Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from May, 2020 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:29 pm on May 22, 2020 Permalink  

  Preparing 

  Dennis and I continue to prepare for the garage updating.  Slowly but surely, the scrapping continues.  Today was the west side of the patio porch, that is attached to the garage, that got some TLC.  Over time, there have been multiple layers of caulk that seem to have found their way where the lumber meets the concrete of the patio.  Taking out the trail of old caulk was not easy and we got 97.9% off.  We will have paintable silicon caulk to begin fresh when it is time.  

  We have taken a good look as to what needs to be done prior to paint.  The horizontal corner boards of our project are due to be replaced as some are literally rotting away from the bottoms up.  We don’t plan on taking the old boards off until our fellow is on board to begin work.  Mr. Moody is still on track for the work toward June first.  Last week Dennis went up to our local lumberyard for a 1 x 4 pine board.  Not intending it for any specific place, but to have one on hand.  I couldn’t believe what he paid money for.  I gently questioned Dennis and he said all the boards looked the same. Oh my gosh!  We have decided to count up the number of boards that we will need on the entire project and make a trip to Truman to their lumberyard.  When Overson Lumber closed here in town last year, the fellow that we know well from Overson’s went to work in Truman.  We are hoping to improve the garage and the scabby board from Bolin Lumber would need to be sanded before we could use it.  No thank you! I have also noted at Bolin that their overhead door is open many times during winter for the entire day as it is the entrance to the lumber.  There on the shelves sit the gallons of paint.  Paint exposed to sub-zero temps . . . not what I would buy.  I have checked online numerous times and I believe we will be buying our exterior paint at Home Depot.  The Behr brand is touted as an excellent paint/primer all in one.  

  Taking a break on the garage work, I couldn’t help but take notice of the plants that have enjoyed the rain and the cool weather to come into their own.  The area under the Lilacs is filling in beyond expectations.  I also took notice that the seasons of using granules for weed control is showing good  carry-over.  What is interesting is where Dennis’ hay bale was for feeding the deer is sprouting up a good crop of greenery.  I will take that in stride and see where it leads among the Hosta.

  The long weekend is upon us and I am sure that what it offers is quite different from other years.  I am patiently awaiting for Great Clips to open in Mankato.  Now there is what I will call an important holiday for me.  Tee Hee!

   
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  Noreen 3:28 pm on May 21, 2020 Permalink  

  Perennials are Amazing 

  I had said all winter that I would not be participating in gardening this year.  Well, well. The perennials must have heard me as they seem to be doing quite well on their own.  The Bleeding Hearts, white and pink are in full bloom.  The Fern Peonies are right on track for Memorial Day blossoms.  The areas where there are Hosta are coming into their own.  Where the favorite trail of the winter deer was, they are a bit late, but nonetheless perking up.

  I cannot help but wanting to be outside when it is nice.  There is more to being outside than pushing a lawnmower or lugging a lightweight trimmer around.  I pluck at a weed here.  I pluck at a weed there.  Neighbor Jan is out in her yard and it is contagious.  What I have held true to is not purchasing any additional plants.  What we have that has come up is enough.  

  I could swear that there is a wet mist in the air.  I knew rain was in the forecast for tomorrow.  It is 60 degrees out with 75% humidity.  I do see quite a few walking with jackets on.

  Today is Thursday and Thursdays are a good day to be thankful that the weekend is almost here.  With the Memorial Day Monday, the long weekend will be enjoyed by many.  For Dennis and I, it won’t feel any different as we are on holiday every day.  That is not to say that we take our days for granted.  We keep moving and as we have said before, “How can some retired folks say they get bored!”

  There has been a seasoned pork roast in the crockpot since I got up this morning.  There have been groups of folks getting together and doing their own hog butchering from farmers that have given the hogs away.  We know of two different groups of people that have made a weekend out of it and all have had pork for their freezers afterward.  The roast that we will be enjoying this evening is from of one of those events.  A sharing of a bountiful feast from farmers that are having a difficult time to get their product to market.  

  If it gets to feel any cooler outside, I know that when Dennis comes in, he will make a casual stroll past the thermostat.  Gotta love the ole cowboy.

   
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  Noreen 2:58 pm on May 20, 2020 Permalink  

  Great Outdoors 

  The sun may not have come out very often, but it really was a great day with southerly breezes.  I had a few yellow blooms among the Hosta that had very long roots.  Where the Hoppes have moved in from I have no idea.  We have no plans for starting a micro brewery.  They weren’t that hard to pull out.  With all the rain from the weekend today was perfect for bending over and getting the nasty weeds out.

  My walk was needed today to keep the hips and legs mobile.  It only takes a day for the ole body to want to stiffen and stove up.  There are so many Lilacs along my walk and the they have been lasting very well.

  Yesterday when I was in Mankato, I mad a trip to Hy-Vee.  The produce was wonderful.  Strawberries were very responsible. The good buy was too good to pass up.  This morning I got the 1965 Hamilton Beach blender out and we now have several frozen bags of chopped berries for ice cream topping.  Summer has officially begun on Stauffer Ave.  The first batch of creamed cucumbers with onions is co-mingling in the refrigerator for supper.  With that on the menu, I could just about talk Dennis out of anything.

  When I brought the groceries into the house yesterday, I propped open the screen door.  Like a shot Snuggles made a beeline into the house.  I didn’t pay him any mind.  My first priority was getting the groceries into the house, closing the door before Harriet found her way into the house and putting the car away.  With the tail switching in every direction Snuggles beat feet where angels fear to tread.  Up the steps into the attic, down the steps into the basement.  There was no corner left that he didn’t sniff into.  When I was finally ready to deal with the four-footed intruder, I found Snuggles on the shelf of the windows.  Right where Rocky the cat would sit many, many years ago.  It took Dennis sitting down on the entryway steps to croon Snuggles out of the house.  I know from now on, once the experience of being inside the house has happened, the lure of the shelf under the west porch windows will not soon be forgotten.

   
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  Noreen 2:44 pm on May 18, 2020 Permalink  

  Gray Day 

  It is so cool outside and the clouds are heavy.  When I went for my walk, the kinks in my legs from not walking for two days started to feel better.  Though the legs were used and used well from pushing the mower on Saturday, it’s a different stretch when walking is done.  I know I need to walk whenever I can.

  It has been said that we had four inches of rain over the Saturday night and Sunday.  Surprisingly the grass was dry this morning and few puddles.  We were short for rain.  The rain did do a number on the crab apple blossoms.  Our neighbor’s drive looks like a fairy tale path.  The lilacs are still holding onto their beauties. 

  I had not been in the sewing studio for almost a week.  Hmm.  I think it was because there was a project down there that was started and it really wasn’t my cup of tea.  I have said that tastes in clothing and food carries through to what we want to stitch under the needle.  Today I have sewn up the backing for this quilt top pattern that is called Folk Art.  It may grow on me.  I have called my long-arm quilter and will be put on her list to have this Folk Art project finished up.  I will find a home for it.  It was a quilt kit given to me and I didn’t have the heart to not show appreciation of such gift.  It deserves to be shown as a finished quilt to give comfort to someone.  I can now look forward to working on . . . hmm . . . I guess I don’t have anything right now to start.  That may change in the blink of an eye. 

  We are having an egg noodle, tuna and mixed vegetable hotdish for supper.  That will take me off of the hook for tonight’s supper and tomorrow night’s supper.  Hotdish while the temps are chilly works.  Not a favorite to heat up the house once the temps stay in the 80s.  We have been using what is in the pantry.  I have not been in the mood for grocery shopping and I can guarantee you Dennis is being fed very well.  He has been out of his one-a-day York Peppermint candy bars for some time . . . and the withdrawal has been going well.  When he does have one, he will enjoy it oh so much more.  Sympathy cards may be received from my ole cowboy.

   
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  Noreen 3:24 pm on May 17, 2020 Permalink  

  Calm Day 

  It began raining last night at bedtime.  It has not stopped raining since and we are in the late afternoon.  Our gauge holds three inches and that had run over by the time Dennis wet out this morning at seven.

  I slept in until nine this morning.  The rain falling on the awning on the west side of the house was calming.  Other than flitting through the usual morning chores to keep the homestead comfortable, I have not done much.  I do have a book I am working on while sitting in the west porch with a cup of coffee.  It didn’t take much effort to start a load of laundry from the yard work yesterday.  

  Dennis put the vehicles out onto the driveway for the soft rain water to take a layer of dust off.  Dennis was also available to take me to the grocery store.  After having the refrigerator and freezer unit unplugged, we now have it up and running.  Zero for the freezer and 40 degrees for the refrigerator portion, we feel safe in getting a few items back for easy meals.  I need to make sure to not push the freezer items flush to the back of the unit.  It may have been an issue for the self defrost option that caused our situation.

  A calm quiet day on Stauffer.  It feels good.  Tomorrow a new week and doubtless, new challenges.  We aren’t going to prejudge, just taking in one day at a time.  May everyone feel the blessings that each of us have.  I know from myself, it’s so easy to allow ourselves to become overwhelmed with items that matter not.  My daily goal is to keep my eye on the prize . . . there are more good moments each day than not.

   
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  Noreen 2:52 pm on May 16, 2020 Permalink  

  Good Temps 

  A cool and cloudy day . . . just perfect for getting the acre mowed and manicured.  I did sleep in this morning.  I must have been buried deep in the flannels as I didn’t hear much until nine a.m.  When I toddled into the kitchen and peered through the back door that was open . . . hmm . . . lawnmowers were parked in the driveway. 

  I had been awake for a total of five minutes when Dennis came in for a refill of coffee.  Dennis had already been over to the far northeast part of the acre and had been mowing.  Well . . . bless his little heart!  He offered to start my push mower via the pull cord for me.  I did not give him the finger, but it was tempting.  I suggested he go to the patio porch and enjoy his coffee and I would be out in a bit.  My routine of a “bit” is: when the yard work of mowing and trimming is done, the beds have been stripped, laundered and dried,  so as to enjoy the fresh bed after the yard dust has been showered off.  When the washer was humming, I was ready to have the push mower started.  I could tell he thought I would never be ready.  So be it.   

  All I can offer for my lax self is that my rest was required after the day of cleaning yesterday.  I do realize that Dennis forgets that I do what I do with shoulders and arms and knees that have only so much oomph.  There is a reaction to every action.  I know how to rest the body when the energy has been burned through the artificial joints, muscles and tendons.  I don’t make a big deal out of my body, so it’s not unusual for Dennis to forget.  There is nothing malicious from Dennis, he just forgets.

  The yard looks wonderful.  After we had put all the tools away we sat on the patio and enjoyed the accomplishment.  Dennis commented that by me doing the trimming on the acre, after I had the front yard mowed, sure polished the site of the mowing off.  During my “bit” I had taken out chicken for supper.  When we talked about supper, I said I was going to use up the potatoes that were left in the 5 lb. bag.  Before I finished the sentence, Dennis offered to go in and peel the potatoes.  Dennis does know how to show appreciation and I thought that that was a very romantic thing to do.  See . . . it all does work out.  No showing of the finger required.  

  It sure looks like rain.  We could use it.  The rain we have had was soon sucked out of the ground by the strong winds of late.  

  Enjoy the weekend and know that appreciation is out there in the smallest of deeds or thoughts.

   
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  Noreen 2:17 pm on May 15, 2020 Permalink  

  At It Again 

  Today was the day that Dennis said we would be pulling the refrigerator out from the cavern in our kitchen to clean behind it.  The self defrost had an issue and we cleaned it out from top to bottom and unplugged it several days ago.  It sure brings to mind that at the time we did some work in the kitchen we should have taken the chimney out to give us a bit more square footage.  As this was a used refrigerator from Carrie and Jeremy when they did a kitchen remodel some 16 years ago or so, it was also a time when Dennis and I were a bit more agile.  Dennis got on the attic steps and me in the kitchen . . . trying to walk the refrigerator out into the open kitchen area.  We got it so far and then did some cleaning from one side, then moved it over and did some cleaning from the other side.  We never did get it out totally.  It is a lot better than it was prior.

  After we had the cleaning done and the refrigerator was ready to plug back in to see if the issue had been rectified, we then remembered that the doors had been taken off of it when it was first moved into the house to make moving a bit easier, giving more ability to set it in place.  Well . . . maybe next time we will get that done.  The refrigerator is still empty and time will tell if it is cooling to better temps.  When we had put a thermometer in the freezer area before unplugging it, it went down to 15 above zero, we knew . . . problem! 

  With the area behind the refrigerator being taken care of, why not move out the kitchen range and tidy that area up.  That lead to cleaning and damp mopping the kitchen, bathroom and entry.  Well . . . why not vacuum up the rest of the house.  The nickel that had been put in the slot, was then spent.  It was a time out on the patio under the umbrella. 

  It is so beautiful right now with the Crab tree blooming combined with the Lilacs.  If it could last for another week . . . perfect. We have our patio area tricked out and tidy.  Nothing is more relaxing than to enjoy it and being thankful that we can still put it all together.  Both of us decided we had had enough.  All we have left to do is let the refrigerator run a cycle and see what the readings are inside.  If the readings are still off, we may have to make a call on Monday to Kunz Appliance in Madelia.  Do appliance stores make house calls?  We will find out.  Yes . . . it is a pain not to have appliances in normal operation.

   
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  Noreen 2:06 pm on May 14, 2020 Permalink  

  Balmy Day 

  Not enough rain overnight to amount to a hill of beans.  First time in a long time, not enough wind to amount to a hill of beans.

  The first thing on my docket this morning was a walk.  Though I didn’t sleep well last night, the legs needed stretching.  Sometimes when I have had a day of a lot of physical work, I pay for it by not being able to close down and relax enough to fall asleep.  Yup, scrapping the garage siding is something I can do as I can’t go above my head and I don’t do ladders.  No, Dennis has not been in on that part of the garage work as he doesn’t realize you have to put a bit of oomph on the scrapper.  As I got to the bottom of the siding boards, the squats were doable on the titanium knees.  In reality it is all doable.  It was all a good workout and the worst is behind me.  And. . . yes, my behind held up well as well.  I suffered no inquiry from doing it.  It was a combined effort of a multitude of body parts which didn’t want to relax when I was ready to.   Tonight is another chance for rest.  It’s a given.  Even lying still is resting.

  The laundry basket was overrunning.  Pushing a few buttons to start the laundry, gave me a chance to deep clean the refrigerator and the top freezer that has been unplugged for 24 hours.  There is no longer a need to keep dry towels in place for water that finds its way onto the shelves.  When we plug it in, is up to Dennis.  He has strong feelings as to when the unit is totally thawed.  

  Dennis has completed Roger the Moose’s spring touch up.  Dennis found the perfect spot for him under the Lilacs.  The moose really soaked up the cedar stain and looks wonderful.  It totally looks better stained than having the Thompson water repellent as a final look.  With a bit of a hint from the ole cowboy, I did visit the Family Dollar Store for some color to be tucked into Roger’s planter belly.  Neither one of us were crazy about putting a live plant in the planter as the cats have a tendency to crawl up and take a nap whenever the mode strikes.  The area under the Lilacs is very welcoming and will be enjoyed as we sit and talk smart to each other on the patio.  By the way . . . the patio umbrella also found its way out of the potting shed.   We are officially open for the summer.  We make sure we have this cabin spoken for each year.  There is nothing like home sweet home.  

  With all the activity, it screams for a Subway supper this Thursday evening.  The empty cavity of a refrigerator helps make that decision.  It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is Friday.  Maybe with a few sits on the patio, Dennis may not take note of the height of the grass.

   
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  Noreen 3:25 pm on May 13, 2020 Permalink  

  Well Done 

  Well done to the older ones on Stauffer Avenue.  The rain seemed to be hovering all day.  The winds were ramping up and we put our heads down and continued on.

  I can now say that the linear siding on the north and south sides of the garage have had whatever paint was loose or threatening to want to chip off has been scrapped and brass brushed off.  Next for Grammie will be the vertical side boards on the garage . . . on another day.  The winds kept me cool and the best thing is that when the temps ramp up next week I won’t be scrapping the siding, standing in the reflection of what white paint remains on the garage.  Another blessing . . . no bugs.

  Dennis had a great day staining Roger the Moose in the pickup garage.  Dennis was right on.  Roger soaked up the cedar stain like a sponge.  Lots of exposed wood that needed to be touched via the brush.  Dennis is going to leave the pickup outside one more night for a second coat to be put on Roger the Moose.  Hopefully tomorrow my arms will feel like taking a photo.  I admit, the scrapping and staining is tough on these two older ones.  We suck it up and get it done.  Stubbornness pays off. 

  Right now, the skies look like they could open up with rain showers.  Bring it on.  Dennis and I transplanted some of our neighbor Bob’s Ostrich Ferns last night after supper.  There is a planter on the southwest corner of the house that had housed cactus.  The cactus got nasty with overrun limbs that broke off and were not the best to be around.  We pulled them out several years ago.  Trying various plants unsuccessfully the last years, Dennis and I looked over at Bob’s and decided to give the ferns a run for the money.  Grandma Esther Schafer always had ferns growing around her home in Hector.  Time will tell.

  Thankfully we have leftovers of the scalloped potatoes from last night.  Neither Dennis nor I have a lot of energy left.  Beside that, the refrigerator got unplugged this morning.  I have swapped out towels in the inside to soak up water of what may have been a problem that was running the refrigerator freezer amok by freezing to a temp of “zero.”  The basement refrigerator is harboring goodies.  Tomorrow after the first floor unit has had a good cleaning, we will see what happens when it is plugged in again.  Truth or dare!  Dennis and I are going to take a wait and see attitude.  Shopping for a new unit is not out of the realm as to what will be needed.  

  Dennis and I will sleep well this evening.  Being good stewards is what life is all about.

   
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  Noreen 2:24 pm on May 12, 2020 Permalink  

  Doable 

  What a treat to be outside without the strong winds.  The mornings may still be cool and we all know that will change before long.

  With tree seeds and that which the wind can move around, the Koi pond and the filters were in need of cleaning.  After the cleaning it may be that we will will shopping for a new pump shortly.  We tried to remember when this current pump was purchased.  We are thinking it is at least ten years old.  It does duty 24/7 right through the winter months when the Koi are in the horse tank in the garage.  Hmm.  It is amazing that we forget there is a life span for all things.  

  The house is beginning to smell wonderful.  There is a pan of scalloped potatoes with diced precooked boneless porkchops in the mix.  Each day our evening meal has slimmed down frozen contents of the freezer above the refrigerator.  Our goal is that this weekend we will unplug the unit.  It is a frost free freezer above the refrigerator but indications are that there may be a line plugged up and we are finding water on the refrigerator shelves.  Our solution is a good one.  Some items will be put in the refrigerator in the basement that also has a small freezer space.  One way or another we will find out what is going on.  I think the refrigerator must be about sixteen plus years old.  When Carrie and Jeremy moved into their home on Sterling Terrace, the timeline that this refrigerator may have been bought before Megan came along.  Megan just turned 16.  It matters not.  Dennis and I have this!

  Our potting shed was relieved of a few yard art items this afternoon.  We have a wonderful item that my brother Michael made for us.  It is fabricated from a cedar high-line power pole from the home place.  It is a planter that resembles a moose.  Dennis is washing it off getting cob webs and dirt off.  Tomorrow we are going to check out if Roger the Moose will take cedar stain.  Initially, and over several years we have used Thompson water proofing.  It may be that the sun has worked its whiles on it as it looks dried out.  We will find a spot that is not able to be seen easily and give it a test run.  I’ll keep you posted.  There is always something out there to keep us going.  For sure a day such as this is not time to stay indoors.  

  I will say that there is an unrest in regard to people being sheltered in place in their homes as well as businesses not being open due from the virus.  Ironically Dennis and I have not been impacted to any degree as we generally are homebodies.  Hopefully there will be some credible answers coming down the pike.  Lots of ideas, not any real solutions.  My loved ones are my priority for their wellbeing.