Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from July, 2021 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 4:04 pm on July 13, 2021 Permalink  

  Biggest Day Yet 

  After the morning exercises, I did spend some time in the sewing studio measuring some fabric.  I have had a plan since 2020 to make a tablecloth for Carrie.  A border print was given to me and I had found the fabric for the top of the table at Old Alley Quilts.  Today what I got done was to wash and dry the fabric.  I am glad I did as my sheets that soak up dyes in the wash cycle did its job.  That was the extent of studio work.

  After lunch I headed to the drug store as we had several prescriptions to pick up.  The total was $5.38 for all three and all three are filled for 90 days.  Sweet.

  I had not been to see June in her apartment since the early part of June.  Sharing a glass of Lipton’s ice tea was great while we caught up with each other’s news.  June is happy to have made the move from home owner to renter.  

  As I was leaving June’s, I got an email that Dennis’ little red pickup was ready to be picked from having the brakes replaced.  Son, Kevin, has opened his own shop in Fairfax and we are on his list of clients.  We drove to Fairfax in our car and I will follow Dennis home as he drives his little red pickup.  Wouldn’t you know, we came home with the back of the truck bed full.  Kevin inherited quite a free goodies from the previous owner as he walked out the door.  This will be right up Dennis’ alley to work with said items to see if there is life, trade, or barter in his newly acquired stuff.

  We got home too late to do the oven roast for supper.  Yippee!  I have been waiting for just such a situation to have a frozen pizza.  Dennis is not crazy about pizza but I also know he is too weary to take himself to the café up town.

  It has been a full day and I do feel it.  It does not hurt me one bit to take part in what a normal day presents.  Bed time will feel wonderful.

   
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  Noreen 1:52 pm on July 7, 2021 Permalink  

  A New Stretch 

  I have been pushing and stretching myself over the last weeks to build up physical stamina.  This morning that didn’t feel like enough.  

  I felt the need to be in the sewing studio.  One cane stayed on the first floor of our home and I took my Diamond Head Willow cane with me to the studio.  I didn’t last long in the studio as I realized many of my embroidery designs were in the file explorer on my HP Notebook on the first floor.

  It felt so foreign to work through the steps of computer files.  I had not done anything like this for six months.  Typing a blog entry is far different than locating a design within a file and getting it sized ready to be downloaded on a flash drive that my sewing machine could read.  Any success in the studio for embroidery had to start here.  Embroidery was my first goal as it did not entail handling large pieces of fabric for quilting.  I could work into being in the studio for short periods of time having something to show for time and energy.

  At last with flash drive in hand the studio was again visited.  Putting in a fresh needle and checking if oil was needed.  Fantastic!  I did get the automatic needle threader on the first try. I picked out a white dish towel for my first project to work with.  Sweet and simple.  I looked at the stabilizers on the shelf and hoped that one would scream “pick me, I am the one that dish towels need.”  Not.  Back to the drawing board of reading specs on various items.  Had I known I would not be visiting the studio for such a long length of time, I would have had labels on each.

  I have not lost cognizance but the routine of working with my stashes had had a long enough break that reviews will be needed.  It was a good thing Dennis called down and said it was time for a noon break.  He knew better than me that a timeout was needed.  A bit of lunch and a few minutes with my feet up . . . sweet.

  Yes!  I did complete a design on a dish towel.  I couldn’t believe how weary my arms were.  Much, I believe, was being anxious.

  Dennis came down to the studio and expressed how good it was to see me doing what I had so enjoyed doing before the stroke.  I agreed.  This was a bit of a stretch for me and it felt good to push myself a bit.  We now know that it’s going to be O.K.  Thanks be to God.

   
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  Noreen 1:18 pm on July 6, 2021 Permalink  

  Catch Up Day 

  We had company today and it was to be a catch-up of what was new in my daughter Carrie’s family.  Eden Prairie isn’t a far stretch from St. James, but in the world of busy families, it needs to be planned.  My mama didn’t raise no fool.  Carrie was coming to check up on me . . . and us . . . to make sure all was doing well after the heart surgery.  It has been three weeks since the surgery and it had been two weeks since she last visited.  We passed mustard.   She has nothing but love and concern as this has been a family affair.   Whew.  There is nothing wrong in being kept on your toes as guidelines can be veered from.

  When queried, Dennis had my back.  It has been going well.  There has not been a single setback in recovery.  It is as if there were a handbook for chapters to be followed.  It is and does take time, and my goodness . . . we have alot of that.  

  With the hot outside temperatures abating, Dennis started the oven and baked out some scones.  It is wonderful to have something on hand for that first cup of morning coffee.  

  We are doing Subway for supper.  We both enjoy a treat of sharing a sub.  The choice of subs is still in the wind . . . and we had a coupon for a free sub that came with the gift card from Mother’s Day.  Sweet.

  We did have thunder and lightning during the night, but the small amount of rain didn’t register in the gauge.

  On a quiet day when the job jar isn’t rattling for attention, it’s a good thing we have junk mail to mull over.

   
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  Noreen 1:53 pm on May 30, 2021 Permalink  

  Plans Squashed 

  The plans for the day were squashed by rain . . . mowing the acre.  That’s okay.  The gas in the tanks will last a little longer.  The new thread in the weed whip will last a little longer.  Tomorrow seems to have a better outlook.

  I did take a walk  into the backyard earlier during one of the breaks of rain.  Yes, the grass is indeed ready for a trim.  I also took note that all the Lilac’s blossoms that had frozen off, also left a length on the tip of each branch that won’t be putting on new leaves.  Nothing but a length of a dead branch.  Too bad.  The harsh winds of the coming winter will most likely snap them off.

  We were both in our favorite chairs this morning and the conversation had lagged.  Dennis asked me what I was thinking about as we had earlier talked about the calendar schedule for the upcoming surgery.  My response to his question as to what I was thinking on was “Not what might go wrong but all the good and wonderful days ahead to make plans for.”  

  I did go down into the sewing studio and unplug my sewing machine in case of the possibility of electrical damage from spring storms.  I pulled out the cover of the machine until a time in the near future.  It will be sooner than later.  That machine and I are better together than not.  It has kept my creative juices alive and in the near future the glass will be ready to be tapped.

   
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  Noreen 2:35 pm on February 21, 2021 Permalink  

  Scrappy Flannels Competed 

  It is time for a new theme in the sewing studios.  It seems as if I have been doing scrappy flannel for a long time.  I did work on my Santa quit as well as the embroidered blocks for Megan’s quilt.  But to have three of the flannels done out of the scrap pile feels good.  I  did want them to have some personality each to their own. The colors of two of the blocks were identical.  The size and the backing made each different.  I feel comfortable with having several giveaways if needed or request. The very first of the flannels was a bit more colorful.  I really had no idea how it would all shape up.  There is nothing like a surprise ending when the last stitch of the binding is in place.

  Cleaning the sewing area was the last step in the process.  Considering all the fuzz . . . everywhere . . . I think I will stick to cotton for a time.

  This morning as I was considering getting up, I looked out the north window and saw the evergreen tree with the snow falling and settling on the branches.  I realized I didn’t want to pop out of bed.  I closed my eyes several times and drifted off.  I have done this previous times.  The house is still and it is the best way for me to start my day.  It’s not to say that eventually my bladder will determine how many times I drift.  We take our special moments when we can and we treasure them.  Each day has more to be thankful for than not.

   
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  Noreen 5:57 pm on February 18, 2021 Permalink  

  Chalk One Up 

  Over the last three days I have been machine quilting one of my projects.  I had embroidered the flannel blocks in the early winter.  I surely could have sewn the eight inch blocks together and called it done.  Why not enhance the project when I can.  It made me happy to do it.  The flannel for the blocks had been given to me.  The batting was cobbled together and also had been given me.  The flannel backing and border were on me.  Yes . . . you could say that I am conservative and frugal using to the max whatever I can and have on hand.

  I am going to take a break before I work on the binding.  In my later years, I can tell when I have been working over an uncovered cement floor, my legs can tell it, even with my heavy duty walking shoes on.  Do I want carpet on the entire floor . . . no.  I have a small piece of bound carpeting that brother Calvin gave me and I have that in the ironing board area.  It is a real challenge to clean fuzz and thread off of it let alone the entire area.  The answer to my legs recovering is to stay out of the sewing studio for a few days.  The transition of having the furnace run often and now with the temps changing, the furnace doesn’t run quite so often makes a huge difference.  

  The dusting of snow didn’t take long for Dennis to use the leaf blower and clear the drive.  You bet!  I took time to do several laps.  I had a bit of time before supper needed to be started so I sat in my chair with the heating pad over my legs while being covered up with a treasured afghan.  Sweet. 

  This latest from the sewing studio will soon be chalked up and then . . . next?

  I am getting a bit tender as to what my body reacts to, but I am wealthy via being healthy.

   
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  Noreen 4:31 pm on February 17, 2021 Permalink  

  Moving on Up 

  The temperatures are moving on up.  The cold was still the best of the last days as the storms, tornadoes and power outages would have been horrific for most of us to get through.  I have a fare amount of body fat in conjunction with knowing how to dress to take it in stride.

  The skies are gray but the snow that has been falling is dry as talcum powder, thus I can understand why the dew point is one.  I think we might have gotten an inch or so.  I went out with Dennis and it was easily pushed to the sides.  Fresh air and exercise . . . it’s a good thing.

  I continued on the meandering quilting of my flannel project.  When the bobbin is empty, I take apart what is under the hood.  Fuzz in abundance.  I have a very long-handled tweezers and it comes in so handy to get in all the small places to pull out the fuzz.  It was also a good time to change out the needle.  Taking a lot of breaks is key.  Using my right foot on the foot feed for the continual motion in quilting can take its tole as after a bit it can be followed from the foot right up to my right titanium knee.  From there it follows up the right side of the thigh.  Funny how the body works together in tandem.  I have my daily exercise for just such circumstances.  Shutting down the sewing studio is the best exercise.  Enough is enough.  Time to turn to some reading.

  Dennis is off to have afternoon coffee with his people in the apartment complex where his friend Lyle lives.  It is a supper of chili for us.  A bit of grated cheese and sour cream for toppings fill the bill.  

  I am pleased that I have managed to block over fifty phone numbers since the first of the year.  Now all I have to do is figure out how to shut off the alarm on my phone when I have chosen to use it.  Yes . . . it says tap to stop it.  My fingers don’t tap like they used to.  So be it.  Shutting off the phone for a bit also does the same job.

   
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  Noreen 4:49 pm on February 16, 2021 Permalink  

  A Feel Good Day 

  Though 1 degree above zero, it felt really good to take my walk today.  The sun is powerful and God is good.

  Local effort always needs to be attended to before I hit the sewing studio for fun time.  Keeping everything humming smoothly on the first floor of our home brings harmony.

  There is definitely some serious sewing going on in regard to the latest project that is under the needle.  I was timid when I knew machine quilting under the needle was the next step.  There is a certain amount of self satisfaction in completing a quilting project from A to Z.  The Old Alley Quilt Shop has done some wonderful long arm finishes for me.  My finishing techniques are not up for any type of grading for perfection.  I feel I am doing some wonderful projects that will keep someone warm and cozy.  I have invested into a sewing machine that can take a lot on.  I have the tools within the machine and using them is the only way for me to work towards proficiency.

  What I was tickled about today was the stitching areas I can pull together to make the motion of machine quilting easier for my arms and hands.  The church tables to the left of the machine are at the same height as my adjustable height sewing table, and my adjustable ironing board straight ahead of the sewing machine needle allows for an easier flow of a hefty project.  Slow and steady and this project will see completion.  I can tell you the walk outside today was literally a breath of fresh air to clear the head after a bit of too much stitching.  Keeping the day balanced is key for this Grammie.  Hmm . . . it’s been too long of not hearing my people calling me by that . . . whether the two legged or the tail wagging of the four legged.  During this cold weather, I am content knowing they are all safe.  

  Dennis has picked up a head cold and naps have been the order of the day.  Smart move.  He wouldn’t be napping if he didn’t need it.  I think resting up for the next week’s forecast of normal temps is what this doctor ordered. 

  Today my tip is . . . upon waking, think a positive thought and the rest of the day will follow as such.

   
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  Noreen 4:34 pm on February 15, 2021 Permalink  

  A Bit Longer 

  With full sun shining, I stretched my walk time a bit longer.  The strength in the legs needs to be amped up for the time when I don’t need to be wearing all the heavy clothing.  Stauffer Avenue is still packed ice and walking on it would not be wise.  Enough of the street that runs west of us has clear concrete in the center of it.  No one could miss my white hat and red gloves as I walk our drive and then head north on the street.  The secret is getting out in the middle of the street in the late forenoon or mid afternoon, traffic is less than earlier or later.

  I did work in the sewing studio to prepare for machine quilting.  My trusty 1962 Mary Proctor ironing board can be lowered or raised for ease of use.  Today I lowered it so it will be butted up to the sewing machine and be the same height as the bed of the sewing machine.  It will definitely take the weight of the quilt off as I move it back and forth . . . north and south and east and west.  I am still in the pondering process before going forward.  

  It is a blessing to have the threads and fuzz in the basement.  Even when Kevin and Carrie were tots, I had a sewing area in the basement of the farm house.  We had fixed up a play room in the basement complete with paneled walls and carpeted floor.  The kids had a television, a soft sofa and even an overstuffed chair as well as toy bins.  My sewing area was right around the corner and next to that was the fruit cellar.  The sewing room was large enough for the fly shuttle rug loom and my Sears sewing machine.  The entire family spent goodly time in the basement.  Nothing fancy but I could keep an eye on the kids, have the washer and dryer running and get some stitching done.  In the evenings after the livestock chores Orlin often worked off a yard or two on the rug loom while I sewed.  The rug loom brought in a few coins.  We charged $.10 an inch for those that brought over their own balls of sewn carpet rags.

  Sewing, threads and fuzz has always been in my life.  Lena was a good teacher.  I hope to continue with my passion for some time to come.  Right now in retirement, it brings a balance to my life,  especially during the winters.  Sweet.

  We are rounding the corner with the below zero temps.  It has been such a Godsend that the winds were not in the mix as well as very little snow to pile up or blow.  Yup . . . blessings abound.  I have a sweet life and send thanks upon my rising and upon my slumber time as I am anticipating a bit longer in life.

   
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  Noreen 4:45 pm on February 14, 2021 Permalink  

  February 14h 

  Happy Valentine’s Day to my peeps.  What is more striking is that the month of February is half gone and spring will be here is some thirty days.  Lots to look forward to as we enjoyed some heart shaped cookies today.

  I did suit up for a few laps on the drive.  On the second lap I realized I had forgotten to acknowledge the grease zerks in my titanium knees.  Yup, I felt those knees and two laps were enough.  

  The sun was powerful today.  With the south windows allowing all those rays, I did sit in the west porch and read for some time this forenoon.  If Dennis’ three kitties would have been allowed in the house, they would have been vying for those windowsills.  I looked out the east bathroom window and checked on Dennis in his rocking chair in the patio porch.  With snowmobile boots on and the hood up on his heavy duty jacket . . . Dennis is persevering but not to the huge allotment of time as usual.  Come on, -19 and wind chill at -41, the warmth of our 70 degree home is hard to beat.

  Over the last several days I have the next machine quilted project to put under the needle.  On social media I belong to a group that has the 700 series of Bernina sewing machines.  It is pretty amazing that you can ask opinions and questions from people around the world in regard to what they have under the needle. 

  With this project I am using Odif 505, a temporary basting adhesive for the sandwiching of the backing, batting and pieced top.  As per many quilters, it is achievable to manhandle various sizes of quilts and have it retain those three layers consistently.  Some have used it for king size, 99′ x 109″ and all has held.  It does not stick to the needle as the sewing is done.  It sure beats hand basing or the ever arduous safety pins.   My project is 72″ x 82″ . . . a bit larger than some of my past items.  This is the project I went to Sherburn for to purchase the backing.  There was enough to add a border.  At that time I picked up a can of the 505.  Tomorrow I will check into thread color and what stitching design to use on this quilt.  No time frame, no pressure.  

  Dennis and I are each on our own for supper.  There is a can of Marie C’s chicken dumpling soup that has been brought up from the pantry.  I am thinking more on the lines of my grainy bread toasted with a side of cottage cheese with a dollop of the jellied cranberry that is left in the refrig.  There is something about that tangy cranberry and the creamy cottage cheese that rings a bell for me.  Dennis considers cottage cheese with sugar on it.  Not!

  I know everyone is anxious for warmer weather.  With anything in life, it’s painful to be patient but the rewards are and will be sweet.