Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from July, 2025 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:57 pm on July 11, 2025 Permalink  

  Heavy Air 

  This is Friday and we may be in store for a thunderstorm or two.

  Today, I stayed on the first floor of our home.  It was a day where I stayed quiet in my bedroom porch.  My body was resting, but my mind, as always, is curious and busy.

  I enjoy what I can glean via YouTube.  Stitching and quilting from around the world is there for me to seek and search.  New ways of doing the same old.  I remain intrigued by watching what others are quilting.  I do not believe I have another quilt in me.  I may continue piecing quilt tops from my stashes for the ladies at the church to finish up.  It’s hard to put by the wayside the threads and fuzz completely.  It no longer temps me to visit a quilt shop to touch and feel the newest fabrics.  Been there and done that.

  I admit my energy level here within my own home is all I could ask for.  From eight in the morning to nine in the evening, I can still pack in a good day’s effort, though a bit slower than in times gone by.  I enjoy keeping our home tidy.  Navigating the stairs to the studio does not pose a challenge: that’s where my passions lay.

  I do enjoy my stitching in my bedroom porch.  On my list is a visit to Michael’s in Mankato for a piece of foam board.  I have the dimensions written down for the two pieces I will purchase.  I have the Quaker Christmas II that I stitched, that I will stretch onto one of the foam boards.  The Santa’s of days gone by are taking a break from our living room.  I am ready for a change.

  I did go to the grocery store this afternoon.  I was actually seeking and searching a certain soup brand of bean soup.  Both Dennis and I really enjoy it as a break from the chicken noodle.  No such luck today . . . try, try again another day.  I picked up several items for Dennis’ breakfast box that he takes out to the patio porch each morning with his coffee.  I no longer do any baking from my kitchen other than the occasional tray of frozen cinnamon rolls.  Looking 89 in the mirror, Dennis likes his sweets and who am I to withhold them.  Sweets and cigarettes have not taken him down thus far, so let the man enjoys what he likes.  I, on the other hand, am capable of making my own choices out of the grocery store.  I kind of like the readings from my last workup at the clinic. 

  We are having some wonderful cold chicken sandwich spread that I made up from leftover rotisserie chicken.  Of course it has chopped onions in it.  A cup of hot soup will accompany it.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:48 pm on July 10, 2025 Permalink  

  Thursday 

  About 2:30 this morning we had a real gully washer of a thunderstorm.  The lightning lit the sky as the rain ran off in sheets from our front awning.  The wind blew so hard there were evergreen tips from the evergreen tree on the northwest side of our home on the south edge of our driveway.  No hail.  I had checked the weather map before I had gone to bed so it was not a surprise.

  Yesterday it began.  Dennis’ son-in-law mowed down the foliage from around the base of the huge Maple tree and shredded it.  No more Hosta, ferns or Bleeding Heart plants.  Yes, there was also a lot of less than good greens.  After that area has had a chance to dry from last night’s rain, Dennis will use brush killer and treat that area.  As I said, so it begins.  Slowly but surely Grammie’s love of perennials will be no more.  That’s all I have to say about that for now.  Thanks, Forrest Gump.

  Dennis went to check on his life-long buddy, Lyle Grove, on Wednesday afternoon.  Rather than a nursing home there is a gal north of town that took Lyle in.  She works from home for the Watonwan County Human Services.  When Dennis came home and told me her name, I could put a face to her.  Her home was clean and welcoming.  Sandy had coffee and cookies for the two fellows as they chatted about days gone by.  Lyle said he was very content.  Lyle has little site remaining and has had hearing loss his entire life.  Eighty-nine years ago, families didn’t pick up on hearing loss until a child struggled in school.  Dennis felt better about Lyle’s situation after he had checked it out. 

  This evening we are doing Tilapia fillets, with refrigerated Simply Potatoes, hash brown style.  I already have the onion diced for sautéing before I add the hash browns.  Cole slaw will round out the meal.  Oh, I can’t forget the bread n’ butter pickles.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 11:08 am on July 9, 2025 Permalink  

  Well, Well 

  This morning the song “The Old Gray Mare” came to mind.  

  I have had a good run in the studio that was quite timely.  The old adage that no good deed goes unpunished does have a ring of truth; being tuckered.  Yesterday the close of the day found the tee-shirt quilt folded.  Done!

  
  Yesterday when Carrie visited I was able to take care of some business with her, just as I had with Kevin.  Sweet.  Great to hear that all was well with the metro family.  Carrie helped me with the new phone as there was enough crap that came on it to totally boggle my mind.  My goal:  receive a phone call, make a phone call, receive a text, send a text and take a photo.  As Bugs Bunny used to say . . . “That’s all folks.”

  With so much goodness happening in the studio and with family, was it any wonder that I rolled out of bed at 9:05 on this Wednesday morning.  I had not heard Dennis getting up and taking his breakfast box to the patio porch.  But . . . it sure does make for a short morning.

  I do have a plan for the afternoon.  My studio floor is in great need of a vacuuming.  Here a snip of fabric, there a snip of quilt batting.  It was halfway through the project where I left behind the need to hit the circular file for threads and fuzz at each venue.  I have always kept my heavy-duty Filter Queen canister vac in the studio plugged in and ready to go.  I cannot believe how heavy  the wand is for doing the floor.  It is full-grade metal.  Right now looking over the studio, it is not the welcome I need to begin a new endeavor.  A little bit of time will get it whipped into shape.

  This is earlier than I usually post, but it felt right to slowly work myself into being more active.  Studio . . . here I come.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:19 pm on July 5, 2025 Permalink  

  Steamy Out 

  We did have rain overnight and today it is steamy out.

  We have no intentions of going off the homestead this weekend.  Dennis and I both feel that all of the picnics and gatherings taking place over this long weekend . . . be safe in your enjoyment.

  I worked in the studio this morning.  Dennis was doing up what dishes were in the sink from last night’s supper.  I put out a SOS.  Dennis came down to see how he could help.  I had been using exercise weights to help anchor the tee-shirt quilt as it needed to go under the needle.  It wasn’t working as well as it had the two previous days.  I think it was me that was the culprit.  My shoulders were either barking or bucking . . . maybe both.

  Dennis sat down being immediately to my left.  With his strong arms he could keep the quilt somewhat aloft so the weight would not pull against the needle.  When doing free-motion quilting, if the fabric is not moving under the needle, the sewing machine will not stitch.  Dennis sure did help.  I would like to tell you I was doing flower designs and such.  I was thrilled to be able to do a meander that may have been mistaken as a lot of loops, none the same size as another. 

  My machine never missed a beat.  We didn’t break a needle throughout.  Halfway through, I had cleaned under the hood, gave it some oil and put in a new needle.  It may seem like small stuff but it’s amazingly simple to keep the machine preforming well.

  The mail at noon, brought the bill from Boekett Lumber in Truman for the materials of the garage make-over.  As I was typing, Dennis’ little red pickup came home from taking the payment to the mail.  Sweet.  A huge job done and done well.  A month ago we didn’t even have the project in mind.  In a small community it pays to have “people.”  It’s important to pay your bills so people will agree for work that is needed to be done.

  For the remainder of the day, my spot is my bedroom porch resting the body.

  Oh, by the way . . . This session Kansas and Nebraska will no longer be taxing social security income for a total of 41 states.  What the hell is Minnesota waiting for!

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:27 pm on July 4, 2025 Permalink  

  July 4th,2025 

  It is a very warm 4th of July.

  Decades ago, we would be hosting a huge family gathering on the west lawn, under shade trees at our Boon Lake farm.  

  Orlin’s family with his mother, Ester, enjoying every moment of it.  My family, both the Riebe family and the Wendlandt family.  The invites were given and those that could make it rounded out a rather huge group.  On one 4th, Kevin had just gotten over the chicken pox, thus no long contagious.  Orlin’s nephew Frank, aka: Butch, gave the little ones rides around the circle drive with our lawnmower and trailer.  Lots of food.  No one went hungry.  Orlin’s mother always had her harmonica with her.  My uncle, Norman Riebe, had brought along one of his concertinas.  Both played by ear.  The tunes that those two entertained us with were amazing.  Even the hammock between two Oak trees gave great fun as the kids would take turns being pushed forth and back.

  If I remember correctly, 1974, was the last time we had a July 4th celebration.  At that time we lived at rural Buffalo Lake.  The two story brick school house was soon to be our home.  We resided in a 14′ x 80′ mobile home during the interim.  That 4th of July gathering included the same families as other years, plus we had neighbors that joined in.  Across the road Bill and Ester Mueller walked over.  With no family of their own, they truly enjoyed the hub-bub.

  For me, these events were as if yesterday.  I have a tendency to harbor memories.  Sweet.  Not to worry, I absolutely live in the present.

  Yesterday we took a road trip.  I could not believe how good the crops looked.  There were many working in the heat as the road-side hay was either being cut, side-raked or baled.  There were round bales, huge rectangle bales.  Both must be extremely heavy.  One farm was still baling the size of bales that I remember hefting, mostly between 80 and 100 lbs.  The arthritis can attest to that.

  Speaking of arthritis: I got a follow-up call from my primary on this Wednesday.  I was concerned if one of the implant screws that I have in both feet, had shifted causing some discomfort, the redness and swelling of my toes on my right foot.  Nope.  It’s just the all invading arthritis.  It was relief.

  This evening we are having sauteed peeled and deveined shrimp and steamed veggies.  It doesn’t take long to toss the defrosted shrimp after totally drying them in paper towels with butter in an open skillet.  When they turn from a hue of gray to pink, in short order, they are done.

  BY THE WAY:  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SON, KEVIN!

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:20 pm on July 2, 2025 Permalink  

  The Wasp – Part Two 

  Late yesterday afternoon, I paid attention whenever I would catch a glimpse of the nasty huge back wasp.  It never seemed to take a break and land somewhere.  As I was making supper, I saw it swoop down and land under the dining room table.  With my fly swatter in hand, praying my titian knees would let me swat that far down, I literally lunged at it.  It took a second hit before it stopped wiggling.  With a wet paper towel for surface traction, I scooped him up and flushed him down the toilet.  Whew.

  I knew I could rest easy.  What came to mind were the wasp type of insects that we had when we lived in Riesel, Texas.  Within a short amount of time they could get into your home and find a quiet spot to make a nest.  They called them “mud daubers.”  Their saliva wove the nests.  Makes me shiver to think of the day I found a nest in one of our open closets.  I have no idea if they stung when they were irritated.  It was my own personal irritation that carried with it a feeling of an unclean home.  Yuck.

  This forenoon Jan from across the picket fence came down into the studio to see what I was doing.  She had had no idea what crappy tee-shirts could be used for.  I encouraged her to take a good look-see as there would never be another one on my church tables.  About two, the studio went dark and I will pick up the pinning of the layers sometime this weekend.

  With a fresh batch of steamed veggies, we are having leftovers from last night’s stew and potatoes for supper.  As a treat Dennis will get some orange juice.  There is just so darn much sugar for it to be a daily thing.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on July 1, 2025 Permalink  

  A Wasp 

  We have a huge black wasp that has gotten into the house either via a door as it was closing or riding in on clothing.  Ishi.  I have a fly-swatter close at hand.  Of course he is nowhere to be seen right now.

  I did look at the radiology reports of my x-rays of the bone density and also my feet.  I will rely on my primary to channel the next course of action, if one is needed.  There were no fractures noted.  Charts of indication of osteo arthritis as to yesterday compared to two years ago.

  I have voluntarily cut back on my coffee intake.  No longer does the coffeemaker perk out 12 cups of liquid.  I have it set for six.  Dennis has always taken what amounts to two cups in his thermos cup and I had been drinking the remainder over the course of the day.  I remember Orlin was a heavy coffee drinker during the work week.  We didn’t make coffee over the weekends.  Invariably, by Sunday he would have a headache.  Maybe from the withdrawal, maybe not.  I feel comfortable giving the cut-back a try.  I have one additional prescription added daily.  It is a 2.9 blood-pressure pill.  I already have an appointment in two weeks to have an RN check my blood-pressure.  The objective is no undue pressure on the heart.  I will make sure to do my part.  Upon that visit, I have an appointment in three months with my primary.  More to come on the x-rays.

  I had a stint in the studio this forenoon . . . until 1:30.  The two equal rectangles of tee-shirt blocks are now sandwiched with Mountain Mist batting.  Kersten had found several additional measuring matts for me.  They are 36″ x 70″.  Coupling them with the one previous, I used thumbtacks to get the ball rolling.  Slowly I managed to square everything up.  The next step will be the wonderful wonder of the easy to manage safety pins that Amazon delivered via Kevin.  They have been put to use several successful times.  That may well take more than one session in the studio.

  Supper is going to be beef stew over instant mashed potatoes with a side of steamed vegetables.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:21 pm on June 28, 2025 Permalink  

  Garage Work 

  The two fellows came back at noon after the rain had stopped for the day.  In tow was the new service door that had come into the Truman lumberyard for this morning’s pick-up.  I greeted them and left them to what they know best.

  My morning project was Dennis’ bedroom, complete with getting the bedding into the laundry.  I began putting the bed back together this afternoon and I could only imagine what being outside would feel like . . . humid.

  Yesterday I spent quite a bit of time surfing the Mayo website for the Mankato site. As I will need a new interventional cardiologist by the late fall, I began searching and reading.  A cardiologist takes care of me after the main event.  The interventional cardiologist may prevent me having a main event.  I am now on Dr. Singh’s list of patients at Mayo in Mankato.  I see no reason that if the doctor is not in Rochester, they would not be a wise choice.  I feel very comfortable going forward.  Advocating for one’s self when possible brings that feeling of comfort.

  When there is activity in the garage from strangers, the kitties flee.  Snuggles saunters back after the fact.  Harriet had been gone for four days and three nights.  Dennis had to check one more time last night after he had locked up.  I could hear her crying when Dennis opened the back door.  She wanted to beat him into the safety of the garage.  After the garage work today, it will be interesting what nightfall brings.

  The Subway hit the spot last night for supper.  This evening we will be having a hot supper.  Dennis can go without a hot supper, but not for a very long time.  I don’t get that.  Oh well.

  I watched for the mail today . . . no quilt batting.  That allows my arms and shoulders a bit more rest. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:18 pm on June 27, 2025 Permalink  

  Good Grief 

  It is unbelievable what some believe in.  I think it is called holistic medicine.  Essential oils are right up there with the hype.

  Dennis came home from Silver Bay with what he thought would be a great comfort for me.  Hmm.  It was a grounding bedsheet.  Sold to him from the granddaughter that is big into essential oils.  It is to be plugged only into the grounding port of an electrical plug in.  It is then plugged into the organic grounding bedsheet.  It is to tap into the wealth of free electrons from the earth’s mobile electrons via the ground wire benefits.  A cure all to promote blood circulation, anti-aging, removes stress and arthritis.

  Give me a break.

  The only thing that kept me from laughing in Dennis’s face was the simple fact that the electrical plug-in behind my bed did not happen to be an electrical plug-in with a ground wire.  I gently told him that I felt that running an extension board/cord equipped with a ground option would be too dangerous as I use a step-up and step-down when I get in and out of bed with the fear of tripping and falling.  Whew, he bought it. 

  Medicine men are still alive and well, they just no longer use covered wagons to roam for patsies.

  On a lighter note, I am in the waiting room, awaiting my quilt batting to be delivered from Amazon.  It may be tomorrow or Monday.  A good time for doing some cleaning in the studio from snips and wayward threads.

  Subway is on the docket for supper. 

  Many small town celebrations for this weekend.  I hope all works in the favor of those that participate or help in the planning.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:10 pm on June 24, 2025 Permalink  

  A Good Day 

  Actually, this was beyond a good day . . . downright wonderful.

  I had blood work this morning.  Before I closed down the studio for the day, I opened my patient portal and printed out the information:

  Triglycerides  95  150 is normal range

  Cholesterol, Total 151  200 is normal range

  LDL Cholesterol 55  100 is normal range

  HDL Cholesterol 79  130 is normal range

  All of the items in the Basic Metabolic Panel were in the normal range

  Next week I have the actual doctor visit.  I need to ask her how I go about finding an Interventional Cardiologist.  I got a letter on June 12th that Dr. Sarraf is no longer with Mayo.  I can view profiles on the Mayo web site.  I plan on doing that before my appointment on the 30th.

  The carpenters have the west, driveway side, left.  I am partial, but the job is really good with the Gutter-Helmets in place, there is now a vinyl soffit enclosing the ends of the roof boards.  The doorway trim of the pickup garage opening is of black metal bent and molded.  Class job all the way around.

  The bad news is that great grand Addison was going to make some extra money scraping and painting the garage.

  Last night when Dennis was going to close down the patio porch, it took a while for Snuggles and Harriet to get in.  I have no plans on telling Dennis that for the week he was gone, I had always left the east screen popped open about eight inches.  They came and went on their own.  No way am I going to sit until dark for two cats to saunter in.  I knew they were in at one time or another via the food, eater and litter box that I took care of.  I actually hadn’t laid eyes on them in days.  What the ole cowboy doesn’t know in regard to the livestock can’t hurt him. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥