Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from August, 2019 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 3:58 pm on August 18, 2019 Permalink  

  A Short Night 

  Our plan was to sleep in this morning.  We had a great family day yesterday.  Great visiting and the best part was we had safe travels.

  I did get up at midnight last night as my cell phone went off warning of a severe storm heading our way.  By one in the morning, I was going from window to window checking the nighttime.  The wind was swirling the rain so hard, I had no chance of being able to look out any of the windows regardless of the direction.  I checked on Dennis and he was sound asleep.  I didn’t wake him, no point in us tripping over each other checking out what we couldn’t even see.

  This morning, the damage was assessed.  The first think I did was check the roof of the house.  Unbelievable that the roof had stayed on.  We have a house width awning on the west side of the house and it had held firm.  I am a strong believer that our over-sized shrub and the ancient evergreen takes the brunt of winds from the northwest.

  When I had first gotten up, I did look out the east window.  I could see from the bathroom window that there was a huge limb that had been torn off of the Maple.  Did it take out the potting shed or brake the patio slider windows?  I let Dennis take the lead.  By the grace of God, there was a tremendous amount of tree damage, but none to our structures.  A fellow came and with his chainsaw and sliced through various sizes.  His deal is he cuts and trims but does not clean up.  That’s fine with us.  

  It is now going on suppertime.  The day has been spent picking up branches and piling them up.  We have a windrow of the large chunks.  Maybe someone will come by and take them for their own use.  Who knows!  The entire back yard was full of twigs and branches the size of my thumb or larger.  Sure can’t mow over them.  I still bend pretty darn good at the waist.  I cleared out the immediate backyard first by making piles next to Stauffer Avenue.  I then ventured east to the rest of the acre.   Once I had cleared an area at a time, Dennis got the rider mower out and took care of all the leaf tips.  It looked as if someone had had a belly full of them in an airplane and continued to sift them out and let them float to the ground. 

  As I said.  The day is soon to be put to bed and I am sure Dennis and I will sleep well tonight.  We have a trailer coming tomorrow to load up all the debris and take it to the tree dump.  That’s for another day and perhaps another story. 

   
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  Noreen 4:00 pm on August 12, 2019 Permalink  

  One More 

  When Dennis comes in and asks for “One more favor” I put down what I am doing and get it done.  His one more could fill volumes. It reminds me of when Megan was little.  In thinking we had her settled, she would come back with “Just one more.”  I have kidded him that some day when my ashes are returned to him in a shoe box, Dennis will open the lid and say “Just one more favor.”  It didn’t take Dennis long for him to come back with a comment.  Yup . . . I will have one more favor. . . “Please can I come with.”  Priceless.

  There was one more Cricut cutout that Dennis wanted.  It had not been included in the purchase packet of decals that we had ordered.  Dennis wanted the shift pattern placed on the tractor.  That sounded doable.  Dennis got the Cricut out and side by side we decided what size, etc.  We got it on and Dennis was pleased as could be.  The next step was for him to take off all the paper that he had used to protect the tires.  Even the seat got a coat of white.  Well done and I believe the tractor is done.

  After we had the Cricut project done, I got back to what I had been doing in the kitchen.  Today was the day to pull the kitchen range out and do some tidy, tidy work under it and around it.  God bless the felt pads Kevin put under it.  It slides out slick as a whistle.

  I think it was time to expand the cookie options.  Molasses and peanut butter are great but enough was enough.  I found a recipe for Mound cookies.  Great!  I had some coconut that needed to be used up.  It was a bit dry but I really chopped it up fine and I knew it would soak and expand in the batter.  Good grief.  It asked for 2 cups of coconut and 5 cups of chocolate chips.  It also asks for 4.5 cups of flour . . . a large batch indeed.  In regard to the chocolate chips, I only had four cups and called it good.  All that is left is to tuck some in the freezer, right next to a bag of molasses cookies.  It is great to have some on standby. 

  It is heading on five in the afternoon and we are having rain showers that are quite strong.  Just when we thought the mowing of the acre was dwindling down.  This will perk everything up.  Who knew!

   
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  Noreen 11:31 am on August 11, 2019 Permalink  

  Checking Things 

  Dennis invited me back to the garage to see what I thought might be missing spots in his wheel painting.  Getting down close and personal I was able to pinpoint a spot or two.  We checked it out good.  I must say Dennis using up the roll of black duct tape to put on his paper shrouds to protect the tires was a great idea.  As in any project he did find a can of paint that had no to little aerosol.  It can happen and there is no indication at the time the purchase is made.

  As we walked back from the garage, we couldn’t help but notice the telltale indications of the visitors we had had this last winter.  The deer had made their own path to the corn and alfalfa pellets.  Yes, the soil and grass has had am impact, but the impact we made with giving the deer and the fawns some help this winter was well worth it.

  My project today was to wash off the kitchen cabinets and use some Murphy Soap wipes on the woodwork.  Even an ole Martha Stewart such as me can splatter where you would least expect it.

  I am not sure but . . . going out for an anniversary meal celebration last night energized me to no end today.  I have no doubt that that euphoria will endure.   Dennis mentioned this noon that with the energy I have today, we may have to have a repeat meal out oftener.  It may very well be.

  In checking out the water that the pump is putting out in the Koi pond, Dennis decided to pull apart the filters for the pond.  Dennis seems to be on top of his game as well today.  As he is finishing up cleaning the filters for the Koi pond, I stick around as he maneuvers getting everything back in line in the water.  Safety 101.

  I have mentioned it often, but it bares repeating . . . life on Stauffer Avenue is sweet.

   
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  Noreen 12:51 pm on August 10, 2019 Permalink  

  A Glorious Day 

  We had a 1/2 of rain over night.  Just the right amount of rain for the grass to grab onto it and feed those roots.  Mowing has always dwindled down for August.  Thank the Lord for small favors.  In visiting with one of our neighbors who does the mowing for many clients, he agrees a break is needed.

  As we went to Mankato yesterday, the farm fields are a mystery.  There are way too many fields that are black from recent field implement work.  I do believe some never got the planting done due to weather and are doing a great job of keeping the weeds under control.  Other fields have huge vacant spots where harvesting will look like a patch quilt.  Even the fellow who does mowing for hire, tilled his garden up last week as nothing was producing as in years past.  The tomatoes have a blight and the potatoes have generally hollow spots in them.  2019 has been a spring and summer season that most do not want repeated in times to come.

  May the farmers not loose hope and live in faith for a better year next year.

  I know for myself, after we had gotten the hail in the later portion of June, my hosta beds remain looking sick.  The roots are what I am banking on for next year.  Hope does spring eternal.  I will enjoy these glorious fall days and be thankful our area and our family’s areas did not have destruction from summer storms.

   
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  Noreen 7:20 pm on August 3, 2019 Permalink  

  A Busy Day 

  When we get up at 6:30 it is anyone’s guess as to how the day will go.  I can share with you that by 10:30 we had the acre mowed and trimmed. 

  You could say we had the devil at our heels.  Were we moving so fast that we were burning our tracks?  No . . . it was actually the electric leaf blower that Dennis was using that was suffering a malfunction and the smoke began pouring out of the motor.  Dennis sat it down and unplugged it from the inside of the garage.  I don’t think it owed us anything as we bought it some twenty years ago.

  Amazingly Dennis went out to Fleet and Farm and came home with a new Toro at $108.00.  It is as light as a feather and using a battery.  For what we need, it will work just fine.

  When I am asked if I want to go for a drive, I know Dennis has an agenda.  Off to Fairmont we went to purchase Krylon Crystal clear spray.  The Cub Lo Boy is going to get a clear coat.  Our favorite real life Google person told Dennis he needs to use the same brand with the clear coat as the paint he has used originally.  

  A neighbor came by this afternoon and she and I sat on the patio and chatted.  Marsha had lived across the street from us until four years ago.  Marsha remarried and moved out to the country and became a farmer.  As a hobby she raises chickens.  Her chickens lay the most beautiful green and brown eggs and Marsha has shared a dozen or so in times past.  Dennis and I appreciate it to no end.

  Marsha threw out a bargain . . . would I sew some chair cushion covers for her eight old fashioned metal lawn chairs.  You must remember those.  Heavy and yet they had spring in them and you could lightly rock back and forth.  Marsha has painted eight of them in bright colors.  Those who enjoy their patio had commented that a soft cushion would really be enjoyed. 

  The rest of the bargain . . . we will be enjoying farm fresh eggs . . . key word here is fresh . . . nonstop.  I jumped on this.  I have been baking more in the recent past than I have in years.  What recipe doesn’t take eggs!  Marsha will be bringing in the foam cushions and fabric and the sewing studio will take her on as a client. 

  What a great day.  What a busy day here on Stauffer Avenue.

   
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  Noreen 3:30 pm on July 31, 2019 Permalink  

  It Feels Like a Vacation 

  This week has had the most wonderful weather we could ask for.  Dennis came in for afternoon coffee and we both commented that considering all the heat, rain and hail . . . this feels as if we were on vacation at the best spot possible.  Stauffer Avenue . . . the most sought after spot in St. James.

  Dennis took to cleaning the plastic patio chairs.  He has caught on to the fact that though we don’t see spiders, they know where to hide and lay their eggs . . . beneath the molded supports of the chairs.  There is nothing that can inflict a more sore, swollen wound than a spider bite.  If there is a spider out there, he will find me.  In between time the chainsaw Eagle had had a fresh coat of sealant.  That should do it for a season or two.  He is not left out beyond summer as I am sure water caught in crevices and then froze would be his undoing.

  It was my day-to-play chamber maid.  Windows open and swaying to the hum of the washing machine . . . perfect.  It has not been determined if we are the dirtiest of people or the cleanest of people, but the washing machine hums a lot.  There is nothing better than after a good night rest to slip into clean clothes.  It would be better still if all was line dried.  Our clotheslines are under some Lilacs and beside our neighbor’s bird feeder.  Ya, you get the jest.

  We often take count as to where the cats are during the day.  They ramble in and out of the patio porch and here and there outside.  This morning I had taken the weed whip and took the top off of the patch of catnip that is growing under the Lilacs.  It didn’t take long and it was one, two, three . . . all accounted for.  Cutting of the stems really puts out the “ya’all come!” They role around in the catnip, they pounce on it and chew on it to their hearts content.  It’s not the prettiest of plants to have near flower gardens, but it sure serves a great purpose.  Getting a little high on life is good for the cats.  When Harriet has had enough, she jumps right up into the moose lawn ornament that Michael made for us.  She sits between the antlers with a dazed look in her eyes and chills.  Funny.

  Yes, today feels like a paid vacation day for sure.  

   
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  Noreen 3:55 pm on July 30, 2019 Permalink  

  How Could I Not 

  With such a beautiful start to the day, how could I not hit the flower beds.  The dew point was 52 and it was a go.  I had not been out into the flower beds since we had gotten hail earlier in the month.  Yup, there was damage control that was needed.  There were lengths of branches that were hiding in the Hosta plants.  Blossom stems on the Hosta needed to be cut off.  Snuggles hung tight until this mid afternoon and then he crapped out and slept under the lilies.

  Neighbor Bob’s fire ring was well fed today.  There can not possibly be any loose branches left on high.  The flower beds look like someone still cares about them.

  While I had my butt up in the air among the flowers today pulling weeds and picking up branches, Dennis was busy on the patio.  The chainsaw carved Eagle that stands about four feet tall got a good cleaning.  Getting the dust out of the crevices via water, suds and a brush made for a good work out.  Tomorrow after it is totally dried out, Dennis has several cans of Rustoleum in various degrees of being full of the clear spray that he will use to give the Eagle a look of a shiny luster.

  It’s a good thing we have leftovers for supper.  Neither one of us will be too perky after we shower up for the night.  It was a great day.  We can both see that we got something done today.

   
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  Noreen 3:31 pm on July 26, 2019 Permalink  

  Success in the Day 

  A Friday can get quite a bit done when we put the heads down and keep at it.

  My first stop was at the chiropractor in Madelia this morning.  I can report that the neck and shoulders are doing well under his treatments.  The headaches are slim to none and it no longer feels like the back of my head has been bruised.  I can turn my neck to some degree without turning my entire body.  I call that success thus far and believe more relief is in sight.  The tip of these treatments is to believe that I have heavy bags on the top of my shoulders to keep them down and not hunch them up and keep my head held up as high as I can when using my arms.  The chiropractor is on vacation next week and the first Monday after that I will be having my cataract surgery.  I did make an appointment for August 8th.

  The front yard was mowed by twelve Noon on the dot.  We took the sump pump hose off of the area where it drained onto the driveway.  I believe our usual area for the sump pump has dried out enough that we no longer will have a driveway that was beginning to have the algae green sheen to it.  Dennis ran the hose and I broomed the drive off . . . with my shoulders down and my head held high.  Big time success there.   Dennis said he would make sure to get another piece of the blue tubing to add onto what we have so we can run the hose over the driveway and onto Stauffer Avenue.  We tried putting it across the lawn to the street but it didn’t take a day or two and the grass burned under the hose.  Oh the lessons for the older ones on Stauffer Avenue.

  Dennis wanted just a few more letters cut out of the cricket vinyl for the tractor.  Got it done and waiting for him to give the O.K. before we put it onto the front side panels of the tractor at an angle.  

  Dennis has gone out to Fleet Farm for some very long screws.  When he opened the back garage’s overhead door this morning to get his rider mower out, the brace for the overhead door frame that was attached to the rafters pulled loose.  No more nails for such an important application.  I texted Grandson Ryan with an SOS that Grandpa needed help.  Ryan will be over after he is done with work.  Grandpa will have the drill, the screws, the ladder and the electrical cord in place for the job.  Ladders and us older ones are taboo.  That will be a successful repair.  Shouldn’t have had nails to begin with when the garage was newly built.  

  We have had many items taken care of today.  When we put our feet up this evening, we will know the week came to an end . . . successfully.

   
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  Noreen 4:34 pm on July 24, 2019 Permalink  

  Very Sweet Day 

  The temperature outside today made it feel super sweet.  I decided to make it a bit sweeter by trying something I had never done in my 75 years.  It was time to try to make a batch of tapioca pudding for our dessert this evening.  It was quite labor intensive for me . . . a lot of stirring to keep the whole milk from scorching.  We had not had anything but 2% milk in the house for years.  After two steps of adding a boiling mixture to beaten eggs slowly so the eggs would not curdle, it seemed to be all about the stirring, stirring, stirring.  Dennis sampled after it had cooled and deemed it good.

  We have purchased a prepared container of tapioca pudding at the grocery store but it was runny and very white.  It obviously isn’t prepared with eggs due to the expiration issue.

  While I was in the kitchen being busy, Dennis was out and working with his Harbor Freight wheels.  Our hose carriage is now sporting white walls.  Two of the older inner tube wheels hit the garbage.  The remaining two wheels seemed to have some redeeming life left in them and have been stored in the garage.

  All in all Stauffer Avenue has had a good day.

   
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  Noreen 4:16 pm on July 23, 2019 Permalink  

  The Aftermath of Storms 

  The chainsaws are still buzzing around town from Saturday’s storm.  The compost site has been open every day allowing people to do the cleanup.  Again, I say, we are so blessed that we could take care of it on our own.  The neighbor to the northeast of us has a licensed crew working on his property.  That counts up when there are multiple pieces of equipment being used.

  Today, Dennis and I bid farewell to the decal portion of the tractor project.  Wouldn’t you know it!  There was one full decal for the dash of the tractor.  I could tell that this decal has laid on the patio porch table for several weeks now.  It was apparently not being put in a box and stored.  Suck it up Grammie.  Try and get it done.  No way was the dash going to be disassembled on the 51-year-old Cub Lo-Boy.  No less than six screws, three knobs, the steering wheel and several plugs that had never been drilled out.  Yuck-a-doddle! The original surface was nicked up aluminium and had the finish of cross hatching when the tractor was new.  In other words . . . it was not a smooth surface.

  The dash decal is not my finest work.  Slash this . . . slash that . . . trim out for screws . . . try not to cry.  There was only one ole cowboy that needed to be happy . . . and he is. 

  Hear comes the rest of the story.  “Maybe in half inch white letters on the front where there is a panel right before the mechanics we could put in small letters “Cub Lo-Boy and have them angle like they are cut out of the steel panel?”  What is this “we” stuff?  I told Dennis I would take it under advisement for another day.  Gotta love the guy. 

  The Dennis project might get done sooner than later as in times past, there is a hover that I detect when I am concentrating in my sewing studio.  Might as well squelch the “what if” and get it done before I let it brew into a storm in my own mind.