Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from February, 2019 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 6:54 pm on February 25, 2019 Permalink  

  Checking out Resources 

  An embroidery design had been haunting me to try.  When a design is downloaded, it could come from a source that champions a certain brand of thread.  Every company puts their own spin on the names that they assign to each color of thread.  My aunt has invested in multiple brand names . . . not this stitcher.  My brand is Isacord and I am sticking with it.  It does happen to be the brand of thread that Bernina touts.  If I buy a design from the website that they support, the color codes match what is in my thread boxes.  Today . . . I was on my own looking up sites that do have thread comparisons from various companies.  It just took time and I had it to burn.

  After I got the machine to begin stitching, there is that time where I can fill in with dusting in the sewing room, checking out the next great attempt, etc, until it is time to change the color of the tread to continue the stitch project.  Out came the drawer that is all about holes.  A review was needed.  Holes punched into any and every venue you can think of.  The pretty pink tool is called a Crop-a-Dial.  It will set snaps, grommets and also punch holes.  My best luck is using it for punching holes as it will take on leather, vinyl, cork and multiple layers of paper.  My hands don’t work the best to line up the snaps and such with the settings while still having a firm grip on the pliers handle.  The Cricut Silent Setter also does holes as well as having a soft bed for snaps and such and the fabric to lay while I use a mallet to pound the hell out of the steel handle to crimp the metal items secure.  While the sewing machine embroidered, I reacquainted myself with all the resources that the drawer held.  Yup, it was still all viable and usable according to what my hands could do.  

  When Carrie and Kevin were babies and toddlers, there was no end to snaps that I put into their clothes.  Entire inseams of their clothes were snapped, as it was quicker to undo the snaps in the inseam than take off the entire garment to change diapers or training pants.  These fancy tools that I now have were not in my world at that time.  It was more like a metal punch and a hammer to set the snaps.

  With that being mentioned, I have gone to several baby showers in the last year.  Oh my gosh!  The fancy knit clothing that looks more like doll clothes than baby clothes . . . it is unbelievable.  What struck this old timer was . . . no snaps in the inseam.  Nothing like wrestling a wee one out of a one-piece item of clothing to get to that sweet little butt.

  I do have to add that when I opened my eyes at eight this morning, the first thing that my eyes focused on was the snow that was falling, much like confetti.  Yuck.  Not enough to warrant Randy and his snowblower, but I did shovel snow out of doorways and my all time favorite paths.  We are on the last week of the month from hell.  Ya, I heard.  March may have a bit of snow left that needs to harass my ass.

   
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  Noreen 6:46 pm on February 24, 2019 Permalink  

  White and Not Quiet 

  The good news is that all is well here on Stauffer Avenue.  35 mph winds did shake some branches down in the backyard.  The winds kept everything white with blowing snow, it was hard to tell just how much snow we received.  The howling wind was so consistent over night, it was a lulling effect.  Our Emergency Management sent out phone calls that all Watonwan County roads were closed until further notice.  

  Later on this afternoon, the sun came out.  The sunshine on the swirling snow made it look magical . . . crystals flying in the air.  It was time to get suited up and clean up around some doorways.  Nothing magical about five minutes in when the fingers began getting cold.  Our driveway is clear, via Randy.   

  Dennis called from Arizona and there are plans for golfing tomorrow.  Dennis is in charge of driving one of the carts.  Good deal for Dennis.  The sewing studio is closed down and I am looking forward to a hot meatloaf sandwich for supper.

   
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  Noreen 6:15 pm on February 22, 2019 Permalink  

  Eventful Day 

  A non-event day for me, but for the three cats . . . oh my gosh!  The leaf blower was put to work.  A large portion of the east patio was clear of all snow.  I settled into Dennis’ rocking chair and left the door ajar so the three cats could come and go for a short time.  When Dennis is home the pickup overhead garage door goes up and goes down, goes up and goes down as he has to check as to what has happened around town.  Dennis is in and out of the service door more times than I can count in one day and evening.  The heating fuel of a “Dennis Day” compared for today to allow the cats to feel safe as they wandered around outside for a bit, came in and cleaned off in between the toes, and went out for more fun.  Many deer smells that had to be taken.  Honey Bunny made it around the patio porch to sniff at what was there on the west patio.  I have not kept anything clear other than the east patio, so the tummy was dragging in the snow.  I have not experienced cabin fever this winter.  I know the cats have, as there are multiple things to pick off of the floor as they have adventured onto many shelves in the garages.

  There was some sewing done today, nothing serious.  The only tidbit I can recall from having the news on was that the word “blizzard” has been touted many times for Saturday night into Sunday.  Oh goody, goody.  I have a squash baking out.  That may be the extent of supper with butter and salt and pepper.  Hmm, there is a tub of herring that hasn’t been cracked yet . . . that sounds good as well . . . but not together with the squash.

  Next Friday will be March.  No matter how much snow we have had, time has marched on.

   
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  Noreen 5:00 pm on February 21, 2019 Permalink  

  The Table 

  Sun shining and whether the temperatures want to cooperate, the birds sure are singing.  Spring is on its way whether Mother Nature likes it or not.  All that I am doing today is working with ice build up right at the back door.  We have a bag called Safe Walk, it is a derivative of corn.  I use it sparingly as I have no idea where we bought it quite a few years ago.  Sprinkle a little . . . let it work.  When the bare concrete shows, I move the slush of it to the next spot.  I know as soon as the sun goes down, ice will materialize as we have snow melting down onto the back door.  Tomorrow we will do it all over again.

  Most of today I have spent at our dining room table.  No . . . we don’t have a dining room.  We have an expanse of an area that serves as a living room, dining room and office.  The table was purchased at a garage sale many years ago.  It was the first table in the home that Dennis and I built.  It needed a new piece on top of quartersawn Oak.  A fellow here in town did a great job on it.  Dennis and I refinished it and it has been in service every day since in our home.  It is called a refractory design as both ends pull out for additional table surface.  Why on earth do we need a table that pulls out to 72 inches in length? For me every home needs a table of serviceable size, even if the two of us use only a small portion of it. 

  When I was growing up there were six sets of feet under a round Oak table.  Untold number of loaves of bread were rolled out and pit into pans on the surface.  School work was done on the table while Mom darned socks.  Mom prepared her Sunday School lessons at the table.  If a home perm was to be given, all the paraphernalia was spread out on the table. Dad spread out and read multiple issues of The Farmer magazine at the table after the milk cow chores were done. The table was an extension of the sewing area as the treadle sewing machine was just a few feet from it.  Card games were played at the table when aunts and uncles visited.  The less desirable duty it served was when I had buckets of chicken eggs to wash so they would be ready for the egg hauler.  Dang, some of those hens would poop in their nests. Yuk!  That Oak table could fill a library of tales.

  No matter where Orlin and I lived, the table was always where we gathered.  When the kids were small, they were tied into the highchair and slid up to the table to take part.  Later on, four sets of feet were under the table for all meals.  The table was used when we made sauerkraut in the farm kitchen in Boon Lake Township.  The kids were in charge of tamping the kraut into the quart jars.  When an apple press was present, . . .  yup, the kitchen table was there getting splattered with sticky juice that didn’t get into the jars.  Poultry was always raised to be butchered for the freezer.  Nothing like a table to take care of the evisceration. As the kids got older, when Carrie and Kevin were home alone during a meal time, most likely it was in front of the television.  Why not give the table a break!  Carrie cut out fabric on the table from patterns that she would put under the needle of the sewing machine.  Kevin used the table when he worked on his Cub Scout Pinewood Derby cars.  Thread, fuzz or sandpaper dust . . . the table took the brunt.  Nicks and scars were taken in stride.  The table was the center of the family.  

  That may well describe why now, on Stauffer Avenue, we have a huge table in a space that could very well utilize a card table.  Our table has scars on it.  A pocket knife seemed just the right tool to try and loosen a rusted screw.  The pocket knife spared the finger and the table got the nasty end.  The rotary cutter that I used for fabric piecing happened to run off of the cutting mat during a time when I didn’t have a sewing studio.  On second thought, a hot pad should have been used to spare the finish of the table.  Who knew that one of the metal boxes that Dennis has spare gun shells in had a sharp corner.  The table, just as our house, is here to be a part of our day-to-day living.  The wear and tear that the table may show can be seen as badges of those who live here or may have visited here . . . our home.  Why would we save it and shelter it so it can remain pristine?  This table, in the home on Stauffer Avenue, represents all the tables that have gone before and makes for wonderful memories of my life worth nurturing.

  Today, I spent the day at the table, cutting out pieces of a project yet to be.  Priceless!

   
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  Noreen 4:58 pm on February 17, 2019 Permalink  

  Good Grief 

  Do they need to be right on target with their snow forecasts!  Dennis has been gone since the third of February.  If memory serves me, there has been snow removal almost every other day.  The three cats are almost catatonic.  They would love to be outside but the little paws are quite tender. Consequently they sit humped up on the patio porch table and glower.

  Most of my portion of cleaning snow along doorways and the front stoop I had done before Randy came.  The banks of snow are getting quite tall.  It’s easier to have it pushed into the path that Randy will blow it up and farther than I can.  Oatmeal sure tasted good when I came in.  I sat down for a bit and it didn’t take long and my head was nodding.

  It is Sunday and I am taking it easy with anything other than snow removal.  Nothing is started in the sewing studio.  When I am at that point, it is harder to kick butt and start something new.  Good grief, the sewing studio was all smartened up yesterday of threads and fuzz.  I am not in any hurry to go and mess it up right away.

  Today Dennis is in Lake Havasu, Arizona.  Dennis and Brett both know the fellow who retired from our area and now lives there.  Dennis said the weather has not been that great as they have traveled.  He was very happy to have long sleeve shirts and jackets with.

  I have found a television marathon on one of the channels.  I am in for the day.  The livestock has been tended and are on their own.  Tomorrow is another day and it is up for grabs as to what will grab my attention.

   
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  Noreen 5:46 pm on February 16, 2019 Permalink  

  The Deer are Snacking 

  It’s 5:35 and there are two doe and two fawn having a snack on our east patio.  It’s a good feeling.  Snow is moving in overnight, they will need the corn to carry them over.

  I checked with the Santa Project adviser.  At a time when we get a path through the deep snow to the back garage, Santa can come into the sewing studio.  With that good decision, it spurred me on to make room in the sewing studio for a time when Santa may be in-house for a duration.  It gives me a good reason to move everything under and around the two church tables.  What would the world be without Swiffers.  The sewing studio is prepared for a time to come.

  My supper will be Green Giant Garden Vegetable Medley Steamers.  A good mixture, and I do believe I have worked up an appetite.  

  I am amazed and thankful that each day holds an agenda to keep me busy, balanced and happy.  Thanks be to God.

   
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  Noreen 3:25 pm on February 15, 2019 Permalink  

  Santa Jacket is at 95% 

  As of this afternoon, I can safely say the Santa Project jacket is 95% completed.  There are belt loops to attach as well as portions of the lining that need to be made secure.  It has not gone without challenges.  The sewing machine did well and the shortcomings would be within my fingers and hands.  I am 100% sure that the most difficult part of this project is completed.  One inch thick foam had been bought to use as padding under the jacket to fill out the jovial Santa.  On second thought, I remember what happens when pillows age and have foam fillings.  It can get quite nasty.  I now believe that taking my stashes of leftover quilt batting and sewing pillow-type additions would be better to add where needed.  The old fashioned, aged cotton batting that had been used on Santa’s arms, shoulders and body was a horrible mess that fell apart upon touch. 

  The next portion of the project will be taking apart Santa’s hat for a pattern.  The original hat was a rather poor fit.  It didn’t quite cover up the back portion of his head, thus showing off a very bald spot.  Amazon is sending out two different orders of what they call white “Doll Wig Hair.”  The hope is that between the two types we can work with Santa’s beard as well as his hat.  Out goes the beard that is made of the ancient angel hair that is nothing more than fiberglass.  It itches if you even come close to it.  Kevin and I soon found that out.  My hope is to sew some of the hair onto the inside of the bottom of the hat.  That would allow for the appearance of his hair flowing over the collar of the back of the jacket.

  I am thinking that Santa may very well need to take up residence in my sewing studio as the project goes on.  Fittings, when Santa is a half of a city block away, isn’t reasonable.  My advisers will need to be consulted on that matter.  Looking over the velvet material, there is enough material for replacing his pants, the hat and also the mittens.  Needing to shore up Santa’s physical physic would be another reason to have Santa in house.  Fit as we go.

  A new belt was ordered for Santa.  The original belt was of very brittle vinyl that was pulled though a sharp silver metal buckle.  It was a joint agreement that the ole fellow needed to be smartened up a bit with a belt and buckle that he so welled deserved for sticking around for 55 plus years.  

  The sun has been out all day.  We made it above zero at noon to a whooping six above zero this afternoon.  The wind chimes have been tinkling steadily.  I checked on the patio porch critters this morning.  They get the enjoyment of having the house and garden television channel on during the day to allow them to know, they still matter and have not been forsaken.  Later in these days I have been spending time with them before I put the shell corn out for the deer, clean the litter box, and make sure they have food and water.  They miss the ole cowboy that would spends hours at a time out in the patio porch, letting one after another sit on his lap.

   
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  Noreen 4:28 pm on February 11, 2019 Permalink  

  I have been avoiding the news 

  I have been avoiding the news.  There is nothing that I need to be kept up on, as nothing happy ever seems to happen.  When I am in the sewing studio, I have my battery operated radio on.  I think it might be all of 20 years old.  It was a Christmas gift that I still cherish.  I have realized my favorite television channel of late is the weather channel.  Day time shows have all these wonderful tips that they tout as the best and greatest new ideas.  Hell’s bells.  Been there, done that.  If I didn’t learn all these great things from Mom, I got it in 4-H or Home Economics.

  As I put out the garbage for pickup tomorrow I took in the nicely cleared areas free of snow around the garage door and the back door.  As I will be burrowed under the flannel sheets tonight, the forecast is to bring anywhere from five to six inches of new snow.  Whatever!  Other than feeling a slight backache from snow removal, I am up for it.

  I did spend quite a bit of time working on the Santa Jacket.  It is to the point that I don’t want to screw up.  No do-overs allowed.  One day at a time and one step at a time.  No timelines.  By the time I shut down the sewing studio, the jacket was able to be hung on a clothes hanger.  Who Knew!

  Time to go out and check on all things that pertain to four legged creatures that need my attention.

   
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  Noreen 2:28 pm on February 10, 2019 Permalink  

  Oh, So White 

  Quite the “little bit” of snow.  It went from wet sleet to fluffy snow and now we are winding up with the fine wet stuff.  When Dennis called last night he asked how things were going.  I was happy to report that all was well and I had not done anything silly in regard to snow removal.  I do have my part of the snow moved and in time Randy will be over with his huge blower.

  Last night at supper time, I could not count how many deer were in our backyard and neighbor Jan’s.  I lost count at eight.  Two definitely were fawns.  When I cleared the snow off of the east patio today getting ready to put the corn out for this evening, I noticed that Randy had a hay bale that the crew had really chomped on.  All is good.  I opened the second bag of corn today.  Snuggles dang near beat me to the open bag to sniff it all.  Noisy as all get out.

  While it was snowing quite heavily this morning, I did work on the Santa jacket.  The lining and the jacket are now one.  It will make it so much easier when the white fleece will get attached to the entire bottom.  That is for tomorrow. 

  Right now I am in the west porch on Dennis’ computer, using his setup, watching traffic and sipping on tea.  When I came in from being outside from a fairly long time, I needed a snack.  As I am cleaning out the kitchen with things before replenishing from the grocery store, I poured some Honey Nut Cheerios in a bowl and brought it out here to the porch.  I was propelled back to the days of South Branch when the whole family was the janitor for the church.  Monday mornings . . . it was amazing how many cheerios and other cereal was on the floor, in the hymnal racks and on pews in the area of the back of the church where the families would sit with small children.  Clean up to no end.  Keep them fed and it might be possible to stay for the whole service.  Who the heck is going to clean up after me tomorrow of all the cheerios that have gotten away from me today.  Amazing how far they can roll.

  It is still snowing and I might take one more run at pushing the snow from the back door and the garage door onto the pile that Randy will take care of.  It’s easier to keep up with it before it becomes work.

   
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  Noreen 5:42 pm on February 9, 2019 Permalink  

  Squash for Supper 

  There was no snow to move today.  I think the break will be short lived according to the five p.m. news.  I’m ready! 

  After an oatmeal breakfast I moved on down into the sewing studio with a hot steaming cup in hand.  Each of the details brings the jacket looking like Santa would have approved.  Today the lining of the jacket needed to be tackled.  Why line a jacket for a non-human that only makes an appearance in the Christmas season?  When Santa is in his glory he waves and turns at the waist.  The inside of the jacket needs to have a lining of slippery material to work with the friction of the top as it moves from side to side with the mechanical set up.  I didn’t have anything plain red for the lining, but Tartan Plaid is as Christmas as one can get.  I had measured the original lining and the placement, we are on point.  The next step today was making belt loops for the huge heavy belt that Santa wears.  The original suit did not have belt loops.  Just like any other fellow, the more they move the lower some aspects of their attire slip.  I have the tubular velvet strips made.  In all honesty, by the time I got the material sewn and then pulled inside out . . . I needed to call it a day.  Tomorrow is a new day.

  I have been eyeing an Acorn squash all week as it languished on the kitchen counter.  It is now in the oven and most likely will be the entree for supper.  Butter, salt and pepper . . . can’t beat it.  When there were six pair of feet in times past under the round oak table, Mom was always into the quickest but yet the best meals.  In the late fall there were bound to be smaller squash that would not be the chosen ones to store in the fruit cellar.  Many suppers there would have been three Acorn squash, cut in half and layered flesh side down on a cookie sheet in the oven along with a roast.  Come supper, each of us would have our individual half of squash to trick out as we pleased.  It could have been butter and brown sugar or butter with salt and pepper.  And that is how I plan on eating half of the squash for my supper.  Scooping the goodies out right down to the peel.

  Dennis called in this evening.  Tomorrow he and Brett are going to tour the Hearst Castle.  Yesterday they drove through the town of Paradise.  It is the town of 44,000 that was burned into oblivion.  When Dennis called he was sitting in a short sleeve shirt on the patio of the Super 8 across the street from the ocean.  They are traveling Hwy 1 along the coast.  He sounded wonderful.