Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from November, 2025 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:58 pm on November 17, 2025 Permalink  

  Brisk 

  It did feel brisk outside this afternoon.

  KNUJ was keeping me informed where a rain shower might be.

  Oh my gosh!  This morning as we were getting up at eight, I heard a lawnmower.  It was Jan mulching out their leaves and ours.  What an elf!

  I spent time in the studio trying out a design with metallic thread.  The top thread broke several times before I hunted down a needle for metallic threads.  Again, several times the top thread broke.  There are three different spindles for the thread to be fed to the tension disks.  Spindle one and two . . . the top thread broke.  Spindle three was the winner.  The small design stitched out so well, I did a second design.

  Dennis took note that Jan had left with her gray car.  That gave the two of us time to take our prepared “door knocker” over to her back door.

  Jan has helped out with picking up blown down branches to put in either our burn ring or hers.  The leaves of this season have been mulched to the nth degree.  Dennis got a Casey’s card and we attached it to an embroidered Christmas towel complete with a ribbon to hang it from her inside door handle.  Good deed done for the many of Jan’s good deeds.

  The air is brisk.  We are having a poor man’s oven meal.  A bag of prepared shredded seasoned potatoes, sell by date November 18th, with a thawed container of meat-heavy chili mixed in.  I am tempted to put some, whatever I find in the refrig, shredded cheese over it.

  With that I will take my leave.

   
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  Noreen 3:27 pm on November 14, 2025 Permalink  

  Friday the 14th 

  I have had some retail therapy today and I am exhausted.  In my defense I had done a needs analysis over the last several weeks.  When I fight with certain elements in my studio, it gets to the point . . . no more.  From various departments, I had a list of eight items.  The total cost of my therapy was $89.00.  Thank you very much Amazon.  I have no idea how many stops it would have taken in Mankato with the same amount of success.  Even the fuel to begin the run-around might have been mind-blowing.  I can now relax and know that my days in the studio will be more relaxing as I wait for several days.

  Ordering from Amazon’s warehousing and imagining having all these items being pulled for one order, takes me back a few decades.

  On Excelsior Bouvard in Hopkins were several large company’s warehouses.  My dad took me to my rooming house on Sunday nights and picked me up Friday after the milking was done.  I had happened to get a job in what was then Coast-to-Coast Hardware warehouse.  As stores requested supplies to be shipped to them, those requests became printouts.  Getting to work, I would be handed a list for . . . let’s say Hutchinson’s Coast-to-Coast Store.  I would walk the multiple aisles carrying my basket matching each item on the the printout to the bins of IBM cards.  If the store requested four coffeepots, I would pull four IBM cards signifying matching printout numbers to matching cards.  Cutting to the chase . . . I would love to see how it is all done now.  Yes, I am a curious Grammie. 

  My brother called this forenoon.  It was great to catchup with him.  Assisted living units were perhaps not his ideal desire, but it is what it is.  Eric is just about 30 minutes from him and can stop and see him often.  Calvin is able to visit with anyone and I am sure he shares his views to those that stay put long enough to listen to one or two or more of them.

  A batch of egg-salad is on for supper by request.  The little onion that I used was strong enough to bring me to the point that I could not see straight.  Changing up options of texture and taste does a person well.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:45 pm on November 13, 2025 Permalink  

  Have No Fear 

  Have no fear you little applique scissors . . . I will find you.  As much as Grammie has tidied, tided, I am missing a scissors used in trimming fabric during applique.  Applique is when fabric is used to create a portion of the desired designs and this scissors allows for super close trimming.  I know I will find it, just not today.  It was hanging on the south wall of the studio.  I need to get a close up and personal look at the bumper of the drainage tile that goes around the perimeter of the studio.  Last month I spied with my little eye a small rotary cutter that had been pushed off the back of a shelf and there it was, just peeking up of where it had landed, between the cement wall and the bumper.

  I had been doing some stitching of the 2026 nation’s celebration.  I had two designs that were in need of finishing with stuffing and trim.  I have the trim application down to a science.  I can no long do hand stitching to apply the trim, but I know how to use Aleene’s Tacky Glue and my stick pins.  It works like a charm. 

  

  It gives the little pillows a touch of finish.

  To keep my hand in finding designs to download successfully, I have one on the hook that looks to be one that needs to be stitched.  Eeny, meeny, miny, moe which flash drive should I load it on?

  

  I have all the flash drives gone through, complete with what each one holds.  I have one drive that has minimal on it, butterflies for Maria’s aprons.  That is the one I chose.  When I assure you that I have the where with-all to stay busy for the duration, I am not joking.  As I mentioned I need to do the process often so as to not have to ask for help.  Well, hell’s bells, now where would I go for that.  Yup, YouTube if needed.

  Adding photos to my postings is also something that needs to be done often so I do not forget the needed steps.  Is it any wonder why by nine each night, I am ready for a good night’s rest.

  Our supper this evening is a bowl of rich tomato soup.  Made rich by using some heavy cream I have left in the refrigerator with a grilled cheese half sandwich.  Dessert will be banana cream instant pudding with 2% milk that is two days past the sell by date and a banana that is begging to be used.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:41 pm on November 12, 2025 Permalink  

  The Warmth 

  The warmth of the sun cannot be denied.  Each day of natural warmth is a blessing.

  I didn’t visit the studio first thing this morning.  I needed to read more about the gummed up situation I had yesterday, a simple stitch-out that took me five hours.  Bernina Jeff is an older fellow in Colorado that works in a quilt-shop, multi machine sales floor.  He knows his stuff and I like his YouTubes.  The neat thing about YouTubes is that when a specific question is asked, it takes you to the resolution without reading through pages of information.

  Yesterday as I was stitching, all had gone well for half of the project.  Then . . . every few seconds the bobbin error message would stop the sewing machine.  I knew there was no mechanical reason for it, so I would push the error button and then push the stitch button.  This went on for the remainder of the project.  Grr.

  Within my sewing machine are many options for using the machine.  After all these years, I have only touched a minimum of what is possible.  There is a sensor that will light-up telling me I am about to run out of bobbin thread, the error message.  This is to eliminate being into a project that you would not like to have interrupted loosing a place that would mar the outcome having to begin anew.

  Bernina Jeff councils that if I know, I have cleaned everything and anything that is not wanted, re-threaded, put in a new needle whether you need it or not, I can go into the machine’s “setup.”  First things first, make sure the tiny LED light’s message that the bobbin is clear of any fuzz.  Then I can poke the icon of a wrench.  I then poke the “eye ball.”  This will allow me to shut off the eye ball option of knowing and the machine “seeing” when I am going to run out of bobbin thread.  This shut-off is ideal if the magnetic silver on the bottom of the bobbin is not able to send clear messages. 

  After all that, I went down into the studio and did as instructed.  I repeated the stitch-out of yesterday.  I completed the same design in under two hours.  I don’t know if that bobbin’s magnetic silver covering was to blame.  I will try to re-engage the eye ball and see what happens.

  This wonder of wonder of a sewing machine has taught me a lot.  Mostly patience.

  I am a curious stitcher and a patient stitcher.  My world would be oh so small if I were not.

  This evening we will be having the remainder of the tuna oven dish of Monday night.  Last night the bean and ham soup hit the spot.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:07 pm on November 11, 2025 Permalink  

  Returned 

  Great fall days have returned. . . for now.

  My Veteran is having a good day.  After a breakfast box and coffee in the patio porch, he decided to check his eyelids for cracks.  Naps are good for the soul.

  I headed for the studio this morning.  I had it in my mind to get the module on the sewing machine and stitch out a design.  There are many steps to achieve a successful product.  If I don’t keep my hand in that process . . . well, that would just not be good.  I have all the materials needed.  Whether what I stitch is needed by someone is not the point.  I need to maintain my level of comfort in the challenge.

  What I had not counted on was getting a thread jam early on in the stitching.  Nothing to do but begin from the inside out to solve it.  Sure enough, in the cavity where the hook is, the area that holds the bobbin, there was a short length of thread.  That itty bitty bugger was preventing the needle from engaging the bobbin thread to pull the thread up to make a stitch.  Keeping the machine running smoothly encourages patience, a whole bunch of it.

  I did succeed in my quest.  So much so, that I think tomorrow I will repeat the process.  I have always enjoyed sharing from my studio when someone drops in.

  The leaves in the neighborhood are catching hell this afternoon.  With the winds of the last days, it has really stripped most of the trees bare.

  I am always thankful when we have made it through the remainder of October and the first week into November.  That span of time contains real estate taxes, six months of the home owner’s insurance as well as six months of the car insurance.  Whew!  A great feeling to have all handled without stress.  

  The remainder of the tuna oven dish is being postponed until Wednesday night.  Ham and bean soup seemed a good fit for this evening’s meal.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:38 pm on November 10, 2025 Permalink  

  A Monday 

  Clarification was needed.  Neighbor Jan stopped in this morning with a piece of our mail that had been left in error in their mailbox Saturday.  It was a piece of junk mail, but nontheless it was our name and address on it. 

  Jan commented that she had come too early as I was still in a bathrobe.  I didn’t want to say anything to make her uncomfortable, I just passed on it.  After Jan had left I had thoughts.

  Jan was wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt.  I believe it is a generational thing.  I didn’t grow up with “the sweat” as a line of clothing.  In my day, you were either in a bathrobe or you were “dressed” for the day.  

  In my eighties, I am in my “robe” phase of clothing.  As this was Monday morning, the laundry was started and I was in my pink robe that had suffered from a splash of bleach some time back.  This robe serves me to hustle about the east end of our home that includes bathroom and kitchen.  After the laundry was humming, I began a tuna oven meal for tonight’s supper.  Dennis was on board to open several cans of the Sun-Kist Tuna that was packed in water.  With all ingredients in the round blue speckled roaster, it was ready to be popped in the oven about 4:30.

  Dennis took out the recycling and house garbage as Tuesday’s our garbage hauler will be here by seven in the morning. 

  I went on to do the dishes from the prep.  That led to a tidy of the kitchen cabinet fronts next to the coffee pot.  He, she, me . . . does splash a bit pouring an early morning cup.  If it hits the front of the cabinet fronts it is bound to also frequent the floor.  Tidy, tidy.  I can work up some heat with the hustling and bustling, thus the lightweight pink working robe.

  When the east end of our home had been taken care of, I knew I would be feeling the fact that our home temp is set at 70.  I chose a warmer robe as I would be relaxing, having been cooled down and enjoying a second cup of coffee and yogurt for a late breakfast.  The work robe hit the laundry.

  Yes, multiple weights of robes for various times during the day.  Actually, I have three robes, light, medium and heavy.  No “sweats” for the Grammie, just a variety of robes.  FWI . . . robes are not for the studio.  Being “dressed” allows for maximum mobility.  Tee Hee!

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:00 pm on November 9, 2025 Permalink  

  Sunday the 9th 

  The snow flurries of yesterday chose not to make an impact.  A few sheltered roof tops are still harboring the white.

  What has made an impact is the wind from the northwest.  If one were to hold open a huge garbage bag facing the wind head-on, it might very well fill the bag.

  The wind allows for the trains running through town on the tracks a block to the north of us sound as if they are right next door.

  Last night, we had a poor-man’s supper.  No we didn’t add a rock to the soup to make it go farther, we were fresh out of rocks.  What was added to the can of Progressive Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup was the chopped up cauliflower from the night before,  as well were the leftover mashed potatoes used.  I heated the mashed potatoes in the microwave.  They were then divided into our two soup bowls.  At the table the soup was ladled over the mashed potatoes.  A very hearty supper it was.  The consequence . . . leftovers used up in a tasty hot meal.  

  I am so proud  of our front sidewalk flag.

  

  The cap of a marker covering the top of the post and one of my green quilt clips hugging the flag to the post is letting the red, white and blue fly brightly and proudly.

  Dennis has his favorite cucumber dish prepared as a side-dish for supper.  His choice of a Maria’s frozen dish will be piping hot.  I am opting for a salad with my cucumber dish on the side.

  I did look through the embroidery design on the computer.  Quite a few to think on.  I have someone that doesn’t do Christmas without the Grinch.  No . . . ironically it is not Dennis. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:03 pm on November 2, 2025 Permalink  

  November 2nd 2025 

  Another month is on the go with the clocks being turned back one hour as of two a.m. this morning.  Experience from previous years, the change of an hour one way or another doesn’t impact my life.

  We have two wall clocks that will need to be adjusted plus the coffee pot.  I knew if I waited long enough the electric mantel clock from my parents would be right on target.

  Before engaging in any fun times in the studio, I prepared a salted kettle of water to boil some pasta.  I like the pasta tender but not over cooked.  Dennis’ pasta is usually over cooked until it resembles mush.  I thawed some seasoned meatballs.  The pasta, meatballs and a jar of Alfredo will make a good hot meal for today.  When I had the prep done of the pasta dish I turned the kitchen over to Dennis.  Cucumbers and onions in a cream sauce is a dish Dennis does to perfection.  What he needs from me is to have the onion cleaned and sliced.  The round slices that I do, Dennis chops them to his liking.  I have no disagreement in how he does his dish.

  To the studio for some finishing work.  I had three small pillows to complete that will settle in for a patriotic display.  One corner of the church tables is the finishing area.  A very well used and worn Tupperware canister is where I keep the crushed Walnut shells for my small pillows.  I like the heft that comes with the shells rather than the poof that doesn’t remain poofy.  I don’t make many small pillows but I am prepared.  It was economical to order from Amazon where the 5 pounds is listed as Lizard grit in the pet category.  I also like the small pillows as home for a needle or two using them as pin cushions to keep the needles sharp.

  

  I did complete the filling process for the pillows and went on to clean up that process. Using quilting clips to make sure the area that was open for filling remains secure sense.  It took some time for me to thread a tiny needle and much more time for me to get them stitched up.  Hands that used to fly through those stitches now take a bit more time.  Another day, another visit to the studio will find me putting trim around the pillows.  The 2026 pillow is going to get some extra TLC.  Before all is said and done, I will rub some of the crushed Walnut shell over the stark white to give it a good weathered look.  Walnuts have long been key in making stains for furniture.  A little rub here and there will make what is good . . . even better.

  Our supper is set for finishing in the oven.  As I am working on this post, the wind is having its way with anything that isn’t nailed down.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:50 pm on October 31, 2025 Permalink  

  A Tidy Day 

  Look out studio!  I have a plan.  One of the three metal filing cabinets will be emptied by this mid-afternoon, or supper will not be made.

  I did meet my goal.  That metal filing cabinet has been scooted very close to the basement stairwell.  Of course, I went through each and every divider.

  I got way-laid:

  2004 Family Circle Magazine:  “Me Mudder”

  When – me prayers were always said,

  Who? – tucked me in my widdle bed,

  Who? – spanked me widdle ass till it was red,

  “Me Mudder”

  Who? – lifted me from a cozy cot, and set me on that ice cold pot and made me pee if I could or not,

  “Me Mudder”

  And When – the morning light had come, and me in bed dribbled some,

  Who? -Wiped me tiny widdle butt,

  “Me Mudder”

  And did – my hair so neatly part and press me gently to her heart, and sometimes squeeze me till I’d fart,

  “Me Mudder”

  So went some of the sifting and sorting in the studio.  I believe I am going to put a post on Facebook, giving away many quilt books of fabulous patterns and designs.  I am not going to put that on Facebook Market Place as I don’t want to be tethered to my phone.  I can’t in all good conscious put them in the recycling bin.  I did feed that bin quite generously as it was.

  I am now on to making some chili for supper.  A lb. of browned ground beef added to several cans of Hormel Chile – no meat, plus a can of tomato sauce.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:37 pm on October 29, 2025 Permalink  

  Body Guard 

  This was the day!  Dennis needed a bodyguard to go with him to the bank.  It had been some time since Dennis cashed in his loose coins.  The quarters had filled a large 32 oz. cashew plastic tube.  All of the other “no account” coins were in his red color crayon bank.  Daughter Denise was on call.  Dennis carried the 32 oz. container in a small duffle bag.  Denise carried the crayon bank with her hand securely holding the bottom as it was merely held on by the stroke of luck.  Off they went.  Too funny.

  When Nicholas was a wee one, he ventured all over the house.  All of a sudden this teeny, tiny body came out of grandpa’s darkened bedroom.  Megan was beckoned in with him . . . back into the darkened bedroom.  When they finally came out, Nicholas declared “Grandpa has tons of money.”  He was at the honey-pot of the 32 oz. container.  Oh for sweet memories.  That same container has been emptied several times since that declaration and will go right back collecting more coins.

  Some of my forenoon was spent sewing on the binding fabric to the lap robe.  Each step brings it closer to a finish.  The next visit will be tipping the binding to the top.  The days of hand sewing binding are gone.  My sister Elvera found that out when mom was in the Buffalo Lake Health-Care Center.  No matter how many notes were attached to beautiful quilts for delicate care, they went through the laundry just like any other bath towel.  The quilt was taken home and brought back with a binding that had been machine sewn.  Elvera meant well.  Quilts are to give high utility unless made for the express purpose of “you can look, but don’t touch.”  Not in my world.  All quilts that I have made and given are to be used for whatever the need may be.  If they wear out, come back and I will offer a second one.

  Where I grew up, rural Renville County, the southwest second floor bedroom was nothing other than freezing cold in the winter and blistering hot in the summer.  In the winter, quilts were hung over the windows to take the brunt of the cold as it seeped in.  One wall also had a quilt hanging up to act as insulation.  That same farmhouse has been overhauled several times by now.

  The blessings of leftover fixings from last night’s supper.  All that will be needed is a small batch of Idaho Instant Potatoes.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥