Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from November, 2019 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 4:31 pm on November 25, 2019 Permalink  

  Watching 

  Everyone is watching the weather forecasts.  No matter what radio station or what television station is tuned in . . . they are all saying pretty much the same . . . not good.

  I have told my children if the weather is bad, if the roads are bad, if there is no clear window to allow them to leave their homes, spend several hours with us and then head home all in clear weather and good roads . . . please stay home.

  There was a Thanksgiving decades ago when it was Kevin driving from New Ulm, Carrie driving from the metro and me welcoming them in St. James.  It all began good but the snow moved in quickly.  Kevin was the first to leave at dusk.  Kevin called from New Ulm which is a 40 minute drive from St. James and urged Carrie to not start out to the metro as viability and the roads were treacherous.  It was too late, she had just left St. James to travel the hour and a half.  Both time frames for my kids were when the weather and roads were good.  I was on pins and needles until I got her phone call.  Both were home safe and sound.

  Life is too short to want family to be in harms way.  I would rather think about them, than read about them in the obits.  There can always be another time to gather.  There is no do-over.

  On a lighter note, I dug out leftover velvet from the Santa project.  The rich vibrant fabric is too good to leave unattended in storage.   Besides . . . it’s been paid for, let’s see what can be whipped up.  I am in my white on red phase.  Pulling out trim from the goody stash, buttons pulled off the Fairfax button tree . . . we may just pull off some Christmas trims.  Fun!

  Dennis is cleaning up the garage area where he worked on his old time highchair.  He is calling it . . . done.  For never ever having refinished anything made out of wood, let alone multi-layers of oil based paint that I am sure had lead in it . . . he did well.  Dennis wants to use a tack cloth to take off any dust before it comes into the sewing studio.  Did I forget to mention? The staining and polyurethane processes are all mine.  I have no problem with that.  That won’t be as hard on my hands and shoulders . . . and neck than all the work that Dennis put in bringing it to bare wood. 

  Another day, another . . . good day.

   
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  Noreen 4:40 pm on November 23, 2019 Permalink  

  Moral Support Needed 

  No matter what is tackled on Stauffer Avenue, moral support is always needed and appreciated.

  Dennis makes his appearance in the sewing studio quite often when I am plugging away at something.  Yesterday he asked how many of the eight point pinwheel quilt blocks I was planning on making.  I had always planned on 42 of the pinwheel blocks.  After adding sashing and borders, it would be a good sized double bed quilt.  

  Dennis knows that when I do laundry of the beds, I always rotate the quilt that is on each bed.  Wear and tear needs to be alternated.  Dennis’ suggestion was to made the quilt with 49 blocks, making the quilt square.  With the embroidery unit, than apply the small numbers one through four on each corner, making it easy to rotate the quilt in all four directions rather than two.  Hmm.  His moral support, questions and suggestions are cowboy wise.  As of this afternoon, I have 49 pinwheel blocks done and trimmed.  The rest of the project will take some time.

  I tend to stay out of the garage when Dennis has a project going.  When he needs help he asks for it.  It he wants my opinion, he asks for it.  In respect, I don’t budge in on what he is doing.  It’s not to say Dennis does not get moral support the entire time he is in the garage.  Snuggles and Harriet are right there lending all the support they possibly can.  Of his three cats, those two are the most hands on.  Honey Bunny can’t be bothered by the mundane goings on.  If Dennis gets out more supplies or materials for what he is working on, Snuggles and Harriet check it out.  It is enough to exhaust them.  Ya right! 

  We appreciated the warmer temps today, though is was a very gray day.  Maybe tomorrow the sun will show itself.

   
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  Noreen 4:35 pm on November 21, 2019 Permalink  

  The Wind is Powerful 

  If it isn’t nailed down outside, the winds have had their way with it.  It began raining last night about 10:30.  At times it was a wind-powered, driving rain.  We were spared the snow that had been talked about.  That was fine with us.

  Dennis’ wood project is progressing.  He had mentioned this early morning that we were going to take the day off as he could feel his arms and shoulders have really been getting a workout.  Every size of sandpaper, every size of brass brushes . . . it’s all on the workbench in the garage.  

  I can usually see into the patio porch when Dennis is in his rocking chair when I look out of the east house window.  Hmm.  The rocking chair was empty.  I didn’t poke.  I left well enough alone.  I toddled down into the sewing studio to work with my quilt blocks.  

  What has happened to Dennis is much like what happens to me when I am in the thick of a sewing project . . . you can’t leave it alone.  When he came in for his Noon lunch I didn’t say a thing about taking the day off.  Dennis is content working at his own speed.  It’s a good thing.  By the look of his jeans, he has been hitting the sandpaper pretty hard.  Refinishing spindles are a challenge.  I can only imagine the coats of that good old oil-based paint that those spindles are hanging on to.

  My cell phone has kept me busy this afternoon.  Dennis’ nephew Brett has closed down his concrete business for the season.  Brett has begun getting into the mood for quilting.  In one of his conversations today, he commented that switching gears is like never having turned on a sewing machine before.  He’ll get into the swing of it before long. 

  When seasons change we keep pace with the changes.  Projects make for a good transition.  Why fight what you can’t change.  Minnesota winters have always kept us wondering what each day will bring.  Keeping busy makes the time go by fast.  Idle hands are the work of the devil and we mean to keep him at bay.  For us retired two here on Stauffer Avenue, time does go fast enough as it takes us longer to do what used to be done in a heartbeat.   

  Dennis comments often that he can’t figure out how some of those who are about our age never have anything to do.  Hmm.

   
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  Noreen 3:42 pm on November 20, 2019 Permalink  

  We’ve Got This 

  Keeping busy is a slam dunk for the two older ones on Stauffer Avenue.  

  The first thing on the agenda for me was to take a long walk on the Hammond Highway just north of our driveway.  My favorite place to walk as it is a hard surface road and the shoulders are wide.  Right now Stauffer Avenue is a mud trail.  I do not enjoy cleaning off my walking shoes as they are also my favorite shoes to be in the sewing studio.  Lena always warned that standing on concrete floors with poor shoes would make the legs ache later on.  She was a firm believer that the legs would draw bad moisture from the bare concrete.

  With us having a different vehicle in the garage this year, Dennis had ample room to work on his wood project.  It also is right by the furnace register, so he stays warm with just a shirt on.  This particular shirt of his has been on a few other paint projects.  Dennis admits it might take him a while as there is no end to the paint layers he is finding.

  The pinwheel quilt blocks are twirling right along.  The quest is to have all the points meet in the middle.  It’s all about the consistent seam allowance.  I know I will be raiding the scrap box before long as it is taking a lot of pieces.  I am fussy about using 100% cotton throughout.  I am not fussy about the combination of colors.  Hey!  It’s a scrappy quilt.

  We’ve got this!  We will keep each other busy in the coming months.  Life of Stauffer is very sweet.    

   

   
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  Noreen 4:22 pm on November 17, 2019 Permalink  

  November Rain 

  The rain that we had overnight has taken all the snow away.  The gloomy weather is still a good trade off to allow us to start fresh with snow cover.

  Dennis has always taken several cookies with him into the patio porch with his early morning coffee.  My feelings were that with his morning pills that he takes right after getting out of bed, there had to be something in that stomach other than pills to irritate the stomach lining.  This morning, all I had to send him off with was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  The cookie jar was naked.

  There needed to be some baking done this afternoon.  I made a pan of lemon brownies.  Same recipe that I use for brownies, only adding lemon flavorings to make a yellow colored batter.  It did make the house smell like there was a wana-be Martha Stewart on the premises. 

  After kitchen duty was done, I headed into the sewing studio.

  I started using scraps last fall for a scrappy quilt.  It was put on hold while I worked on Carrie’s skate towels.  I worked on the scraps while I was on the quilt retreat. Then again they were again put on hold for an embroidery project.  Today those scraps were whacked at again.  After doing some sewing, a break was needed to see just exactly would be needed to make a double sized quilt top.  Sixteen various scraps sewn together to make a ten inch block that will be an eight point pinwheel design.  I always am up for a challenge. 

  The pinwheel design takes me back to the vinyl pinwheels that were attached onto two foot round dowels allowing the pinwheels to rotate at will.  Carrie and Kevin would run with them to make the pinwheels twirl in a fairyland of colors so fast there was not one individual color that could be picked out.  Fond memories of innocent times.    

  It will be some time before there are enough scraps cut and sewn for the quilt top.  My goal is to have a scrappy pinwheel quilt backed with warm fussy flannel completed for my bed in November of 2020.  The quilt that I made for Dennis’ bed is backed with flannel and is wonderful.  The flannel on the back does not allow for the quilt to shift off of the sheet while the body moves during sleep.  I learned that trick from my sister-in-law, JoAnn.  Sewers are never too old to learn a trick of the trade.  

  Time to close down the sewing studio and get supper going.  Hmm.  Fixing meals . . . not so much fun anymore.  I’d like to wiggle my nose and have it appear on the table to enjoy.

  The rain has done its duty of taking the snow cover away.  We could do with a break on having new snow.

   
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  Noreen 4:44 pm on November 13, 2019 Permalink  

  ABS Light 

  When we had been in Mankato for a birthday party, the ride home prompted an ABS light that came one.  Dennis made an appointment with the repair shop for today.  It was all about a wheel bearing that needed to be replaced.  The poor performance of that wheel bearing linked to the Automatic Braking System light to give us fair warning that all was not good.  Quick service and this afternoon the little red pickup is ready for any type of a road trip.

  It was mild out today.  Too bad the sun couldn’t have come out of the clouds and really given us a feeling that it did get into the 30s today.  Lots of slush on the streets.  

  I hunkered down into the sewing studio for most of the day.  It was time to get some stitching designs organized into folders on the “C” drive of my computer and then get them copied onto individual flash drives for ease of finding them.  It was a lengthy task but well worth the time.  If too many design collections are on a singe flash drive it literally drives the sewing machine down to a crawl as it reads through the folders on the flash drive.  I have decided to have each collection on its individual unit as much as possible.  I am getting close to making use of today’s effort in working with the red velvet to do some embroidery.

  The mail brought a package from Amazon today.  With not having good vision for some sewing work in the recent past, I had broken needles in excess of what I had in all of the last five years.  300 hundred needles of the same brand that I have been using for a total cost of $33.99 in comparison to purchasing them in the quilt shops at $1.69 each.  300 needles in three different sizes.  Not to worry, local shops still get a goodly amount of business from me.  One of my stitching gals had clued me onto the needles as well as ordering 100 yards of the tear away stabilizer for the same amount as to what a 10 yard roll would locally cost.  I had burned through quite a bit of it with the skating towels.  I am set for the long cold winter with a goodly amount of supplies. 

  Time to shut off the lights in the sewing studio and work on supper.

   
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  Noreen 5:01 pm on November 11, 2019 Permalink  

  Stitch Luncheon 

  It may have been blustery and cold enough to intimidate, but us stitchers persevered.  We met at Baker’s Square in Mankato at Noon.  A little sharing of what has happened since last month and the enthusiasm struck where it may have been waning for each of us.

  My sewing studio has been quite quiet since doing the barns with the quilt block gables.  I have been down there checking out new possibilities.  Today I took a swatch of velvet with me of the fabric that I have left over from the Santa restoration of February.  I received some great ideas.  Creating with what is on hand is my goal.  This time of year I am thinking of white snowflakes on the red velvet.  Hmm.

  I think the food at Baker’s Square helps to bring out the creativity.  Today the Avocado on Toast topped with two eggs was something I would never get by making at home.  If I would put it on the table the first thing I would hear is “what is it” with never an intent of trying it.  Hmm, maybe adding ketchup would be the answer.

  I had better close and rattle the kitchen to see what there will be for supper.  The entire time the afterglow of a wonderful day of sharing with comrades will linger.

   
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  Noreen 2:40 pm on November 1, 2019 Permalink  

  Mission of Barns Completed 

  A while ago I had posted a photo on Facebook.  It was one design of twelve that I had recently acquired.  It was well “liked.”  It was included in a collection of old barns with a quilt block in the gable of the barns.  Each barn was different with a different quilt block.  A day or so later I received a private message from my nephew, Larry Trettin’s wife.  Jennifer asked me about a Christmas present she would like to give her mom, Rita Roepke.  It was in regard to the barn designs.

  I had never done anything for family members other than what I chose at random.  Jennifer’s request was unique.  Emailing back and forth, I agreed to help her out only on her condition that she wanted to pay for materials . . . plus.  The plus portion I did not respond to.

  Today, I completed the project.  Jennifer left it up to me as to what the finished projects would be.  I did two sofa pillows and a table runner.  I put a sleeve on the table runner so it may also be used as a 16″ x 40″ wall hanging . . . choices.   As Jennifer indicated she also liked the barn designs for herself. Time will tell what she chose for herself.

  The wonderful part of this was that in my choices, I got to use up some fabrics out of my stashes.  Some of the fabrics were hand-me-downs and some were inherited from family members of stitchers.  Quilt batting from previous projects always are saved for just such a time as this.  The buttons for the pillows were fresh off the button tree from the Fairfax Team.  I will honor her in regard to what I actually purchased since her emails.  New pillow foam was on sale at Joann’s and a quick trip to the Old Alley Quilt Shop was incorporated when I met my cousin Chris there for lunch a week ago.  The rest of the story . . . lightens my load in the stashes.  As I was pulling out options, Dennis was thrilled to see some of the stash boxes get a bit lighter.

  I always have my ears open when and if my kids may drop a hint as to what they could use or need.  That flow has dried up . . . for now.  I never know if there is some mending that may be needed.  I am up for challenges.  The latest challenge has been working with and sewing with reader glasses since August 5th.  My new prescription will be decided . . . next Tuesday!!  I can hardly wait.  Dennis will agree that I have sorely missed reading.  Cheaters just don’t do the trick for reading.  The sewing has cost me quite a few broken sewing machine needles, but a small price to pay for keeping me active and off Dennis’ case from time to time.  Hey!  Everyone is a winner!

   
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  Noreen 3:22 pm on October 30, 2019 Permalink  

  I Think Mother Nature Means Business 

  When I looked at the temps before I went walking this morning, I was a bit taken aback when it said the air chill felt like 18 degrees.  I suited up and headed out.  Dressed warmly, I didn’t mind the brisk air.  I always take my phone along in the jacket pocket.  Being safe is what being 75 is all about.

  Dennis couldn’t resist one more swipe at the leaves.  The Hackberry had a blanket of pretty green leaves on the east end of the acre that had chosen overnight to fall . . . no more!  I must say, the yard is ready for the next blanket of covering.  I knew Dennis would put the battery of the Cub-Lo-Boy into the garage for winter’s keeping.  At that point,  I knew . . . Dennis would be calling it quits for being the summer and fall grounds keeper on Stauffer Avenue.  God willing there will be a break before the snowblower has to be brought out.

  Dennis filled the gas tank on the Cub before taking it to the back garage.  I stood by and watched.  It’s what I do.  As Dennis lifted the five gallon gasoline container to the hood of the tractor, there was a dribble that hit the hood of the tractor consistently.  With the weight being what it was, Dennis was leaning onto the hood of the tractor.  I waited until Dennis was finished and then asked for the nylon down-filled jacket as I offered him a trade.  I could just imagine Dennis lighting a cigarette, not realizing how soaked the jacket had become with gas.  Yup . . . Grammie’s ever watchful of the ole cowboy.  I took the jacket into the laundry and sprayed with with Shout and then into the washing machine it went.

  Mother Nature means business, but so do I.  There are plenty of things that can go happen-stance without pushing Lady Luck.

  Dennis and I took all the empty gas cans up to the corner station to fill them.  Dennis added some Sta-bil into each of the three containers.  We are set for a time when the snowblower needs to be  started.  The electric power cord to start the snowblower is right where it needs to be for ease of using. 

  I do believe the older ones on Stauffer Avenue can breathe easy for a day or two.  I am not betting that Dennis won’t come up with something . . . he has been on quite a roll.   Me . . . I’ll always have something going in the sewing studio.

   
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  Noreen 3:22 pm on October 28, 2019 Permalink  

  The Neighborhood is Alive 

  The neighborhood is alive with the sound of lawnmowers mulching.  Several hard frosts have taken its toll on the leaves that are trying their best to hang on to the tree limbs.

  Dennis and I were right out there with the best of them.  I have a wonderful six inch rake that is just my size for my strength to help get the leaves out of their hiding spots.  Dennis and the Cub Lo-Boy did a great job shredding and mulching.  When I took a gander at the trees, we may be doing a repeat of this afternoon . . . several more times.  I don’t mind it and it’s less work for next spring.

  It was amazing how large a pile of branches we had collected over the last month with the high winds beating and whipping tree stops.  All we needed to do was get them down to a size that would fit in our neighbor’s burning pit.  Neighbor Bob has the hub of a semi tire.  It worked great.  Dennis did add a bit extra.  He used our electric chainsaw and cut down the Lilac tree in the backyard.  It has served us well and with the shade that has taken over the back yard, it wasn’t proud of itself anymore.  Without direct sun, the blossoms were lacking.  Dennis put it out of its depression.

  In between time, I have been in the sewing studio with a mending project.  Dennis loves his down filled jacket that he has for everyday wearing.  It’s lightweight, warm and easily slides over shirts.  Shabby weak nylon zippers . . . ugh!  The point of entry for the zipper process to begin is less than desirable.  One mis-slip and the zipper is not anchored and the zipper will not function.  At that point it may have to be pulled off over the head as the zipper is not running on its rails.  Today I replaced the nylon zipper with a stout metal one.  When we were in Mankato, I headed for JoAnn’s as I needed a 28″ zipper.  Ya . . . right.  Coats and Clark had only stocked zippers to the length of 24″.  It took a bit but I wouldn’t feel bad if Dennis did wear the jacket when he is out and about.  More times than not, the zipper is never pulled all the way to the top.  What was disappointing was the cigarette hole that needed attention in the front of the jacket.  Mend it up and suck it up as Dennis isn’t going to quit smoking any time soon. 

  It is left over pork roast made into hot sandwiches for supper with a side of pork and beans. 

  I might add that since the hips have been working, it feels wonderful to get back to taking a walk every morning.  It may not be the two miles that I had been doing, but not having been able to do any amount of walking, I’ll take this and perhaps work into longer walks . . . or not.