Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from September, 2025 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:24 pm on September 25, 2025 Permalink  

  Interesting 

  For the last two calendar years our prescription cost via Well Care has been $1.00 for 2024 and $0.00 for 2025 per month.  For 2026, we just received our notice that it will be $9.00 per month for each of us.  I am not upset by this.  Our prescriptions are allowing us to maintain a good quality of living.  Dennis receives two prescriptions from the VA at $15.00 each as we had checked one plan to another.  Taking the time to be vigilant is what is needed.

  Today, I needed to pick-up two prescriptions for myself at the Lewis Drug.  It was $0.00 for the two rather than the $79.00 at the market rate.  I will be realistic in time to come.

  My studio went dark at one this afternoon.  My quilting care, thought and history won out.  Each of the two patriotic panels will be its own project.  I am proud of my decision.  The Mount Rushmore is the first of the two I will work on.  I have the backing fabric measured and sewn for it.  The quilt batting has been released from the plastic bag to allow for it to breath.  Enough for today.

  The tuna oven dish that Dennis made did not disappoint for last night’s supper.  There would be enough for this evening’s supper, but we have opted to do the oven meal again on Friday night.  Tonight’s supper is a bean and ham soup that we both enjoy.

  For decades we have had a round kitchen stool on rollers.  If weight is put on it, the rollers push up into the shell of it . . . making it stable.  I did use it to put my pail of stain on it when I was doing the front deck, only to realize that the rubber bumper on the base of it had rotted enough to fall off.  What was left was a very sharp edge.  In today’s mail, the new base bumper for the Kik-Step stool came and is ready to be put on lending the handy stool an extended life.  Where would I be without the internet and Amazon.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:08 pm on September 24, 2025 Permalink  

  Mission Completion 

  We, on Stauffer Avenue, can say that we have had mission completion on all levels.

  I have two pieces of fabric equal to one another in the studio.  As I have measured and cut, the thoughts were always niggling in the back of my brain.  My initial thought was to do the pieces back to back into a lap robe size.  I now have them both measuring 54″ x 48.  Both panels, each telling a patriotic story totally clash in the color-ways.  One panel is the Mount Rushmore with the eagle flying over the American flag in the red, white and blue theme.  The other is of raising the American flag over Iwo Jima in very dark brown, black and orange hues.  My quilting eyes cannot condone making them into one finished product.  When the lights went out in the studio at one this afternoon, I had both of them on the church tables.  Time to think on it and perhaps even sleep on it.

  Dennis completed his task on the first floor of our home.  We will be having a tuna oven dish with cranberries and bread and butter pickles.  Oh yes, bread and butter on the side.  The other day, Dennis was going to pick up a loaf of bread.  There had been street repairs, so he stopped at Casey’s.  The brand of bread that they sold was Hostess.  Hmm.  The taste of that bread took me back to when Lena made bread dough for buns.  It had a “sweet bread” flavor.  Not a bad thing at all.  He couldn’t remember what the loaf had cost.  I know in our grocery store, our usual bread, Country Hearth is $3.99 a loaf.  It bares checking out. 

  Yes, we have had mission completion.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on September 23, 2025 Permalink  

  Back to Normal 

  This morning when I got up, things felt like I would be getting back to normal routines.  What’s not to like with a slice of bread schmeared with peanut butter and jelly for breakfast.

  The lights went on in the studio and KNUJ was tuned in.  The seams I had laid out were soon under the needle.  The project for Megan entails two printed panels characterizing patriotic images.  I am going to put them back to back.  One is much larger than the other.  Out came the tape measure.  Getting coordinating fabric out for borders to be sewn on making them the identical size.  Everything I need to work with this project is within the confines of my studio, aka: a Michael’s Annex.

  By one, I was ready to close down shop.  Yesterday I knew that I needed to make a trip to the grocery store here in town.  Nothing in quantity, just a bit of this and a bit of that.  Dennis has been hinting that he is ready to make a tuna oven dish.  How could I not supply him with what he needs.  We do use the Albacore tuna.  It is chunks of nice white tuna packed in water.  Some day I am going to find a recipe to use the Star-Kist Tuna.  Yup, we are spoiled. 

  I have the groceries put away and have a bit of time to wrap these way-ward thoughts up for the day.  I did find my favorite apples in the store.  I now have 10 lbs. of the Macintosh apples in the refrigerator.  When the store’s deli has wrapped up their noon specials, the remainder is put in carry-out containers in the coolers where they keep the Mrs. Gerry items.  Dennis and I are going to have tater-tot hotdish for supper, along with our favorite bread and butter pickles and coleslaw.  Dennis can tackle his dish tomorrow. 

  Looking out the south windows of my bedroom porch, the air is full of the pesky “no-see’ms.” Right along with them the box-elder bugs and Asian beetles are vying for air space.

  I have had a great day and it feels good to have had the enthusiasm, courage and drive to complete some windows and get the deck ready for more years to come.  I can now spend time in the studio doing what comes naturally.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:51 pm on September 13, 2025 Permalink  

  Summer’s Back 

  Well, well, well.  The best laid plans of mice and men.  Not happening today.

  It was eleven this forenoon when I left Maria’s salon.  It felt so wonderful to be primped with a haircut and let me tell you the pedicure was good, but the foot and leg massage was wonderful.

  My plan was then to go to the grocery store.  I can share with you that my supper is going to be a roasted veggie pizza.  I know it has gotten hot and yes I will be heating up the kitchen with the 425 degree temp.  Well . . . who cares!

  With the few groceries tucked away, I discovered my zest for the north window washing today was gone . . . totally gone.  When I turned on the kitchen faucet, a huge amount of air blew out before the water ran.  I realized the Watson boys had been here in my absence to take care of the water leak in the basement.   There would be my next clean-up, the basement floor.  I could not believe my eyes.  The sponge mop had been used and the floor was ready to use . . . dry.  The wet rug by the floor drain was in a pail that had been under the sink.  I took the rug in the pail and put it on the bench by the back door to dry.  Talk about hometown heroes.

  During the first part of the week, I finished the latest counted cross-stitch design.  I like designs that are monochromatic.  I can pick it up and go with just one color of floss to get into the needle.  

  

  This was called “Christmas Silhouettes.”  I never tire of it.  I liked the idea of the white not being pronounced in the design.  There are many white snowflakes as well.  The last thing I did was to sew a red bead on Rodolfo’s nose.  I did find a frame in the basement for it.  That may well be on my list of to-dos when I have Megan’s project done.  

  I thought about working in the studio on the morning I discovered the water leak.  Not a good idea with using an electric sewing machine or electric iron, all in the same vicinity.

  I do have a new stitching pattern in mind.  I have so much of the silk embroidery thread left of Grandma Schafer’s.

  

  I really would like to use more of it.  It is heavily variegated going from blues to tans to a rich copper and mauve.  Each needle length would have all those colors showing. 

  As the day is winding down and my feelings of being lethargic remain, I may fix that veggie pizza and call it an early supper.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on September 5, 2025 Permalink  

  Sweater Weather 

  When I reach for a sweater, you know there is a chill in the air.  Couple that with a brisk wind and we are reminded we are on the last quarter of 2025.  With these cooler temperatures, the two patio kitties are sticking tight to their baskets.  Even the wandering fool, Snuggles, knows what is best for him.

  With the medical appointments we had yesterday, I did hear the often used phrase, “due to your age.”  Yup there it was . . . out in the open, not even able to be debated.  With that in mind, I did ring up Amazon last night.  I will be adding over the counter Vitamin D and Calcium upon the doctor’s recommendation.  Three months ago there had been visiting about taking something for continual bone growth and repair.  At that time I did have the bone density x-ray.  The results were minimally changed from the x-ray in 2022.  Check that off of my list.

  The fabric that I had ordered from Michael’s came yesterday.  A split shipment from Texas and Arkansas.  I had banked on it being billed at $3.50 per yard.  Some of it was at $1.99 per yard.  For what the project is geared toward, I didn’t need the quilt fabric quality of $10.99 a yard.

  With a new blade in the rotary cutter, I did make some end-rows in the studio with KNUJ playing in the background.  The plan has been formulated.  One thought out step at a time so as to not make an error.

  Tomorrow we will head to Mankato.  The quest is for a gallon of Behr black opaque deck stain.  The lateral surfaces are indicating a new coat is required.  The hot sun does a number on it.  At that time we are also going to choose a leaf blower and a weed-whip, with both appliances using the same battery.  I know we will find something doable at Home Depot, as that is where we are getting the stain from.  The detour is still in effect through Lake Crystal, so Dennis has found a route to the south on hard surface roads.  The actual detour is a two-lane highway and the traffic is merciless with a lot of trucks using it.

  That’s all for now folks.  Enjoy this wonderfully cooler weekend.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:40 pm on August 31, 2025 Permalink  

  Sneaky Bugs 

  When Dennis and I were at the acre doing some weed-whipping, I didn’t realize till much later how many bug bites that been bestowed on me.  And . . . oh how they could itch.  Thank goodness I had a small tube of Cortisone.

  Last week when we dropped off items at Sandy’s in Mankato, I could not believe how many Boxelder bugs were on her home and patio.  As of this afternoon, I did see nary a one here on Stauffer.  Now that is unusual.  I had better not brag about that.

  This afternoon I had a call from Calvin.  He thanked me over and over for the photo album.  We had a wonderful conversation over the next ensuing hour.  It made me feel good that I had taken the time and effort.  How could I not do that for family.  In life, we never truly know what, if any, impact we have from what comes naturally . . . at least to me.   

  After the phone call, I did take the time to see how far Eric, in Saginaw, is from his dad in Cloquet.  Taking side routes, it is about thirteen to fifteen minuets.  Sweet.  I know Eric’s wife has been battling cancer but I did not query that.  Calvin’s youngest son, Jason, does over the road hauling out of his base in Georgia.  Again, I did not query.  Sometime, I will on both counts. 

  This morning before my first cup of coffee, I had our crock pot going.  Inside was a three pound pork butt roast lying on a bed of baby carrots.  I used the last of the hefty marinade that I knifed into the meat.  The top was covered in thick slices of onions.  Now, at mid-day, the aroma is filling the house.

  As I would keep an eye on Dennis, I could see through the window that he has been doing the tidy, tidy in the patio porch.  Tom decided to mow the properties.  With the abundance of rain, it still remains to be needed once a week.  That schedule could shift dramatically with September coming tomorrow. 

  With many emotional feelings fliting in and out on this Sunday, I am doing some stabbing and poking of stitches.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:08 pm on August 30, 2025 Permalink  

  The Weekend Begins 

  The morning of this weekend found me moving slowly.  Where would I have to rush to!  Yesterday late afternoon Dennis and I went to the acre with our trusty weed whip and two charged batteries.  Making tidy around the trees was our objective.  It also gave Dennis an idea of which tree bases needed more of the brush killer.  The grass is thickening up nicely.  Truth to tell: batteries that have been used and charged over and over don’t hold a charge long.  We did make some headway.

  Our main focus for local effort today was grocery shopping and a few errands here in town.  The light-weight tidy cat is sold at the Family dollar.  I had a grocery list made out for Super-Fair.  Dennis driving me to the store is always . . . what am I in for?  Dennis has his places around the community that he checks on whether in our car or his little red pickup.  I get a tour of places I would never think to drive by.

  Our groceries have now been put away.  There is a loaf of Cottage Bread that never ever was as fresh as I thought it should have been.  I am going to whip up what I call French Bread via the oven.  A concoction of milk, whipped eggs, cinnamon and some brown sugar poured over half slices of bread.  350 degrees for 40 minutes.  By that time the bread has soaked up the majority of liquid, making it like a custard.  Mrs. Butterworth will finish it off at the table come supper time.  Easy, peasy.

  I know as this last week was winding down, Dennis didn’t get the fact that I felt fatigued by sifting and sorting, all done in our living room.  I did not engage in explanations.  Going through the better part of eight decades of memories, for me the emotions were heavy.  Being able to relate and relive the dept of by-gone events by looking at and touching photos . . . not easily understood.  I am a very sentimental individual.  I took the task on and I am better for it.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 10:29 am on August 24, 2025 Permalink  

  A Sunday 

  It’s a Sunday of mild temps with a breeze strong enough to rattle a windchime in the northwest corner of the house.

  Today, looking out the south windows of my bedroom porch, there is activity.  The neighbor’s sunflower plants are and have been in full bloom for awhile.  The stalks are strong enough that little birds perch on the bloom for a treat.  Oh for the innocence of it all.

  My bedroom porch is a combination of eight windows and two doors.  Very little can get past me either looking out or keeping tabs on the inside of our dwelling.  Sweet.

  The grass is glistening this morning.  The sump pump is running.  Son-in-law Tom can be heard mowing the acre.  All is right with the world.

  Me?  What am I up to.   I have had a cup of coffee with some breakfast nourishment.  I am dressed with my hair combed.  I am on a roll.  My stitching is laying on the 1960s sewing table under the south windows of my bedroom porch.  The stitching is a monochromatic worked with black floss.  I usually have magnetic markers laying in the formation of a “L” so I know where I left off.  Hmm.  I didn’t do that at the last Saturday stitch.  I have been sitting here hunched over trying to discern where that “L” should have been placed . . . count, count, count.  That winds up the gray matter for the day.  All is not lost.  

  The neighborhood has a shingling job in the works.  What great temps for that kind of work.  It is a great feeling that our job jar of large projects would echo if a penny were dropped into it.

  I have soft plans for this day.  The week has met quite a few of my objectives.  The best part is that none of them will need to be repeated, done and done.  It is now on to the usual and customary.

  Oh my goodness, there are several very yellow canary type birds enjoying some sunflower seeds.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:11 pm on August 23, 2025 Permalink  

  Wonderful Air Outside 

  The shift in this fall feeling weather had Dennis geared up.  Our home’s exterior needed a bath.  Tiny cobwebs had caught all sorts of little leaf tips, bugs . . . you name it.  The process started out slowly and my job was to make sure he had the walker that he can also turn around and sit on.  I stayed out of the way, but kept an eye out.

  In between time over these last weeks, I had begun the arduous task of sifting and sorting photo memorabilia.  Dennis’ daughter Sandy was my designated Curry to take all that I came across for Dennis’ family.  I had started small books for each of the five kids.  All additional loose family photos, great grand’s school photos went into a legal sized manilla file folder.

  Right now the living room is quite busy.  I will find out my nephew Eric’s mailing address in the northern part of the state and Eric will get all that I can put together of his family’s.  I am not concerned about my brother Michael’s family as I know the photos I have of their family, is a duplicate from what his family has, that would also be true of my sister Elvera’s family.

  Now . . . that leaves the photos that I have and plan on keeping for a time of the events that I have an emotional attachment to from my 81 years.  There are the photos and memorabilia for Carrie.  There are the photos and memorabilia for Kevin.  As the stash of memorabilia from my mother landed up in my home, there are plenty of duplicates for my children and me.  

  This task has kind of haunted me for some time.  I know I already feel as if a weight has been lifted.  The weight that I felt was reminiscent to the time when my mom’s farm home and then her apartment needed decisions to be made.  I am making choices for my children and then they in turn can make their own choices.  I am not assuming anything about my choices.  If I have doubts . . . Carrie and Kevin are receiving those choices.  Share, share . . . share alike.

  In between time,  I have a meatloaf to pop in the oven for supper.  Dennis made instant mashed potatoes for last night’s supper and there are ample to heat for this evening. 

  Dennis has half of his task left for tomorrow.  It made me happy that he knew when to hold it and when to fold it . . . Just like the song-writer, Kenny Rogers.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:04 pm on August 21, 2025 Permalink  

  To Decide 

  Last night after supper has some questions about . . . stuff.  We have been very diligent about our stuff.  Stiffing, sorting . . . but not much pitched.

  This morning after we had had our coffee and Dennis had even caught a nap, we got on with the program.  First thing first.  Dennis wanted to know where our dog-tags were.  Those tags refer to the identification of a program we entered into quite a few years ago.  Dennis and I have donated our remains to the University of Minnesota Medical School.  Last year when we met with our local funeral home in the event that Jeff had passed away, in visiting, we were thanked for thinking ahead.  Medical schools appreciate donors.  Well anyway, I knew just where they were.  I need to get a bit more additional information posted on our kitchen’s bulletin board.  

  There were additional items Dennis wanted to discuss in regard to where some of our personal items would find homes.  We discussed it, we agreed on it and we shook hands.  As family members come to see us, they will be leaving with what our wishes are.

  Today I have stayed on the first floor taking in some stitching.  I had been quite busy in the studio and my hands were ready to stay limber with the stitching.  There is no hurry in my stitching.  I enjoy the process of taking one stitch at a time.  It brings me much contentment.  If I am fortune enough to finish a design, then hands off to the project.

  We haven’t decided on what our supper will be this evening.  Last night we had grilled cheese sandwiches with a cup of soup.  It was Progresso Basel Tomato Soup.  No water added.  The flavor was wonderful compared to the usual run of Campbell’s tomato soup.

  There is a bit more time for stitching this afternoon.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥