Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from August, 2023 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:12 pm on August 20, 2023 Permalink  

  A Breeze 

  There is a breeze out this Sunday afternoon, but don’t let it fool you.  Dennis and I went to the blue barn acre to check on his weed killing spree.  After taking a drive around the acre we did take a whip around town.  Dennis had the windows down on the little red pickup but a clammy feeling persisted.  I am back in my home, seen enough.

  The bedroom porch is totally back together.  I did several stitches on my hooped cross stitch project from my command center.  A new book is open on the angled book stand with several paragraphs read.  Yup, I remembered how it all went.  I have been using a small table that Kevin and Kersten used on the day of their wedding for a guest book.  Upon that table is a Sauder 28″ x 28″ board that was a portion of a computer stand in times past.  This makeshift, repurposed unit is perfect for the router and my book stand.  I have the clamp-on adjustable cross stitch hoop holder on the southeast corner where it can be swiveled off to the side when I am reading.

  There was wasted space on this table unit.  No more.  Dennis has fitted the 12″ square base of this table to hold a shelf that is six inches above the floor and will rest on the braces of the table.  Here on will rest my new, free library books.  I had been using the wall shelves for books and other sundry items that have now been put back up on the east wall of my bedroom porch since the paint job.  What I have since decided is that I will have some items on the bottom shelf.  The two shelves above that may remain empty for now.  I cannot reach them safely without the kitchen step stool.  I think this qualifies as living smarter.  Living safely.

  After this latest run of heat subsides, I plan on beginning to stain the front door deck that was installed around the Easter weekend.  With my 1.5″ brush and perched upon the old office chair that we have on the deck, I will be able to stain the spindles of the railing.  No bending over . . . no reaching high.

  A light supper for Stauffer Avenue.  Dennis thought he might try some of the frozen waffles that are on hand.  Hmm.  I thought oatmeal sounded good.  Whatever!

  This old wordsmith always holds all of you close.

   
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  Noreen 1:17 pm on August 12, 2023 Permalink  

  Hello Peeps 

  This blog update is coming today from someone that was too pooped to pop yesterday afternoon.

  My first stop was the library to pick up books from the outside “free” rack.  No worries about keeping track of renewal or returns.  I scored five books that looked of interest to me.  The next stop was our local hardware store.  With curtain sample in hand, I picked out a color of paint for my bedroom porch.  I purchased one quart.  I had already painted the wood grain paneling some twenty years ago.  It’s not a matter of the paint soaking in but rather laying on top.  I will see how well it goes for me.  It may take some time.  If I need more paint, it will be handy for me going a few blocks to purchase more. 

  It was now on to Mankato.  A list of errands in Mankato always means a lot of shoe leather will be burned as well as the tip of my cane becoming quite hot.

  Our front deck has now been in place long enough to consider staining it.  We thought long and hard before making a decision.  Home Depot was our target.  We wanted a full coverage job and not a transparent stain, and the color would be as close to black as possible . . . slate.  Our roof color, the foundation painting, and the shutters are all in that same color pallet.

  In visiting with the clerk, she said it could very well have a sprayer used to put it on with a follow up brush to work it in.  The next stop was Harbor Freight.  For $2.99 a half gallon sprayer may very well do the trick.  Three were purchased.  One for my bug spray.  We had bought one previous that Dennis is using for weed killer.  Very sweet little sprayers.  The secret will be to have the nozzle set correctly for the area being sprayed. 

  It was then on to Sam’s Club, Hy-Vee and finally to the pulmonary doctor to have Dennis’ CPAP prescription renewed.  A very interesting visit as they, on their computers, know how many hours an evening Dennis uses it.  The interesting thing is that last year when they ran a check, Dennis stopped breathing three times an hour, while using the machine.  Very acceptable.  In the recent months, it has been as high as 34 times an hour.  Wow!  In checking, Dennis’ doctor has put in a prescription for a new CPAP machine.  His, that he is using, was new in 2016.  Dennis will be doing an overnight sleep study in September so the new machine can be calibrated for current medical needs.  That’s all I have to say about that.

  Today we had company from Gibbon.  Two fellows, age eight and three, picked up their two t-shirt quilts representing their dad’s time on the Gibbon Fire department.  Sweet.  Cousin, Wayne Opitz, and his wife Jean, came along with Michael and his two sons.  What a great visit.  Good family time.

  We had rain again, four times out of five days, last night.  No storms.  Very thankful.

  It’s a great day even if there may be rain showers coming in the week ahead.

   
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  Noreen 1:58 pm on August 9, 2023 Permalink  

  Oh My Gosh! 

  KNUJ is telling me the Nicollet County Fair is beginning!  Did that ever bring back memories.

  When Megan stayed with us when she was a toddler, I would take her to the Nicollet County Fair on the day that was dubbed “Senior Citizen Day.”  We got to do everything the fair offered and . . . it was not over-run with people.  There was not an animal pen that didn’t have Megan hanging over the rail.  When Nicolas came along and he was three . . . to the Nicollet County Fair we continued to go again on “Senior Citizen Day.” 

  My mama and daddy didn’t raise a fool.  Of course I pulled those trips off at the right time in August as I had volunteered it would work out for us to take Megan or both for the week.  If the parents had known about the fair trip, they most likely would have been far too concerned with one Grammie and two little ones in the midst of a lot of strangers.  Bright orange t-shirts right from the dollar store donned by little blonde headed ones.  For those years that the trio went to the fair, we always had a blast.

  Memories . . . sweet.

  Today, I messed around in the studio.  I had a wild hair.  When the sleeper sofa went out the front door of our home and two casual chairs came in, they had been tested by me before I bought them.  I wanted chairs in the house that I didn’t have to dig my way out of, if I needed a break from my wooden rocker.  With these two chairs, I could easily get up and out of them easily.  I have short legs and thus, I came up short, literally, to sit back in the chair to rest my back on the chair’s back.  I had been moving about a large pillow form in the studio for some time.  I now have a pillow to sit back against when I choose to perch in either one of these chairs.  Over time, some of the heft of the pillow will be squashed and not be quite such a billowy pillow.  It really is all about what the folks need that reside here on Stauffer Avenue.

  Oh my gosh!  What can be tackled when the spirit moves me.

   
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  Noreen 1:42 pm on August 8, 2023 Permalink  

  So . . . Do Tell! 

  It is official from two sources, one on each end of town, that we got three plus inches of rain in a slow and steady all-day rain.

  The rain is all it took to hear the hum that had not been heard for some time, lawnmowers.  Dennis was right in there with them.  The weeds had continued to grow and they needed to be trimmed back right along with whatever else was green.  Dennis has learned to take two days to get the acreage done as the back and arms sent him a strong message. 

  Today Amazon delivered the last item for my bedroom porch’s reading and stitching corner.  Years back most shops had a clamp-on light fixture that could be angled via springs on the main hub.  My clamp-on unit that was delivered is similar but different.  There is no light fixture at the end, but a clamp to hold my hoop for stitching.  Sweet.  Until it has been used for a time, the clamp is really tight . . . enter stage right . . . Dennis.  My left hand is really going to enjoy not having to hold the hoop.  For the sum of $24.99 it does the job of the expensive wooden standalone hoop holders. 

  For several days this week, Carrie and Megan are in Las Vegas at the largest USA marketing event for 2024’s merchandise.  What a sweet event for them to share.  Later on this month, Kersten will be flying to New York for her endeavor.  My special people do get around.  When Dennis and I talked about it, he was thrilled for them, as he and I couldn’t take it.  

  I did take in some stitching this morning in the studio for my next scrappy quilt.  I realize it. I am admitting to it. I am overanalyzing the scrappiness of it.  Good grief.  It did take my repair man, Dennis, to replace the batteries in the radio for KNUJ to be enjoyed.

  Our oven meal of last night was a hit.  There will be a re-run of it this evening.

  Take care everyone!

   
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  Noreen 1:37 pm on August 7, 2023 Permalink  

  OttLite 

  Anyone that is anybody in the world of quilting or stitching has an OttLite.  They can be quite pricey if you want a floor model.  I knew that in time I would like more light coming over my shoulders when I read or stitch in my bedroom porch.  The studio downstairs has plenty of light overhead that is needed for all activities in the stitching world. 

  Dennis listens as well as being around when I am in my bedroom porch.  Son-in-law Jeremy totally re-glued a wooden armchair on Easter Sunday for a second seat in my bedroom porch.  It is Dennis’ perch when he comes a calling and a visit is required for decision making.

  This morning while the Monday morning laundry was in full speed, my very own OttLite was delivered to my bedroom porch.  Slowly Dennis had been cleaning and painting a stand alone light that Kevin and Kersten had found for us.  What use it would have here on Stauffer Avenue had not been identified at that time.   

  My light is very versatile.  It rolls easy and the base is very heavy while not taking up much floor space.  It nestles nicely in the corner.  With little effort it can be pulled down or raised depending on where I need the light.  The light can be zoomed in or out also depending where a halo of light is needed.  Sweet!

  When the word repurposing is bantered about . . . check with Stauffer Avenue’s older resourceful pair.

  Laundry is done as well as an oven dish for supper.  With temps not quite as hot as last week, I am taking a gamble on using the kitchen oven for an hour or so.  The contents of the oven meal also provided for two portions to be put in the freezer for another time.

  Take care everyone.

   
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  Noreen 1:38 pm on August 4, 2023 Permalink  

  Not Nice 

  It does not feel nice out.  The dewpoint and humidity are very high and neck and neck.

  Tomorrow we leave home at nine in the morning heading north.  My mom’s family, Riebe, are very good at getting together once a year.  Surprisingly, many of the families have stayed close to the Litchfield, Darwin and Dassel area.  We are getting together at the city hall of Darwin, home of the giant twine ball.

  Dennis and I talked over what we should bring for the pot luck noon meal.  It is too far to have a hot dish prepared and stay hot for the trip.  The same could be said about a cold dish.  We decided on three dozen frosted cupcakes.  I did post that on the Riebe Facebook site earlier this week.

  I have remembered the weed that Dennis got onto his clothes earlier this week.  The weed got on and stuck on.  The sandbur is a nasty weed.  The t-shirt has been plucked clean.  As I type, Dennis is working on his pants while in the patio porch watching his favorite television shows.  Bless his heart.  It may mean doing this clean-up job in shifts.

  My hoop for stitching came in the post.  Someone made a fortune using the same PVC tubing as there are so many other uses.  The four sides push together.  Having had a 6″ x 6″ and now an 11″ x 11″, a variety of sizes can be made depending on what you need as parts are interchangeable.  It does work well.  With a push the partial circular add-on clamps the fabric.  The work area is nice and taut.  It takes a bit to get the straight push-on edges used often enough for them to be somewhat relaxed so you don’t loose your fingernails getting them off. 

  Take care my special people as cooler weather is said to be coming. Know that Dennis and I will travel safely.  My next post will be Sunday, the 6th of August.

   
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  Noreen 2:04 pm on August 2, 2023 Permalink  

  A Day that Goes Well 

  The older ones on Stauffer are each having a good day.

  With two half gallon sprayers mixed to do battle with the burdock, he was off.

  I stayed behind and spent time in the studio.  I have been away from stitching for some time.  As I was looking at stashes in conjunction with graph paper, I got a phone call from Gibbon.  On the 12th of this month, two t-shirt quilts will be leaving the studio.  Sweet.  I continued on with what will be a scrappy quilt of every color under imaginable.  All the cotton prints will be petite floral.  Once it is on paper, that is half the battle of making the 8″ finished blocks.  No seams to match in the way that I will lay them down.  I do know that it will be 7 blocks across and 8 blocks down with three different configured blocks to make up the top.  By using a half block on the left of the first row and then using the half block on the right of the second row, staggering down the 8 rows, that will illuminate seams that need lining up.  With my blocks being designed, I also will know how much of each piece of fabric to cut.  Not much waste is going to be had.

  I did snap a photo of my stitching.  Keeping the pamphlet close by for encouragement. I am pleased with the progress.  Yes, it is wrinkled.  As I work, the area under the needle is stretched taunt in a hoop.  Steam pressing is way too far in the future to worry about.  I am waiting for Amazon to deliver a new hoop to me.  The one I had been using was a 6″ x 6″ and needed to be held in my left hand as the right hand worked the needle in and out.  Though the left hand does not operate well, I could tell the pull all the way up to my left shoulder.  The one that is coming is 11″ x 11″.  I will be able to rest the top of it on my book rack and the bottom will sit on my lap, leaving the left hand be at rest.  It takes awhile to get everything on board for the best process.

  Dennis now has a pair of pants dedicated to the blue barn acre work.  Without realizing it, he had brushed against the weed that has little stickers that embed themselves into the fabric.  Dennis tried the shop vacuum and the 3M lint roller.  I will wash them by themselves and we have held the dedication ceremony.

  Dennis and I have each had a productive day with all things going well . . . keeping it reasonable.

   
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  Noreen 2:24 pm on August 1, 2023 Permalink  

  Tuesday the 1st 

  Hello August 1st.  Where did you come from?  The pages of the calendar seem to have a breeze that continually flips them at a fairly high rate of speed.

  This morning we checked with each other as to if all parts were moving, albeit a bit slowly.  From bending over and over and over, I could feel a bit of tightness in the ham strings from yesterday’s events.  It still felt good.  No yard work today.

  I have been known to eat cold pizza for breakfast.  I can now add the remnants of a Subway’s tuna sandwich.  I am not a fussy eater.  Bring on the leftovers.  Dennis not so much.  So be it.

  On one of my scribble pads are the notes comprised of a possible scrappy quilt.  I have thought long and hard for a sewing machine project.  I have the idea.  I have the sizes of the fabrics, 8 pieces needed within the block.  It would be a 52″ x 64″ top.  The next item would be going down into the studio to check the stashes as this would be a no-purchase necessary project.

  In the meantime, I have finished one of my books and am working on my hand stitching.  After today, I may have a photo to share.  By no means close to a finish, more like a work in progress.  I am not easily put off by timely projects.

  So . . . I am off to the studio.  It has been a long time since the lights were on.

  Hump day is in the sights, may you all look forward to it.

   
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  Noreen 1:42 pm on July 28, 2023 Permalink  

  Light Show 

  When  a bathroom call got me up at two, there was quite the light show in the northwest.  Hopefully someone, somewhere got a rain shower or two out of all the lightning that was seen.

  The quiet has settled in here on Stauffer for me.  Dennis is up and he and Dwayne were at McDonald’s this forenoon.  I did hear him get up a little after six.  Me?  I drifted back into slumber until eight.

  Reading and stitching is keeping me going.  The sewing machine is getting some well deserved time off.

  For a time, there was talk that Facebook would be implementing a fee.  Nope.  The same mindless posts that I know were flooded in on my site by me “liking” something.  The same goes for emails.

  I do enjoy the YouTube subscriptions I signed on to.  A bit of air time and I am content.  For the most part the house is totally quiet during the day.  Dennis has two televisions in the patio porch until the outside air doesn’t have a breeze, then he is in with the remote in hand.  Even these days the kitties have been stretched out on the bare concrete floor of the garage. 

  May the weekend treat you well and may the temps take a bit of a dip.

   
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  Noreen 2:24 pm on July 26, 2023 Permalink  

  Hmm 

  At 6:15 this morning the rain shower came.  At 6:30 the rain shower was history.  Just enough to feed the uncomfortable day that was dawning.

  Nephew Brett came over this forenoon with some work for Dennis.  It is a gun that needs a lot of cleaning.  Right up the ole cowboy’s avenue.

  I had a thawed pork roast with bone in that went into a baggie with Worchester marinade.  I sliced into the roast with a sharp knife to allow the marinade to seep in during these next 24 hours.  Tomorrow morning, it will hit the crock pot.  It will just be too dog gone hot for anything more than that.

  This afternoon, the furniture store from Hanska delivered our two occasional chairs.  Free delivery along with a $20.00 check.  I had thought they would need to take the sleeper sofa with them, thus the $20.00 charge.  Our carpenter will enjoy the sofa sleeper in his new home.  Priceless.  Dennis got a recliner in 2015.  These two chairs are taking the place of the sleeper sofa purchase from 25 years ago.  We are not a household that purchases furniture often.  I very much enjoy my teak wooden rocker that was purchased in 2009.  We are set.

  It is very uncomfortable outside this afternoon.  The mail did deliver the five office chair casters that I ordered on Amazon yesterday after we returned from Mankato.  At noon lunch, we decided to take this next step slowly.

  In the mean time, I am switching off from reading to stitching until supper time.  That may well be a chicken salad sandwich.