Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 3:52 pm on December 7, 2020 Permalink  

  Radio and Sewing 

  I have taken to having the KNUJ am radio station on while sewing.  It has a variety of news and music.  I am amazed at how far out geographically their ads are collected from. Everything from manure spreaders to donations that can be made for the laundromat to one of the churches for those that need clean clothes but are short of resources.  I think that is wonderful.  Who doesn’t like clean clothes.

  One ad that brought a smile was for Long Branch Salon in Franklin.  Memories of the mid 60s flood back.  I am quite sure this is the same bar and grill that Richard Scheffler and Orlin would frequent on some of their trips to the Franklin elevator when they got corn for the beef cattle when we lived at Beaver Falls.  Franklin sold an awful lot of corn to Richard.  Richard spent an awful lot of money at the Long Branch.  Some of those nights got quite lengthy.  Orlin worked for his brother-in-law and was often the designated driver for Richard.  Carrie, who was born when we lived at Beaver Falls, many a night she and I would be sound asleep when Orlin came home.  One night about this time in December, Orlin came home with a pink stuffed teddy bear for Carrie.  Where on earth in the wide spot of the highway going through Franklin did Orlin find a teddy bear.  I am quite sure that 55 years later, that pink teddy bear with sewn on buttons for eyes is still in Carrie’s cedar chest.  Good times, good memories.

  As of today, the 25 Santa quilt blocks are ready to be joined together.  I may rearrange a few before they find themselves under the needle, but the gist pattern of the pattern rings true.  This was a fun challenging project.  The finished size will be 65″ x 65″ by the time the border is constructed and sewn on.  All lights are off in the sewing studio.  I have learned that when I get tired, I rest . . . I do not quit.  I believe that is the secret to all things.  I do not quit . . . I rest.  Quitting is final, resting is a mere pause. 

  Dennis has gone to have coffee at one of the apartment houses where his friend Lyle lives.  They all do social distancing and I don’t ask about the masks.  Ignorance can be bliss.

  Fog has been the usual today.  Gray brings on the evening darkness sooner than I would like.  Hmm.  In the scheme of things, it really doesn’t physically impact me . . . more a state of mind.  Oh that sweet mind of mine.

   
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  Noreen 5:03 pm on December 6, 2020 Permalink  

  A Busy Day 

  Today I spent some hours in the sewing studio.  Out of 25 blocks to piece, I have five remaining.  When the back started feeling tight, all was shut down for the day.  Too much of a good thing will have payback later on.

  JoAnn cued us in on some soup mix, Shore Lunch.  Today I mixed up a batch of Chicken Noodle.  I had leftover chicken from the other night also with some corn and added it to the noodle, carrot and peas that were freeze dried.  8 cups of  boiling water and it was soup on its way.  It smells wonderful and supper is underway.

  We have had the Christmas tree up since Thanksgiving and it had been out in the west porch.  I decided to make room for it in the living room and today it was decked out with decorations.  A pencil thin, seven foot tree is not the easiest to decorate and the branches are not very long.  I think it turned out great.  Many of my decorations will have to wait for next year when they get to take a turn.  I am short of flat spots for my Nativity sets.  

  It is five and it is dark out.  After supper I will be doing a stint in my chair and the heating pad on my back.  Priceless.

  A new week awaits and so does more wonderful weather.  Enjoy and know that no matter what our day brings, we do not walk alone.  An extra hand that can be felt on our shoulder brings support and peace.

   
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  Noreen 3:55 pm on December 5, 2020 Permalink  

  No Time for Sewing 

  I think it has been a week since I have had the sewing machine running.  My idea is to get all the “have tos” done and then I will play with the sewing machine.  With this Indian Summer, there seems to be odds and ends to do or help out Dennis with outside.  I am more than happy to help.  Whatever can be taken care of in the potting shed, the garage work bench or in the patio porch without getting fingers cold . . . I am all in.  In short time we had Dennis’ tick list completed.  He headed for the rocking chair in the patio porch and I headed in to see what Saturday work needed attention.

  With a forced-air furnace and flannel bedding . . . there is no short supply of lint and fuzz in the house.  Once Dennis was finished outside he came in looking to see what he could help with.  He took a swipe at the new litter of dust bunnies under the beds while I stripped the beds and headed for “day two” in the laundry.  I remember what Carrie once told me about toilet paper.  Charmin is the lintiest of any other brand.  I concur. The sun streamed into the octagon window in the bathroom while I was tending the washing machine that we have in the bathroom. The oak mopboard woodwork had a soft white layer of Charmin lint.  At the time, Charmin was all our local store had and beggars can’t be choosy. 

  We had an abundance of coolers and cold packs that we had used when our new refrigerator was in transit and while it had a chance to cool.  Today was time to take the cold packs back down into the basement refrigerator. 

  What came flooding back to me was about 1974, we were living in a comfortable mobile home outside of Buffalo Lake.  Orlin worked shift work at 3M and there were 3M products available to employees.  With two kids it’s amazing how much Scotch tape can be gone through.  What was also a good product were the gel-packs that could be kept in the refrigerator for aiding when there were boo-boos.  There was a certain day when things went south.  One of the gel-packs had been used on Kevin the night before when we tucked him into bed.  Before I got it retrieved the next morning to put it back in the refrigerator, Kevin decided to see how much pressure could be put on the expandable soft pouch.  We found out that they do not take kindly to having a kid jump off of the bed and onto the gel-pack.  If you don’t experiment . . . it will always haunt you.  A very different product to clean up after.

  Often, in what might seem to be mundane household chores for me, those memories sneak back that make me chuckle out loud. Priceless.

  Our Saturday is winding down and it has been a satisfying day.  Any day that has produced local effort enhances our general well-being.  Dennis does often comment that every day something comes up to keep him busy, and . . . Dennis knows when I spy with my little eye something that has gone undone, I am happy getting after it to the best of my ability.  Hey, if I let one or two items go, and before you know it, I can feel overwhelmed.  Never fear, I don’t run out of things to do, that’s not the way of owning a home.

   
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  Noreen 3:57 pm on December 4, 2020 Permalink  

  ‘Oh Let the Sunshine In’ 

  Thank you, thank you, thank you . . . for such a wonderful day!  We must have been good somewhere along the lines to have this wealth of weather.  

  I do have a situation with being more warm blooded than the ole cowboy.   Today I made sure Dennis was comfortable in the patio porch and then there were two windows that were sprung open . . . one on the east end of the house and the other on the west end.  I was taking advantage of the nice weather and washing up some jackets that we won’t need until spring.  Mom, Lena, would have been doing the very same thing.  Yuck, to tucking away clothing that has not been washed.  I never realize how much I had learned from Mom.  In fact I am still learning at my tender age of 76 and Dennis is not a slow learner by any means.  Bless his heart.

  As me and the washing machine were having a relationship, Dennis offered to peel potatoes for supper.  Now that is romantic.  Dennis’ job jar is quite empty at the moment and I appreciate the help.  Every little bit helps and he knows that I am right there when he needs his shirts buttoned for him.  Hmm.  Both of us should have been kinder to our bodies when we were younger.  

  It does remind me that in life there is no growth without struggle.  I plan on having the marks on my door frame continue to indicate growth.  I am up for the struggle.

  The weekend is upon us and with all that seems to be needed to yet be done for working families, this is the best of the month thus far for mild conditions outside.  I am selfish, I want more of the same.

   
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  Noreen 4:14 pm on December 3, 2020 Permalink  

  One More Wow 

  It has been a string of items that needed to be taken care of here on Stauffer.  I hope we are finished for the year of 2020.

  Within a short time, we have had the Cub tractor repaired and up and running, getting the new hot water heater, a new refrigerator and today . . . oh my gosh . . . Grammie had to get a new phone.  We had planned on going to Mankato today and the first stop was Best Buy.  75% of the time I did not have any connection to towers.  Last night I did some looking online and the 3G was scheduled sunset and had an extension going to the end of December of 2020 . . . Hey that’s my connection to family, medical etc.

  A young fellow by the name of Dylan spent 1.45 hours with me in Best Buy.  I still have a Tracfone – 4G, cost $39.99 plus tax.  I can still buy my minutes one year at a time, I have all my contacts moved over to the new phone and the key pad is much more user friendly.  I am not sure how long I have had this phone, it was from Kevin and Kersten.  This evening I will sit down and read the book and get familiar.  It can’t be too difficult as I have already received a call on it and answered a text on it.  Grammie has got this.

  While Dennis was waiting for me in Best Buy, he looked the store over.  His purchase for the day was a new radio for his garage shop.  As I have used mine in the sewing studio, he realized it would be nice to have a radio while he is at a project of his own.  For $43.00 plus tax, Dennis was happy.

  The best part of the day was that we both had pedicures.  Oh my gosh!  We were way overdue.  I dropped something very heavy on my left foot years ago and it really messed up my toenails.  I came away walking on air.  A simple treat that feels oh so good.  It is the best $25.00 I could spend on myself.

  The treat was a snack on the way home of cookies and coffee.  We do not miss eating out in restaurants.  

  I am kind of thinking the “Wows” are just about over with.  I do need to take my car in and have the right front strut taken care of.  I have the parts warranty so that will take some of the sticker shock off.  An appointment needs to be made for that as well as an appointment at Bird Island for my sewing machine.  It’s a yearly date that I keep so it stays tuned up and the stitching at will can continue.   Now all I need is for the weather to stay mild.  

  So folks, that is what can happen in short order when we think we have all bases covered . . . NOT!  May the sunset cause you to have had a day that brought as least one smile to you.  Going to bed, you need not take any “less than good” concerns with you.  Tomorrow is time enough to start a new day with new energy and thoughts. So says the Grammie.

   
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  Noreen 4:02 pm on December 2, 2020 Permalink  

  Wow 

  Today as promised Dan’s from Fairmont was here with the new refrigerator. 

  I have no idea how much it took to get the old one in place 18 years ago.  Dan’s had to take off the doors to get it out of its space by the attic stairs.  The second fellow was taking the front screen door closure off and pocketing screws.  Out the old refrigerator went into the sunshine. I was scurrying around cleaning up the area of the floor, the woodwork and the walls where the behemoth had sat for many years.  

  The next step was . . . the new refrigerator would not fit coming into the house via the front door.  The back wooden door needed to be taken off its hinges and the kitchen counter needed to be removed.  I did get the hint that this was not the usual and customary install that these two fellows were expecting.  Hey . . . small homes have resources to spend for updating appliances and installers beware.

  After they had said their goodbyes, the doors on both ends of our home were back to operational.  The entire length of our home was moved about and we did catch a few dust bunnies in the operation.  We were so thankful there had not been any snow or ice during this install.  Dennis helped getting the living room furniture put back in place and I took the front porch items to be put back to it’s original.  Our kitchen looked like a food pantry had gone wild.  We gave the new refrigerator the allotted time to cool and we had a cup of coffee. Unpacking the coolers was the last Hurrah.  

  What a great feeling to have a refrigerator that has the freezer on the bottom.  No more having to use a long handled shoe horn to pull out items from the back of the refrigerator shelves.  My shoulders are thankful.  

  We are on to taking the rest of the day easy after getting an update and getting some tidying up as well.

   
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  Noreen 3:57 pm on December 1, 2020 Permalink  

  Fog on the Brain 

  It’s going to be a challenging day when I didn’t get the coffee pot seated correctly in the coffee maker and there are grounds and coffee spilling onto the kitchen cupboards welcoming the first few minutes out of bed.

  Dennis was off to Mankato early this morning as his CPAP machine didn’t work for last night’s slumber.  I thought I had heard some blips the night before.  The machine was pulsing as if it were hyperventilating.  It didn’t give Dennis a chance to take in a breath as usual.

  Daughter Carrie came from the metro and she was here by 9:30.  Ah, yes . . . . there are some households that do get up right after the crack of dawn.  We got caught up on the family’s activities.  Carrie works full time at Hobby Lobby and our JR. in high school works part time at Hobby Lobby.  The most crushing bit of update for me from Carrie was that Megan was a JR in high school.  What did I do with that missing year.  I had her as a Sophomore.   

  Someone left the pasture gate open today.  Brett has been here, Dwayne is having coffee with Dennis in the patio porch this afternoon and Carrie left for home at 1:30.  That’s a lot of activity for us.  

  Hmm, it has already been announced that Christmas will be as Thanksgiving . . . no family gatherings.  No one could be with family on Thanksgiving but they could all pile into a big box store the day after.  Go figure.  There is talk of the schools being closed down until the first of January.  I pray that there is not a lockdown of retail.  Winter season means heating bill season and our working people in retail can’t go without income.  Enough of that stuff.

  Dennis has already brought in coolers for me to use tomorrow morning in preparation for the old refrigerator to be moved out and the brand new one coming in.  There is even a notation on the invoice that the owner would like time to tidy up during the switch.  Yup!

  It is cool out, but man oh man, this weather is so appreciated.  I am not a total scaredy-cat . . . but close on roads with ice and snow.  

  Without mistakes I wouldn’t learn to do better.  I will check the coffee pot hereafter.

   
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  Noreen 5:09 pm on November 30, 2020 Permalink  

  Fingers Don’t Always Work 

  Nothing tells me that I need to take it slow as having to put in a password three times before success.  Silly old fingers.

  Yesterday I did help Dennis take care of the rocks that had made up our Koi pond.  Not going to accept the invitation for such duty again.  If I had not, I knew Dennis wouldn’t back off and he would have tackled it on his own.  The saving grace was that I had physical therapy this afternoon.  I was not scolded by Mike T.  His thought was, if we don’t participate in what comes up each day, we will soon cease participation and that would be worse on my general health.  

  This morning I did awake and realizing that many had not, hell, I had a day to enjoy.  Each day is different for me and I am up for it.  As long as I don’t have a broken bone or a limb out of place, it’s a good time to be had.  

  Dennis found tree limbs that had blown down during the 30 mph winds of Sunday and there was a burning ring going this afternoon.  I know Dennis hurts every day from the neuropathy in his hands and feet . . . so the two of us go forward.  Not fast forward but it sure beats going backward.  I don’t envy anyone and I don’t want anyone to envy me.  Each of us are given a path by our Lord and Savior and no questions are needed.  What I have within me is more than some could ever hope for.  What I have in material goods is more than some could ever hope for.  I love our little forever home and it suits me just fine even if the dust bunnies would like more area to hide in.

   
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  Noreen 4:46 pm on November 29, 2020 Permalink  

  Sunday the 29th of Nov. 

  Not much left of this month.  There might have been a bit more left of it if the winds had backed off.  During the night the roar of the north winds made me wonder if my bedroom porch could hang on.

  It may not have been as warm as it was yesterday, but each day that brings the sun with no snow or ice is a gift.

  What a gift when Dennis called me out to the garage and the Cub tractor was idling and purring like one of the garage cats.  The second stringer, Randy, had his mission completed.  Before we park the tractor in the back garage, Dennis needs to visit the parts store tomorrow for some JB radiator additive.  There is a pin hole in the radiator and Randy said this particular product is the best for the job.  My oh, my.  During these last months, I admit, I was a doubting Thomas, if the tractor would have another life to be mowing our back acre area. 

  Dennis has quite of bit of tools to put back where they belong and soon the little red pickup will be able to be parked in its garage once again.  This was the longest that it has sat outside since we got it.  It has also been the longest that the garage cats have not been up in the rafters of the garage.  

  The next best thing of today is that all of the rock from the Koi pond have found a new home.  I could not believe how our two-wheel trailer filled up.  I still have some decorative rocks under the Lilacs.  There is an emotional attachment to those as I remember where we had traveled to pick them up.  

  Next spring after all the snow has thawed and the water has been removed from the pond, the rubber bladder will be removed and we will fill the area with dirt.  The first layer of pavers of the pond had the patio poured around it.  I believe after we fill it with dirt, there will be a step up into the area and I can foresee two shrubs that are shade tolerant.

  This I know for a fact: Common sense is not a gift, it is a punishment because you have to deal with those that don’t have it.  It is exhausting! This is a true story.

   
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  Noreen 4:01 pm on November 28, 2020 Permalink  

  What a Great Day 

  It may have started a bit on the chilly side but the glorious sun won out.  Today the second string was called in for the Cub tractor repair.  Dennis’ pal Dwayne left yesterday and the look on his face was crushing.  He had run into something in the electrical harness that he couldn’t figure out on the 52-year-young tractor. 

  Our neighbor Randy has worked for John Deere since he graduated from high school.  Randy is now 60.  Early on, Randy offered to help Dennis.  Dennis needed to allow Dwayne the chance to help as he had owned his own tractor shop, and there were many hurdles that were crossed in this repair that Dwayne had worked through.  Seeing the two 84-year-old fellows bent over, head to head working together was special. 

  Randy was over by nine this morning.  Many trips were made around our picket fence as he retrieved tools from his garage for the task.  At three this afternoon, when Dennis came in for a break, the electrical portion of the repair was completed and working.  Wow!  The next item was putting the gas tank back on.  We know that Randy won’t accept any payment, but I also know Dennis . . . he will make it right.  After all . . . it’s Ho, Ho, Ho season.

  In between time, the pickup has the two-wheel trailer hooked up and all the Koi pond rocks have been loaded.  That is truly the indication we have had a great run these last 25 years and the Koi season is no more.  My sister-in-law JoAnn reports that the fish like being on the farm awaiting the next season.  

  I have pulled a tote from my closet and am slowly getting out some very special items for my Christmas decorations.  The only thing holding me back going full bore is the fact that Wednesday when our refrigerator is delivered, the area from the front door through the house needs to be cleared for delivery people.  I know, it’s still early for Christmas, but is it really?  It’s a special feeling when I can put decorations out that I have an emotional attachment to.

  I did get out our old food chopper.  We had lean pork roast left and putting it through the food chopper makes the best sandwich spread.  I realize that the new food choppers are quick and easy but my kitchen is too small for any extra appliances.  This oldie but goodie needs a strong arm to crank and Dennis did a great job of it. 

  Enjoy this bounty of great weather.  After having two huge snow dumps prior and ending up with no snow to be seen anywhere, this is truly a gift to be thankful for.