Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 4:08 pm on August 14, 2019 Permalink  

  Anyone Have One? 

  Does anyone have that area within their home that is the “panic area?”  When you don’t know what to do with something, don’t know where you want something to be placed or don’t know if it is a keeper or not, but are willing to save it until you decide later.  Close the eyes and let it land on and in the panic area.

  We had one.  Not saying that it won’t reappear.  For today, our panic area is gone.  Our panic area was the steps going up into our attic.  It’s an open stairwell right off the area of the refrigerator.  Extra groceries coming into the home . . . plop them onto the steps.  We do have pantry cabinets in the basement for just such things.  Extra plastic storage containers . . . get them washed up and . . . plop them onto the steps.  We do have storage shelves in the basement that we call the Bunk House for just such things.  Dealing with extra groceries bags . . . stuff them into the basket that is on steps that should only store my Swiffers, kitchen garbage can liners, and hot pads.  

  It is all about taking the time to make those trips into the basement areas that are intended to hold all the extras from our small first floor.  There is a limit as to what a 720 square foot home should have on the first floor . . . thus the panic attic steps.  It may not last, but for today it is refreshing to have sorted, pitched and have given the steps a good scrubbing.

  It all started when the shelves above the refrigerator were tackled.  No . . . we didn’t get the refrigerator pulled away from the wall.  But . . . I got the Swiffer duster wand as far back and around that I could.  Everything on the shelves has been refreshed and extra bowls have been washed.

  Yup, Lena, it is fall housecleaning time.  Thanks for instilling in me the need to keep a tidy home.  Tidy home equals a happy home.  May our attic panic steps remain clean and clear so we can travel them with ease and most importantly . . . safely.

  The two items left in the kitchen to tidy up are the interiors of the oven and refrigerator.  Not to worry . . . we will get them done.  The key for the refrigerator is to do it prior to a trip to the grocery store.  Our interior is looking quite gaunt right now.

   
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  Noreen 1:54 pm on August 13, 2019 Permalink  

  Mission Completion 

  When Megan was a wee one, she watched Little Einstiens on VCR.  Each episode had the cartoon group of characters solving mysteries.  They were an educational series.  At the end of every 30 minute episode they all gathered and announced “Mission Completion.”

  Today Grammie had her own mission completion.  The challenge that my friend Jan brought over is now back in Jan’s home, finished.  The stuffed elephant will be a gift for their grandson’s baptism celebration. The challenge was for me to embroider the birth date and the baptism date into each ear.  Yes, it was a challenge.  Adjusting the size to fit the ear was the easiest portion.  Sewing it onto the ear was a task.  Dennis was right there to help adjust and move this huge stuffed animal under the throat of the sewing machine as I went around the design.  Was it perfect?  No.  Was it the best I could do?  Yes!  Was Jan happy?  Yes!  In the end that was all that mattered.  Did I accept compensation for the time and materials?  No.  You can’t put a price on friendship.  Dennis did help me with my shoulder exercises during and after the stitching and then the lights went out in the sewing studio.  Break time!

  It was almost a relief to come upstairs from the sewing studio to have a short break and then tackle the east wall of the kitchen for some deep cleaning of the storage shelves.  Amazing!

  In life there is nothing as precious as balance.  Nothing can stand a chance of becoming ho-hum.  That being said, I did enjoy getting involved in and having a mission completion day with the elephant.  Would I like to do another such challenge . . . not for some time to come.

   
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  Noreen 4:00 pm on August 12, 2019 Permalink  

  One More 

  When Dennis comes in and asks for “One more favor” I put down what I am doing and get it done.  His one more could fill volumes. It reminds me of when Megan was little.  In thinking we had her settled, she would come back with “Just one more.”  I have kidded him that some day when my ashes are returned to him in a shoe box, Dennis will open the lid and say “Just one more favor.”  It didn’t take Dennis long for him to come back with a comment.  Yup . . . I will have one more favor. . . “Please can I come with.”  Priceless.

  There was one more Cricut cutout that Dennis wanted.  It had not been included in the purchase packet of decals that we had ordered.  Dennis wanted the shift pattern placed on the tractor.  That sounded doable.  Dennis got the Cricut out and side by side we decided what size, etc.  We got it on and Dennis was pleased as could be.  The next step was for him to take off all the paper that he had used to protect the tires.  Even the seat got a coat of white.  Well done and I believe the tractor is done.

  After we had the Cricut project done, I got back to what I had been doing in the kitchen.  Today was the day to pull the kitchen range out and do some tidy, tidy work under it and around it.  God bless the felt pads Kevin put under it.  It slides out slick as a whistle.

  I think it was time to expand the cookie options.  Molasses and peanut butter are great but enough was enough.  I found a recipe for Mound cookies.  Great!  I had some coconut that needed to be used up.  It was a bit dry but I really chopped it up fine and I knew it would soak and expand in the batter.  Good grief.  It asked for 2 cups of coconut and 5 cups of chocolate chips.  It also asks for 4.5 cups of flour . . . a large batch indeed.  In regard to the chocolate chips, I only had four cups and called it good.  All that is left is to tuck some in the freezer, right next to a bag of molasses cookies.  It is great to have some on standby. 

  It is heading on five in the afternoon and we are having rain showers that are quite strong.  Just when we thought the mowing of the acre was dwindling down.  This will perk everything up.  Who knew!

   
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  Noreen 11:31 am on August 11, 2019 Permalink  

  Checking Things 

  Dennis invited me back to the garage to see what I thought might be missing spots in his wheel painting.  Getting down close and personal I was able to pinpoint a spot or two.  We checked it out good.  I must say Dennis using up the roll of black duct tape to put on his paper shrouds to protect the tires was a great idea.  As in any project he did find a can of paint that had no to little aerosol.  It can happen and there is no indication at the time the purchase is made.

  As we walked back from the garage, we couldn’t help but notice the telltale indications of the visitors we had had this last winter.  The deer had made their own path to the corn and alfalfa pellets.  Yes, the soil and grass has had am impact, but the impact we made with giving the deer and the fawns some help this winter was well worth it.

  My project today was to wash off the kitchen cabinets and use some Murphy Soap wipes on the woodwork.  Even an ole Martha Stewart such as me can splatter where you would least expect it.

  I am not sure but . . . going out for an anniversary meal celebration last night energized me to no end today.  I have no doubt that that euphoria will endure.   Dennis mentioned this noon that with the energy I have today, we may have to have a repeat meal out oftener.  It may very well be.

  In checking out the water that the pump is putting out in the Koi pond, Dennis decided to pull apart the filters for the pond.  Dennis seems to be on top of his game as well today.  As he is finishing up cleaning the filters for the Koi pond, I stick around as he maneuvers getting everything back in line in the water.  Safety 101.

  I have mentioned it often, but it bares repeating . . . life on Stauffer Avenue is sweet.

   
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  Noreen 12:51 pm on August 10, 2019 Permalink  

  A Glorious Day 

  We had a 1/2 of rain over night.  Just the right amount of rain for the grass to grab onto it and feed those roots.  Mowing has always dwindled down for August.  Thank the Lord for small favors.  In visiting with one of our neighbors who does the mowing for many clients, he agrees a break is needed.

  As we went to Mankato yesterday, the farm fields are a mystery.  There are way too many fields that are black from recent field implement work.  I do believe some never got the planting done due to weather and are doing a great job of keeping the weeds under control.  Other fields have huge vacant spots where harvesting will look like a patch quilt.  Even the fellow who does mowing for hire, tilled his garden up last week as nothing was producing as in years past.  The tomatoes have a blight and the potatoes have generally hollow spots in them.  2019 has been a spring and summer season that most do not want repeated in times to come.

  May the farmers not loose hope and live in faith for a better year next year.

  I know for myself, after we had gotten the hail in the later portion of June, my hosta beds remain looking sick.  The roots are what I am banking on for next year.  Hope does spring eternal.  I will enjoy these glorious fall days and be thankful our area and our family’s areas did not have destruction from summer storms.

   
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  Noreen 4:59 pm on August 9, 2019 Permalink  

  She’s Ain’t What She Used to Be 

  That was a phrase from the old time song “The Old Gray Mare.” I do believe I qualify for that this evening. 

  Dennis realized he was 500 miles over his oil change in the little red pickup with Jiffy Lube in Mankato.  That was a first.  That attests to the fact that Dennis has been busy this summer with his Cub Lo Boy.  When we checked in at Jiffy Lube, the computer records indicated that the last time we had the automatic transmission taken care of was in 2015.  We got it all taken care of as that little red pickup is going to be a part of Stauffer Avenue for a long time.

  Our next stop was for pedicures.  Since Dennis had to have a portion of one of his large toe nails removed after an ingrown situation,  Dennis is on board to take care of the feet.  We had to sit and wait for some time as their were clients ahead of us.  Who cares!  We each sat soaking our feet in warm water with the massage chair doing its thing.  No, Dennis . . . we can’t have one similar to it for our home.  The place was hopping today.  They always ask what color we want for the nails.  Nope . . . just naked nails.  I am not a fan of the gel nails with the fancy designs painted on them. 

  It was decided that Dennis needed one more can of white paint for the tractor.  The four wheels had always been white.  Dennis spent a lot of energy on painting everything else and had been a point where he might have been burned out on the job.  Not any more!  he has been taping off the tires so he can paint the wheels so they look as bright and white as the rest of the tractor.  I pulled the short straw in regard to going into Walmart for a can of Krylon gloss white primer and paint.  I could understand his decision.  Why leave it incomplete.

  My stop of the day was JoAnn’s Fabric Shop.  Whether I am working on a hand bag, t-shirt quilts or stitching out an embroidery design, I always pull out my Pellon Shape Flex 101 woven fusible interfacing.  This week they had 76% off.  I had picked up on the private Facebook group that I am in that wherever there was a Joann’s the interfaces and stabilizers were being scooped up.   I also had the coupon for an additional 10% off at the checkout.  Just like all the squirrels in our yards seeking Black Walnuts to bury for another day, I am prepared for my next projects.

  Sam’ s Club was the last retail stop.  Dennis filled up with gas as I did the aisles picking up what we needed the most.  It was unbelievable that a pound of butter here in town was $4.65 cents.  That was the store brand.  Land O Lakes was $5.45 a pound.  I use some for baking, some for toast . . . who doesn’t like butter!  Sam’s Club butter is $3.00 a lb.  No . . . I am not a chemist to pick apart the ingredients, I am trusting Sam’s to be legit in their products. 

  We ended up in Perkins for the meal of the day.  We had started out early with each of us having a bottle of Boost for a high content of protein.  I don’t do well running on fumes and I know Dennis needs more than meds in his system.  

  We are home and so glad of it.  What a day.  The tick list is empty.  All that running around did tell me, I ain’t what I used to be for power shopping.

   
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  Noreen 2:35 pm on August 8, 2019 Permalink  

  A Request 

  It has taken a few years for our neighbor Jan and I to become good friends.  I was working, Jan was working.  We seemed to pass each other by. 

  Several winters ago when Dennis had become quite fragile, Jan’s husband Randy, he’s the one with the pretty John Deere green toys, came over and blew our driveway out. Randy had just spent time during that fall in Dubai teaching farmers how to put machinery together.  Yes, it was John Deere equipment.  His bonus was a brand new mini-tractor complete with snow blower and few other pieces of equipment for the tractor.  Randy enjoys playing in the snow.  Whatever.  It broke the ice between us.  

  

  Waiting in my sewing studio today is a project that Jan has asked of me.  Her first grandson will be baptized later this month.  Jan found the adorable elephant in a shop here in town.  Her thought was how wonderful of a gift to have Brayden’s name and birth date on one ear and the baptism date on the other ear.  It was a very creative thought.  I have the designs stitched out.  I am now contemplating on the best way in making them into a patch resembling the shape of the ear and sewing them on.  I have got the thought done and down but needing to take a break.   

  While taking a break, Dennis asked for a favor.  Could I please give him a haircut.  WTF!  Not even four days out of cataract surgery with eyes that don’t want to play nice together . . . Hmm.  Dennis was determined as he headed out to the patio with the clipper container in hand.  By the time I got outside, the electrical cord was attached, the chair was waiting as well as a table to hold all the gear.  Have I ever cut his hair with one eye open at a time.  Not!  I took it slow and wouldn’t you know it?  Dennis was very thankful for the favor.  I did not get adventurous, just took it one swipe at a time. 

  The moral of the story is that retired people that say they have nothing to do must live on another playing field.  With Dennis’ new lightweight leaf blower, I blew off the hair from him and he was as happy as can be as he went over to the back garage to check on his tractor.  

  Requests come in all forms when you least expect it.

  Here is my definition of intimacy.  It may be physical, it may be sexual.  In my book it is being totally vulnerable with one’s partner . . . totally!  Dennis and I were intimate this afternoon out on the east patio.  Priceless!

   
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  Noreen 5:31 pm on August 7, 2019 Permalink  

  Strange 

  My TLC recovery time is over.  The real world is back.  Strange how there are some duties that can shift for a short time and then . . . ready or not!

  The very dark glasses from the cataract surgery have spent most of the day on the dining room table.  I am curious as to how my brain will sort through what the eyes have been through.  When I close my right eye, the vision from the left eye appears to have a sun screen over it.  When I close my left eye, the vision from the right eye is very bright and light.  Literally the difference between day and night.

  As of the most recent visit, there was no concern of a cataract on the left eye.  Apparently, if there is a hint of a cataract, surgery is not done as it is more difficult with a “maybe” rather than a “definite.”  I am sure as a bit more time goes by, all will settle into place.

  Dennis had his Korean luncheon today in Mankato.  There seems to be detours on detours from here to there.  Dennis made a stop at the Mayo store while he was in town.  He needed a new gasket for his CPAP face mask.  Our insurance allows for one gasket per month.  We were a bit long on this last one.  It was more like five full weeks.  We could tell the latex had deteriorated a bit as the amount of air leaking was noticed via the noise during the night.  We do clean the gasket every morning before putting the total face mask into the SoClean.  A scent free baby wipe removes the possibilities of oils transferring from the skin onto the gasket.  The gasket was billed to our insurance at $93.00.  What is a fellow to do.  By the way, Res Med has the corner on the market.  It doesn’t pay to check out Amazon or eBay.  He was glad when he corralled the little red pickup into the driveway.

  Tomorrow I hope to turn on the lights in the sewing studio.  I may very well look at some things that were stitched a while ago and wonder who the heck was messing with my stuff.  Stranger things have happened.  In all honesty, I had not realized much difficulty with my stitching while having had a cataract in place.  You know how it is . . . we can talk ourselves into anything.

   
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  Noreen 2:20 pm on August 6, 2019 Permalink  

  It’s a Good Day 

  It’s a good day to have the cataract surgery behind me as of yesterday.  My old body has absorbed a lot of cat gut over many surgeries.  This was one of those times that I needed to have 150% confidence in my doctor.

  Yesterday and last night was literally a blur.  I went to bed with my plastic eye cover that could have been a portion of a Burger King Whopper container and said a prayer of thanks.  This morning things looked a bit clearer.  The eye specialist was in St. James today so Dennis had me at his office bright and early at eight.  I was given a once over and it was deemed that all looked as it should at this point in time.  I have eye drops to put in when needed for the discomfort.  Where is the discomfort coming from?  Not from the new lens that was installed.  The discomfort is coming from the slit in the white of my eye where a huge amount of antibiotic was injected. 

  The pair dark glasses that came as a so called freebie is my best friend.  The light coming in from our house windows is daunting.  The pupil is still dilated to some degree and that will take care of itself by Thursday and the light won’t be quite so bothersome.

  Laying low for a day or two is what has been prescribed.  I can do this.  Dennis has been a great care-giver.

   
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  Noreen 3:00 pm on August 4, 2019 Permalink  

  Cushions for Eggs 

  

  This is what sewing cushions trading for an ever supply of farm fresh eggs looks like.  Mom Lena’s tip for sewing this type of cushion cover made it a breeze.  With that being said a batch of potato salad using potatoes that the neighbor brought over from his garden used up a whopping six of those wonderful brown and green eggs. I have had a great day and I am now off of the clock here in Stauffer Avenue.