Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:09 pm on July 7, 2025 Permalink  

  A New Week 

  It’s a new week, but right now I feel weak.  The first of the two steps in the binding of the project has been completed.  A slow process, but a process that signals the end is near.

  As the process is timely, Dennis manned the vacuum on the first floor.  The vac can pick up so much more than a dry Swiffer pad.  It also works great in taking out extra lint from the clothes dryer beyond what the screen after each load does. 

  This mid afternoon Dennis and I called it a good day of local effort.  Tom got the mowing done, it looks quite tidy.  I stayed in the studio longer than I had anticipated.  Wouldn’t you know it!  Twelve inches of stitching left and the bobbin was empty.  So it goes.

  We must be in for some thunder showers as KNUJ radio got quite staticky.

  A short post for the first day of the week.

  With that I will take my leave.

   
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  Noreen 2:21 pm on July 6, 2025 Permalink  

  Sunday the 6th of July 

  The church service via KNUJ from Grace Lutheran of Gaylord was enjoyed this forenoon.

  Thinking ahead as to what is on the church tables . . . that would be binding for the 58″ x 68″ project.  I knew I would need at least 27o” of 2.5″ width.  That brought about the blades in the rotary cutters of which I have two 60mm.  Cutting tee-shirt fabric is very dulling to the blades.  Grunge material that is course and who knows what country it originated from.  For sure they have no cotton in them.

  I have had a stash of the size of blades I would need.  After replacing both cutters, I am down to two replacements.  I had ordered them on Amazon, 5 to a box.  I had bought two boxes each $19.95.  When they came, what struck me is that the language on the packaging was not in English, it was Japanese.  Every other detail was spot on.  The total price for the ten per box was much less than purchasing one at a time in a fabric shop.  It would be approximately $43.99 for five.  I would have a hard time plunking down what ten would cost in one of our stores.  I have not had a quarrel with the use of them.

  I dug out enough fabric from my stash to cut the binding strips.  From there it was to the sewing machine to join all strips to make up the length needed.  Joining them diagonally makes for less bulk at each intersection.  The very long strip is now nestled in a basket after I pressed the 2.5″ width by half.

  As our day has been quite laid back, we are having waffles and sausages for supper.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:19 pm on July 5, 2025 Permalink  

  Steamy Out 

  We did have rain overnight and today it is steamy out.

  We have no intentions of going off the homestead this weekend.  Dennis and I both feel that all of the picnics and gatherings taking place over this long weekend . . . be safe in your enjoyment.

  I worked in the studio this morning.  Dennis was doing up what dishes were in the sink from last night’s supper.  I put out a SOS.  Dennis came down to see how he could help.  I had been using exercise weights to help anchor the tee-shirt quilt as it needed to go under the needle.  It wasn’t working as well as it had the two previous days.  I think it was me that was the culprit.  My shoulders were either barking or bucking . . . maybe both.

  Dennis sat down being immediately to my left.  With his strong arms he could keep the quilt somewhat aloft so the weight would not pull against the needle.  When doing free-motion quilting, if the fabric is not moving under the needle, the sewing machine will not stitch.  Dennis sure did help.  I would like to tell you I was doing flower designs and such.  I was thrilled to be able to do a meander that may have been mistaken as a lot of loops, none the same size as another. 

  My machine never missed a beat.  We didn’t break a needle throughout.  Halfway through, I had cleaned under the hood, gave it some oil and put in a new needle.  It may seem like small stuff but it’s amazingly simple to keep the machine preforming well.

  The mail at noon, brought the bill from Boekett Lumber in Truman for the materials of the garage make-over.  As I was typing, Dennis’ little red pickup came home from taking the payment to the mail.  Sweet.  A huge job done and done well.  A month ago we didn’t even have the project in mind.  In a small community it pays to have “people.”  It’s important to pay your bills so people will agree for work that is needed to be done.

  For the remainder of the day, my spot is my bedroom porch resting the body.

  Oh, by the way . . . This session Kansas and Nebraska will no longer be taxing social security income for a total of 41 states.  What the hell is Minnesota waiting for!

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:27 pm on July 4, 2025 Permalink  

  July 4th,2025 

  It is a very warm 4th of July.

  Decades ago, we would be hosting a huge family gathering on the west lawn, under shade trees at our Boon Lake farm.  

  Orlin’s family with his mother, Ester, enjoying every moment of it.  My family, both the Riebe family and the Wendlandt family.  The invites were given and those that could make it rounded out a rather huge group.  On one 4th, Kevin had just gotten over the chicken pox, thus no long contagious.  Orlin’s nephew Frank, aka: Butch, gave the little ones rides around the circle drive with our lawnmower and trailer.  Lots of food.  No one went hungry.  Orlin’s mother always had her harmonica with her.  My uncle, Norman Riebe, had brought along one of his concertinas.  Both played by ear.  The tunes that those two entertained us with were amazing.  Even the hammock between two Oak trees gave great fun as the kids would take turns being pushed forth and back.

  If I remember correctly, 1974, was the last time we had a July 4th celebration.  At that time we lived at rural Buffalo Lake.  The two story brick school house was soon to be our home.  We resided in a 14′ x 80′ mobile home during the interim.  That 4th of July gathering included the same families as other years, plus we had neighbors that joined in.  Across the road Bill and Ester Mueller walked over.  With no family of their own, they truly enjoyed the hub-bub.

  For me, these events were as if yesterday.  I have a tendency to harbor memories.  Sweet.  Not to worry, I absolutely live in the present.

  Yesterday we took a road trip.  I could not believe how good the crops looked.  There were many working in the heat as the road-side hay was either being cut, side-raked or baled.  There were round bales, huge rectangle bales.  Both must be extremely heavy.  One farm was still baling the size of bales that I remember hefting, mostly between 80 and 100 lbs.  The arthritis can attest to that.

  Speaking of arthritis: I got a follow-up call from my primary on this Wednesday.  I was concerned if one of the implant screws that I have in both feet, had shifted causing some discomfort, the redness and swelling of my toes on my right foot.  Nope.  It’s just the all invading arthritis.  It was relief.

  This evening we are having sauteed peeled and deveined shrimp and steamed veggies.  It doesn’t take long to toss the defrosted shrimp after totally drying them in paper towels with butter in an open skillet.  When they turn from a hue of gray to pink, in short order, they are done.

  BY THE WAY:  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SON, KEVIN!

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:20 pm on July 2, 2025 Permalink  

  The Wasp – Part Two 

  Late yesterday afternoon, I paid attention whenever I would catch a glimpse of the nasty huge back wasp.  It never seemed to take a break and land somewhere.  As I was making supper, I saw it swoop down and land under the dining room table.  With my fly swatter in hand, praying my titian knees would let me swat that far down, I literally lunged at it.  It took a second hit before it stopped wiggling.  With a wet paper towel for surface traction, I scooped him up and flushed him down the toilet.  Whew.

  I knew I could rest easy.  What came to mind were the wasp type of insects that we had when we lived in Riesel, Texas.  Within a short amount of time they could get into your home and find a quiet spot to make a nest.  They called them “mud daubers.”  Their saliva wove the nests.  Makes me shiver to think of the day I found a nest in one of our open closets.  I have no idea if they stung when they were irritated.  It was my own personal irritation that carried with it a feeling of an unclean home.  Yuck.

  This forenoon Jan from across the picket fence came down into the studio to see what I was doing.  She had had no idea what crappy tee-shirts could be used for.  I encouraged her to take a good look-see as there would never be another one on my church tables.  About two, the studio went dark and I will pick up the pinning of the layers sometime this weekend.

  With a fresh batch of steamed veggies, we are having leftovers from last night’s stew and potatoes for supper.  As a treat Dennis will get some orange juice.  There is just so darn much sugar for it to be a daily thing.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on July 1, 2025 Permalink  

  A Wasp 

  We have a huge black wasp that has gotten into the house either via a door as it was closing or riding in on clothing.  Ishi.  I have a fly-swatter close at hand.  Of course he is nowhere to be seen right now.

  I did look at the radiology reports of my x-rays of the bone density and also my feet.  I will rely on my primary to channel the next course of action, if one is needed.  There were no fractures noted.  Charts of indication of osteo arthritis as to yesterday compared to two years ago.

  I have voluntarily cut back on my coffee intake.  No longer does the coffeemaker perk out 12 cups of liquid.  I have it set for six.  Dennis has always taken what amounts to two cups in his thermos cup and I had been drinking the remainder over the course of the day.  I remember Orlin was a heavy coffee drinker during the work week.  We didn’t make coffee over the weekends.  Invariably, by Sunday he would have a headache.  Maybe from the withdrawal, maybe not.  I feel comfortable giving the cut-back a try.  I have one additional prescription added daily.  It is a 2.9 blood-pressure pill.  I already have an appointment in two weeks to have an RN check my blood-pressure.  The objective is no undue pressure on the heart.  I will make sure to do my part.  Upon that visit, I have an appointment in three months with my primary.  More to come on the x-rays.

  I had a stint in the studio this forenoon . . . until 1:30.  The two equal rectangles of tee-shirt blocks are now sandwiched with Mountain Mist batting.  Kersten had found several additional measuring matts for me.  They are 36″ x 70″.  Coupling them with the one previous, I used thumbtacks to get the ball rolling.  Slowly I managed to square everything up.  The next step will be the wonderful wonder of the easy to manage safety pins that Amazon delivered via Kevin.  They have been put to use several successful times.  That may well take more than one session in the studio.

  Supper is going to be beef stew over instant mashed potatoes with a side of steamed vegetables.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:55 pm on June 30, 2025 Permalink  

  What a Day 

  Dennis’ daughter took Dennis to his appointments today.  His new shoes were ready at the Limb Lab.  His eye injection was at three.  I was thrilled that Denise took care of that.

  I had a follow-up with my primary doctor here in town this afternoon.  Yes, the blood work was great.  Nope, my blood pressure readings were high.  Consistently high after four different times.

  I also had the bone density x-rays to see what the wear and tear of arthritis has brought about.  I also had my right foot x-rayed.  The foot, mainly the big toe, has been consistently red and a bit swollen.  No . . . the screw would not rust but it was x-rayed to make sure the screw has not moved over the course of the last thirty years.

  All the results of the x-rays I can see by tomorrow via the Mayo portal.  The blood pressure can perhaps be helped by me reducing my intake of caffeinated coffee.  Starting tomorrow, I will adjust the amount and the strength.

  With all of that, I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:02 pm on June 29, 2025 Permalink  

  Thunder Rolled 

  In the early morning hours, three-thirty, the lightning was striking, followed shortly thereafter by roll after roll of thunder and rain.  I kind of think, we have caught up with any shortfall of rain that may have been noted.

  Here we are, June 29th, after having materials brought on site for re-facing the garage on the 21st of June.  The garage work is completely done and my oh my, what a great job has been done.

  Brian and Carlos left our home at noon.  There is no sign of any debris to be found.  The keys for the new service door have yet to find a key ring.  The service door that was taken off, dang near came off in pieces.  The multi-paneled door had been held together with glue.  When standing inside, looking out, daylight could be seen in between the panels. 

  It was our pleasure to pay Brian and Carlos when they left.  Dennis was on hand to give each fellow a $2.00 bill reflecting the good luck that comes with the $2.00 bill.  Brian told Dennis he still had his bill from the time that we got to know Brian when he was doing work across from Stauffer Avenue three years ago.  We would give Brian a recommendation anytime.

  There were some extra materials that needed to go back to Truman Lumber.  Brian had scored a job in Truman as he was invoiced our materials and Brian offered to return them for us.  Fantastic.  I know that Vaughn from the lumberyard, had checked our deck out after it was done and had no problem recommending Brian and Carlos.  Vaughn had said carpenters were hard to come by.  

  Our job jar, we had not even thought of this project a month ago, is indeed empty.  There are always items to repair when you own property, but for some time the garage will be zero maintenance.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:21 pm on June 28, 2025 Permalink  

  Garage Work 

  The two fellows came back at noon after the rain had stopped for the day.  In tow was the new service door that had come into the Truman lumberyard for this morning’s pick-up.  I greeted them and left them to what they know best.

  My morning project was Dennis’ bedroom, complete with getting the bedding into the laundry.  I began putting the bed back together this afternoon and I could only imagine what being outside would feel like . . . humid.

  Yesterday I spent quite a bit of time surfing the Mayo website for the Mankato site. As I will need a new interventional cardiologist by the late fall, I began searching and reading.  A cardiologist takes care of me after the main event.  The interventional cardiologist may prevent me having a main event.  I am now on Dr. Singh’s list of patients at Mayo in Mankato.  I see no reason that if the doctor is not in Rochester, they would not be a wise choice.  I feel very comfortable going forward.  Advocating for one’s self when possible brings that feeling of comfort.

  When there is activity in the garage from strangers, the kitties flee.  Snuggles saunters back after the fact.  Harriet had been gone for four days and three nights.  Dennis had to check one more time last night after he had locked up.  I could hear her crying when Dennis opened the back door.  She wanted to beat him into the safety of the garage.  After the garage work today, it will be interesting what nightfall brings.

  The Subway hit the spot last night for supper.  This evening we will be having a hot supper.  Dennis can go without a hot supper, but not for a very long time.  I don’t get that.  Oh well.

  I watched for the mail today . . . no quilt batting.  That allows my arms and shoulders a bit more rest. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:18 pm on June 27, 2025 Permalink  

  Good Grief 

  It is unbelievable what some believe in.  I think it is called holistic medicine.  Essential oils are right up there with the hype.

  Dennis came home from Silver Bay with what he thought would be a great comfort for me.  Hmm.  It was a grounding bedsheet.  Sold to him from the granddaughter that is big into essential oils.  It is to be plugged only into the grounding port of an electrical plug in.  It is then plugged into the organic grounding bedsheet.  It is to tap into the wealth of free electrons from the earth’s mobile electrons via the ground wire benefits.  A cure all to promote blood circulation, anti-aging, removes stress and arthritis.

  Give me a break.

  The only thing that kept me from laughing in Dennis’s face was the simple fact that the electrical plug-in behind my bed did not happen to be an electrical plug-in with a ground wire.  I gently told him that I felt that running an extension board/cord equipped with a ground option would be too dangerous as I use a step-up and step-down when I get in and out of bed with the fear of tripping and falling.  Whew, he bought it. 

  Medicine men are still alive and well, they just no longer use covered wagons to roam for patsies.

  On a lighter note, I am in the waiting room, awaiting my quilt batting to be delivered from Amazon.  It may be tomorrow or Monday.  A good time for doing some cleaning in the studio from snips and wayward threads.

  Subway is on the docket for supper. 

  Many small town celebrations for this weekend.  I hope all works in the favor of those that participate or help in the planning.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥