Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 12:36 pm on August 12, 2025 Permalink  

  Hello Tuesday 

  This Tuesday is a waiting game for me.  We have a funeral midday and starting something in the studio . . . just not doing it for me.  It is a perfect time for me to get a load of light-colored and white clothing into the laundry.  When it’s time for them to be loaded into the dryer, Dennis is on hand.  Today I have two items that I will stand guard over the process as they do not do well after they have been in the heat of the dryer.  Dennis’ help in the swapping process is much appreciated as the left shoulder, arm and hand don’t do well diving down to the depth of the washer to get the clothes hefted into the dryer.  When the clothes are dry, I enjoy standing in front of the unit and folding one piece at a time.  Doing the laundry is very satisfying for me.  Who doesn’t enjoy putting on clean clothing.

  In between time, I have been watching many Bernina YouTubes.  I have had this machine for, I think, seven years.  When there was a chance to have it upgraded via Kelly at the Bird Island Bernina shop, I did it with the cost of $600.00.  This has been the only new machine I have bought since my 1965 Sears machine . . . a workhorse.  This Bernina sewing machine is the last machine I will be purchasing.  It has all the bells and whistles I will need going forward.  I did purchase a Bernina for Carrie several years ago.  It replicates many of the same features as my machine, so I could help her with questions.  It can also do the machine embroidery with the add-on of the embroidery module.  It is just one-step down.  Megan has a Bernina.  It is the machine that my sister-in-law Lois bought for herself when they moved to Decorah.  A wonderful machine that Eric delivered to me after his mom had passed.  Eric had taken it to the shop where Lois had purchased it and it had been serviced before he dropped it off here.  It is in a sweet travel case with the full instruction manual and several additional attachments.

  By the way, the 1965 Sears is still fully functioning.  It has been at Carrie’s and will come back to Stauffer Avenue and then it will go to Bird Island for Kelly to service it.

  Dennis and I have agreed to go to the Home Town Cafe after the funeral.  What a sweet way to end a Tuesday.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:12 pm on August 11, 2025 Permalink  

  A Necessity 

  After a good run in the studio, it is a necessity to get it cleaned up.  It would not be good to have a seam that needed to be mended to only find the sewing machine was not ready.

  I began with using the old Filter Queen Vacuum for the table tops and the floor.  I knew Saturday had been just as long of a day for Megan as it was for me.  It was more important Saturday that she get home safe.  Today gave me a chance to tuck away all the bits and bobs of sewing items that had been taken out of their storage.  The sewing machine was tidied very slowly.  Amazing how a thread can travel into the deepest, darkest places under the hood.  Several different tweezers got the job done.  A bit of oil and a brand new needle made for the next project to be taken on.

  As we have a funeral to attend this week, I do have a box on the shoulder-high shelf that has some choices of condolence cards.  As I was taking the box off of the security of the shelf, my hand slipped.  The box and all of its contents spilled onto the floor in a five foot wide arc around me.  Nothing to do but get to it and clean it up.  Lots of goodies were in that box.  Some new cards, some old goodies and lots of memories.

  One slip of paper caught my eye as I was picking the contents of the box off of the floor.  It warrants sharing.  “Contentment is a moral excellence.  Contentment without external honor is humility.”  Nothing more needs to be added.

  I did find a card that brought that adventure on.  The box has been returned to the shelf that is the height of my shoulders.

  The air quality is that of a low slung haze when I look out.

  Dennis’ secret sliced cucumber with onion deliquesce will be added to the chicken tenderloins for our supper.  Sweet.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on August 8, 2025 Permalink  

  A Day 

  This is a humid nasty day.  Anything taken out of the refrigerator needs to have a towel, paper or otherwise, underneath it to soak up the sweat.

  No studio lights were turned on today.  Nothing needed t be accomplished.  As is my usual, I don’t leave anything to the last moment.  The cat that has be wrestling around in the bag can now be brought out as I just stated I don’t leave anything to the last moment to thus make a crisis.  Tomorrow Megan is coming!  Yaa!  Megan has ask my help with a sewing project.  Yup, you guessed it.  It is a stretchy sewing project.  All the prep that was possible has been done and now we will find out the rest of the story when she arrives.  Needless to say, we are excited to see Megan.

  It’s not uncommon that the first floor of our home gets the after-thought when it comes to the tidy, tidy when I have juicer items going on in the studio.  This morning with my cup of coffee still half full and me in my bathrobe, I had the vacuum going.  I get my best tidy, tidy done in that garb . . . nothing restricting the movement of diligence.  I happened to glance up and saw my friend Maria park in our drive.  She retrieved a plastic bag from the back seat of her car and was headed for the front door.  I didn’t even get the vacuum shut off as I wanted to greet her.  In the past, not wanting to disturb us she has left a bag of goodies on the front deck.  My pink robe and a very disheveled occupant greeted Maria.  Farmer’s Market had just been greeted at the front door.  Sweet.  Green peppers, cucumbers, onions and cherry tomatoes all in her parcel.  You’ve heard the adage, “only your hairdresser knows.”  Maria was on her way to open her salon and stopped to see us first.  Maria was beautiful in a bright red top with not a hair out of place.  She got a good first hand look as to how much her skills are needed.  We hugged it out and she was on her way.

  It is now the afternoon.  I went off to the grocery store to make sure we had some of Megan’s favorites on hand for tomorrow.  When I got home Dennis already had several cucumbers peeled and sliced and was tackling the onion.  Bless his heart.  Now . . . why didn’t his eyes tear up in doing the onion?  Mine were already watering just by coming into the kitchen.

  All that activity and Tom is mowing the yards.  Much accomplished on Stauffer Avenue.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 12:58 pm on August 2, 2025 Permalink  

  New Pests 

  Our neighbor to the north is fighting a pest.  Not necessarily new, but new for the neighborhood.  The ground wasps are popping up as mounds of dirt that have not been there the last time Jan mowed.  They are really nasty looking with bright orange and red markings.  We were bothered by them several years ago.  Overnight the amount of dirt they could pile up was amazing.  When we found several mounds we pushed moth balls into the openings until a gnat could not get through.  

  Grandson AJ from Mankato came to check on his grandpa.  He had said grandpa should have an idea or two that needed his help.  Well, well.  This summer is the first time we have had a tree growing out of our eve troths.  AJ got the huge stepladder out.  Though the gutters have screen over them, AJ commented they were thick with dirt dust.  The screens were holding up the tree so it could grow straight and tall.  Too funny.  AJ rolled back the screen and gave it a good cleaning.  By that time AJ’s dad was over.

  Dennis had the weed whip out as our Russian Sage, first time ever, was putting out greenery and no blooms.  I had checked on the internet and the best advice was to cut them back and try again.  Dennis’ plan was the cut-back.  Tom went home and got his four string weed whip out.  I was in the studio and I heard the commotion and I stayed indoors.  Don’t mess with the worker-bees.

  I was in the studio working with the frame that came yesterday for my Christmas Quaker stitching.  For the nominal price, no hardware.  As of now, I have four wood screws holding in some brackets I found.  I then found some gauge or other of light wire.  I was feeling quite proud of myself when I could strip said wire over one of the nails in the Livingroom.  It may all be temporary, but it is up and I am smiling. 

  

  My measurements were spot on.  It came with a piece of foam board.  The foam board I had used to pin on the design slid right in.  The narrow frame has a look of cherry wood and the little gold hits the spot.  As I said . . . temporary.  I got the wood screws in about 75% of the way.  I cannot fail if I don’t try.

  This evening we are having soup and a half sandwich for each.  I have knocked heftier meals out of the park for some time.  I will admit my hands will enjoy a break.  Damn those screwdrivers need a lot of pressure to bite into the wood.  Yep, as I said . . . I am smiling.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:14 pm on August 1, 2025 Permalink  

  No Easy Day 

  When the duet cover needs to come off of my comforter, there is no turning back.  Oh, I have made more blankets and quilts than I can count on.  Over time, being able to dress a bed each day so it looks inviting that same self day . . . takes a lot of shoulder and arm power.  A sheet moves one way and a quilt goes the other way.  More times than not there is an additional blanket needed for warmth and the shifting is endless.

  My idea of a good night’s sleep is an easily maintained bed.  Today the duet had Grammie by the hair on her head.  The comforter stays inside the duet by cross-grain ribbons in the four corners of the duet.  The ribbons tie the comforter corners . . . rather tightly.  A kitchen fork was required to use a tine to slip into the knot for a release.  While the washing machine did its duty, it gave me a chance to plug in the vac and chase dust bunnies under the bed.  Did I get them all?

  When Nicholas was a tiny mite, his favorite spot to play was in the bedroom porch.  One of his little cars had rolled under the bed.  Mom, Carrie, was going to pick him up within a short time of the get-a-way car.  Nicholas greeted his mom looking as if we had dunked his head in a cotton-ball bag.  When he had crawled under the bed for his car, his head brushed along the bottom of the bed and captured fuzz . . . a lot of fuzz as only flannel bedding can do.  Whenever I clean my bedroom porch I do swipe the vac attachment with a lick and a promise and think of the now six-foot tall plus Nicholas. 

  By this afternoon, the bedroom porch as been tidied and the two loads of  bedding were ready to go back on.  Stuffing a comforter for a full sized bed into a full sized flannel casing does have its challenges to get the corners tied again to the duet.  There was a small glitch when I had the ties tied cattywampus.  Nothing like a timely redo.  Man, I hate that when it happens.  The last item is to take the long side of the duet and give it as good of a heft as I can and let it float down onto the bed.  It may take a try or two, but where am I going!

  I am looking forward to some studio time tomorrow.  I got my work done today . . . tomorrow I play.

  Dennis has been out in the garage for most of the day doing his version of tidy, tidy.

  The subs were great last night.  This evening we are having goulash.  A fellow that has been doing the tidy, tidy needs a hot supper.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:45 pm on July 28, 2025 Permalink  

  Relief 

  For the storm we had last night, around bedtime, I would have thought there would have been more relief from it.  When humidity and dewpoint are neck and neck . . . not much relief.

  I spent my forenoon in the studio.  I am working with a stitching of hardanger.  For decades I knew that the lady that had stitched this had her favorite spots on the fabric to hold it for each stitch as she went.  I decided to launder it in Woolite, a very gentle product.  I did try to give certain areas a bit more attention.  The oil from our hands could easily hold a candle to the oil I use on my sewing machine . . . well . . . maybe not.  No success.  I am going to go ahead and put it back on a piece of foam board.  The stains do not diminish the quality of stitches nor the time to stitch the piece.  Time will tell.

  The Congress of Eagles that I stitched are all one piece of fabric, 26″ x 29″.  That project is getting closer to having more TLC spent on it.  Stabilizer is needed for each design to be worked with as the fabric is a weave that could ravel before your eyes until there was no plan for it to be used. My plan was to use the woven cotton stabilizer that has adhesive on the back.  I ironed it on as one large piece rather than five individual pieces.  The next time in the studio, they will be cut into individual blocks, with not one the same size as another.  Lights off for the day.

  My next challenge was in the south half of my bedroom porch.  Tiny microscopic ants.  Today, I tried to shine a light on the walls of the area to see if I could find a trail of them either coming or going.  While I am either stitching or using my laptop one will appear and then there might be a variety of them on the mouse pad.  I checked outside to see if I could find some of the critters on the foundation or on the window frames . . . nothing.  I have Taro down in several places.  It did call for making my desk sparse, very sparse . . . “all the better to see you my dear.”  At one point I had used the 3M sticky roller to pick up a few so Dennis could see what I was talking about.  I have been up against mightier foe.

  Alas, the last of the cucumbers are ready for supper as well as the last potatoes peeled.  That means we have worked our way through five pounds of potatoes.   Time for a change of menu.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:03 pm on July 26, 2025 Permalink  

  They Say 

  They say it is not a nice day out and I am taking their word for it.  Dennis and I have no reason to leave our homestead today.

  Saturdays are not for listening to KNUJ in the studio as it’s usually about sports.

  I was brave and cut into the 30″ x 40″ sheet of foam board.  Stretching and centering my stitched piece began . . . quite slowly.  I had had grandiose thoughts of putting some quilt batting behind the stitching.  It got real in a big hurry.  Accomplishing getting it centered . . . I will settle for that.  I was happy not to have any additional noise in the studio.  The church tables have two bricks under all the legs.  That really helps when bending over is the only way a project needs to be handled.  When two this afternoon came about, I was ready to close everything down.   Tomorrow is a new day and I want to enjoy it with feelings of  . . . Yes!

  Dennis has gotten the hang of our potato peeler and has been going to town.  The peeler fits in the palm of the hand.  I enjoyed cucumber spears for my noon snack.  There are three potatoes peeled for supper as well as a new batch of the creamed cucumbers to enjoy over the boiled potatoes.  Heck, I will eat potatoes and cucumbers until the cows come home if he is content and happy with his endeavors.

  When I get busy in the studio, some of the Merry Maid work on the first floor takes a backseat.  All I need do is ask and Dennis pitches in and does the best he can.  It is very much appreciated.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:37 pm on July 23, 2025 Permalink  

  Hump Day 

  This may have been hump day, but also a day of bobbing around town with Dennis as my chaffier.  Of course we started out slow.  After breakfast Dennis needed a nap in his recliner.  That gave me ample time to get my ducks in a row.

  We had two showers of rain about two hours apart that had fierce thunder followed by nothing more of the rain than what it took to make the concrete damp.  That dampness evaporated in a heartbeat.

  Our first stop was the Lewis Drug for one of Dennis’ refills.  Going through the drive-by window is something I cannot do.  My left arm and hand mandate me going inside if I am by myself.  Got that done.  The two small gas cans needed filling as well as the little red pickup at the BP.  Tom does our mowing and he knows that the gas cans in the back of the little red pickup are there for the taking.

  My first stop, with Dennis at the wheel, was the bank.  The days of me recognizing anyone that may wait on me is over.  With the humidity causing air that is not only heavy but downright stifling, Dennis kept the motor running . . . almost like the get-away vehicle ready at a moment’s notice.

  The mail-drop was next on the list.  The mail-drop is on the far back of the eye doctor’s parking lot.  Talk about driving in, backing up, driving forward and . . . finally being able to get the envelope with the enclosed payment of a bill into the slot.  Again, A small motion that I cannot manage. 

  Radio Shack, aka: former Coast to Coast, was my next stop.  I have been getting accustomed to my new Samsung phone.  I finally have a phone that I may be able to download photos from it.  I checked it out on YouTube.  I needed a cable that had one end designed for attaching to the laptop.  The cable that had come with the phone for charging had two ends that were identical.  I will say that the fellow that takes care of the Verizon phone counter was very gracious and in no time, I was back in the little red pickup with Dennis.

  With all the errands done, Dennis took me around to what I believe is his usual haunt when he is checking out the town.  I thoroughly enjoyed the jaunt.  I got to see things I would never think of checking out.  The last stop was at Casey’s for a pack of cigarettes.

  All of this may sound trivial, but taking care of the items at hand are what keeps us able to maintain our home.  Sweet.

  Of course our supper has plenty of boiled potatoes from last night to pan fry with onions.  Chicken tenderloins and of course cucumbers round it all out.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:19 pm on July 22, 2025 Permalink  

  Some Thinking 

  Graph paper in hand, the studio found me working with ideas as to how to finish the five designs from the Congress of Eagles that I have stitched.  When Carrie’s family was here at Easter, I listened, eavesdropped, on a conversation Megan was having with her fellow, Jarrod.  I am going forward, using the graph paper and some of the goodies Amazon will be delivering.  I no longer am doing items to put into my storage here in the studio.  This totally finished item will not be staying on Stauffer Avenue.

  I am passionate in staying busy.  That is not to say I am either a genius, nor am I crazy.  I know where my level of comfort lays, aka: having something to show for my days.

  Dennis has been busy in the kitchen.  When we had some boiled potatoes last night, I had boiled the potatoes with the peelings on.  My hands don’t do well with the peeler.  Tonight, we are having the remaining of the creamed cucumbers with “peeled” potatoes ready for boiling.  When Dennis gets busy in the kitchen, I stay away.  Why squelch his enthusiasm. When I was invited to the kitchen, I was amazed how many potatoes had been peeled.  Fried potatoes with onions is always a welcomed fare to any supper.  Sweet.

  Dennis’ son-in-law mowed the properties today.  The entire process takes about two hours.  The garage lot of AJ’s, our residential lot as well as the 1.3 acre lot is a lot of mowing, and Tom takes pride in his mowing.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:52 pm on July 21, 2025 Permalink  

  On Site 

  We had an on-site farmer’s market on our front deck this forenoon.  I knew immediately who had left the cucumbers and new potatoes.  When we had our spa date on Saturday, Dennis was visiting with Maria about his love of creamed cucumbers over boiled potatoes.  It was quite the surprise and very much appreciated.  Both will be with our supper this evening.

  I had a very satisfying day in the studio.  I completed two projects.  Neither one was to be a hurried one.  When I have other people’s items in the studio, I feel better having completed them.  After all, no one would know what to do with half finished items if I couldn’t get back into the studio.  It brings me peace beyond understanding.

  Going forward, I had several  works in progress of my own items that are now completed, meaning the stitching has been done.  That portion, makes them finished.  Now I want to push into them being totally finished, meaning they are ready to hang in our living room or ready to pass along to someone else.  Amazon is right on schedule for the delivery on the 23rd or 24th.

  Sometime in the future, it will be a lot harder for family to throw away totally finished items than finding a bunch of stuff under my bed that they can’t make heads or tails out of.  The only thing to be found under my bed at that time are dust bunnies.

  One of my completed projects was that I had offered to make Maria another apron that she wears at her beauty shop with her name and some butterflies embroidered on it.  A good, kind deed done.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥