Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from November, 2025 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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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 3:03 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 2:24 pm on November 1, 2025 Permalink  

  Some Nights 

  Sometimes there are some nights when sleep doesn’t want to kick in.  That some night and sometimes was for Dennis last night.  I had gotten up at four to visit the bathroom.  Dennis got up right after me.  Dennis was wide awake.  I didn’t argue.

  The coffee was started and brewing didn’t take long.  When I knew Dennis was in the patio porch with coffee and his breakfast box, safe and sound, I went back to bed.  I managed to fall asleep after I had solved all the world’s problems and then got up at eight.  I knew Dennis and snuggles can easily fall asleep in the rocking chair in the patio porch. 

  Dennis came in a bit after eight, we bid each other a good morning and Dennis went to his recliner for a nap.  I enjoyed several cups of coffee checking out what my HP could share with me.  

  I know it must sound unreal that I can spend visit after visit doing the tidy in the studio.  It must be remembered that I only stay at it for 2-3 hours, getting side-tracked along the way.  I do not like UFOs, unfinished objects.  Unfinished objects don’t even get a glance before they are pitched in the circular file.  I had stitched the design packet of the Congress of Eagles.  I used three of the designs on a project for Megan, incorporating them with a patriotic panel.  The last two were orphans.  This morning, I found some backing material and I have them ready to be stuffed as little patriotic pillows.  To offset “just two,” I had embroidered “2026” for a third pillow.  The next visit to the studio will be stuffing the three.

  Oh yes . . . I like the tidy, tidy as it now presents itself.  The empty metal short file cabinet is immediately off to the left of the Singer serger that was Kersten’s grandmother’s.  There is now room for fabric to have some support as it is fed under the Singer serger. 

  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.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:16 pm on October 24, 2025 Permalink  

  Oh Happy Day 

  Here it is mid-day and we are home safe and sound from Mankato.  The only place we shopped at was Sam’s Club.  I shopped, Dennis filled the little red pickup and watched people.  A whole of entertainment there.

  I reminded myself of a prairie wife filling up the items our larder would need to get through the winter.  I do comparison shop in regard to our local grocery and Sam’s Club.  We have the freezer compartment on the bottom of the refrigerator.  Dennis always marvels as to what I can all pack into it.  

  Today was more about taxable items.  The total of the tax on the bottom of the receipt was $16.03.  It’s all good.  I don’t buy what we don’t use.

  Later on today or in the morning, I will package up the 30 giant banana nut muffins individually and get them in the freezer.  Hey, if Dennis is content with one for breakfast, who am I to complain.  He is getting something in his system with all the medications.  Medications alone might raise cain with the stomach lining.  Then again, I think . . . if smoking hasn’t done a number on him?

  We did visit all the  way to and all the way home.  Dennis was in the mode for reminiscing.  One of his thoughts went to his son Jeff.  One summer, quite a while ago, Jeff had no direction.  Jeff used Dennis’ little red pickup full of gas and headed to Fairfax every day to help Kevin with a clay block garage that was in dire shape.  When Jeff got back to St. James in the late afternoon, he was paid $40.00 for a good day’s workout.  It kept Jeff focused.  The garage had new life breathed into it.  For the life of Dennis, he always marvels when he thinks of that time.  Kevin and Jeff got along so well doing a hard laborious job.  Dennis’ final comment when he thinks about that time . . . if only we could have kept Jeff busy.  It was not to be.  I am very thankful Dennis is open and shares his thoughts.  

  Oh for memories.  We save the best and leave the rest.

  The day was great, we are home safe and sound with no mis-haps occurring.  We are having Marie’s chicken pot pies for supper.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:29 pm on October 21, 2025 Permalink  

  The Dance 

  Stauffer Avenue is gravel.  After many gradings and oil put down for dust control, the surface is quite packed.  The winds are wild.  A gust of the winds take a full coverage of leaves to the east.  A few moments later the gust does a swirl and the same leaves are heading west.  There is nothing to slow the dancing leaves down. 

  The studio has a project in progress, like no other.  My goal is to have a two sided 54″ x 54″ lap robe.  One side is predominately browns and blacks.  The other side is hues of blue.  When doing the free motion quilting, I don’t want the black thread of the quilting showing on the blue side and vice versa.  I knew I had a spool of mono-filament thread, aka:  much, much lighter weight than what is used for fishing.  It was very hard to tame.  Actually it was very hard to see it as it wanted to free flow off of the spool.  I got a bobbin wound with the hope of using it on the blue side.  The top thread was black.  I did try it out doing straight stitching.

  Everything had been pinned with the red-headed safety pins so the amount of shifting was at a minimum.  After a successful straight stitching, I went ahead and lowered the feed dogs to give it a try in one of the corners to see how it would react with the quilt batting sandwiched.  All went well.  The center is quilted.  I can see that on the blue side it has been quilted without any hint of the black thread showing as the needle pulled down the black thread to pick up the mono-filament thread.

  

  When I had completed the free motion quilting, I called it a day.  The blue side was down and I noticed that there is a 2″ x 10″  length that has a small tuck in it.  I could cut the threads to smooth it out but then I would have lengths of thread to fasten down.  Nope.  It’s the best I could do at the time.  It was a lot of shoulder, arm and hand motion.  There is about a five inch border around this project.  I have not as yet decided on how to finish that portion.  Doing free motion is more difficult when the edge of the project doesn’t have tension on it.  I’ll think of something.

  The chilly temps have brought out Dennis’ warmer duds.  I have no doubt the furnace in the patio porch has taken the chill off . . . why not!

  Dennis made a run for cigarettes and picked up a prescription for me at Lewis Drug.  I was thankful I didn’t have to leave the house today.

  It is that time of day when negotiations will take place for supper.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:00 pm on October 20, 2025 Permalink  

  Rainy and Cloudy 

  It is very chilly, rainy and cloudy for the start of a new week.  With that being stated I feel better today than I did yesterday.  A new week with a cleaned up attitude. 

  Yesterday I found myself living in a comparison mode of a time gone by rather than the reality of today.  The comparison was a thief of my joy that can and does follow me more times than not.

  Last night I felt a wind that lifted me up under my wings for the possibilities of a new week bringing joy.  Priceless.

  This morning, I felt energized when I went into the studio.  I switched on every light possible.  I surveyed my task at hand and set about making inroads.  The usual and customary at hand.  I spent several good hours before the lights went out.  Picking away, small steps, brings progress.  What I did bring up from the studio was a small ball of yarn and a crochet hook.  Time will tell.  The index finger on my left hand and its movement is the key to the tension needed for crocheting.  That finger has little to no life.  My plan of attack is to check with my YouTubes to see what I can find out.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Time will tell.  

  We had talked about a trip to Mankato for today.  As blustery as the weather was, we decided to do that on a day later this week when the temps would be warmer.  Nothing was needed that could not be gotten at that time.  The pantry on Stauffer Avenue is not in dire straits.  Yes, Dennis does enjoy his giant banana nut muffins from Sam’s Club for his breakfast.  I slipped him a peanut butter and peach jam sandwich instead.  It got positive reviews.  

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:22 pm on October 15, 2025 Permalink  

  Oh Happy Day 

  It’s a happy day when the the last half of our real estate taxes are due, October 15th, and . . . we took care of ours in total in May.  That became important when the six months of home owner’s insurance is due as well as the the six months of car insurance is due.  There is only so much the month of October can handle.  We absolutely are keeping the economy moving.

  Today, I headed to the grocery store and was reminded it was senior citizens day, too late as I was in the doorway of the store.  I am sure Dennis thought I had been picked up for squeezing the avocados and been hauled off to the poky.  Yes, there were individuals I had not seen for some time. How could I not engage when approached.  All is well as we got home safe and sound.

  This forenoon went well in the studio.  My next task for another day will be pulling out my tote of quilt batting to see if there is enough for my next 54″ x 54″ project. I have tape specifically designed to patch together odds and ends of binding, all the while, with no indication of it in the finished project.

  I have a “post-a-note” on the top of my laptop as a reminder of an October 17th event.  I would be hard pressed to forget want happened 60 years ago as we were living in Beaver Falls working for Orlin’s sister and her husband on a beef cattle farm.  Actually, the fact that there was no running water in the farm house, was not on the top of my agenda.  Yup, its a good thing I have the “post-a-note” for the 17th.

  We are having bean and ham soup for supper.  Perfect pairing on a chilly, cloudy day.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:30 pm on October 14, 2025 Permalink  

  A Dreary Day 

  It is a dreary day that is bringing some rain showers.  The rain is needed.  It seems like its been forever since I stained the deck and the dust was something awful on it.  No mere sprinkles would clean it.  It would take a hard driving rain.

  I slept so hard last night, you would have thought I had been digging ditches yesterday.  I know I had gotten up during the night, but not sure what the time was.  It was nine thirty when my feet hit the floor.  Usually when the garbage truck bang-idy bangs our bin on a given Tuesday that would have been my wake-up call.  The time I get up matters nothing.  The important thing is that I felt rested and ready to take on the remaining day. 

  My first task in the studio today was to tidy up the various fabrics I had pulled out to find just that right fit for the bathroom window.  There were other fabrics that I had used, a portion of each for Megan’s project.  Each fabric was measured and a note was then pinned on each one as to the size each one was.  It makes it so much easier the next time I need to surf through the stashes.

  I am on several sites of the internet that have pop-ups when a new item in their quilt shops is featured.  It sure is tempting when all the wonderful hues speak to me.  Nope.  I have made it my personal quest to churn through my stashes, getting creative to make do with what is on hand.

  I did have fabric of a two yard length that I may be able to use in a coming project.  The first thing is to cut off the salvage along the length of the fabric where the manufacturer is listed and even the collection that the length came from.  The salvage is tightly woven.  If it is used in a sewing project, it may well be a  seam that will not want to play nice.  I have gotten that much done. 

  As I look out of the windows of my bedroom porch, I am amazed how many of the trees are already free of their leaves without having had a hard frost.  After this rain, I think more will decided to let go of that spindly stem attaching them to their parent . . . and drop.

  One thing that is lacking today is the grain hauling semis.  In all probability,  yesterday may have been the last of the harvest.

  Nothing more to report at this juncture.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥