Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from October, 2022 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 1:44 pm on October 10, 2022 Permalink  

  Mightier than the Sword 

  Dennis with his vacuum is mightier than any sword.  I can only imagine how many Asian Beatles, Box Elder Bugs and black flies he has captured in his shop vac.  How do I escape them?  I prefer doing in the early cool morning hours what needs to be done before they are active.  They just creep me out when I feel one crawling on me.

  What started for me this morning, was to have Dennis shake the kitchen and entry rugs for me and I would give the floors a Swiffer treatment.  Not!  I am not a neat freak.  I do not have dirt phobias.  When the dribbled orange juice all but waves to me from the floor in front of the kitchen counter . . . it is time to act.  Our factory finish flooring has been through the test of times.  The flooring needs a bit more TLC than it did twenty years ago.  The Mr. Clean Erasers do a great job.  It may also mean getting down and personal.  Not this Grammie.  I plop a damp eraser under the bare Swiffer mop and work some magic.  I have also been known to use a nylon scrubby under the bare Swiffer mop with a bit of the Mr. Clean kitchen spray to fight the grime.  It is very evident where the high traffic areas are in the kitchen.  Let’s face it, as small as our kitchen is . . . it could be the entire floor.  No back was going to be harmed during this task.

  For as long as it may or may not last, the kitchen has been tidied.  I don’t expect myself or Dennis to take off shoes coming from outside.  I feel we deserve to use our home as we see fit.

  Dennis gave me a ride to our city library after we had herring, cheese and crackers for our noon lunch.  The city has some streets so tore up, the allies are the best mode of transformation.  Long term parking is not an option, so it is best if the driver of said little red pickup is ready if it needs to be moved for equipment.

  The studio didn’t get much time after my cleaning.  It was important for me to rest the wearies.  The wearies could be anywhere from the neck down to . . . wherever.

  I do have a piece of fabric cut and pressed for an embroidery design.  On the church tables the spools of thread are lined up like troopers that the design calls for.  Before supper I hope to have a new needle in the sewing machine along with an oil and lube job.  I am sure I will find a few balls of thread and fuzz under the hood.  I am getting closer to beginning a project.

  The oven meal of last night will put on a repeat performance for this evening with cranberries on the side.

   
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  Noreen 2:42 pm on October 9, 2022 Permalink  

  Sunday and No Resting 

  When the spirit moves one, it may very well be Sunday . . . just no resting.

  There were a few odds and ends that needed to be tucked into the potting shed.  Once I had had my walk down Stauffer Avenue, I was ready to help.  We don’t leave much out in the yard.  Nothing is sadder than having something bite the dirt after blowing snow, heavy tree branches falling . . . you never know where.  Tidy it up and when the spring of 2023 appears, we can then decide if and where our treasures will be put.  The chainsaw Eagle always is put into the potting shed sitting on concrete pavers.  We have had a spring flood that did indeed flood the potting shed.

  It was warm enough today that we took care of the garden hoses.  Letting them get soft and pliable in the sun and then wound on the reel, getting the last of the trapped water out . . . good deed done.

  Of course then the reel of hoses needed to be put in the car garage.  We never put that in the potting shed.  We keep that close and sheltered.  Who knows when it would be needed in the dead of winter.  What ensued was moving a few items out of the way.  The car was backed out of the garage.  The final event was the leaf bower attacking everything that needed to leave the garage that would and could be moved with air.  

  I could not believe it!  Dennis was satisfied that we had gotten the tick list of his done.  As I mentioned, when the spirit moves us, we get it done with no would have, no could have, no should have.

  I felt Dennis needed a break.  I toddled into the house.  We now have an oven meal ready to pop into the oven for later on.

  Monday will soon be upon us and as luck would have it, it is a quiet week for us.  On Thursday we do have an appointment with the wound doctor for Dennis’ left foot.  I think she is going to be very pleased in the healing that has been taking place.  We still do every other day with fresh dressing.  It is paying off.  The bummer . . . I will miss our stitchers luncheon.  The wound care comes first.  It has been one year this week that we have been doing all that has been prescribed.  We are oh so close, and that does beat being oh so close in a game of horseshoes.

  I sure do have a project sitting in my studio.  Maybe tomorrow is the day for fuzz and threads to return.

   
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  Noreen 1:24 pm on October 8, 2022 Permalink  

  Nippy Morning 

  Due to a nippy morning, I had to hunt up some gloves.  I headed down Stauffer Avenue.  Generally walking against the sun is a challenge.  This morning, I welcomed the warmth that I felt.

  Dennis did check and we do have some days in the 70s still to come.  That is what I will target to put the last patio items in the potting shed.

  Our noon snack was crackers and Herring.  We had not had any for some time and it was tasty.

  This afternoon, I spent time on the laptop in the studio.  Seek and you shall find.  I found several exercises for the L-5 and L-6 for my lumbar spine.  Walking is always a plus, but a bit more is needed.  The doctor’s note on the x-rays of last week indicated that the degenerative situation has progressed to some degree since the last checkup for the spine in 2004.  The good news, no surgery is indicated as well as no injections for nerve blocks.  What I am experiencing is normal wear and tear that can be managed with medications of several types and to keep on moving, moving, moving.  It might be better on some days than others.  What is key for me is that I have several interests to continue for a balanced day . . . like getting my library books returned on the due date of October 10th.

  What was a bit more fun to look at, were several sites for machine embroidery.  My intent is to put the embroidery module on before I begin another pieced quilt top.  A little variety in the studio keeps everything fresh.

  This evening we are cleaning out the refrig of a bit of this and a bit of that and calling it supper.  If we did have a pet to help with leftovers . . . they would get pretty darn hungry.  Waste not, want not.  Dennis talked about an oven meal to make on Sunday.  I am all for that.

  The sun is bright this afternoon and does warm coming through the south windows.

   
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  Noreen 1:55 pm on October 7, 2022 Permalink  

  Feeling the Chilly 

  This morning, no one could help but feel the chilly air.  I do believe tomorrow morning is going to be chillier yet.

  I did turn the furnace on and set the thermostat at 60 degrees.  Just enough to take the chill off.  Lena used to open the oven door on mornings such as this and set the oven at 250 degrees to take the chill off.  Same difference.

  Dennis headed to Madelia Ford this morning with his letter in hand.  There was a recall on the air bags for his little red pickup.  Dennis needed to make an appointment for October 12th.

  My time was spent in the studio.  There now is quilt binding cut, folded and ironed for a time when the purple quilt has been quilted.  There was also some much needed organization that was on the docket.  When organization is done correctly, I do not need to get rid of any more items than I already have.  It’s all about the eye appeal.  Standing on the bottom basement step, first impressions tell the rest of the story.  Yes . . . I think I could also sell ice cubes to the Eskimos. 

  When Dennis came home, I hitched a ride with him to the grocery store.  My one big ticket item was a dozen of eggs . . . $4.69.  Wow.  I can understand why there are quite a few small cities pondering ordinances to allow chickens in the backyards.

  Supper is going to be some Hormel Beef Tips in gravy and instant mashed potatoes.  I still have some brussel sprouts to adorn my fare.  Dennis will brighten up his plate with a piece of strawberry jam bread.  To each his own.

   
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  Noreen 2:40 pm on October 3, 2022 Permalink  

  One Swipe 

  This morning before the Asian Beetles and Boxelder bugs had the sun to warm them, I headed for the Hosta plants.  We have two batteries for the weed whip.  I exhausted one of the batteries.  That was all I had for strength in my hand.  The safety on the weed whip mandates a button to be engaged while a second button operates the actual weed whip.  As it is, both buttons engaged is a physical stretch of the hand.  Tomorrow morning I will hit it again.

  We had very little garden art out out this year.  Many trips to the potting shed with one hand holding the goodies, with the right hand on the cane.  I am not taking any chances of taking a fall.  Slow and steady.  

  There is a difference between Dennis and myself.  Dennis still thinks as a 50 year old with reflexes of a 50 year old, rather than the 86 year old that he is with reflexes that mirror that.  That is evident with the things he has lying around to trip over in the garage.  I follow behind and pick them up and put them aside.  If he lifts his feet an inch off of his walking surfaces, that would be it.  A fall waiting to happen.  I think like a 78 year old that has had a stroke with mobility of a 78 year old.  I may be a pain in Dennis’ side, but why take a chance of having to heal from a fall when it takes seconds to be proactive.

  Also tomorrow my plan of attack is to wash the east bathroom window.  Dennis is done washing off the outside of the house for the year.  I have a scrubby that has an arm that can be extended.  I don’t need a perfect job done, just enough so I can see outside in the early mornings.  The remainder of the windows can all be tipped in.  Sweet. 

  The purple quilt top has been folded up for quilting at a later date.  I did cut the fabric for the quilt binding this afternoon.  Putting the folded ironed binding with the quilt top, does make things easier in wrapping up a project.  Why put off something that will need to be done anyway.

  Yesterday, I found out that great grandson Oliver is into Pokémon.  He was so proud to show me his cards.  He made a point of telling me that he couldn’t take them to school.  With the quilt project done, I am pretty sure I have some Pokémon printed fabric left from making Kersten some pillow cases.  I will surprise Oliver with getting a pillowcase in the mail.

  The week is off to the air filled with harvest dust from the grain elevator that is five blocks west of us.  It is a dust that represents the farmer’s reward of a farming year.

   
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  Noreen 1:31 pm on October 1, 2022 Permalink  

  Purple Top Finished 

  A Saturday morning on Stauffer can be busy.

  Dennis was planning on making the trip to Windom for the day’s trade show.  Keeping up with friends when Dennis had set up for the weekend, sounded like a good idea to me.  To make sure that he would be able to smooze the isles easily, Dennis decided to take the walker with that one can easily turn around in and sit down.  Sometimes the legs can get weary and why take a chance of missing out on anything.

  When Dennis had pulled out of the drive, I headed down Stauffer with my walking crutches.  A brisk walk and I knew I would be heading into the studio.

  With coffee in hand and my telephone in my pocket . . . I was set.  The telephone in the pocket is sweet.  I don’t and won’t rush to answer the phone.   No KNUJ radio on a Saturday as it is nothing but sports.  Minnesota 100 has good country music on.

  When I would have least expected it, a good phone conversation was had this forenoon.  That set the tone for the remainder of the day and will carry through for many days to come.

  The purple quilt top is finished.  I have used 8.25 yards of fabric out of my stashes and the quilt top measures 77″ x 105″, give or take an inch.  Putting the three borders on it had quite a bit of heft under the needle by the time the last one was done.  I did the borders by the book, 3″, 4″ and 5″.   Adding the 4″ of olive green picked up the greens in the leaves of the grape vines.  I have had that green in my stashes a long time.  There are just as many greens in the color pallet as there are of whites. 

  When this post is done, the lights here in the studio will be turned off.  Dennis is not home as yet and I might just take that last cup of cold coffee and read for a while.

  Needless to say my studio’s floor needs some TLC.  Threads everywhere.  With this project I got my fill of the fabric by the Maywood Studio mills.  The yardage ravels something fierce.  The price per yard is comparable to other brands and the warp and weft are also the same.  I was really happy the third border was from a different company.  Handling the quilt top from this point to actually quilting it, the edges could have been compromised.  The cleanup is for another day.

  Tomorrow is Luella’s fourth birthday party.  Her and Great Grandpa Dennis share the same date.  This calls for a trip to Mankato for a birthday cupcake.

   
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  Noreen 2:43 pm on September 30, 2022 Permalink  

  A Sweet Day 

  A good night’s rest with no getting up during the night for a bathroom break.  That calls for a sweet day.

  I do have unusual breakfasts at times.  I couldn’t see the last of the baked acorn squash go to waste.  After two suppers, Dennis was over it.  Some acorn squash drizzled with syrup . . . a tasty breakfast.  I am not a fussy eater.

  My day has been in the studio.  My purple log cabin quilt top now needs to have three borders attached to it and then it becomes a quilt large enough for a double sized bed.  I do tend to get side tracked in the studio.  Checking this, checking that . . . looking to see if there are some items that could grace the recycling bin or the garbage bin.  It is my goal to pair down wherever I can.

  We had a frost that bit into the greenery of the Hosta earlier this week.  When I look out the bathroom window, the fall season is very evident.  Had not the wind been blowing during the cool morning, I would have gotten the weed whip out to knock down the Hosta.  I did put that off until next week.

  The mail brought a letter that looked as if it should have come from a family member.  What it was, was an estimate of car insurance coverage for our two vehicles.  Glancing at it, from State Farm, I am going to spend a bit more time on it to see if it would be or should be considered.  A penny saved is not a bad idea.

  This evening is our last meal of the chicken oven dish.  Boo Hoo!  So much for good tasty leftovers . . . until the next time.

   
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  Noreen 2:19 pm on September 29, 2022 Permalink  

  Great Feeling 

  There is no greater feeling than coming from seeing your family doctor and all things are copasetic.  I had mentioned earlier that I had some concern over my right knee.  After all, eighteen years of use, does not guarantee that many more.

  The last CAT scan I had of my spine was n 2004.  Now eighteen years later, the news is not a surprise.  The degenerative arthritis of then has significantly increased.  My knees are fine.  Am I complaining?  No.  If my ole bones could talk, it would fill volumes.  I was a diligent farmer’s daughter and never backed away from the chores on the end of a pitchfork or how many bales needed moving up in the hay barn.

  When my babies were small, I worked side by side with Orlin on our farm.  I recall, Orlin and I went to a neighborhood party.  Johnny Munnes had a band and lived not too far away.  He told me he hardly recognized me as he said I cleaned up pretty good.  Too funny.

  Arthritis may well be in the genes.  I am not sure of that.  I do know that I pray my two children work smarter rather than harder in their endeavors.

  I did come away today with some strengthening exercises that I can do sitting in a chair.  The walking and the bike peddling are good, but the spine and pelvic bones will serve my legs better than anything and in the long run.  It’s all about those lovely ham strings and what they command. 

  I came home feeling great as there had been that niggling in the back of my brain about the titanium knees wanting to give out.  I will say our family doctor stays on top of . . . everything.  I feel very fortunate. 

  By the way, the brussel sprouts in the chicken oven meal went great.  We talked about the tuna dish that Dennis makes.  It really is bland.  It was Dennis’ idea that the brussel sprouts would work in that oven meal as well.  That’s all I needed to hear.  This morning when the house was chilly, I set the oven at 350 degrees and roasted off the remaining sprouts.  I  put a freezer bag of them in the freezer for use at another time.  I think we have a convert.

  There is still time in the day, so I am going to tackle a bit of stitching.

   
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  Noreen 2:10 pm on September 28, 2022 Permalink  

  A Full Day 

  It might have been chilly this morning, but we were on the move.

  Yesterday we stopped at Sam’s Club in Mankato.  Kitty litter and Meow Mix is more reasonable than anywhere else.  One of the wives of the Korean Veteran’s luncheon had told me how much they like the rotisserie chicken from Sam’s.  Yesterday, I plopped one in a bag.  Down the aisle I purchased a 1.3 lb. tray of brussel sprouts.  They were not in the cooked state.  They were marinated in soy oil, basil, garlic, balsamic wine vinegar and grape mustard.  I did have a plan going forward for those goodies.  Dennis likes something with his breakfast coffee.  He is currently hooked on muffins from Sam’s.  Not that the cost is the determining factor, but the flavor whether, blueberry, cinnamon or banana.  By the way they are $.74 each.  Dennis’ daughter thinks they would be better if half the size.  The muffin works for Dennis and there is something in his stomach with the meds.

  This morning, it was monthly haircut time at the Curry Comb.  We don’t see Dennis’ niece in between time and as the snip, snip ensued the two of us were caught up in news, brushed clean of hair and we were on our way.

  When we got home, each of the 1 1/2 dozen muffins were put in a sandwich bag and popped into the freezer.  Breakfast done for some time to come.

  Dennis had told me early on he was going to make an oven dish.  Hmm.  My goal was to debone the 3 lb. chicken and make ready for use in an oven meal for supper.  Needless to say there was enough cut up and diced chicken for our oven meal plus two freezer bags ready to use another time.  Two cups per oven meal is my measure.  I diced up two cups of the fragrant brussel sprouts and nuked them in the microwave for two minutes.  It smelled so good.  By the time Dennis came in to make the oven dish, I had the chicken and brussel sprouts co-mingling in our little round blue enamel roaster.  A sprinkle of soy sauce over the mixture before Dennis came in worked.  I turned the kitchen over to Dennis.  It was his choice of the two cups of pasta and the sauce.  The sauce was determined to be the Alfredo.  Given a single brussel sprout to eat, Dennis would not eat it.  Diced and chopped hiding in the chicken and pasta, drowning in sauce, Dennis thought it was a good idea.  I like a bit more flavor than what canned chicken gives.  The rotisserie chicken has great flavor.  My sister Elvera always made a cold chicken salad using the rotisserie chicken, adding red and green grapes among a few other ingredients.  I stand a better chance with Dennis using the brussel sprouts.  Too funny. 

  While Dennis was in charge of the kitchen and the follow up with the dishes, I wrangled two loads of laundry.  Putting away the summer weight sheets means contending with the fitted sheets.  I prefer getting them to a point where I can roll them up like a small sleeping bag.  Hey, it works and it fits in the cupboard.  For those that can actually get them folded into a tidy little square . . . hats off. 

  It has been a full, satisfying day.  I need to pre-heat the oven at 4:30.  I am not starting anything in the studio, but rather sit in the sun in my bedroom porch and read a bit.

  Happy hump day.

   
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  Noreen 2:34 pm on September 25, 2022 Permalink  

  Fierce Winds 

  If anything would be loose outside, it would now be in someone else’s yard.  Days such as these being out in the backyard would not be safe.  We have had too many limbs take sail over the years.

  Dennis in his recliner and me in the kitchen.  I wrangled a beautiful acorn squash getting it ready for the afternoon’s oven . . . in time for supper.  Baked out squash is one of my favorites.  I did take out some extra butter.  Butter, pepper and some scant salt could make squash a total meal.  I do have two hamburger patties to add to it.

  Via the KNUJ’s radio station, I dug around in my stashes for complementary fabrics with which to add borders to the log cabin pieced quilt top.  Two out of the three is not too bad.  More seeking and searching tomorrow.  The third one pictured the farthest from the finished top, next to the green in the photo is not going to cut it.  Short by 1/4 yard.  Over night, a plan may make itself known.  Perhaps a creative bug will hit over night.

  I checked in with Megan this afternoon.  Her and her roommate had slept in a bit this morning and were heading down to the cafeteria for noon lunch.  Lunch here on Stauffer Avenue was a bit scant as the oven roasted squash will be worth the wait.