Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from May, 2026 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:31 pm on May 1, 2026 Permalink  

  Brr Chilly #2 

  This afternoon standing against the south side of the house in the full sunshine felt warm and toasty. 

  Not so much in my studio.  It phased me not.  I suited up and put in several hours.  Next step . . . trimming off excess batting and backing of the project. 2.5 ” x 300″ for the binding will be cut and that is for another day.

  Dennis had the little red pickup into the shop this afternoon.  Yesterday he smelled anti-freeze in the cab.  A new valve was ordered, it came in this afternoon and all is well.  Good thing it happened here in town as the pickup could have over-heated.

  I am usually not one to use ketchup on my food.  Ketchup is one of Dennis’ major food groups.  What I did find out by accident:  Real Potatoes, found in the refrigerator department of the grocery store in the same cabinet as eggs.  The small cubed potatoes with a bit of southwestern spices, when pan fried taste wonderful with Ketchup.  Not drowned in ketchup.  I put a plop of ketchup on my plate and with my fork, dip a piece of potato in the ketchup and it’s like eating a French fry.  I tried putting the potatoes in the oven uncovered in a foil lined pan and when heated to the 155-160 that also works.  Better yet, no fry pan to clean up.  Home, home on the range . . . where food is always experimented with.  Too funny.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:21 pm on April 27, 2026 Permalink  

  A Drippy Day 

  Lots of moisture . . . no bad storms.  What a kick-off to the lawn mowing season.

  I turned the thermostat on the furnace up a bit so I could work in the studio for a bit.  That activity lasted until noon and then that was enough.  It’s a good thing there was breakfast coffee left when I came upstairs.  I usually have a bottle of Lipton’s Diet Green Tea open in the studio.  I am not going to fess up how many days that bottle lasts.  It’s a good refreshing taste and I do not need it ice cold.

  The trip to the grocery story was a very good trip.  It’s amazing the great things that can happen while one is strolling up and down the isles.  I did pick up a 2.5 lb. pork shoulder roast for the crock pot plus a bag of carrots to go with it.  I now have five options for meals plus perhaps a night of soup with a half grilled cheese sandwich.  Dennis requested a box of cold cereal.  Sometimes it might just do the trick for him as a snack.  Four of Marie’s pot pies and three other Marie heat and serve meals for Dennis.  When Dennis wants a heat and serve oven meal, I opt for a salad.  It doesn’t matter if a few dishes are dirtied or a lot.  Dennis is in charge of doing the dishes.  There is no free lunch.

  I checked in with Dee.  She works in the bakery.  Her husband is in the memory care unit in Sleepy Eye.  She has just listed their rural home as she will be looking at living in an apartment.  Brenda at the checkout is always ready with a smile.  Her husband got hurt working at Swift Food Processing here in town.  Dan is now confined to a wheelchair.  And then . . . there is James Mitchell.  A Hispanic fellow in his fifties that loves working in the grocery store whether it’s stocking shelves or carry-out.  He and his wife packed up from Texas to be in this community where their family has settled.  A very wonderful fellow.  It does take me quite awhile to get out of the store.

  I did do a stop at Family Dollar.  Kitty litter was needed.  They carry 21 lb. lightweight in plastic jugs.  Much more doable than Sam’s Club’s box which is 40 lbs.

  Amazing how a day can fritter away.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:21 pm on April 22, 2026 Permalink  

  Holly Molly 

  Where is this strong 28mph wind coming from and when will it cease?

  Unseasonably warm is not a good thing for us.  The winds are whipping the tilled farm acres and continuing to dry it out.  KNUJ mentioned perhaps a 1/2 of rain tomorrow.

  The safety pinning on the quilt top is complete.  As the church table floating heavy cardboard can be relieved of thumbtacks, I will follow up with closing the red headed pins.  Only three of the center quilt blocks have yet to be secured.  I just couldn’t bend over far enough to snag them.  All of this pinning allows for no wrinkles of the back fabric and batting as the quilt is ushered under the sewing machine needle.

  The actual quilting is a bit far off.  The machine will be checked over for threads and fuzz lingering under and in the mechanisms.  A new needle will follow an oil job.  After an oil job it’s best to stitch on scraps for a bit to make sure no oil residue shows up before the real deal.

  A meatloaf supper is be be had here on Stauffer.  I have coleslaw and fruit to pair with it.  It’s up to Dennis to decide if he wants to make instant potatoes of if a refrigerator package of “Real Potatoes” is partially used.  Dennis has just decided on the instant potatoes.  Well done Dennis.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:14 pm on April 15, 2026 Permalink  

  Wednesday 

  We have had a busy afternoon.  Son-in-law Tom was over.  We had Tom do the mowing last year.  We needed to know what we were paying him and what the rate would be for this year.  Tom will be using his Zero turn as his seat is so much more comfortable . . . air ride.  There were things that Dennis needed help with.  It’s nice to get things talked over so there are no mis-understandings in families.

  Tom will do the first mowing tomorrow as the grass has come up in healthy looking clumps next to some dry areas.  The first mowing tends to even things out.

  I was looking for a brass item on which to hang a cross stitch item.  That got me cleaning drawers in the kitchen.  One container for recycling and one for garbage.  A good bit of organization was needed.  The end result was one container of what we have for tools, which is not much.  If we need something done, it’s best that good tools come with the worker-bee.  It was a good endeavor.  It may not stay tidy as a hunt and peck always seems to throw a wrench into the frenzy of looking.  I did find what I needed and the task was completed.

  Dennis’ jacket needed a seam sewn under the arm.  He wears the jacket nonstop as it is warm and keeps the wind out.  It was just a matter of changing thread colors for top and bottom in the sewing machine after the jacket came out of the laundry. 

  The winter jacket may do a come-back for this weekend.

  Supper is going to be EGO Fluffy Waffles and bacon.  The waffles we like come six in a package.  We each make due with two each as they are large.  I always buy two packages for the freezer so we end up with three meals out of the deal.  The four slice toaster does come in handy once in a while.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:15 pm on April 10, 2026 Permalink  

  “Uncle” 

  This forenoon when my back whispered “uncle” I took heed and closed down the studio.  I am not out to do endurance trials.  It’s best to desist while everything is still going well rather than pushing my luck.  While working at the church tables to cut fabric, there is a stance that cuts through the back like a dull knife.  Having already added two bricks in height under the table legs to assist, it is what it is.  Wanting to continue the joy that my studio gives to me . . . tomorrow is another day.

  Actually, tomorrow afternoon we will be taking in an event that Dennis’ granddaughter, Sadie, is putting on in conjunction with her job at MACV, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans.  Sadie has a huge territory in southern Minnesota working out of Mankato.   There can be help with utility bills, proper clothing for job interviews that may even include a haircut.  Sadie, having completed three tours with the Army’s Red Bulls, knows the challenges.  There are many resources for the young veterans and Sadie helps with those connections as well as pairing donations with the need.  Of course, her main helper for tomorrow is her Grandpa Dennis.  It does him proud.

  This evening we are having canned roast beef over mashed potatoes plus greens.  The roast beef gains a bit of color by adding two teaspoons of instant Folger’s coffee.  That is a Lena tip that does the trick.  I will use a tablespoon or two of corn starch diluted in cold water to then heat the roast beef to make it a thickened meat with gravy.  Dennis is in charge of the potatoes.  He does them successfully.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:56 pm on April 2, 2026 Permalink  

  I Heard It 

  I heard the rain falling during the night.  I knew the snow would have been silent.

  When I got up and saw that Randy’s yard next door was all but floating away.  There is only so much that a gravel yard can take in.

  The next thing I did when my feet hit the floor, was to say “Hello Art.”  The arthritis in my feet told me all about the weather pattern we were in.  When you feel discomfort you know you have been given another day.  Thank you Lord! 

  I sat upon my cherry red chair in my bedroom porch with a cup of hot coffee and watched the plunks that the rain made in the puddles on Stauffer Avenue.  It was rather mesmerizing.  I knew I had a phone call to make. 

  When refills are needed, the Lewis Drug’s automatic answering machine asks for a prescription number.  I had taken care of that last Thursday, the 26th of March.  On Monday I drove to Lewis Drug to pick up the medication.  It’s the one that does my heart good.  There was nothing.  They were kind and said there was nothing forthcoming.  They said they would fax it to the clinic again.  I had taken my last pill on Sunday night.  They were kind and gave me six pills as a temporary refill.  I came home and used the Mayo Portal to message my primary.  When I called Lewis Drug this morning, the medication was ready and Dennis went immediately in the rain to pick it up.  Dennis can use the drive-up window.  With a bum left arm, I cannot reach the automatic drawer as it slides open.  Just a small inconvenience that allows me to go directly into the pharmacy . 

  Being mindful of personal responsibilities is important.  Nothing can be left to chance if we want to stay independent.  I sure do!

  It has rained most of the day.  I see by the weather map St. James has been moved into a dry spell.

  I now have the pieced 18 blocks making up the extra-long top of Nicholas’ quilt put together and pressed.  Nicholas is over 6′ tall and will need the extra foot covering.  The three border fabrics have been pulled out and are awaiting.  To make the quilt wide enough, there will be a 3″, then a 4″ and finally a 5″ border added to the four sides.  The labor intense portion is finished.

  We are having an oven meal for supper.  The two passes of preparing supper that were granted me for my birthday are over.  Here in the real world we are.  Not such a bad place to be.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:16 pm on March 22, 2026 Permalink  

  A Good Thing 

  A good thing to do after the sewing session of yesterday.  Out came my tool box to clean fuzz and threads caught where they are not wanted or needed.  Oiling and a new needle puts the machine in the ready mode.

  Sandy asked me yesterday when I had learned to sew.  I told her about six or seven.  She commented what could I possibly sew at that age to be finished for anything.  I have seen some carpet rag rugs in her home that she had bought at a flea market.  I went on to tell her that I would sit and tear the strips of old clothes that would go into those rag rugs.  Using the treadle sewing machine I would then sew the strips together for my mom keeping like colors together to roll into a ball.  It taught me about using the sewing machine needle for a seam that would carry me through much more to come. Her comment was that she wondered how those rugs were made.

  Oh the difference in how families did things and how children learned.  I wouldn’t trade my up-bringing for anything.

  I called Aunt Janet and we had a very good visit and a lengthy one.  I have mentioned before that she is my dad’s youngest and only living sibling.  Being about ten years apart,  we can and do share memories.

  There will be an oven dish for supper.  A pound of ground beef browned, pasta boiled with plenty of life left in it combined with a jar of Alfredo garlic seasoned sauce.  Simple will do the trick.

  Tomorrow at 12:55 p.m. Dennis needs to be in Mankato for an eye injection.  Dennis commented that at his age, maybe he should forego those appointments.  Hmm. I brought him up short.  If he liked his little red pickup and the “get in and take a whip” he would need his eyesight.  If anything would get him pulled over, I think he would be given a ride home and the little red pickup would have to find its own way home.  I like it when a conversation is closed, never to be had again.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:51 pm on March 18, 2026 Permalink  

  Disappearing Snow 

  The power of the sun is fantastic.  The covering we received last night is allowing our concrete to be bare . . . once again.

  We did have an energetic individual in a powerful pickup see how much he could slide and spin down Stauffer.  Idiot.

  The stitching in the studio went well today.  I thought it was about time, I checked to see what the size was of an average/normal dorm sized bed.  38″ x 85″ is what did come up at various sites.  Length and width to be added for drops.  I am on the correct tract.  

  Dennis’ HP laptop is running smoothly.  I have loaded Klondike card games and Facebook.  Each in the easiest “click away” as possible.  A post-a-note is on the wall right next to him for his pin and password.  Whew!  My sewing Dell is back in the studio.  I have mentioned before how important I think it is for Dennis to have computer access for what he is interested in.  The “market place” and the “reels” give him untold hours of enjoyment.  It beats sleeping his time away. 

  I have a lean pork steak in the oven.  Lawry’s seasoning on top.  Covered and at 325 degree, it should be ready for our 4:45 supper.  Dennis is in charge of what will be going with it.  Spread the joy!

  I have my arm exercises left to do before supper.  I am in it to win it!

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:51 pm on March 8, 2026 Permalink  

  Is it Spring Yet? 

  It may not be officially spring, but the young ones and even those older have the power bikes out.  It seems that the ones that can down-shift the fastest may win the race.

  Dennis’ granddaughter Sadie from Mankato came out for a visit.  She is now retired from the military, via the Red Bulls.  She retired as an E8.  Sadie and grandpa talk all things military.  It does Dennis a world of good.

  I’ve gotten some bedding swapped out.  With these temps, I would have hung them out to dry, but the boxelder bugs have arrived early.  Actually, the days of me putting laundry out on the lines is over.  I like my laundry setup in the bathroom.

  We are having chicken tenderloins for supper and what Dennis thinks is cheesy broccoli.  I decided to clean out some of the freezer’s goodies.  I partially thawed the brussel sprouts.  I chopped them, so the dish does look like it has a green vegetable in it.  Velveeta cubes in and on and they will be popped into the oven for supper.  Time will tell if I pulled it of.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:20 pm on March 5, 2026 Permalink  

  Birds 

  Do the birds think spring is here?  They are all very busy fliting from tree to tree.  The squirrels never did acknowledge our winter.

  This afternoon the house is filled with the aroma of cinnamon rolls that just came out of the oven.  The frozen Rhodes can’t be beat.  They come twelve to a frozen package.  Doing six at a times works best for Dennis and his breakfast box.  There are two bags of cream cheese frosting included.  I had this bag in the freezer for some time and today I checked the expiration date . . . Sept. of 2o26.

  The diced pork roast oven dish of last night was a win.  Leftovers for this evening . . . can’t beat it.

  As we, mostly me, take notice of our first floor, decisions needed to be made.  Furniture designed for larger homes than what our 720 sq. ft. can handle works for only so long.  It may be that Dennis has been prone to falls and thus furniture with sharp corners has been put out of his reach, as much as possible.  That is not to say that the situation may flip in times to come.  Being realistic is what I do . . . for the both of us.

  Today, I sifted and sorted much.  Not necessarily throwing anything out, just using what room we have wiser.  Putting things where they were taken from is the key.

  I feel very good about making the best and the most of our home.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥