Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from December, 2021 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 3:07 pm on December 11, 2021 Permalink  

  The Sunniest 

  Right off the bat, it was going to be the sunniest day imaginable after a huge dump of snow.  I have not heard what the totals were, but according to the drive after Randy blew it off this morning, it would have been a heart attack waiting if shovels had been used.

  Dennis took his time cleaning up close to the garages.  Mandatory snowmobile boots, face mask and heavy mittens before he started.  Today Dennis used the Ahrens blower from Kevin’s Shop.  It has more bells and whistles than the Simplicity that Dennis has been using for many years.  It did get a good workout so Dennis can decide which one to keep.

  I don’t get much done in the house when Dennis is out blowing snow.  I remember too well what happened when we observed a neighbor of ours, Mr. Naszereth, get caught in a push behind snowblower.  It seemed as if it took forever for his family to rescue him.  What I have to do inside our home can wait until I know the snowblower is back in the garage and Dennis is safe in his rocking chair in the patio porch.

  I do have an oven meal ready to pop into the oven for supper.  I am using the ground bear meat with some beef ground meat with egg noodles and Classico sauce, a bit of garlic liquid bullion and a stir for good luck.

  I did get down into the studio by two this afternoon.  I am working on some white dish towels for a picnic next August with my mom’s side of the family.  Why put it off.  Each year one of us cousins takes a turn of a remembrance of a year gone by.  

  Last night I sat back and enjoyed the day that I had had decorating our Christmas tree.  My arms were weary but what a great investment of energy.  I will be taking it easy on the arms for several days.  Stirring ingredients is more of the folding of ingredients than stirring.  Those wonderful reverse shoulders are not taken for granted.  The left shoulder got a double whammy with the stroke.

  In the studio, it is easier to do embroidery on the machine than straight sewing.  The hoop is loaded with stabilizer, the fabric and then loaded onto the bracket for embroidery stitching.  With this project I am working on, I have 35 minutes to rest in between towels.  It could be less time, but I don’t run the machine at a very fast speed.  It is easier to take some extra time than wonder where flying parts land when something may go or if go amiss.

  Dennis had a great nap in his patio porch.  Very much needed after the workout of the snow.

   
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  Noreen 3:57 pm on December 10, 2021 Permalink  

  Forecasts 

  Weathermen must be so proud when they are right on with their forecasts.

  When I got up at 7:15 no snow was falling.  I looked out the bathroom window and realized the temps yesterday had totally cleaned off the patio of snow and ice.  It was my time to strike.  For days it had bothered me that the clapper of the wind chimes on the corner of the patio porch had gotten hung up on the bracket of the clothesline.  It wasn’t a surprise as the winds had been horrible.

  I slipped on some shoes and donning my nightie, I was out the door with my cane and across the patio I went to release the clapper.  I was so satisfied I didn’t hurry to get back into the house.  I knew there was no chance of being locked out, so I took deep breaths of the moist, crisp air.  I had barely gotten back into the house, slipped off my shoes when I looked through the bathroom window.  The wet rain mixed with snow was falling.  This had been meant to be.  It’s the little things in life that can bring so much satisfaction.  Had I mentioned this task out loud, it would not have been understood enough to have gotten done in a timely manner.  Now the windchimes can clang away!

  While I had the bedding going in the laundry, I opened the container that had the Christmas ornaments in it.  The tall skinny tree is what fits our living room. The short stubby branches leave somewhat of a challenge.  Never fear, I will persevere.  While I had a break from finding the right treasure for each spot on the tree,  I put the Department 56 Nativity on the shelf in the west porch.  The 18 piece set warms my heart when I put it up.  Had not this been a purchase when a drug store in New Ulm closed its doors years ago and wanted inventory . . . out the door, I would never have been able to purchase something this wonderful.  I totally enjoy the story that these pieces tell of.

  Randy has just left our drive with his long green line.  Though the snow is still coming down, Randy does like to take the snow out mid-way through what is told will be the total of perhaps 10 inches.  Randy’s drive is gravel and Jan has said he thinks doing our drive of concrete is a treat.

  I have a bit more time to put a few more items on the tree.  My hope is to get it done while it is still a Friday.  After all, my studio is calling.

   
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  Noreen 2:31 pm on December 4, 2021 Permalink  

  A Satisfying Day 

  It might be a dreary day, but who cares!  The world looks brighter when looking through clean windows.  Today was the last of the 64″ windows.  I didn’t do it for anyone but me.  Dennis got the windows up far enough to lock for nobody but . . .  me.  

  While the vacuum was out, I did get a swipe at corners.  Most importantly was the dryer vent.  The vacuum is going to stay in the west porch for a time.  It is so much easier than getting it off the attic steps to use.  Out of sight out of mind.  I see it every day and there is no denying where and when to use it.

  The last of the Christmas wall hangings was put into the stairwell going into the studio.  I do have more wall hangings than I have space to put up.  Dennis gets a vote.  He has discriminating taste when it comes to my stitching projects.  If Dennis had his way, our five foot Santa would be on the first floor of our home.  Not only do we have limited wall space, we have limited floor space.  What ever shall we do!  We decorate for our own enjoyment.

  I have one last item to do before the day gets much older.  A trip to the attic to put away some extra items that seem to be under foot.  I love our small home and need to make decisions on my level of comfort when it feels like “too much.”  Living minimal is our goal, but is easier said than done.  It is my situation of having an emotional attachment to work with and consider.  

  Let’s just call a spade, a spade.  The first floor of our home is a far cry easier than my studio.  The solution was put into place the first part of 2021.  No purchases!  I have stuck to that and have been quite content working from what I have.  Grant it, when Kersten shared with me a fair amount of sewing supplies . . . that did not count.  Tee Hee.

  Dennis found quite a few green wreaths with red bows on them in the far back garage.  Hmm.  That stash had been forgotten.  Dennis had the best time placing them on the posts of the picket fence.  He even made sure that several faced neighbor Jan’s yard.  What a fellow. The wreaths and the red bow on the front door does make it feel very festive.   I have since had a situation of loading photos and will try tomorrow to load Dennis’ picket fence.

  It has been a long enough day.  Catch ya all tomorrow.

   
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  Noreen 2:47 pm on November 10, 2021 Permalink  

  Fall is Closing 

  With the rain that has begun this afternoon, the curtains on the fall season are closing.  We knew it would happen and thanks be for the great run we did have.  Amazon delivered the thread for the WORX weed whip yesterday at noon and by afternoon coffee time, Dennis had the last of the Hosta trimmed down.  Dennis also did another run with the Cub on the leaves.  His curtain on fall work has also been closed.  

  Yesterday evening it was time to take the final wrapping off of Dennis’ left foot where the surgery had removed the middle toe.  The foot lots great.  With a heavy wool sock on, Dennis took his first flexing steps on that foot since October 16th.  Taking it slow will allow blood circulation as the foot bends at the ankle and the remaining toes also move at their joints.  Praise be . . . I can only imagine how great that shower felt.  It may not have been as long as Dennis would have liked, but the foot is not to be in water for any longer than necessary . . . just yet.  

  Today, as promised, we are having a quiet day.  Dennis is walking with little to no discomfort.

  Tomorrow we are traveling to Nicholas’ school where Dennis will be a guest at a Veteran’s Day program.  Nicholas was worried if we would be able to make it as there were not many veterans of the students in his class to invite.  Not to worry.  Soft slippers on the feet with a cane in case it is needed.  Carrie will be driving us to Nick’s school and I know she will get grandpa as close to the door as possible.  We will throw in the walker as an option.  

  Today, I have felt that strides have been had with the PT visits.  Staying on my feet as much as possible today as tomorrow will be a fairly long road trip.  Not to fear, Friday is a PT session.  Mike T put me down for two sessions in the week of the 15th.  I will be missing out on a luncheon with the stitchers, but my hamstrings come first.

  I have been saving a frozen hamburger pizza for long enough.  The pizza is going to be our supper!  Seeing as how it is a hamburger pizza, in my mind, it can’t be much different than an oven dish with hamburger, pasta and tomato sauce.  The saving grace is that there is vanilla ice cream for later, if needed.

   
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  Noreen 3:49 pm on November 9, 2021 Permalink  

  No Dust on a Tuesday 

  Dennis and I are both on the move on this wonderful Tuesday . . . not letting any dust settle on us.

  Dennis and Dwayne loaded a snowblower that Kevin had sent home with us.  It is now at the repair man’s property that is north of here on Hwy #4.  Charlie said he would have time to do it after the crops were off of the fields.  It will most likely stay on the two wheel trailer until it is ready to use and bring back home.  Those two 85 year young do work well together.

  For me, it was going through the first floor and making tidy.  We do have people dropping in unexpectedly.  With a small home it only takes two items out of place to make it look as if the person to make “tidy” has gone AWOL.

  The PT appointment was at 10:45 and I would not have missed that for all the Folgers on Stauffer.  Mike T admits I don’t have a lot of cushion to protect the muscles and tendons that run across the tail bone.  Consequently it smarts to sit.  I don’t sit very long in any one place.

  As I can stand at my sewing machine, I am tackling Jennifer’s Christmas stockings.  The flannel stockings will be lined.  I am able to add a decoration before sewing the two halves of the flannel together.  The red flannel will be the cuff at the top.  The stocking that Jennifer’s mom made is of vintage flannel and is awesome.  I am beginning with two socks to see how it all comes together.  I enjoy trying new things.  I know that my mom, Lena, made stockings for all the grandchildren many decades ago out of red felt.  Dad, Raymond, cut out the letters that spelled each child’s name.  I don’t remember if they were sewn on or glued on.

  I will check to see if anyone needs a new stocking . . . or perhaps a bigger one.   

  The afternoon is bright with 54 degrees.  I couldn’t take my usual walk on Stauffer as the city has spread crushed asphalt over the entire width of the street.  I really didn’t want to get that in the waffle type rubber soles of my shoes.  I did quite a few laps up and down the drive and also the patio as it winds around the patio porch. 

  On a bright note, the boxelders are slowing down.  It was getting to the point that we were getting pyrenoid when we saw a fuzz on the floor.  My aunt Janet says they bite.  A boxelder never had a chance on either of us to try it. 

  Tomorrow is a free day.  There should be nothing that warrants taking the vehicles out of the garage.  That is subject to change.  Blessed is the calm of a fall day when the only creatures that are in a hurry are the squirrels looking for the sweet spot to bury just one more black walnut.

   
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  Noreen 3:21 pm on November 8, 2021 Permalink  

  Clocks Have Been Changed 

  Cellphones update those clocks automatically.  Our clocks in the home were changed this morning.  It didn’t seem to matter; move ahead or fall back . . . I slept until 7:45 this morning.  The chatter of the kids getting ready to board the school bus east of our drive is a pleasant alarm clock.  Dennis has been up for some time but the noise he makes as he prepares to hit the patio porch is so usual, it does not shock me awake.

  Sometimes when my eyes are not ready to open, I try to procrastinate.  Maybe I’ll decide to roll over and see how long I can lay still.  Pretty soon it is tick, tick in my mind.  Then the tick, tick becomes tic tock, tick tock and I know the day is beckoning me.  My kids, far away, have been up for ages and it surely does not speak well of me to be a lazy bones. 

  How much effort does it take to toddle to the bathroom for personal comfort and then return to my bedroom and strip off the sheets and punch a few buttons on the washing machine back in the bathroom.  Having done that . . . I feel the day within me has started.  It will not be denied.   Neither will I deny myself a cup of coffee with creamer added.

  The oven was started and preheated for a batch of frozen scones to be put on a baking sheet.  I did get my breakfast in a bowl and put on the dining room table.  I stripped Dennis’ bed of sheets and added that to what would be additional loads of laundry.  I enjoy my breakfast while catching a bit of news on the television.

  The morning spins on as I swap out loads of laundry from the washer to the dryer and have had enough coffee to keep me going.  The small vacuum is taken off of the attic steps and the dust bunnies under the beds . . . beware! 

  By noon it was nice enough to head east on Stauffer for a walk.  Dennis was in the back garage working on tractors and as I passed by the driveway of the back garage, I told him I would have lunch ready for us when I got back from my walk.  So the morning went.

  I spent some time in the studio pondering steps to take in producing Christmas stockings.  I have paper patterns ready.  I must say, the sample stocking that Jennifer sent with the fabric is rather large.  Lots of goodies would fit in them.

  It is now mid afternoon and there are piles of freshly laundered bedding in the living room.  I don’t need any more caffeine to finish up the beds.  Dennis has had the Cub tractor out taking care of more of the fallen leaves.  He is gaining.  I never said anything negative when I looked out this afternoon and Dennis had started a fire next to the Maple tree.  It was handy for him to keep raking leaves onto the fire.  Get as many done so as to not have to deal with them next spring.  Supper is leftovers from Sunday night.  Wham, bam, thank you . . . supper will be a breeze.

  Such is the day that begins with the tick tocking.  We see what needs to be done and we get it done.  Showers after supper will be sweet dreams when bedtime hits . . . . fresh beds.

  Maybe procrastination will be participated in tomorrow.  Tee hee.

   
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  Noreen 3:24 pm on November 5, 2021 Permalink  

  What a Friday 

  What a busy Friday we have had.

  This forenoon some friends from Madelia stopped in.  Both Doug and Lynette are hunters.  For a cup of coffee and cookies there was a trade off of some bear burger meat and a ring of bear bologna.  Both are mixed with beef and pork at the time of processing.  Their next hunt is in Wyoming.  Lynette shared with me she is ready for some home time.  Her hobby is Cricut paper greeting card crafting.

  I headed out for PT at 11:30.  The right spots have been found.  It can best be explained as a roller ball on the hamstrings, that when worked on, Mike finds the spot where muscle meets tendon.  There is no “uncle” allowed for the time that Mike T has me on the table. I will take whatever he has to dish out.  I want this fixed in as short of a time as possible.

  When I came out of the clinic, my cane needed to be planted securely as the winds were horrific.  When I got home Dennis had had the Cub Lo Boy out and already put away from hitting the leaves in the backyard.  It did a great job.  That is until the last of the Maple leaves drop.  The Northern Red Oak tree is hanging onto its leaves like this would be the last year it would put any out.

  Our noon lunch was barely had when Dennis’ nephew drove up. Brett spent an hour with Dennis in the patio porch as Brett’s concrete business has really kept him hopping to finish jobs before the weather changes.

  When the fellows had solved all the world’s problems, Brett came down to the studio to catch up with his fellow quilter . . . me.  Brett spends his winters in his basement quilt studio.  Brett has gone so far as having his own long-arm to finish his projects.  It seems to be a good transition from pouring yards of concrete from early spring to this time of year.  He knows if he runs short during a project, he can rattle my fabric stashes to pitch in.

  The winds are still howling and we are set to spend a quiet weekend here on Stauffer.  Sweet!

   
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  Noreen 3:18 pm on November 1, 2021 Permalink  

  More Impressions 

  Today we motored to Mankato for an Aspen Dental appointment.  Impressions for Dennis and for me.  I will say one thing for the clinic, they are going to make sure that they have done their utmost to give the 100% guarantee when all is said and done.  More appointments later this month. 

  I will admit, when I am totally done, I can almost taste a tender steak . . . someone will have to assist in cutting it for me.  I have practiced using a fork in my left hand while cutting with the right hand.  It does not bode well . . . still practicing.  

  The day has gotten blustery and the wind feels raw.  Dennis commented this morning that as the back acre had looked so manicured after he mowed it on Saturday, it now has a blanket of fallen leaves as a cover.  Time will tell if the blanket remains or if he feels the need to mulch.  

  This afternoon was time to make a phone call for some much needed catching up with a lifelong friend from Boon Lake Township.  Sharon and Ted were neighbors to Orlin and I while we were farming.  Both Ted and Orlin have passed but so many memories that Sharon and I can recall are bitter sweet.  Neither Sharon nor I venture far from our homes . . . thanks be for phones.  When Ted and Sharon had a daughter and Sharon worked at 3M in Hutchinson, I took care of Gail on occasion.  I wonder . . . do chickens still frighten Gail?  Amazing the memories we can conquer up.

  Cousin Mark from Finland, one hour north of Duluth, had a photo this morning on the social network of his deck with a bit of snow on the railings.  I know it will happen in our part of the state . . . just later than sooner would be just fine with me.  Our barometer for colder weather is the three patio porch kitties.  Baskets that allow them to curl up in warm fuzzy blankets from Goodwill beat the cold blowing air any time, any day . . . except for one.  Honey Bunny is the oldest and the one with the least extra body fat.  She insists on holding out until the last straw in the evening when Dennis puts on the outside light, triggering curfew.  She saunters in as if she owns the porch.  No, she doesn’t own the porch, she just has Dennis wrapped around her clawed foot.

  Hopefully this last weekend gave everyone a chance for last minute chores.  This morning when the first light of the day could be seen, I could look out a clean east bathroom window.  Yup . . . we nailed it yesterday.  Let’s hear it for the older ones on Stauffer!

   
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  Noreen 1:42 pm on October 31, 2021 Permalink  

  A Sense of Humor 

  A sense of humor in life is so terribly important.

  Yesterday we tackled some of the last work outside. By the time we came in to shower up for the day it looked as if the backdoor had been left open and the fall grit, grim and shredded leaves had made it into the back entry, kitchen and bath.  Dennis had mowing evidence on his clothes.  My clothes that had had shredded silage on them from the weed whip and the moisture of the Hosta stems eventually dried off enough to shed with any movement.  Thank goodness we have no carpeting in the house.  A dance around the floors with the Swiffer mop made short work of the cleanup.  We vowed to take it easier today.

  Wouldn’t you know it . . . the sun presented itself with a fairly decent day by the time noon arrived.  The bathroom windows are the only windows that do not tip in.  With all the dirt blowing and then the rains and heavy dew . . . it was needed for a washing and cleaning.  It may not last, but we needed to give it our best before cold finger weather.

  Dennis had a long handled brush that took the first swipe with sudsy warm water.  The rinse cycle had vinegar in it.  My mom swore by it.  I do know that some Windex bottles come with ammonia in it.  Mom also used newspaper to dry the window.  Very few streaks.  We did it the old fashioned way with cotton towels.  Dennis, by now, had the stepladder next to the window.  With a very firm hand from Dennis, on my back side, I navigated the three steps on the ladder to do the dry-down.  The firm hand stayed there until I was back on solid ground.  Sweet. Mission completion.  As we put things away, we laughed at the fact that neither one of us can do the entire job solo.  A half plus a half does get the job done.

  True to what we had said this day would be . . . we are now taking it easy.

  Supper last night was Shore Land potato soup mix.  I had prepared a bag of mixed vegetables to add to it.  It makes a batch of eight cups.  Guess what tonight’s supper will be?

  Tomorrow at ten, we will both be at Aspen Dental in Mankato for the final round of dental appliances.  It will be a great task to begin for completion.  While we are in town, a stop at Home Depot for the weed whip plastic thread.  It would be nice to get the last of the Hosta whacked down.  It makes it so much easier in the spring.

  Tomorrow, here comes the first week in November.  Much has transpired in 2021 for Dennis and me.  Son Kevin, has moved into his own shop and daughter Carrie is also working on her own business.  Children finding their joy . . . priceless.  Dennis and I have our joy 24/7 right here on Stauffer Avenue.  It is well . . . with my soul.

   
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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.