Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from May, 2019 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  Noreen 2:58 pm on May 7, 2019 Permalink  

  Dennis is on the Road 

  

  Dennis worked the barter system and today he headed out on the road. Kevin handed off several snow removal machines that he had no use of. We have a nice snowblower that Kevin gave us quite a few years ago. Snow that is deeper than that snowblower can handle is the clear indication that we have next door Randy handle the snow with his long green line. Dennis and his Cub Cadet headed out north about ten miles. The barter system involves that the mower will be taken off of the Cadet with new blades to be installed. The country fellow, Charlie, will take the snow removal items in the trailer. I am awaiting a phone call to go and pick up Dennis. Charlie will have time to work on the mower blades. The next time I take Dennis out to Charlie’s the mower will be in the trailer and Dennis will drive the Cadet home with the mower off. Dennis wants time this summer to really clean his 50-year-old Cadet and perhaps do some painting. This useful two-wheel trailer came from Kevin. It was a trailer that came specifically fitted for a fiberglass boat that came with it. Dennis found a new home for the boat and reworked the trailer for our residential use by putting a study steel floor onto it. There have been plans to make new side boards . . . sometime. In the past Dennis had scored a piece of cedar wood paneling that’s 12′ x 6′. Need I say more. Dennis is always ready for a good challenge with bartering to finish up the project. It’s all about the challenge for my sweet ole cowboy.

   
• 

  Noreen 4:58 pm on May 4, 2019 Permalink  

  What? More Rain Overnight! 

  Sure enough, there was another 2/10ths in the gauge this morning.  Dennis was tickled that he had mowed yesterday.  Dennis was very tempted to wander over to the new sewn area of the backyard.  When Kevin tilled there were some perennial Allium bulbs that got scattered.  The Allium is from the family of onions.  Their stalks can grow as high as four feet tall with a globe of tiny blossoms.  They are used in dried flower arrangements.  I can tell you Dennis steered clear of the newly sewn area and we will need to be patient if the Allium do indeed come into bloom.  I can share that the older the bulbs get they are not quite so enthused to bloom, much like some varieties of tulips.

  This was the day that the patio porch did get all the windows washed.  There were kitty nose prints on the inside too numerous to count.  On the outside were a few deer nose prints.  As we look out the bathroom window, we will now be able to see through the slider doors to make sure the water pump is operational in the Kio pond.  When the windows are clean there is no enjoyment greater than taking in the back part of the acre.  

  To top it off, what good are clean windows if the rest of the porch’s items haven’t been given a kiss with the dust Swiffer and also the vacuum on the carpet.  Shortly after the vacuum was hung up Dennis made a big deal of crossing the patio towards the alley.  Shoulders slumped and partly dragging his jacket on the patio. His feather filled black jacket was heading for the garbage.  It had suffered several holes from cigarettes.  I know the cats like to sit on Dennis’ lap and every once in awhile a claw would catch just right.  Something sharp had caught the left hand sleeve and it had been adorned with silver duct tape for most of this last late winter.  Early next fall we have to keep an eye out in Sam’s Club for a replacement.  They usually have an assortment for $19.99.  I myself will be looking for one as they slip on so easily over any type of long sleeve shirt. 

  We toddled off to the Home Town Cafe.  They have the best soup and any type of sandwich to go with it.  We are calling it a day.

   
• 

  Noreen 5:12 pm on May 3, 2019 Permalink  

  Stauffer Team 

  The day had no schedule.  Early on, I knew that the home needed some TLC.  There is just that moment when your vision is extremely clear and . . . you see it all!  Dennis went about getting gas for the lawn mowing that we hoped to get in today.  We were going to get it all done today.

  I had all this angst energy and it couldn’t stay pent up.  I know just where it stemmed from.  Yesterday I attended Doreen’s funeral and I took Judy with me.  The three of us had spent years together in courthouse work and in our private lives.  The funeral was appropriate.  I couldn’t grieve in saying goodbye to Doreen as I know how much she had suffered the last several years with the cancer.

  The angst energy came from my day with Judy.  Judy is blind from Macular Degeneration.  Judy has had two small strokes in the recent years.  Her energy is be savored.  I can only imagine how much energy it takes to navigate the days when every step is uncertain, even within one’s own home.  When I got to Judy’s home, her husband had already left to have coffee with his friends in town.  Judy was ready and waiting for me.  How could her husband not have given her a once over before he left to make sure that the clothing she had put on was clean of food spills.  How could her husband not have made sure her hair was combed and set with a bit of hair spray.  Judy was going out to spend the day with others that we had shared our work careers with.  There would be countless of our working peers there all to remember Doreen’s life.  Judy deserved to be ready and waiting in the best step forward her husband could have afforded her.  

  Judy couldn’t stand for long during the church service and she fell asleep in the one hour drive to her home.  It was foreign to me to partially disassemble her walker that has a seat attached to it, but  I got it in and out of the trunk when needed.  As we were on the last step of their patio to enter the home with Judy and the walker, Judy’s husband opened the door and the first thing he said was “Are we out of club crackers?  I’m hungry and haven’t had my noon lunch.” Hmm.

  I would have stayed with Judy longer after we returned to her home, but I could not bring myself to spend anymore time with her husband.  I have to acknowledge to myself that Judy is a vulnerable adult in her own home with a husband that is capable of much, but not honoring the life of his wife in her failing health.  I have known Judy’s children since they have been toddlers.  All five are now parents and even grandparents, some living very close by.  You can bet your bottom dollar, I will share my concern with Judy’s daughter in a very caring visit.  The family may be assuming things that are not to the mom’s best interest. 

  On a lighter, brighter note, we did get the yards mowed today.  It looks so sharp outside.  My angst is gone, my spirits are good, and Dennis and I enjoyed some patio time after the Stauffer team was finished with the hard portion of the day.  It did alleviate my angst by sharing with Dennis as he knows Judy and her husband.  When Dennis went with me to conferences and took in spouse activities, Dennis was far, far away from Judy’s husband.  As I headed into the house to make supper, I took note of the Fairfax Tulips that are coming into their own.  There are more buds popping out and should give a good showing for some time.

   
• 

  Noreen 3:51 pm on April 30, 2019 Permalink  

  Reflection 

  

  Last Days of April in 2018 we were enthused for perennials to show.

  

  April 30th of 2019 we are waiting for grass.

  When I click on these photos to enlarge them, I reflect on the decision to have the large square garden tilled up in the fall of 2018. I am still happy about it.  Each year we fought with ground that was flooded about the time the plants were thriving.  Each year, I would wear myself out keeping the weeds at bay.  Each year plants need to be relocated that were getting too aggressive.  This year I am going to be content to watch the tiny spears of grass appear from the seeds that Dennis and I put down last fall and this early spring.  As those spears head out, the carpet of green will become more lush.  We still have plenty of area to work our whiles on.  Hosta may come up.  Hosta may not make it over the winter.  Whatever happens, I know I am going to be content with what I have to tend.  That has been a huge part of being who I am at this stage in my life.  I am content with what I have.

   
• 

  Noreen 4:25 pm on April 23, 2019 Permalink  

  Signs of Spring 

  

  Slowly Dennis and I are getting the yard in shape. Old Glory waving in the breeze is comforting. The I-beam now has a bit of well deserved window dressing on it as it held the garage safe during the horrific winter winds. The Moose that Michael made for us stands guard over the patio. It’s been a great day. The Lilac bushes will soon surround and fill in this area of the yard. I am content.

   
• 

  Noreen 5:23 pm on April 20, 2019 Permalink  

  When a Plan Comes Together 

  Dennis’ plan that he laid out for us today seemed to fall into place.  Dennis got the 2-wheel trailer out of the back garage for picking up the branches I have been stock piling.  That 2-wheel trailer is sporting brand new tires since last spring.  We had made a trip to Fairfax to haul an iron beam home on tires that were a miracle.

  The tree dump was our target with anything and everything that we could rake and load.  The deal I made with Dennis was that I would rake and load the trailer and he could take his time getting the Koi into the pond after spending all winter in a horse tank.  We have seven Koi for the season.  Just the right amount to watch, feed and enjoy.  The garage area where the fish had been got cleaned up.  The pump that was used over the winter in the horse tank, Dennis took right down into the basement and cleaned it for storage until the fall of 2019.  

  We both finished our tasks about the same time.  Dennis’ plan came together.  All the areas where Hosta grow have been raked.  The rider lawnmower won’t be needed to cut up a bunch of nasty twigs. . . picked up and loaded.  I drug my weary, sorry butt into the pickup and away with went with our $1.00 for the tree dump fee.  The trailer has been parked until the next errand.  The acre looks like people live here that appreciate their home. 

  This was the second day that Dennis had a tailwind for energy.  He slept great last night.  I can always tell how calm his sleep was by the amount of water that the humidifier of his CPAP machine has used during the night.  Little details keep me up to speed.

  Dennis and I are looking forward to company from Fairfax tomorrow for Easter.  Yup, there is a job jar.  Dennis fondly refers to Kevin as his favorite wood-tick.  I don’t think Kersten and Keven have ever come for a visit that there was not something that needed the fine tuning of someone who knows what they are doing.  Us? Not so much.  

  This evening Dennis and I are enjoying the peace that passes all understanding.  Praise be to the risen Jesus.

   
• 

  Noreen 5:58 pm on April 19, 2019 Permalink  

  Dennis is on the Move 

  Dennis has been so busy today.  I sure hope it doesn’t turn on him when he needs to go to bed and rest this evening.  Auxiliary sump pump is running.  Both lawnmowers have had the oil changed out and he left them run long enough that the idle was where it sounded like they could go for one more year.

  Tomorrow I have been made aware that the two-wheel trailer is coming out and we will be making a run to the tree dump.  Yup, we have branches piled ready to load.

  On a follow-up with our neighbor who thought he was going to get new vehicles via a scam:  Today Bob parked his pickup to the farthest south portion of his lot.  It looked as if that transport arrived with the goods, the driveway would be clear.  No . . . Dennis nor I did not make any contact today with Bob.  Leave well enough alone.

  What a great day.  What a great Good Friday.  This is the weekend that God’s children will know that He carries for us what we can’t.

   
• 

  Noreen 5:27 pm on April 14, 2019 Permalink  

  It is Here 

  Dennis and I took a spring fling today.  Today we took a road trip to Mankato.  Great Clips needed to be visited and so did the Nails Group for pedicures.  Those two items made me feel energized for spring.  Koi fish food was down to a few morsels for the season. Though they haven’t been put in the pond yet, it’s best to be prepared.  They haven’t eaten since mid-November.  Hibernating is soon coming to an end.  Pet Expo could have saved having carts out.  There was hardly any cart rolling space in the store.  The bird seed was everywhere.

  As we drove there were bikers, walkers, joggers, and cycles.  By sheer willpower the cool temps were ignored.  I still wore my bright yellow winter coat, stocking cap and mittens when I walked.  The breeze had a bite to it.

  Dennis is down to his last two feedings for the deer.  Tonight and tomorrow night, and then they are on their own.  The area behind the water treatment plant has just as much lush green grass as our yard is showing for them to graze on.  We gave them a bit a boost during the worst of winter.  It was a lot of fun to see them up close and in person.  Watching them at seven feet away as I stood in the patio porch and they were on the patio, it was priceless.  We are now on to watching the squirrels as they try and find the nuts that they buried last fall.

  Always a lot of activity on Stauffer Avenue.

   
• 

  Noreen 6:02 pm on April 9, 2019 Permalink  

  Grow Dammit 

  Snow is said to include a lot of nitrogen.  We are told by the weather man that snow will be here within 24 hours.  It may be six inches or it may be 24 inches.  Well shuckie darn.  We do have this huge area in the backyard that we hope will be an incubator for green grass.  It was previously a beloved perennial garden that was past its prime.  Not so much different than the current groundskeeper.

  Last fall after Kevin tilled this garden, we did put down quite a bit of garden seed via the hydro method.  Water, plus fertilizer, plus grass seed should equal a green product this spring.  That may very well be the case as soon as we get warm sunshine.  We did receive heavy rains last fall shortly after that with a few areas that are prone to washing.

  Earlier this late spring, actually the first days of March, we had heavy rain while the frost was still in the ground.  Our entire yard was under water for a duration. We were hopeful that the heavy snow cover had snuggled each and every grass seed into the soil.  Or . . . the seed was afloat.  Yard work is always a crap shoot.

  Fleet and Farm was visited and we purchased a goodly amount of grass seed.  Today with my snowmobile boots on and with my handy-dandy hand crank seeder, I walked the said area in the hopes that this late snowfall would assist in what may have previously not done the trick.  As I walked the area I couldn’t help but notice that in the far portion of the yard, we still had several banks of snow that was being stubborn in disappearing.   No . . . the area was not dry.  Yes . . . my boots were getting heavier with each pass as the seed was springing out of my hand crank seeder.  At times I swear I could see my breath.

  What came to my mind was a comment that I heard this last weekend.  A parent had given advice to a son that in perusing a mate for life; one who had long painted finger nails would most likely would not be willing to push up their sleeves and get dirty.  Hmm.  Currently my nails are growing out wearing a beautiful shade of pink.  My pant legs are pushed up to avoid having them drag in the mug.  Dennis commented that I shouldn’t touch my face anymore with my muddy hands.   Too funny.  I do cleanup pretty good.

  Both Dennis and I were wearing boots and both pair were muddy.  We did spend some time picking up branches in the far portion of the yard.  In time we will have a goodly amount for a fire in the burning ring . . . after they dry out.

  We gave it a good shot at local effort today.  They are saying the weather could be a little interesting in the next couple of days.  We will be taking it easy knowing we did the best we could.  As we enjoy our patio porch and look out over the backyard in weeks to come, I know Dennis and I will be muttering, “Grow dammit, grow dammit.”

   
• 

  Noreen 3:51 pm on April 8, 2019 Permalink  

  68 Degrees 

  First things first.  I got my two mile walk in and then we headed to Madelia to get a prescription for Dennis.  I tagged along as the Lewis Drug Store is in the Sunshine Foods grocery store.  I snagged a 32 oz. jar of Olsen’s Herring.  The best darn herring ever. 

  It was close to noon before we were done fiddle farting around to get serious with the day here on Stauffer Avenue.  But then . . . Dennis and I were just like two calves that were finally let out of the barn pen to kick up the heels and take on spring.

  Without any warning, Dennis was busy with the Koi pond.  It got scrubbed and homogenized.  Putting city water in the Koi pond means that the filled pond needs to set a few days to allow any chemicals to dissipate.  Would it harm the Koi?  We do not know, but why take a chance.  

  We do need to purchase a new plastic rake.  Last year, our rake was used to corral a small fire we had started to clean up as many dry leaves that we could before the winter snow would pack them down much like manure in a calf pen.  It obliviously could not take the heat.  It curled up like a piece of spiral pasta.  

  What I did find in our potting shed was a rake that has the width of about 8 inches.  In reality it was the perfect size for me today.  The width allowed me to get under the Lilacs north of the patio porch and the patio.   Last fall Dennis had taken the leaf blower under these Lilacs.  We had piled them up to the east for him to mulch them with the mower.  Today I could definitely tell there wasn’t this hay rake sized pile.

  Wouldn’t you know it . . . Wednesday and Thursday our area could get quite the dumping of rain and possibly quite a bit of snow.  Dennis and I filled several bins of the leaves I had raked and tucked the bins in the garage to keep them dry until such time our Meadow Lark tree dump is open.  It was a huge length of area and leaves taken care of from the Maple and Oak trees that are eons old. 

  We did frolic in the nice temperatures, but as it was our first day outside to deal with the aftermath of winter, we didn’t overdo it.  Two and a half hours had us in the house to shower up.  Grubby, grimy old folks taking some time to sit outside all cleaned up . . . with no where that we needed to go.  It felt good.