Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from December, 2022 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  Noreen 3:30 pm on December 26, 2022 Permalink  

  Monday a Holiday 

  When Christmas Day is on a Sunday, the Monday is then considered a holiday.

  It was a good thing that Lewis Drug was indeed open today.  They had closed on the 23rd in the morning due to blowing snow and the same for the 24th.  Now today being the 26th they were backed up ten deep.  Dennis was one of their customers standing in line.  Not a good day for a new employee behind the counter.  All is well as Dennis did come home with the correct items.

  Grandson Ryan was here this morning with the skidloader.  The pile of snow in our front yard is huge.  Ryan takes the snow from Stauffer Avenue, which is where Dennis needs to back out of with the little red pickup for his errands, and that snow is piled in the backyard.  Oh so much white.

  Who knew that the snow that began to fall Christmas day would continue most of the night.  When I went to bed at ten and looked out, the snow against the street light looked as if glitter were falling from the heavens.  Every color imaginable reflected.

  The storm that we had over Christmas blew snow in drifts that became hard.  We had never had snow pile up at our back door to the depth that this was.  It took quite a push for Dennis to get out of the house Christmas Eve morning.  That push also took off part of the sweep from the bottom of the combination door.  There we had it . . . flopping every time the door opened and closed.  After Dennis cleared off snow from the back door walk to the garage, he was due a break.  With the bitter cold, I rolled up a carpetrag rug to keep the cold at bay.  A short term fix.

  When Dennis was napping, I looked the door situation over.  What would my dad, Raymond, do?  The vinyl sweep tore through from the screw holding it on.  The sweep was kept at bay by that screw length and thus not fitting back under the combination door.  The sweep had u-shaped channel that was now full of frozen snow.  I dressed warm and took one step at a time.  That step was clearing the frozen snow off of the inside door sill.  I got out my pastry brush and cleaned all the snow out of the channel.  I couldn’t get the screw out.  With a side clipper I snipped out just enough of the vinyl sweep so it bypassed the screw and I could get the length of the sweep back under the length of the door.  It’s not the best fix.  With the snow being kept away from the bottom of the outside door, it will do for now.  At least the sweep will keep the cold air from seeping in under the inside wooden door.

  When Dennis got up he couldn’t believe we were back in business.  There is nothing like a DIY Grammie.

  Today with laundry done, I decided to come down into the studio.  It had been dark for far too long.  It also gave me a chance to try out the small heater we purchased to sit under the sewing table.  The remote works great and can be set to oscillate if needed.

  Yes, this is a winter that we have not seen for many a year.  Now . . . if the forecast is correct we may have temps in the 30’s for the remainder of the week.  Go figure.

   
• 

  Noreen 2:49 pm on December 25, 2022 Permalink  

  Christmas Day 

  Christmas Day, the birth of our Lord and Savior.  No one’s life on earth would ever be the same again.

  We have so much power over our own life once we are out from the shelter of parent’s love.  It is quite humbling and also quite frightening.

  Little do many of us remember that that shelter lasts as long as God gives them breath.  For myself, my shelter for my children is as large as the biggest umbrella you could find.  I am right here for them, just a phone call away any time of the day.  Moral support is powerful.  I sure had a lot of it from Raymond and Lena.  I try to give as good as I got.

  Today, as Dennis and I are sharing our Christmas here on Stauffer, alone but not lonely.  It gives me contentment that my children and my grandchildren are safe within their homes.  What better Christmas present could I have.  It warms my heart.

  I will add that our home is fragrant with a small beef roast in the oven.  I wrapped it in two layers of foil after I had put a rub on it.  The foil wrapped beef was put in a fry pan at 300 degree at nine this morning.  I am hoping for a steamed tender roast to go with our favorite carrot casserole and cheesy potatoes.  Once the winter dictated we would be two rather than eight, I scaled back the size of the dishes I prepared, but maintained the original menu.  Sweet.

  I did my family responsibility and called my brother in Iowa.  Nothing newsworthy came forth.  I struggle to understand his lack of family feelings.  I have chosen to accept rather than expect.

  Looking outside, the snow is lightly falling.  We have reached nine above zero.  Not bad. 

  Each time Dennis goes out to the patio porch he takes another swipe at some of the hard packed snow that found its way right by our back door.  The deer appreciated the offering of the corn as evident of all the tracks around the patio porch.  A bit of corn for each one offers good body heat for them.

   
• 

  Noreen 3:24 pm on December 19, 2022 Permalink  

  A Sudsy Day 

  Laundry day on Stauffer Avenue.  I came late to the show in regard to the Tide pods.  I really like using them.  When Dennis takes heavy rugs to the laundromat, the pods are easier than metering out liquid soap in a pint fruit jar.

  Years ago, the 50s, Duz granular laundry soap had a free dish inside.  If I remember correctly, it was a wheat design.  Amazingly there was no breakage.  What was added to Lena’s laundry was a bit of lye soap that Lena would grate into the wash water.  Lena’s whites were whiter than white.

  The last of our three loads is in the dryer. 

  The snow has been falling and the huge flakes are beautiful.  The forecast isn’t for more than an inch or so.

  Dennis took his six five gallon plastic pails up to the elevator for shell corn.  Tomorrow they will be ready and filled.  The gal at the elevator office is so strong, Dennis says it takes her no time and insists on doing it for him.  Two pails at a time into the back of the little red pickup.  Our backyard is totally imprinted with different sized hoof prints . . . small to large.

  With laundry done, tomorrow may find a dust bunny or two.  I have been staying in bed until eight on most days.  I can look right out to the north and the birds have a hay day in the huge evergreen.  There is just enough snow caught on the boughs . . . priceless.

   
• 

  Noreen 2:29 pm on December 16, 2022 Permalink  

  A Friday 

  Today is the second day of the snow recovery.  

  Today is a day of not much exciting going on.  With one stitched project completed, I did work through some of my stashes for the next project.  I am a huge fan of Tartan Plaid.  It may well be in the next mix.

  Dennis is working with the Simplicity snowblower.  He takes many breaks.  Dennis needs to have his days include “local effort” as much as I do.

  The way the wind is blowing, the snow hasn’t found a place to settle as yet.

  I hope everyone has plans for the weekend that will be safe.  For Dennis and myself, our needs are few and we could subsist on the supplies on hand for some time. 

  Not every day needs to have excitement from morning to night.  Taking time to watch a few snowflakes goes a long way in sitting back and reminiscing.

   
• 

  Noreen 3:40 pm on November 30, 2022 Permalink  

  Merry and Bright 

  The bright sun would lead us to believe that it is warmer outside, rather than what it actually is.

  I can tell you that the marketplace on Facebook does indeed work.  Hats off to the older ones on Stauffer Avenue.  I even remembered to go back to the site and let the world know a sale had happened.

  After Dennis went out to check on the patio kitties this morning, I sat in my bedroom porch for a time enjoying breakfast coffee and a good read.  I couldn’t help but notice a huge brown curled Oak leaf as it danced and pranced over the top of the snow that had no blemishes on it.  A thing of delight in the winter wonderland.  A gust of wind gave the leaf flight to . . . where . . . I do not know.  If the gusts persist road conditions will be anything but a delight.  The snow was so wet and heavy, once walked on or driven on, it was ice.

  Dennis has been outside cleaning around the door openings with his Simplicity snowblower.  That included an area on the back patio next to the patio porch.  The pan holding the nightly corn for the deer will have a cleared spot.  This morning the backyard of fairly deep snow looked like many deer had traveled through. 

  Again this afternoon, I spent some time putting more safety pins down to hold Luella’s blanket in place before quilting can begin.  I have no time frame on the quilting process.   

  This evening we are enjoying two bone in pork chops, smothered in cream of mushroom soup, that have been in the crockpot since morning.  A kettle of instant mashed potatoes will be also on the menu with green beans.  I think Dennis will enjoy the tasty hot meal.

  As we had no errands to run today, I still think the sun makes me feel merry and bright.

  Catch you tomorrow on hump day!

   
• 

  Noreen 4:25 pm on November 28, 2022 Permalink  

  Monday, Monday 

  Mondays are laundry day . . . thus was Lena’s way.  It worked for her and it worked for me.  The laundry basket is empty and is ready to receive new dirty laundry.

  I had caught wind that snow may be moving in.  I trundled my library books to the library as they were due this Thursday.  Staying out of slush and snow is my target.  Once I had new books checked out I thought I might as well visit the grocery store.  

  We don’t shop locally if a medical appointment in Mankato is due during the week.  We won’t have any appointments until the 6th of December.  The sticker shock of some of the items on the shelf made me happy that our basement pantry is quite well stocked.  I was disappointed as the 2% milk has a December 6th sell by date.  Good grief.  Nonetheless, what we needed to round out what we have on hand has been achieved.

  Our mail was late this afternoon.  In the mail was a letter from the county auditor that was typed November 21st.  Hmm.  Here it is the 28th of November.  In the letter was a notification of a tax forfeit auction taking place at three this afternoon.  One of the properties is adjacent to our holdings.  Hmm.

  With a quick late lunch under Dennis’ belt, he headed for the courthouse.  This was his decision.  I told him to act upon whatever he thought best for us.  When Dennis got home he announced that we own an additional lot of 46,200 Sq. Ft.  There are no special assessment on it and the abstract is available from the auditor’s office upon the sale.  Well now . . . 

  I do have thoughts about this.  This lot is adjacent to a land locked area of ours.  There has been an easement in place for ingress and egress, though not without cleanup.  I know that Edna, that lives on one side of the easement, will be thrilled.  Dennis has been mowing her yard for quite some years and turns a blind eye to what lays next door east to her yard.  Dennis came home with all sorts of talk about the cleanup of this, which includes an old barn.  It may well be just what my ole cowboy needs to stay in the loop of planning and doing and . . . feeling vital.  After all, where would I be if not for the commotion in the studio.

  I hope the snow is not serious, though Dennis has his snow blower ready. 

  Potatoes are peeled and a small frozen serving of pork roast and carrots have thawed.  Steamed veggies are also on the menu.  Two out of three options for Dennis is really quite good.

  Perhaps tomorrow will see the lights come on in the studio.

   
• 

  Noreen 2:51 pm on November 23, 2022 Permalink  

  By my Chin 

  By my skin of my chin.  It is that close to having enough of my pink fabric for the blanket backing that I am working on.  Oh all right.  I actually have two inches.  When the sandwiching takes place, the backing goes down first, wrong side up.  Next the batting will be floated over the backing and last but not least is the topping with the right side up.  There is always more batting peeking out than the backing.  It may come down to doing some basting to make sure top and bottom are aligned.  That will be for another day . . . after Thanksgiving.

  Dennis had visitors during the night checking out his corn dish.  The porch kitties no doubt took in the activities.  The dish was taken into the patio porch this morning.  There are so many squirrels just waiting for some free treats.

  This afternoon is the perfect time for a walk down Stauffer Avenue.  No wind, no ice.

  I won’t be posting tomorrow on Thanksgiving.  May each and everyone feel as blessed and thankful as I do.  Yup . . . life is pretty sweet.

   
• 

  Noreen 3:03 pm on November 22, 2022 Permalink  

  A Bit of Fall Returns 

  I would say 45 degrees is a very good reprieve from the frigid cold.

  Tuesday mornings are set as coffee group at McDonald’s with friend Dwayne.  After smoozing with those in attendance, Dennis was off to the grain elevator’s office.  Dennis had dropped off six five gallon pails yesterday and today they were picked up filled with the corn for the deer.  My contribution was to make sure we had a pan for the corn.  In my days of farming these pans were called sow pans.  Metal pans that took a lot of abuse as they were pushed about in the pens.

  I made my way to the studio.  First item on the agenda was to clean out fuzz from within the sewing machine and give it a drop or two of oil.  A few minutes spent wisely to make the machine run like a top.  The next item was done as a favor to my hands and arms.  A new blade in the OLFA rotary cutter for making nice.  As I needed to cut multiple lengths of the companion border . . . it cut as if going through butter.  I had pieced the individual baby clothes blocks to be equal to each other, I felt the border of that same black print to tie it all together for a cohesive appearance would work.  Prior to the black border the measurement was 65″ x 75″.  With the border it will be about 72″ x 82″.  Luella is in a double bed,  which is 93″ x 96″.  I am sure that this blanket may very well end up everywhere but on top of her bed.  As I am going to quilt this on my sewing machine, I also know my limits.  It still is a lot to herd under the needle.

  Three in the afternoon is a good time to shut down the studio and head to the main floor of the house.  A change of pace as the afternoon seems to close more quickly than I would like.

  The forecast for the Thanksgiving event sounds wonderful.  We will be traveling to Eden Prairie for the day.  We had asked if we could bring anything and Carrie had decided on a brunch rather than a full bore Thanksgiving meal.  We needed to bring nothing.  Dennis countered with bringing several jugs of orange juice as it was deemed a brunch.  That was given a thumb’s up by the hostess.  We can eat anywhere, anytime.  Dennis and I are looking forward to the visiting on Thursday.

   
• 

  Noreen 3:12 pm on November 20, 2022 Permalink  

  Late Night Visitors 

  This morning when we got up we noticed the tracks around the east end of our house.  Either one very busy deer or many.  Dennis commented that with such a great harvest season, most of the farm fields have little to offer the deer for foraging.  We didn’t cut down the Hosta in the east end of the acre, that might be a snack for a few of the deer.  It wouldn’t surprise me if tomorrow sometime Dennis will visit the elevator office and talk to Mike about picking up sweepings to feed the deer.  Once we start, it will be the winter’s project.  We have quite a few five gallon pails for the project.  As in years past, Dennis would drop off the pails one day and pick them up the next.

  I made fair headway today with pink blanket stitching.  When my left arm and left hand become weary, there is no mistaking the message.  It is easy to shut down the machine as well as all the extra lighting.

  The remaining afternoon I will be in my bedroom porch with cold coffee . . . reading.

  My laptop is telling me it is 36 sunny degrees.  The week is going to be a wonderful warmup from the frigid of the past several weeks.  That cold shock value allowed us to make sure we knew where gloves, mittens and the cold gear was.  My daily routine is to make sure I shake out my feather blanket encased in its duet cover.  The extra air . . . a wonderful insulation factor.  I do feathers, light as air and Dennis does heavy weight in multiple, and I mean multiple coverings.  It works . . . to each his own.

   
• 

  Noreen 1:45 pm on November 1, 2022 Permalink  

  Checking it Twice 

  Today I am checking my stashes . . . twice.  Great grand of Dennis’, Luella, has requested the quilt of her clothes be pulled together with pinks.  As we have an appointment at the wound doctor tomorrow, I wanted to make sure I had enough in my stashes that I wouldn’t need to shop for pinks.  I have a variety in my stashes that are of the pink persuasion.

  By the way . . . the wound doctor will be pleased.  Dennis is enjoying wearing matching shoes and he says it feels great for walking.

  When I opened the the tote of Luella’s clothes, I am only cutting up those that have a cute design or a cute saying.  Of course the little pants that have her name on them will be a contender.  The footed PJs of fleece fabric, I am leaving in tact as they are too nice to cut up and could be good hand-me-downs. 

  I do have plenty of the “Shape Flex.”  Shape Flex is ironed onto the back of the t-shirt fabric, making it no different than cotton fabric as it comes off of a bolt of fabric.  There is no fighting with stretchy fabric.  I am set to tackle this.  Dennis has offered to help with the rotary cutter.  A scissor is no longer in my wheelhouse to cut up t-shirts and I wouldn’t expect Dennis to man the scissors either.

  Dennis and his friend, Dwayne, went to Sleepy Eye’s Miller Sellner this morning for Dennis to pick up his 2022 Heston belt buckle.  This one will be added to his collection that he started in their first year of buckles . . . 1974.

  This afternoon, the Russian Sage was cut down.  The pollinators are through with the blossoms.  These stems could very well have been harvested by shucking off all the dried blossoms and bagging it for use in fancy little lace bags and added to drawers to add the wonderful scent.  Ya right . . . maybe in my younger years.

  After having my next agenda checked twice, I am heading out for a walk.  The sun will warm well.