Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from November, 2021 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 1:53 pm on November 2, 2021 Permalink  

  Heavy Clouds 

  Intermittent sun but the clouds trump it.  This weekend promises nice weather.

  This morning was my first PT session with Mike T.  He was sure the hamstrings would be doable.  An elbow in the correct spot can do more good to release nerve endings and bound muscles than any tennis ball.  The best solution going forward . . . keep moving.  Being sedentary is the worst. 

  I had even found during these last weeks that adjusting my sewing table to its maximum height and standing while attaching the hoop for embroidery module worked better than sitting at the machine. Thanks for Kevin’s advice and Dennis’ shopping spree I have that capability of height adjustment with the sewing table.  Ironically, when I visited the Bernina shop last week, Amanda had several of the same tables in the store that had been purchased at Home Depot.  A wise purchase for a reasonable investment.  No vibration makes the table ideal.

  I had been walking every day down Stauffer to the east.  Today, after I had gotten tuned up at the first sessions of PT, I took a second walk.  Taking long strides felt good.  Not using the cane 100% but rather taking each end of the cane in each hand and working it to the right and left in opposite to the step I was taking.  In case of a misstep the cane can come down for the rubber to meet the gravel for full stability faster than a gnat can blink. 

  There were a few potatoes in the garage that begged to be used.  The peeled potatoes after they had been boiled will make great American fries combined with onion slices.  A pound package of hamburger meat allowed for two formed patties to be put in the freezer for future use, while we have two done up for supper.  It always is satisfying to know what will be served for supper before five in the afternoon.  At five in the afternoon when nothing has been planned . . . I feel like a deer in the headlights.

  All that is remaining for me in the kitchen is to whip up a batch of thin powdered sugar glaze to put over the six scones I had baked out earlier.  One a day for Dennis . . . I am off the hook until a week from today.

  How on earth did I ever have time to hold down a full time job!  I am pretty sure the days have gotten shorter in conjunction to my stamina becoming less.  What the heck!   Where am I going!  I keep appointments and I remember what day of the week it is.  It is a win, win.

   
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  Noreen 2:16 pm on October 30, 2021 Permalink  

  A Great Bright Day 

  It may be bright and sunny but our early start for this Saturday has been dashed by frost making all things green very wet.  The sun will have to dry us out before tackling the acre.  Dennis told me to cool my heels until he gave me the heads up that he needed help.  Dennis plans on mowing the acre one last time today.

  The lights were turned on in the studio.  I was anxious to see if a plan had worked out.  A software product was purchased from the Bernina shop quite a few year ago.  I have enjoyed using it.  It allowed me to embroider over 40 Pokémon designs by increasing the sizes to allow for each 8″ quilt block.  Kersten loved and still loves her quilt.

  The baby blanket I am currently working on speaks to many bright colors.  Fifteen of the blocks will be on plain blue flannel that has been embroidered on and fifteen blocks will be of a printed flannel.  Ten of the embroidered blocks will have the one to ten numerals in bright colors.  The software program allowed me to make them any size I wanted.  On an 8″ block, I decided on four inch letters.  As the size is determined, the software adjusts the number of stitches . . . allowing for a good looking finished product.  I have learned over the years that a statin stitch need not be as heavy as the program allows for.  I dial it down to 85% density.  I also chose a font that wasn’t heavy looking.

  When I asked Dennis’ opinion, he thought the numeral on a block was lacking something.  I agreed.  I found several small designs that I downloaded and then merged a small design on each numerical block.  Loading each numerical block with the merged designs allows for one hooping . . . keeping it as one design, one stitching under the hoop.  It is really hard to leave as two separate designs.  I know myself that I’d never get it in the correct spot.  As I was cooling my heels waiting for Dennis to let me know he was ready for me . . . I had to try out an embroidered block.  The pen company of Pilot manufactures pens for sewing and quilting.  The markings disappear when a hot iron is applied.  Under the hoop my blue flannel went with a topper of clear stabilizer that can be easily torn off afterwards.  The topper makes sure that the stitching stays on the surface and does not get embedded into softer material.

  After all was said and stitched and tidied up, I am going to be pleased how these ten blocks will turn out.  There is no plan to hurry but I needed to satisfy my curiosity.  The secret is to use the software often enough so as to not forget the steps . . . much like loading photos often enough for my posts.  Even known habits can fall by he wayside.

  Here we are at mid afternoon and sure enough, the yard dried out by noon.  Dennis is on the last of the acre.  Several breaks have been had and his foot is not having any negative effects from the vibration of the mower.  I marvel at my ole cowboy.  Hopefully the leaves will have smooth sailing across the short grass as the wind takes them.  I managed to use the weed whip and 75% of the Hosta have been cut down.  The next time we go to Home Depot we will have to purchase more of the plastic thread for our WORX weed whip.  Lots of Black and decker supplies from a previous weed whip.

   
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  Noreen 2:02 pm on October 29, 2021 Permalink  

  Sunshine 

  I was in the studio and when the sun beams came through the south windows, it caught me off guard.  I thought for a moment the flashlight mode of my telephone had been turned on accidently.

  The morning started in the studio but I knew as soon as Dennis was moving, I would be outside helping him.  All went well.  All garden hoses have been drained and put into the potting shed.  The last two lawn chairs and the small table have been tucked away.  Dennis made one trip to the far east garage.  I have an idea he will try to mow the acre tomorrow.  I will not stop him.  Soon enough he will know if the foot can take the vibration.  He did ask about one of the small kitty pillows, if he could use it if it helped.  What’s the worse that can happen . . . it being run over by the mower.  Through this last week, Dennis said he felt better if he kept busy.  It is one of the best things to avert feeling pain.  I know he can’t hurt the foot.  It looks similar to a football with all the wrappings.

  The Russian Sage was cut off today.  It was still very full of the purple flowers and difficult to call it a season by whacking it.  When we push the season and the fingers get bitterly cold . . . that is not good.  Dennis picked up the huge bundle and I followed behind and picked up what he dropped.  I swear there were bees that followed us the entire way to the burning ring.  It won’t be burned until it dries so the bees can enjoy it until then, just at a different location.  The pungent aroma was all over our clothing.  Number three cat, Harriet, usually likes to have the top of her head scratched.  One sniff of my hands turned her off.  Silly kitty.

  I have been invited to a baby shower.  The grandmother asked me in August if I would make a baby blanket for her son.  She is a second cousin of mine.  There are no moms or grandmas left in their immediate family.  I told her, at that time, that I sew from my stashes and sew from the heart.  Once a non-sewer can dictate, it takes the fun out of it for me. Though I will not be attending the shower in Litchfield, I will work on the baby blanket.  The baby isn’t due until the early part of 2022.  They did find out this last week it would be a boy.  Showers that begin at five in the afternoon, means that the drive home, one and a half hours, would be in the dark.  Neither Dennis nor I have good night vision.  So be it. 

  Considering that I came to have been given fabric this summer, I pulled out flannel for the blanket.  Today the sewing machine was turned on . . . the first time since the servicing. There are plenty of embroidery designs loaded within my machine that will work perfectly.  Today two blocks were stitched out.  Giving myself room to trim them as I continue . . . time will tell how large the blanket will be.  I did pre-wash and dry all the flannel that I will be using.

  The rain gauge said we had 1.8 inches of rain over these last two days and that after the 2 inches we had several weeks age.  This should help to close the gap in the shortage of moisture beginning in early spring.

  One great weekend is forecast.  I know everyone will have no problem finding plenty to fill the hours.

   
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  Noreen 3:43 pm on October 27, 2021 Permalink  

  A Rainy Day 

  A rainy day complete with thunder . . . and my bones ache.

  It may be an old wives’ tail, but it feels real to me today.

  Yes, Dennis was busy yesterday.  Last night he paid the piper for it.  Quite a bit of discomfort in . . . his whole foot and leg.  We got up at four.  Dennis with several saltine crackers took a pain pill.  I am an ardent believer that meds should not be taken on an empty stomach.  A perfect place for an ulcer to begin.  The pain subsided and more sleep for Dennis, even if it was in his recliner.  Rest is rest.

  To take the chill off of the house, I did a pan of scones in the oven.  Several loads of laundry . . . even the clothes dryer can add warmth to the air.

  I spent some time reading the literature that came with the upgrade of the sewing machine yesterday.  Very interesting what can be added to the computer within.  I have really enjoyed the machine and it has been the perfect assist in my retirement.  

  As it has been so miserable outside, even the patio porch can’t make for a comfortable spot.  Dennis is prowling the main floor and I don’t blame him one bit.  It is very easy for me to recall the days after surgery.  Nothing feels right, even if nothing is wrong.

  I have backed up both computers, which I do every two weeks.  It is time for me to visit the first floor of our home and give Dennis my moral support.  Preparing supper also sounds like a good idea.  The day is winding down for the good folks on Stauffer Avenue.

   
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  Noreen 2:29 pm on October 26, 2021 Permalink  

  Road Trip Day 

  I was 60 miles north of my home by 9:00 this morning, entering the city limits of Bird Island.  As I pulled up to the curb of Creatives Stitches, Kelly, my licensed master technician for Berninas, met me at my car to carry in the machine to begin the much needed servicing.  The servicing was long overdue.  There was an upgrade in functions as well as firmware that was due. 

  I spent the time visiting with Amanda as the shop has been transformed since the last time I had visited.  Amanda spent a week in Utah for training and finding the ins and the outs of being an official Kimberbell dealer.  Kimberbell is a line of products for sewing, crafting and machine embroidery.  The store is well stocked.  Their display of Bernina sewing machines mirrors that of other Bernina shops as well as the home office in Switzerland.  Amanda will be traveling to Chicago in the near future for Bernina training of the new models coming out.  It takes a lot of time and dedication to serve their customers well, and they do.  Kelly does clean and repair other brands as best he can.  As other brands like Bernina, selling parts only to licensed dealers of specific brands.  

  My lunch date was cancelled and I motored on my way south towards home . . . next stop Fairfax.  It was great stopping in at Kersten’s business as well as Kevin’s.  Kevin had ordered a spinner for me.  A spinner is a knob that attaches to the steering wheel for better mobility in handling the steering wheel.  Kevin was right in the placement of the spinner on the steering wheel . . . lower left hand portion.  My left hand, from the stroke, has been affected in the strength and confidence when using the steering wheel in turning.  Dennis attached it to the steering wheel when I got home, only after I had played it through my mind as to where it would best serve.  Sweet attachment.

  Dennis surprised me when I got home.  The snowblower was idling in the drive.  Dennis is on top of preparing for winter.  The water hoses have been put on the reel and the reel is stored . . . out of the way.  Dennis, with the left foot in a non-mobile boot, is slowly but surely moving with many breaks in between and staying on meds before he feels discomfort in his foot.  When Dennis sits down on those breaks . . . the foot is elevated.

  One of those breaks came after he had lifted the sewing machine out of the car and set it on the concrete.  The next jaunt came when the machine made it to the back door of the house.  So it went.  When the machine got to the top of the basement steps, Dennis was behind me for moral support and we backed it down one step at a time.  The machine is back on its table, not to be plugged in until another day.

  No one needs to warn us on safety.  We work well together . . . safely thinking out each step of the way on projects.  We have each other’s back with loving care, respect and thankfulness.  Life on Stauffer . . . nothing like it!

   
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  Noreen 2:04 pm on October 25, 2021 Permalink  

  Recovery 

  Dennis is on the mend.  He hopped into his little red pickup and went to pick up Dwayne for coffee. Dennis’ daughter texted me that they had stopped at Casey’s, where she works, for coffee as McDonalds’s is doing a huge remolding. Denise commented that Dennis was the person to be with in Casey’s . . . lots of questions and well wishers.  It did his constitution good.  This afternoon, Lyle is visiting Dennis in the patio porch.  We are in “recovery 101.”

  I have an oven meal ready for supper.  I can manage the ingredients to make them more desirable than what would come out of a fry pan, and healthier.  Dennis is beginning to appreciate the flavor of red and green peppers in a dish.  Of course onions included is a no brainer.

  Tomorrow I head to Bird Island to the Bernina shop.  Amanda and Kelly do such a great job with customer service.  The day has expanded.  My nephew Larry’s wife, Jennifer, had asked me if I would consider making a Christmas stocking for their new grandson, Leo Conrad.  Jennifer’s mom passed away last year.  Larry’s mom, my sister Elvera, passed away five years ago.  I have filled in as best I can.  Jennifer has shopped for the fabric and I will have one previously sewn one to model the new one after.  As my sewing machine is being serviced, Jennifer and I will meet for noon lunch at Athman’s.  Bird Island is a small community and Athman’s is the meet and greet place.

  It gets better!  On the way home from Bird Island, I will be stopping in at Kevin’s Garage in Fairfax to see my favorite son . . . Kevin.  A stop at Casey’s in Fairfax to see daughter-in-law Kersten is a given.  This will be an astounding culmination to my big day out of Dodge. 

  It will be wonderful to have the sewing machine tricked out for the winter’s use.  During this last week I have been doing the tidy thing to as much as imaginable.  Touch it once and it was on the save pile.  Touch it twice and it was on the maybe pile.  The third time much of what I have touched over and over and over through the decades hit the recycling bin.  The recycling bin was picked up on Friday and I feel so light.  I did save the best of what I can manage.  Not having the sewing machine to work with for the last week served me well.  The sewing machine would have continued to put out a product, less the thread cutter working.  The week off served my right wrist well.  I continue to work hard to save the mobility that I have in my body by making wiser choices.  There are only so many repairs that are feasible.

  Slow and steady is not in my DNA.  This I need to learn on my own.

   
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  Noreen 2:49 pm on October 14, 2021 Permalink  

  Not! 

  We are not turning the furnace on . . . yet.  This too shall pass.  I believe that warmer clothing is easy to pull on.  More times than not, they get stripped off as the day goes on.  The secret is . . . move!  Nothing like getting the blood to navigate from head to toe than to . . . move.  Not everyone in our household agrees with me.  I did close the 2 inch opening of the window that is on the west end of the house.  I sure slept good.  After all, the numerical setting on Dennis’ mattress pad does go to number 8 . . . what’s the issue?

  Today a visit to Office Depot next to Hy-Vee gave me all that I was looking for at very reasonable prices.  I will be kept busy for some time in the studio.  I am cooling it with the sewing and embroidery until I can get to Bird Island for servicing.  Kelly has finished with the harvest and I put in a request to him for an appointment sometime during the week of the 18th. There is an upgrade for the options that the machine can offer as well as the firmware being updated.  I didn’t realize how much I appreciated the thread cutting option until that cutter needed replacing.  The right hand agrees with me.  I will patiently wait to get the date and time confirmed.

  Dennis’ oven meal last night of chicken and pasta was tasty.  Amazing what a little cream cheese could add to the alfredo sauce.  Leftovers tonight is sweet. 

  Tomorrow will be “pick-up” as the brutal wind of yesterday and last night did a number on the acre’s loose branches in the trees.  We might have enough for the last of the season fire ring.

  Looking into the forecast of this evening and early morning, we could see 39 degrees.  It might be a good idea to take the two patio plants into the patio porch.  That gives the cats the idea swatting and batting at them is fair game.  It seems to be the seasonal way of thinning them out.  The blessing is that the pots are too heavy to tip over when one of the cats decide to get an up close and personnel view.

  Enjoy being in the midst of fall.  It is a most wonderful time of year.

   
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  Noreen 2:53 pm on October 13, 2021 Permalink  

  Quiet 

  I am having a quiet day, pretty well pulled into myself in the studio.  Yesterday with my visit to my friend’s home has given me much to think about.

  Though Judy is blind, she is still hoping that in the second bedroom of their town home, she can have her Bernina sewing machine table set up.  It would be available for when her daughter-in-law and her daughter have an idea to sew and she could be swept up in that sewing atmosphere.  Judy commented that just having it set up would give her a lift and feel as if there were a balance in what her surroundings allow.  I would have to agree with her.

  The immediate time after I had had a stroke, it gave oh so much solace to come down to the studio and be with and around what I had enjoyed, not knowing if anything would ever come into fruition for me again.  I didn’t even need much for lights.  Just sitting in my sewing chair and twirling back and forth felt good. Though Judy’s and my situation is worlds apart, I can understand her mindset.  

  The ability to enjoy my studio is far beyond what I thought I could achieve.  Thanks be to my God.  What I have come to realize today is that paring down is needed in regard to paper stuff I have squirreled away.  Yes . . . that pattern has been quilted, I will never repeat it.  No . . .  that quilting book that had been handed down to me needs to hit the recycling bin.  I know my stitching friends well enough to know they each have their own niche in their interests.

  I am on a roll.  I have a want list to continue with my organization.  What I want, my hometown does not stock.  Dennis said just last night, if I wanted to go somewhere . . . to just let him know.  I need a trip to OfficeMax.  In the meantime, my church tables still have room for some stacks of sorting items.

  Today worked out great as I had gotten the gentle hint to stay out of the kitchen while Dennis was working on an oven dish for supper.  KNUJ radio was put on loud enough in the studio that I was not privy to what the clattering going on in the kitchen could mean. 

  We did have a 1/2 inch of rain by eight this morning.  Well deserved.

   
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  Noreen 3:04 pm on October 10, 2021 Permalink  

  Great Temps 

  Walking this morning in my kind of weather of 60 degrees . . . does the heart good.  Fall is my favorite time of year.  Dennis on the other hand has polar fleece and gloves on.  The wind is brisk today.  The weather for the entire coming week tends to be on the cooler side.  I like that. 

  I am persevering in the studio.  Never a bad time for some sorting and organizing.  No one but me has been down there.  By not returning every single thing to where it belongs once used . . . makes for hunting for it the next time.

  Dennis baked out items for his breakfasts . . . scones.  His frosting skills for the top of them is getting better.  I don’t eat carbs to that degree for my first meal of the day.  To each his own.

  The slicer worked great last night for raw fried potatoes.  We have just moved up in tricking out our kitchen.  We may not use it often.  It will be there when it is needed.  After all, it’s not the type of slicer that I would need eating pizza three times a week . . . I wish.  The ole cowboy has won that round . . . along with green veggies and fruit . . . or so he believes.  Life is too short to dig in my slipper’s heel.

  Not much excitement here today.  I have my limits . . . dang.  I am the first and only one of me, and more than two of me . . . the world could not handle.

   
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  Noreen 1:32 pm on October 8, 2021 Permalink  

  It’s Different 

  In the past, I enjoyed remembering young and some not so young with a favor from my studio.  This year will be a bit different.  This year my mobility is a bit different.

  Today made that difference feel less . . . by quite a bit.  Today the mail person brought a package from the Christian Book site.  I had ordered a variety of cards by the box.  I will again be able to remember those that I have in the past with pop-up cards.  Receiving something in the mail at Christmas time that is addressed to little ones can be quite exciting.  I know this first hand from the parents of those that have been recipients.  All that is required of me is to keep them in the studio until such time to pop them in the mail.  I am not one of those that will be sweating it that there are cargo ships not able to unload Christmas cargo.

  After the first floor items are taken care of, I head for the studio.  I have some dish towels that are being made up.  The embroidery hoop needs to be clipped onto the embroidery module before the sewing machine will do “stitch one.”  I can say that working with embroidery has physical therapy benefits.  For the hoop to engage, two clips need to be pulled together to slip over the module’s hub.  For myself, the thumb and forefinger need that strengthening.  After the stroke those fingers were happy to be left alone and not engage in any activity.  On a good day the forefinger can depress the button on an aerosol can.  A nail clipper operation is still in the works. 

  There isn’t any yard work for me.  My biggest workout is to get in and out of the house without letting in bugs.  Dennis checked, the Boxelder trees are two blocks east of us.  Have bug will travel.

  The fellows are doing coffee this afternoon and that would include a road trip to check on the farmers in the surrounding area.  I am getting a dose of farming by listening to KNUJ and their farm forum. 

  The weekend is upon us.  May everyone have a chance to write some of their own agenda.  Everyone’s idea of a good weekend is quite different.