Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from May, 2019 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  Noreen 5:40 pm on May 30, 2019 Permalink  

  We Got ’er Done 

  The acre has been mowed and manicured.  It is very self-satisfying.  Dennis does the rider and I am the resident “pusher.” It works great that when the bagger is full and I beat feet for the backyard driveway, Dennis gets off the rider to empty the bag for me and re-starts the mower.  It had been just one week since we mowed but the front yard would only take a half of a swath to mow the best.

  Now onto an evaluation on the new weed whip trimmer.  I did trim around everything on the acre where Dennis could not get close to.  The north side of the house even had about three feet out from the foundation that I trimmed.  Last fall we put a slope on the soil adjacent to the foundation and that dirt is still very soft.  It’s also a bit of a stretch to get between window wells and the central air unit.  I was rounding the last bit of trimming on the potting shed when the battery had no more umph.  The objective today was to see how long one charged battery would last.  I would say being 20′ short of a total yard being trimmed was pretty dang impressive.  Grammie ended the day of yard work in good shape.  In regard to how my body responded, it was good.  I am teaching myself to swivel at the waist when using the trimmer rather that working the shoulders and neck as I take a whack from side to side.  Never too old to learn.

  While I blew off the patios and driveway with the electric leaf blower, Dennis cleaned the filters on the Koi pond.  We got ’er done for the week.  It’s a good thing.  For the life of me, I do not know how some people our age tell us they are bored.  

  To round out the day there is nothing better than egg salad sandwiches and tomato soup for supper.

   
• 

  Noreen 4:55 pm on May 29, 2019 Permalink  

  Quite the Day 

  Last fall I had sworn that weed whips were out of my life . . . forever.  Hmm.  How much shag can a Grammie take around the property.  I’m weak.  I can’t take it.  Today we went to Mankato in a search for a weed whip that I could handle without injuring neck, shoulders, back . . . in other words, one that would operate like a drone.  The final results was one called WORX.  A 20 volt recharable that weighs 4.2 lbs.  The lightest weight one we could find other than the electric ones.  I know myself well enough that I could see myself tripping over 100′ plus of electrical cord as I made my way around the yard.  Dennis is in charge of charging up the battery for tomorrow.  Dennis bought a 2nd battery and several refills of line.  We know all too well what happens when the unit is out of line and we are up a creek without a paddle.  Time will tell.

  The weed whip was on the list for the day.  Also on the list was haircuts at Great Clips, a pedicure at Nails Group, a few groceries and a stop at JoAnns Fabric for some Dritz supplies.  The grocery store items at Sam’s Club included a bottle of Glucosamine with Chondroitin. Lena clued me into this at a time when she was still on the farm.  It is taken for joint and cartilage lubrication. I had since been taking it, for years.  Late winter, I ran out and decided to see if I could spare myself of one less pill.  In the recent weeks I had been rethinking that choice as the movements from the neck on down wasn’t as smooth as I would have liked.  In fact, it was quite noticeable.  Now . . . you say, it could be the damp, wet spring we have had that has made the arthritis buck in the joints . . . I don’t know.  I am going to take them religiously for the amount in the bottle and then rethink the whole situation.  Seriously . . . when was Lena ever off the mark with her advice!

  As we drove today the fields look so wet from our dumping of 2.5 – 3 inches of rain.  Wouldn’t you know it!  It rained all the way to Mankato this morning.  Some sun did peek out but the clouds are hanging on.  Nonetheless, we will mow the acre tomorrow.  It is lush and long.

   
• 

  Noreen 1:18 pm on May 28, 2019 Permalink  

  An R.W. Day 

  This would have been a day that Raymond Wendlandt would have been sitting on the bench right outside our back door . . . for the entire day.  The neighbor to the direct south had a crew in cutting down a Black Walnut tree that I am sure was close to 100 years old.  This would have been right up Dad’s alley to sit, taking it all in while sipping on Folgers coffee.  

  Often I think of many things that Dad would have enjoyed as they have come upon my life in the recent years.  Dad was too young at 72 years of age to be called home.  I have outlived Dad by three years in this 2019 year.  That fact is not taken for granted by me.  Each day there must be local effort on my part to make the most of all that there is to see, to do, to take in.   Perhaps I do believe in the old adage that idle hands are the work of the devil.  I can tell you all, the devil is not working within me. 

  Striving to continue to learn is how I honor both of my parents.  Raymond and Lena would dip their toes into new endeavors without fail.  Mom had her rug loom, Dad had his sawmill.  Both of my parents had a zest for learning and creating.  I thank my Good Lord for the genes I have.  My quests have not always come naturally.  Try, try, try again.  Good grief.  I refuse to give in.  Sometimes I wear myself out and I know to walk away for a bit, take a deep breath and then hit it again.  Sure enough.  I can do it.  Reading directions and watching YouTube videos is a huge assist!

  Yup, Dad would have enjoyed being here today.  I, as always, love the memories that Dad evokes.

   
• 

  Noreen 2:40 pm on May 27, 2019 Permalink  

  Making the Best of It 

  We really can’t fault the weathermen for being on target with the rain.  Rain began in the early morning hours and it is now 3:15 in the afternoon and it is not done yet.

  Deciding to make the best of it, I headed for the sewing studio.  I had some naked hand towels on hand.  It is always a good thing to have a few extra items stitched.  Several of our visitors are not bashful in kissing up for a hand out.  While the stitching was at it, I went through a few things in the cistern closets.  Hmm.  A box of various Command Strip items.  Keeping the colors changed out on the sewing machine, I went shelf by shelf in the sewing studio to see what the Command Strips could help with.  Items lying flat soon are covered up by other items that want to lie flat.  Hanging them up seemed to be the answer.  I could not believe that there was a bare spot on the south wall with which to trick out with the Command Strips.  Good job Grammie!

  At noon I did go out to take a peek at the yard.  Our yard has several water ponds showing.  The neighbor to the south has a full blown lake.  I snapped a photo of our rain gauge at noon.  I don’t think I need to check it again.  Dennis will be more than happy to fill me in when he comes in.  I am fortunate to stay busy when there is nothing to do during a rainy day.  Dennis is out in his rocking chair in the patio porch fearing the worst.

  As I was closing down the sewing studio, I spied with my little eyes, a trickle of water showing on the carpet on the basement steps.  The seepage water was coming out of the bunk house closet, making it’s way over the same level step and running down into the tile that we have around the perimeter of the basement.  Oh well.  We have nothing setting on the floors of the cistern closet or the bunk house closet.  It will be a matter of letting as much run into the tile until we get the shop vac flipped over from dry vacuum to the wet option.  Does it make me nervous to hear the sump pump running every 30 seconds?  No, we pretty much have it covered.  The area in the northwest part of the yard has more water than can soak up from the basement sump pump, but Dennis has a second pump standing in that area of the yard and taking water out into the street.

  May has been a soggy month.  On the up-side . . . we have been blessed with no storms.  I will take water, whether it’s in the closets, or out in the yard . . . any day.

   
• 

  Noreen 5:30 pm on May 26, 2019 Permalink  

  A Little Slow on the Draw 

  A good day on Stauffer is priceless.  What may happen when spring has lasted for two whole days . . . I forget to take a break.  

  Taping off the area around the new threshold on our back door was first on my list.  It is green treated lumber but that does not give a pass for it to not look smart.  I taped while Dennis shook the paint cans.  Multiple cans of black spray paint is a sure winner.  The cans were not new. Dennis and I know that when the aerosol within the can is gone, there is not going to be any paint forthcoming.  I had both doors open so I could make sure none of the new door or its frame would get caught in the mist of the black.

  With me bent in half working with the tape, Snuggles chose to jump in between my legs and she was off and running in the house.  Dennis and I both looked at each other and knew that was the least of the concerns for the moment.  After all the cleanup was done, it was time to scour the house to find one large white and black cat.  Dennis scored the find.  Snuggles was on Dennis’ bed.  Head on the pillow and the big fat body on the quilt.  Just as if Snuggles had been born to lavish naps on German napped flannel.  It did get to be a bit of a circus.  I finally went outside and broke off a catnip plant.  The aroma was oozing from the plant.  Snuggles got a whiff of the cat nip and the rest was history.  Though I did have to carry Snuggles out of the house, it went well.

  With the late spring, there is a carpet of tiny weeds and also clover, white and red, in the hostas.  Dennis mixed up a batches of Roundup in my small sprayer and kept it pumped up so I could do the evil deed.  It worked great to take pails and cover the hosta and then spray the area around each plant.  Hopefully in a day or two, there will be results.  No . . . there will be no lawsuit pending from Stauffer Avenue.

  In between keeping me in Roundup, Dennis worked on his Cub Cadet taking off whatever he could for more cleaning prior to painting.  When Dennis took something off of the tractor, he put the screws, nuts and bolts back in their place.  Nothing more discouraging than having a container of nuts, bolts and screws and not remembering where they would belong.

  A picnic like supper of BBQs and slaw finished the day off.  It felt great to get a few odds and ends taken care of . . . even if at the end of the day I am a bit slow on the draw.    

  Tomorrow is the Memorial Day that may not have as nice of weather as we have enjoyed these last two days. So be it!

   
• 

  Noreen 7:06 pm on May 25, 2019 Permalink  

  Quite the Day 

  This is what has been waited for . . . spring!  Lena would have been proud.  Stripped the bed and all quilts were out on the clothesline.  The breeze had its way with them.  I did not hang the flannel sheets out as I can’t handle them.  They would have needed to be rewashed as I know they would have drug on the dirt before I got them heaved over the clothesline.  Dennis’ electric mattress pad was light enough to heft it and it billowed in the breeze.  No . . . it’s not going to be put away.  As cold blooded as Dennis’ feet are . . . check back at the 4th of July time frame.  

  Dennis had taken off quite early with his Cub Cadet.  Brett’s shop has a power washer and it was just eating at Dennis to get over there and take grime and old grease off of the bottom on the tractor.  After the power wash ditty, Dennis stopped by to pick up quarters and he was off to give the Cub a once over at the car wash.  After a full day and a fresh bed, I think there is going to be some deep sleep for the ole cowboy tonight. 

  Time out.  I sat on the patio and enjoyed watching a bit of traffic.  It didn’t take long Snuggles was on my lap and stretched out as if we were going to make a full afternoon of it.  We have waited a long time to enjoy some patio time with the lilacs sending whiffs of aromas, oh so sweet.  Though not as many blooms as other years, I was thankful for what we got.  I repeat, patio time was sweet.  If one would venture off the concrete, there would be mud on the shoes.  The soil is soaked.   

  The plan is to wait until work can be done in the perennial beds while not dragging half of the gardens around on my feet.  I hate muddy shoes that need to be cleaned.  It’s all about the timing.

   
• 

  Noreen 3:00 pm on May 24, 2019 Permalink  

  Wedded Bliss 

  It’s taken Dennis and I a few years . . . twenty plus, to figure out our biggest challenge.  Our browsers have different processors.  When I verbalize to Dennis, it goes through to him via a processor that I upgraded for myself a long time ago.  It ain’t gonna change.  It’s totally up to me to allow him to take in what I have talked about.  Yup.  It can take some time.  It make take a second time around.  Bless his heart.   It sure is a good thing that we have finally arrived at this conclusion and know that there is no solution other than patience on both our parts.  Whew!

  Yesterday with the threat of rain today, Dennis got the nod from Charlie that his Cub Cadet was ready for pickup.  I took Dennis down the highway a good eight miles to the north so he could drive the Cadet back into town.  Dennis thought it would take him a good hour.  Right on schedule he arrived safely on Stauffer Avenue.  It’s a good feeling to know that Charlie did a barter with Dennis.  No cash changed hands and both fellows are happy.  Now the thorough cleanup can begin as the mower is off of the tractor and all those hidden greasy areas can be reached.  When it suits Dennis and his nephew, Brett, Dennis will be taking it down to Brett’s shop for use of the power washer.  

  Dennis does want to give the Cadet a paint job.  We both realize that we need to take it out to Dennis’ son-in-law, Tom, who worked in the body shop here in town.  Tom is on disability with lots of time on his hands.  Whenever I had window switches and motors to replace in the car, he was here before I finished the text.

  It’s Memorial Day weekend and we will be at home leaving the highways to the adventuresome.  Safe and sound, sounds good to us.

   
• 

  Noreen 3:33 pm on May 23, 2019 Permalink  

  Grab it – I’ts a Good Day 

  There may not be any sunshine, but it’s in the 60s.  We grabbed it.  It was warm enough so the fingers didn’t get cold.  A light jacket did the trick so the heavy jackets stayed on the coat hooks.

  We had not mowed the acre in twelve days!  We could have made hay.  The only spot I put a nix on was the newly seeded grass area in the backyard.  It may have been long enough to take some off of the top, but the soil is soaked and spongy and would have shown every tire track from the riding mower.  This last 3/4 inch of rain several days ago had no where to soak into.

  As we have a sump pump sitting on top of the underground sump pump tile that is at ground level, there is plenty of water to drain out to the street.  The entire area in that spot on the northwest corner of the yard is less than stable to walk on.  When I mow the front yard it does take a little re-arrangement of the hose that delivers extra water to the curb.  Yup, I moved the hose and knocked the extra sump pump off of the top of the tile.  Oops!

  When that oops happened my shoes sunk into the muck to the point I had to curl my toes to keep my shoes on as I gave a tug.  Good thing it was the last detail of my yard work.  My feet were heavy with muck.  The first stop was at the outside water faucet to rinse off whatever I could.  The next step was taking my shoes off outside and taking the shoes right down to the laundry sink in the basement.  The water pressure at the sink is great and it did short work of cleaning them off.  They may take a day or two to dry out, but they will be ready for the next round of outside work. 

  I don’t know how we ever got along without the laundry sink in the basement.  When Kevin re-routed, re-plumbed our water softener to make room for a sink, it took quite some time.  Today it gets a lot of good use.  Priceless!

  So, this day that we grabbed . . . turned out great.  Tonight the forecast is for rain during the night.  Glub, glub!

   
• 

  Noreen 3:55 pm on May 18, 2019 Permalink  

  I Am Outside! 

  Though we had a half inch of rain overnight, I needed to have some time outside.  Putting on my oldest shoes that have been hosed off more times than I can remember, I was up close and personal with my plants that are growing under the Lilacs.  I have been quiet since Wednesday and the facial wound is feeling good.  The most important thing is to keep it clean.  With enough Vaseline on it, I doubt much could penetrate that.  With that being said, coming in and using the Hydrogen Peroxide after a hot compress will take off all the cooties. 

  While I was out an old gospel hymn came from somewhere deep in the recesses of the mind.  I didn’t know all the words and I have not looked it up since being in the house: “I sing because I am happy.  I sing because I’m free.  His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.”  There are some Bible verses that allow me to know,  He knows when a sparrow has fallen to earth, so I am assured He is taking care of me.

  Yup, I had a great day.  My fingernails got dirty. My shoes are muddy.  Grammie is back at full tilt.

   
• 

  Noreen 5:39 pm on May 16, 2019 Permalink  

  A Slow Day 

  As it turned out, I was ready for a quiet, slow day today.  No more numbing goodies in the facial cheek.  We are now in the healing mode.  It’s my job to clean the wound twice a day and keep it covered with Vaseline.  When I uncovered the wound today I was surprised at the angle and length of the stitch area.  Yesterday after all the cancerous tissue was removed, it was a perfect circle the size of a quarter.  As I sat with a towel over my face and Dr. Davis was stitching me up, what came to mind was me darning my family’s sock.  I can imagine he needed to elongate the wound for the skin and tissue to be manipulated into a workable stitch pattern that will eventually not be seen.  I am thrilled to have it behind me. 

  Most of skin cancer shows itself after decades of when the actual damage was done.  I can believe that.  Being out on hay racks stacking bales, walking beans or just being a farm kid, we never thought much of getting sun burned.  Who ever heard of sun screen!  Taking it slow is not all bad.  This afternoon I laid on the bed in the west porch with the windows open, listening to the wind chimes and birds.  Time to smell the lilacs outside of the porch.  Priceless.