Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 7:20 pm on August 3, 2019 Permalink  

  A Busy Day 

  When we get up at 6:30 it is anyone’s guess as to how the day will go.  I can share with you that by 10:30 we had the acre mowed and trimmed. 

  You could say we had the devil at our heels.  Were we moving so fast that we were burning our tracks?  No . . . it was actually the electric leaf blower that Dennis was using that was suffering a malfunction and the smoke began pouring out of the motor.  Dennis sat it down and unplugged it from the inside of the garage.  I don’t think it owed us anything as we bought it some twenty years ago.

  Amazingly Dennis went out to Fleet and Farm and came home with a new Toro at $108.00.  It is as light as a feather and using a battery.  For what we need, it will work just fine.

  When I am asked if I want to go for a drive, I know Dennis has an agenda.  Off to Fairmont we went to purchase Krylon Crystal clear spray.  The Cub Lo Boy is going to get a clear coat.  Our favorite real life Google person told Dennis he needs to use the same brand with the clear coat as the paint he has used originally.  

  A neighbor came by this afternoon and she and I sat on the patio and chatted.  Marsha had lived across the street from us until four years ago.  Marsha remarried and moved out to the country and became a farmer.  As a hobby she raises chickens.  Her chickens lay the most beautiful green and brown eggs and Marsha has shared a dozen or so in times past.  Dennis and I appreciate it to no end.

  Marsha threw out a bargain . . . would I sew some chair cushion covers for her eight old fashioned metal lawn chairs.  You must remember those.  Heavy and yet they had spring in them and you could lightly rock back and forth.  Marsha has painted eight of them in bright colors.  Those who enjoy their patio had commented that a soft cushion would really be enjoyed. 

  The rest of the bargain . . . we will be enjoying farm fresh eggs . . . key word here is fresh . . . nonstop.  I jumped on this.  I have been baking more in the recent past than I have in years.  What recipe doesn’t take eggs!  Marsha will be bringing in the foam cushions and fabric and the sewing studio will take her on as a client. 

  What a great day.  What a busy day here on Stauffer Avenue.

   
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  Noreen 5:10 pm on August 2, 2019 Permalink  

  Finishing Up A Purchase 

  Last spring when I had last visited Bird Island to have Amanda and Kelly do their great Bernina customer service on my machine . . . it was a bit of a struggle.  I have no idea what my sewing machine weighs.  It is heavy.  It is bulky and . . . where on earth is the best place to grab hold of without harming something.   For me it always helped by taking it up the steps standing in front of it and lifting up one step at a time.  Bringing it back in the house, I stood in front of the machine and lifting the machine one step at a time going down as I was backing down.

  The Bernina couple ordered a carrying case for me.  One thing lead to another and I didn’t get to pick it up in a timely fashion.  That was the agenda for today.  It also gave me a chance to check my stabilizer that I had on hand and make a purchase from Amanda.  Carrie and Megan do have the 80 skate towels purchased, laundered and dried ready for a delivery to St. James before school begins.  Each towel will have the clubs logo embroidered on it.  A utility towel with a flair.  The skates need to be wiped off each time a skater leaves the ice.  They will be given out next June at their year end banquet.  I have had the clubs logo digitized.  After today, I am ready.

  I now have a case on rollers with a retractable handle.  It will be able to do steps via pulling the machine up the steps backwards.  It has side handles on the sides of the case to lift it into the back of the car.  There are more zippered compartments that I can attest to right now.  Dennis checked it out and thought it would work even as a bag if he and I run away from home . . . together.  What a forward thinking fellow!

  I know right now Kelly and Amanda’s family is enjoying the water park adjacent to the Mall of America.  They have been selling sweetcorn since the early season began.  They sold the bulk of the sweetcorn that the Olivia’s Corn Days needed as one of the growers had a crop failure.  How early did that family have to get up every morning to pick enough ears to sell over 100 dozen ears of sweetcorn a day?  Today was the last day of selling.  Hip. Hip. Hurrah.  I really appreciate this young family and I do not mind the 60 minute drive to get to their store front.

  Today also gave me the opportunity to hand deliver some of the peanut butter and molasses cookies to the Fairfax team that we cranked out yesterday.  Today was Kersten’s birthday.  How special to have a birthday on a Friday to allow the good feelings to last all weekend.  

   
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  Noreen 5:17 pm on August 1, 2019 Permalink  

  Good Grief 

  Even the best of intentions can go south.  It was my day to fill the cookie jar.  Dennis did get to make a request.  Peanut Butter . . . with no oatmeal in the batter.  I had found a recipe that turned out really good with some added oatmeal but it didn’t trip his taste pallet.  He prefers his oatmeal in a bowl with milk, flax meal and prepared in the microwave.

  With the Kitchen Aid and its powerful ability, stirring up the stiffest of cookie batter is very doable.  My shoulders, arms and hands really appreciate it.  The secret is getting the first cookie to bake as a successful test.  For some reason, it could be the brand of shortening that could warrant a test baking.  No one wants a cookie that flattens out like a limp pancake.  My test cookie was a go.  On the second to last tray, as I was moving the tray of cookies from the bottom rack of the oven to the top rack of the oven to finish the browning of the cookies, I had a “good grief” situation.  The edge of the cookie tray didn’t quite clear the edge of the oven rack and all that was on the tray slid into each other.  Dennis declared  he had some good Peanut Butter crumbs to put on his vanilla ice cream this evening.  Nothing will be going to waste. 

  We powered on and continued to put out a batch of ginger cookies as well.  Several freezer bags of each of the cookies is in the freezer.  It comes in handy when the cookie jar echos much like the deepest of valleys in the bad lands.

  It did take me the better portion of the day by the time I got baking dishes washed up and tidied the kitchen.  Being able to take my time is a gift that I enjoy of being retired.  Sweet!

   
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  Noreen 3:30 pm on July 31, 2019 Permalink  

  It Feels Like a Vacation 

  This week has had the most wonderful weather we could ask for.  Dennis came in for afternoon coffee and we both commented that considering all the heat, rain and hail . . . this feels as if we were on vacation at the best spot possible.  Stauffer Avenue . . . the most sought after spot in St. James.

  Dennis took to cleaning the plastic patio chairs.  He has caught on to the fact that though we don’t see spiders, they know where to hide and lay their eggs . . . beneath the molded supports of the chairs.  There is nothing that can inflict a more sore, swollen wound than a spider bite.  If there is a spider out there, he will find me.  In between time the chainsaw Eagle had had a fresh coat of sealant.  That should do it for a season or two.  He is not left out beyond summer as I am sure water caught in crevices and then froze would be his undoing.

  It was my day-to-play chamber maid.  Windows open and swaying to the hum of the washing machine . . . perfect.  It has not been determined if we are the dirtiest of people or the cleanest of people, but the washing machine hums a lot.  There is nothing better than after a good night rest to slip into clean clothes.  It would be better still if all was line dried.  Our clotheslines are under some Lilacs and beside our neighbor’s bird feeder.  Ya, you get the jest.

  We often take count as to where the cats are during the day.  They ramble in and out of the patio porch and here and there outside.  This morning I had taken the weed whip and took the top off of the patch of catnip that is growing under the Lilacs.  It didn’t take long and it was one, two, three . . . all accounted for.  Cutting of the stems really puts out the “ya’all come!” They role around in the catnip, they pounce on it and chew on it to their hearts content.  It’s not the prettiest of plants to have near flower gardens, but it sure serves a great purpose.  Getting a little high on life is good for the cats.  When Harriet has had enough, she jumps right up into the moose lawn ornament that Michael made for us.  She sits between the antlers with a dazed look in her eyes and chills.  Funny.

  Yes, today feels like a paid vacation day for sure.  

   
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  Noreen 3:55 pm on July 30, 2019 Permalink  

  How Could I Not 

  With such a beautiful start to the day, how could I not hit the flower beds.  The dew point was 52 and it was a go.  I had not been out into the flower beds since we had gotten hail earlier in the month.  Yup, there was damage control that was needed.  There were lengths of branches that were hiding in the Hosta plants.  Blossom stems on the Hosta needed to be cut off.  Snuggles hung tight until this mid afternoon and then he crapped out and slept under the lilies.

  Neighbor Bob’s fire ring was well fed today.  There can not possibly be any loose branches left on high.  The flower beds look like someone still cares about them.

  While I had my butt up in the air among the flowers today pulling weeds and picking up branches, Dennis was busy on the patio.  The chainsaw carved Eagle that stands about four feet tall got a good cleaning.  Getting the dust out of the crevices via water, suds and a brush made for a good work out.  Tomorrow after it is totally dried out, Dennis has several cans of Rustoleum in various degrees of being full of the clear spray that he will use to give the Eagle a look of a shiny luster.

  It’s a good thing we have leftovers for supper.  Neither one of us will be too perky after we shower up for the night.  It was a great day.  We can both see that we got something done today.

   
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  Noreen 4:51 pm on July 29, 2019 Permalink  

  Good Sleeping Tonight 

  It should be good sleeping tonight and I don’t mean for Dennis and me.  I looked out this morning and it looked as if a whirlwind had hit the patio porch.  It was . . . Dennis.  

  The weather was great and Dennis was cleaning house in the patio porch.  My job was to fill his favorite fruit jar that has 1/2 cup increments with laundry soap. Dennis was heading to the launderette with all things cloth related to cats from the patio porch.  The launderette has a specific front loading machine for pet blankets.  That includes for all four footed, including horse blankets. 

  With his pocket holding a baggie with lots of quarters, Dennis was off.  He had also decided to take all the scatter rugs with him that we use in the back entry.  What a fellow.  Dennis was gone for almost two hours.  He is very patient if he needs to wait his turn. When he came home we finished drying everything on the clotheslines.  It would have taken a long time for the coin fed driers. 

  It was a beautiful day out and there are several more coming.  This is what summer days are all about. 

  We worked together and have a tuna and pea pasta hotdish in the oven for supper.  I am the one who watches the pot of pasta boiling.  Dennis is in charge of opening cans and jars.  We have begun using some cream cheese that we melt in the pasta while it is still hot from being boiled.  It gives a better texture to the pasta as it coats each one individually.

  Yup, the three cats have clean baskets up on the rafters as well as the floor of the patio porch.  They should sleep good tonight . . . those spoiled kids of Dennis’.  He is very proud of putting some of the kitty treats on top of the Meow-Mix that he purchased at Mills Fleet.  Tarter control . . . very important for his kids and their teeth.  Yes, I am chuckling.

   
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  Noreen 4:14 pm on July 28, 2019 Permalink  

  Gray and Damp 

  The rain began at eight this morning and we have been spared storms.  We are enjoying a day of . . . rest.  I am doing some reading and Dennis is catching up on rodeos and tractor auctions.

  This next week promises to be mild as we say goodbye to July.  July is the tipping point of summer.  Hmm.

   
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  Noreen 5:25 pm on July 27, 2019 Permalink  

  No Down Time 

  Dennis’ final wish for letters to be cut from the Cricut has been granted and applied.  As Dennis was checking out the tractor he declared he needed to make a trip to the parts store.  He had noticed that the exhaust pipe from the tractor was not going to prevent his red paint from blistering.  When Dennis got home he had a chrome extension for the situation.  What a fellow.

  I had heard people work to preserve healthy trees by making sure the root system gets enough water.  The rule of thumb is to water at the individual tree’s drip line.  Where the longest branches can drip rain is an indication that the roots of that tree may extend that far out from the trunk.

  I am here to tell you that our kitchen’s cupboard drip line gets attention often and regularly.  I don’t have rugs on the floors within our home as it is a hazard for those of us that are elderly.  Good grief . . . I hate owning that.  I enjoy baking and the kitchen counter top may not be huge but it is totally used.  Dennis is always helping with dishes.  No, there is no automatic dishwasher.  You can only imagine what the kitchen floor can end up looking like from the drip line of the kitchen counter top from both of us.  It may well tell what the activity has been in the kitchen within the last 24 hours.  

  I did take some time in the sewing studio.  I was very curious what would happen if I would work with upholstery vinyl for a handbag.  I may not tackle vinyl again but I am not displeased with how this handbag turned out.  It was also my first time making my own custom length zipper.  I ordered the zipper ribbon by the yard and with it came a goodly amount of zipper pulls.  It seemed that the fabric that was some of Mom’s was the perfect fabric for the lining to pair with the butterfly.  It’s all a challenge and it is enjoyable to have the time to experiment to see what can be achieved. 

  Neither Dennis nor I have a lot of down time.  It’s not to say we are at it 24/7, we take our time and enjoy the day.  It seems as if there is always something popping up to keep us on our toes.  It’s a good thing!

   
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  Noreen 3:31 pm on July 26, 2019 Permalink  

  Success in the Day 

  A Friday can get quite a bit done when we put the heads down and keep at it.

  My first stop was at the chiropractor in Madelia this morning.  I can report that the neck and shoulders are doing well under his treatments.  The headaches are slim to none and it no longer feels like the back of my head has been bruised.  I can turn my neck to some degree without turning my entire body.  I call that success thus far and believe more relief is in sight.  The tip of these treatments is to believe that I have heavy bags on the top of my shoulders to keep them down and not hunch them up and keep my head held up as high as I can when using my arms.  The chiropractor is on vacation next week and the first Monday after that I will be having my cataract surgery.  I did make an appointment for August 8th.

  The front yard was mowed by twelve Noon on the dot.  We took the sump pump hose off of the area where it drained onto the driveway.  I believe our usual area for the sump pump has dried out enough that we no longer will have a driveway that was beginning to have the algae green sheen to it.  Dennis ran the hose and I broomed the drive off . . . with my shoulders down and my head held high.  Big time success there.   Dennis said he would make sure to get another piece of the blue tubing to add onto what we have so we can run the hose over the driveway and onto Stauffer Avenue.  We tried putting it across the lawn to the street but it didn’t take a day or two and the grass burned under the hose.  Oh the lessons for the older ones on Stauffer Avenue.

  Dennis wanted just a few more letters cut out of the cricket vinyl for the tractor.  Got it done and waiting for him to give the O.K. before we put it onto the front side panels of the tractor at an angle.  

  Dennis has gone out to Fleet Farm for some very long screws.  When he opened the back garage’s overhead door this morning to get his rider mower out, the brace for the overhead door frame that was attached to the rafters pulled loose.  No more nails for such an important application.  I texted Grandson Ryan with an SOS that Grandpa needed help.  Ryan will be over after he is done with work.  Grandpa will have the drill, the screws, the ladder and the electrical cord in place for the job.  Ladders and us older ones are taboo.  That will be a successful repair.  Shouldn’t have had nails to begin with when the garage was newly built.  

  We have had many items taken care of today.  When we put our feet up this evening, we will know the week came to an end . . . successfully.

   
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  Noreen 3:19 pm on July 25, 2019 Permalink  

  Who Knew! 

  Who knew that if I walked into a Great Clips in New Ulm they had my records on file from the Mankato Great Clips as to how I like my hair cut.  Amazing.

  We did travel to New Ulm this morning.  Dennis has been doing some reading in regard to the CBD oil helping with pain.  At 82, I give Dennis a lot of credit for continuing to have a lifestyle that he wants to continue enjoying.  Dennis is going to try it for one month and then decide if it has helped his neuropathy.

  We stopped for lunch and then stopped in to see Kevin at his place of work.  Sweet and quick and we were on our way home.

  When I opened my emails this morning, I did not have a chance to respond.  There was a reminder that the Wendlandt family is going to get together on August 17th at the St. Matthews church in Penn Township that my cousin now owns.  I am looking forward to it as I have no part in the planning or preparation for this.  I will have a chance to sit back and take it all in and do some catching up.

  In 2016 the plans were that my sister Elvera and I were going to do the planning and prep work for the family gathering.  Elvera at that time was going through radiation.  Had it not been for Kevin and Kersten helping out in the kitchen prior to the Noon pot luck, I would have been dragging.  Carrie and Jeremy pitched in for the cleaning of the church basement as the gathering was winding down. 

  This year the families will be getting together with Elvera and Michael having been called home as well as my uncle Kenneth.  It would be sweet if brother Calvin and Lois would make the trip.  Time will tell. 

  We arrived home this afternoon just in time for rain showers.  The skies are gray so it has given a reprieve to mowing the acre.  That may well happen tomorrow.  With that on the agenda, it was my choice to bake some chocolate chip cookies and log it as today’s local effort.  I know my limit when it comes to putting too much on the schedule for myself.  The three ginger cookies in the tub were looking quite lonely.

  Rejoice as this week has been such a wonderful week of comfortable temperatures.  July is always the month that has a lot of hot and humid weather.  We take it the way it comes.  If we knew what the Lord has in store for us . . . we would get our sticky fingers in there and screw things up.