Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from May, 2026 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:10 pm on May 11, 2026 Permalink  

  Amazing 

  It’s amazing how much I got done on the first floor this morning while I was on hold.  We had gotten a letter informing us that Dennis needed to be re-enrolled in being notified that he could order his CPAP supplies from the Mayo Store in Mankato.  The system had new software that was being implemented.

  All four waste baskets in the house were emptied into one for Tuesday’s pickup.  A load of laundry was folded and put where it belonged.  The pound of thick sliced bacon was taken out of the oven and put on draining newsprint.  The plant I received yesterday was taken out of the gift bag and placed on an older plate to catch any water that would flow out the bottom when it was watered.  Basically, most of my Monday morning work completed until Erica could take my phone call.  No harm, no foul.  I have learned, calling the number another time would not have brought about any quicker response.

  A short studio stint cutting some fabric.  The studio is chilly these days.

  Dennis is off running some errands and then to his six month appointment with our primary.  It allows Dennis to be forthright in the Q&As.  If I had noticed anything out of the ordinary within the last six months, I would have gone with Dennis.  Seeing as how his appointment is at four, our supper is going to be eggs, as Dennis likes them . . . basted, bacon and toast.  Easy to fix once Dennis gets home.  Sometimes at a clinic appointment there could be a wait.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:18 pm on May 5, 2026 Permalink  

  The Day 

  Today is Tuesday the 5th of May.  The day has gone by quickly.

  I could have, would have stayed in the studio for longer today, but the trickle of water around the tile perimeter of the studio made it feel a bit too chilly.

  I have a project that I could bring to the first floor.  I fight that as one thing after another could dribble up to the first floor.  That would break the rhythm I have for my days.  Just so much time in my morning is spent having coffee and breakfast.  It’s then time to get dressed and do a tidy, tidy on the first floor.  After the “have too” is finished, I give myself permission for the studio time.

  The studio time is  say-la-vees.  If I get lost in thoughts or threads and fuzz . . . it matters not.  Creative time is good for the soul and the mind. 

  I will follow up that our unique oven meal of last night was a success.  It’s always convenient when a bag of ingredients can come out of the freezer to mix with sauce and pasta. Even doing a pork roast in the crockpot can leave it become dry as a pork loin roast doesn’t have any marbled meat.  When we had done the roast for a meal,  I used the kitchen shears and cut up the remaining very small.  The juice from the crockpot that contained the seasonings from the meat and the bed of carrots was perfect to pour over the cut up meat and cut up carrots.  Too much flavor to waste.  The ingredients of the leftover stove top added its kick of flavor.  Two cups of uncooked medium ribbon pasta and a jar of Alfredo . . . mission completion.  

  Dennis said he would be up for that combination any time.  He is the food critic.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:44 pm on May 4, 2026 Permalink  

  New Week 

  I awoke with a new agenda.  Well . . . some of the old.

  Time was spent on folding and pressing binding for my project.  The binding has now been sewn onto the quilt with tipping it forward for the last go-round on another day.

  When I went to clean my eye glasses this last weekend, the lens fell out.  Good thing the old pair were retrieved for the duration.  What had happened was a screw had fallen out.  Where the screw had been allowed for the frame to have the clearance to put the lens in.

  It was also important for me to visit a friend this afternoon.  Karen and I have been friends since the 80s.  At that time, Karen was the city clerk of Lewisville.  We met over city and county business.  Karen has since been the proprietor of the County Collage, a retail store on Main Street.  Last week it appeared on Facebook that she would be closing her store.  How could I not take time to stop in and wish her well on her next journey.  It was time well spent for me on this Monday.

  A new screw has been inserted in the eyewear.  A clear sealant was put over the screw to avoid another mishap.  Whatever.

  We are having an oven meal.  This is our experimental oven meal.  It consists of the pulled pork, not so much pulled as diced, the leftover diced carrots and the chopped up stove top dressing.  These ingredients were from last week when we did the pork crock pot meal.  The Alfredo sauce is the mixture to combine all.  Dennis put a hefty layer of ground black pepper on the top.  I’ll let you know what the reviews are.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:57 pm on May 2, 2026 Permalink  

  A Balmy Saturday 

  We might actually be having a spring-like day.  All the yellow flowers in our neighborhood tell me the same thing.

  We had a spa morning for haircuts and pedicures.  It sure felt good.  I have usually wore my hair short over the last decades.  This morning, I asked her to thin it out on top as it felt heavy.  Ask . . . and it can be done.  Dennis is always pleased with Maria’s work.  Those two can really chat each other up.  Unfortunately, someone had told tales, false, on her husband that made them loose work hours on this last Thursday as they had to meet with the immigration services in St. Paul.  All was cleared up, but it was a worry for two very nice people.

  A bit of fabric was cut for the binding of my project.  One step closer.

  We are having pizza for supper.  I am thrilled to be having a meat lover’s pizza from Casey’s.  Pizza is not Dennis’ favorites and this is special.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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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.  ♥