Luncheon out with former colleagues can’t be made slight of. Working together over numbers and formulas now takes a backseat in our conversations. It’s far more relaxing to chat about family photos that are going to be organized, quilt patterns to try and garden produce that is coming into its own. Plans are underway for the three of us to do a day of quilting as the first granddaughter of the three of us will be graduating in the spring of 2015. We need to pitch in as a trio, the graduate’s grandmother is virtually blind, but her determination is second to none. Though we had to read the menu to her today, she knows just what will be needed to move the project along. Priceless.
Updates from August, 2014 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts
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Noreen
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Noreen
We had notice today that grand daughter Megan had eight teeth pulled getting ready for braces. That takes me back to when Megan’s mom was in the need for braces. At that time there was nothing such as dental insurance that we were aware of. Who knew that a love of antiques that Carrie’s dad and I shared would save the day? The Black Walnut pump organ was put on the auction block and the tidy sum went straight to the dentist to cover the total cost. Do you think the tidy sum of $1,500 covers the cost of braces today? I think not. The cost becomes less important when the beautiful smile after the braces are taken off goes on for a lifetime.
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Noreen
There have been reports of bad weather to…
There have been reports of bad weather to the west and to the east while Minnesota is enjoying another great day of low humidity and mid temps. What the . . . ? This is such great weather and Dennis brings up going to Arizona this winter. I need to slow this fellow down to enjoy these great days. I admit, I cringe when Dennis brings up high mileage road trips as the pedal hits the medal and I thank the good Lord when the vehicle needs refueling. The highway with moderation is not in this ole trucker’s vocabulary. Maybe there needs to be a reminder as to how stiff he feels as he get out of the car after driving the 45 miles to Mankato.
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Noreen
All the windows are open in the house and it truly feels like a preview of the fall season that is just around the corner. I did take Dennis’ offer of taking today off. Nothing serious got accomplished and that included making a lot of fuss over the meals of the day. Dennis and I sat on the back patio this evening and just enjoyed the time taking in the sounds of a happy neighborhood. It has been a long time since the patio could be enjoyed due to biting bugs. 72 degrees and a brisk to strong wind . . . I could take this from now until the snow flies. I will be sad if high temps and humidity become the norm for August.
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Noreen
Wonderful, much-needed showers of rain this morning. About 5:30 this late afternoon I heard Dennis’ rider mower idling in the driveway. I played nice and the mowing brigade of “two” began. Let’s hear it for an 18″ Toro lawnmower! This last week and a half had been the longest we had been able to go without mowing since we began in April. After taking the time to cool down there is still plenty of a Saturday evening to enjoy. I can assure you the enjoyment will be right here on Stauffer Avenue. Maybe a root beer float will be the culmination to a great day. Dennis said I get tomorrow off. Priceless.
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Noreen
A low key day that felt right to just stay on Stauffer Avenue. It had to be that kind of day as Dennis hasn’t even left the property. That is very unusual, but then, the day doesn’t end until midnight tonight.
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Noreen
Today we took a trip to New Ulm, MN to look up the “Disabled American Veterans” drop off site for gently used clothing items. We were amazed at the volunteers that were working at the site. The green “DAV” bins are apparently at various locations within the area as evident of several bins that were ready to be unloaded from volunteer, privately-owned pickups. In the past we have favored the pick up that the Epileptic does through the city every several months. We are thinking that we will try and do right by both that work hard to make use of items for distribution to those that are in need.
We couldn’t help but marvel at the healthy fields of corn and soybeans along the way. It was a good day.
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Noreen
I worked with oil paints today in regard to a craft project. Whew! I forgot how strong paint fumes can be. I need to get this done while I can be out in the garage porch. It was perfect conditions today with breezes and the humidity dropping by the hour. God bless good screens for the patio doors. Those biting bugs could look but they couldn’t touch.
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Noreen
The heat, humidity, gnats, biting black flies and mosquitoes are all just a bit much for our long awaited summer months. I did a half trot, half run to the east garden to check on my tomatoes. I almost put my arms out of joint by swatting the bugs that swarmed. The initial bite and the welt it brings is nothing compared to the long lasting itching. I am thankful for my sewing room as a respite. Dennis may have to put the florescent grow bulbs that I have used to start garden plants into the light fixtures down there. The energy from the blue and red rays of the grow bulbs might bring a bit of benefit while being forced to stay indoors.
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Noreen
What a day! It was 16 first cousins together for the first time in more years than I can remember. It was a Riebe Reunion (My Mom’s side of the family) at the Forest City Thresher’s site. Cousins, spouses, children and grandchildren made up a group of 70 plus people catching up, reminiscing and exchanging emails . . . and you can’t forget the recipe exchange. The chatter was ongoing as was the feast of “pot luck.” How wonderful to get together for an occasion other than for a funeral. This evening is time for some quiet time as Dennis and I are already in our jammies.