Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from August, 2021 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 9:36 am on August 14, 2021 Permalink  

  A Day Out 

  This evening we are attending a banquet in Mankato with Dennis’ group of Korean veterans.  They hadn’t met for a long time due to the covid.  When Dennis went to the meeting in the first part of August, he remarked that there were less participating and some were struggling with health issues.  What I find remarkable is that there are several women that are present as they were nurses during the Korean War, though labeled as a police action.

  We are heading out to Mankato at noon as we have some additional stops to make.  Dennis’ lawn sweeper does a great job.  The brushes are nylon.  The suggestion was to order an extra pair as the nylon would wear as they are to be set at ground level.  There were two phone numbers in the instruction manual.  I am not the best with using my Tracfone in regard to punching the accurate number.  The first time I got a business that wanted to sell me medical supplies.  I tried again, the same results.  Hmm. I tried the second number and they were a business dealing with foreclosures and evictions.  Hmm.  Try, try.  I finally went online and got to speak to a real person.  She was not surprised as she said they frequently get calls in regard to garden appliances.  

  Today we will be making inquires at Menards service center for the rest of the story as to how to interact with this company that they sell products from.  It will be interesting.

  On a side note.  Today, for the first time since February’s stroke, the index finger on my left hand had enough strength to push down the soft button on my deodorant container.  Sweet.  All the physical therapy that I do each day in my home is working.  Getting back to the sewing studio needs the cooperation of that left hand and it’s a good thing it is showing a want to take part.

  Have a great weekend everybody!

   
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  Noreen 2:10 pm on August 5, 2021 Permalink  

  Farming 101 

  Yesterday after Dennis had attended his Korean veterans luncheon, Dennis went shopping.  Look out Menards . . . he meant business.  Watching the farm channel, all sorts of ideas can be implanted into the subconscious.

  When Dennis came home he needed just a bit of help balancing a box that needed to be unloaded into the garage.  My goodness, it was large enough to be a coffin.  We now have a sweeper to pull behind the riding mower.  Dried grass, small twigs, leaf tips and Black Walnuts . . . all swept up for a tidy yard.  It took most of the morning for assembly.  I was on hand for a live demonstration this afternoon.  It did all that was claimed.  Running over the walnuts takes a toll on the mower blades.  Dennis will have one spot where he will pull the cord to empty it.  The squirrels will need to bring their shopping cart as the pickings will be quite easy.  One stop shopping. The acre looked as if it had indeed been swept.  Good job for improving the homestead.  A new machine addition can make an ordinary task have new life breathed into it.

  I got a text that the stitching group from Mankato is alive and has made it through the covid lockdowns.  Next week they will be heading out to Lacrosse Wisconsin for a full day of quilt shops and lunch.  I will be passing on this jaunt. It’s a bit too early for me to make a long day of it.  There will be other events to enjoy with the group.

  A clinic appointment this afternoon with a Cardiologist from Mankato was interesting in regard to what is usual and customary after heart surgery.  Come to find out, I am right in the ball park of statistics.  The weariness that befalls me in the late afternoon is the body telling me . . . enough.  “Listen to your body, it does not mislead you.”  I have one clinic visit left this month and that is with our family doctor, who has been pushed back with all the specialty doctors.

  It feels so right to be back in the rut here on Stauffer.  There is no place like it.

  I am going to monitor some of the commercials on RFD.  Our one acre has all the equipment it needs.

   
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  Noreen 1:22 pm on July 31, 2021 Permalink  

  Patio Time 

  This was the morning that the patio called to me.  The smoke from Canada was less than the last several days.  Dennis had put up the umbrella, wiped of the chairs . . . all systems go.  I had a full cup of coffee.  It didn’t take long and Snuggles showed up for some TLC as he wandered through the nest of catnip.  That was my clue to break off some of the tips to allow for the aroma to waft through the air.  Snuggles rolled and rolled in it taking time out every once in awhile to take a mouthful of it.

  Dennis came out with his cup and I think we could have stayed there for some time.  After a time I couldn’t believe that there was a swarm, more than four, of the Cicada wasps buzzing around.  I know I have been told they don’t sting.  I still have my doubts and am not going to push my luck.  Dennis noticed several of them disappearing into the holes of the cast iron umbrella’s stand and there was fresh dirt that had come up through the holes.   The umbrella stands over a stump of what was an Oak tree with a fairly large circle of dirt around the stump.  That told the rest of the story.  I exited stage right.  

  The first thing we did was hunt down spray.  Spraying them on the fly is possible if attacked. The second thing we did was dig out the bag of mothballs.  I stood back while Dennis put down the umbrella so he could more easily take the stand and all and set it on the flat patio.  There was commotion of the wasps.  I think Dennis did get one on the fly with the spray.

  Needless to say, I moved over and onto the patio east of the porch while Dennis decided how to handle the umbrella site.  There was one hole in the dirt that has had a lot of mothballs shoved into it.  When in flight they just buzz so close.  Even snuggles headed for the porch.

  Last year they had burrowed into the flower bed next to the southwest corner of the house.  I couldn’t believe how, overnight, they had been able to dig out such a huge pile of dirt onto the drive.  Again, we used quite a few mothballs while shoving them into two different holes.  That was then and today we fought the good fight again.

  We had just mentioned how nice it was to sit on the patio without mosquitoes.  There is a new nuisance in town. 

  Enjoy this day and all it holds, there will never be a rerun of it.

   
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  Noreen 2:03 pm on July 18, 2021 Permalink  

  Cabin Fever 

  Yesterday I felt it . . . cabin fever.  There has not been any reason for me to go anywhere.  Last week we had been over to Kevin for a repair.  It felt great.  What I really noticed at Kevin’s garage was the air flow through the long building via some strategically placed fans from east to west.  That will serve him well this week as another hot spell is on its way. 

  Back to cabin fever.  It was decided that if I could hang out until today, Sunday, we would go grocery shopping.  I had a list going.  Yes, I can drive.  I don’t feel comfortable as yet to trek through the store for a long period of time.  I have mentioned it before, feeling stable in our home and outside on the patios is far different than being in unknown surroundings.  Some days are different than others.  It could be mind over matter or the reverse.

  We did get our groceries.  Dennis said I looked dressed for the occasion.  I had earrings in my ears. The first time since they had been removed by nurses in February.  They have been in a small container with the same info on it as all the wrist bands had.  Yup, they were mine!  I got the right earring in, but Dennis had to help with the left one.  Gotter done.  They are the type and size that can remain in for an extended length of time.  

  Many decades ago my sister, Elvera, and I had gotten our ears pierced together.  Since, I had always worn earrings, Dennis would comment that I didn’t look dressed without them.  Forewarned . . . I am now dressed for whatever may come.

  When I walked this morning I had to stop and admire the Russian Sage next to the west porch.  It is beautiful and the bees are loving the delicate purple blooms.  Last year I had dug out the area and put in new dirt and amended it.  I couldn’t be more pleased.  No fuss . . . just enjoyment of them.  I will not hesitate to add a few plants next year in the backyard.  This is a perennial that does not disappoint.

  Here we are looking at the beginning of a new week . . . less the cabin fever.  Sweet.

   
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  Noreen 2:06 pm on July 12, 2021 Permalink  

  The Power of Push 

  Each day requires me to push just a bit more.  Going up and down the basement steps each morning is in my schedule.  I can’t say it’s a bad feeling in the legs and hips and the next time I do it, it feels better.  Move, move move. I walked to the east edge of the acre this forenoon and checked out the Hosta under the Hackberry tree and then did a round on the drive.  Push, push.  

  When I got into the house I was ready to sit a bit.  My eyes did close for a bit until the phone rang. 

  Dennis mowed the acre today.  I took a bottle of water out as he was finishing up and we sat on the back patio to take in how wonderful the acre looked.  The perennials are thick enough to keep weeds at bay.  In regard to weeds . .  I am betting on my 2022 to be at my best for taking better care of what Dennis doesn’t with the mower.

  I have wrangled the laundry and taken care of the dishes in the sink.  It’s been a good day.

  I truly believe a huge portion of my recovery and health at this time stems from the positive thoughts.  I get excited about the good that is coming in the days to come and kick the negative “what ifs” to the back burner. 

  No one can really know how I feel right now.  Yes . . . there is pressure when I cough or sneeze.  I feel discomfort at the oddest movements.  So be it.  It is getting better and with a bit more push each day, I am the one that will know when enough is enough.  Rocking chair time is important, only triumphed by a good night’s rest.

   
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  Noreen 2:36 pm on July 8, 2021 Permalink  

  Great Temperatures 

  Temps in the 60s and 70s is so welcoming.  I am not sure where one could live to have that for the majority of the time.  We are enjoying it when it comes.  It could be as if everything is coming up roses.

  This morning it felt like my rose had been nipped off as a bud.  Highs and lows are not uncommon during recovery.  I had not slept well during last night.  It’s not about tossing and turning.  It is more like lying awake and being very still feeling every twinge in the incision as the healing is going on.  That leads to getting caught up in listening to and feeling your heart beat.  Was it unusual?  Had the AFib returned as it had right after surgery?  It was just my night to flitter the hours away.  

  When Dennis and I poured our coffee cups full at 6:30, it was time to get outside and suck up some of that great air.

  It had been some time since we had our toes and feet treated to pedicures.  Dennis decided we were due and I sure didn’t argue.  We got right in at the Nails Group in Mankato.  There is no way I could twist and turn my hands to do the great job that they do on each nail.  Some nails become thicker than others.  Dennis’ toes need care as much as mine and we walked out of the salon knowing we had done something good for ourselves.

  It was a one shop stop that we needed in Mankato and we were home by noon.  Much of this day was still ready to enjoy, and enjoy we did.   

  As I walked the yard, I had to admire the Russian Sage, as I do each day.  Who needs roses when I have a bounty of delicate blue blooms on the Russian Sage!

   
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  Noreen 2:04 pm on July 2, 2021 Permalink  

  Watching Traffic 

  One of my favorite perches is the west porch of our home that has windows on three sides.  Lots of traffic to check out.  I won’t be allowed to drive for several more weeks.  Not for mental impairment but the off chance of a steering wheel hitting me in the chest.  So be it.  Do I have anywhere I am expected . . . no.  Do I have anywhere where I want to go . . . maybe cruise the grocery aisles.  

  Dennis took on the acre of mowing today.  True to his word he took breaks.  It gave me a chance to play water person.  Water with electrolytes is not a bad thing as the sun is warming the air.

  This is Friday, the end of the work week for most.  The end of this week doesn’t really rack up much on my blackboard . . . and that is how it is suppose to be for now.  The walking is continuing with a cane for an added aid.  The items in the home that need doing are progressing, remembering the no, no on lifting, bending and pushing.  

  Dennis is down for a nap after showering off the grass pollen.  I think I have a few more cars and trucks to watch from my perch in the west porch.

   
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  Noreen 1:56 pm on July 1, 2021 Permalink  

  Sweet Day 

  Both of us awoke this morning with feelings of “let’s have a day.”

  Nothing does move until the coffee pot has gone off.  The aroma of Folger’s is what allows the day to begin.  My dad, Raymond, wouldn’t drink anything else.  We may not say much to each other while we take that first cup to our favorite spot.  Dennis’ is in the patio porch and mine is in front of my HP Notebook.

  Without knowing what the other was doing, I was slowly taking bedding and heading to the laundry, while Dennis was gathering items for the laundromat.  If there are kitties in the patio porch there needs to be criteria on the contents of their baskets.  Tidy tidy for the fur babies.  We don’t have rugs down in our home . . . one less thing to trip on.  Rag rugs in a household washing machine could shorten the life of the machine.  They are so soaked and heavy that the spin cycle labors.  I pushed buttons in the house and Dennis headed out in his little red pickup.

  As I took my walk this morning, I was thrilled to see the Russian Sage blooms beginning to appear on the long green stalks.  It is the most delicate of blooms and the butterflies love them.  Megan talked me into planting them last year in an area that had never quite come into its own.   Nailed it.  My sister, Elvera, would be smiling as the Russian Sage was her favorite.

  The afternoon is fading and we have met our objectives for the day that even included a great nap.  Life is sweet on Stauffer Avenue.  When in Mankato last week, we had picked up a prepared meal in Hy-Vee.  This seems like the perfect ending of the day.

   
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  Noreen 1:12 pm on June 7, 2021 Permalink  

  Need for Flexibility 

  When it comes to appointments, there is a need to remain flexible.  All the appointments that I was to show up for in Mankato on Friday the 11th in regard to the June 15th heart surgery have now been rescheduled for Wed, the 9th.  The blessing is . . . the same locations, same time, just a different day.

  In the planning, was the need to get a new prescription for the disposable 6″ catheters.  Our family doctor phoned it right over to our Lewis Drug.  I went to pick up a supply this morning and they told me they don’t work with Medicare.  So much for the loss of independent owned drug stores.  Our Lewis Drug is one in many.  As it were, online, I found out that the little town of Mountain Lake, 12 miles west, does work with Medicare.  Dave owns his own store.  I got a phone call this afternoon that our family doctor came through with a prescription to Dave’s store.  Tomorrow after hair cuts and an eye appointment for Dennis, we will drive over to pick up a two month supply, knowing it won’t be a problem in the future.  Whew.  Medicare covers the cost 100%.  While recovering, it is a relief to have that important part of my days taken care of.

  Amazon has nothing on Dennis’ son-in-law.  Tom knew that in time to come we would have rock around the shrubs that we have planted in the filled-in Koi pond area.  Last week he offered landscape fabric.  We found out last night that we have rocks coming on Sunday.  I texted Tom last night and let him know we would take him up on his offer of the fabric. 

  I was just putting on my glasses this morning to see the new day when I heard Tom’s scooter heading out the drive.  Early bird for sure.  When I went out to the patio with a cup of coffee. . . our local Amazon delivery was on the back bench:  A roll of the landscape fabric, a pair of heavy shears and a utility knife.  The only thing missing was a pair of gloves . . . we have a total landscaping kit.

  In the bright warm sun this early morning, Dennis worked on leveling the dirt around the shrubs and even took the last bag of garden soil out of the potting shed to assist in the project.  I did not encourage Dennis to work with the fabric as the area is in the shade in the afternoons and early evening.  We have a window of several days.  Even after the rock are here on Sunday, Dennis has his trusty wagon to hold the rock and work a bit at a time.

  I had a sheaf of paperwork laid out on the table in the sewing studio.  Dennis was napping in his recliner.  Me and my cell phone headed downstairs.  Double checking with phone numbers, policy numbers . . . making sure nothing would be left to chance for a time to come.  It needed to be done even if there was not a medical event next week.  

  I spent a lot of time with phone calls today . . . a necessary evil.  I have made notes so as to not forget any of it.  

  I do feel flexed out.

   
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  Noreen 2:19 pm on June 6, 2021 Permalink  

  No Doubt 

  No doubt about it, summer has arrived.  Temps in the 90s with hot winds that are bound to dry out potted plants.  I am very thankful that we do not buy in to purchasing beautiful potted flowers that tempt the most frugal of gardeners.  They have been beefed up with enough fertilizer to put on a great display, but their roots are nestled in peat moss which doesn’t hold moisture.  The plants that we enjoy made it through the winter.  Best perennials ever.

  Dennis and I sat on the west patio for a long time this morning in a very brisk wind.  As soon as the gusts of wind would wind down the tiny flies found us.  Dennis had planned on us getting decorative rock for the shrub area in what had been the Koi pond.  I kept distracting him as the plan was a good one but not in the heat of the day.  We kept moving about outside while staying in the shade until at noon, we decided to check out our chairs in the living room.  Good choice.

  The plans are getting real for my departure to Rochester next week.  I have a day of tests in Mankato on Friday, a 4-D Cat scan and several others.  I also will be tested for Covid at that time.  That is the only test that makes me feel uneasy.  I had Covid in February.  I remember too many tales of invalid tests and that one little test could alter a lot in regard to the heart surgery.  Oh well.

  Supper is Manwich sloppy Joes and potato salad.  That in itself is enough to prepare for Dennis’ belief that he has one hot meal each day.  No more heat in the kitchen than necessary.  Hey . . . who am I to push yogurt and apple sauce.

  How warm is it?  The patio porch kitties are lying on the garage floors totally sprawled out.  It is tempting but I would work up a huge sweat trying to get upright.