Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from April, 2024 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  Noreen 2:48 pm on April 23, 2024 Permalink  

  Overnight 

  Overnight the tree tops have taken on the lime green color.  That tells me that there will be a whole bunch of pollen in the air.  Actually a pollen warning came up on the task-bar that shows the temperature information. 

  I have a few yellow beauties blooming under the Lilacs amid the Hosta.  They are more forthcoming right now than what the Hosta are showing.  I plan on letting them have their hay-day.  I will keep my size 8.5 out of the area.  Once the tips of the Hosta are stepped on, the showing of the plant has been blemished before it had half a chance.

  Last night for supper I fixed chicken titties in my all time favorite coating mix.  With that we had green beans and a side dish of Stove Top Stuffing.  I had not fixed a box of that for a very long time.  I get it extra tasty by putting in the double amount of butter.  Yum.

  Dennis is chomping at the bit to try out his propane brush killer.  Ants in the pants for sure.  Each day when the neighbor’s flag is billowing, he knows he will have to find other mischief.

  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 2:41 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 1:32 pm on April 6, 2024 Permalink  

  Our Evergreen 

  I do know that wind that whips through the evergreen boughs exacerbates the sound.  

  As I am in my bedroom porch today, I see what is blowing down the street.  The wind is strong.  A home kitty-corner from ours put a new Larson storm door on last fall.  As it is bangy-banging today, I hope the door lasts until this evening when they get home.  I checked our door to the west this morning to make sure it was locked.

  Yesterday, neighbor Randy told Dennis to bring over the zero-turn anytime for him to install two grab bars.  Dennis put its battery on the trickle charger at that time.  The mower is now over at Randy’s garage.  This is not Randy’s first rodeo with a zero-turn grab bar.  Bob Luther lost his right arm in a farming accident several years ago and Randy tricked Bob’s zero-turn out for him in ease of getting off and on.  Sweet. 

  My Smokey the Bear got his chores of burning done yesterday.  It all worked out great.  Even leaves were raked out from the lilacs for the burning.  Just a bit here and there counts up.

  Today the snowblower was taken back to the potting shed and out came the push mower.  Whether the push mower gets used is not important.  It’s been checked over with fresh oil.  Dennis mentioned he would be buying a case of oil in the near future.

  We are having chili and grilled cheese sandwiches for supper.  Each of us gets a half sandwich and a slight bowl of chili and that is plenty.  We don’t have heavy meals anymore.  Yes, Nicholas, I know it’s not real cheese, but I am determined to use it up.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 1:20 pm on March 25, 2024 Permalink  

  Puddles 

  What small amount of snow we received in the last 36 hours has all gone by the way-side with the rain we are now having.  The noon news thought that those with heavy snow may have equated that to an 1/2 of rain.

  I had a wonderful experience this morning at our local dentist.  I really wanted to stay in our town.  I know getting a full bottom plate may take adjustments.  Being five minutes away beats traveling 90 miles round trip.

  Dentist Steve’s daughter will be joining him soon as she graduates this summer.  Mom, Chris, is the receptionist.  Steve has been updating the clinic.  I underwent a head x-ray.  Staying steady with a mouthpiece in place, the x-ray machine, by moving from my neck up, did a 360 degree head scan around me.  Wow.  I think Steve has really been planning for good dental service to be available.  How wonderful for a small town to maintain a great dental office.

  I return on April 2nd for impressions to be made of my mouth.  Going forward, having taken antibiotics due to my multiple implants, the remaining two teeth and two roots will be taken out and the plate goes in.  Standard practice.  

  I did find out that our family doctor, after leaving St. James Mayo, is on staff at Jackson medical clinic.  We are so happy for him.  They have a jewel on board.

  Dennis has made supper.  Tuna sandwiches with lettuce and chips and dip.  I am looking forward to it.

  With take I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 1:41 pm on March 20, 2024 Permalink  

  Whew 

  Hello Peeps!

  Coming to you from Stauffer Avenue.

  A very good day is winding down to a midday break.

  Yesterday after a medical appointment for Dennis here in town, we motored on to Mankato.

  I visited Menards and purchased two more blinds, 72″ x 30″.  Sweet.

  Dennis took me out for an early birthday lunch.  Far enough away from the actual date, so I wouldn’t be concerned about what was needed done at home.  Sweet.

  On the way out of Perkins, Dennis made sure he picked up a bag that was waiting for him when he paid the check.  Last night we enjoyed carrot cake for dessert from Perkins.  I should say . . . last night and today for a noon snack.  Sweet.

  In regard to purchasing blinds.  I am requesting Kevin to put up blinds in four windows on my birthday.  Of course new blinds have different brackets than those of 25 years ago.  Kevin is in charge of taking the old brackets off and putting on the new.  How could I not want to wash the windows and woodwork off before hand.  Thank goodness for the silicone lubricant to help with pushing up the top sashing.  Hmm.  Hello outside!  Even Dennis noticed how nice it was looking out of clean window panes.

  A note on the installation of the blinds with brackets.  The window woodwork is 100 years old.  I put up brackets 25 years ago . . . how many other holes are there in the window woodwork?  

  The north windows have blinds taped up over them.  I didn’t bother opening the two blinds boxes for the south windows.  Those two windows have blankets taped over them with that great 3M strapping tape to hold them up.

  As I said, I am on a mid-afternoon break and Dennis is making tuna, pea, white sauce and pasta for supper.  Sweet.

  In part some of our home has been homogenized and we are ready for new dust.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 3:51 pm on March 8, 2024 Permalink  

  Friday the 8th 

  True to my word of yesterday, I am having a quiet day.

  Last night, Dennis made this weary Grammie supper.  Oh, sweet.  Cheeseburgers and tator tots piping hot from the Eagles Club several blocks up the street.  It was truly enjoyed.  There were just enough tots left on my plate that I could make a smiley face that greeted me this morning.  I may have popped one or two in my mouth on the way to the coffee pot.  Potatoes are a good source of protein in various concoctions.

  Has anyone around here ever found fossils?  I have found several.  They are embedded in my floor finish of the laminate flooring job.  I had used some old wash cloths that were way past their prime.  Each day, the Swiffer mop, had one clamped into place.  Yesterday’s choice of cloths left some strands of thread as I was applying the update.  Oh well.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  We gained a whole bunch by hopefully prolonging the life of our laminate flooring.

  Nothing lasts forever and we do live in every nook and cranny of this home on Stauffer Avenue.

  The freezer gave up a freezer Zip Lock bag of several servings of chili for our supper.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 2:06 pm on March 4, 2024 Permalink  

  Tandem 

  This morning Dennis and I worked in tandem to get an oven meal ready for supper.  Canned white chicken meat lacks a hardy flavor.  I steamed some broccoli to add to the pasta and Alfredo sauce.  The bright green color did wonders for the dish.  There is also a container in the freezer as the amount that was concocted would have given us way too many repeats.

  I had been meaning to try some of the laminate floor care that we got at Menards.  I did the worst first.  Where the computer stand is rolled back and forth was my first concern.  It looks refurbished in color and shine.  It dried within 45 minutes, but will allow no use until supper.  Each day I will vacuum, damp mop, let dry and then do another area.  So far, it is looking good.

  Marsha from across the street came over for a visit.  Actually, Marsha’s son lives across the street in Marsha’s home.  Marsha lives in LaSalle.  It was a great chat.  Marsha takes care of grandchildren and has little to no time for too much dilly dattle.

  The air feels as if it has rain in it.  Damp clouds. 

  This winter, as strange as it has been, is frightening to see what is happening in California with all the snow.  I believe home’s roof tops are in fear of collapse.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 2:29 pm on February 22, 2024 Permalink  

  On a Roll 

  There are days that I can feel the arthritis knocking wherever it can find a viable joint in my body.  The only solution is to keep on rolling and moving until the aches don’t stand a chance of winning.

  The studio stitching went great this forenoon.  33,000 stitches without a single glitch.  A project is underway.  I do know that a trip to Hobby Lobby is going to allow me to finish it.  It is rare that I didn’t have what was needed.

  The wind chimes in the evergreen at the northwest corner of the house is tinkling just enough to make the day come off as possibly a spring day.  A pleasant sound compared to when the breeze is actually a 35 mph force that makes all things not tied down move to the next street over.

  The afternoon’s event was peeling the remainder of some potatoes before a sprout was detected.  For my taste buds, nothing beats the enjoyment of a boiled potato with a meal.  It harkens many memories of a family of six around a round oak kitchen table. 

  Cousin Mark called last night with a quilting dilemma.  For a fellow just shy of sixty, he enjoys his threads and fuzz.  Nothing so serious that it couldn’t be remedied with a photo and some texting back and forth.  It was fun catching up with him.

  Chicken, boiled potatoes and cranberries for a wonderful supper.  What is not to like!

  With that I take my leave.  ♥