Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from June, 2022 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:13 pm on June 15, 2022 Permalink  

  Rain Dribbles 

  We have had rain dribbles all day long.

  I was out early this morning, but the biting state bird drove me into the studio.

  It was contentment type of stitching.  As I stitched and pressed and then trimmed, I thought back to Megan’s visit several weeks back.  I was able to send home the quilt I had made for her to take to college.  I assured her it was washable as I had tested it out after I had finished it.  It also allowed me to give to her first hand the stipend I had for her.  It will come in handy for college.  Sweet hand offs indeed. 

  I stitched longer than I had anticipated today.  Things went well and I worked myself weary.  Weary is a good thing as it always gives a good night’s rest.  It is rare that something keeps me awake.

  Today was the last day of working with Flying Geese for the sewing project.  Three different sized blocks of them dirty birds to incorporate as per the pattern.  Yes!  Tomorrow, or sometime soon, I will flip the page in the pattern book to see what is next.  The pile of scraps of fabric on the church tables is getting less, so perhaps, so are also the remaining blocks.

  I finally see clearing in the skies.  I hope the rain dribbles are over.  I may have to apply bug repellent, but it would be nice to spend time outside using the patio.  The month of June is half over as is this week.  Last week at this time we were a Curry family at a funeral.  Yesterday Dennis niece’s husband passed away from a heart situation.  We had not planned on sharing time together so soon.

   
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  Noreen 2:42 pm on June 14, 2022 Permalink  

  Good News – Good Day 

  Our medical appointment was at 8:45 with nurse Jody in Mankato.

  Dennis has just two stitches remaining in his left foot from the May 19th surgery.  Good news!  What is even better news is that we do not have a medical appointment in Mankato until June 30th.  Both Dennis and I are ready for this break in traveling to Mankato.

  We were happy to be home by eleven this forenoon before the brunt of the heat hit.

  We had a bite of noon lunch and then we each went our own way.  Dennis to the patio porch and me to the studio.  It being Flag Day, KNUJ has had a good variety of patriotic music by various recording artists.  

  With a pen in hand, I went to the black and white copy of my sewing project and “Xed” off this 12″ completed block of Flying Geese.  This was done in hues of tan and browns.  There are two smaller blocks using the Flying Geese within this pattern.  I have broken out the polka dot printed fabric for them.  There may be a few tips that were not honored on this 12 inch block as the stitching came together.  It was working with a lot of seams to justify.  That will be the proof that this was not done in a sweat shop in China, as those sewn items are massed produced perfectly.

  The HP says it is 92 degrees.  The dew point is at 64 with the humidity at 48.  I was very comfortable in the studio today.  It may be a repeat for me tomorrow.  I have had a good day with local effort.

  I should explain “local effort.”  When I worked at setting values for taxation in the assessor’s office, the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue in St. Paul, mandated that we use the market sale price of property sales in various categories.  I needed to show proof of my “local effort” for equalization of value to taxation.  If my local effort was not within the mandated guidelines, the state would override me and apply a state increase across the board.  That would then be reflected in my review when it came time for my re-appointment.  I was hired by the Commissioner of Revenue and not by the county commissioners.  

  To this day I need to apply local effort, aka: pay attention to what is needed in my household, my studio and managing the business of our household to keep it all humming along in a tidy manner.  My own personnel scorecard.

  Take care and remain safe with the temps.

   
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  Noreen 1:31 pm on June 13, 2022 Permalink  

  Where is the Ark? 

  The rain began falling during the very early morning hours, complete with lightning and thunder.  It didn’t completely stop until forenoon.  Puddles everywhere.  There will be no need to water that which was transplanted last week.

  I had the best morning.  Pushed a few buttons to begin Monday laundry day and then the studio lights were turned on. 

  Dennis decided to take soap pods and quarters to the laundry up town.  Rugs from several months of the back entry’s use and two large polar fleece blankets were in the back of his pickup, ready to roll.  We agreed to meet up at noon for a snack at the dining room table.

  Before I headed down to the studio, I did do my usual computer checks . . . our bank website and my emails.  Blind friend Judy’s daughter, Cindy, had sent an email.  Judy fell in her home yesterday and broke a hip.  Hmm.  She is in the New Ulm hospital.  Cindy said she will be pushing for her mom to go to the health facility in Mankato called Stone Path for a time as more than likely there will be PT needed.  Cindy also mentioned her mom could use a break from her home and use the additional rest.  I was saddened to hear the news.  This may be what is needed for family to rally and get her home in order. 

  Dennis and I had lunch together.  He shared news he had scooped and I shared my news.  

  It was then time for some serious stitching of Flying Geese.  I do have 32, three part blocks sewn.  I will need to check the instructions on the placements to arrive at a twelve inch square completed block of these.  Oh for the mystery.

  With the temps rising over the afternoon, I plan on returning to where I am comfortable . . . the studio until supper time.  KNUJ is spouting forecasts of warm days ahead.  We knew it was bound to happen with this much rain to bring on the steam.  No Ark needed, just plenty of hydration.

   
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  Noreen 1:21 pm on June 9, 2022 Permalink  

  Oh What a Day 

  A balmy 77 degrees.  I was out finishing my Hosta work.  I had a lot of company.  Black biting flies, mosquitoes and gnats.  How fortunate for this company to spur me on to finish my project.

  Is a gardener ever finished?  I think not.  For this year, it has been 150% over last year’s work.  There have been 10 plants that have been given a new home, up close and personnel next to the potting shed and patios.  As much rain as we have had, my shoes did not pick up mud today.  A message that transplanting season is over.

  Dennis mowed the area of our original lot and I got it trimmed.  What a satisfying feeling to have a tidy yard.  Dennis had mowed the east part of the acre yesterday after attending a funeral.  A stroke of luck, we had purchased a trimmer, aka: The Works, that had an easy swapping out of thread when the spool is empty.  We are set for a few days over the weekend.

  I did go to the studio to check out the next block to stitch.  Sixty two three part blocks, called the Flying Geese.  Quilters know it well but that is not saying it is a breeze to whip out.  Time and patience . . . I have a lot of both.

  Tomorrow I had planned on taking friend Judy’s cleaned Bernina back to her for her daughter’s use.  I got a call last night that she would like to go out for lunch first.  How could I refuse a blind person that needs to get out of a less than friendly home.  I said we would go to Perkins.  Drinks are delivered to the table and bathrooms are a few steps away.  Judy had wanted to go to Panera last time and we did.  Unbeknown to me the drinks were self serve and All the way to the back as well as the restrooms.  With one hand at a time managing my cane, I got the drinks.  Getting her past a flood of people that were standing in line to pick up their food at a serving window for access for her to the bathroom . . . I was exhausted.  Judy had a heavy walker that one could turn around and sit on, that was a beast to get in and out of the back portion of my car.

  Here we are at the afternoon of Thursday.  I have the sewing machine in the car as well as an aluminum fold up walker for Judy.  Live and learn.  Who knew how to take a blind person out for an outing!

   Second time should be easier.   I need to use my voice and let her know verbally what I can manage.

  Happy Thursday everyone.  The next time I go out, it will be to put my shovel and spade in the potting shed.  Enough of the dirt work!

   
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  Noreen 12:51 pm on June 7, 2022 Permalink  

  Who Knew? 

  Who knew we would get rain over the early morning hours that has lasted well past noon.

  Today was haircut day at the Curry Comb.  When the calendar fills up with medical appointments, the hair is the last considered.  The blessing is the appointments are not for me.  Niece Brenda does a great job of the cuts.

  We had a few groceries to pick up at Super Fair so I could whip up an oven meal for this evening.  I had the leftover brisket and carrots from the crockpot meal of Sunday night.  My plan was a beef stroganoff with carrots and pasta.  I decided on whipping some sour cream into the hot pasta plus some alfredo sauce.  I don’t think carrots are called for with stroganoff, but they sure had a great flavor to not include them.

  Tomorrow we have a funeral in Windom.  Dennis’ sister-in-law has passed away at age 88.  Dennis is now the lone ranger of his family.

  With the kitchen sink having been cleared of dishes to do and a load of laundry done, I am going to head outside and see how my Hosta transplants are doing with this cool dampness.  Perhaps one more . . . just one more plant may be salvaged from the east portion of the acre.  I do spy a perfect spot for it and it does have leaf patterns that are appealing.  Time will tell for Thursday as the growth with lots of rain will indeed determine how large a hole to dig.  Dennis’ daughter of Mankato has talked and talked about doing a Hosta dig for her yard.  If she does get over here, I hope she has plenty of large containers to take them home in.  

  With the early afternoon left and no need to do more than turn on the oven for supper, the studio may even get the lights turned on for a bit.

   
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  Noreen 1:15 pm on June 5, 2022 Permalink  

  Sunday of Heavy Air 

  A sprinkle here, a sprinkle there.  The air is heavy.  It’s a good thing the birds do not mind it.

  I was determined that the garden shoes would have to do what was needed to get the job done.  Two holes were dug with fertilizer granules added.  After the second hole was dug, I sized it up and realized it could have been better situated in the scheme of things.  Too bad.  A hole dug is a hole that will be plugged with a plant.  In time to come, the plants will fill in and no one but me will know the difference.  I headed out to the east and and after a time and two trips, I had plants for each hole.  This is perfect transplanting weather.

  Whatever plants remain on the east line of our acre has been offered to whomever may need some fillers.  

  I made use of the water faucet on the south side of the house by taking off my garden shoes and cleaning them from toe to heel.  It didn’t bother me to rinse off my bare feet, the bottom of my cane and tip toe into the back entry.

  When I came in, the brisket in the crockpot gave me a great welcome.  I put carrots in the bottom.  I had an onion but chose to leave it on the counter and use some meat rub I had on the pantry shelf.  No potatoes were added.  Though they get tender, they take on an unappetizing dark color.  We had a few potatoes left in a five pound bag and there are now enough peeled with most likely enough for some American fries at another meal time.

  I had all of this done by twelve noon and headed to the studio.  It now feels oh so good to be done with the third and final half square triangle block.  I will call this my pinkish mode using four different print scraps with a peach colored plain.  Sometime soon, I will turn the page of the directions and see what is next.  I have a black and white copy of the finished project, and what a great feeling to put an “X” through each block as I finish it.

  This is deemed as a good day.  I dwell on what I can do and not what I can’t.  Actually, with thought and a plan the “can’t” becomes insignificant.

   
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  Noreen 2:30 pm on June 4, 2022 Permalink  

  Saturday the 4th 

  We had rain that started during the night and it carried over into the forenoon.

  I was bummed as I had had plans to be outside.  With coffee cup in hand I headed to the studio to work on half square triangles.  I didn’t even need a radio on for company.  Dennis came down long enough to decide what kind of progressive soup we would have for supper.

  The quiet of the studio ensued.

  Soon there was a hello coming down the steps of the studio that continued into hellos that filled the studio . . . plus.  It was Dennis’ daughter and her family from Silver Bay that came for a grad’s party on the Dennis’ son-in-law’s family.  In short order we had eleven people over for a visit.  By that time the rain had stopped and the patio was the gathering spot.  What a busy three hours was had before the group left for the graduation party.  Surprise visits can be the best reward.  For us to see the four great grands that range from 14 t0 7 1/2 from the north country is special.  Josie made sure she got the half in.

  What started as a damp dreary day has turned out to be sunny in many aspects.

   
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  Noreen 2:23 pm on May 29, 2022 Permalink  

  Heavy Air 

  This morning right before daylight we had a thunderstorm move through.  Heavy rains with some hail that brought down a lot of tree tips.

  I was surprised that it stayed warm all through the night.  Right now the dewpoint is higher than the humidity.  Nuff said about that.

  My studio is the place to be today.  With a fan moving air it is doable.  I am halfway through the half square triangles.  The two finished blocks began with 32 plain and 32 printed.  Not stressing over the monotony is the only way to take one stitch at a time.  I will need to cut another 32 plain and 32 print for the next half square triangle block.  Whoever dreamt up this pattern may very well have been marking their days off in chalk on their cell wall awaiting release.  I am in this to win it.  Lu was kind enough to have copied this manuscript of a pattern off for me and had sent it, believing I was just the person to tackle it.  With gas prices what they are, $4.24, I am not missing out on anything by staying the course.

  I can now hear the wind chimes on the northwest corner of the house.  Perhaps that will help this heavy air to dissipate.  

  On to the Memorial Day tomorrow.  Us fuddie dutties will leave the highways to the more adventuresome.

   
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  Noreen 2:14 pm on May 28, 2022 Permalink  

  Sunny, Windy and Warm 

  What a great beginning to the holiday.  Sunny, 88 degrees and windy.  I am so happy that we procured this cabin for the entire summer.  Our forever home does qualify for a cabin. 

  Friend Bruce stopped in yesterday to not only deliver our new flag but to let us know they were heading up north to open their cabin for the summer.  Bruce said it is a pain in the butt to drive for three hours, one way, and then work all weekend long getting the cabin fit to enjoy after its been closed up since Labor Day of 2021.  The yard there has the same debris as our yards here in town after a winter and spring of winds.  After all the work and the thought of kicking back . . . it’s time to return home for the workweek.  Bruce works at the platting plant here in town.  Many years ago Bruce nickel platted a proof press for Kevin.  Talk about a handsome piece when it was completed.  

  By noon I had the second bed done with fresh bedding . . . with an extra load of laundry done for good measure.  When Dennis and I had a bite of lunch, I told him I would be spending the afternoon in the studio.  Dennis had plans to be in the patio porch, also keeping busy.

  Putting half square triangles together in a definite pattern can cause the eyes to cross from time to time.  A few ripped seams makes it all work.  There will be a photo when all have come together.

  As warm as it is, I am happy we will be having a re-run of the tuna dish from last night’s supper.  I think I can pick up the aroma of a grill being used somewhere in the neighborhood.  That is one thing I had never gotten the hang of doing or using.  It seems like a lot of work for two hamburger patties or four hotdogs. 

  Checking the clock on the wall, I have a bit of time to return to the studio after having given my left hand a break.  It does rise to the challenge of getting that half square triangle under the needle.

   
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  Noreen 1:43 pm on May 25, 2022 Permalink  

  Wash Out 

  It has rained just enough that my yard work is a bit on the muddy side.  I am anticipating that tomorrow the ground will be wet enough, I can pull some volunteer mustard out that seems to be prevalent.

  I had gotten the four log cabin blocks done on on my sewing project.  I am now on to the half square triangle blocks.  A total of 32 plain blocks and 32 printed blocks lying right sides together were needed.  By drawing a line down the middle, it is a guide to sew a 1/4 seam allowance down each side of the stitching.  Then the block is cut on the drawn line.  The block is flipped open, pressed and the results are 64 of the half square triangle blocks.  

  Yes . . . this project called Long Time Ago is taking me a long time.  Dah!  Where do I think I am going in a hurry.  My stitching was broken up by Dennis driving me from point to point in errands around town.  Both Dennis and I take a vitamin specifically for eye health.  It is a form of Omega 3.  Wonder of wonders our eye clinic is out of them and they can’t say when they will be available.  I was given a number that I could try and have them sent.  Time will tell.  Carrie tuned us in to Lemon Heads.  They are a sour, sour little marble that works wonders when the mouth feels dry for . . . whatever reason.  The Family Dollar sells them for a $1.00 a box.  Dennis went a calling and came out with $13.00 worth.  I guess he doesn’t plan on shopping too often.

  Tonight’s fare is Progressive Soup.  We had fried egg sandwiches this noon.  Neither of us have had a physically strenuous day.

  I did text Megan wishing her a Happy Baccalaureate day.  Friday the Southwest Christian High School has their commencement ceremony.  Dennis and I will look forward to being at Megan’s party in her home a bit later.  Where oh where did these years go?  It’s enough to make a Grammie sigh.