Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from November, 2025 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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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 3:00 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 3:35 pm on November 7, 2025 Permalink  

  What! 

  What is up with this!  Those bones, oh those bones crick and crack.  No . . . it is what is holding the bones together.  Nothing out of the unusual or ordinary.  Just a case of arthritis kicking in.  The first floor was where I stayed today.

  It seemed like a good day for YouTube watching with some stitching thrown in for good measure.  I do have something to take for when it hits hard and I said Uncle at 11:45.

  When I sit in my bedroom porch and hear the windchimes clattering, it does make me glance at our small USA flag that we have strung on a sleep post.  Those narrow ribbed posts were often used for stringing electrical fencing for cattle.  It works just great for our flag.  We did have to get smart after loosing one in a horrific wind storm in the late spring.  Though the steel post is ribbed and not smooth the winds whipping eventually walked the flag up the steel post and where the flag landed no one knows.  Initially we stripped the hem down the steel post with a safety pin clipped at the top to keep it in place.  The rough top of the steel post ate a hole through the hem on the top.  I did patch the hole first with needle and thread and then a dab of glue on the spot. 

  I knew the wind would whip its way for another hole.  The cap off of a Sharpie marker fit onto the tip of the post.  A quilter’s clip meant to hold fabric firmly in place attached the bottom of the flag to the post, gripping it tight.  Each day since we did this, I am thrilled to see the quilter’s bright green clip not letting the flag budge up one inch of the steel post.  I have lots of bright green clips if one breaks.  

  We had ordered two of the small flags.  When I saw that they were stitched and not printed, the extra heft helped.

  The meds are helping.  I never take them past noon of any day as they may effect my steadiness.  My shower-time is about eight at night.  We have multiple hand holds in the walk-in shower as well as a shower stool.  Safety at its best.

  Chicken tities for supper with vegetables.  Of course bread and butter pickle chips.  We like various brands.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:01 pm on November 6, 2025 Permalink  

  Season’s Change 

  Whatever made us think that the blustery days would not come.  

  The leaves are dancing in every which way.  I am sure they will settle down on someone’s yard and snuggle in for a long winter’s rest.

  The studio time was a bit short today.  There actually was a rhyme and reason to all the tidy, tidy I had been doing.  Some time ago,  I had fabric cut out for a certain quilt top.  I could envision the booklet of directions. High and lo I tidied.  Nothing.  On all four walls of the studio I tidied.  Nothing.  This was so unlike me.  Enough already!  I sat down and did an order from Amazon.  Knowing the author and what the front cover looked like did help.  I will be getting the booklet at the whooping price of $2.60 from a Goodwill in California.  I didn’t need a new edition.  This booklet was deemed in good shape.   I can rest . . . all is good.  The booklet is in the mail.

  I have two items on the calendar for myself.  I called the cardiac unit in Mankato.  I knew I was to have an Ectocardia ultra-sound in this month.  I kept checking the Mayo Portal . . . nothing.  Some things one needs to do on their own.  Not much for availability.  I will have the Ecto here in St. James January 6th, 2026 with a follow-up with a doctor on the 14th of January.  I am on a call list if there is a cancelation.  My surgeon left Mankato.  Dr. Haly is an MD as well as a cardiologist.  I do have an appointment with my primary here in town the beginning of December.

  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 2:37 pm on October 28, 2025 Permalink  

  Rain on a Tuesday 

  The forecast warned us, and true to form, I heard the rain begin during the night.  I also knew the rain falling on the awning would be the key for me taking my sleep right up to eight in the morning.  I also knew that the 28th, this day, the Culligan man would be coming with salt to fill the brine tank.  Would you believe he comes ringing the door bell at seven in the morning.  He rings the doorbell after he has tried entrance.  These last deliveries, we have made sure to leave the back door unlocked.  We always have a lamp on in the studio.  This morning, I heard his melodious voice call out “Culligan Man,” and I rolled over in bed for a bit more of sweet dreams.  It works!

  The rain has persisted through the day.  We need the moisture.

  I visited the studio today.  I had fabric to cut for the border of a lap top.  The 2.5″ strip was then ironed in half under the hot steam.  That was all I had intended for the sewing.  What was really on my mind in the studio was to unpack the paper products we bought at Sam’s Club last week.  Thankfully we have shelving so nothing is left sitting on the floor.  What a disaster if for some uncalled for reason we had a water issue.  We have indeed had that happen before, with only a small piece of a rug on the floor.   Believe me that was plenty to deal with.  It also gave me pause to check what type of canned-goods we had left behind the closed cabinet doors.  Taking inventory never hurts.

  Our supper this evening is in the crockpot and has been since 8:30 this morning.  The seasoned roast is on a bed on mini carrots.  Onion slices are on top of the roast.  As long as I was slicing onions, I cut enough for the cucumber dish Dennis was going to make.  That is totally his deal and he does it well.  Mid-afternoon and the house is filled with great aromas on this cool day.

  Since we have had a killing frost, I look outside as I type this and the world is covered in a bed of soggy leaves.  So be it.  This evening, I plan on doing some hand stitching.  It’s been a few days and I need to keep wrists and hands moving to avoid atrophy.  With the arthritis that is already present, it would like to take advantage of non-use. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:14 pm on October 22, 2025 Permalink  

  Sun Shine 

  Oh let the sun shine in and show all the streaks on the windows.

  Several hours in the studio today brought about some stitching.  Then . . . it was food for thought on how the last of the border would be stitched down before the binding would go on.  Slow going prevents would have, should have and could have been.  With hand stitching it sometimes calls for picking out stitches when an error is made.  Not a big deal.  Picking out stitches from free motion stitching is . . . I don’t even want to go there.

  Working with fabrics and pins of any and all sorts is hard on the fingernails.  My nails have a tendency to split.  Right about the time that they have grown out, I put them through dealing with the same thing what got them in tough shape.  I think putting clear nail polish on my nails might help them grow out being sheltered.  I haven’t had nail polish in the house for one heck of a long time.  Time to visit one of the dollar stores in town. 

  The wind has given up a bit and Dennis has been picking up the branches that were long gone dead but caught up in the  healthy branches.  If the wind of yesterday didn’t free them, I do believe there are safe where they are for the time being.  The little round steel burning ring, a rim from a truck, is making short work of the majority of branches. 

  We are having Progresso Tomato Soup for supper with grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.  I will add just a scant plop of heavy cream into the saucepan for a bit of richness.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥