the length of excess batting on the right hand side of each of the projects.  Some of the pieces are sizable considering the size of the top he has pieced.  Brett buys his batting in a bale and thus the width is predetermined.  I am the recipient of the cast-off batting.  Today I know I have enough to make a 75″ x 75″ piece of batting ready to use for one of my quilt tops.  As the embroidery module is working, I sit and whip stitch the pieces together.  I think it’s the perfect solution by not having to purchase a pre-sized package of batting and creating my own excess pieces.  It doesn’t always work out, but recently . . . it has.

  Dennis and Kenny went to the Home Town Café for noon lunch.  It’s their famous American Fries that Kenny likes with a hamburger.  Brett is going to fix Kenny a steak for supper.  I am not sure what we will have here on Stauffer Avenue.  Rest assure we never go hungry. 

  I have enjoyed the sun and it was strong enough that it melted through the light covering of snow that we received last night.  Love it. 

  A new week and new encouragement for me to keep me mobile.

   
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  Noreen 4:55 pm on January 17, 2021 Permalink  

  A Lazy Sunday 

  I slept late and then joined Dennis in the patio porch for coffee.  The highlight was watching squirrels in the east end of the acre.  The three kitties had their noses pressed against the sliding patio doors with no intent of going out.  Everybody was lazy.

  I will catch you all tomorrow as I am sure I will pick up some steam for the new week.

   
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  Noreen 4:23 pm on January 16, 2021 Permalink  

  Durable Utility 

  It has been a remarkable adventure these last five years after I bought my new sewing machine.  Talk about live and learn.   

  It was in the early summer of 2015 that Dennis and I went to Arizona to see my aunt in Phoenix and also to see Dennis’ son in the Meza area.  My aunt Lorraine has been an avid stitcher for decades.  Lorraine sent home some items she wanted to share from her sewing room.  Sweet!  I knew I would put the items to use and not store them in a drawer.  One towel in particular that Lorraine had embroidered has been in use in our kitchen since that time in 2015.  Lorraine’s favorite was to embroider recipes on kitchen towels.  This towel has been looped on a drawer pull in our kitchen as a catch-all for sticky hands while baking, making meals and even spills.  This towel has also been in the laundry continually over these five years.  The stitching is as vibrant now as then. 

  I have since over the five years embroidered everything from quilt blocks, t-shirts, bath towels, coasters, pillows, clothing and kitchen towels.  The stitching and the end product is durable and has utility . . . not to be looked at or stuck in a drawer.  The only difference from Lorraine’s stitched out designs and mine are that I like to cut the connecting threads as in the case of this kitchen towel.   Not just pretty to look at but to use in making everyday chores at bit fancy.  Why not?  No ho-hum needed. 

  Today we are still feeling some of the effects of the snow storm of Thursday.  I have no idea what the winds are doing to the roads but the winds are raising continual sounds from the wind chimes on the northwest corner of the house.   

  While the sewing machine has been embroidering, I have pulled out scraps of quilt batting.  I am determined to hand sew enough scraps to end up with a 75″ x 75″ piece.  It will take some hand stitching going back and forth in a zig-zag pattern with the sides butted up to each other so there is no overlap.  I do know that there is a tape sold at JoAnn’s for just such a job but my way will do just fine as a trip out of town for such a meager item does not pencil out.

  We are having cheeseburgers for supper.  N0 buns on hand but sliced bread will do just fine for the two of us.  We make the best of it.  Making the best of each situation is not an act to impress but habit forming.  I like it.  I like it a lot.  That’s who I am . . . durable and having high utility.

   
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  Noreen 3:43 pm on January 15, 2021 Permalink  

  Oh For the Howling 

  Last night the howling wind was frightening.  As I peeked out the window of my bedroom and saw the huge evergreen twisting and turning in the winds a mere ten feet from me, I prayed it would hold its own.  

  We didn’t get but two or three inches of snow, but it landed on very warm surfaces.  Dennis tugged on his snowmobile boots this morning and went out to surmise what was needed.  Each of his footprints left a very wet watery impression.  Dennis and I agreed.  The temps were warm but the snow was still able to go through the snow blower fairly well.  When he was done taking off what he could with the blower, I took our pusher shovel and took what remained down to the bare concrete.  Slow and steady.

  There is nothing worse than snow pack that freezes into an Icey slab by the doorway to get into the house.  We may very well have more cold and more snow.  Our effort was a preventative.  It is 3:30 and the snow is still coming down.  It is warm enough that the area that Dennis and I cleared by the car garage door and the house door remain clear concrete.  Several years ago after a snowy spell that left packed snow in our driveway, I was going to get into the car that Dennis had waiting for me.  When I had one leg into the car the other leg slid under the doorframe of the car via the ice pack and the rest of me followed.  Lesson learned.

  We knew our neighbor Randy would take care of the remainder of the driveway.  Dennis and I had worked well together.  Dennis was able to get his pickup in 4-wheel drive and made it off of the yet to be plowed Stauffer Avenue to keep his appointment for his eye injection here at our local eye clinic.  When Dennis did get home, the injection went well and there will be a cataract surgery for him as well in the month to come.  Gotta keep those peepers in good health.    

  I headed down into the sewing room.  Today was the day to finish up that flannel blanket I have been working on.  It had gone so well taking it slowly that here was the day to finish it up.  No need to stay at sewing for long hours.  Breaking up a project with other interests keeps it light and fun.  No pressure here on Stauffer Avenue.  I have just as many flannel blocks embroidered for another 52″ 65″.  That will be on the “to-do” list, as I will return to embroidering my affirmation blocks.  First things first.  Cleaning the fuzz of the flannel and the batting out of the top and bottom of the machine.  Getting the machine oiled with a new needle and perhaps tomorrow will find the lights have been turned on in the sewing studio.  One of my favorite phrases . . . “time will tell.”

  Take it easy on the snow removal.  It was what is often called a “heart attack snowfall.”  Wet and heavy for taking down the heartiest of us and perfect consistency for making snowmen.  The winds continue and thank you Lord for keeping my evergreen standing tall throughout it all.