Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from September, 2025 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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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.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:40 pm on August 31, 2025 Permalink  

  Sneaky Bugs 

  When Dennis and I were at the acre doing some weed-whipping, I didn’t realize till much later how many bug bites that been bestowed on me.  And . . . oh how they could itch.  Thank goodness I had a small tube of Cortisone.

  Last week when we dropped off items at Sandy’s in Mankato, I could not believe how many Boxelder bugs were on her home and patio.  As of this afternoon, I did see nary a one here on Stauffer.  Now that is unusual.  I had better not brag about that.

  This afternoon I had a call from Calvin.  He thanked me over and over for the photo album.  We had a wonderful conversation over the next ensuing hour.  It made me feel good that I had taken the time and effort.  How could I not do that for family.  In life, we never truly know what, if any, impact we have from what comes naturally . . . at least to me.   

  After the phone call, I did take the time to see how far Eric, in Saginaw, is from his dad in Cloquet.  Taking side routes, it is about thirteen to fifteen minuets.  Sweet.  I know Eric’s wife has been battling cancer but I did not query that.  Calvin’s youngest son, Jason, does over the road hauling out of his base in Georgia.  Again, I did not query.  Sometime, I will on both counts. 

  This morning before my first cup of coffee, I had our crock pot going.  Inside was a three pound pork butt roast lying on a bed of baby carrots.  I used the last of the hefty marinade that I knifed into the meat.  The top was covered in thick slices of onions.  Now, at mid-day, the aroma is filling the house.

  As I would keep an eye on Dennis, I could see through the window that he has been doing the tidy, tidy in the patio porch.  Tom decided to mow the properties.  With the abundance of rain, it still remains to be needed once a week.  That schedule could shift dramatically with September coming tomorrow. 

  With many emotional feelings fliting in and out on this Sunday, I am doing some stabbing and poking of stitches.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:21 pm on August 26, 2025 Permalink  

  The End 

  Is there really an end when the sifting and sorting begins?  I think not.

  Today, I checked things out and we only have to keep 3-4 years of income tax forms.  Thank you!  We have several cabinets in our living room with drawers.  Yup!  Even drawers no higher than two inches can hold a lot of paper stuff.  A plastic bag next to my chair and one by one items were gone through.  

  Dennis thought all of his items were ready to hand off to his daughter Sandy . . . not so.  More photos that can trace his grandchildren from 0-present day.  Even some photos of his time in Korea.  I was very happy when he took pen in hand and put the date on them . . . 1955.  The photos gave him pause and I am sure along with memories.

  We are both pleased with our endeavors.  Do this sifting and sorting right the first time and it may not have to be repeated.  You now that is not true . . . I know that that is not realistic.

  In between time, I poke and stab a few stitches.  That time allows me to ponder what the next step is going to be and where will it be.  I was always one to keep info manuals when we bought something for possible replacement parts.  That filing cabinet in the studio is the next on my list.  I would bet money that some of the items are no longer on board here at Stauffer Avenue.  I glanced at the cabinet when I took our paperwork from yesterday down to the Harbor Freight storage container on one of the shelves.  When I snapped it shut, I couldn’t look the other way.

  Our dehumidifier has a filter screen mounted on a stainless steel frame.  There has been a lot of fuzz and threads going on in the studio.  Megan’s sewing project alone looked like a hen had been in molt.  All I needed to do was unscrew the panel holding it and take it to the sink to run water over it on the backside to flush off the stuff.  Got that done.  The next was the furnace filter.  I need to make a reminder that I put in the last replacement one.

  My day is closing and I have had a successful one.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 10:29 am on August 24, 2025 Permalink  

  A Sunday 

  It’s a Sunday of mild temps with a breeze strong enough to rattle a windchime in the northwest corner of the house.

  Today, looking out the south windows of my bedroom porch, there is activity.  The neighbor’s sunflower plants are and have been in full bloom for awhile.  The stalks are strong enough that little birds perch on the bloom for a treat.  Oh for the innocence of it all.

  My bedroom porch is a combination of eight windows and two doors.  Very little can get past me either looking out or keeping tabs on the inside of our dwelling.  Sweet.

  The grass is glistening this morning.  The sump pump is running.  Son-in-law Tom can be heard mowing the acre.  All is right with the world.

  Me?  What am I up to.   I have had a cup of coffee with some breakfast nourishment.  I am dressed with my hair combed.  I am on a roll.  My stitching is laying on the 1960s sewing table under the south windows of my bedroom porch.  The stitching is a monochromatic worked with black floss.  I usually have magnetic markers laying in the formation of a “L” so I know where I left off.  Hmm.  I didn’t do that at the last Saturday stitch.  I have been sitting here hunched over trying to discern where that “L” should have been placed . . . count, count, count.  That winds up the gray matter for the day.  All is not lost.  

  The neighborhood has a shingling job in the works.  What great temps for that kind of work.  It is a great feeling that our job jar of large projects would echo if a penny were dropped into it.

  I have soft plans for this day.  The week has met quite a few of my objectives.  The best part is that none of them will need to be repeated, done and done.  It is now on to the usual and customary.

  Oh my goodness, there are several very yellow canary type birds enjoying some sunflower seeds.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥