Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 3:33 pm on July 14, 2019 Permalink  

  It Works 

  When it doesn’t feel good to be outside, there are choices and it works.  Then there are times when there is no choice but to get it done. 

  Dennis’ fur buddies can get into mischief and not one of the three owns up to it.  When Dennis went out to the garage today, there on the floor . . . was a mess.  We have always used the cheapest gallon of laundry soap to wash grime off of the house siding.  Some four footed body was climbing and knocked the container off of the shelf onto the cement floor.  The cap cracked.  Of course the rest of the story . . . liquid soap on the floor next to the car.

  What’s a fellow to do but clear out as much as possible of the garage and get the water hose and broom out.  The scent of the soap was lavender.  It sure did smell good as bubbles were broomed out into the driveway.  Of course that did bring the cats out to check out what was going on.  I gave Dennis credit for not accidentally spraying them.

  With three patio sliders in the patio porch and both garage doors raised a foot or so, Dennis did spend a bit of time in the patio porch watching the RFD television channel.  There is always a good tractor auction on or a rodeo.

  My choice was to move between the sewing studio and the west porch of the house.  I know enough of myself to know not to spend too much time in any one place.  Arthritis can’t make me immobile if I keep moving.  I know I can’t win the war, but the battles need to be taken in stride.  Dennis’ 2 x 4 chair in the west house porch is the perfect spot for a bit of reading.  Kevin refers to it as Dennis’ “Captain Kurk’s Command Center” chair.  It is very comfortable whether Dennis is on his computer or if I take it over from time to time.
  July is what it is.  Summer!  Not a thing we can do about the heat, humidity or bugs.  Each day I try to remember to tell myself that it is my choice as to how I take the day.  I can be crabby, sad, withdrawn, lazy or happy.  It’s all up to ME because I can do nothing to change the weather.  By and large, I usually talk myself into something that seems to work out for the best.

   
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  Noreen 4:15 pm on July 13, 2019 Permalink  

  It Happens to the Best 

  The cookie jar was just about empty.  I pulled one of my grandmother’s recipes for ginger cookies.  They have always been a hit.

  There were definite issues from the get go.  Not enough butter in the house for the 3/4 cup.  Hmm.  Online, Crisco Coconut solid shortening was said to be good for baking.  We would give it a try.  All ingredients were on the kitchen counter just as in the days of baking demos for 4-H.

  Whipping the shortening with the white and brown sugar . . . we were in it!  Adding one egg at a time it began looking promising.  Until . . . I looked down and saw that the 1/3 cup measure cup showed that the Crisco had been in it. The quarter cup was as clean as a whistle. I had added a total of a full cup of the shortening.  We were at a point of no return.  All I could think of was adding an additional 1/4 cup of flour and say a Martha Stewart prayer.  This for sure was not a good thing.

  I put in a tray with just four rolled out balls of the molasses and spice rich dough to see what would happen.  They didn’t run off of the tray.  After the allotted ten minutes the dough had not baked out sufficiently.  At twelve minutes I pulled them out and let them cool.  After cooling they remained extremely soft and left a definite grease mark on the parchment paper.

  I went ahead full bore.  Worse case, Dennis had better have his coffee cup ready for some dipping action as they did become quite solid as time went on. 

  The flavor was fantastic, texture . . . not so much.  This recipe contains strap molasses, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, a bit of allspice and cinnamon.

  I will tackle this recipe again . . . after I have butter on hand and after I hide the 1/3 measure cup.  Faux pas happen to the best and I can tell you they will not stay in the cookie jar for long.

  Tomorrow is another day and you cannot fail if you don’t at least try.  So says the Grammie.

   
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  Noreen 3:34 pm on July 12, 2019 Permalink  

  We Are Not Fighting It 

  There was much in the news of this being a hot uncomfortable Friday.  We are not fighting it.  There was not one thing that needed to be done outside after our first burst of the morning when we checked out the acre.  Things have happened during the night that would have gone unchecked if we don’t pay attention.  

  Dennis had a marathon on one of his television channels in the patio porch.  He truly was having a relaxing day.  No . . . he didn’t get lonely as Snuggles was right there at his elbow. 

  I wanted some time in the sewing studio.  Having UFOs (unfinished objects) lying around is not my level of comfort.  Having finished a handbag in between the tractor commotion, there were sewing supplies that needed to be cleaned up.  This bag went together very well.  The first time in the four bags I have done that I did not need to watch a video.  The directions in each have some repeat in techniques.  I can make a check on the list of  “Can I pull this off?” I did dig around until I found some items as a zipper pull on the outside of the bag.  The original pattern did not call for an outside zipper, but I knew it would be handy.  

  Megan’s quilt top was completed when she last visited.  As a Grammie I decided to put the sandwich together for her.  With not having a quilt frame, it is a challenge to get the backing, batting and then the top to lie taut enough to begin using ump-teen safety pins to contain the layers.  I knew all the hand weights that we had used and they were now stuck in the closet would come in handy.  8 lbs.?  It’s hard to believe I did work out with them a time ago.  Anyway . . . the weights were a huge help in keeping things where they needed to be.  There is nothing more dis-heartening to think all is well and then see there is a huge wrinkle in the backing when it is too late to fix it.  There is still plenty of work to be done on her quilt for Megan the next time she comes.

  July is marching on.  Though I have no reason to keep in mind when school starts, I am sure families are in crunch mode to get everything done while they can.  Dennis and I don’t fight the calendar.  We take each day as it comes and are oh so grateful for each one.

   
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  Noreen 2:06 pm on July 11, 2019 Permalink  

  A Good Product 

  It goes to prove when Dennis and I get a bee in our bonnets we had better know what we are in for during the work as well as how to get cleaned up afterwards.  Check the available products that are on hand.

  Today was the day to try out Dennis’ new 14″ electric chainsaw.  Many moons ago we planted a Tiger’s Eye Sumac in the east portion of the acre to mark where the water connection would be for that portion of the yard.  The sumac did great.  In the fall of the year, you could not beat the show of colors.  It all but glowed orange.

  During this last winter a portion of the sumac died.  Of course it had to be a definite death on one half of it.  Very lopsided looking shrub that actually grew into a tree.  It was time to take it out and allow Dennis to mow in that area without getting a whiplash from the branches or getting his face scratched up.

  We could not believe how dense the wood was.  The saw did absolutely great.  The photo is quite dated and now some of the taller branches were head high or a bit above.  The base of the limbs had a circumference much like a sauce dish.  I could see how a 14 lb. chainsaw could become quite heavy.  Dennis took breaks and I hauled wood and branches to the curb so we can get them to the tree dump.  The pair of steel wheels were moved to snuggle up to several evergreens in the yard.

  This was the best day to do this as the warmer temps and humidity are due back by tomorrow.  Both Dennis and I worked up a good sweat.  The sweat combined with our sticky hands made us almost unfit to touch anything afterwards.  The sap of the Tiger’s Eye Sumac was worse than anything we have ever gotten from working with evergreens.  It was tacky, juicy, yellow, and sticky!

  Before Dennis even wanted to clean up the chainsaw, we headed for the sink in the basement.  Out came the Tarkelp Hand Cleaner container.  Kevin had brought us a container in the past and it has proven itself invaluable with grubby hands as well as sticky hands.  The best part is that it leaves the hands so soft. 

  We have called this a good day. I am satisfied spending a bit of time in the sewing studio and Dennis is out in the back garage contemplating painting the mower that will be part of his finished project with the Cub L0-Boy.  We work well together and then we know how to give each other some space.  Priceless

   
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  Noreen 2:45 pm on July 10, 2019 Permalink  

  Reprieve 

  Today was a reprieve from the warmer temps and humidity.  It felt wonderful.  Today was a catch up day.  Now that Dennis’ tractor is finished, well, as of this morning it is.  There were four more decals in the box to be put on the tractor.  Why didn’t we catch that?  After we had the main decals pulled out of the box, Snuggles had made the box his home.  The four decals were the “caution” ones for the safe operating of the tractor. Yup, under the body of a cat napping we realized we had better finish up the job.  Those decals were important for anyone using the tractor.

  After lunch we headed to the far east end of the acre and knew that the back garage needed a good cleaning from the winter and spring.  Lawnmowers drag in lots of grass clippings.  The convertible was taken out as well as anything else that was movable and I stood back while Dennis got the leaf blower going.  Talk about a whirl wind of . . . stuff flying in the air. 

  Dennis’ main objective was to get the two-wheel trailer in the garage with the Cub mower on it, so he could work around the trailer painting the mower.  Dennis has decided on painting the mower red.  Good choice.  When all was said and done, everything fit back into the garage with plenty of painting room.  Dennis commented there was even enough room for another little tractor.  “What?  Did you say something Dennis, I missed that.”  As it is, there are a few tree limbs that need to be trimmed before Dennis is going to tackle more painting.

  On a sidebar.  Yesterday I passed my pre-op physical for my cataract surgery that is coming up the first part of August.  All blood work was well within the suggested boundaries.  The EKG affirmed that my heart . . . yes Dennis, I do have one . . . is also in fine shape.

  All in all today was a wonderful reprieve with all things that needed to be tidied up.

   
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  Noreen 3:08 pm on July 9, 2019 Permalink  

  I Call it Good 

  Last year when Dennis came home with a Cub Lo-Boy with a mower, circa: 1968, I was blown away.  A year prior to that he was all but in a drug induced coma from drugs trying to keep him alive before we found out it was all about plugged carotid arteries.  More power to Dennis.  Come on . . . we still had room in the back garage. Dennis mowed with it several times and it mowed quite well.  The blades seemed to be in pretty good shape.  

  This early spring, Dennis was talking about taking the unit over to Brett’s and use a power washer on it.  It had been sitting in a shed for quite some years.  Once the grime was off of it, hmm!  There was talk about paint.  It was what color, what brand, how much would be needed . . . “and what do you think Grammie?”  I totally begged off.  I had no idea about painting tractors.  Obviously when Dennis was out and about in the little red pickup he was chatting people up as to what they had had success with.  A trip to Fairmont and Walmart was in order.  I went about picking up a bag of garden soil and a few plants and Dennis was in the paint isle.  The bags for his purchase was quite heavy.  

  Nephew Brett gave Dennis a spot in one of his sheds.  Once Dennis drove the Cub Lo-Boy into Brett’s shop, I had no idea what was going on on any given day.  Dennis put in full mornings and came home at Noon for his Oatmeal and then right back until supper time.  Dirty clothes got dumped, Dennis  showered and jumped into PJs.  Dennis didn’t work at it every day but he stayed at it.  The shop was out of the way and he had quiet.  

  Dennis had gotten notice that Brett needed the shop spot by the 4th of July.  I gave Dennis a ride to the shop and he drove the tractor home pulling his two wheel trailer behind with the mower in the trailer.  He had had the mower taken off so the cleaning and painting could be done on the tractor.  For the duration here on Stauffer Avenue Dennis parked the tractor in the pickup garage and he proceeded to finish up some of the painting.  Touch ups are always a good thing.

  Dennis begged and begged yesterday if I would put on the decals.  I gave in.  I will say my arms were weary by the time I was done.  More than likely from angst as much as actual movement.  Once those suckers are on . . . tough titty.  This morning Dennis and the Cub went to the coffee group at McDonald’s.  One of the fellows had worked in a body shop before retirement.  He thought that Dennis and spray cans of paint did very well.  Of course sandblasting and filling in dents would have been the ultimate.  The ultimate here was that Dennis wanted to do this on his own.  When he would come home and tell me he had gotten the back tires off as well as the front tires . . . sure glad I didn’t know all that he was up to there alone in the shop.  I call this good.  The tractor looks good and it did Dennis a lot of good.  Priceless.

   
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  Noreen 5:51 pm on July 8, 2019 Permalink  

  What a Day! 

  Both Dennis and I were wide awake at 5:30 this morning.  So much for having the alarm set for seven so Dennis could make his VA appointment.

  I spent some time picking out stitches in a project I worked on yesterday.  “Don’t have time to do it right, but always time to do it over.” Yes Raymond, I hear you.

  I knew the itch was on with Dennis before he left for his appointment.  The Cub Lo-boy is painted.  The itch came about from a cardboard box that arrived to our home over a month ago.  That box has been opened and looked at more times than I can count.  Yup, the tractor decals were still in there.  I made sure I had an Aleve under my belt before I would hear my name being called out to the garage.

  Measure once, measure twice . . . maybe three times, it’s how Grammie does things.  Decals in my younger days were the ones that you dipped in water and then made a mad dash as to where they needed to be.  It was a good thing I was really concentrating as the flies tried very hard to drive me crazy.  Sticky bastards!  The joys of summer.  

  Dennis wanted the tractor to be his project and he has done a great job.  I tried to follow his lead with the decals.  Tomorrow Dennis is taking the tractor over to Brett’s to bring the two wheel trailer home that has the mower in it.  Dennis had used Brett’s power washer to take off lots of layers of grime.  Will the mower deck be put back on the Cub this summer?  I kind of doubt it.  It will take some time for Dennis to replace some belts and he is determined to paint it.  

  This tractor project has kept Dennis busy for much of the spring and summer.  I am not in any hurry to see him finish it.  Motivation can be a hard quest.  Tomorrow when the Cub is taken out of the garage, it will be my photo op.  I had better be sure to have extra sun glasses on.

   
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  Noreen 4:46 pm on July 7, 2019 Permalink  

  Plenty of Warm Temps Prevail 

  I had been looking forward to a really cool comfortable day.  Not.  Even at 7:15 it was warm with 80 percent humidity.  

  Dennis did indeed take the day off as he had said he would.  It was ten in the a.m. when he toddled out of bed.  There were plenty of odds and ends of chores for me and I kept the house quiet.  Both of us were surprised how drenched with sweat we were after getting the yard work done yesterday.  Perhaps us older folks don’t take the heat of the day as well as we think we do.  I did get a very restful night of sleeping and was spot on this morning.  

  I spent today in the sewing studio.  Off and on I rested my shoulders by reading several chapters in a mystery novel.  It has been a good day and tomorrow the week kicks in.  Dennis and I are ready.  The alarm needs to be set as Dennis has a VA clinic appointment.  When least expected I do sleep in and we can’t take a chance of having Dennis sent off late.

   
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  Noreen 4:48 pm on July 6, 2019 Permalink  

  One Firecracker Left 

  There was one firecracker left from the 4th of July and I think it landed in my pants.  This morning when the feet hit the floor the day was on full bore.

  It may have been the reduction in humidity and temperatures or it may have been my day to get it done.  Some days just click.  Dennis’ objective for the day was to get one of his prescriptions filled at Lewis Drug.  I was home alone.  The bed got stripped and the laundry was humming.  When the bed is stripped that means that all dust bunnies under said bed are on high alert.  Nothing is as satisfying as checking out all corners of the bedroom for lurking lint.  Yes . . . Dennis still has flannel sheets on the bed.  You would think that eventually they would just give it up and quit shedding . . . Not!

  With laundry going, might as well get a kettle of boiling water going to sterilize a batch of catheters.  They say a watched kettle does not boil.  That is not true.  A boiling kettle of latex catheters can be disastrous if left unattended.  Staying close to the kitchen seemed the wisest thing to do.  I dug out our favorite recipe for sugar cookies and decided that having a batch of dough ready to bake out in the evening hours would be a good treat.  Starting the oven after supper doesn’t heat up the house as much as doing it mid-day.

  The schedule was going according to plan.  I knew . . . I just knew that when Dennis came back from the drug store and had his late breakfast, the lawn mowing would be his topic of conversation.  I was not going to fight him.  We have had 1½ inches of rain this week and yes . . . the grass was in need of trimming.  Dennis sprayed Bug Soother on me from head to foot and I was ready to push the mower.  With all of the rain the pushing was tough as the ground was soft.  I looked as if I was doing aerobic lunges as I dug my feet into the ground and propelled myself forward enough to make some head ways on each swath of the grass. 

  Here we are at supper time and the acre has been mowed and trimmed.  It looks wonderful.  Here is the kicker.  It is supper time! Meal times seem to be highly over anticipated.   I could call a piece of cheese on a slice of bread a meal.  Not so for the ole cowboy.  In the regard of meals, Dennis is way too much like Dad.   If the clock says it’s meal time . . . “By de-God, it’s time!”  I have no idea how Dad came about whipping out that “By de-God” lingo, but he sure used it a lot when he was making a statement.  Gotta love those memories and I can still hear him saying it.

  After the rustled up supper, it will be relaxing baking out those sugar cookies.  There will be just enough of the firecracker fizzle in my pants to pull it off.

   
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  Noreen 4:36 pm on July 5, 2019 Permalink  

  Rain? 

  We did not know that rain would be coming.  Seems a daily occurrence.

  We did make a trip to Mankato this morning.  First stop was Harbor Freight.  Kevin and Kersten had the most comfortable lawn chairs for us to sit in while we took in the Fairfax parade several weeks ago.  Our butts and our knees were at the same height when we sat in the chairs.  Talk about a comfortable chair complete with a side table that flipped up.  Kevin is on Harbor Freight’s mailing list and he forwarded to us coupons for these chairs.  We are now owners of collapsible comfortable chairs when we need to take along our own sitting arrangements.  

  What surprised Dennis was that I had checked out their small electrical chainsaws.  We have a need for a small saw to take care of limbs that have died in our lilacs or our front yard evergreen.  Yup! As of this late afternoon, he is the owner of a 14″ chainsaw and has added the oil.  Dennis and it are ready to do some duty when the yard dries up.  There is a Tiger’s Eye Sumac that needs to be taken out of its misery.  Half of it had died over the winter and what is left is not good for anything but to swat Dennis in his face as he mows.  Chainsaw duty coming.

  This afternoon I motored on to the Old Alley Quilt Shop in Sherburn to pick out the fabric that Megan needs for the backing in her quilt project.  What was sweet was that Laurie, who is the Design Consultant at the quilt shop, had time to lend her expertise.  When we had several choices pulled out, I sent Megan a text with a photo to let her decide which fabric was her choice.  Yup . . . cell phones and their capabilities are quite nice.

  The evening meal is soon to be put together.  Our choice is tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich.  Dennis just came in and is reporting 3/4 inch of rain with gray rumbling skies still deciding if more is coming.