Me, Myself and Memories

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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.

   
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  Noreen 2:49 pm on May 20, 2021 Permalink  

  Another Check Off 

  Today was my yearly scan for skin cancer at the Dermatology in Mankato. 

  I have been a farm kid that had more sun burns that I can count.  Going fishing with the family for bullheads on Waverly Lake gave one whopper of a burn from the reflection of the water.  I remember not sleeping well that night.  It was a memorable burn.

  Several years ago I turned myself in to the dermatology clinic as I had a spot on my right facial cheek that didn’t look too good.  It was biopsied and it was put on the surgical schedule to be removed.  It was a sobering experience and thus was the yearly schedule put in place.  Today one spot on my right ankle was taken for a biopsy.  Normal moles are brown.  Moles that are black and rough are looked at, but with not much concern.  This little sucker was as black as the ace of spades and totally smooth . . . danger, danger.  I will hear in time to come what the outcome tells me.  My poor ole but amazingly resilient body. 

  There was some black paint to be picked up at Home Depot and several items at Sam’s Club.  The last stop was at Drummers’ for two miniature Rainbow’s End Alberta Spruce shrubs.  One at each end of the filled in Koi pond.  Max maturity is 6’tall and 2 ‘ wide.  

  We have had 6/10ths of rain over several days.  Maybe by the weekend we will plant them into their new home.  Dennis still has two remaining lawn chairs to paint and this humid air is not the best drying.

  At this late afternoon hour. . . I am beat.  Dennis is not the errand person.  Dennis drives the pickup . . . That’s all folks.

  OMG . . . there still is a supper to prepare.  It is amazing what I can accomplish within my days.  Never underestimate the whiles of . . . ME!

   
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  Noreen 2:04 pm on May 19, 2021 Permalink  

  Get a Grip 

  Everyone has heard the saying “get a grip.”  It may be said for someone that is experiencing a good amount of angst.  

  I needed a grip this morning . . . literally.  My breakfast is a bowl of plain yogurt, a dollop of Mott’s apple sauce topped with several tablespoons of flax meal. It is my yum breakfast.  The 46 ounce plastic jar of sauce has a plastic screw type lid.  Due to some previous incidents of various products, I make sure to check for secure closings to the best of my strength.

  Getting everything back before eating, I made tracks to the refrigerator to put items back.  With the door open, I used two hands to place the newly opened jar to its destination.  My grip slipped and before I knew it, the heavy plastic jar took flight.  It hit the edge of the stair tread that was to the immediate right.  The force of 46 ounces of apple sauce, minus a few ounces, popped the lid.  My oh my.  I needed to get a grip in deciding the plan of action to get this cleaned up.

  Out came the kitchen wastebasket and the roll of paper towels was taken off of the bracket at the kitchen sink.  I scooped up globs of apple sauce one paper towel at a time.  I was gaining on the floor and then realized the wall, the side of the refrig, the front of the refrig and the first step of the stairs going to the attic needed a lot of clean up.  After the paper towels had done what they could, a hot soapy kitchen sink was filled and the rest of the cleanup ensued.

  I did eat my breakfast that I had now worked hard for.  A long walk down Stauffer Avenue did the trick to catch my breath, get a grip and realize that this had been the first mess that had happened since my left side is not quite working at its ultimate mobility.  

  Life happens in such a way that hopefully in the future, a small warning sound in the gray matter allows me to know . . . been there, done that.  My best needs to be double checked.

   
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  Noreen 2:53 pm on May 18, 2021 Permalink  

  Damp and Cool 

  I did head out for a walk and immediately felt a mist.  I finished my walk as I am working on getting my legs as strong as possible for a time when walking will be my best avenue to healing.

  When Dennis finished mowing our front yard yesterday he commented that there were spots that were brown.  What!  The earlier mowing’s left a lush carpet.  When I checked it out, I couldn’t believe it. The spears were  so dry, they took on a copper color.  Admittedly, we have used umpteen types of grass seed over the years.  Last year we went to Drummers in Mankato and bought seed for full sun.  Where I had used it in the areas where it was down to the black dirt from digging up crab grass, the grass looks great.  Try, try and we might get it right.  If not, there is always another year.  Out came the grass seed and the spreader.  With the mist of today and rain in the forecast, the seeds may get a soaking.  When I was done, I welcomed my cane.  Sometimes both hands are needed to execute a task.  It’s not that I need to put a lot of weight on the cane, but in the moment when a small amount of stability might be needed, it is worth its weight in gold.

  Dennis took the car for a fill and also took it through the wash.  When he came back, I vacuumed it and cleaned out some of the winter items.  We will still keep some new masks as each store can set their own guidelines and all medical facilities require them.

  By two this afternoon, I was in my chair for a break.  The eyes went shut for a good 20-minute nap . . . that was my dad’s secret ammunition.  

  Dennis is doing a great job on painting our lawn chairs.  He has his paint booth set up in the pickup garage.  Most importantly, Dennis has a project . . . that is always a good thing.

   
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  Noreen 3:24 pm on May 17, 2021 Permalink  

  A Trade in Duties 

  We knew that the acre was going to be a once a week mowing for the first portion of spring.  That week really goes fast.  I traded pushing the front yard and around the house with Dennis.  If he would use the rider in total, I would do all the trimming with The Works trimmer.  It takes Dennis several hours of mowing the entire area with coffee cup and cigarettes’ on board.  Even with many breaks, pushing and bagging can take the starch out of me.  

  The trimmer is light weight.  I could trim around one tree or two trees and then stop and watch  the clouds before continuing.  The trimmer was comparable to my cane.  Extra stability can never be under valued.  The end result was a great looking yard for us to sit on the patio to enjoy. 

  I was feeling like I had had enough for the day.  Dennis went on to wash off the north and east side of the house.  Again with the cheap Family Dollar laundry soap and the wonderful bubbles that smelled like lavender.  Cloudy days work best for wash jobs of buildings.  The glaring sun can dry the wash cycle too quickly before the rinses can take off all the soap residue.  Dennis has this down pat.

  Super is oven pasta leftovers with a side of apple crisp.  The clouds have hung around all day with the look that they might hold rain . . . not.  We could use a slow, all-day rain.  Even the birds have no water to bathe in as the sump pump drain is dry . . . dry to the bone.

  Don’t forget to say your prayers tonight as a good day of local effort does make the eyelids heavy in short order.

   
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  Noreen 2:59 pm on May 16, 2021 Permalink  

  Too Nice 

  Today was too nice of a day to stay indoors.  While Dennis was still asleep this morning, I took a cup of coffee and sat in the early sun on the east patio.  Peaceful does not even begin to describe it.  The morning doves gave quite the serenade.  Looking to the far east of the acre, the Hackberry tree was alive with squirrels.  Early morning church bells could be heard at various intervals.

  There wasn’t a heavy agenda for us today.  There is always a load of laundry to start.  Push several buttons and it’s a go.  Oh so different than the wringer washing machine that Lena had.  A bar of lye soap along with Duz laundry powder as a length of hose filled the wash tub.  By the way, for a time, there was a dish inside each box with the hope of accumulating somewhat of a matched set.  A set of twin rinse tubs were on a rack that allowed the swivel of the wringer on the washing machine to go from wash tub to first rinse to second rinse.  Sorting of the clothes was paramount.  First batch was the delicates.  From there each batch progressed down to the work jeans and last were the rag rugs.  With a huge wash day, Lena would take out some of the machine’s water and add fresh as the loads took its toll on the color of the water.  Not like the laundry of today, where fresh water from a faucet treats each sorted load.  Aren’t we spoiled.

  We have been limping along with our suppers since the leftovers from Mother’s Day have been used up.  Tonight there is an Alfredo chicken pasta dish for our oven meal.  Yum.  We spent just enough time in the house to swap out the laundry and put the oven meal together.  I worked on raking out the dirt in what was the Koi pond and Dennis is giving some of our lawn chairs a fresh coat of paint.  I need to search the internet as we will be putting in one or two miniature shrubs into the new dirt.

  Always busy here on Stauffer.  It makes for a sweet life being stewards of more than either one of us could ever have anticipated.  Thanks be to God.

   
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  Noreen 4:02 pm on May 15, 2021 Permalink  

  A True Spring Day 

  75 degrees is quite telling that spring is here.

  Dennis and I made a short trip to Fairfax to see the building that Kevin and Kersten have purchased for Kevin’s repair shop.  I can tell you that it is huge with plenty of room for repairs of multiple types.  Amazing items from days of old ready to continue being viable. Hats off to our small town businesses.

  As we drove to and from, there was no farming going on in the fields.  Hard to believe that such a wacky spring has allowed for the field work to be done with corn seen in the rows.

  Not much brewing on our home front this weekend.  It does feel good to enjoy a sit on the patio and take in a breeze and watch the traffic.  I did get the sewing studio’s floor vacuumed.  Yup, I am getting closer to getting a project going.  Its easier to sink my teeth in when all has been made ready and tidy.  

  Enjoy what the Lord has made available to us in time, energy and opportunity . . . it is priceless.

   
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  Noreen 1:07 pm on May 14, 2021 Permalink  

  Bubbles Everywhere 

  Dennis found the cheapest laundry soap possible in the Family Dollar store.  A container filled with soap and attached to the garden hose puts Mr. Clean to shame.  Stauffer Avenue is gravel.  Not much more is needed to be said.  We have, as of this morning, wonderful lavender smelling bubbles all around the garage, the patio porch and the potting shed.  Talk about spring cleaning.  As the water and soap combination hits the siding, rivulets of muddy water are running.  With a switch of a lever the rinse ensues.  I marvel at Dennis’ strong arms to keep at it.  His legs mandate the breaks.

  As I was in and out, I realized how few lilac blooms we have this year.  It isn’t just our yard.  On either side of us, the blooms are scarce.  Earlier in the year, we had unseasonably warm weather followed by freezing cold and snow.  Mother Nature has a way of putting her foot down.  The perennials are slowly looking as if they will participate in this spring.  Some are just inches tall while some are beating their core stems to reach tall.

  With the challenges that our earlier months gave us, we are on board having our home and yard up to snuff.  How wonderful is that!  Our calendar had been super full with my PT appointments, both of our dental appointments and Dennis’ two cataract surgeries.  Next week . . . there is nothing on the calendar.  Sweet!  We are going to enjoy this while it lasts.  

  Good grief May is half over.