Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from October, 2025 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:08 pm on October 3, 2025 Permalink  

  Balmy 

  The winds of today being blown with high 80 temps is not feeling like anything balmy.  It feels uncomfortable.

  Dennis came down into the studio today to check on my progress.  Visitors are always welcome.  The last step on this project will be tomorrow.  It is taking the 2.5″ binding that has been sewn on the back of the blanket and bringing it to the front to be sewn down.  In theory it should not take long.  In Grammie’s world . . . it will be a long session.  The 2.5″ had already been ironed in half.  Sewing it onto the back with 3/8 seam, allows a 1″ amount to be brought over the three layered sandwich and stitched down to the top.  It is a lot for the arthritic wrist to fold and then hold for the magic of stitching a straight seam all the while the heft of the project wants to pull away from the needle.  I have found that using my 1.5lb weight that has the finish of suede is great for my left hand to keep it all under control.  Dennis totally was in awe of the project.  I did wear myself out and that in itself is very rewarding.

  We had a great meal at the Home Town cafe last night for supper.  We found out some good news.  We could order off of the kid’s menu.  It is a working man’s cafe and the portions speak to that.  We took our pies home for enjoying later.  Dennis chose apple and I chose sour cream raisin.  It all totally made for a birthday treat of an evening.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:57 pm on October 2, 2025 Permalink  

  Frustrating 

  Before last night’s shutdown of my laptop, It asked me to leave it open for an up-date.  I did just that.  Today things were different on the laptop.  It speaks to my age, I don’t like changes in my high-tech stuff.  We will see how things progress.

  My studio was visited this forenoon.  I didn’t want to over-do it.  The 2.5 inch border was cut.  It took four swipes of the fabric to make it around the perimeter of the project.  I did not do any sewing of them together.  Before that happens I need to do a grease job on the machine. clean fuzz and then a new needle.

  I did take out all of the red-topped basing pins and then did a trim around it getting off the excess batting as well as the excess backing.  There I called it.  Using the rotary cutter can give the right arm a work-out.

  

  It is rewarding to see all the bubbles that the free-motion quilting achieves.  I have no pattern to go by.  The stitches are at the whim of how I move the three-layer project.  Some trace their stitching designs on the top with chalk.  It is all about what makes you content and happy.  I am happy when all goes well under the needle.

  Today is Dennis’ 89th birthday.  I am taking him to the Home Town cafe for supper.  Last night we had Subway as a treat.  Splitting a 12″ tuna is all we can handle and it was tasty on cheese bread.  I did pick up a bag of the Sea-Salt Vinegar chips which is Dennis’ favorite.

  This morning we had agreed that the list that had been in our meager bucket, we had been able to empty, went well.  There are always a few items that we would screw up if we attempted it.  Those items best left to others.

  I will continue working with the lap-top updates until they become usual and customary.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:01 pm on September 28, 2025 Permalink  

  Yes Indeed 

  Yes, indeed we have another task on the books for this calendar year.  Two days devoted to the project, time well spent.  The octagon bathroom window exterior has been scrapped, caulked and painted . . .  two coats.  It sure is a good feeling.  Dennis lent moral support as well as my butt support as I did the two steps on the fiberglass ladder to be able to reach my target.  O course Snuggles had to put his two cents worth in, having to get on Dennis lap as Dennis was in his walker that also has a seat.  The ladder is back in the garage, the paint brush has been cleaned and all is well within my soul.

  In between the two coats of paint, I worked on the project under the needle.  I finally figured out the bobbin error messages.  Having the need for the feed dogs down, that which helps propel the fabric under the needle at a steady pace, allowing for the free motion, having a rayon blend on the top and bottom, allows for too much play in the stitching process of the bobbin thread.  You can bet, this lesson will not be forgotten on me.  In the past projects this had been an automatic “to do.”  I missed a beat when it came to this task.

  All that remains of the project featuring the Mount Rushmore panel project is to cut 2.5″ binding and do the actual binding.  It kind of surprised me how much heft there was as I worked with it under the needle.  I should have eaten my Wheaties before starting. 

  No . . . it speaks to who I am today.  Would have, could have and should have.  I do not have the arm strength and mobility of several years ago.  I accept that fact and am thrilled to do what I can.  Let’s hear it for the Grammie.

  Who knows what tomorrow will bring to be on the docket.  Never fear, next to my right elbow is a note pad with some items for the next time the Fairfax team visits.  Tee Hee.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:23 pm on September 27, 2025 Permalink  

  Nice Day 

  Humidity and dew point very low, making for a good feeling day.

  A bit of work was done on the octagon window exterior.  The cement underneath the window reminded me of the naughty red chip monks we had at the South Branch house.  They could chew through anything.  The only thing lacking today was the token of black walnuts that they were known for leaving where they had been.

  When the “no-see’ms” got too bad. I retreated into the studio.  Checking things over to nab any lingering fuzz.  I gave it a shot of oil, filled a bobbin and then tackled the first stitches of the free motion technique.  As long as the fabric under the needle is moving the stitch regulator will make all stitches the same in length and appearance.  I had barely done an inch of stitching and the bobbin error message came on.  I re-threaded everything on the top and bottom and tried again.  Same message in about the same amount of stitches.  It can happen when the silver magnetic covering on the bottom of the bobbin has worn, it could cause the machine to not function and stall the stitching.  In all the years, that had happened to me once.  I wound a new bobbin right out of the Creative Stitches container.  Nope . . . no go.  I took a bobbin with not much thread on it and tried again.  It stitched perfectly for many laps around a piece of scrap fabric.  So . . . alright . . .  the quirk had stitched itself out.  I returned the bobbin into the case that was loaded with the very same thread as on top.  No go.  Then and there, I decided to continue with the “what if” thread.  I knew the spool of thread it had come off of.  So what if the color of thread is a bit different on the back of the project compared to the front.  The stitching commenced until my arms, shoulders and hands gave out.  I will pick up where I left off on another day.

  I believe today may have been the last of the mowing for 2025.  We are headed into a dry spell that may put the grass in a stall.  That same dry-spell will have the soy-bean harvest coming to a swift closure.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:12 pm on September 26, 2025 Permalink  

  Winds Down 

  As the week winds down, I can reflect on a very successful amount of energy expanded here on Stauffer Avenue.  We are not the fastest couple.  We are intent on taking care of life and limb.  You can add home-owner savvy to that.  

  If the weather had not turned nasty hot that encouraged all sort of annoying bugs in the air, we would have had our next conquest in the history books.  There is a wonderful octagon window in our bathroom that cries for TLC every several years.  The mill-work around the exterior of the window is very poor quality.  In the coming days, the small step stool that is sitting under the window on our sidewalk will be put to use.  The cracking, peeling paint will be done away with.  There may even be some E6000 glue used where needed.  That glue will hold like no other.  I cannot even remember when Kersten and I glued the antlers back onto the cement deer that we have in the yard.  Yup, tried and true product.  When the weather turns, the cast off paint chips will fly.

  I didn’t waste the morning.  The studio was busy.  As of two this afternoon, there is a patriotic project that has been sandwiched and made secure with my huge safety pins.  You know. . . the red ones that operate quite easily.  If I visit the studio tomorrow, my first task will be to select the correct color of thread with which to quilt it under the needle.  One step at a time.

  We will have the remainder of the tuna oven dish for supper.  Sweet.

  September will be noted as going from hot to very cool, back to hot.  All four seasons in one month. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:24 pm on September 25, 2025 Permalink  

  Interesting 

  For the last two calendar years our prescription cost via Well Care has been $1.00 for 2024 and $0.00 for 2025 per month.  For 2026, we just received our notice that it will be $9.00 per month for each of us.  I am not upset by this.  Our prescriptions are allowing us to maintain a good quality of living.  Dennis receives two prescriptions from the VA at $15.00 each as we had checked one plan to another.  Taking the time to be vigilant is what is needed.

  Today, I needed to pick-up two prescriptions for myself at the Lewis Drug.  It was $0.00 for the two rather than the $79.00 at the market rate.  I will be realistic in time to come.

  My studio went dark at one this afternoon.  My quilting care, thought and history won out.  Each of the two patriotic panels will be its own project.  I am proud of my decision.  The Mount Rushmore is the first of the two I will work on.  I have the backing fabric measured and sewn for it.  The quilt batting has been released from the plastic bag to allow for it to breath.  Enough for today.

  The tuna oven dish that Dennis made did not disappoint for last night’s supper.  There would be enough for this evening’s supper, but we have opted to do the oven meal again on Friday night.  Tonight’s supper is a bean and ham soup that we both enjoy.

  For decades we have had a round kitchen stool on rollers.  If weight is put on it, the rollers push up into the shell of it . . . making it stable.  I did use it to put my pail of stain on it when I was doing the front deck, only to realize that the rubber bumper on the base of it had rotted enough to fall off.  What was left was a very sharp edge.  In today’s mail, the new base bumper for the Kik-Step stool came and is ready to be put on lending the handy stool an extended life.  Where would I be without the internet and Amazon.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on September 23, 2025 Permalink  

  Back to Normal 

  This morning when I got up, things felt like I would be getting back to normal routines.  What’s not to like with a slice of bread schmeared with peanut butter and jelly for breakfast.

  The lights went on in the studio and KNUJ was tuned in.  The seams I had laid out were soon under the needle.  The project for Megan entails two printed panels characterizing patriotic images.  I am going to put them back to back.  One is much larger than the other.  Out came the tape measure.  Getting coordinating fabric out for borders to be sewn on making them the identical size.  Everything I need to work with this project is within the confines of my studio, aka: a Michael’s Annex.

  By one, I was ready to close down shop.  Yesterday I knew that I needed to make a trip to the grocery store here in town.  Nothing in quantity, just a bit of this and a bit of that.  Dennis has been hinting that he is ready to make a tuna oven dish.  How could I not supply him with what he needs.  We do use the Albacore tuna.  It is chunks of nice white tuna packed in water.  Some day I am going to find a recipe to use the Star-Kist Tuna.  Yup, we are spoiled. 

  I have the groceries put away and have a bit of time to wrap these way-ward thoughts up for the day.  I did find my favorite apples in the store.  I now have 10 lbs. of the Macintosh apples in the refrigerator.  When the store’s deli has wrapped up their noon specials, the remainder is put in carry-out containers in the coolers where they keep the Mrs. Gerry items.  Dennis and I are going to have tater-tot hotdish for supper, along with our favorite bread and butter pickles and coleslaw.  Dennis can tackle his dish tomorrow. 

  Looking out the south windows of my bedroom porch, the air is full of the pesky “no-see’ms.” Right along with them the box-elder bugs and Asian beetles are vying for air space.

  I have had a great day and it feels good to have had the enthusiasm, courage and drive to complete some windows and get the deck ready for more years to come.  I can now spend time in the studio doing what comes naturally.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:51 pm on September 13, 2025 Permalink  

  Summer’s Back 

  Well, well, well.  The best laid plans of mice and men.  Not happening today.

  It was eleven this forenoon when I left Maria’s salon.  It felt so wonderful to be primped with a haircut and let me tell you the pedicure was good, but the foot and leg massage was wonderful.

  My plan was then to go to the grocery store.  I can share with you that my supper is going to be a roasted veggie pizza.  I know it has gotten hot and yes I will be heating up the kitchen with the 425 degree temp.  Well . . . who cares!

  With the few groceries tucked away, I discovered my zest for the north window washing today was gone . . . totally gone.  When I turned on the kitchen faucet, a huge amount of air blew out before the water ran.  I realized the Watson boys had been here in my absence to take care of the water leak in the basement.   There would be my next clean-up, the basement floor.  I could not believe my eyes.  The sponge mop had been used and the floor was ready to use . . . dry.  The wet rug by the floor drain was in a pail that had been under the sink.  I took the rug in the pail and put it on the bench by the back door to dry.  Talk about hometown heroes.

  During the first part of the week, I finished the latest counted cross-stitch design.  I like designs that are monochromatic.  I can pick it up and go with just one color of floss to get into the needle.  

  

  This was called “Christmas Silhouettes.”  I never tire of it.  I liked the idea of the white not being pronounced in the design.  There are many white snowflakes as well.  The last thing I did was to sew a red bead on Rodolfo’s nose.  I did find a frame in the basement for it.  That may well be on my list of to-dos when I have Megan’s project done.  

  I thought about working in the studio on the morning I discovered the water leak.  Not a good idea with using an electric sewing machine or electric iron, all in the same vicinity.

  I do have a new stitching pattern in mind.  I have so much of the silk embroidery thread left of Grandma Schafer’s.

  

  I really would like to use more of it.  It is heavily variegated going from blues to tans to a rich copper and mauve.  Each needle length would have all those colors showing. 

  As the day is winding down and my feelings of being lethargic remain, I may fix that veggie pizza and call it an early supper.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on September 5, 2025 Permalink  

  Sweater Weather 

  When I reach for a sweater, you know there is a chill in the air.  Couple that with a brisk wind and we are reminded we are on the last quarter of 2025.  With these cooler temperatures, the two patio kitties are sticking tight to their baskets.  Even the wandering fool, Snuggles, knows what is best for him.

  With the medical appointments we had yesterday, I did hear the often used phrase, “due to your age.”  Yup there it was . . . out in the open, not even able to be debated.  With that in mind, I did ring up Amazon last night.  I will be adding over the counter Vitamin D and Calcium upon the doctor’s recommendation.  Three months ago there had been visiting about taking something for continual bone growth and repair.  At that time I did have the bone density x-ray.  The results were minimally changed from the x-ray in 2022.  Check that off of my list.

  The fabric that I had ordered from Michael’s came yesterday.  A split shipment from Texas and Arkansas.  I had banked on it being billed at $3.50 per yard.  Some of it was at $1.99 per yard.  For what the project is geared toward, I didn’t need the quilt fabric quality of $10.99 a yard.

  With a new blade in the rotary cutter, I did make some end-rows in the studio with KNUJ playing in the background.  The plan has been formulated.  One thought out step at a time so as to not make an error.

  Tomorrow we will head to Mankato.  The quest is for a gallon of Behr black opaque deck stain.  The lateral surfaces are indicating a new coat is required.  The hot sun does a number on it.  At that time we are also going to choose a leaf blower and a weed-whip, with both appliances using the same battery.  I know we will find something doable at Home Depot, as that is where we are getting the stain from.  The detour is still in effect through Lake Crystal, so Dennis has found a route to the south on hard surface roads.  The actual detour is a two-lane highway and the traffic is merciless with a lot of trucks using it.

  That’s all for now folks.  Enjoy this wonderfully cooler weekend.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:13 pm on September 1, 2025 Permalink  

  Stauffer Alert 

  It isn’t often that Snuggles does the disappearing act.  Last night was one of those occasions.  Dennis went to the back door often and called and called.  Dennis then went into the patio porch and called for Snuggles.  Every time Dennis would call out, Harriet would give a sorrowful “meow.”

  It is now mid-day and Dennis and Harriet are still waiting for Snuggles.  When the kitties have free-range to come in and out of the patio porch at will, who know what may have tempted Snuggles.

  I put on all the lights in the studio and got serious about picking up a project that has been in the works for some time.  I say that, as the five counted cross stitch patterns of the Congress of Eagles is going to be incorporated with yardage.  When Megan was here, she gave me good ideas as this is for her fellow.  I never know what I will find in my stashes for the best choice in color or design.  I took down each box to take a look-see as to what yardage may work.  The boxes are labeled: red, blue, gray, black, etc.  Not a taker in the lot.

  I did realize it may be time to put a scrappy quilt top together as there are many pieces of fabric that are less than a half yard.

  My next move was to visit some online contacts for yardage.  The Michaels site came up with what seemed to be the best choice.  Labor Day sale of $3.50 per yard. Michaels is really trying hard to be  similar to the “no more JoAnn’s.”  The one fabric designer that they are going to be carrying came in multiple colors of the same mottled look that may well work.  I have the four colors coming, two yards each, no postage.  I could have driven to the Old Alley Quilt Shop in Sherburn tomorrow.  I know from experience that their yardage generally is $10.99 a yard. 

  I am now in a waiting room.  There was no rush on this particular project.  I think this is the first purchase of yardage for 2025.  When I had done the two-sided tee-shirt quilt for Sadie, I used what I had in my stashes.  I only used half of the Mountain Morning Mist quilt batting.  This project is going to be about 45”x 45″, working just fine for the batting that is remaining.

  We are having a quiet holiday as we wait out the Stauffer Kitty Alert.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥