Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from July, 2023 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 3:23 pm on July 22, 2023 Permalink  

  Quite the Day 

  The main objective for the day was laundry.  When Dennis works outside, it doesn’t matter if two t-shirts hit the laundry or a dozen.  Clean clothes is desirable.

  By 10:30, I was ready to ride shotgun over to the blue barn acre.  Lopper and weed whip in the pickup and we were off.  There is a lot of the Kudzu vines in the trees.  We did cut a lot of it off, down to the roots.  The next step will be our little pumper gallon sprayer with a strong mixture of RoundUp to go around the trees.  There is one Black Walnut tree with a crop of nuts in the greenery.  Right next to it is a very old Mulberry tree.  The ground around it is full of berries that fell once they were too ripe to hang onto the branches.  Every time Dennis mows it is looking better.  Once tall weeds are cut, it gives the good grass a chance to stool out.

  By twelve noon we were home, giving legs and arms a break.

  I did go down into the studio and check the YouTube video on what the next steps would be for my project bag.  Watching a video over and over breeds familiarity.  What needed to come first was a good cleaning under the hood complete with oiling and a new needle after the embroidery I had done for Kersten.  Using the machine doesn’t hurt as long as I keep it cleaned and oiled.  Just like a valued vehicle.

  Tomorrow may see some actual stitching.

  When Dennis visited the studio, we agreed on soup with a fried egg sandwich on the side.

  Happy Sunday coming around the corner.

   
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  Noreen 1:28 pm on July 21, 2023 Permalink  

  Back at It 

  Today after enjoying coffee on the front deck, I began making plans for the studio.

  As I sat looking about the neighborhood, I couldn’t help but notice the leaves on the trees are cupped, hoping to catch so dew.  Well . . . as dry as it has been, I don’t think we hold out hope for dew that heavy.

  I had been catching some YouTube videos in regard to fabric project bags with zipper closures.  Hmm.  I could use one of them for my counted cross stitch project.  My bag would be 16″ across by 14″ deep before sewing seams.  The instruction pamphlet can easily slide in without crinkling it.  First thing I knew I would need is a zipper at least 16″ long.  I happened to have a lime green 24″ zipper.  The length can always be cut off.  The next item to check on is the box that holds green fabric.  Yup, I have some of that.  The bags are lined.  I also have some of the Fusible Wonder-under iron-on for stiffening.  Gotta love a full service studio.  I have completed the fabrics that needed cutting out.  The Fusible Wonder-under is also ironed onto the fabric of the back of the printed fabric of the bag and also the back of the front of it as well as also the smaller shorter front fabric that the zipper is sewn onto as well as the shortened front piece.  That was all for today folks from the studio.  Tomorrow is another day.

  I do want to read a bit this afternoon in my “cherry” red chair.  Thanks editor! Tee Hee!

  Dennis and I have agreed on supper, which is always a good thing.  Chopped up pre-cooked meatballs, warmed up left-over instant mashed potatoes combined in a heated skillet.  Just before all is heated through, an egg put on the top of said mixture and give it all a toss so the egg has a chance to scramble.  We call it a smorgasbord.

  Rest well all that have had a good run of this week.

   
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  Noreen 2:13 pm on July 20, 2023 Permalink  

  Thursday the 20th 

  Hmm.  They said if we were not included in the rain showers of last night, we would be in for a long spell of warm, hot and dry days.

  Once I had three needles threaded for stitching in my bedroom porch, I headed into the studio.  It does accumulate more than is warranted.  

  My sister-in-law is a registered nurse.  Her mother does not have Blue Cross Blue Shield Senior G0ld insurance as Dennis and I do.  At ninety plus, her mother battles open wounds from bumping into things.  I offered JoAnn whatever medical supplies we had left from the lengthy bout Dennis had had with his left foot.

  Today what was left of supplies I made a first-aid kit for the Fairfax team of usual items that could be used at home or in the shop.  The remainder is in a tote with a cover and handles of what we may put to use.  Got that cleared off the studio floor.  The pair of hard soled shoes and one knee high boot, all with Velcro, is also stored in a basement closet.  Whew, what a good deed done.

  When Dennis went to the eye clinic yesterday, he came home with an appointment card for October 18th of this year.  Yippee!  This morning the VA clinic needed him for an INR blood draw, clotting check.  That was spot on.  The VA is a monthly check.  Being five minutes away and taking another five minutes to completion is no big deal.  Fewer appointments are always favorable.

  Dennis just came in for an afternoon coffee break.  Nephew Brett had been over with a skid loader and pushed as much of the loose brush together on the blue barn acre as possible.  That allowed Dennis to mow a bit more and then he followed up with the weed whip.  The 1.14 acres looks tidy from the Hammond Hwy.  At some time, there are trees that could be cut down as none of them are keepers.

  Tomorrow, the weekend begins.  The month is flying by.

   
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  Noreen 2:46 pm on July 16, 2023 Permalink  

  Sunday, Sunday 

  No good deed goes unpunished.  Having had a light supper last night, a dish of vanilla ice cream sounded good at eight last night.

  Wouldn’t you know it!  Four a.m. a bathroom visit was needed.  I went back to bed with eyes wide awake.  The dang birds were tweet tweeting to high heaven.  I got up and sat on the front deck and took in a fair amount of traffic watching.  Dennis got up at his usual time, six, and I greeted him with “Good Morning.”  I was sitting in my rocking chair.  He was surprised that I was up.  Once I could smell the coffee, I knew I was up for the day.  When the coffee was done, we both sat on the front deck with that freshly brewed black stuff.  Dennis, then with his breakfast box under his arm and his thermos type of coffee cup headed to the patio porch.

  I went into the studio and got some items together that I had started yesterday.

  By eight Dennis was in for a nap and I put a jacket on and went out to the gardens.  The weed that had put out such beautiful purple flowers was now done for the year.  Honey Bunny joined me and we pulled them up by their shallow roots.  Another bundle of greenery awaits drying by Dennis’ burning ring.  I even beat the bumble bees that love the Russian Sage by nabbing a hefty growth of nightshade in one of the corners of their purple blooms.

  With energy spent I came in and settled down to watch some YouTube videos.  My day just kept rolling along.  I now have Dennis’ favorite cold salad cooling in the refrig.  It’s the one with the pasta little rings, diced Spam, diced onion, green peas, diced celery and mayo.  Both Carrie and Kevin like it as well.

  Guess who is going to be in bed earlier than usual tonight, and . . . no ice cream.

  Tomorrow Dennis is going to Mankato to pick up his first pair of specialized shoes since the left foot has totally healed from . . . no toes.

  I am heading to New Ulm in the afternoon tomorrow to have a repair on my car.  Yippee!  It is covered under my warranty.  My favorite daughter-in-law will rescue me from the several hour wait as we go for a soft drink.  Sweet.

   
• 

  Noreen 1:38 pm on July 15, 2023 Permalink  

  Quiet Day 

  Both of us have stayed in our respective worlds today.  Dennis in the patio porch and me in the studio.

  I moussed around in some stash that I had in the studio for quite some time.  Thinking about what could be done with it before someone else decides for me.  I do have some ideas.  I will share those ideas with someone that may be able to assist.

  I went to the grocer’s at noon.  The air is nasty and it does smell like heat from an electrical source.  Quite a few were wearing face masks.  Wise move for those with vulnerable lungs.

  Our evening meal will be light as neither of us had done a lick of work today.

  Our fair is going on right now and as I drove past after picking up my prescriptions from the Lewis Drug, it looked like a huge crowd with the free admission.

  Catch you all tomorrow.

   
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  Noreen 12:54 pm on July 14, 2023 Permalink  

  My Butterfly 

  Celebrations can be for the most minute accomplishments.

  This morning I finished some prototypes in the studio for a family member.  Hush!  It’s a secret.  In due time.

  Each time I looked up and out the studio windows today, I was sure we were going to have rain.  KNUJ mentioned the towns around us that were getting a sprinkle or two . . . but not us.  What they did mentioned about the fires in Canada, was spot on.  It smells a bit like an electrical fire.  Ish!

  These last five days had been fairly full for me.  Dennis’s appointment in Mankato on Monday was a walking marathon for me.  The hospital is expanding by adding several stories to the existing structure.  Each time we go, the parking has been diminished for patients.  Dennis and I both used our walking sticks.  The day was successful, complete with the patio porch kitties having their favorite litter product.  I might order it via Amazon next time or immediately go to Hy-Vee.

  Tuesday’s yearly exam for me was a long day for my shoulders.  The mammogram needs the arms at a certain angle for a good x-ray.  Grin and bare it.  The bone density also had the arms doing what I thought they couldn’t, plus twisting of the back for a good x-ray.  I grinned through it and all reports were done correctly with good reports for me.  Mission accomplished.

  The hair cut yesterday was fantastic.  Dennis and I both went to the gal that does our pedicures.  So long Curry Comb!  Yesterday I came out of Maria’s salon feeling like I had a cut with come styling and not a man’s hair cut, plus an inch or two in length.  Dennis was pleased with his cut as well.  We do have options as to who we spend our money with and not because of family ties.

  With busy days. Today, I feel very relaxed and my body is not hurting.  A day to stay in my own surroundings does make a difference.

  I am sharing my counted cross stitch butterfly.  It has taken me a while, but I find it ever so relaxing.  This is my first new counted cross stitch project since 2002.  The siege of the Santa’s was from 1996 through 2002.  In between time, I did finish several projects I had started.  The light coming into the eight surround windows in my bedroom porch is great.  I don’t stitch for long periods of time.  This does go to show, one threaded needle of floss at a time, headways can be made.

  May the weekend be kind to you as you kick back a bit and do what makes you content.

   
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  Noreen 2:20 pm on July 13, 2023 Permalink  

  Thursday the 13th 

  Man, oh man.  The heat sure came up today in a hurry at noon.

  We had hair cuts here in town this afternoon.  One day the hair feels ok and the next day, its got to go.

  The studio and I are hatching out a plan to work with a family member’s plan.  Nothing for certain and nothing out of the realm of possibilities.  There will be more at a later date.

  This is a short and sweet ditty today.  I came home from the haircut and didn’t really want to tackle much.  That’s what can happen when the earlier part of the week can do me in.

  Catch you tomorrow.

   
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  Noreen 2:44 pm on July 9, 2023 Permalink  

  Hello Sunday 

  This morning, with a breeze, it felt great.  With three cats following me to the east old Hosta bed, we headed out to see what the Roundup did for us yesterday.  Hmm.  I may be a little impatient.  We will try again tomorrow to take this walk.  I was just thrilled to have the area looking better than it had all of this spring and summer.  The cats found that hiding and playing in the tall plume grass a great game of cat and cat. 

  I can so vividly see Lena in her quest with weed killer.  Lena in her dust cap and a sprayer would check the rows of the new wind break.  She always had on heavy gloves.  If the weeds were too close to the young trees, she carried along a rag that she would spray with the weed killer and then take a hold of the weed and pull it through the rag as she held it.  Take that!

  If Lena, aka: Mom, was outside, more than likely a dust cap was on her head.  She took round circles of print fabric and sewed a hem that she would string elastic through.  Various colors of her dust caps were on the peg by the back door.  It was her perfect solution for helping out in livestock barns or in dusty chicken barns.  Mom’s hair was always fit to be in the company that the situation called for.

  As the east patio was getting a tidy look via the leaf blower, next door Jan came out for a chat.  Her yard reminds me of my yard years ago, waiting for the weed that dares show its face.  Jan is now retired from our school district.  May the birdies fly over her yard and pop out lots of seeds that will become weeds.  Jan has no hobbies to take her into quiet hours if there is no yard work.  She’ll get it figured out.

  The front deck had been my place earlier for coffee before I had gone outside.  When coming in from blowing off the east patio, I had a peanut and jelly piece of toast with the second cup of coffee while reading a few pages in my newest old book from the library while in my cherry red chair.  Washing the hands, the counted cross stitching needed a few pokes with the tapestry needle.  By the way, that cherry red chair is perfect for back support while stitching.  The left hand holds the hoop and the right hand runs the needle doing one “x” at a time.  I enjoy the quiet of my bedroom porch.

  The next event of my day was down in the studio.  A long time ago, I found four nice textured woven black placemates.  I had thought of making my own black mats from scratch for a project that has been discussed in the Pokemon vernacular.  I need three for sure and this will give me a chance to try out the fourth to see how it stitches.  More some time later on that.  I do move from one item to the next in my days as it is kinder on my ole body than overdoing any one thing.

  Tomorrow we see Dr. Renee in Mankato and she will sign off as Dennis’ wound doctor.  Everything done according to insurance and Medicare.  Jump through one hoop at a time.

  Enjoy what is left of the weekend.  It has been great.

   
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  Noreen 1:11 pm on July 7, 2023 Permalink  

  Another Gift 

  Another welcomed day of cool temps.  A great gift.  Breakfast under my belt, garden shoes on and out the door I went.  The Roundup I applied yesterday had a lot of weeds hanging their heads.  I chose three more Hosta to cover with my pails before the Roundup was sprayed.  Some of the broadleaf weeds looked sicker than some of the clover.  Hmm.

  With Honey Bunny trailing after me, I went to the far east to check on an older Hosta bed.  What my intentions are is for the plume grass to take that entire area over.  The white feathery plumes are beautiful in the late fall.  Each plume also has a seed pod for birds to harvest.  When I got closer to the area, I could not believe the amount of Nightshade plants.  They are easy to pull up and before I knew it, I had a bail of them piled up.  My gardening time was over.  Tomorrow I will take a clipper with me as there are several Elm trees that have gotten a pretty good start.  I intend to pull all the nasty unwanted, staying with my early hours as the temps may decide to climb over the weekend. 

  I visit the library and take home quite a few books from the rack of books put out to pasture.  When I came in from gardening, I enjoyed a cup of breakfast coffee and finished the one in my bedroom porch.  What I do with them when I have finished, I plunk it into the recycling bin just as the library does with those not taken home by anyone.

  My stitching of counted cross stitching took me up to the time Dennis came in for a noon half sandwich.  I had leftover meatloaf on a slice of bread and Dennis had a tuna sandwich.  One length of thread does make headways in the stitching.

  I had been contemplating a project in the studio.  There had been quilt blocks saved on a flash drive.  Rather than the multied colors on each block, I wondered what the design would look like in silhouette for either a placemat, a pillow or the popular mug rugs.  I have one such prototype under the needle right now.  When it is stitched out, I will need to confer with a partner in crime for decision time.

  Take care everyone and keep the balance in life as your main focus.

   
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  Noreen 2:28 pm on July 6, 2023 Permalink  

  My Element 

  On this chilly morning, I was up early and in my element, bent over getting after a few weeds that I knew would pull up well from the half inch of rain we had earlier in the week.

  Where the old Lilacs were cut down there is no shortage of sucker plants coming.  Not all are going to make it.  I reserve the right to set literal boundaries.  Realizing that my set time for gardening was fleeting, I set about putting three pails over three Hosta.  Let the Roundup commence.  I left the pails in place as tomorrow morning, I will protect three more Hosta before spraying.  Take that you nasty clover plants!

  I do put a time limit on my gardening.  If I waited until my arms began to ache . . . it would be too late.  If restless legs are difficult to contend with, the left arm, from the stroke, will keep me up all night as the nerves retaliate from too much for too long.

  Dennis was just getting up from his morning nap when I came into the house at 10:30.  His task was mowing the remaining yards.

  After washing up, I was content having a cup of breakfast coffee and reading in my bedroom sitting upon my cherry red chair.  After a bit, I worked on my counted cross stitch.  I am really enjoying the project.  I don’t stay at it for long lengths of time as the right hand tends to want to fall asleep from gripping the needle.  Everything in my world is doable if I listen to my body.  It all ends up giving me a balanced day and a balanced life.

  Tomorrow on my agenda is to do an embroidery design that I have been mulling over.  I will let you know how that turns out.

  This evening we are having the last of the two-minute meals we had purchased in Mankato this last Monday.  It will be meatloaf accompanied by our very own instant mashed potatoes.

  Don’t you just love this weather!