Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 4:45 pm on September 22, 2019 Permalink  

  There is no Place Like Home 

  It is late Sunday afternoon and I am home from Lone Rock, Iowa.  Most of what I had taken along is back in its original place. 

  I am not pre-judging if I will take part in a sewing retreat again.  I will admit, I did shake the pain pill bottle once a day in the afternoons.  A new experience for this ole gal.  I did enjoy meeting new people and exchanging ideas. 

  It’s now time to rustle up a supper for Dennis.  He did well on his own since Thursday.  Who knows, maybe he feels that he also has had a great retreat.

   
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  Noreen 3:01 pm on September 21, 2019 Permalink  

  It Has Been Good 

  Today is Saturday, the third day of being at Lone Rock’s Quilted Steeple.  I have no idea what the weather has been.  I have come out from the parsonage about 8:30 in the mornings and have not returned until almost midnight each evening.  

  Would I enjoy doing this often . . . probably not.  I enjoy my home too much to live out of totes and containers when the sewing urge hits.  I was able to pack everything for what was needed on my plans for completion.  I knew the patch work quilt blocks would continue to be a work in progress long after this weekend.  I did get one bag and two wallets done in cork.  It was the first time I had bought zippers by the yard and made the three lengths that this bag needed.

  Some of the nine gals who are here this weekend have been doing several retreats a year since 2017.  From the sounds of it, some of the locations have been quite meager.  At the Quilted Steeple it has been like an extension of a favorite aunt’s home.  Who knew there would be soft water to shower in!

  I feel special to have a Bernina sewing chair for comfort when stitching in my sewing studio.  There are 14 of those red beauties with 14 long church tables that support the vibrating of the machines here in the church basement.  It is air conditioned with mega power strips for each table and an additional intensity lamp.   There are several cutting tables that are of a good height.  The ultimate is a cutting table that is operated by a remote to raise and lower the height for comfort.  One of the gals here used to own a quilt shop and that table would retail for $4,500.  Amazing.  Also amazing is how tricked out this facility is. 

  I am not prejudging if I will take in another retreat.  There are some who have no spouses, no children or grandchildren.  I feel fortunate to have gotten to know new personalities in various lifestyles with fuzz and thread being the common denominator. 

  As sweet as this has been, home on Sunday evening will be most appreciated.

   
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  Noreen 2:13 pm on September 20, 2019 Permalink  

  Lone Rock Retreat 

  My first night at Lone Rock Quilted Steeple.  I slept like a rock.  It may be because we went back to stitching after supper until midnight. 

  Today started slow.  I think I hit the church basement about 8:30.  Some were sewing, some were visiting.  During the day four more ladies joined the group to make nine.  Interestingly my room partner has not turned on her machine since we got here.  Sharon loves to check on her emails and is happy to visit.  I am the oldest gal here.  The youngest of the nine is 26. 

  The most interesting part of this is the quality of the house.  Each and every room is furnished with comfortable beds, bedding and towels.  The bathrooms are stocked with towels, shampoo and other toiletries.  There are articulate quilts too numerous to count in each room.  Many quilting antiques and collectibles are abound.  Noticeably, there is not dust anywhere. 

  I am making headway on several projects, not staying with any one thing at a time to keep the neck, shoulders and the rest of the body comfortable.

  Tonight and tomorrow night the suppers are catered here at the church.  The cost of each meal is $16.00.  The rest of the food that we needed was brought with each of us.  I decided to eat lightly and stick with water to drink.  It is a good experience.  A very interesting experience.

   
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  Noreen 2:44 pm on September 19, 2019 Permalink  

  The Group is Growing 

  Right now there is a group of four at The Quilted Steeple in rural Lone Rock, Iowa.  Five more will be coming tomorrow.  We will then be full until Sunday afternoon.

  Everyone has different projects that each have brought.  The best part for me is the networking.  Each has different experiences to share.  The laughter, mostly at ourselves, is priceless.  

  In the parsonage there is a total of 10 beds, two single in each room.  Sharon and I are the two with less mobility or ease with Sharon using her CPAP machine . . . we opted for the bedroom on the lower level.

  Thus far, this is a great experience.

   
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  Noreen 2:47 pm on September 18, 2019 Permalink  

  It’s Different 

  For many years, I would pack my clothes and head off to a conference for work, or a meeting for work.  Not this time.  This is different.

  The sewing retreat I am going on is like packing up a part of my sewing studio.  What is furnished within the church at Lone Rock, Iowa, is a table, chair, power strip, and a refrigerator.  I would imagine if you wanted to crochet all weekend, Thursday through Sunday, that would be fine.  Pack some skeins of yarn and all would be good. 

  I purchased a rolling case for my machine and I could not believe how large it was.  Well, to find out, by the time the sewing machine, power cord, foot pedal, small cutting board, a case for thread, bobbins, scissors, extra needles and a portable ironing surface . . . it got full in a hurry and heavy.  In addition, there is a bag for the sewing projects to work on complete with my iron, a cooler for my food, and a leather bag for my Dell Laptop.  I have yet to pack some clothes.  For sure, I am taking my own pillow.   

  This is an entire new pool of water that I am dipping my toes into.  The eight gals that will be at the retreat have done this quite a few times and it may well be second nature for them.  It appears that the sleeping quarters within the parsonage is multiple single beds in various bedrooms.  

  Dennis has the back of the car loaded for me with exception of some food items that will be tucked into the cooler before I leave in the morning.  There was mention that there is help getting items into the basement of the church.  Whew!

  Grammie is looking forward to a new experience.  Many are bringing their embroidery units with as well.  Not so much for me.  I have also gleaned that many are new to machine embroidery.  It should be a good group to find answers. 

  We are going to the Home Town Cafe for supper.  We are calling it a weekend departing date.  I have made contact with the neighbors that the ole cowboy will be on his own over the weekend.  In the ten years that I have been retired, I have been home alone many times when Dennis would take in a trade show over long weekends and also the four week trip he and nephew Brett took last February.  This weekend as Dennis comes in the backdoor of our home and as always asks “Where are you?”,  it might be a bit quiet. This will be different for both of us.

   
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  Noreen 3:10 pm on September 17, 2019 Permalink  

  It Can Get Busy 

  Even hot days such as this one, can get busy.  Check the calendar and it tells all.

  Physical therapy was first thing this morning.  Good open dialog about the right hip . . . when I mentioned that the hip and me were doing fine right up until a glitch would hit and then it was right down nasty to get to a safe destination and sit . . .”You need to get an x-ray of the hip.”  Mike did do deep tissue massage and I will see him again on Thursday morning.  I have contacted our family doctor and shared with him as to why the request for an x-ray.  I am waiting to hear back as to when that will be.  Does anything of this surprise me?  Not really.  My ole farmer body has been incubating arthritis since . . . forever. 

  Let us just put all that talk about a hip aside for right now.  Nothing can be done about it right now.  There are more pressing things that need to be done right now.

  This afternoon I have done some packing.  Some time ago, I signed up for a sewing retreat that includes the gals that I have lunch with once a month in Mankato.  As of right now the sewing machine and all the goodies that I will need to work on some chosen projects is packed.  After Thursday morning’s physical therapy appointment I am heading straight south on Minnesota State Highway #15 for about 75 miles.  The location is the Quilted Steeple in Lone Rock, Iowa.  I will check in at Noon on Thursday and check out at one on Sunday.  It is a privately owned property that sponsors weekend events and it’s apparently in the middle of nowhere.  The sleeping quarters are in the parsonage.  This group of gals includes nine.  I have known three of the gals and it will be interesting to meet some new stitchers. 

  Is there a right time to do something like this . . . no.  One can talk yourself out of almost anything.  I have not been  on a retreat since I was 15 and St. Paul’s Luther League in Stewart, Mn., took in a weekend event at Northfield, Mn.

  I have lists up the wah-zoo!  Wednesday as I am at my chiropractor appointment in Madelia those lists will be spinning.  Dennis has been oh so supportive for me to do this.  He feels a change of scenery is just what is needed after being retired for ten years and having been diligent here on Stauffer Avenue. 

  I am off to have a supper date with Dennis and I will have more information as to what my lists entail tomorrow.  It is time to close down this busy mind.

   
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  Noreen 3:20 pm on September 16, 2019 Permalink  

  A Great Assistant 

  Today, Dennis was a great assistant.  An avid reader sent me an email as to a recipe for help with the chigger bites and the itches that can continue far after the crime has occurred.  I was on it like a tick on a dog . . . or a chigger mite on a leg.  Dennis realizes how severe the situation has been with the bites that won’t quit itching. 

  After the first soaking of vinegar and Epsom salts, Dennis realized that I would benefit from a deeper container to allow more of the feet and legs to be submersed.  That improved soaking will be done this evening as we have now incorporated Lena’s favorite pail that has been around for a long time.

  In between time and in the mean time, Dennis was on a mission to get a supper dish ready.  What a fellow.  We will be enjoying one of his famous chicken pasta hotdishes.  All he needed from me was a few reminders and he was in it to win it.  His favorite toppers for the dish is a layer of freshly ground black pepper.  Ya, we do go through a lot of ground pepper.  Pepper is so much better for us than salt. 

  I know this too shall pass . . . I would like it to be sooner than later, but I will be patient.  That in itself is a high hurdle for me.  Dennis not only assists in the prep of suppers and supplies, he is great for moral support.

   
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  Noreen 5:36 pm on September 15, 2019 Permalink  

  It has been Great 

  The fall temperatures that we have had . . . I give them 150%.  Totally my kind of weather.  

  There are some leaves falling from the giant Maple and Oak trees.  As we drove yesterday to Windom, the soybean fields are showing signs of turning.  I know the farming community is not looking for an early frost.  In the end, it will be what will be.

  Dennis got busy outside today and I had not kept track of him for a time.  When I did seek him out, he had one of our cement lawn ornaments loaded and heading for the potting shed.  Dennis must feel the early fall pressure as well.  We had put out less of the lawn ornaments this year than in summers past.  It may dwindle even more so next year.

  If we are lucky there might be four months that are perfect for flowerbeds to look as if someone does live here and does enjoy tending the plants.  The feeling of working the flowerbeds is hugely satisfying . . . but it doesn’t last.  The high spring winds, the hail storms and then the heat that comes with its own kind of merciless winds all take its toll.  The prettiness doesn’t last.   What does last is the stress and strain that has been put on the joints and tendons.  I am sacrificing a feeling of physically good for more months after than I want to admit . . . nope, it just doesn’t pencil out.

  Perhaps if I could totally get over the inflammation on my feet from the episode of late August when I walked in the neighbor’s yard and ended up with chiggers, I would have a better outlook on being outside and gardening.  All types of home remedies have been tried, such as: soaking my feet in water that has just as much baking soda in it as water, patting the feet dry, as you surely don’t want to rub them and start the itching, putting on a paste of wet soda, and today the latest is trying some hemp oil.  I have taken Benadryl.  It contains antihistamine to fight the histamine of the infection. This irritant surely can’t last forever.  Patience, patience.

  Couple the less than happy feet with the pair of eyes that are unhappy due to not having the lens in my glasses that would let them work harmoniously.  October 5th is just around the corner for that to be taken care of.  

  My secret to overcome the less than good things in today’s world is to stay as busy as possible with what I can handle.  Surprisingly, working on a project with the embroidery sewing is serving me well. Getting each hoop set up takes me the longest right now, but after that I know it will stitch out just as I would want it.

  Time to quit griping and enjoy the late day with some patio time.

   
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  Noreen 3:48 pm on September 14, 2019 Permalink  

  A Day of Visiting 

  Today, we spent a large part of the morning and afternoon visiting Dennis’ sister-in-law in Windom, MN.  Dennis’ brother passed away in 1986 as a very young father to three boys.

  As it is, Doris’ youngest son, Mitch, lives at home as a caretaker to his mother.  Mitch does work at Toro in Windom, just as his dad had.  Doris has health issues and is on oxygen full time.  It works out well for Doris and Mitch.

  This is a quiet day for Dennis and me.  All of the other family members are taking in a wedding about 75 miles from here.  It is an outside wedding and it was planned to start at five this afternoon.  Neither Dennis nor I care to drive after dark and staying overnight in a motel didn’t fit us either.  Dennis’ sister-in-law couldn’t take or make the trip and that is one of the reasons we went to spend time with her today.  It was a good choice.

  Not much to do here this evening, but to take in some patio sitting and enjoy the evening.  Catch ya later.

   
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  Noreen 2:01 pm on September 13, 2019 Permalink  

  When the Light is On 

  I am sure over time you have heard a phrase similar to “When the beer lights come on . . . ”  When the red light comes on on my portable radio in the sewing studio . . . the sewing machine is working.  That portable radio was a Christmas gift from Kevin almost three decades ago.  It was first on the wall in the bathroom.  When I started spending time in the basement creating a niche for myself, now known as the sewing studio, it has been right there tuned in to tunes, news, etc.   Ya, the antenna needs to be given a tweak from time to time to get reception and I may not always get the same station, but it is reliable.

  I started out in the sewing studio this morning, but in time the strong gusty winds dried out the acre so we could mow.  Lush grass this time of year is unusual.  Dennis tried out the Cub-Lo-Boy in the far east portion of the acre.  First time mowing with it since it has been smartened up with paint and the blades have been sharpened. Dennis was surprised when he came closer to the house and saw that I was mowing with the push mower.  I had promised myself if it started on the first pull, it was a go, otherwise I would have to wait until Dennis could start it.  It obviously was a go.

  Here we are in the afternoon and all has been accomplished that Dennis had in mind for the day.  When the temps are in the high 50s with a brisk wind, mowing was actually enjoyable.  With a lot of rain, there is still dust caught near the base of the shrubs.  Maybe, just maybe this will be the last mowing.

  On a gotcha note: this August I again tried the cherry and grape tomatoes for snacks.  I had given them up for over a year as the acidity in them and what I had in me for acidity was not a playing well together.  At first I thought I had been outside and gotten bug bites from no-see’ms or late hatching of mosquitoes.  Then I thought perhaps there was a spider loose in the sewing studio as the irritants were on my legs.  NOT!  The few what was thought to be bites blossomed into hives . . . all over the ole gal.  I had not had hives for a long, long time.   There I was with a 2 lb.  container of the lush beauties.  When I looked up to make tomato jam, the recipe called for 8 cups of sugar for 2 lbs.  of tomatoes.  Dennis took the tomatoes off my hands and I hope the birds enjoy them when they run across them in the far reaches of the acre.  The itching is subsiding and I have moved on to celery for a snack.  What next!