Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from April, 2019 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  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.

   
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  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.”

   
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  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.

   
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  Noreen 3:51 pm on April 2, 2019 Permalink  

  Let the Furnace Hum 

  Here we are April 2nd and I cannot think of not having the furnace still in full service.  Granted, it doesn’t run as often, but it does still need to take the chill off. During the night we have it set at the low 60s.  As long as Dennis’ heated mattress pad can pull kilowatts, he is tucked in and content.  For myself, I have always enjoyed a night’s sleep with the house cool.

  Spring can’t be far behind.  Dennis did a thorough check of the situation out in his patio porch.  He has access to check the concrete under the plywood floor.  He came in and give it a thumbs up.  The first step was getting the piece of indoor/outdoor carpeting pulled out of storage.  It will take some time for it to decide to lay flat.  The saving grace is that Dennis has his Korean luncheon tomorrow in Mankato.  That luncheon will take him out of commission and off of Stauffer Avenue for most of the day.  The patio porch needs to be taken slow so we are not apt to repeat anything after the first spring rain. 

  There was a Shepherd’s crook that was listing to the south after the snow disappeared around it.  On the end of the crook is a Dr. Seuss style birdhouse.  Dennis took advantage of the soaked soil and got it sunk in straight as an arrow.  Bit by bit, one can’t help themselves to step up and be a good steward of the yard.  We will have quite the bonfire when we can get at the bulk of the yard for a pick-up day.  Neighbor Bob’s fire ring will get a good workout from our yard as well as his.  Today, with the winds at 30 mph or higher, we can only hope that all branches and limbs that were whipped loose over the winter months and had been hanging on up high will have taken flight for us to pick up.

  Sun always makes the day better.  We are due lots of sunny days.  Doom and gloom needs to take a hike.

   
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  Noreen 4:35 pm on April 1, 2019 Permalink  

  Gloomy and Gray 

  The gloom and gray did not deter me from stepping out and stepping up to get the mittens and stocking cap on for a walk this morning.  The walk was scheduled so I could be at the chiropractor by 10:45.  It was 29 degrees when I left home for the two miles.  So be it.  We are making progress on the stiff neck and I do follow up with an ice pack and exercises in the evening.  It’s either “this or better.”  

  There was a lot of joy in today.  Sometimes it doesn’t include bells and whistles.  Felling good inside is all it takes.  I had a great day.  Dennis had a great day with his checkup.  His INR (blood clotting test) was right on track.  He need not show up for another for weeks.  

  I did do a bit of a walk around in the back.  It was a good check as long as I stayed on the concrete.  There is perennial greenery peeking out.  I didn’t dare step on the area that was tilled as I know my shoes would have had to have been cleaned of mud.  At this time I did not see new spears of grass.  They will need warmer temps to coax them out.  We are patient.  We have all spring to see what shapes up outside.

   
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  Noreen 2:39 pm on March 31, 2019 Permalink  

  My Day 

  In several ways, it’s “My Day.”  There are routines to follow after my feet have hit the floor.  Padding off to the bathroom is the very first on the list.  Having had bladder augmentation surgery some time ago, the first instruction I received from the doctors was to never allow pressure to be felt in the bladder.  Get the business over with before pressure can bring other problems.  Ya, I kind of had that happen years ago.  It took a good stint in Mayo at Rochester.  That . . . I do not have time for that in my schedule.

  But anyway, as I was saying, my day took me on a great two-mile walk in the morning sunshine.  It may have been 30 degrees out, but I didn’t feel the temperatures.  I was feeling good.  Today was my 75th birthday.  I don’t feel my 75 years.  I am not sure how old I feel, but it is not 75!  That does get me in trouble every once in awhile.  Over the winter months I promised myself to act my age in regard to some of the physical things that I think I can manage.  That brings me to my chiropractic schedule for some stiff muscles in the top of my shoulders and my neck.  Yup, I am going to get my neck back in good shape.  Think it through, Grammie.  

  Often on my birthday, I think back on what Mom was doing when she was the age that I am currently celebrating.  There ya go!  Lena didn’t act her age either.  It must be in the genes.  I am going to be careful with spring yard work.  The huge flower garden is either going to sprout grass after being tilled up or it will have more grass seed spread on it.  I have many quests to pursue.  If I keep the physical and the mental activity balanced . . . it’s going to be a good thing.  My children and their families need to feel secure in their own minds that mom is doing good.  Now, that in itself is a quest that I am definitely on.  Their lives and their wellbeing mean more to me than my own.  That . . . may be a telling sign of me being 75 years young.

   
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  Noreen 2:59 pm on March 29, 2019 Permalink  

  A Calm Feeling 

  The sewing studio has been tidied.  Multiple weights and colors of threads have been put back where they need to be.  Extra fabric has been tucked away in the proper bins.  If anyone is in need of a wig or a beard, I do have a few supplies left over.  I had no idea what I needed or how much.  Once you order and are short, you may never receive the exact duplicate with the new order.  The sewing machine has been cleaned, oiled and blown out with canned air.  A new needle will be put in when I know what will be tackled next.  It was a calm feeling having finished up a rather large complicated project.  The last thing I did before letting Santa take a break, was to sew a pocket on the inside of his wide belt.  I inserted a before photo of Santa and a short note documenting the rejuvenation of him.  It seemed like the thing to do.

  It was hard to believe how cold it felt this morning when I was walking.  I hustled it toward the end as even my finger tips felt chilled inside my winter gloves.  Hard to believe that Wednesday I had only needed a single layer of a knit shirt.  Let’s hear it for the Fairfax tulips!  They are about four inches tall under the southwest windows of the house.  Full sun as it reflects off of the siding makes them feel cozy enough to spring forth.  What a winter. What a spring.  Dennis is hoping that we don’t have any hard rains for awhile.  The sponge that we have referred to as our backyard needs a whole bunch of drying days.

  Supper is planned.  By error I purchased chicken tenderloins that are breaded, but raw.  It will be interesting as to how they will turn out in the oven.  Actually, not pan frying sounds kind of nice . . . no splatter to clean up later.  Dennis made a box cake today.  I stayed in the sewing studio . . . the entire time.  It seems to have turned out great.  A peanut butter frosting was the goal.  I kept my hands off.  Dennis found out how little milk it takes to work with powdered sugar.  What to do . . . keep on adding powdered sugar prior to the peanut butter until it is thick enough not to run.  I will say that the amount of frosting on the cake looks mighty thick.  I think that is called, “live and learn.” I will say that Dennis washes up all of his dishes when he is done.  Sweet!

  By the way, the new ceiling fan in the patio porch is humming away.  Bruce is so tall that Dennis could nicely put away a ladder for the install.  We are not rushing into putting anything in the patio porch until we are sure the cement under the floor is dry.  When installed, there were air holes drilled into the entire perimeter.  We have lots of time.  Hey . . . we are the retired folks on Stauffer Avenue.

   
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  Noreen 4:11 pm on March 26, 2019 Permalink  

  Did Hit it Hard 

  After the morning walk, I did hit the sewing studio hard.  I have watched enough YouTube videos to last a lifetime on making Santa beards.  In the end . . . I winged it.  Dennis checked on me several times during the afternoon as he knew I was focused.  Tomorrow may be the culmination of the Santa Project, but I am not prejudging the day until I find out what Dennis has on his agenda.

  Coffee at McDonald’s this morning for Dennis and his buds seems to have been centered around income tax talk.  The hope is that the income tax on Social Security will go by the way-side.  We already paid on it once when it was earned.  There is a very vivid memory of Orlin and I doing income tax, but I have no idea what year it was.  I know I was not working at that time.  I do remember that we had both Carrie and Kevin on board.  The W-2 form that Orlin had was a gross earnings of $14,000.  It must have been from 3M as we were living in a mobile home at that time.  Amazing what the mind can bring forward.  Amazing memory from perhaps 45 years ago.

  Each day Dennis is tickled pink that the cold nights are taking away snow via freeze drying.  I agree.  We had one bad episode of the patio porch floor being under water.  We now need drying time before we move back into it.  Yup . . . it’s been a good day on Stauffer Avenue.

   
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  Noreen 3:42 pm on March 25, 2019 Permalink  

  A Good Feeling 

  We have prepared for our two closets in the basement to have water seeping in.  Nothing was left on the floor and the wet vacuum is standing by.  As they had been part of a cistern at one time, they could not be incorporated with the basement tiling job done by Complete Basements of Mankato.  The snowbanks snuggled up to the east and northeast side of the basement where the closets are located were huge.  So far so good and the snowbanks are shrinking.  The cold nights have been perfect for freeze drying what could have been less than good.

  Today I can feel the long trip of yesterday in the pickup to Eden Prairie and then sitting at the ice show for several plus hours.  Carrie had stadium seats for Dennis and me and that made bleacher sitting very comfortable.  Nothing new in the scheme of my back and hips, just not enough motion yesterday has caught up with me today.  It made me think twice this morning in regard to my walk.  Once the shoes were on there was no turning back.  It was 30 degrees when I headed out.  Dennis commented how red my nose was when I got home.  I do believe I’m working out the kinks.  Staying dormant does nothing more than stove me up.

  It took the two of us to get Santa’s pants on today.  The black lacquer boots were not taken off as we could tell that they had been attached to the main wooden frame at the factory with a means that we could not duplicate.  The second factor of the boots was that the electrical cord was thread down the leg with the cotton batting tied around it and then coming out through the heel of the right boot.  We got it done.  His pants look worthy of him.  I am at a point in the Santa Project that will take much thought.  I have all the supplies for the eyebrows, mustache and beard.  This will need much pondering and planning.  Originally everything had been stapled on . . . not this time!  Take it slow Grammie.  “You don’t have time to do it right, but you always have time to do it over.”  That old saying cannot come into fruition with this last stage of the rejuvenation of the Santa Project.  I may have to take time off for contemplation and read a library book waiting for the inspiration to hit.

  Dennis has done the perimeter walk today and he is very pleased how we are getting through this last bit of winter.  The plywood floor in the patio porch may look dry, but the concrete floor and the 2 x 4s underneath will need a lot more of the furnace heat and fan movement.  We’ll get there, slow but sure.

   
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  Noreen 5:57 pm on March 18, 2019 Permalink  

  It’s That Time 

  It’s that time of the year to get my walking shoes on and . . . do it!  There is a lone evergreen at the far east end of the cemetery on the Hammond Highway that I set my sights on and just keep stepping it off.  It was a good two mile walk.  The shoulders are wide and with me wearing my bright yellow coat and red stocking cap, I feel very safe.  It was interesting to see how high the creek was.  Chunks of ice flowing at a very rapid speed.  

  Today was the fourth treatment at the chiropractor.  The tightness in the top of the shoulders and the base of the neck is feeling much more mobile.  Dennis feels that with us feeding the deer they may very well lend a hand at taking care of the Hostas this spring.  If that is the case, I won’t be too upset and I will not be going out and replacing any if they have been enjoyed.  There is a season for everything.  I need to remember how long it is taking to get mobility back in regard to turning my neck.  It could either be me giving up some of the gardens or getting myself in trouble driving if I can’t look over my shoulders when I need to while behind the wheel.  Good grief.  It’s difficult realizing that what the mind thinks can be accomplished is so different than what the body is willing to do.  Oh . . . no doubt the body will try to make the mind happy, only to have the mind get pissed off when the best activity is sitting and trying to read a book without straining a strained neck. 

  Dennis is working the Watonwan Game and Fish Club’s annual event.  Dennis is in charge of working with the young kids so they all get prizes.  He does a very good job.  The younger club members solicit goodies from near and far so no youngster goes home empty handed just because their ticket wasn’t called.  Good job Grandpa. 

  The nightly freeze drying is going well.  The news brings sad stories of flooding.  Dennis has a nephew in Nebraska and they have really been hit hard.  This is the time of the year for new calves to be born and it doesn’t help that some pastures are land locked due to the water.  What a helpless feeling for the ranchers. 

  Yup, I think that us feeding the deer in our backyard when they have nothing to eat that is above the snow, is a good thing. Last night the two fawns came early.  For once they could eat until they were full.  As our dish has been moved to the edge of our neighbor’s drive,  I could stand at my kitchen sink and watch them 15 feet away from me through the window. Seeing their noses switch and their black marble eyes ever watchful, how beautiful the coloring on their ears is . . . quite spectacular.