Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 4:34 pm on February 15, 2021 Permalink  

  A Bit Longer 

  With full sun shining, I stretched my walk time a bit longer.  The strength in the legs needs to be amped up for the time when I don’t need to be wearing all the heavy clothing.  Stauffer Avenue is still packed ice and walking on it would not be wise.  Enough of the street that runs west of us has clear concrete in the center of it.  No one could miss my white hat and red gloves as I walk our drive and then head north on the street.  The secret is getting out in the middle of the street in the late forenoon or mid afternoon, traffic is less than earlier or later.

  I did work in the sewing studio to prepare for machine quilting.  My trusty 1962 Mary Proctor ironing board can be lowered or raised for ease of use.  Today I lowered it so it will be butted up to the sewing machine and be the same height as the bed of the sewing machine.  It will definitely take the weight of the quilt off as I move it back and forth . . . north and south and east and west.  I am still in the pondering process before going forward.  

  It is a blessing to have the threads and fuzz in the basement.  Even when Kevin and Carrie were tots, I had a sewing area in the basement of the farm house.  We had fixed up a play room in the basement complete with paneled walls and carpeted floor.  The kids had a television, a soft sofa and even an overstuffed chair as well as toy bins.  My sewing area was right around the corner and next to that was the fruit cellar.  The sewing room was large enough for the fly shuttle rug loom and my Sears sewing machine.  The entire family spent goodly time in the basement.  Nothing fancy but I could keep an eye on the kids, have the washer and dryer running and get some stitching done.  In the evenings after the livestock chores Orlin often worked off a yard or two on the rug loom while I sewed.  The rug loom brought in a few coins.  We charged $.10 an inch for those that brought over their own balls of sewn carpet rags.

  Sewing, threads and fuzz has always been in my life.  Lena was a good teacher.  I hope to continue with my passion for some time to come.  Right now in retirement, it brings a balance to my life,  especially during the winters.  Sweet.

  We are rounding the corner with the below zero temps.  It has been such a Godsend that the winds were not in the mix as well as very little snow to pile up or blow.  Yup . . . blessings abound.  I have a sweet life and send thanks upon my rising and upon my slumber time as I am anticipating a bit longer in life.

   
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  Noreen 4:45 pm on February 14, 2021 Permalink  

  February 14h 

  Happy Valentine’s Day to my peeps.  What is more striking is that the month of February is half gone and spring will be here is some thirty days.  Lots to look forward to as we enjoyed some heart shaped cookies today.

  I did suit up for a few laps on the drive.  On the second lap I realized I had forgotten to acknowledge the grease zerks in my titanium knees.  Yup, I felt those knees and two laps were enough.  

  The sun was powerful today.  With the south windows allowing all those rays, I did sit in the west porch and read for some time this forenoon.  If Dennis’ three kitties would have been allowed in the house, they would have been vying for those windowsills.  I looked out the east bathroom window and checked on Dennis in his rocking chair in the patio porch.  With snowmobile boots on and the hood up on his heavy duty jacket . . . Dennis is persevering but not to the huge allotment of time as usual.  Come on, -19 and wind chill at -41, the warmth of our 70 degree home is hard to beat.

  Over the last several days I have the next machine quilted project to put under the needle.  On social media I belong to a group that has the 700 series of Bernina sewing machines.  It is pretty amazing that you can ask opinions and questions from people around the world in regard to what they have under the needle. 

  With this project I am using Odif 505, a temporary basting adhesive for the sandwiching of the backing, batting and pieced top.  As per many quilters, it is achievable to manhandle various sizes of quilts and have it retain those three layers consistently.  Some have used it for king size, 99′ x 109″ and all has held.  It does not stick to the needle as the sewing is done.  It sure beats hand basing or the ever arduous safety pins.   My project is 72″ x 82″ . . . a bit larger than some of my past items.  This is the project I went to Sherburn for to purchase the backing.  There was enough to add a border.  At that time I picked up a can of the 505.  Tomorrow I will check into thread color and what stitching design to use on this quilt.  No time frame, no pressure.  

  Dennis and I are each on our own for supper.  There is a can of Marie C’s chicken dumpling soup that has been brought up from the pantry.  I am thinking more on the lines of my grainy bread toasted with a side of cottage cheese with a dollop of the jellied cranberry that is left in the refrig.  There is something about that tangy cranberry and the creamy cottage cheese that rings a bell for me.  Dennis considers cottage cheese with sugar on it.  Not!

  I know everyone is anxious for warmer weather.  With anything in life, it’s painful to be patient but the rewards are and will be sweet.

   
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  Noreen 5:24 pm on February 13, 2021 Permalink  

  YouTube 

  This morning I did what I have promised myself for some time.  There were YouTube sites that I have made a note of in regard to stitching and machine embroidery.  As the skies decided if they were going to continue being gray while spitting out some snow, I logged on.

  There will always be someone that knows more than I could ever imagine to make the most of my sewing machine.  I may not implement what I watch but it does give me pause that I can stay as busy and creative as I want.  The joints in the finger and hands may not want to take part in my schemes . . . but I have controlling interest . . . so just buck it up.  We have much to accomplish over time.

  The mornings and afternoons are my best chance of using the computer on the first floor.  My trusty Dell that is in my sewing studio is still perking right along after thirteen years.  While I am in the sewing studio, it gets a regular workout.  Dennis has his schedule on the first floor computer as well after he has the kitties tucked in after supper.  What he enjoys is being able to lift his eyes a bit over the computer screen and take in what is on the RFD television channel.  I think it’s great that he wanders through his facebook, solitaire, cribbage and hearts on the computer.  It keeps him up to date on his family.  The card games are good for eye to brain to hand communication.

  We had a light dusting of snow that was through here by noon.  I took my turn at the leaf blower and we now have a clear and bare concrete drive, ready to do my laps.  The sun is out bright and I focus on that and leave the checking of outside temps for another day.  How could we not enjoy this day!  The Lord has allowed us to seek Him out for the encouragement and abilities that children of the “Old Adam” need.

   
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  Noreen 5:02 pm on February 12, 2021 Permalink  

  Telephones 

  I enjoyed the wall phones where there were six to eight on our line. There was a certain ring assigned to us.  Of course you could listen in to anyone of those on your line as the rings were heard by all.  It was a bit clumsy but it worked.  Not so in today’s world.

  In December I needed to get a new phone as there was no longer support for the 3G phones.  It’s been a pain to learn the aspects of it.  One thing I have enjoyed is the ability to block numbers.  The robo calls are so annoying.  It is surprising how much detail some of those callers have in regard to my life.  I don’t like it and I will continue blocking numbers until the cows come home.  My address book is very complete and those self same names come up when a phone call or a text message comes in.

  I still have answered some of the unknown calls as when appointments have been made for Dennis from various clinics, those callers have access to a lot of phone lines within their clinics.  

  We dropped our land line quite some time ago.  I admit, the amount of calls we were getting was working on my mental state.  The calls were able to strike nerves within me . . . not good.  I felt violated. 

  Telephones . . . you can’t live with them and you can’t live without them.  Such is the challenge of the average adult.

  We needed some groceries today.  Dennis drove.  I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving the car running while I was inside shopping and Dennis was able to sit and watch people come and go.  Our local grocery store has really jacked up the prices since we now only have one store in town.  Our Family Dollar store does give them a run for their money in many aspects.  We will soon have a second store of some type of dollar store moving in the huge Shopko location.  That will be interesting.  

  Dennis’ appetite is not always spot on.  It may take more pans and pots than is reasonable for the amount that he eats.  He believes that once a day, he has a hot meal.  I found out recently that a bowl of oatmeal did not qualify.  I did look today at the options in the freezer section of Lean Cuisine options.  Thinking that the serving size per box was reasonable.  I read the label . . . nope not going that route.  I will continue washing dishes including pots and pans and serve what I know has good nutrition and no additives.  As long as Dennis contributes one of his great oven dishes once in awhile and helps with cleaning up the dishes . . . we are going to be just fine.  I have no problem with leftovers.  Dennis can dish up as much of the leftover dish as he desires with a damp paper towel going over the plate and the microwave works its magic.

  The days are getting longer and we have had great sunshine . . . that trumps the cold.  The wind not blowing makes the cold bearable.  We did have a coating of snow.  Dennis was right out there with the leaf blower and the drive is clear of snow and I did enjoy several laps on the drive.  Hey!  90′ one way, it’s a good thing.

   
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  Noreen 5:19 pm on February 11, 2021 Permalink  

  Limits 

  Working towards using what I have on hand . . . there comes a time when I have reached my limit.  Putting together a pieced top for a utilitarian quilt is just that . . . a piece of this and a piece of that.  I have pieces of quilt batting that are going to suffice.  I have nothing to use for the backing.  Not enough of one fabric to make 77″ x 77″.  I have met my limit.  

  It may have been cold today.  In fact the entire way to the Old Alley Quilt Shop in Sherburn the register of outside temperature never went above -6.  No matter.  When I had mentioned to Dennis that I would be traveling out of the town, he didn’t bat an eye as he had plans for the afternoon.  The only stipulation was that I had to make sure I had my telephone with.

  When I got home at two this afternoon, I realized what Dennis’ plan had been for the afternoon.  We now have a pasta, tuna and pea casserole in the oven.  Sweet!

  We usually break for a three o’clock meeting at the dining room table.  Dennis and I have been having a vitamin drink every afternoon when the schedule suits.  Let me tell you, that schedule has not had to have been varied for a long time.  Dennis, at this time, usually has a lot to share as he has a captive audience . . . me.  Invariably, something on the rural television station that he and the kittens have enjoyed in the patio porch needs to be shared.  Why not!  I’ve got enough game that I can interject or ask questions.  The social life here during the covid has been drastically reduced, so we are wise enough to go our separate ways . . . me in the sewing studio and Dennis in the garage porch so we have news to bring to the table.  We are very social right here on Stauffer Avenue.

  Each day we get to choose how to enjoy ourselves and the other one across from the table.  It is so much easier to take each moment as it comes.  Moments in time cannot be rewound or repeated.  We don’t know how many moments we have so why waste them.  There is a limit in each of our lives.

   
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  Noreen 4:34 pm on February 10, 2021 Permalink  

  Feels Like the Usual 

  After a long spell of the cold temperatures, it begins to feel like the usual.  Having the sun shine in all its splendor does help.  The wind chimes have not dingle dangled in several days.

  The time was right to hit the dust bunnies and change out the bedding.  Dennis has full sunshine streaming into his south facing bedroom and it is quite toasty during the day.  My bed is on the north and west walls.   When I took off the quilt and sheets from the far corners, the bedding was definitely very cool to the touch.  Insulation is good but not 100%.

  The bright sun and the fact that the days are getting longer gives a lift to what may still come in the guise of winter. Dennis is out and about today visiting and running errands.  Dennis also knows that ignoring the cold does wonders for answering the call of getting out and about to see what is going on in town.  I know that Dennis will pick up Dwayne, stop at Casey’s for a cup of coffee for each of them and do a road trip here, there and anywhere where the little red pickup takes them.  It’s a good thing.

  I have had to shut down the laundry several times today as I was needed across town.  When a quilting project is hung up, I get the SOS.  Nephew Brett is spreading his wings and doing a king size quilt.  92″ x 110″ is huge.  Brett gets hung up on colors that work well together.  I have the time to help out and give encouragement.  His long arm quilter serves him well even if it takes him at least two hours to get the backing, batting and top rolled independent of each other before he can take a single stitch.  I am glad it’s him.  I am more apt to stick with 69″ x 75″ for myself.  As it was he will be going to Old Alley after wife, Molly, gets off work.  The 108″ x 108″ that he purchased for the back is not going to make it.  Good thing their hours on Wednesdays is until 7 p.m. 

  Life is good and getting a tap that I can help someone is sweet.  Loving and helping Dennis is wonderful but there is always more within me for others . . . just bring on the requests.

   
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  Noreen 5:02 pm on February 9, 2021 Permalink  

  Crisp Day 

  When I had gone for a quick walk down our drive and back it caught my breath.  Three laps and I was ready to hit the warmth of our home.  It is important for me to get fresh air, stretch my legs and pump my arms to get the blood going from top to bottom.  It will make taking longer walks much easier when the weather permits and I haven’t totally hibernated.

  In the winter of 1969-1970, we had weather much like this.  Brutal cold and we had had a lot of snow.  I remember it so clearly as Carrie was four and Kevin was not quite two.  We were in the process of dwindling down the count of dairy cows.  Our barns had young stock, chickens and lots if hogs.  

  Orlin came down with a really bad case of Shingles that winter.  They went from totally covering his back around to the one side of his front.  It was said that if they went completely around the body and met, it could be very serious.  I do not know if that is fact or fiction but at the time Orlin was in a lot of radiating pain.  Dr. Bretzke at the Hutch clinic prescribed an ointment that was much like clear nail polish to paint onto the sores and scabs.  Hopefully sealing off the Shingles would help the pain.  His best bet was resting in the quiet.

  I took on the chores.  My dad came over to help me with the milking, as my mom started the milking at their place.  Barn cleaning, throwing down silage and the rest of the feeding for chickens and hogs was not something foreign to me.  Our manure carrier had a knack of tripping itself and . . . sometimes not outside as it and me were heading to the manure stack in the cow yard. I was a farm gal and had been doing the chores routine right along with Orlin.  

  The two wee ones were on their best behavior as they had a fair amount of time on their own as Orlin rested in the upstairs bedroom.  The basement was off limits to them.  The stairwell to the second floor was off limits.  Kevin was guest to many of Carrie’s coffee parties as long as the Cheerios kept coming.  Snoopy, the dog, had a spot in the back entry and I know he was given special access while I would be outside.  What could it hurt and how could he resist with the temptation of a cookie that was dangled from the kitchen by the kids. I did come in often to check on them.  There was a spell of several hours over the noon hour that Orlin came down for soup and read a few stories as I got laundry and some house chores done.  No one went hungry.  Four in the afternoon was time to get suited up for the evening chores to begin so I would be ready for milking time.  Sometimes neighbor Ted Skolberg would come and help with milking so dad didn’t have to do double duty all the time.  My mom had really helped out by letting dad come over. 

  It all turned out quite well . . . everyone worked together.  Toward the end of the Shingles Orlin was on the first floor with the kids most of the day.  No one bled out that a band-aid couldn’t cure.  No one had any severe bangs and bruises.  It took two weeks and Orlin was back to feeling well enough to help me with the milking and just in time as the sows began farrowing.  

  I had Shingles several years ago and I am telling you, that the rest that was needed for Orlin to get back to feeling somewhat normal could have and should have been longer but for the call of livestock chores.

  It is amazing what can be tripped in memories by just having the cold air almost suck the breath right out of you.  I don’t know who I would be if I didn’t have sweet memories to remind me of what a great life I have had and still do have.

  We do go through events that I believe are meant to be.  It may seem a struggle at the time, but we need to face struggles for what may be coming.  One of my smart family members may have said this but it is ingrained in my brain . . . “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

   
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  Noreen 5:08 pm on February 8, 2021 Permalink  

  A Cold, Sunny & Great Day 

  As I did a few laps on the concrete drive, it did totally refresh me.  Stretching the legs and swinging the arms . . . it can’t do anything but help keeping mobile. 

  Today was the day to finish up a project that has been in the planning and making for several months.  There was no point rushing as I was not going anywhere.  Dennis and I have stayed close to home for a year.  Time does pass regardless if we are out and about or not.

  My Victorian Santa quilt is finished and Dennis helped me hang it in the sewing studio.  As long as those Santa images and I have been working together, I am going to enjoy them for a bit longer than what the season indicates.  It was a labor of intense thoughts and planning.  I didn’t want any aspect of the project to be settling for less than what I had set out to do.  I did spend three full days picking out stitches.  My first thought on quilting this went south.  Try, try, try again. 

  Spending time in quilting the red areas with red thread and the green areas with green thread while the entire back of the quilt was done with green thread to match the backing turned out great.  I didn’t want it to look over quilted.  I didn’t want to take away from the 25 images that I had printed out onto fabric.  I had my doubts if I could pull it off.  Time on each step was well worth it.  Nothing says contentment like putting the last of the stitches on the binding.  As I was doing the binding I also included a hanger as the top binding was stitched on.  

  I learned quite a bit with this project and had a lot of time to think on various items that were in no way related to sewing or quilting.  It was a twofer.  It was definitely a good experience.

  The last item on the agenda was cleaning the sewing machine and putting in a new needle.  I have an idea as to what will be on the church tables for the next go-round.  

  Using up what is on hand is my goal and thus far it has been working out.  Brett just delivered an arm full of batting that he has cut off of his log arm after his stitching projects. The timing of getting my batting adhesive from Amazon will have me putting together a good sized backing for the next “whatever.”

  The sun has power and with the south blinds opened each morning, they can really take a lot of chill off the house.

  Smile . . . Jesus loves us!

   
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  Noreen 5:36 pm on February 7, 2021 Permalink  

  Intense in Progress 

  I have been quilting for much of the day.  Taking breaks and doing a few laps up and down the drive.  90′ multiple times is doable.

  Dennis has been comfortable in the patio porch.  I realize his furnace may not shut down often out there.  You know what?  It’s still cheaper than spending our winter in the southern states and then sit and look at each other.  Dennis is content and happy . . . I am content and happy.  

  Dennis decided he would do supper this evening.  We enjoyed a small pizza from Casey’s . . . half taco and half meat lovers.  Sweet.

  Know that while I am cozy and comfy in my sewing studio, I do acknowledge and have empathy for the Monday morning worker bees.  Be safe and this too shall pass.

   
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  Noreen 5:13 pm on February 6, 2021 Permalink  

  Getting Closer 

  It may be a real chiller outside, but there is progress at Stauffer Avenue’s sewing studio.  As these days have progressed on a current project I have focused on the good aspects of my work and the good has gotten better.

  I really felt an attraction to the Victorian Santas and from there this project evolved.  Printing out the photos on fabric went very well.  Piecing the quilt top went very well.  As with any endeavor it is the final chapters that either makes or breaks a project so it is desirable to the eye.  In anticipation of the quilting it didn’t seem a good thing to quilt over the images of the Santas.  It would have taken away from them being the focal aspect of the quilt, but they also needed to be sewn for them to lay flat.  Whether I chose red thread, green thread or a beige thread . . . nothing spoke to me.

  I dug around in the thread stashes and found the Sulky invisible thread, much like a lightweight fishing line.  When I tried it on scraps, the bottom bobbin thread always poked through to the top with little dots of either red or green.  It took me quite some time to work with the sewing machine’s tension, top and bottom, to see what would happen if I used the invisible on the top and bottom.  Winding the Sulky invisible thread to a bobbin was quite the task for a smooth wrap.  Getting that thread in the top portion of the threading via the tension discs wasn’t bad.  Threading the needle dang near made me blind.  I thought I had the thread in my fingers heading for the eye of the needle . . . and nope nothing there.  Three times was the charm.  Quite the task for the ole gal.  

  So it has been decided.  I will use red thread for the half of the quilt blocks that have been pieced with red fabric to be quilted and then restring and do the remaining with green thread for the green blocks done with green fabric.  The third time will be quilting the Santa images with the invisible thread.  As I said the good just got a bit gooder, a new word for my spell check to concentrate on.

  It is cold and I was thankful that Dennis had the drive cleared down to bare concrete.  I did several laps up and down the drive to get some fresh air.   I think I did it more to clear my head.  I do talk to myself as I contemplate my next moves and the north wind took my words up and away.  

  Enjoy the weekend, regardless of the temps.  There is still good to come from having been given a day.  For myself, I need as many days as I can get for what I have planned.