Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from October, 2021 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:02 pm on October 29, 2021 Permalink  

  Sunshine 

  I was in the studio and when the sun beams came through the south windows, it caught me off guard.  I thought for a moment the flashlight mode of my telephone had been turned on accidently.

  The morning started in the studio but I knew as soon as Dennis was moving, I would be outside helping him.  All went well.  All garden hoses have been drained and put into the potting shed.  The last two lawn chairs and the small table have been tucked away.  Dennis made one trip to the far east garage.  I have an idea he will try to mow the acre tomorrow.  I will not stop him.  Soon enough he will know if the foot can take the vibration.  He did ask about one of the small kitty pillows, if he could use it if it helped.  What’s the worse that can happen . . . it being run over by the mower.  Through this last week, Dennis said he felt better if he kept busy.  It is one of the best things to avert feeling pain.  I know he can’t hurt the foot.  It looks similar to a football with all the wrappings.

  The Russian Sage was cut off today.  It was still very full of the purple flowers and difficult to call it a season by whacking it.  When we push the season and the fingers get bitterly cold . . . that is not good.  Dennis picked up the huge bundle and I followed behind and picked up what he dropped.  I swear there were bees that followed us the entire way to the burning ring.  It won’t be burned until it dries so the bees can enjoy it until then, just at a different location.  The pungent aroma was all over our clothing.  Number three cat, Harriet, usually likes to have the top of her head scratched.  One sniff of my hands turned her off.  Silly kitty.

  I have been invited to a baby shower.  The grandmother asked me in August if I would make a baby blanket for her son.  She is a second cousin of mine.  There are no moms or grandmas left in their immediate family.  I told her, at that time, that I sew from my stashes and sew from the heart.  Once a non-sewer can dictate, it takes the fun out of it for me. Though I will not be attending the shower in Litchfield, I will work on the baby blanket.  The baby isn’t due until the early part of 2022.  They did find out this last week it would be a boy.  Showers that begin at five in the afternoon, means that the drive home, one and a half hours, would be in the dark.  Neither Dennis nor I have good night vision.  So be it. 

  Considering that I came to have been given fabric this summer, I pulled out flannel for the blanket.  Today the sewing machine was turned on . . . the first time since the servicing. There are plenty of embroidery designs loaded within my machine that will work perfectly.  Today two blocks were stitched out.  Giving myself room to trim them as I continue . . . time will tell how large the blanket will be.  I did pre-wash and dry all the flannel that I will be using.

  The rain gauge said we had 1.8 inches of rain over these last two days and that after the 2 inches we had several weeks age.  This should help to close the gap in the shortage of moisture beginning in early spring.

  One great weekend is forecast.  I know everyone will have no problem finding plenty to fill the hours.

   
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  Noreen 1:49 pm on October 24, 2021 Permalink  

  Raw Day 

  It really feels raw out today.  Humidity is high, with no sunshine.

  It must be dry enough out in the fields as there are tractors pulling in flare boxes heaped with shell corn going by our home heading to the elevator.  There are more weeks left before the fall work is deemed done.

  Dennis is hoping that his fall work still has time.  He was so sure after we had several mornings of a hard freeze that the leaves would all but float off of the trees leaving blankets of them.  That has not happened.  This morning, friend Bruce, was having coffee with Dennis in the patio porch.  Bruce is on board to give our acre one last mowing after more leaves have given up.  Sounded like a great plan.  I have an idea that it will be some time before Dennis’ foot could take the vibration that a rider mower would give off.  Nerve endings that have gone through surgery do not take much.  I am speaking from experience when I had my knees replaced.  Dennis is best in the observation tower, aka:  the patio door windows watching.

  The last of the house washing is not going to happen.  Dennis had been on top of it the first part of September.  That will do until next spring.  Next week I plan on doing some window washing by tipping in one window at a time.  All windows may not get done, but those that have the west sunset shining in will be first on the docket.  

  Dennis is up and moving with intervals of rocking chair time and the foot up on a foot stool.  I looked out the bathroom window at one time today and he was vacuuming bugs off of the patio porch windows.  Even in this chilly weather the bugs are active.  When Dennis comes in from outside, he does a turn around so I can check for stowaways.  Dennis’ level of comfort from foot surgery is taking Tylenol every four to five hours and he shows up for his meds without reminders.  I realize how uncomfortable he may be in between time.  I also know each day will get better.

  Tomorrow starts the last full week of October.  Challenges of various types doesn’t slow down time.  Each day brings memories and there is no chance of experiencing a rewind.  Take the day and embrace what it brings forth.

   
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  Noreen 2:15 pm on October 19, 2021 Permalink  

  A Tuesday 

  A Tuesday and Stauffer Avenue is not quite the same without Dennis.  Our third night of changes of pace for him and me. 

  This morning I wanted to be at the hospital for doctor rounds.  Our family doctor was onboard and saw Dennis for the first time since this had transpired.  There was no ifs ands and maybes.  By rounds on Wednesday morning he would have answers in regard to the toe.  Dennis and I are counting on him.

  I drove into the driveway coming home from the hospital and daughter Carrie followed me right in coming from Eden Prairie.  What a treat.  Carrie had not been here for some time and believe me it was time to do some catching up.  It was not the longest of visits as they had parent-teacher conferences at five.  

  We had noticed the refrigerator settings were on the high side.  I asked and I was shown how to adjust both the refrigerator and the freezer . . . dah!  It was as simple as when Kevin showed me how to set the clock in the car.  Over thinking does an older one in.

  After a sandwich for lunch Carrie offered if there was anything outside that we would need help with.  Here we are with a very bare looking patio.  The umbrella and stand are in the potting shed as is the wooden electrical spool we use as a patio table.  Sweet.  Two chairs remain for us to enjoy the last days of patio sitting.

  As Carrie was planning on heading out on the open highway, I called Dennis and he agreed to come out of the hospital proper to the outside bench so he could greet Carrie before she left for home.  I stayed and sat with Dennis for awhile outside.  It was pleasant sitting in the dabbled sunlight . . . no boxelder bugs.  In time Dennis was called inside as it was time for new antibiotic bags to be hung.  

  I have a confession.  I brought Dennis his cigarettes.  Waiting day in and day out for . . . some kind of answer,  I would have been crawling the walls by now.  I most likely would have tried stowing away in the laundry cart and hitching a ride home.  He has been a smoker for decades and if the cigarettes can bring him some type of calm, I am all for it.  He deserves that.

  I will be at the hospital bright and early in the morning with a prayer and hope that our doctor will have some positive direction for this sweet ole cowboy.

   
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  Noreen 2:32 pm on September 30, 2021 Permalink  

  Feel Good Day 

  When asked if I want to go for a ride . . . yup!

  Dennis spends a lot of time in his patio porch that opens up to the garages for our vehicles.  Periodically, Dennis takes inventory of what the shelves hold in the garages.  Today was one of those days.  In the pickup, with me and my nose pressed to the window to take in the sites along the way, we headed north. 

  Not too many years ago we were going to take care of trimming our own branches and such on the acre.  Off to Harbor Freight we went to purchase a chainsaw we could handle.  What could be easier than a 15 pound electric chainsaw.  In the bull’s eye was a Sumac bush that needed to be cut down.  It’s branches were annoying when Dennis was mowing. 

  By the time the multiple limbs coming from one larger one was cut, Dennis said it felt as if he had been hanging from his arms for hours.  Dennis was tuckered.  That was the extreme use of that 15 pound chainsaw.  I had no quarrel with it being on the shelf in the garage.  After all . . . we do have people.  Dennis’ son-in-law likes to show off his skills with his chainsaw.  As it is, our tree trimming is down to picking up the limbs that the good Lord and Mother Nature have decided need to be culled.

  To get back to our trip up north.  Kevin has been given the 15 pound electric chainsaw.  He assured Dennis it would fill a need that he has coming up for the winter months.  Perfect.

  Dennis’ mood was perky all the way home.  It felt oh so good to lighten the load here on Stauffer Avenue.  We do live with the minimal lifestyle as our goal.  For sure . . . less is more.

   
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  Noreen 1:54 pm on September 28, 2021 Permalink  

  Mowers are Humming 

  With a small amount of rain in the recent weeks, mowers are determined to clip whatever dry spear can be had.

  What is of more importance on Stauffer today is the washing of screens and windows in the patio porch.  Dennis took the initiative and I followed up behind after I mopped the kitchen floor.  I am taking Dennis’ suggestion of putting down a rug in front of the kitchen sink.  Time will tell how we handle a rug on the floor.  Advice by all, is that we should not put rugs down once we are at the age we are.  At the age we are, we are also apt to spill food items off of the edge of the kitchen counter and splash dish water over the edge of the sink.  It does not stop there.  Our feet very likely will drag said spills farther.  

  I did work with my camera and have regained the ability to take a good photo.  This photo does do justice to Dennis’ wheel painting.  There remains many options that I will again visit the internet and ask questions about.  Grammie’s are way out of their element when it comes to options in our small palm-sized cameras.  It’s a far cry from the Brownie box camera. 

  This morning we went to an appointment here at our clinic with a specialist from Mankato for ear, nose and throat.  Sinus on the right side has been plaguing Dennis for a long time.  It started thirteen years ago when Dennis first began using the CPAP machine.  Cleaning a 10′ plastic corrugated hose that is hooked up to a humidifier and also to the face mask is difficult.  We gave it a good try multiple times a week.  The purchase of the So Clean machine was three years too late.  I am not sure So Clean was even on the market when Dennis began the CPAP.

  Dennis had a camera down his throat and also up his nostrils this morning.  There were no obstructions seen . . . I also was watching the screen.  There are two pillows of tissue on either side of the nose that was swollen.  The Breathe Right nasal strips do offer relief and Dennis will continue them as well as using a nasal prescription that he is to use each morning.  It will not offer relief immediately.  This is worth a try.  Dennis did sit through what was warned as her sermon on the soap box in regard to smoking.  Hmm.  He was told not to use Afrin as over the counter.  A little works at first and soon, more and more is needed to bring relief.

  Dennis likes to wash off the outside of the house in late fall.  I will wait until he is done with that task before I think about our house windows.  The windows tip in, so I am not concerned when we can again see out of the windows.  When the sun shines in, it’s like looking through the old glass known as Isinglass.

  Good effort on our homestead’s tidiness today.  It will be interesting as to what tomorrow brings.

   
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  Noreen 2:01 pm on September 27, 2021 Permalink  

  Monday and Bugs 

  I am surprised we have not been drug off by the bugs these last several days.  True to my word, I may be outside early in the morning and then not again until after dark.  Even Dennis came in and brushed his hair at noon as he was sure his head was crawling with bugs . . . it wasn’t.

  Yesterday was the completion of the last of the yard art for Stauffer.  Dennis has been going through white paint like crazy . . . some by brush, but most by spray can.  He might have opted for some touch up, but his index finger could no longer hold down the nozzle of this last can of spray paint.  After we had gotten the cement deer from the east end of the acre and planted it under the lilacs north of the patio . . . there was a new plan coming forth from my ole cowboy.

  There have been four iron wheels leaned up against four trees in the backyard for several decades.  I can only imagine how difficult it was to get the bottom portions out of the dirt, let alone into the back of the pickup.  Dawn dish washing liquid and a brush did a stand up job on getting the dirt and some of the loose rust off.  Out of the garage came the little red pickup. Cardboard was put down in Dennis’ rendition of a paint booth.  I stayed clear.  This was his timeline and his project.  

  Yesterday after we had finished with coffee, it was placement time for the four of the largest wheels.  One of the largest wheels is leaned against the huge maple tree in the back.  The second one is matching and leaning against the east post of the white picket fence that runs east to west.  The two matching, next in size, are spaced equally on either side of the cement deer.  There are three smaller ones tucked here and there under the lilacs.  It looks wonderful and it was very self-satisfying to Dennis.  What could be better than that. 

  What could be better than that, is if my camera would take a decent photo.  Between yesterday, having one of the great grands announce she had taken some good photos . . . ya right . . . and now!  Upon investigation, I can see what the setting is, putting this darkened halo around each photo, I need more time to figure out how to shut that option off.  It will take me awhile, but I will figure it out.

   
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  Noreen 2:20 pm on September 17, 2021 Permalink  

  Fall Feeling Friday 

  It might be Friday but neither of us heard the wind during the night that brought this fall feeling day. 

  Dennis came in after his morning coffee and breakfast in the patio porch and went straight to getting his chores clothes on.  I had no clue who lit a fire under him until he explained: we had had a strong wind that took down a lot of tree tips and branches.

  How sweet that Dennis has a sweeper to pull behind his mower to rake up just such a mess as this.  Before having this sweeper, I would have been out there with my six inch wide rake with lots of bending over and Dennis filling up several trash cans.

  I felt if he was going to do yard work, I would do a morning in the kitchen.  We both like to eat and we both like oven meals.  I had everything to pull this morning off.  Egg noodles with a pound of browned hamburger, a can of drained beans and garlic flavored Classico tomato sauce. The batch was huge.  After a photo shoot, I put two pans in the freezer for another fall-feeling day.  There will still be a wonderful amount for supper.  As I worked through the morning and the kitchen was filling with great aroma, I decided to do more.  What helped is that a while back we had stopped at the apple barn on 169 and had proceeded to tuck an apple pie in the freezer.  Today, I knew that I would do a batch of scones and follow that by baking out the pie.  

  By noon, Dennis had completed the acre and I was finishing up the dishes.  We both felt like taking a noon break at the dining room table.  Dennis had equipment to clean up and I had a bed to make.  As the kitchen commotion was going on, I had bedding that I was swapping out in the laundry.   

  It is now mid afternoon and time for some patio sitting with our feet up.  Of course I checked out the acre, and it indeed looks as if it has been raked by a professional.  I know I will get rave reviews for our five o’clock supper we will be enjoying . . . complete with apple pie for later.  One good turn deserves another.

  I see that I need to change the date on my camera.  Hey . . . if I figured out the wireless printer to get it back online . . . I have got this.

   
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  Noreen 2:37 pm on September 13, 2021 Permalink  

  The Best Spot 

  We all need a good night’s sleep.  For me that has been quite easy of late.  I keep busy during the day and can’t wait to go to bed at nine.

  I know that Dennis has been fighting a sinus issue for quite some time . . . more like several years.  Even if his malfunctioning CPAP machine would be in good working order, he would still be up during the night feeling plugged up and not breathing well.  We are waiting to hear that a new CPAP machine is in stock . . . strike one.  We are waiting for an appointment with an ear, nose and throat doctor in Mankato . . . strike two.  Dennis refuses to give up the smoking . . . strike three.  I can’t imagine what those poor nostrils of his takes in with each puff.  I was the one that pushed for the ear, nose and throat appointment.  I am weary of hearing about the issue . . . literally.  Let’s just get to the nitty gritty of it.

  I must say Dennis takes on each day full bore.  No weeds grow under Dennis’ feet.  When I think he has run out of projects he finds more to do.  We have been caretakers of brother Michael’s moose for some time.  The moose was gifted to us.  The moose was the product of a rescued high line post on the family farm.  Michael enjoyed working with wood.  As recent as last week, Dennis put out the request of two cans of clear poly spray.  We have treated the moose over a period of years with Thompson’s water repellant.  The treatment does not last.  Dennis decided to try the poly on a small portion of the moose to see if it would dry . . . and it did.

  Yesterday while I was at the Dollar General, I picked up some fall colored items to put into the moose.  This morning when I got up and looked out the bathroom window . . . Michael’s moose had made his debut on the patio.  He looks wonderful.  We have always taken the moose in every winter so I am sure this spa treatment will last for some time. Dennis seems to be finding the best spots for his finished products.

  I put in time each morning in the gardens.  What doesn’t get done by noon, will wait until another day.  The best remedy for those aching butt cheeks of yesterday, was to go out and bend over some more.  Work them and not let them stay tight. 

  So . . . the moral to this story is:  we may not always feel like we are on the top of the world, but we pick ourselves up and stay busy.  Sweet.

   
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  Noreen 2:48 pm on September 12, 2021 Permalink  

  Chain Reaction 

  Hmm.  When I sneeze my butt cheeks hurt.  The rest of the story is quite simple.  I have been working in my gardens.  September 12th, and there are many spots that this is the first time this year they have gotten any attention.  I cannot push or use a hoe.  That pulls like crazy across the chest and up and down the incision from the heart surgery.  I can however bend over.  By the way . . . both are allowed by doctors to the degree that I can tolerate.  Bending over I have been doing and stooping to a light degree works also.  Dennis has helped by watering a small area at a time so the sand burrs and clover pulls easily.  No . . . Dennis does not recognize a weed from a flower.  Better my butt cheeks hurt than his butt getting chewed out.  I fully intend to keeps the gardens I have and enjoying them from spring 2022 going forward.

  If the three patio kitties could cry real tears, that would have been the case yesterday and this morning.  It was time to pull up and thin out the catnip patch.  It had gotten way out of hand this summer.  It survived with very little rain.  That allowed us to see the creeping weeds that needed spray.  Dennis filled a small pump sprayer with a solution of Triaminic with water.  We have had the spray for some time.  A good sized patch is the test plot.  If it shows wilting in a day or two, we can use up the rest of it before buying more . . . or something else.  I did leave enough of the catnip that the kitties can still get their fix.

  My joy in these days of becoming reacquainted with the yard is that I found three small evergreens no more than an inch tall.  I have them staked out with hopes of getting something better to keep track of them.  Dennis couldn’t see what I was talking about, but took my word for it.  On the other end of the bed I found a three inch tall Japanese fern.  This I will also note with an indicator.  Japanese ferns are more desirable than the Ostrich ferns that can be found growing around the foundations of homes. 

  Before going into the house and calling it a day, I did run to the Dollar General for some fruit.  Their prices are more reasonable for fruit than the grocery store and yet the labels are the same as to where they were shipped from.

  When I got home Dennis was busy in the patio porch.  He was rearranging his chairs.  The explanation . . . having the traffic pattern change on his indoor/outdoor carpeting he put down earlier this year.   I wanted to laugh, but not at the expense of my hurting butt cheeks.

  Keeping older folks around . . . they are fun to observe.  What?  Who, . . . us?

   
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  Noreen 4:02 pm on September 11, 2021 Permalink  

  Harvest on Stauffer 

  This Saturday was busy for me right until twelve noon. Always a load of laundry. That gave me a chance to bake a batch of scones.  I do not trust myself to go outside while the oven is on.  I vividly remembering boiling a pot of eggs until the kettle was dry.  I couldn’t figure out what the popping sound was as I weeded a flower bed next to the house.  

  When I came into the house I couldn’t see across the room for black suety clouds.  The popping had been the eggs as they exploded.  Egg yolk dripping from the skylight.  I did learn my lesson to stay indoors until burners and ovens can be turned off.

  I did head for the gardens once the laundry was in the dryer and the scones were done.  I had given myself two hours and then call it quits for outside work.  There are plants that should not be in flower beds . . . more telling . . . clover.  With the soil wettened yesterday, the clover pulled easily.  With one hand on the cane, the bending over was safe.  No sudden standing up straight quickly.

  As I was washing off my hands, neighbor Jan came over with carrots.  Twelve huge and long carrots that were ready to be peeled and blanched.  Jan had helped with yard work this spring and I didn’t have the heart to turn her down.  Nor, could I not take them inside and begin peeling them.  Dennis came in and ran the mandolin that had been my mother’s.  The thinly sliced carrots were ready for blanching and freezing.  The carrots will come in handy for hot dishes this winter.

  I did feel it in my legs and hands as the day wound down.

  Saturday is a huge day on the RFD channel.  Tractor Pete and the tractor auctions.  Dennis gets busy telling me about the great deals on the older tractors.  He gets his suspenders in a twist.  I do nod and I know enough lingo about tractors to add a word or two.

  The day has come to a close here on Stauffer Avenue.  Dennis and I have had a good run on it.  Think of a good experience and . . . smile.