Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from Noreen Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  Noreen 4:33 pm on January 4, 2021 Permalink  

  It Seemed the Thing to Do 

  The day started slow and before I knew it, I was putting Christmas decorations away from the Christmas tree.  I had just as much fun taking the ornaments off of the tree as I had putting them on.  I have a tote that takes them all in with lots of tissue to wrap swaddle them.  Everything went so well, I continued to add the Nativity to the tote.  

  Dennis watched and commented that it would be nice if we could take the top of the huge seven foot wooden cabinet in his bedroom, put glass doors it and leave some of the goodies out within the cabinet year-round.  That is a sweet idea.  I reminded him that our clothes would be in cardboard boxes.  He said it was food for thought and he also commented that I am really good on figuring things out.  This is most certainly true.  My sewing studio was born out of a concrete floor and sub-quality windows and air quality.  Hmm.  The cabinet is food for thought.   

  The sun was doing a great job shoving the temp to 39 degrees.  Dennis decided to get out his little red pickup to visit buds.  I surely couldn’t blame him.  I have plans for Tuesday to be out and about.  During this last week, I have taken to getting things done in the house and stopping off at the dining room table from time to tome to try and poke in a few pieces of the jigsaw puzzle. 

  I always check things out on the computer each day.  Surprise!  The stimulus payment was in the checking account.  Sweet. 

  Chili and grilled cheese sandwiches are on board for supper.  Dennis had announced this noon that there would be ice cream after supper.  Foretold is forewarned.  It has been since Christmas since the ice cream scoop has seen the light of the kitchen.  I think we deserve that. 

  As I had said a few days ago, working on that dang jigsaw puzzle does gives way to wondering thoughts.  The past has been my lesson, the present is my gift, and the future is my motivation.  I feel that 2021 is going to be wonderful, I am not going to live the same year over and over. I feel it may be fun to do a few things differently.  It seems the thing to do.  Not to worry . . . Dennis is not going anywhere.

   
• 

  Noreen 4:55 pm on January 3, 2021 Permalink  

  It Happens 

  When I crack open my eyes about eight in the morning, the first thing I seek to see is what the evergreen right outside my bedroom window is doing.  The evergreen also has wind chimes on the lower branches.  This morning, no sounds could be heard from the jingle jangle of the chimes and the branches will still.  There was no shortage of all the birds that were feasting on the seeds within the evergreen and the huge evergreen shrub under the tree. 

  I don’t pop out of bed in the mornings.  I need to make sure that I stretch out my back and hips.  It is also told that you need a bit of time to let your brain know what your intentions are.  There has been a time or two that moving to get my feet out of bed and on the floor too quickly has allowed for a bit of dizziness along with my eyes needing more time to focus clearly.  After all . . . what’s the rush.  I enjoy those first moments of realizing that there is a petition needed to be sent to the heavens that I made it through the night and with good rest and . . . I have a good heart rate.  You may laugh but not every one gets to have another day.

  Last year at this time, we had had a lot of heavy snow and had gone through a lot of cracked corn for the deer due to the lack of anything for them to eat.  The snow was deep in the backyard.  This year . . . not so much.  We have green grass sticking out in various areas of the eastern part of the acre.  Towards the east under the trees of the vacant neighboring lot, shrubs have been sampled.  Lots of deer tracks and rabbit tracks in the snow telling us where the good eating has been found.  Dennis and I haven’t talked about the possibility of feeding the deer if the winter amps up.  I will let Dennis take the lead on that.  It seems that the three patio porch kitties can keep Dennis entertained and busy tiding up after what they have found to play with.  That is always a surprise when Dennis hits the patio porch in the mornings. 

  Our Christmas tree is still up and still being enjoyed.  The Nativity is still on the shelf in the west porch.  It is too great of a story to tuck away too soon.  I did take four of the Christmas wall hangings down and have them tucked away.  One large one remains for a bit more time.

  This entire week looks to be Minnesota friendly for weather.  It makes me happy as I always have family in mind that needs to be out and about during the weekdays.  Megan is driving to school every day, dropping Nicholas off at his school.  Carrie and Kevin both need to be out on roads and streets.  Kersten has several city blocks which can be just as difficult as miles of country roads in weather conditions.  Jeremy is working from home for much of the week.  As for Dennis and I . . . we have no reason to take our vehicles out of our garages when there is a snowflake in the air.  I also like the fact that my heavy jacket can stay in the closet. 

  It is on to suppertime.  Take care everyone.

   
• 

  Noreen 6:35 pm on January 2, 2021 Permalink  

  Time to Reflect 

  Working on a jigsaw puzzle does give time to reflect.  The first days of the new year always brought my uncle Norman and his wife Florence to my folk’s home for a day of playing Pinnacle.  Many of those traditions have long gone by the wayside.  

  Thinking on my mom and dad these last several days always brings sweet memories.  My parents had pulled themselves up by the bootstraps, many times over the years.  They were there just as many times to help the four of us kids.

  I take pride in having done the bootstrap thing from time to time for myself.  Hopefully I will pay it forward in whatever way I can during the days and years to come.  It brings joy.

  Have a great weekend as the weather is being kind to  us . . . for now.

   
• 

  Noreen 4:25 pm on January 1, 2021 Permalink  

  A First for the New Year 

  Today, I had a two step dance, first one of the year of 2021.

  I had decided to take my time and put the five foot Santa back into his storage area.  It literally was two steps at a time.  I only had ten feet to do the light fantastic.  Kevin had cautioned me about extra strength activity: it depended on whether I could do it better or whether it was about doing it quickly.  I opted for the first choice.  It was not so terribly heavy duty as cautiously doing it correctly.  I knew what the end result would be as Santa has a special place to be placed at where he would not be in the way for the next ten months.  Kevin had put him out on Thanksgiving day to be enjoyed.  Last year he had the living room area.  This year that spot held my Christmas tree.  He was a proud addition to my sewing studio and I did enjoy having him out.  He is too special to not be put out and enjoyed.  Within short order the sewing studio was back in its best utility.

  The Santa Two Step was the priority of the day.  The rest of this day I have spent reading and working on my jigsaw puzzle.  I am four days out from the last PT appointment and am doing great.  I plan on continuing my low key activity for several more days, slowing working into doing some sewing studio things.  After supper is my soft-chair routine with a heating pad on my back and hip.  It’s a routine that is working.

  Dennis has been doing some snow removal around the garages.  He takes a lot of breaks and feels good about moving about.  I continue looking at the snow and . . . no touching . . . for now.  With the sun having it’s way, there are many bare spots showing on the concrete.  Thank you Lord. 

  We are having French Toast and sausages for our New Year’s celebration.  Dennis has been dropping hints about a trip to Mankato tomorrow.  We had been well prepared prior to Christmas and out last trip out out of town was when we went to New Ulm to pick up the little red pickup out of the body shop.  I think we are due to get out of Dodge to blow the stink off. 

  Happy New Year to all. 

   
• 

  Noreen 4:07 pm on December 31, 2020 Permalink  

  Sunshine Abound 

  What a great sunny day to round out 2020  Aside from all the hoop-da-la, there have been many wonderful things to think back on of this year.

  When the year can come to an end and my family is safe and secure . . . priceless.

  I am slowly getting some Christmas items stashed away.  The tree is not in any hurry to be undressed.  Dennis and I both agree it brings us good feelings.  

  I put a roast in the oven this mid-afternoon.  No fuss for supper when the roast is done, add some fried potatoes and corn.  Dennis and I agree: you can’t beat the taste of boiled potatoes and having a few left over for American Fries.  Don’t get me wrong we do have instant boxed potatoes on hand as well.

  I have spent quiet time since Christmas.  What a better way to encourage than was the 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle on the dining room table.  The quiet time is allowing my last PT adjustment to set in for a good end.  No standing over a cutting table or ironing board or jumping up and down from the sewing machine.  I feel the more I can walk standing upright honoring my center point of energy and do good walking it will let the body know what it expected of it.  Our drive is cleared off enough that it is safe.

  I hope everyone feels good about closing down this year.  Dennis and I do and we are looking forward to continuing in good stead into 2021.

   
• 

  Noreen 4:32 pm on December 30, 2020 Permalink  

  What Retired Do 

  We may be among many that are retired from the W2 jobs, but we are no way retired from participating in daily duties to keep hearth and home safe and viable.  We also have many th0ughts and care about our children’s lives.  That doesn’t end no matter how old the children get.  Mom taught me that even when she was well into her 90s.

  We should all be able to have joy in our lives.  Joy is what keeps us believing, trying and achieving.  Joy is not 24/7 in our face.  Joy is what we feel in our hearts when the quiet of day sets in and we do that “re-run” at the end of the day. 

  I make my own joy each day.  That wasn’t always so.  We make our own roads along the way.  If we have not found fulfillment in our choice of a certain road, thus bringing no joy . . . it is our own asphalt.  Yes, I said asphalt.  When that has happened to me, I have had to own it.  Not because it was anyone else’s doing.  God gave me free choice. There is no one to blame.  If I ever thought there was, a quick peek into the bathroom mirror, shows me the culprit.  No complaining, no blaming, just owning it.

  These thoughts made me think of the kid’s grandpa, Art.  He could tear apart a tractor and put it back together in his sleep.  Art had always wanted to have a repair shop of his own . . . and never did.  Was it because of the sense of responsibility to family, or lack of backing.  He wore it well and always gave 110% to his employer.  That was sad to observe.

  When we seek our joy, we go at it whole heartedly.  That is not to say there are not stumbling blocks.  In 76 years, I could build a fortress around our home on Stauffer Avenue with them.  I don’t hang onto those stumbling blocks as it would only drag behind me like a dead horse . . . or a team of horses.  Hanging on, it would only be a negative of what energy I need going forward.  Positive energy!  Carrie would get weary of me when I would tell her, “Save the best and leave the rest.” Saving that best was just as good as a boost in the butt, much like vitamins. 

  The true joy is that a challenge has been put out there and I gave it all I had.  I was also the one that would have to acknowledge that I tried, gave it my all and knew when there was another road for me to take and travel forward.  It’s not a bad mantra to take hold of.  But . . . let me tell you, I don’t give in or up easily.  When I see that the forward has not gone well or is not healthy for me in spirit, mentally and physically, I will not let it continue to become a negative.  That would be harmful to myself and those that I love.  Ahh . . . free choice and ownership.  Life’s story. 

  So . . . I continue taking great care of hearth and home.  I take great care of myself.  I take great care of Dennis.  I have much left over for my children . . . a huge portion of my joy.  Doing what I do best in my retirement.

   
• 

  Noreen 4:09 pm on December 29, 2020 Permalink  

  The Fine Snow Falls 

  Even if the snowfall is of very fine wet snow . . . it does pile up.  We had no reason to be out and about today as I noticed the street at the stop sign was slippery.

  Many decades ago, in between Christmas and New Year, it was decided to go sledding.  My sister Elvera’s family, and our family made plans to drive from our farms southwest of Hutchinson to Beaver Falls which is southeast of Redwood Falls. 

  Orlin’s sister had a beef cattle farm at Beaver Falls.  Orlin and I knew the farm well as Orlin had been a farm hand for his sister and we lived on that farm.  The hills of pasture were fantastic for sledding.  They had not been so fantastic when the cattle had broken through gates and they had needed to be herded back into a gated area.

  Elvera and I had made plans for the picnic baskets we would take along for noon lunch.  Nether family could head out until the morning milking chores had been completed.  In addition there were hog chores, young stock chores and we also had chickens to tend to.  Elvera’s had never been to the back roads to get to the pasture that Orlin had in mind.  We had a caravan of two vehicles.  

  Every one was dressed for the mild winter day.  The pasture that we had in mind was just a bit off of the road and was surrounded by hills, putting our area for sledding quite sheltered.  The banana plastic sleds could hold two people and we had plenty of sleds for solo trips as well.  The hills were steep with brush cedars that needed to be dodged.  

  It didn’t take long and the nine of us were making the trip up and down the long incline.  Trudging back up was another story.  I think several times a small cedar tree was sacrificed.  There were even several areas of the incline that a sled could catch a bit of air. No one complained about being cold, no one complained about being tired.  It was a great, fun day.  There was a tarp put down and the goodies for the lunch were laid out and the food could be enjoyed as each got hungry. 

  If memory serves me, that is the last time I did a summersault as my sled came to an abrupt stop and I did not.  There was laughter, giggles and hoots as each of us put all our cares away and went for the thrill of the ride, over and over and over.

  I don’t know about Elvera’s family on the way home, the trip was a least an hour plus, our car was very quiet in the back seat.  All the kids were wore out and I think the four of us adults were also, but we couldn’t buy into it as there were farm chores and cows that needed to be milked when we arrived home.

  That family memory is just as precious today as it was then.  As per Dr. Seuss, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

  Oh my gosh, my life would be so empty if I didn’t have my memories.  I hope your lives are as rewarding as mine when those quiet moments sneak up on you.

   
• 

  Noreen 5:46 pm on December 28, 2020 Permalink  

  A Quick Day 

  The day seemed to fly by quickly.  I had a PT appointment today.  I thought I would graduate today . . . not so.  The large hamstring adjacent to my tail that goes into the pelvic bone is a mighty stubborn situation.  Time will tell.  I am doing as much as I can within my home to keep the tibia running the length of my right leg stretched.  If I had better control of my arms, I would be able to get that tennis ball right where it needs to be.  I place it . . . I sit on it . . . and it scotches out of place.

  If the day would have been any grayer, the street lights would have come on.  It sounds as if we may be in for snow tomorrow.  Dennis has already stated that no matter how much meowing and crying the cats do in the morning, they are all going to be confined into the patio porch.  Good grief!  There isn’t an alley cat in the town of St. James that wouldn’t give their whiskers to have such a warm cozy place to live.

  I am about to get back into the sewing studio.  It has been closed down long enough.  Today, I did open a 1,000 piece puzzle on the dining room table.  It will be a side-light to putz with.  

  I will admit it . . . if you tell on me, I will deny it.  I don’t like the feeling of not being able to do physically what I want to when I want to do it.  Shame on me for not realizing and listening to what my body tells me I am able to.  I’ve got to learn this lesson or I am doomed to repeat it . . . over and over and over.  I have even asked my Lord and Savior to save me from myself.

  Stay safe in the ensuing snow.  I must say I have learned, in regard to snow, that I look at it and I do not touch.

   
• 

  Noreen 4:10 pm on December 27, 2020 Permalink  

  A Normal Day 

  Believe it or not, it feels good to have a normal day.  No rushing to be where we needed to be, no unusual schedules for meals . . . just me, the ole cowboy and the patio porch kitties.

  Patio porch kitties . . . now there is a peace that passes all understanding.  Last Wednesday morning started out just as the previous day, with very warm temperatures.  Snuggles and Honey Bunny stuck around the porch, going in and out umpteen times.  Harriet got a wild hair and she headed for the east portion of the acre towards the empty buildings in the neighboring lot.  

  The weather turned within several hours to rain, sleet, howling winds and snow.  No Harriet.  She knows her name and Dennis called for her numerous times.  That night Dennis left the backyard light on and stuck it out in his rocker until late waiting for her.  With the blowing snow, he called it and locked everything up.  For each of the next three nights, the light was left on hoping against hope Harriet would march through the snow and cold.  We had experienced frigid temperature with that snow and wind.

  Christmas day Dennis had commented to the kids that this would now be two patio porch kitties from here on in, but it didn’t stop him from having that back light on until late every night from that Wednesday through Saturday night.  When I would look out the bathroom east window each night, I could see the silhouette of Dennis sitting in his rocking chair looking to the east.

  Last night, Sunday night, I looked out the bathroom window and the backyard light was off.  The silhouette I saw was of Dennis rubbing the heck out of a cat.  I knew Harriet had found her way home.  Dennis reported she looked good and made her rounds throughout the porch and garages as if to make sure everything was where she had left it.  Priceless.  

  Today when I looked out the bathroom window I saw Snuggles and Harriet curled up together on a pillow in one of the chairs.  You wouldn’t have been able to slip a piece of paper between them.  Dennis’ rocking chair is now facing south and all is well in the world on Stauffer Avenue.

  No whistles or bells for us.  It is the little things in our lives that allow us to feel our normal selves.  Me, the ole cowboy, Honey Bunny, Snuggles and Harriet.  Sweet.

   
• 

  Noreen 5:02 pm on December 26, 2020 Permalink  

  2nd Christmas Day 

  Oh my oh my, What a grand 2020 Christmas.  Forget all the other less than good things that happened in 2020, these last two days have wiped out the negative.

  Christmas day, our home welcomed family to Stauffer Avenue.  The home was filled with the aroma of oven dishes waiting to make an appearance onto the table that was set for eight.  Conversation dwindled while the plates were filled by those that had the longest reach to take individual instructions of what and how much to put on each plate and then passed it down.  No one was bashful when seconds were ask for.

  Dennis and I had a plan, I prepared the meal and served it and Dennis would be the dish washer.  The plan worked great.  Dennis had had offers to help him, but he was up to the task of shouldering it solo.  

  The platters of goodies were set in the middle of the table and everyone took ownership of what they desired and what they could handle.  What ensued was the chit chat as everyone settled into comfortable chairs of their choice.  With our small home there really isn’t much of a choice in chairs, but . . . it always works.  I actually stayed at the place I had enjoyed the meal.  Listening to the banter back and forth from the kids . . . priceless.  I had the best seat in the house.  Megan and Nicholas found their way out into the patio porch and Snuggles scored big from all the attention.   When Dennis went out to the patio porch after the dishes were done, he got some one on one with Megan and Nicholas.  What was talked about in the patio porch . . . stays in the patio porch.

  It was just the best time ever for me.  When Dennis and I found ourselves alone in the evening, we each commented on various parts of the day as we did a “recap.”  I was not the only one that thought we had nailed it as deeming it a great day.

  Today we traveled to Mankato, as Dennis’ granddaughter hosted the Curry Christmas.  Seeing the families from the North Shore area was a treat.  The home was a-buzz with little ones aging from two to thirteen.  A sit-down meal wasn’t needed.  With no shortage of food, it seemed as if there were unintentional waves of those that were hungry and those that were not.  It all worked out.  We knew that the Curry gathering would go far into the night as many were sheltering in place for the night.  We hugged everyone, wishing them the best and we headed for home, as we knew we would be home before dark.

  The amount of slush on portions of the highway and the windshield spray of slush, made it plenty difficult, but we were home before dusk.  With the dropping temps, ice would soon appear on portions of the road.  The first thing we did when we hit St. James, was head for a car wash.  We concluded our Christmas with a romantic stint in the carwash.  Priceless. 

  Both days, there were no gifts exchanged.  Who needs material gift exchanges when there is so much joy and appreciation of . . . each other.  I want more of it and I think next year, I will begin asking Santa far ahead of his busiest time if he will grant me that.  

  This evening, I am going to rest easy . . . it was the best Christmas ever.