Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from Noreen Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  Noreen 2:13 pm on April 19, 2024 Permalink  

  Chilly 

  Chilly is the word of the day.  That may hold true for another day yet to come.

  Keeping the back door cleaned off with the leaf blower is a challenge.  All of the maple buds seem to nest right up to the back door with this wind.  They track in and leave a smear here and there.  The leaf blower is resting by the back door.

  With every endeavor there is room for failure.  I was motoring right along with Megan’s placemats, using succulent designs.  Hmm, that didn’t sound right.  I cut the threads and took the hoop off of the embroidery module.  Oh my gosh.  It looked like the back of the hoop was growing teddy bears.  I can’t imagine how many yards of thread were balling up with no real hint.  Hello!  Am I deaf?  I did say it didn’t sound right.  This was the sixth of the placemats I had ordered.  It was sold as a pack of six.  I do not throw things away without a fight.  I have time.  I have energy. I have a seam ripper. I have a tweezer.  My all time favorite . . . time will tell.  A little bit each day.  

  Five placemats out of six stitched out perfectly.  No way will I throw in the towel.  What will ensue will be chalked-up as a patience builder.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 2:28 pm on April 18, 2024 Permalink  

  A Bit Chilly 

  It was a bit chilly, but it sure made picking up branches easy.  I tend to be quite hot blooded and can sweat just like my dad . . . a lot.

  Last year we spent a fair amount in brush killer that needed to be sprayed on.  It might be a bit too early to see if we had some positive carry-over.  I sure hope so.  The blue barn acre cleaned up well last year.  It is the south lot line that remains a challenge.  All of the rotting railroad ties wouldn’t be so bad, if there were not weeds growing up and around.

  Yesterday our propane brush killer came via Amazon.  It has its own flint and a 10′ hose to use from the propane tank.  Our Fleet Farm four wheel trailer will be used to secure the 20 gallon propane tank with bungie cords.  The tank has yet to be purchased from our Fleet Farm.  With a hand sprayer, you need to be almost on top of the brush and weeds to give them a cover.  Time will tell after things have dried up a bit after this well-needed rain.

  We had picked up a crock-pot tray at Walmart last week. A good cut of beef, complete with carrots and potatoes.  Kevin and Kersten had brought us one at Christmas.  It was tasty down to the last bit of the beef that I used in some homemade soup.

  When I came in from the outside, the aroma of the crock-pot doing its things was . . . bring it on.

  I have just a bit of time to visit my cherry red bedroom porch chair. 

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 2:05 pm on April 17, 2024 Permalink  

  Spring 

  Our 2024 spring season is on a sabbatical for a few days.  Nothing says typical better than rain showers.  All of the winter grime has been washed off . . . everything outside.  It hasn’t slowed the robins down one bit in making nests under our west awning.  More power to them.

  Dennis took a forenoon nap today.  That was the first time since Easter that his recliner was used.  Naps in the patio porch don’t count.  Two of the three kitties check out his jacket to see how far in they can crawl and soak up some good ole body heat from Dennis.

  This afternoon Dennis will be getting an eye injection for his wet macular degeneration.  The appointment had been spread out to once every three months.  Happy days.  Between these injections and the CPAP . . . oh so thankful that I have no need for either.

  This afternoon, I stitched out three placemats for Megan in the succulent motif.  I am saving one for tomorrow.  My bedroom porch is beckoning me for either some reading or perhaps some stitching.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 2:41 pm on April 16, 2024 Permalink  

  Welcomed Rain 

  There was thunder telling us rain could not be far behind.  Not very much lightning, which is a good thing.

  The rain and wind was a combination that induced sleep.

  Dennis had made arrangements to pick up Dwayne for coffee at McDonald’s.  When he came home he mentioned all the farmers around South Branch had come in.  Lots of talking ensued.  As usual Dennis made whips around town for them to take in all things that are in the works.  The best news that Dennis shared with me is that we are the owners of the heavy duty implement trailer that was Dwayne’s and we have been storing for him.  Hats off!  Some time in the future Kevin and Kersten will need to find room for this trailer as Dennis said he would be handing it over to them when he is done using it.

  Today I was folding laundry as yesterday I got laundry pods home.  Dennis always wears a pocket tee-shirt either solo or under a shirt or jacket.  He may go through two in one day depending on what he is doing.  As laundry loads are forthcoming, I will put them on hangers.  That will be much easier on my hands and arms rather than the folding process so they look tidy.  I would never just take them from the dryer and cram them in a drawer getting all wrinkled.  I take pride in how Dennis goes out and about.

  The next thing on my docket was working on Dennis’ bed coverings.  He likes the weight and heft that he equates with warmth 12 months a year.  I do believe he sleeps restless enough that he gets balled up in all the layers of coverings and falls out of bed.  First time, I thought nothing of it.  With that happening too often, tonight we will see if having only one cover will work better.  That one cover is a down and polyester filled cover encased in a cotton duet flannel covering that is easily laundered.  My such cover is the summer weight.  Dennis’ is several levels denser as he is always cold sleeping with an electric mattress pad, plus flannel sheets, plus a heavy flannel two-sided quilt with heavy batting that I had made for him, plus the double layer of polar fleece.  This one cover fits all of those and can be pulled over one way or another.  If it gets kicked off there is only one cover to pull back on and over for warmth.  The mattress pad may still be turned on with the fitted bottom sheet.  Time will tell. 

  All Dennis needed was a list that he needed and what we like on our one Subway Tuna on cheese bread 12″ sandwich for our suppertime.  All we can handle is cutting that 12″ into 6″ portions for each of us.  Perfect suggestion.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 2:15 pm on April 15, 2024 Permalink  

  Second to None 

  Today our trip to Kevin’s Garage in Fairfax was second to none.

  The 1966 Cub-Lo-Boy blew the engine seal gasket.  Yup oil all over.  Last week the tractor was loaded on the implement trailer and we headed to Fairfax.  It was not a job that people were waiting to take on.

  The tractor got TLC that it would not have gotten anywhere else.  Fixing what is apparent is perhaps what might have been done with anyone around our town.  Going the extra mile and checking everything is what Kevin’s Garage does. 

  “Don’t have time to do it right, but always have time to do it over.”  That is not the motto when Kevin and Kersten tackle the job.  Yes . . . I also mentioned Kersten as she is right there to assist.  Sweet.

  I know the day wore Dennis out.  Denise immediately unloaded the tractor and tucked it into the back garage.  Before unhooking the trailer to its spot next to the garage, Dennis started the Sears rider and mowed and mulched grass and weeds where the trailer will be parked.  Yup.  Those traits more than make up for some of the smalls that he can and does pull.  Tee Hee.

  When I knew I had watched all and Dennis was safe in the patio porch, I went to the grocer’s.  I cannot remember a time that my laundry basket was as full as it was today.  I needed to buy laundry pods . . . there was not a single one here at Stauffer Avenue.  I went on to Lewis Drug to pick up two prescriptions.  While there I picked up a graduation card for an invite we got.  No, we won’t attend the graduation in Granada, but we will remember grandson Ryan’s girlfriend’s son.

  While I was at the grocer’s I picked up at the deli, Orange Chicken and JoJo potatoes for supper.  A can of cranberries will top it off.

  Our job jar doesn’t even have a burp left in it.  A very satisfying feeling.

  I think I am going to see if grab bars, as like the ones we put on the zero turn, can be put on the Cub.  It’s a bit of a challenge for Dennis to get on and off of it.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 3:03 pm on April 14, 2024 Permalink  

  Oh the Wind 

  The winds that we had in the winter have carried trough to the spring.  What moisture we gleaned with a bit of rain, will be sucked right of the soil.

  Dennis’ daughter and Tom drove out from Mankato.  Tom had stored his mustang in our back garage.  Dennis always takes batteries off of all things over the winter.  A trickle charger is used when its time for the use.  The mustang started right up and is going to a garage in Mankato for some fix-it items.

  Sandy took charge of the potting shed and our patio looks as though someone does live here.  The patio umbrella is in the stand and getting an airing out complete with a rock on its base when the winds are nasty . . . like today.

  Tomorrow, Monday, we take a trip to the north country to bring home the Cub-lo-Boy.  It has had a badly needed fix-it in Kevin’s garage in Fairfax.  The older ones on Stauffer are getting geared up for the summer season.  We take our jobs as caretakers on Stauffer Avenue very seriously.

  The little red pickup has the trailer hooked up for the trip tomorrow and of course he will be ready and waiting, sitting in the driver’s seat as I am pulling my pants on.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 2:31 pm on April 13, 2024 Permalink  

  Summer 

  I do believe summer has arrived.

  I had an agenda for today.

  By nine this morning, I was dressed to be outside, complete with my gardening shoes and gloves.  By eleven I was back in the house, mission completion.  Our original yard and what we call the Clark yard, the lot right east of us via a tax forfeit purchase, was clean of winter branches.  The burning ring is full plus with many that Dennis will need to take the loppers to.

  The grass is growing like wild fire.  I do know my ole cowboy well enough that he will not pick up branches.  He will not get off of the Sears rider to pick up branches.  Once the mower is running, anything in his path is run over.  Ah ha!  Let’s hear it for the saving of the mower blades.

  I was rather warm by the time I was done.  It felt good to open the front door and let a breeze come in.

  At this time of the mid afternoon, I have the last of the three kitchen towels done that have a cactus border embroidered onto them.

  Here at 3:30, we are at 83 degrees out.  The skies are cloudy.  Too warm too fast spells the possibility of storms. 

  Dennis put the PVC downspouts on in preparation of more rains.  He bought a new garden hose carrier for the south side of the house at Fleet farm.  One of Brett’s fellows came by with tools so it is solid on the house.  It now has a 100′ garden hose on it.  The north side of the house has the cart reel hoses ready to use as well.

  I say we have had a great day of local effort.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 1:44 pm on April 12, 2024 Permalink  

  Me! 

  This posting is all about me, the author of the dribbling that my fingers need to type and get it in word, mouth and deed.

  I am in the process of dental work.  We have a wonderful dental office here in town.  I totally trust him.  His wife is the receptionist and greets patients like old home week.

  Today I visited our Mayo Clinic to meet my new primary doctor.  Nerves were a bit jingled as Dr. Eatwell had been my primary for years and had seen me through many many medical experiences.

  Julie Pace is my new primary doctor.  She comes from farming history right through to the current.  I had no idea what the morning would bring.  As I was a new patient with having have no history with her as a doctor, I got the full treatment.  x-rays and lab work completed before I got to meet her.

  First off: blood work.  All of the items are right where they need to be.  Kidney function good.  Liver good.  Red cell ratio to white cells good.  Cholesterol mid point.  Blood press 120/80, good.  Lungs sounded good, heart sounded good.

  My next appointment will be April 30th when I meet with my cardiologist in Mankato.

  The x-ray of the back and hips indicated a bit more pronounced arthritis since two years ago.  We talked about pain and chronic pain.  Mine is chronic.  The meds that had been prescribed from Eatwell are still a good choice.  I am to be the diagnostician when and if meds need to be reviewed for the pain.  

  I also have antibiotics to take one hour prior to the time Dr. Pitcher does the four teeth extraction.

  All prescriptions have been renewed for a year, including the one for self-catheters at Handies Medical supply in Mankato.

  Today was a great day and a very reassuring day.

  Yes . . . this was all about me and me is doing well.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 1:08 pm on April 11, 2024 Permalink  

  Dampness 

  This morning before I came down into the studio, I turned up the thermostat up a bit.  This time of year, the basement studio cannot do more than 58 degrees even when the first floor is comfortable.  Recent rain showers make the studio feel damp.  Ramp up the heat and it feels so much better.  Needless to say when I am done in the studio for the day the thermostat will be back at 70.

  First things first when I came down was putting in a new needle and giving a shot of oil in the Bernina.  Yesterday’s slow start was operator error.  Amazing when the sewing machine bucks, it is smarter than me at that time.

  One towel per day under the needle.  I have made a note to start each of the designs to be 3.75″ from the bottom of the towel.  Consistency counts.  I checked with Megan and I have a package of four placemats in the correct color coming from Amazon.  Out of my comfort zone, I found a package of digital embroidery designs with succulents.  How fun.  It is fun fulfilling a bit of this and a bit of that for the apartment the four friends will be sharing in May.  Yes, they could have been stitched on white kitchen dish towels.  Mom, Lena, had made sure I would save her set of towels for Megan one day.  Got it done.  I will make sure that Megan’s kitchen will have motifs of what she and her friends wanted.  Some time today, I will send for blank potholders to stitch succulents onto.

  I do remember mom, Lena, telling me that it is still the best when we can do for family.   I listen hard so as to not miss when I can perhaps add something to someone.

  Dennis did get the oil changed on the three mowers yesterday.  Dennis feels oh so good when he has a good day taking care of what needs to be done before it is needed.  With the showers of rain, the yards are beginning to look green. 

  The studio is closing down early this afternoon.  I wanted some time this afternoon to sit in my cherry red chair in my bedroom porch.

  Tomorrow, I will meet my new primary doctor at the clinic here in town.  Of course, there were quite a few questionnaires to be filled out ahead of time.  Get it done at home or you get handed an iPad at the clinic.

  With that I take my leave.

   
• 

  Noreen 1:22 pm on April 10, 2024 Permalink  

  In Progress 

  The older ones on Stauffer have items in progress.

  Dennis has been to Fleet Farm here in town to purchase oil for the three lawn mowers.  The price did surprise him a bit.  A visit to Fleet Farm always will take longer than the product put on the counter with billfold in hand.  There seems to be visiting that is in order with other customers.  That is not a bad thing.  Dennis always comes home with news of those about town that we know.

  My first order of the day was at the dentist.  Today was a wax impression plus matching of color for the teeth that will make up the bottom plate to be compatible with my top plate.  One step at a time.  They will give me a call when I need to return.

  The Gorilla duct tape was called into service as the seat of the Sears rider needed a patch.  I helped with that.  Getting it off the roll takes some heft.  It sticks great.

  Megan had told me when her and her three friends move into their apartment in May, the kitchen motif will be succulents and cactus.  I have found a great pattern online for the kitchen towels.  It took me awhile to get with the program in the studio as the error message on the machine would not go away.  Hello!  The design needed to be loaded in the maxi hoop and wouldn’t you know it, I had it prepped in the mini hoop.  Oh Grammie.  This will be a one towel out of three,  day.

  I am keeping an ear out for the work Dennis is doing in the driveway . . . just in case he needs my help.

  More progress tomorrow.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥