Late fall is the season of trade shows for the gun collectors to gather. Tales of trades, good buys and good sales abound. I have learned a long time ago not to let facial expressions or body language squelch a sale for my ole cowboy. Go get ’em Dennis.
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Noreen
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Noreen
Can’t pass up a trip to the Odin Craft Mill in the city of Odin – population 48, as per the hand painted city limit sign. I picked up Lorraine and away we went with the intention of eventually having lunch there as well. The community club does the lunch and that is a large part as to how this little village continues to look sharp and be appealing.
The craft mill is literally a fertilizer mill that had seen better days until a certain someone saw it with fresh eyes and new enthusiasm. It took a lot of cleaning and fore thought. In times past a house could be ordered from the Montgomery Ward mail order catalog. Low and behold, a home such as that was relocated from a vacant farm and attached to the mill. A time after that, a barn was also saved from demolition and added onto the project. Both the house and the barn offer two floors of goodies. Twice a year, for three continuous four-day weekends, vendors from five different states bring their wares. Literally from soup mixes to dried nuts and everything in between can be found.
Lorraine and I checked over all the quilted items from quality of stitches to the choice of colors. We both decided that what each of us does is comparable to what was offered for sale. Our friends and family who receive our items as gifts would literally have ticket shock at those types of ticket prices. We do, we sew and we give from the heart and not by the investment needed to offer loved ones the finished items.
It is a wonderful coincidence that friend Lorraine from St. James is 85 years young and a fantastic quilter and aunt Lorraine from Arizona at the age of 84 years young is also a fantastic quilter. How could I possibly not continue to step up my game in regard to my stitching? By the way, I did get a cell phone call yesterday that my Kenmore will be laid up a bit longer as a portion of the bobbin winder needed parts that had to be sent for. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Lorraine and I did have a great lunch, complete with coffee. Being a Thursday, there were not the crowds that a weekend would bring. We did not feel guilty taking our time with a second cup and some chit chat.
Down to the business of what was bought. Sitting in the area of the sports memorabilia was a beautiful gulf bag. I bought two of what was inside the bag: golf clubs with the heads removed and in place of the heads were prongs that had been welded on for wiener roasts. Dennis and I had just talked about needing more than twigs for Megan and Nicholas’ next visit. These were of long, strong medal and the handles had very nice padded hand grips. Where else but a craft show would one find something that useful? Now we just need to remember where we store them until the next visit. Those two items were the only items I purchased. After returning to St. James I did recall a few items that needed to have a second thought about them. I may return sometime within the next three days as I know we have two great grand babies who will be having their first birthdays before the first of the year. I try to set a limit of $10 on the great grands. No, there is no storage of the bounty from remaining family members.
A great day was finished off by stopping at the farmer market. As luck would have it, there were a few really nice cucumbers. Yup, we are having boiled potatoes with creamed cucumbers for supper . . . and that is all folks. For us, that makes a complete meal. Older people are quite funny.
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Noreen
The Beauty of Fall
The Tiger Eye Sumac is a beauty of the fall season. I barely caught this photo, as the wind is doing its number after we have had a light frost.
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Noreen
Dennis and I had a great road trip on this fall day. Yes, the sun was out, yes, the temperatures were agreeable, no, visibility was not good. No matter what direction we looked; harvest combines, stock choppers, corn stock bailers, gravel roads, all making rolls of dust. Dennis ran the little red pickup through the car wash before we left St. James and now as we pulled into our drive, there was no difference from earlier in the day.
Our first stop was in Fairfax. No way, can we drive through Fairfax, or be within miles of Fairfax, can we not stop for friendly, loving hugs.
Ever onward north, to Bird Island for the sewing machine repair shop. We were greeted as return customers. Karen and her husband also sell Bernina sewing machines. They were ready for a new machine sale right on the spot. I did take a brochure. It is a full color brochure, no less. I do know that Bernina has been a one family owned business from their inception and they are workhorse machines in the sewing and quilting line. I will try not to ware the ink off of the printed pages as I thumb through it, over and over and over. It may be a possibility, but not right now.
The best visit ever was with my brother Michael and his wife JoAnn, who live on the family home farm, north of Stewart. Lots of laughs and reminiscing. How could coffee not be enjoyed when served with fresh apple crisp?
We did make a quick top in Sleepy Eye for a potty break and to give me a chance to wash out my eyes. The dust in the air really did a number on my eyes. While we were at it, a bit of business was given to the Dairy Queen.
We will make a return visit to Bird Island to retrieve my Kenmore sewing machine in time to come. It was brand new in 1968 and it has not missed a beat through all these decades. That machine will not go by the wayside easily or for a few infractions of utility. We are in it together until the last sewing machine needle is broken due to misaligned gears.
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Noreen
Just as I know when it’s time to go to the clinic for aches or pains, I know when my model 1802 Kenmore sewing machine, that was new in 1968, needs to have some tuning up. It is sporting its third motor, but the problem is in the little rubber wheel under the housing that is responsible for assisting the winding of the bobbin. A trip north to the fair city of Bird Island and all will be well. I look at circulars containing new sewing machines and I check them out whenever I go into a quilt shop that sells sewing machines. I just can’t quite bring myself to replace what I have, as it serves me so well . . . for now. What would be the upside to a new machine? Well, I could quilt small items rather than taking them to a long arm provider. Also, the new machines have an easier aspect of getting the bobbin and its holder in place, and many of them thread the needle automatically. The new machines have the ability to do some computerized embroidery as well. I will be cautious when the time comes to make a purchase. The long time Brothers sewing machines that are touted to be the cats meow have plastic nylon gears, and we all know what happens to that after a lot of wear and tear. I don’t believe there would be a need for motor replacements on them. I know that my Kenmore is totally metal where it counts.
This is the first electric sewing machine I have owned since the Singer treadle sewing machine. That sewing machine is still in the family. Just in case, I have a new leather belt for the treadle to attach to the head if the machine is ever brought back into service.
I am not by any means scratching my head for something to keep my arthritic fingers nimble. Quite a few years ago an afghan was my current challenge using a beautiful soft, washable green wool.
This last weekend I was bestowed a plastic bag with the same green afghan peeking out. The afghan had been within reach of a puppy that was thought to be taking a nap. The puppy was actually using the afghan as a chew toy. Time will tell if I can repair it. Truth to be told, I have not as of yet even looked at the project.
Crocheted projects can be repaired once the trail of the yarn is figured out. Matching yarn colors is always a challenge. I am letting the bag with the afghan sit right where the owner left it for several days, for no other reason than to deal with the next wave of creative juices when they begin to flow. For now, I will be up a creek with no paddle, aka: my sewing machine is not in the house and it is too early to begin making Christmas cards.
This challenge, as with many others when dealing with crocheting, I thank my Lord for what my mother-in-law, Esther Schafer, had taught me. Those who have gone before us were true treasures as each of them had their specialty. Priceless.
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Noreen
The day was windy but the sunshine was great for the kids playing outside. Up the ladder into the Maple tree and down the ladder. The kids made a game as only two children with vivid imaginations can. Surprise, surprise, when Snuggles was beside the kids up in the tree. That was the only cat that would let the kids drag it around much like a rag doll. I did check on the porch just a bit ago and Snuggles was out like a light on one of the cushions.
When Jeremy and Carrie came to pick up the kids and it was time to go, the kids were not thrilled to leave. It is always best to call it when there is more wanted.
Sunday evening and the last of the weekend play items are tucked away until the net time Megan and Nicholas come to St. James. Nicholas assured his dad that another visit could come during winter break from school.
Tomorrow morning I plan on sleeping in a bit. I admit, I am not used to putting my coffee on hold in the morning to tackle French toast or pancakes first thing. Megan and Nicholas always ate a good breakfast and they put thumbs up on the bacon that was also on the plate. Good old Nicholas: “I suppose there is quite a bit of grease in our breakfast, but it sure is a treat.” He doesn’t miss a thing. A little old man in a seven year old.
Yes, Dennis and I both agree. This was a fantastic weekend for both the grandkids and, for sure, us.
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Noreen
What a Whirl Wind
Dennis and I have waited for Megan and Nicholas to come for a visit the last two years. This weekend has been a total joy. I have no idea where to begin . . . yeah, right.
Jeremy and Carrie brought the kids on Friday right at noon. They stayed for a short time. The kids were hungry and so the weekend began.
Within an hour of their arrival, Megan and Nicholas were ready for the Super 8 pool. We did not return home until four in the afternoon. That does remind me, I was a punch short on the pool pass. I will need to get back to them so Dennis and I stay in good standing with them.
It would be very hard to crop this photo, as the Maple tree is just awesome as the kids who are in it. It is perfect for kids to climb in and enjoy. We did measure the diameter and it came in at a whooping 19 feet.
The kids brought their tablets, but the covers on them have barely been touched. The kids play so well together. The treat of just listening to them as they create story lines for the ice cream pails of the Schleich animals that the kids have collected from the Fleet and Farm store here in St. James. Each time they came, a trip was awarded for several more animals to be added. I have found it to be a great investment of the untold hours the kids have played with them ever since Megan was 2.
My quiet time is just about up. We prepared root beer floats for them after we enjoyed an old time wiener roast, complete with eating roasted marshmallows off of the stick. I took Nicholas through the Spider Solitaire and he loves to commandeer my laptop. With the Disney channel on the television, all he needs to do is peek over the top of the laptop and take in what is currently playing.
These last two days have been amazing and I will keep it close to my heart until they can come again. I know Grandpa Dennis has a few things planned for tomorrow forenoon, Sunday, before we will meet the kid’s parents in Mankato.
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Noreen
Not Many Words Needed
The old favorite toys still capture Megan and Nicholas’
creative spirit. Priceless. This weekend means
the world to Dennis and me. -
Noreen
Life on Stauffer: Entertaining and Amusing
The morning temps are forecast to be in the 30s. That meant I have several plants to get cleaned up for storage in the porch. Yup, Dennis’ porch is going to get some extra baggage during the winter months. The three plants add a lot to the edge of the Koi pond during the nice weather. I was in and out of the porch, making sure all the dried leaves were plucked out of the pots and finding ways to protect the potting soil that is on the surface of the pots. For now, I was totally ignored by the cats. From experience, I know that cats love to see how much of the potting soil can be clawed out . . . my pots are definitely not to be thought of as an additional litter box. It does work to take a paper plate and make a slit, then enough cut out that will fit around the base of the plant and settle the plate down on the soil. Don’t worry, I have seen them check it out . . . foiled, score one for the grammie. There may be portions of the plants that will be scarified by spring. A bored feline knows no boundaries in the dead of winter. Hey, it has branches and it’s green.
A little paw can reach inside and cup the ping pong ball as swiftly as a small child. Fuzzy and Harry are entertaining and never cease to amaze us.
With all the commotion I was making, Fuzzy and Harry had other plans, as one or the other was bound to get the ping pong ball out of the circular toy. Ideally, the ball is batted about in the surround. Left on their own, the ball will be sprung free, then the chasing of the ball is on in the porch. There have been several balls, make that many balls, that have totally disappeared. Dennis has cleaned the garage and the porch from wall to wall several times and where the balls are, no one knows. Perhaps some time in the distant future a new owner of this abode will tackle remodeling this garage and porch. He surely will scratch his head at all the ping pong balls that show up.
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Noreen
There is No Denying it!
When the Plume Papas grass is in its glory, fall is officially here. It can’t be hard to grow as I see it along the roadsides when we travel. I actually did pay for Plume Papas grass roots as I thought it would be just what our backyard needed after everything else in the gardens was exhausted and spent.
The portion of our yard with the grass had at one time been the east boundary. Leave it to Dennis and me to purchase the lot behind the grass and tidy it up. It meant having the fire department do several training exercises in a vacant home on that lot. Much debris was hauled out and much dirt was hauled in.
Our Plume grass waving in the breeze.
This morning was all about making sure we had put away as much as we could from the gardens, the patio and the wall art on the garages. Yup, we decorate our outdoor spaces much like some decorate their homes. I could not count the amount of people who visit Stauffer Avenue and drive by very slowly. A fellow down the block from us is recovering from cancer and needs to walk every day to build up his strength. I happened to be outside one day when Gary walked by. He mentioned he really appreciates the calm serenity that the gardens evoke.
I did take note that my partner’s step was a bit slower this fall than it had been in spring. If someone were taking note of my gate, would they make a similar comment about me? If only Dennis’ mind set, ideas and thoughts could reverse some of the wear and tear of the body. Riding bucking broncos while in his 40s at rodeos for a bit of extra cash; loading poultry up over his head into cages on his semi for the 1,000 mile drive to Campbells Soup in Worthington, Mn., may be the tell tale for his days now. I can’t imagine anyone of us ever thought our bodies would turn on us. If we could lift it, push it or throw it, we were in it for all day.
So for now, as Dennis can relax in his rocking chair in the porch, the scene outside the patio windows is one of calm and “job well done.” Lawn mowers are tucked out of site and thereby should be out of mind. The snow blower is where it is needed when it is needed. By all accounts, the only chore left for this fall is to bring the Koi in from the pond and settle them into the horse tank in the garage. The cooler the temps, the easier they are to net for the short trip.
Talk about cool . . . no furnace has been started here as of yet. I do believe I will put the oven on and make a mock pumpkin pie. My Mom, Lena, would bake out the squash with the bright orange meat inside and use all the ingredients as for a pumpkin pie. I can tell you, all six pair of feet under the kitchen table did not hesitate to enjoy it. Why tell the family more than they needed to know? Pumpkin or squash, there was never a crumb left.