Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from February, 2020 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 4:24 pm on February 18, 2020 Permalink  

  Clean and Fresh Day 

  With the snow of yesterday, this morning everything looked fresh and clean.  
  We did have cleanup to do around doorways.  Wouldn’t you know it!  A nice layer of ice under the snow.  Foretold is fore warned.

  Before we got too excited to play in the snow, Dennis went to his coffee group at McDonald’s.  It is one of the healthiest things for him to do.  Finding out how other fellows tackle things in stride . . . no one needs to feel like the Lone Ranger.

  By one this afternoon, I rode with Dennis to the Elevator to pick up the pails of shell corn for the deer.  Truth to be told, the ole cowboy had spent three days moving snow with his walk behind blower.  The right knee was letting him know that turning each time in the same direction, manhandling the turning of the snowblower tends to twist the knee without realizing it until . . . you wake up on the next day and it is letting him know in no uncertain terms . . . enough is enough.

  The two of us pretty well have things taken care of outside.  In between time I have been working with the ultra suede fabric from my stash.  It washed up and dried beautifully.  As it has been folded and stored for quite a few years, the fold marks do tell a bit of a story.  With that being said, I am working on stitching out some barn designs on the suede.  I think it will work itself into a wall hanging of some sort.  That is yet to be decided.  I had purchased these designs after I had been to the quilt retreat in September of 2019.  Larry’s wife had asked me to do some pillows for her as she wanted them for gifts at Christmastime.  We did send off a pillow for JoAnn about the same time.  This is my first crack of cranking something out for Stauffer Avenue. 

  Ya know what!  Spending $10.00 on a collection of designs sure can bring about many hours of creativity for me.  My day is balanced.  A bit of support outside with Dennis, an errand here and there, having meatloaf in the oven for supper . . . I deem it a good day.  Best of all we are cleaned out in the driveway.  We can run away from home if the whim hits us.

   
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  Noreen 3:16 pm on February 17, 2020 Permalink  

  It is a Sign 

  It is a sign that today was not to go off as planned.  It was not to be.  Today was my day to get out of Dodge and meet my stitchers at Baker’s Square in Mankato.  I had heard rumors that there was to be light flurries hitting the southeast portion of the state.

  It was a good thing that my stitcher Sharon had a more in depth weather forecast.  Sharon called at 8:30.  The end result is that we will try for next Monday.  I live 45 miles west of Mankato and one of the gals lives 45 miles east of Mankato.  It could have been a very slippery sliding day as the snow began at twelve noon and Dennis reports by three this afternoon we have had at least three inches and it may not be done.  

  The first thing Dennis had going this morning was to take the shell corn pails to the elevator for pickup tomorrow.  The deer vary in number.  There is a doe and two fawns that come as early as 4:30 for supper.  This morning I got up just a few minutes before six and there were three bucks rooting around in the hay bale under the Oak getting the last vestiges of corn.  Never fear, I went back to bed until 7:30. 

  Dennis has been talking about getting the vehicles to the car wash and this forenoon was the time to get several layers of grime off of them.  Just as he drove the car into the garage it began to rain.  Well . . . that didn’t last long.  At noon it began to snow in fine wet stuff and before long we had large beautiful flakes being driven by a north wind. When I think about it, I have had more social events canceled than I can well afford. My hermit status is really getting socked in.   

  My plan was to stay out of the sewing studio today.  That was until one this afternoon.  Dennis kidded me when he came into the house. “That didn’t last long.” I was brave enough to ask him how he would feel if he didn’t get out into his patio porch.  “I’d be lost and be a pain in your stiff neck.”  We both have our favorite hangout.  

  I’ve been rambling long enough and today I will have very little to offer for “local effort.”  By the way . . . that term came about from the Minnesota Department of Revenue while I was working.  Yearly property values were determined by the level of sale value per usage.  The assessor’s job was to attribute each year’s taxable market value per parcel as per what the market indicated.  The Revenue counted on that taxable level being within 90% of what the market indicated during a certain time frame per individual classifications.  “Me” . . . I was the local effort.  If I didn’t put out to maintain that 90% guideline fairly and equitably, there would be a state mandated increase across the line whether it was fair per parcel or not.  That phrase of local effort has become our household humor on keeping Stauffer Avenue up to par.  Tee Hee!

   
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  Noreen 6:56 pm on February 13, 2020 Permalink  

  Can’t do Anything about the Cold 

  I put an extra layer of a sweater on today.  The thermostat is set at 70 degrees and Dennis is in agreement.  In the sewing studio today it cleared at 60 degrees.  I don’t mind the cooler area.  I am popping up and down consistently when I am on a roll.

  The York Peppermint Patty candy bar box is empty.  It was one of Dennis’ favorites after supper each night.  This morning the two of us worked on making a pan of brownies.  A few short-cuts and it remains a sweet treat with less sugar.  

  Dennis is on a five day program of Prednisone to take out the inflammation in his right hand.  Prednisone has been around a long time to help for short term issues.  When Kevin needed to take it for an occasional asthma attack it was welcomed.  It is one of those meds that are not to be continued for a long time.  I do remember that Kevin’s appetite increased dramatically while he was on the short program. 

  When I went down to the sewing studio this forenoon, the doorway into the room caught my eye.  Good grief!  Calendar pages do need to be swapped out for people to stay on track.  Apparently the two of us loose track of time by the months.  It seems we don’t miss appointments or important dates.  We are for sure more than those that need to mark off each day in order to maintain their lifestyle.   

  Sadly our neighbors have ceased feeding the deer.  It made me feel very good when Dennis said we would continue.  The young females need our help if they are to have healthy babies in the coming months.  Dennis did tell me we would be doing some yard work this spring as the deer have stepped some of the pavers off of the surround under the Maple tree.  Now there you go!  My thoughts of cutting back on flowers has just had the affirmation of the deer giving me a head start to tidy up the area.  Oh for the seasons that are within us throughout the decades. 

  The good news for the night is that the north winds have settled down.  Last night I felt that we would loose the roof on the west porch.  It is also encouraging that daylight is lasting a bit longer.  We’ll make it through this winter in good stead.  When I watch the news of the weather that other portions of the United States are having .  . . I feel blessed.

   
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  Noreen 5:36 pm on February 9, 2020 Permalink  

  It Has Been Measured 

  In the quiet of our patio that is protected on two sides, Dennis measured the snowfall.  His official measurement was 13.5″.  

  Randy and his long green line and Dennis and his walk behind blower put in a long day.  It is now a very bright late afternoon and all has been moved that needs to be moved in regard to the snow.  The last path Dennis made was along the north side of the house so we can get to the vent of the furnace.  Though I am not participating in snow removal it does keep me on my toes checking as to where Dennis is with his snowblower.  Missteps happen in a heart beat. The pickup garage opens onto Stauffer Avenue and the city fellows are very gracious and as the tandem trucks follow each other, all the snow is bladed off to the south away from the garage door.  Surprisingly the back concrete steps with the sun shining on them are down to the bare concrete.  Bless the sun that is quite powerful.

  Late this afternoon we dug out a second flat feeding pan so there is more area for multiple deer to be able to enjoy a snack.  The enjoyment that we have had watching these beautiful beings is so worthwhile. 

  It’s time to get the evening meal together.  Thankfully there was a good amount of pork roast left from last night.  Dennis had made instant potatoes for four on purpose.  Tonight will take patties out of those leftovers and giving them a quick pan fry. 

  I hope everyone stayed safe with the heavy snowfall that no doubt brought less than good road conditions.  Catch you all tomorrow.

   
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  Noreen 5:10 pm on January 26, 2020 Permalink  

  A Sunday on Stauffer Ave 

  After the usual household tasks, I let Dennis know I would be in the sewing studio if he needed me.  Dennis allowed me to know that he was going over to his friend Dave’s home in regard to a problem with a take-down rifle.

  Determined to work on this wall hanging that I won, I hunkered down.  I put in a new needle and oiled a few ports.  Embroidery designs can rack up 10,000 to 12,000 stitches in short order.

  This project is a good testimony to exercise in patience.  As I am not in any hurry . . . all is well.  When the twenty plus blocks are done the entire kitchen themed wall hanging is working around Christmas.  Included is Glitter Flex for some blocks.  It is a pliable plastic that has come out recently being used in quilts and is deemed to be durable. to the extent of being laundered.  Perhaps much like the jackets with embellishments.  That will be a new experience for me when I work with those blocks.   

  The block that was the most challenging today was the one that had a cupcake on a cake platter.  What’s to keep a cupcake from drying out . . . a glass dome.  Before sewing the clear plastic dome down, I had to be sure to add the button that replicated a mint candy.  The block that featured the cup with whipped cream, had a piece of foam that needed to be added before the final stitching.   

  This would not be a project for a beginning stitcher.  It will cause me to run my fingers through my white hair as I puzzle through the blocks.  Dennis is encouraging . . . and amazed to the extent that this project has been thought through including all the bells and whistles.

  Last night Dennis counted 12 female deer of various ages that were here at one time for supper.  Between neighbor Jan’s and us, I know they all get something.  The hay that Dennis has under the Maple tree laced with shell corn sprinkled in and among is a favorite.  Late on in the evening the two male deer come.  They are not included with the first pass. 

  During the day the side show continues as the squirrels are bound and determined to find some of that shell corn hiding in the hay.  Dennis and the patio porch cats have entertainment . . . non-stop.  Each day Dennis’ hand is showing improvements.  I have no doubt that there is infection that needs to be absorbed into his system via the antibiotics.  He has really beefed up the water intake.  Get it flushed out one way or another. 

  The sun made a welcomed appearance this afternoon, though short.

  Supper is a package of frozen Prime Rib noodle soup.  It sure is handy to have a few items stashed away.

   
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  Noreen 4:49 pm on January 21, 2020 Permalink  

  I Have Had a Full Day 

  Today I went to Mankato, solo.  Yes!  I got a haircut.  Great Clips was the first place I checked in at.  I could come back in one hour, 45 minutes.  That gave me time to run a few errands.  I went to the farthermost stop which was Mills Fleet.  

  Mills Fleet has some of the most authentic feed sack towels that I have run across.  They are squared and hemmed.  When I do a bit of stitching on them, they make quick shower gifts or a thank you gift for someone who has helped us with a project.  I bypassed all the aisles of eatable goodies.  I did add to the cart several baking items that I was out of.  Dennis does say that my homemade cookies are so much better than the boughten ones.

  The winds could not be discounted today on the open roadways.  Blowing snow is so much worse on highway 60 between Lake Crystal and Madelia than anywhere else on the trip to Mankato.

  When I got home Dennis’ grandson Ryan had the roof lines clear of snow.  With these very cold days, it was the perfect time to get the snow off.  Tomorrow, when and if the temps reach the mid thirties, that is the perfect recipe for the melting snow to cling to the roof edges and begin to build . . . ice dams.  In a perfect world, taking the snow down after each fall is what is prescribed.  After today we are prepared for the next snow.  Ryan even got the snowblower out and moved the removed snow farther away from the house.  If Ryan really liked the brownies that Dennis fed him for a job well done, we may see him again after a snowfall.

  Dennis made a return trip to the elevator to pick up the multitude of five gallon pails.  The bins in the garage are full of shell corn for the deer.  What Dennis has seen is that we have 10 female deer that come and feed at one time.  Afterwards there are two males that come.   Dennis is in total agreement with that schedule.  The female deer need to be as healthy as possible for healthy fawns to be born.  When I get up during the night in the wee hours to use the bathroom, it’s not unusual that there are still a few deer that are grazing next to the Maple where Dennis has corn sprinkled in with the hay.

  It’s been a good day.  We are home safe and sound in our warm home.  Priceless.

   
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  Noreen 5:12 pm on January 20, 2020 Permalink  

  I Can Do this 

  For the first time since the late 80s, I am standing in my home and looking at snow that is layered in places that usually had gotten cleared.  No snow removal for me this year.

  Neighbor Randy is clearing our driveway.  Dennis is doing a great job of removing snow where it is important.  Our vehicles can be gotten out of the garages.  The back door is clear of snow.  The sidewalk on the front side of our home has snow on it.  The front steps have snow on them.  The driveway is not clear to the bare concrete . . . and guess what . . . I am content looking at it.

  It is difficult to let some things slide.  More importantly, reason and logic take over.  It makes me feel proud that Dennis and I do what we do and how we do it.  I still ramrod a clean home.  Dennis takes care of the his patio porch just as well as I do our home.  We have healthy meals that are chosen from a good supply in the pantry.  Our vehicles are kept up to snuff.  Nothing within the physical portion of our property is in need of repairs.  We are doing well.

  Both Dennis and I talk about how it used to be when we could take on whatever dared cross our paths.  The best part is that we can still bluff our way in some respects when others that we keep in touch with begin complaining.  We don’t complain.  We tend to sit at the dining room table and congratulate each other with what we can do and leave some things for those who can.

  With that being said, Dennis called grandson Ryan to come over tomorrow and clear some snow off of the roof line of the house and garage.  Dennis had helped out Ryan numerous times when he needed grandpa to go up north with a car carrier when Ryan’s vehicles had broken down.  Ya, young kids don’t think about keeping the vehicles up to snuff but know who to contact when they need a ride.

  Dennis has his containers at the elevator for refills of shell corn for the deer.  He can pick them up tomorrow.  Five gallon pails are just the right size and heft for Dennis.   

  Perhaps I can’t do everything I used to, but what I can do . . . I do well.  We are so ready for some warmer weather.

   
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  Noreen 4:28 pm on January 19, 2020 Permalink  

  Brr! 

  Seems as if the cold hasn’t slowed too many people down as per the traffic past our home.

  It seemed a good day to swap out laundry and chase dust bunnies.  Where oh where do they all come from.  The laundry tells a tale.  No matter how many loads of washed clothes we may go through, the lint is never finished.

  Dennis did get his pickup driveway cleared out with his snowblower.  The alley is narrow and it doesn’t take but one swipe of the city plows to plug the doorway of the pickup garage.  Dennis said he would chauffeur if I wanted a lift to the grocery store.  I couldn’t pass that up.  What’s a kitchen without onions . . . and a few other things.

  On the way home from the grocery store, Dennis made a swing into the Fleet and Farm.  It seems that Harriet had checked out one of the large flower pots that holds the Koi pond plant.  Yup, it got tipped over.  Dennis and the vacuum had a mission that left the pot needing more potting soil.  

  I had just gotten a phone call . . . from Dennis in the patio porch.  I needed to come to the bathroom window as there were ten deer under our Maple tree and in the backyard.  Oh my what a glorious site to see them in the daylight.  Dennis had put some new slabs of hay under the Maple tree. Though deer are not real fond of hay, the corn and oats that Dennis had sprinkled over the hay made it a great treasure hunt for the deer.  Good going Dennis!

  Another tip with the hay.  Dennis had checked out the patio porch and the garages looking for Harriet.  Dennis feared that she had snuck out and was out in the sub-zero cold.  Nope.  When Dennis went to fetch those new slabs of hay.  Harriet had burrowed in on top of the open bale.  

  Tell me that retired folks have a boring life and I will show you some boring folks.

   
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  Noreen 3:49 pm on January 18, 2020 Permalink  

  Hang On 

  This is a day that a brick should be in our pockets when we go outside.  Horrific wind blowing around the fine powder-like snow.  It’s hard to tell how much snow we actually got as it won’t stay in one place for very long.

  Dennis and neighbor Randy played in the snow for some time today.  They may have to repeat that tomorrow unless the snow gets a hard crust on it and stays put.  We are so fortunate.  Dennis can run the small blower that Kevin handed off to him without hurting himself and Randy takes the brunt of the heavy stuff off of the driveway.  Two neighbors across the way struggled with their snow.  How could you rent a home in Minnesota and not have a plan for snow removal.  

  Early last week I thought I was in need of a haircut.  Wouldn’t you know it . . . I still am.  I had planned on making a purchase that day in Mankato.  With the weather I put an order into Amazon and it came yesterday.  Great service.  I think it is one of my best decisions in some time.  I may continue recovering from a bad neck . . . or I may not.  I talked it over with my physical therapist and I am up to using a neck brace intermittently.  I am still on Mike’s schedule for therapy going once every two weeks.  What makes me such a believer in what Mike can do for me is that his wife suffers from much the same situation.  Mike knows!  I wore the brace to bed last night and I could settle down more easily and quicker.   

  Yesterday someone mentioned chocolate cake.  Hmm.  I have not baked so much as a single crumb in months.  Today I cut the toes out of a white sock and stripped it over the neck brace and hit the flour and sugar canisters.  The sock . . . you never know when a splatter is flying to reach the ceiling and I would get in its path.  It is now late afternoon.  The frosted brownies are complete as well as six dozen cookies, some of which will be hiding in the freezer.  Dishes are done and I feel better than I have in the late afternoon for a long time.  I think that brace and I will get along just fine once in awhile.

  Dennis is out in the patio porch getting the deer food ready to set out.  Late last night after the snow and before the winds started they came for a snack.  Such a good feeling from such a simple act of kindness.  

  Betty Crocker is hanging up her measuring spoons for the day (actually, I did receive the Betty Crocker Minnesota state award in 1962) and I trust the day has been satisfying for everyone in one or two simple ways.  It’s the simple things in life that are most rewarding.  In the mean time, hang onto your mittens and hat when going outside.

   
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  Noreen 4:30 pm on January 17, 2020 Permalink  

  A Snow Day 

  It may have been a snow day outside, but the sewing studio was humming right along.  It is always gratifying when a project that really didn’t have an end game planned does comes together.

  I enjoy making scrappy quilts.  Let’s get to the  bottom of that scrap box and throw something together.  What seemed to come together was a lot of warm colored scraps.  I picked up a pattern off of Facebook and went with the eight point pinwheels.  It took 49 nine inch finished blocks.  I had begun this in August of 2019.  Of course . . . it’s warm outside and warm colors are being put together.

  I knew I would like to have a double sized quilt in the end.  I had also thought I would have liked a flannel back to this quilt.  88″ x 88″ is very close to what the books say is a double sized bed quilt.  The flannel was not to be had in the 108″ choice as I shopped at Old Alley Quilt on their last days of business when everything was 30% off and choices were slim.

  I have titled my quilt top Tropical Ocean Waves.  When it came to putting sashings and corner stones to it, I was less than thrilled with what I had on hand to go with the warm colors.  I was determined I would not purchase fabric for the quilt top, it had to come out of my stashes. I went to the exact opposite and chose dark teal and light teal colors from my stashes . . . thus the Tropical Ocean Waves title.  The lighter of the teals being not a solid color . . . who knew!  It was as if it was planned all along for ocean waves.  Dennis’ opinion was asked for and he was a great help.  By adding the 1/4 inch blue strip around all of the the blocks it tied in well with the plan.  I didn’t think I would ever get done cutting 1″ wide strips.   It took 49 of them with several inches left on each for the circular file. 

  As of this afternoon the sewing studio is tidy.  Everything is put back in its place and the quilt top, batting and backing are stacked ready for a winter weather break to take to Sharon in Sherburn.

  Dennis has been playing in the snow this afternoon with his snowblower.  I kept track of him as he blew a path on the east side of the garage to blow out the area where the pan is set out for the deer food.  The temps have warmed up allowing the snow and the winds are promised to be wild this weekend.

  Staying safe this weekend is the tip of the day.