Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from April, 2026 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:25 pm on April 21, 2026 Permalink  

  Super Dry 

  The two gravel streets are so dry, the city has been sprinkling water while there is work being done on the east end bringing gravel trucks to our end.  It sure does help.

  The older fellow working at Subway has really been a joy when we visit.  At one time when I had shared all of what was needed, off handedly, I had said “that’s all folks.”  Oh my gosh, he was thrilled to share his love of the older cartoons that had led to his collection of memorabilia.  Yesterday, when I went to pick up our supper, I asked him to hold his hand out.  In it I placed a 4 inch plastic rabbit that had the right credentials engraved on the back.  That rabbit had been kicked around in my sewing stuff for decades.  Needless to say, our sandwich was made the entire time with a smile as wide as our 12″ sub was long.  Little things in life.

  Upon the quilt as of this afternoon are platoons of red plastic headed pins standing at attention.  No, I don’t have the entire quilt pinned.  A very good start that signaled the fingers needed a break.

  Doing the bedding at our home relies on beds being pulled away from the walls.  After tugging with nothing moving, I remembered I had a can of silicon spray.  Just one quick careful spurt on the wheels did the trick.  The most difficult task of the process had been handled.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:19 pm on April 18, 2026 Permalink  

  Short Day 

  Was it because of the wind howling through the huge evergreen outside of my bedroom?  Was it due to less traffic today?  There doesn’t have to be an explanation for me not getting out of bed until ten in the morning.  Short days still can turn out great.  Not for any unusual activity yesterday, by nightfall the discomfort of arthritis had me taking some meds and sitting with feet up in the recliner. 

  I had heard Dennis going through his routines earlier this morning and knew Dennis was in the patio porch with the kitties.  All was well on the home front.

  Enjoying several cups of coffee, I sat in my bedroom porch watching all things moving around outside on a Saturday.  School buses from various areas were heading to the school’s outdoor rinks.  In the 70s that could have been me taking kids to events from Buffalo Lake’s school.  Lots of experiences.  Most important was that it started the clock ticking for credit into the Public Employees Retirement Plan.  Very nice.

  For once KNUJ did not have sports on for this Saturday.  Utilizing all three of the bi-fold cardboard gridded 36″ x 72″ the back of the quilt is thumbtacked down.  On some sides the cardboard is floating beyond the hard surface of the church tables.  Remembering not to lean against that area is important to keep this project going to sandwich the remaining steps of the quilt.  The batting package has been opened so I could unfold the 93″ x 108″ content and get some spring into it after it being scrunched and sealed at the factory.

  I am back in my bedroom porch and getting a bit of hand stitching in before supper.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:18 pm on April 17, 2026 Permalink  

  Blustery 

  In our area, stick around for a day and multiple seasons come and go and come back again.

  When in the studio, it matters not what the weather is.  KNUJ would notify me if severe weather was right outside.  The wind chime outside my bedroom window has had a workout.  A calm day has not been had for some time.

  All my days in the studio are calm.  For myself, it is quite notable the speed at which I work these days.  Slow would cover it.  The enjoyment is not so much in the current project but in the process of it all.  The tools for the process makes things much easier than when I worked at Lena’s elbow.

  Decades ago, I remember when Lena got her first and only gridded cutting mat and a rotary cutter.  She was thrilled to allow the scissors to take a break in cutting fabric for her quilts.  She had never complained as the arthritis became more troublesome, but it was a small gift to give her as her passion for threads and fuzz never wavered.

  The thought of the modern day seam ripper was then a very large and thick darning needle.  The amount of stitches per inch on the treadle sewing machine was massive.  I don’t recall that there were many options.  What did need replacing from time to time was the leather belt that wound through the workhorse’s mechanism.  Mom’s sewing machine sat under the north windows of the farm kitchen.  Very seldom was the sewing machine ever closed up unless company was expected.

  So many good memories and lessons that I still utilize today as I putz away on Nicholas’s quilt.

  Yup, slow and steady.  I may not stay in the studio as long as I used to, but each day brings progress.  Do I ever think of not turning on the lights in the studio? No.

  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 2:13 pm on April 14, 2026 Permalink  

  Only Rain 

  For all the weather threats that we were aware of yesterday and into the evening hours, we were thankfully allowed a great shower of ran with no winds.  The areas that received hail were sporadic.  When the sun set last night it was a blinding sphere that turned the skies in all directions around us into hues of beauty.

  There was a physical therapy appointment for me at 8:30 this morning.  I had not one therapist but two, one with a his doctorate and also the owner of the independent clinic that rents from our Mayo facility.

  The reverse shoulders from 2013 and 2014 have smooth rotations and movement as they were put through the paces this morning.  A huge improvement from the first appointment when there was noticeable tightness as muscles across the shoulder blades, upper arms and in the base of the neck fought against movement and in some cases brought discomfort if rolled over a clutch of tendons that needed to know the relaxation that was part of the deep manipulations of some very determined and trained hands.

  I have the work ahead of me for building strength from the exercises that will need to be followed in my homework to keep the smooth movements going that will in turn not bring back the pain and discomfort.  I have the stretch bands for the exercises: yellow, red, and green all with varying strength needed for the full effect.

  Duly noted that the left side will need the hard work to assist in reversing the effects of the 2021 stroke that was enabled by the lack of physical therapy after the shoulder surgeries .  Not 100%, but definite for some possibilities. 

  Whether you think you can or think you can’t . . . you are probably right.

  The studio remains dark for this Tuesday.  Tomorrow is another day.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:01 pm on April 13, 2026 Permalink  

  Thunder Claps 

  The first of the season’s thunder claps.  Not much moisture with them.  That may still be coming.

  Going to my bed early doesn’t mean going right to sleep.

  I was calculating my next visit to the studio.  On my church tables are several bi-fold heavy cardboard grided 36″ x 72″ for helping with layouts.  Kersten added several to the one that had previously come from the Fairfax team.  I knew when my feet hit the floor this morning that the solution to the blanket project was that the quilt top needed to be a bit smaller than the fabric backing.

  When it comes time to sandwich the blanket, the backing and batting need to extend a bit beyond the top for close proximity.  Out will come my collection of thumbtacks.  Those heavy cardboard layouts will welcome the thumbtacks as I make sure that first the backing is laid out and taut, lining up to the grid work.  The batting will be next.  Making sure the top is aligned with the warp and weft of the backing makes all work oh so much better when there is nothing askew.

  Seeing as Mondays are good laundry days, the studio will wait for another day.  Decisions having been made correctly once don’t take up so much time the next trip.

  Dennis is off visiting his friend Lyle Grove in the city’s assisted living unit.  A good errand done.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:36 pm on April 12, 2026 Permalink  

  Checking on Things 

  Our Sunday was planned as a quiet day and thus far it is ringing true.

  Once in the studio, I decided to see what the world wide web had to say about generalities in the sizes of dorm beds.  Nicholas’ blanket is getting to the place where we need specifics and no generalities.  Dorm beds are 39″ x 80″ as most are now x-long.  The blanket for said bed was stated as 68″ x 90″.  It was time to get out the tape measure and see where my project would fit in.

  I had been working on the backing making sure to keep track of yardage I had.  The backing hot off of the sewing machine was 65″ x 81″.  My top is 51″ x 88″.

  Now comes the time for some sketches complete with notes.  Lena was great with penciling in what was needed as well as how it would look as if it had been in the plans from start to finish.  When quilt blocks are constructed by a certain lay of the colors, it is what it is.  What comes in after that is working with adding borders around the perimeter using colors found in the constructed blocks.  I am on it!  At this point in the juncture there is no cutting of fabric.  I can look, I can touch, I can sketch.  Cutting in error only feeds the circular file, aka: the waste basket.  

  Yesterday the mail brought the quilt batting.  I made sure to get what is listed as a queen size, allowing for the length I needed.  I can always use what is in excess in the width.

  It was time to walk away and close down the studio for some mindful thinking.

  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 2:46 pm on April 8, 2026 Permalink  

  Much to Do 

  For a Wednesday there has been quite the list for me to take care of here on Stauffer Avenue.  By most it would be no more than what could be accomplished by nine on any given day.  But you all know, I am not “most.”

  I took the time to read through all of the mail from our county’s auditor/treasure for this year’s taxes as well as next year’s value proposal.  Lots of pieces of paper, most of which is going into the recycling bin.  I came away with three pieces of paper large enough to fit handsomely into a legal sized envelope plus our personal check to cover the total of the 2026 payable property taxes.  The envelope was then sealed with a stamp and now is in the post office’s care.

  Dennis visited in the studio this forenoon to check on the progress of Nicholas’s college quilt.  He had not seen any of the process since it had been folded pieces of fabric I had brought up to the living room to share with him.  It is now lacking one more border and then the extra long twin sized quilt top will be ready.  I ordered the licensed cotton yardage for the last border, the backing and binding, specific to the college’s motifs.  That fabric arrived from Ohio last week.

  This afternoon, via Amazon, the mid-loft “Dream” brand of batting should be here by Friday.  It’s an 80/20 of polyester and cotton that will give good wear and tear.  I have used that brand of batting often.

  Dennis has his six month medical checkup at our clinic this afternoon.  Dang if he isn’t going with a rather huge nasty looking bump on his forehead and a large band aid on the top of his right hand.  Now the story goes that he ran into the door frame going from the garage into the patio porch on Monday.  The hand was scrapped today in the garage.  God willing and the creek don’t rise, they will let him return home later this afternoon.

  I think that’s enough for this day of reporting.

  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.  ♥