Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 3:23 pm on July 31, 2024 Permalink  

  A Still Quiet Day 

  It may be a still and quiet day but the day smells hot outside.

  I didn’t have a choice in regard to the clinic appointment.  I needed to give a urine sample as one of my meds is an opioid.  I had no problem doing it as it is the way of the world.  I sat patiently and waited my turn while several others in that part of the waiting area were pacing and twitching.  Hmm.  I will need to do the test once a year while those dudes are on a monthly rotation.

  I went on to see my primary doctor.  She said my heart and lungs sounded like someone who was fifty.  Sweet.  My primary suggested to take one Tramadol with breakfast and then tw0 mid-afternoon.  That would be an increase of one pill per day.  No back surgery for Grammie.  With my body riddled with arthritis, the outcome might leave results that are worse than what my day-to-day situation is now.  She called me a high-functioning person with various issues that I am managing well.  I took the complement as it was intended.  I did ask her where the women were within the community that have had strokes and still live in their own home.  She couldn’t come up with one name.  Quite a few men came to her thoughts, but no women.  Hmm.

  Dennis is doing supper this evening.  I will take whatever is put in front of me.  I am indeed brave.

  We could be in for a storm or two later on.  With heat to fuel it, I will keep an eye out.

  This morning I got the wireless HP printer in the studio to connect with my HP laptop in my bedroom.  Well done.  There is still a camera to get installed and I have not thrown in the towel.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:59 pm on July 29, 2024 Permalink  

  Hmm 

  Well, I did not see that coming.  Dennis asked me to download an application form for a VA home last night.

  I did some reading first.  With an application form on file, the application can be immanent, meaning as soon as possible or kept on file.  If a unit becomes available and the veteran is notified and the veteran is still able to live independently, his form is put back into the rotation.  That is no different than the housing units here in St. James.

  I agreed to print off the forms today and Dennis went up to the Veteran’s Service Officer and got a copy of his discharge from the army.  I will go over the form and with Dennis’ help fill it in.  Dennis then wants the form to be mailed to the Veteran’s home in Silver Bay.  Silver Bay is home for his daughter Sue and Sue’s daughter and her family of five.  I don’t have a problem with any of this.  If something happens to me expectantly, Dennis will be taken care of.  Actually, as Dennis’ wife, I am eligible and can live there as well.  After Dennis’ passing in any other of the various VA homes throughout the state, which is eight.   Yes, Dennis and I do talk things over and then do as much as we can for the “now.”

  Dennis went to have coffee with his friend Lyle that lives in one of the apartments here in town.  Lyle doesn’t drive and always welcomes Dennis.

  I worked in the studio this morning and finished the log cabin quilt top.  After giving it a good pressing, I laid it out on the church table and closed down the studio.  Tomorrow it will be measured and labeled and tucked in with the other two tops I have done.

  This evening’s supper is a cold salad supper of elbow macaroni, coleslaw, Lena’s way, and potato salad that I have doctored up.  Dennis commented he felt the heat more so today than the weekend.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:27 pm on July 18, 2024 Permalink  

  Progress 

  Checking on my progress in the world of machine stitching.  I have five more blocks to make for the completion of a double sized quilt top.  By this time tomorrow, I will know if I had had enough of the 2.5″ strips cut of six different prints.  The studio time got a bit long today.

  Dennis finished washing the patio off of the mud.  He is reporting that all the patio slide doors and the screens can open easily.

  Tomorrow Dennis takes his son Jeff to radiology for an ultrasound and draining the abdomen in Mankato.  I checked his portal to make sure the appointment was on the up and up.  Daughter Sandy wants them to stop at her home afterwards.  Bless her heart for taking back being on Jeff’s bandwagon.  I know she arranged for Jeff’s appointment on August 5th in radiology for a tube to be inserted for self draining the abdomen of fluid.  The rapid fluid in the gut is coming from blood veins, blood vessels and arteries deteriorating and sluffing off their exterior sheaths.  Dennis commented yesterday when Jeff came and asked for the ride tomorrow, his belly flopped from side to side and was quite painful.  You think!  He cancelled the last appointment.  

  I am going to make a quick trip to the grocer’s before supper.   How was it that there wasn’t any bread in the freezer!  I usually take the loaf of Country Hearth and split it so there is always fresh bread after it being frozen.  I had not thrown away a moldy piece of bread for ages.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:39 pm on July 10, 2024 Permalink  

  Extra Heat 

  As if the humid temperatures were not enough yesterday . . . there was more on the local level.  It seems as if Dennis’ son, Jeff, can’t even get cancer correct.

  Jeff’s sister had set up the biopsy appointment for yesterday that Dennis took Jeff to . . . check in at seven a.m.  Apparently when Jeff got a courtesy call to remind Jeff, he cancelled it.  Did he tell his dad?  Had he forgotten?  I kind of knew something was up when Dennis was at Jiffy Lube yesterday when they opened at eight and Jeff was calling his dad that he could be picked up at the hospital.  One . . . Jiffy Lube is quick.  Two . . . biopsy preps and procedures take longer than a hour and a half.  

  When Jeff was picked up, he got into the little red pickup and immediately went to sleep.  What did Dennis know of procedures and how long they take or if Jeff was given a pain med.  It wasn’t until Sandy called last night that Jeff had blown off the appointment as there was nothing on the portal.   The manly thing would have been for Jeff to tell his dad he screwed up and apologize rather than hiding by sleeping, not say a single word even when Dennis dropped him off at this apartment.  Grr!

  As of last night, Sandy told me Jeff was on his own.  She had had made sure that he could get pain meds for himself from his local provider here in town.  Dennis was very quiet until he went to bed.  I got a hug and he told me he loved me.  Sweet.  So be it all.

  It is so difficult when smart drunken farts blow off their family for several years and then come back with all their problems and need help.

  So . . . I had a good run in the studio today.  Dennis came down chewing on a cookie and let me know the last of the railroad-tie cleanup on the blue barn acre has been paid for in total.  Sweet.  It was decided right then and there to share a 12″ Tuna Subway for supper.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:01 pm on July 4, 2024 Permalink  

  Fireworks 

  Our city had their fireworks last night.  Thirty plus years ago I could sit on my front steps and watch them as they were being shot off in the area of the lake on the west edge of town.  The trees have grown so all that I can enjoy is the noise as I conjure up images.

  To the northwest of us a block over, a group of individuals had their own fireworks.  We were amazed at the quality of the light show.  The noise lasted longer than the light show, but they paid for it, so let them enjoy it.

  To the far north was mother nature’s light show.  When I got up at 4:30 for a bathroom break the rain was beginning.  Shortly after twelve noon, the thunder rolled and another strong shower of rain came down.   When I looked at the weather map, there could be pops of rain for quite some time.

  The 4th of July brings many personal past celebrations to mind.  With that being said, I wished my son a Happy Birthday!  How can it be that my children have the birthdays that each year signifies?   I enjoy and celebrate the lives that both have honed.  My memories . . . priceless.   

  I am so fortunate to have the quality of life that I have.  I am here to continue soaking up the day-to-day events that will become more sweet memories.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:58 pm on May 22, 2024 Permalink  

  Plentiful Rain 

  It seemed as if it rained all day yesterday.  Some in Iowa would have only wished that was all that was to be had.

  Alright, the guilt got the best of me.  I called my brother in Iowa to check in with him.  There, I can say I did it.  Every other word is an expletive.   It is 45 minutes with no positive input from him.  When he is bored, he goes to bed at four in the afternoon.  I feel bad when my body tells me I have to go to bed by nine or ten as there is a bit more I’d like to do.  Oh well, it is what it is.

  I did receive a text last night at six from Jeremy.  Carrie had pulled the short straw and was one of the last ones for surgery.  I was correct that they would do a preliminary pathology run on the tissue that was removed.  No cancer was detected, but Jeremy said further study of it would ensue.  I will pop off a text to her either this evening or tomorrow. 

  A pickup pulling a huge hayrack filled with potted plants went by.   I am sure the greenhouse is delivering to the cemetery south of town.

  When we lived at South Branch and were taking care of the cemetery, there would be all sorts of items next to the stones as mementoes.  After short periods of strong winds taking its tole on those mementoes, it was a clean-up that needed to be done day after day.  What beat all was the faded plastic flowers.  Ish.

  For myself, I don’t partake in that tradition.  Numerous family members and a child of our own are no less remembered for the lack of paraphernalia on or by their stones. 

  The breeze from the northwest is wonderful as I am sitting in my west-facing bedroom porch.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:17 pm on May 19, 2024 Permalink  

  A Road Date 

  As we took the scenic route to the north country, it was amazing how many fields had the sheen of green that the new corn plants made.  Dennis thinks the soil is still too cool for soybeans to be planted.

  Our road date allowed for a DQ cone on the way home.  First one of the season.

  Earlier this morning, I had sent a text to Carrie as she will be having surgery in the morning at Rochester.  I sent her love, support and empathy.  Not a place I would ever want to go back to . . . but who can tell.  The suspicious area on her one lung has increased in size but it is also in a spot where a biopsy could not be done.  The best outcome . . .  the growth is taken out and it is not cancer. 

  I received a text back just a few minutes ago.  Carrie has her own unique spark.  Kevin also has a unique spark but on the opposite side of the spectrum.  I have always believed and said out load, her and Kevin are the best part of Orlin and me.  Throw in a bit of unique traits of our own and there you have it.  Two individuals taking on life, each day at a time.  They will always be a part of me no matter how many years may pass . . . they are mine.

  We are having some rain, but not enough that it will be measurable. 

  Dennis had such a good morning, he is taking a nap in his patio porch.  When I looked out the bathroom window and I could see into the porch, snuggles is curled up on his chest . . . also taking a nap.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:02 pm on March 12, 2024 Permalink  

  Coffee 

  A bit of coffee left from breakfast.  Time for a few key strokes.

  When I had the wild hair to work on the living room floor, our trusty little shop vac came up from the basement.  Dennis has one just like it in the patio porch.  That little machine has huge ability to get whatever you point it at, picked up.

  The only downside is the many feet of hose.  I make sure I am always on the safe side of the coil.

  Yesterday was a good day to use the vac to clean all ports possible of the dryer in the bathroom.  That included Dennis taking the hose outside to clear that vent.  Poking around the base of the washer got everything that could be gotten with various attachments.

  We may not keep this vac on the main floor due to lack of space.  That got me going this morning on pulling out the kitchen range.  Sweet felt pads.  Next was poking around on the refrigerator area.  Nope . . . I didn’t do the top . . . as yet.

  I will keep poking around with the vac until I no longer hear the squeal of dust bunnies.

  Dennis just now came home with one med for me and supposedly one for him.  Inside his bag was a bottle of the opioid and two doses of a Narcan.  WTF.  Dennis amazingly got himself off of the opioid and this is really very disappointing.  Dr. Kohn had no business refilling this without a personal request from Dennis.  Dennis asks the gals at the drug store via giving our names.  They put it in a bag and Denis pays the amount they ask for and he heads home.

  Dennis’ so called new provider . . . screwed up again.  I called Lewis Drug and explained things and Dennis is now on his way back to Lewis Drug for returns getting his money back.

  —–onto our Tuesday.

  In the evenings I have been stitching.  Finding it very relaxing.  More so than putting jigsaw puzzles together.  I have also been in the studio from time to time with the Bernina.

  We have a gal across the street that is raking today.  Too early for me.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 4:17 pm on January 4, 2024 Permalink  

  Thursday the 4th 

  Slipping into the 2024 without a glitch.

  Dennis had been heard remarking about a friend in the Trimont health care system.  Last night I offered to ride along with him.  This morning after coffee we headed south.

  I find that if I put out ideas for Dennis’ day, it goes a long way forward for him.  His yard work is on sabbatical.  No snow to move around and that leaves keeping me company in the house or snoozing in the patio porch.  I am so thankful that the child in me has lots of interests to keep two of us busy.

  After we got home, Dennis volunteered to mix up a batch of Betty Crocker peanut butter cookies for me to bake out.  Why Not!

  The cookies have been baked and we are having waffles and pre-cooked Jimmy Dean sausages for supper.

  Hmm.  We did get a call from the police department this afternoon.  Jeff was hit while riding his three-wheel bike and they are looking for him.  Sorry . . . not at this address.  Grandson Ryan told his grandpa that Jeff was on probation for drunk and disorderly and they can’t find him.  He was on probation.  Just what an aging parent needs to quiet the soul.

  Thanks to the times when Megan played at our home, I have the perfect storage for all my easy-to-use pins.  Pins are always needed and I said good-bye to the Glad zip lock baggies.  This is much classier.  A traveler case and all of the naughty, hard to use safety pins are in the lower-class storage.  Sweet.

  I achieved success in self-framing my latest cross stitch project.   I have watched enough videos on YouTube to realize people make a very good income doing the “finish” on other people’s stitched items.  All I want to do is satisfy myself.  Was it hard to decide where and how to hang it?  No.  I just took the first available hole on the wall from where the Santas had hung.  Easy does it.

  Tomorrow, the end of the new week.  May everyone I cherish measure for themselves what is needed in each 24 hours for peace and comfort within themselves.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 4:17 pm on November 29, 2023 Permalink  

  Indian Summer 

  It might not be Indian Summer out, but what Indian wouldn’t like it with temps in the high 40s.

  I rode along with Dennis today as the little red pickup needed an oil change.  When the computer comes up at Jiffy Lube, the little red pickup gets everything it needs considering the mileage.  We have never had problems with vehicles.  They get good care just like we do when we go in for a medical tune-up.

  As we drove, there was not a single ear of corn left to be harvested.  Very few fields had been tilled via moldboard plowing.  Chisel plowing has taken over.  With this weather to allow tillage, the spring field work of 2024 will have a head start. 

  Today our John Deere neighbor to the north of us, Randy, had a retirement party at John Deere.  Randy has worked for our local Deere since he graduated from high school.  Hats off.  His wife, Jan, retired from the school district in the spring of this year.

  This has been a good hump day.  Not much happening here on Stauffer Avenue for local effort.  Tomorrow will be time enough to put the lights back on in the studio.

  By the way, my stitched prototype came though the laundry perfectly.  I can now continue with the 4″ blocks for the backing.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥