Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 4:29 pm on February 10, 2018 Permalink  

  RFD 

  Saturday is a great day for the Rural Free Delivery television programming.  Hmm.  I need to take that back.  Dennis enjoys it every day.  Seeing the tractors that he may very well have farmed with all smartened up with new paint and such brings back many memories.  Saturday late afternoons brings on some great country western music as well as gospel music.  With any luck there might be more on than television in the house and . . . we have stereo.  Dennis’ command center, aka: the west porch of our home.  Sitting in his favorite chair allows him to watch traffic, listen to good music and even work in a game of cribbage on his computer.  What a venue.  Actually its a great place for him on these cold days.  Sun streaming in from the south can make anyone feel cozy.

  Dennis did give a hand with the huge quilt project.  It is coming into its own.  It will be a lengthy stitching time for the quilt.  Extra size means extra maneuvering under the needle.  To begin the quilt stitching Dennis has helped me roll up the quilt from each end.  Fastening the rolls with a loop of thread will make it easier to work it from the center to each end.  In time, no matter how it is done, it does become a lofty task . . . literally.  The titanium shoulders will get many breaks.  Slow and steady.  It did help to put the expanded ironing board next to the church tables for support.  This happy scrappy quilt will make me wonder . . . why?

   
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  Noreen 2:49 pm on February 9, 2018 Permalink  

  I Never Gave it Much Thought 

  The sun is bright with enough wind that I hear the wind chimes in the Evergreen on the northwest corner of the house.  It was a minus three this morning when I got up at eight.  Dennis had already been out to the garage porch to enjoy his coffee, his breakfast snack that he takes with him and of course to check on his cats.  Dennis was already in his recliner for a nap when I tiptoed to the kitchen. I put a kettle on to get some eggs boiling while sipping the first cup of coffee for the day.  After a cup of coffee with the boiled egg cooling, I never gave it much thought.  I got dressed and suited up to clear the drive of the snow that had come over night.  It was a good three inches of soft fluff that could easily be pushed with my snow pusher.  I think this was the first time it had taken me long enough to get the job done that my fingers began to feel the cold when I came in.

  A second cup of coffee sure hit the spot while I warmed up.  I never gave it much thought.  I went down into our pantry and got a can of white chicken meat to make a batch of chicken mixed with boiled eggs and mayo for a noon snack.  Tasting as I went I knew it would go over good.

  Dennis is awaiting a surgical date for his right carotid artery later this month.  I think many naps are a great thing.  After checking on Dennis I headed down to the sewing studio.  When I began the project for Dennis’ granddaughter, I never gave it much thought about managing a king sized quilt.  I knew I could pull on memories of Mom and her Riverdale Quilt Club.  A small group of ladies met in each other’s homes and worked on quilts for each other.  Sandwich lunches and afternoon coffee and by the end of the day it was unlikely there was much left to quilt.  Many of the quilts were hand stitched and some were tied with yarn depending on what the owner of each quilt desired.  I don’t have a quilt club.  I don’t have a group.  I have my ingenuity.

  

  Since the fall reorganization of the sewing studio, maneuvering tables makes the work area oh so doable.

  Dennis did have an appointment out at the clinic for the afternoon.  Me myself and I decided to get things rolling for Erin’s quilt.  I never gave it much thought to take my sewing machine station down and make sure I could get around all sides of the church tables.  With the sun shining through the south windows we now had a plan.  I dug out all the weights that we have used and abused over the years.  I have my huge bag of safety pins ready.  When Dennis returns home, I will use his help to get the quilt top onto the layered batting and backing. 

  I go through my days never giving it much thought that I can’t achieve what my plans are.  One step at a time.  Sometimes it is one step forwards and several back, but . . . failure is not an option.  

   
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  Noreen 6:32 pm on February 8, 2018 Permalink  

  Six o’clock and there is still the possibility of seeing across the street before the street lights come on. I do believe we are nearing a chance of spring.

  Dennis had a coffee guest out in the patio porch this forenoon. Coffee and Rice Krispy bars made for enough visiting that the rocking chairs never lost momentum.

  I did clear the drive of snow before Doug came for coffee. Looking back over the week it has been piddling with small amounts of snow three days out of four. Being energized from the sharp cold air I worked on my happy scrappy quilt for Dennis’ granddaughter. I don’t think anyone sleeps in a regular sized bed anymore. This quilt top is finishing out at 95″ x 105″.

  Supper is over, the dishes are done and we are off the clock for the evening.

   
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  Noreen 5:18 pm on February 7, 2018 Permalink  

  Yet again there was snow to remove this morning. The walking I had done all last summer right into the early winter is serving me well. The legs and body don’t mind the snow removal. Is it all that important for us to have a clean clear concrete drive . . . no. Do I enjoy getting outside as often as possible . . . yes. I so love my sewing studio but balance to the day is more important.

  Yesterday at the Mankato clinic it was a seek and search when we pulled into the entrance. The parking lot is always chucked full. It’s a hike to get into the clinic as Carrie could testify to when she came and waited with me when Dennis had his surgery in October. When we got into the clinic yesterday I picked out a wheelchair for Dennis and off we went down the long halls to the Radiology department. Then later on it was maneuvering to the Specialty Clinic . . . more halls.

  Let’s hear it for legs staying toned over the winter months. The stretching, reaching and bending of the torso is somewhat lacking. Though in thinking it over, working with projects in the sewing studio is better than being a couch potato. I am hoping by the first of March the bike trail along the Hammond Highway heading east is clear of ice and snow.

   
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  Noreen 4:59 pm on February 6, 2018 Permalink  

  Today Dennis and I had a road trip to Mankato. He was scheduled for an ultra sound on the right side of his neck followed by an office call with his surgeon.

  We chatted all the way. Trooper that he is, I most likely would have been quiet and a bit nervous. As luck would have it the heater in the pickup really was kicking out a very warm pickup cab.

  We began reminiscing about vehicles we had each ridden in decades ago. I know Mom had an old quilt on the floor of the back seat. There was no back seat heater fan in the late 50s model of the green Plymouth. On cold winter car trips there was no one who cared who was touching who. No one cared who was looking at who. The four of us kids huddled together bound by a quilt over our laps and legs. Warmth in numbers. Dad loved those trips. Not once would ne need to stretch his right arm over the front seat and swipe at one of us. Today it felt good to crack a window open for a bit and take in some of the single digit air.

  We spent the entire morning at the Mankato Clinic and the wheels are in motion as to when Dennis will be checking in for surgery. Of course, he has to have a pre-op physical by our local doctor first. Then those results will be studied with what the surgeon saw in the ultrasound. Tick-tock.

  We are home safe and sound and it feels oh so good.

   
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  Noreen 5:42 pm on February 5, 2018 Permalink  

  Yesterday I spent some time recounting an instance in farming with babies. I don’t believe Carrie and Kevin remember much of that experience. We were not able to continue with “Life on the Farm.” Carrie was an infant when we settled in on a farm in Boon Lake Township in 1966. Kevin came along in 1968. I believe Kevin was in kindergarten when we left the farm life, and Carrie most likely in second grade. The farm years will always be a very favored time in my memories. Orlin and I worked hard together. I believe to this day that farm life would have been my contentment to take me to my end days. Life brings changes and with changes come events that cannot be foreseen.

  Today, I again got the snow pusher out as we had another several inches of snow. I again had quiet time. I totally enjoyed being where the good Lord has planted me. I am content.

   
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  Noreen 5:35 pm on February 4, 2018 Permalink  

  Yesterday we had a bit of snow. More snow on the drive was done by the severe north winds over night. I suited up several different times today with my snow pusher and the drive is clear. While I was at the snow removal I thought about how frivolous having a clear drive was when my babies were small. Then the importance for me was clearing a path to the livestock barns while Orlin was getting the morning milking done. Once the milkers were going there was no stopping the process to get the entire herd milked. The cows knew what the line up was and if there was a brake in the routine, the shuffling of the hoves would begin. Creatures of habit are all.

  For me, I could get back into the house often to check on Carrie and Kevin and Snoopy. It had been easier before Kevin could walk and he would stay put in the play pen while Carrie would entertain him. It was a tidy little group. Once Kevin figured out how to climb out of the play pen, mobility was the game. It’s amazing how soon little kids learn to navigate steps whether up or down. I never knew where I would find the trio. I say trio because Snoopy could easily be tempted to leave his nest in the entryway and be right in the mix of the activity.

  No one ever got hurt while left alone. Today, I would most likely be written up for leaving the kids alone for any amount of time . . . or they could’ve been put in foster care. Farming, farm kids and farm schedules had a prescribed way of living. Nothing was ever left out that could have put the kids in harms way. What am I saying? Enough kettles stacked upside down on top of a kitchen stool made the top of the refrigerator their Mount Everest.

  The good Lord gave us a pass. Those cold winter days when Carrie and Kevin were left on their own in between the times I needed be be outside to be a farmer’s wife turned out fine. Generally it was a matter of picking up what had been pulled out to play with. The yard sticks that had been wedged into the drawer pulls or kitchen cupboard doors must have not been on their radar. In hind site, the can of Garden Guard left on the back entry shelf, tucked behind jackets, should have been not there. It was not all that easy to clean up and checking Snoopy’s mouth, I knew he had not been fed any. On the upside . . . we weren’t bothered with Crickets daring to cross the thresh hold for summer seasons to come.

  So, in today’s world I suit up and keep the drive clear of snow and enjoy the fresh air and get the much needed exercise. It doesn’t hold a candle to farm days but we do what feels good.

   
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  Noreen 4:53 pm on February 3, 2018 Permalink  

  It Is In Progress 

  

  Dennis’ oldest grandchild, Erin, lives at Silver Bay and works in the Veteran’s Home located there. She has three small girls. Erin has never asked for stitching from my sewing room for herself, though some for her daughters. The other two granddaughters have not been quite so reserved. Erin would make a great “Flower Child.” She dresses the three girls in skirts and dresses and does the curls and braids. I looked through the stashes and Dennis agreed a happy scrappy quilt for Erin was due. The 72 blocks will be bordered with the pink paisley and the blue paisley will be the cornerstones. Dennis helped with pressing and cutting. It sure helps on my hands. It is in progress and it will be a slow and steady process. A perfect project after tucking away the Christmas wall hangings. Projects using what I have on hand is the best. Yes, it helps that I have inherited stashes from friends who had quilted. When I work with those fabrics, it brings many wonderful shared moments.

   
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  Noreen 5:40 pm on February 2, 2018 Permalink  

  I stuck my head outside long enough today to leave by the back door to walk down the drive to see if the mail person had left one of Dennis’ prescriptions on the front step. Our front door is like a decoration. Once we have it closed for the winter, everyone who knows us also knows where our back door is. A zip lock freezer bag of chili worked out well for supper with a grill cheese sandwich to top it off. The cold temperatures don’t phase me much. If I need to wear more clothes . . . so be it. I have been fortunate as to not have had a cold thus far. Let’s hear it for the swig of Apple Cider Vinegar . . . with the Mother that I take every morning. This cold snap will pass.

   
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  Noreen 5:23 pm on February 1, 2018 Permalink  

  It Helps a Lot 

  

  When working on a scrappy quilt it always cuts better if the fabric lies flat. It being bitter outside, Dennis lent a hand. In this type of weather, my dad, Raymond, could have been found cutting out quilt squares. When I worked on Kersten’s Pokémon quilt, Kevin ironed all my squares so I could do the embroidering. Yup, it takes family to get the jobs done.