Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:26 pm on May 27, 2020 Permalink  

  Truman Lumberyard Trip 

  It was planned to get the 1″ x 4″ lumber home for the garage work.  June is right around the corner for our handyman to come on over!  As our lone lumberyard has been for sale for some time, there hasn’t been any new product coming in.  The one 1″ x 4″ x 8′ board that Dennis brought home from this lumberyard for $6.00 looked like beavers had had their way with it.

  Fifteen miles to the south we headed to Truman’s lumberyard.  What a great layout.  In one of the offices we had a chance to visit with Vaughn.  Vaughn had worked at the Overson lumber yard in St. James before they took bankruptcy last year.  Vaughn also owns a rental house that butts up to our acre.  It felt comfortable to make a purchase this morning.  When the yard worker brought out our 10′ boards to the pickup, all I could say was . . . “Oh my gosh, they are beautiful.”  The yard worker commented that they handle #2 pine.  I took that as a good thing.  We were pleasantly surprised that the price for the eight 10′ boards was $40.19.  Yup, we are totally prepared.  Dennis will go to our local stores for odds and ends that the handyman may need.  The high end items are on site.

  We enjoyed coming back to St. James via the back roads which took us right through South Branch where my family had lived when Carrie and Kevin were in their high school years.  Our building site that we had cleared the grove out and kept it mowed is totally obliterated and overgrown with . . . everything.  Too sad.

  Today in the mail I received the update from Medicare in relation to the cost I have incurred to date for medications.  The cost to me thus far was a whooping $6.20.  My blood pressure pills are the only prescription meds that I take and it runs about $2.00 plus for three months.  I feel fortunate when I see the bag of pills some pick up and pay for.

  I visited the vacant home a bit north of us as the owner, Roger, was mowing his folks’ lawn.  I asked if it was okay to pull some rhubarb.  I now have washed and chopped one bag in the freezer for a crumble dessert and one pan in the oven of the crumble dessert.  Dennis is quite sure that it will be cool enough for a dish topped with some ice cream by eight this evening.  He is most likely correct.

   
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  Noreen 4:59 pm on May 26, 2020 Permalink  

  Big Trip 

  We headed to Mankato today to visit Home Depot.  List in hand, stimulus money tucked in the wallet, ready to seek and search.  

  I had really read a lot about exterior paint.  I feel confident that the Behr product will serve our old garage well.  The garage was initially constructed with pallets that were in the area after World War II.  There have been many band aids applied over the years.  We believe there are many years of service yet to be gleaned.  Dennis and I have promised each other that when this coat of paint begins to go shabby, there will be permanent siding put on the walls.  We had the garage jacked up quite a few years ago to add 12″ concrete blocks on the foundation.  The gravel floor that had been in the pickup garage then became a beautiful concrete floor that attached the pickup garage to the car garage.  I remember when Kevin cut a doorway to open up access to both garages.  Oh for memories.

  We found everything on our list.  The plastic shutters are on order.  12″ x 80″ to put on both sides of the three sets of patio slider doors. We talked about that quite a bit.  The ones that had been on were of course lightweight formed vinyl.  They had been removed several times as the siding on the patio porch needed painting.  Each time they were removed the brittle vinyl that had experienced every bit of cold and hot temps possible.  They held up and the bucks and cracks were ignored for another decade of use.  The shutters really dressed up the patio porch and it tied in well with the house windows that sport shutters.  The end result of us two old timers’ thoughts . . . we want to keep the property up and looking like those who live here care about their home. So be it!

  When we got home, Dennis had a letter from the DMV.  His application for the enhanced driver’s license needed more proof of his residency.  Hmm.  Of course our courthouse is closed but the phones are still working.  I knew Jessica from when I was at the courthouse.  This time I had “people.”  Jessica looked up the info.  My information flew like a cloud and my license was issued to be mailed to me on May 21st of last week.  What had happened to Dennis’ as we both had submitted identical info . . . who knows.  We were standing right next to each other.  Jessica was able to copy our real estate taxes to submit that as well as his voting info.  I thanked her dearly as we don’t need to make an appointment to come into the courthouse.  Jessica said it has been very difficult serving the people during this time.  

  I call this a successful day.  Now if the rain showers would just settle down and things could dry up a bit.  For what it is worth . . . life throws us a curve once in a while with checks and balances with paperwork.  It takes patience and understanding and time.  I have been on the other end and I know no one purposely causes issues.  When you mix humans and computers . . . there is bound to be a glitch sooner or later.

   
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  Noreen 4:23 pm on May 25, 2020 Permalink  

  Pacing Myself 

  It’s a holiday to many.  Today is a day for me to keep moving.  It’s the best health tip of the day.

  This winter when Dennis fed the deer under the Maple tree, we were showing a good crop of greenery among the Hosta.  No . . . I didn’t get it all taken out, but I did get the black soil showing in a fairly large spot. We had five inches of rain last week and now with another four tenths over the last two days . . . it’s a bit wet and muddy in some spots.  After I needed to put on a lighter weight and cooler shirt, it was time for a break on the patio.  

  It didn’t take long and we had Harriet and Snuggles lying under our lawn chairs. They also needed a break.  I was surprised how much traffic there was and it was enjoyable to sit back, take it in and have the scent of Lilacs drift by.

  After a lengthy break and having had a good lunch, I had one spot on the patio porch that needed some TLC in regard to scraping paint.  With that done, I do believe I am done scraping and steel brushing paint chips.  I have been working on that project over the last three weeks.  A little bit at a time and it counts up.  Didn’t hurt myself doing it and now it is done . . . ready for the next step.  I will admit that paying someone for work that I can do, doesn’t make much sense.  I have more time than money.

  Dennis had wanted to go to Mankato today for supplies.  I felt we needed a break at home.  Dennis has been on the go for several weeks with staining whatever surface he could find that could use Cedar stain. We now have a stained bench, a post with a decorative piece of garden art on it, a hefty wood bridge in the backyard as well as Roger the Moose made out of a cedar power pool.  It all looks as if someone cares to keep things tidy . . . and Dennis does it well.

  Dennis had dug through the salvage yard of our fellow that does field tiling for some scraps to help out as tree surrounds to guard against rabbits that love to chew on bark.  Dennis scored and the hand off was well received and appreciated.  When I take notice the legs are a bit wobbly on the ole cowboy, especially after climbing off and on the Cub-Lo-Boy for mowing the acre, it’s time for some rocking chair time in the patio porch watching the Rural Farm Channel.  Pacing Dennis is just as important as it is pacing myself.  Knowing the limits is important for both of us. It’s not much fun shopping for supplies in Home Depot if one is tuckered. Dennis has learned the joys of riding the battery-driven shopping carts and Home Depot will be open tomorrow.  

  It’s the end of the day and I will comply with Dennis’ request for a light supper . . . a fried egg sandwich with a dish of vanilla ice cream to follow into the evening.  Sweet!

   
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  Noreen 5:54 pm on May 24, 2020 Permalink  

  Quiet Day 

  We had a day that was quiet.  One delivery to make and then Dennis just wanted to take a drive, and drive we did.  It was good to check on crops in the Redwood Falls area and all points until we got back home.  There was very little traffic considering it was a holiday weekend.

  It looks like rain and the air is heavy.  Yup . . . these two older ones were due for a quiet day.

   
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  Noreen 4:04 pm on May 23, 2020 Permalink  

  A Day Fit for A King & Queen 

  It started out as a damp wet morning.  It didn’t surprise me when Dennis came in from the patio porch and headed for his recliner.  It did feel like a blah day.

  For my part I was on a mission.  I had bought a new shower liner some time back.  Today was the day to get Mr.Clean out as I wanted to make sure all soap scum was out of the tub.  Can’t put up a new shower curtain if the tub doesn’t spit and shine.  The fiberglass tub can always use a good going over.  I can understand the fiberglass being used to the degree that it is, but . . . nothing beats the old cast iron tub with the enamel finish, as long as it is intended to stay in one spot forever.  

  The surround of our tub has always had a glass-like finish.  When Kevin installed it years ago, I got the message loud and clear.  Water spots are not desirable.  We have done a great job.  No water spots.  It only takes a minute after each use and it is a lot easier to do it often rather than a entire day’s worth of waging war on the drops.  The actual tub itself has a finish that has become a bit yellow over the decades.  Clean as you might, it is what it is.  Today as Mr. Clean and I were done,  I asked Dennis for some of his car wax.  I can tell you that now the fiberglass shines like the best enamel that ever lined a cast iron tub.

  Long about three this afternoon, the sun came out.  Dennis checked and when he saw I had conquered wiping off all the car wax from the tub and I had caught my breath, he started hemming and hawing around. Cutting to the chase he wanted to know if I would buy into helping to mow the acre.  Why not!  I felt grubby and sweaty, what was a few more events for the day.

  This was the third time we have mowed and in these last seven days, it was the heaviest cutting yet.  The push mower did a half swat in several places.  To Dennis’ credit, the acre needed it.  All is good and when we see our accomplishments, it takes away all the weariness.  After all, it is Saturday.  Saturday’s have always been the day of the week when the head goes down and you don’t come up for air until the chore is done.  Had we left the mowing until Monday we would have had to have someone with a baler come in.

  More traffic is abound.  People are tired of being cooped up.  Have a safe weekend.

   
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  Noreen 2:29 pm on May 22, 2020 Permalink  

  Preparing 

  Dennis and I continue to prepare for the garage updating.  Slowly but surely, the scrapping continues.  Today was the west side of the patio porch, that is attached to the garage, that got some TLC.  Over time, there have been multiple layers of caulk that seem to have found their way where the lumber meets the concrete of the patio.  Taking out the trail of old caulk was not easy and we got 97.9% off.  We will have paintable silicon caulk to begin fresh when it is time.  

  We have taken a good look as to what needs to be done prior to paint.  The horizontal corner boards of our project are due to be replaced as some are literally rotting away from the bottoms up.  We don’t plan on taking the old boards off until our fellow is on board to begin work.  Mr. Moody is still on track for the work toward June first.  Last week Dennis went up to our local lumberyard for a 1 x 4 pine board.  Not intending it for any specific place, but to have one on hand.  I couldn’t believe what he paid money for.  I gently questioned Dennis and he said all the boards looked the same. Oh my gosh!  We have decided to count up the number of boards that we will need on the entire project and make a trip to Truman to their lumberyard.  When Overson Lumber closed here in town last year, the fellow that we know well from Overson’s went to work in Truman.  We are hoping to improve the garage and the scabby board from Bolin Lumber would need to be sanded before we could use it.  No thank you! I have also noted at Bolin that their overhead door is open many times during winter for the entire day as it is the entrance to the lumber.  There on the shelves sit the gallons of paint.  Paint exposed to sub-zero temps . . . not what I would buy.  I have checked online numerous times and I believe we will be buying our exterior paint at Home Depot.  The Behr brand is touted as an excellent paint/primer all in one.  

  Taking a break on the garage work, I couldn’t help but take notice of the plants that have enjoyed the rain and the cool weather to come into their own.  The area under the Lilacs is filling in beyond expectations.  I also took notice that the seasons of using granules for weed control is showing good  carry-over.  What is interesting is where Dennis’ hay bale was for feeding the deer is sprouting up a good crop of greenery.  I will take that in stride and see where it leads among the Hosta.

  The long weekend is upon us and I am sure that what it offers is quite different from other years.  I am patiently awaiting for Great Clips to open in Mankato.  Now there is what I will call an important holiday for me.  Tee Hee!

   
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  Noreen 3:28 pm on May 21, 2020 Permalink  

  Perennials are Amazing 

  I had said all winter that I would not be participating in gardening this year.  Well, well. The perennials must have heard me as they seem to be doing quite well on their own.  The Bleeding Hearts, white and pink are in full bloom.  The Fern Peonies are right on track for Memorial Day blossoms.  The areas where there are Hosta are coming into their own.  Where the favorite trail of the winter deer was, they are a bit late, but nonetheless perking up.

  I cannot help but wanting to be outside when it is nice.  There is more to being outside than pushing a lawnmower or lugging a lightweight trimmer around.  I pluck at a weed here.  I pluck at a weed there.  Neighbor Jan is out in her yard and it is contagious.  What I have held true to is not purchasing any additional plants.  What we have that has come up is enough.  

  I could swear that there is a wet mist in the air.  I knew rain was in the forecast for tomorrow.  It is 60 degrees out with 75% humidity.  I do see quite a few walking with jackets on.

  Today is Thursday and Thursdays are a good day to be thankful that the weekend is almost here.  With the Memorial Day Monday, the long weekend will be enjoyed by many.  For Dennis and I, it won’t feel any different as we are on holiday every day.  That is not to say that we take our days for granted.  We keep moving and as we have said before, “How can some retired folks say they get bored!”

  There has been a seasoned pork roast in the crockpot since I got up this morning.  There have been groups of folks getting together and doing their own hog butchering from farmers that have given the hogs away.  We know of two different groups of people that have made a weekend out of it and all have had pork for their freezers afterward.  The roast that we will be enjoying this evening is from of one of those events.  A sharing of a bountiful feast from farmers that are having a difficult time to get their product to market.  

  If it gets to feel any cooler outside, I know that when Dennis comes in, he will make a casual stroll past the thermostat.  Gotta love the ole cowboy.

   
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  Noreen 2:58 pm on May 20, 2020 Permalink  

  Great Outdoors 

  The sun may not have come out very often, but it really was a great day with southerly breezes.  I had a few yellow blooms among the Hosta that had very long roots.  Where the Hoppes have moved in from I have no idea.  We have no plans for starting a micro brewery.  They weren’t that hard to pull out.  With all the rain from the weekend today was perfect for bending over and getting the nasty weeds out.

  My walk was needed today to keep the hips and legs mobile.  It only takes a day for the ole body to want to stiffen and stove up.  There are so many Lilacs along my walk and the they have been lasting very well.

  Yesterday when I was in Mankato, I mad a trip to Hy-Vee.  The produce was wonderful.  Strawberries were very responsible. The good buy was too good to pass up.  This morning I got the 1965 Hamilton Beach blender out and we now have several frozen bags of chopped berries for ice cream topping.  Summer has officially begun on Stauffer Ave.  The first batch of creamed cucumbers with onions is co-mingling in the refrigerator for supper.  With that on the menu, I could just about talk Dennis out of anything.

  When I brought the groceries into the house yesterday, I propped open the screen door.  Like a shot Snuggles made a beeline into the house.  I didn’t pay him any mind.  My first priority was getting the groceries into the house, closing the door before Harriet found her way into the house and putting the car away.  With the tail switching in every direction Snuggles beat feet where angels fear to tread.  Up the steps into the attic, down the steps into the basement.  There was no corner left that he didn’t sniff into.  When I was finally ready to deal with the four-footed intruder, I found Snuggles on the shelf of the windows.  Right where Rocky the cat would sit many, many years ago.  It took Dennis sitting down on the entryway steps to croon Snuggles out of the house.  I know from now on, once the experience of being inside the house has happened, the lure of the shelf under the west porch windows will not soon be forgotten.

   
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  Noreen 3:38 pm on May 19, 2020 Permalink  

  Long Day 

  When I left this morning for an appointment, I didn’t plan on being gone for most of the day.  

  I had an appointment at the dermatology clinic in Mankato.  Since I have had one spot on my face that needed to be carved out, I am on a yearly basis for a full body scan to make sure all is well.  The PA, Brenda has been seeing me for years.  Today there was one spot on the small of my back that she said needed to be looked at by the main man, Dr. Don Davis.  As I was not on his calendar for the day, I was asked if I wanted to make an appointment for another day or could I come back in three hours.  I took the three hours.  I had several errands I could run and I also have a very comfortable car to sit in and watch people.

  The end result is that Dr. Don Davis took a biopsy of the area.  I will get the results in a matter of a day.

  I am home and I am pooped.  I am not used to running around to various stops.  I knew it would be a good idea to have leftovers ready for supper. 

  It is really heavy air.  Could we really be getting more rain showers.  Time will tell. I am very happy that I am not one to put off things in the medical department.  I know I am in good hands.

   
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  Noreen 2:44 pm on May 18, 2020 Permalink  

  Gray Day 

  It is so cool outside and the clouds are heavy.  When I went for my walk, the kinks in my legs from not walking for two days started to feel better.  Though the legs were used and used well from pushing the mower on Saturday, it’s a different stretch when walking is done.  I know I need to walk whenever I can.

  It has been said that we had four inches of rain over the Saturday night and Sunday.  Surprisingly the grass was dry this morning and few puddles.  We were short for rain.  The rain did do a number on the crab apple blossoms.  Our neighbor’s drive looks like a fairy tale path.  The lilacs are still holding onto their beauties. 

  I had not been in the sewing studio for almost a week.  Hmm.  I think it was because there was a project down there that was started and it really wasn’t my cup of tea.  I have said that tastes in clothing and food carries through to what we want to stitch under the needle.  Today I have sewn up the backing for this quilt top pattern that is called Folk Art.  It may grow on me.  I have called my long-arm quilter and will be put on her list to have this Folk Art project finished up.  I will find a home for it.  It was a quilt kit given to me and I didn’t have the heart to not show appreciation of such gift.  It deserves to be shown as a finished quilt to give comfort to someone.  I can now look forward to working on . . . hmm . . . I guess I don’t have anything right now to start.  That may change in the blink of an eye. 

  We are having an egg noodle, tuna and mixed vegetable hotdish for supper.  That will take me off of the hook for tonight’s supper and tomorrow night’s supper.  Hotdish while the temps are chilly works.  Not a favorite to heat up the house once the temps stay in the 80s.  We have been using what is in the pantry.  I have not been in the mood for grocery shopping and I can guarantee you Dennis is being fed very well.  He has been out of his one-a-day York Peppermint candy bars for some time . . . and the withdrawal has been going well.  When he does have one, he will enjoy it oh so much more.  Sympathy cards may be received from my ole cowboy.