Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:27 pm on July 4, 2025 Permalink  

  July 4th,2025 

  It is a very warm 4th of July.

  Decades ago, we would be hosting a huge family gathering on the west lawn, under shade trees at our Boon Lake farm.  

  Orlin’s family with his mother, Ester, enjoying every moment of it.  My family, both the Riebe family and the Wendlandt family.  The invites were given and those that could make it rounded out a rather huge group.  On one 4th, Kevin had just gotten over the chicken pox, thus no long contagious.  Orlin’s nephew Frank, aka: Butch, gave the little ones rides around the circle drive with our lawnmower and trailer.  Lots of food.  No one went hungry.  Orlin’s mother always had her harmonica with her.  My uncle, Norman Riebe, had brought along one of his concertinas.  Both played by ear.  The tunes that those two entertained us with were amazing.  Even the hammock between two Oak trees gave great fun as the kids would take turns being pushed forth and back.

  If I remember correctly, 1974, was the last time we had a July 4th celebration.  At that time we lived at rural Buffalo Lake.  The two story brick school house was soon to be our home.  We resided in a 14′ x 80′ mobile home during the interim.  That 4th of July gathering included the same families as other years, plus we had neighbors that joined in.  Across the road Bill and Ester Mueller walked over.  With no family of their own, they truly enjoyed the hub-bub.

  For me, these events were as if yesterday.  I have a tendency to harbor memories.  Sweet.  Not to worry, I absolutely live in the present.

  Yesterday we took a road trip.  I could not believe how good the crops looked.  There were many working in the heat as the road-side hay was either being cut, side-raked or baled.  There were round bales, huge rectangle bales.  Both must be extremely heavy.  One farm was still baling the size of bales that I remember hefting, mostly between 80 and 100 lbs.  The arthritis can attest to that.

  Speaking of arthritis: I got a follow-up call from my primary on this Wednesday.  I was concerned if one of the implant screws that I have in both feet, had shifted causing some discomfort, the redness and swelling of my toes on my right foot.  Nope.  It’s just the all invading arthritis.  It was relief.

  This evening we are having sauteed peeled and deveined shrimp and steamed veggies.  It doesn’t take long to toss the defrosted shrimp after totally drying them in paper towels with butter in an open skillet.  When they turn from a hue of gray to pink, in short order, they are done.

  BY THE WAY:  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SON, KEVIN!

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:20 pm on July 2, 2025 Permalink  

  The Wasp – Part Two 

  Late yesterday afternoon, I paid attention whenever I would catch a glimpse of the nasty huge back wasp.  It never seemed to take a break and land somewhere.  As I was making supper, I saw it swoop down and land under the dining room table.  With my fly swatter in hand, praying my titian knees would let me swat that far down, I literally lunged at it.  It took a second hit before it stopped wiggling.  With a wet paper towel for surface traction, I scooped him up and flushed him down the toilet.  Whew.

  I knew I could rest easy.  What came to mind were the wasp type of insects that we had when we lived in Riesel, Texas.  Within a short amount of time they could get into your home and find a quiet spot to make a nest.  They called them “mud daubers.”  Their saliva wove the nests.  Makes me shiver to think of the day I found a nest in one of our open closets.  I have no idea if they stung when they were irritated.  It was my own personal irritation that carried with it a feeling of an unclean home.  Yuck.

  This forenoon Jan from across the picket fence came down into the studio to see what I was doing.  She had had no idea what crappy tee-shirts could be used for.  I encouraged her to take a good look-see as there would never be another one on my church tables.  About two, the studio went dark and I will pick up the pinning of the layers sometime this weekend.

  With a fresh batch of steamed veggies, we are having leftovers from last night’s stew and potatoes for supper.  As a treat Dennis will get some orange juice.  There is just so darn much sugar for it to be a daily thing.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on July 1, 2025 Permalink  

  A Wasp 

  We have a huge black wasp that has gotten into the house either via a door as it was closing or riding in on clothing.  Ishi.  I have a fly-swatter close at hand.  Of course he is nowhere to be seen right now.

  I did look at the radiology reports of my x-rays of the bone density and also my feet.  I will rely on my primary to channel the next course of action, if one is needed.  There were no fractures noted.  Charts of indication of osteo arthritis as to yesterday compared to two years ago.

  I have voluntarily cut back on my coffee intake.  No longer does the coffeemaker perk out 12 cups of liquid.  I have it set for six.  Dennis has always taken what amounts to two cups in his thermos cup and I had been drinking the remainder over the course of the day.  I remember Orlin was a heavy coffee drinker during the work week.  We didn’t make coffee over the weekends.  Invariably, by Sunday he would have a headache.  Maybe from the withdrawal, maybe not.  I feel comfortable giving the cut-back a try.  I have one additional prescription added daily.  It is a 2.9 blood-pressure pill.  I already have an appointment in two weeks to have an RN check my blood-pressure.  The objective is no undue pressure on the heart.  I will make sure to do my part.  Upon that visit, I have an appointment in three months with my primary.  More to come on the x-rays.

  I had a stint in the studio this forenoon . . . until 1:30.  The two equal rectangles of tee-shirt blocks are now sandwiched with Mountain Mist batting.  Kersten had found several additional measuring matts for me.  They are 36″ x 70″.  Coupling them with the one previous, I used thumbtacks to get the ball rolling.  Slowly I managed to square everything up.  The next step will be the wonderful wonder of the easy to manage safety pins that Amazon delivered via Kevin.  They have been put to use several successful times.  That may well take more than one session in the studio.

  Supper is going to be beef stew over instant mashed potatoes with a side of steamed vegetables.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:37 pm on June 20, 2025 Permalink  

  Small Glitch 

  Small glitch in letting Brian pick up garage materials on this Saturday.  Vaughn thought they had a thirty inch service door . . . not to be.  It needs to be ordered.  As the concrete foundation blocks have allowed for a thirty inch door, so goes the new door.  It doesn’t really matter if it is this week or next week for the garage start, as long as it is known that it will be done.

  This morning I knew I was hungry for cold tuna sandwiches.  I boiled two eggs for the tuna mixture, Lena’s recipe.  I diced up the half of Vedalia onion I had double bagged in the refrigerator.  I opened two small cans of the Albacore tuna.  After eating the white Albacore tuna packed in water, any other tuna, just seems slimy.  Personal preference.  All mixed together to chill and let the flavors co-mingle.

  I have the studio work going in such a fashion that I don’t need to overdue any one aspect of it.  I can machine stitch for a while, then stand at the ironing board for a while and let the rotary cutter have a crack as well.  It’s all about planning.

  This week, I achieved my objective of getting the finished quilts from the basement that I have done from A-Z, four, into the cabinet in the living room.  Also one of grandma Lena’s that she had finished for grandma Ester.  Ester had pieced the top out of grandpa Art’s shirts.  A lot of small prints found in dress shirts of the times.  Grandma Lena completed it by hand stitching the full sized quilt.  Sweet.

  My next project, about to boggle my mind, that the cabinet holds is a very lot of photos.  Eenie, meeny, miny, mow.  Somehow sorting through them and then handing them off in a very neat Segway.  I haven’t gotten past that point yet.

  The humidity at 72% , the dewpoint at 74%, not a good feeling outside.  I do take care of the livestock chores, but even the critters are not very active.

  No news from the north country.  No news is good news.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:41 pm on June 17, 2025 Permalink  

  Shh! 

  It’s just me and the kitties home.  Monday morning, Dennis’ son picked up Dennis and they headed to Silver Bay.  I didn’t ask for how long.  It mattered not.

  It has been different in a nice way.  Yes, I was alone when Dennis had the hip replacement going on.  It was being on call for anything from extra hankies that were needed, or his Facebook wasn’t working.

  My schedule has not changed here on Stauffer Avenue.  I slept like a rock and got up by 8:30.  The studio time is about three to four hours with breaks to retrieve hot coffee.  By two, the lights go off.  Head-ways is being made on tee-shirts.  While fiddling with tee-shirts, I have KNUJ radio on.  I am learning a lot about trap shooting, clay pigeon shooting and skeet shooting.  Young people by the 1,000’s are at Alexander for this yearly event.

  I had a prescription to pick up at Lewis Drug.  I got change back from a five dollar bill.   On my way home, I did do a drive through the acre yard.  About a week and a half ago, Spring Touch did a weed spray.  They used fifteen gals of their solution.  The spray is working and is very evident.  Grass is beginning to stool out since much brush has been cleared off.

  So . . . what does Grammie eat when alone?  Last night I had scrambled eggs with bacon bits and buttered toast.  This morning I had peanut butter and jelly bread.  Lots of peanut butter.  Tonight, it is going to be oatmeal with ground flax and milk.  I can assure you, I will not go hungry.  After all, I am only five minutes away from the grocery store.

  The home is quiet.  I took care of the kitties last night and I am sure that they wondered why the television had not been on all day in the patio porch.  The television remote here in the house may get some lint and dust on it.  When in the house, Dennis spends a lot of time on his lap-top.  He has figured out how to get country music on in bits and pieces in between the solitaire games, that while the television is on to a “48 Hour” cop show.  I do tap the volume button when I walk by.  This is Dennis’ home and he likes it, he likes it a lot.  I can easily adapt.  May I reach that age and point in my life that I too will have a volume on that needs tapping.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:14 pm on June 15, 2025 Permalink  

  It’s a Sunday 

  It’s a day when all fathers and father-types that go over and above taking care of their families get some TLC.  Unfortunately there was no sunshine to shine bright on them.

  Dennis had an early celebration last night at Sadie’s party.  Dennis’ entire family, less one granddaughter, was together for the event.  I couldn’t have been happier for my ole cowboy.  Denise had him home by eight.  He was tuckered but happy.  Dennis slept until nine this morning.  Sweet.

  My studio time today paid off big time.  All has been prepared for the sewing machine to begin assisting in making this project get real.  While in the studio, I listened to KNUJ church service from Grace Lutheran Church in Gaylord.  A great send off to the week coming tomorrow.

  Dennis’ request for a supper meal of French Toast, sausage and orange juice, that is so doable.

  I checked in with Aunt Janet from Brownton last night while I was home alone.  We always have plenty to chit-chat about.  Other than my brother Calvin, she is my only and oldest remaining from my father’s family.  Janet is ninety three and enjoying her own home.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:32 pm on June 13, 2025 Permalink  

  Busy Day 

  Having a good night’s rest helps to get through morning routines, aka: local effort

  I have been eying the wall hanging in the kitchen since the first months of 2025.  Down it came.  I had done a really sweet wall hanging several years ago for the summer time.  Hey!  It’s summer.  Most of the blocks incorporated the embroidery module.  Two of my favorites were the fruit jars that had fire-flies captured within them behind clear mylar.  The pitcher of lemonade has lemon slices behind mylar.  The empty pop bottles, a perfect spot for pinwheels behind clear mylar.  The red pickup is of red venal.  As luck would have it, it fit perfectly in the spot by the back door.  It was a fun challenge.  I had bought the kit at the Bernina Shop in Bird Island.  I have not forgotten that I also have a kit for a wall hanging in the Halloween motifs.  I have not done many wall hangings of late as to . . . what will become of them?  I couldn’t get a good angle for the photo.  My bad.

  

  The next item was to put out a tray of Rode’s frozen cinnamon rolls on parchment paper.  It takes about three to four hours for them to be ready to put in a 350-degree oven.  The bag of a dozen rolls does come with two small pouches of icing to put on after they have cooled.  The secret is to use a light spray of Pam on one side of clear plastic wrap to cover the tray.  The yeast heat helps them come out perfectly.

  

  With that being done, I headed to the studio to steam press the last of the nasty curled up tee-shirt fronts.  I counted and I have thirty-four 12″ squares.  Hmm.  Now comes the pondering as to what to make out of them.  Too many for one quilt as it would be king sized.  Two small ones!  I dug out from my stashes.  I have a good selection of various fabrics of stars printed on them in a good selection of colors.  Too much for one day.  I shut the studio down.  I will take pencil to paper to see what comes next.

  We had a gully washing of a rain shower just a bit ago, just like we did during last night.  I have had a busy great day.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:28 pm on June 11, 2025 Permalink  

  Last Straw 

  I have been limping along with my Motorola cell phone for quite some time.  Yesterday was not a good day.  The last straw broke my resolve in putting up with the aging cell phone.  As I was going to sleep last night, I had made a decision.

  This morning, with my cell phone in my pocket, I headed off to Radio Shack five blocks up the street to the west.  Dennis was asleep in his recliner.  I left the garage door open so he would know I was off in our car in case he awoke before I got home.

  I had two very helpful young people to help me.  My request: I needed a new phone and a payment plan.  No more purchasing time and knowing I needed to purchase only when the phone went dead.  A notification when I received a text message was high on the list.  That was very lacking on the old phone. 

  I now have a Samsung phone.  The plan I have is $45.00 per month with auto payment every month on the the 11th.  Unlimited phone and text with a reasonable amount of internet use.  I very seldom use the internet on the phone as my lap tops take care of that.  I will receive an email telling me that that amount has been put on the credit card every month.  All the data from the old phone was transferred to the new one.  I have an info sheet with all my information, such as my user name, my password, etc.  All was checked before I left Radio Shack.

  Dennis had just gotten out to the patio porch when I got home before noon.  Transferring all the data took quite some time.

  I have sported a rare slight headache for most of the day.  Nothing serious, just annoying. It may be from the angst of the phone business or the heavy air as it is deciding if it is going to rain or not.  No studio time today, just several loads of laundry.

  I already have an onion diced that I will sauté and then add the half bag of Simply Potatoes in the fry pan.  That plus the Burnt Pork Ends that is fully cooked that needs to go into the microwave for a bit.  I have had the Beef tips from the same Smokehouse products from the grocer.  Coleslaw, pickles and bread rounds out supper. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:54 pm on June 8, 2025 Permalink  

  Perfect Day 

  With the clouds, mild temps and a brisk breeze, this would be my all time favorite perfect day.

  After a walk, I went right down into the studio.  The first thing I did was to cut open with the Worx scissor the four pack of C batteries I had bought in the grocery store yesterday.  I almost choked on the $13.98 price tag of them.  I had been without a radio for over a week in the studio.  I knew they were on the list for Sam’s Club the next time we went to Mankato for a better price in a larger volume container.  I had waited long enough. 

  The Worx scissor is going to come in handy for the encased plastic containers that are horrible to get open.

  Today was a tidy up day in the studio.  Odds and ends of purple fabric needed to be put away.  Some of the fabric was piecing materials and some of it was leftover flannel that I had used for the backing.  A Christmas placemat that I had embroidered.  I used my eight inch stool to take down the metal box of memorabilia items to add to it.  Wall shelves to the east and church tables to the west.  I had support.  Some of those items were taken down from the attic when Kersten was lending a hand.  Get it tidied up before the tee-shirts would take over!

  I picked out two red, white and blue wall hangings from the totes.  Bright colors for the living room.  Sometime the amount of wall hangings in the totes will need to be addressed with the kids.  Also there are two quilts that I did with Tri-Chem fabric paints.  One pattern is of Sun Bonnet Sue and the other is of Overall Sam.  I have kind of been kicking around selling those two.  Again addressing that with the kids sometime.  Not soon . . . just sometime.

  When Carrie’s had been here the day before Esther, Megan noted a few small ants in the bathroom.  I kidded her about having live entertainment.  Over time, they had been increasing.  Every day I would add another drop of Terro Ant Killer to the two pads in the areas behind the sink and next to the heat run.  I went outside to the east area that the bathroom was on the house.  No sign of ants outside.  Today, there was a lessening.  I have no idea what they were after.  More drops of the Terro for any late-comers.

  Dennis is feeling the day of walking at the acre with his brush killer yesterday.  The ole cowboy still thinks he is in his 20s.  I can’t do anything to change his mind about what he wants to do.  The 500 mg bottle of Tylenol rattled as he headed to his recliner for a nap.  I hope it helps where ever it hurts.

  We are having Manwich sandwiches, potato chips, coleslaw and pickles for supper.   

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:38 pm on June 2, 2025 Permalink  

  On Line 

  It is four thirty and we have had no internet for most of the day.

  I spent quite a bit of time taking care of my sewing machine in the studio.  Lots of fuzz under the hood.  I made sure to clean the cutter blades.  Having a sewing machine that cuts my thread saves on my right wrist.  Also the needle threader is another perk that saves on the right wrist.  Oil has been added and of course a new size 12 needle.

  Dennis unpacked the electric scissors this afternoon.  It is charging the battery as I type.  Dennis has a blade in it.  Tomorrow we may take the scissor on a test run of one of Sadie’s tee-shirts.  Dennis is in it, to win it.  With him cutting off the sleeves and cutting right across under the neck band and maybe up the sides, that would help a lot.  That would leave me to figure out the dimensions of the design to save per shirt.

  I will check out Amazon as I know I will need a bolt of iron-on stabilizer per tee-shirt front, allowing it to be handled as if the tee-shirt is woven.

  It is warm closing in on hot this afternoon.  When I did a load of dark clothes, I threw in a pair of slip-on shoes from the studio.  I had not worn them for some time, so getting them cleaned up was a good call.  I put them out on the front deck this mid afternoon for drying.

  It is going to be chicken titties, pan fried, plus some steamer veggies for supper. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥