Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 1:54 pm on June 15, 2018 Permalink  

  Dennis has used a CPAP machine for ten years. He has Atro-fribulation, an irregular heart beat. The CPAP machine kicks in with a metered rush of air when the heart wants to skip a beat. 98% of the time I would really need to struggle to hear it. Last night the other 2% lasted for four hours. The gasket over the nose and mouth just wouldn’t fit securely and the noise was much like an air compressor roaring through the house. Dennis slept like a baby through it. I tossed, I turned, I got up and went into the sewing studio for an hour. I came back up thinking I was weary enough to get to sleep. Finally at 2 a.m. I woke Dennis up and the process of putting the sleep mask on was started fresh. Ahh. Sleep.

  I knew what the forecast was for humidity and heat and that got me up at 7:30 for a quick cup of coffee and then off for a walk. There was a breeze which helped. I was taunted by a pair of Canadian geese that felt threatened when I must have been in range of where their goslings were nesting. Hey! I had my own agenda. It wasn’t until I was back on the patio and tapping into that cup of coffee I had left there that the discomfort really set in. Coming in the computer had 78 degrees with 85% humidity and the dewpoint in the low 60s. I put on fresh clothes and went into the sewing studio to cool off and watch the news. Maybe Dennis didn’t sleep as well as I had thought through all the CPAP noise as it was 9:45 before he got up. As he made his way out to the patio porch with coffee in hand . . . it was a lot more uncomfortable than it had been when I had hit the county road.

  We will be lying low over the weekend and weathering whatever Mother Nature throws at us.

   
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  Noreen 12:55 pm on June 14, 2018 Permalink
  Tags: Kersten ( 6 )   

  A Check on my Work 

  

  I have been playing around with embroidery designs on white bleached feed sacks. These particular feed sacks are 36″ x 36″. The set of designs were to stitched out at 2.5″ x 2.5″. They would almost be lost on the size of towels that I have. I did use a program to enlarge the design to 5″ x 5″, much as I did when I enlarged the designs when I made the quilt squares for Kersten’s Pokémon quilt. The designs in the cat collection stitch out at 13,000 to 16,000 stitches. It is quite different from the hand stitching when perhaps the outline had been embroidered with DMC floss. Machine designs can be quite compact. I needed to check on my work and see what would happen if when these towels were given away, used and then laundered . . . how would they look. Would the 16,000 stitches become a mass of puckered stitches on the towel? Before I began a second towel this towel was pitched in the laundry with other white clothes and then dried in the clothes dryer. No special treatment before, during or after . . . no hot iron put to it for smoothing it out. I would be comfortable giving this towel to someone to use and having it remain much like the day I stitched it. Quality control needs to be checked from time to time. I also do test runs to see what type of stabilizer works best with what type of fabric I will be stitching on. Choices, choices. I enjoy my stitching, but I also need to make sure it will pass the time of use. What does it amount to in time and energy to get that result? . . . It doesn’t matter as it is my joy.

   
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  Noreen 4:34 pm on June 13, 2018 Permalink  

  We slept in this morning. It was promised that the longer the day went today the humidity would be diminished. About noon the mowers were checked for oil and gas and we hit the acre like young farmers. Hey . . . sometimes you just have a burst of good energy. As the afternoon went on the clouds took over and it was pleasant out. With the mowing completed I took a good look at our driveway. In the cracks, among the dirt, there were little Prickly Pear Cactus beginning to grow. Several years ago we did dig out a planter that was full of over-grown Prickly Pear Cactus. Those little buggers were standing tall and proud at an inch high. I had just sprayed the cracks with Roundup. Either the cactus are tough beyond Roundup or I may have missed them. Either way they are gone.

  I am thankful Dennis is setting up for supper with some left-over chicken Alfredo hot-dish. Put a few pickles with it, bread and butter and it’s a go. I have some wonderful asparagus waiting for me. I like it raw dipped in Thousand Island dressing. If I have had a good workout in the yard, I like a light supper and it doesn’t have to be hot. Dennis needs a hot meal at least once a day.

  Stauffer Avenue is in good shape and those who dwell there aren’t too bad either. Life is good. Each day we save the best of the moments and leave the rest.

   
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  Noreen 3:29 pm on June 12, 2018 Permalink  

  Sometimes exhaustion can take you down and it isn’t due from any physical exertion that was expended. Raw emotions can do it. Dennis had an appointment in Mankato for an ultrasound as the final check of his carotid surgeries of the recent past. We got home at eleven and were taking our time with some leftover breakfast coffee. When the doorbell rang I looked out on the driveway, there was no vehicle. Dennis’ son Jeff was at the door. My heart sank.

  Jeff is an alcoholic. I could tell by his eyes that he had been drinking. Jeff had not been here for several years. Dennis, myself and Jeff spent the next four hours in the patio porch. How he got to St. James from Fairmont is still a mystery. Conversation content is measured by skepticism of what may be truth and what is not. What was coming through was that Jeff wanted to see his dad for Father’s Day. It was not an easy visit as conversing with someone that has been drinking does not follow a rhyme or reason. Anyway . . . when Jeff asked his dad if he would take him back to Fairmont . . . I looked at Dennis and for the first time ever in looking at Dennis, I saw the 81-year-old man that he is. It broke my heart. Dennis is still Jeff’s dad and Jeff will always be Dennis’ son. I will breathe easy when the little red pickup drives up the driveway and Dennis is home. I can only imagine how weary this day has made him feel. I will welcome him home with open arms.

   
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  Noreen 6:03 pm on June 11, 2018 Permalink  

  It is amazing what the mind can conjure up for trivia in memories. I mentioned several days ago our neighbors to the west were moving. She came over last night to say goodbye. She was holding her two month old baby and the baby was quite content. The entire time the mom was moving the baby up and down at a fairly good clip as one would do when a child might be fussing. What came to my mind as I watched was what Orlin had insisted on when Carrie and Kevin were infants. The essence of his thought was: small babies are working hard to focus their eyesight during the first months . . . why would you constantly keep them in motion to make any focus impossible for them. Needless to say Carrie and Kevin were not shook in that manner when they were infants. Holding them and gently rubbing their backs was our mode of operation. It worked. I found it difficult to keep Orlin’s thought out of my mind the entire time she stayed. I wished them well as they headed out.  Ya . . . it’s amazing what the gray matter brings straight to the forefront as if it happened yesterday and not 49 years ago.  I rather enjoy those memories.

  On a lighter note, my favorite chair gives me a view out of our north living room window. The lilac bushes show the activity of everything in the greens and the birds that frequent the bush. It also happens to be in close proximity to the water that the sump pump brings to the surface in our yard north of the house. It is much like a communal bathtub.  It has been a great venue of Robins, Cardinals and Blue Jays. Even the squirrels give their fair share of performances. Enjoyable to say the least to watch what Mother Nature has to share.

   
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  Noreen 1:37 pm on June 10, 2018 Permalink  

  There is a Reason 

  When we realize the six inches of rain within the last four days has us hog-tied for outside work . . . we go to plan B.  For myself that is an easy task.  I can while away hours in the sewing studio doing some tidy work, find a better place for supplies or begin a stitching project and let the machine hum so I can get a post typed out.

  This past week I have been exposed to a lot of family time.  Last Sunday I was with my sister’s family.  Thursday Dennis and I spent the day on my cousin’s farm taking in the church steeple work as well as farm talk.  Every family member of mine has a different dynamic.  As I have had rainy days to mule over everything from the last week I have decided . . . for me, myself and I . . . I like what I have with my children and their families.  I wouldn’t trade my troop for anything in the world.  Orlin and I didn’t have an instruction book when we had our children.  It was a learning curve to say the least.  Each day, each month and each year we did what we felt was needed to keep the kids safe while allowing them to be themselves.  I have no idea how each event that took place may have imprinted within them.  All things that have come into my children’s lives as adults have been choices.  From my perspective they have chosen well for themselves and the day-to-day lives for their families.

  Do I wish that I could spend more time with them? . . . Hell yes.  That is the exact same thought that Mom had.  In reality we bring those wee ones up to be and do what they need to do for love, for home and for jobs.  At this juncture in my life, it is MY job to stay healthy, safe and motivated so when family times do occur I am cognizant to enjoy every last detail.  As I see it, the balance in my life is working out just fine.  Dennis keeps me on my toes so as to not slack off on the details of multitasking.  Our acre allows for all the fresh air one can take keeping it tidy and I surely cannot discount the challenges that I enjoy in the sewing studio.  There is a reason for rainy soggy days. My blog post has allowed me to express some thoughts and I have a wonderful kitchen towel completed on the sewing machine.  Sweet.      

   
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  Noreen 6:11 pm on June 9, 2018 Permalink  

  Yesterday when we went to Mankato, it meant a trip to Hy-Vee and Sam’s Club. I am not fond of traipsing to the grocery story at the drop of a hat. As we have the freezer compartment over the refrigerator it means organization. Our pantry in the basement is usually in good shape for options. Yes, Sam’s shopping means items are in multiples whether in cans, jars or produce. Purchasing for a month in advance works for us. With more rain falling for the better part of the day it was time to deal with the groceries and making them user friendly for the two of us for future meals. I don’t mind that one bit. It’s not much different than when garden produce is ready and it needs to be dealt with for time to come.

  I still shop like we did at a time when we needed to use food stamps for the family. We had just landed in Watonwan County and it took a bit of time to get on track for income versus expenses. It meant . . . stock up on what is needed and what can be used up with very little waste. The period of food stamps didn’t last a long time but long enough to instill in me to be prepared in the kitchen.

  On a damper note our backyard has standing water . . . everywhere. There is still a rumble or two of thunder and most likely it will take its sweet time clearing out. Not much to do but be thankful we have a good roof over or heads and lets hear it for a fantastic basement. I felt empathy for our neighbors to the west of us as they were moving to a larger home for their family. Yup, this is our forever home and I am very grateful for all that this home represents to us and how well it serves Dennis and me.

   
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  Noreen 5:40 pm on June 8, 2018 Permalink  

  Today was a trip to Mankato. Haircuts, errands and groceries. The fields from here to Mankato look like seas to shining seas with water. We were at four inches and from what I could tell on the KEYC news this morning it could have been between 1.5 and 2 inches.

  This evening the air has gotten as thick as cottage cheese. We have had a full week. Monday I thought my car was dying . . . not . . . a loose gas cap. Tuesday Complete Basements visited . . . caching, caching and Dennis had medical appointments, Wednesday was taking care of our wonderful acre, Thursday took us to the Penn Church site and now today . . . we have groceries in the house and can close the blinds, lock the doors and hide out for a while.

  At 6:30 in the evening I have my robe on and I plan on having some cold coffee that was left from this morning . . . the whole while my feet will be up on the footstool.

   
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  Noreen 4:03 pm on June 7, 2018 Permalink
  Tags: Dan ( 4 )   

  The Penn Church 

  

  This is the Penn Church at rural Brownton. Dad’s entire family was baptized and confirmed in this church. When the congregation could no longer support it, my cousin Dan bought the church site . . . lock, stock and barrel. Two years ago it got a new steel roof. Today Dennis and I watched a two man crew work on prepping the steeple for a new steel covering. The bell tower is remaining to have the old shingles taken off and prepped for steel. The area around the wooden shutters will also be new steel. A two man crew with both men at the very top. I would imagine there is a backup plan in the event of a power failure on the mechanical end of this lift. Saving history is Dan’s passion with this site. I applaud him. Dan wasn’t at the site today as he had 80 acres of alfalfa to process and get into bunkers for his 100 head of Holstein dairy herd.

   
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  Noreen 12:53 pm on June 6, 2018 Permalink  

  Back to Normal 

  Today is Wednesday and Stauffer Ave. feels like a normal today.  I put all the shelves back on the north wall of the sewing studio.  Nothing needed to be sacrificed in regard to storage.  It felt normal today that my brother called and we took jabs at each other.  Humor is always a good thing when there are under- tones of care and support.  It was also back to normal to get the weed whip going so Dennis could get the riding lawn mower going without all the back and forward motion needed to get close and personal to objects.  I am quite sure he will be heading in soon for a good drink of water.  After an additional half inch of rain last night it is humid, sticky, soggy and a bit muddy in sparse grass areas.  All the phones in the house were ringing at 4:00 a.m.  Our county has an alert system.  The alert was for a severe thunderstorm heading our way.  Lots of rain, wind, thunder and lightening.  Quite the season of rain.  Yup . . . on so many levels normal feels good.