Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from August, 2024 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:55 pm on August 31, 2024 Permalink  

  Labor Day Weekend 

  Let me tell you, Dennis and I are into this Labor Day weekend with full steam ahead.

  We have our acreage mowed. 

  Today was the first time since early 2023 that Dennis could use the Cub.  An oil situation took it out of commission into the 2024 year.  What threatened to be a very expense fix was not to be.  We hauled it over to Kevin’s Garage in Fairfax.  We believe he had a fix on the repair before we made it back to St. James.  Thanks be for logic and we must not discount Kersten’s tiny hands to get to where they were needed.  

  Last weekend Dennis’ grandson AJ came and helped Dennis get the mower deck back on.

  Today, I used the zero-turn and with Dennis on the Cub we made very good time.  The Cub is not a mower for turning short where trimming is needed.  That is where I came in.  Other than our east area to mow is rough, it all works and the job gets done.  With the inch of rain, we thought the ground would be soft.  Not in the least.

  Our tree dump is really busy today as the street past our home is evidence.

  We are not going anywhere this weekend as they are saying, the traveling will be massive on the highways.

  Sell-by dates . . . how serious are they?  Truth or fiction.  I have taken to put some cream in my coffee.  It is the highest form of good fat in the diet . . . just let me get by with that one, okay?  This morning the cream carton was empty.  I vaguely remembered that up in the cupboard was a container of Nestle Carnation powered creamer.  I used some in my left-over breakfast coffee when I was done mowing.  As I was sipping on the coffee, it came to mind where the sell by date was on the container.  I found it.  It was on the bottom.  Get ready folks . . . November 2004.  Hmm.  It’s not in the same category as C-rations, but close.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:35 pm on August 29, 2024 Permalink  

  Thunder Rolls 

  I believe the rain will not miss us this afternoon.

  Dennis just got back from getting both vehicles washed and tucked into the clean garages.  Mission Completion.

  Often I add at the end of a thought “Mission Completion.”

  When Megan was tiny there were videos that were called Little Einstein’s.  The videos were in cassettes but also on Channel 2 of the same team of children taking tasks and finding solutions.  Very child friendly videos.  As they celebrated their solution of making the world a better place, they all chanted together . . . “Mission Completion.”  I still have one of the videos in the living room cabinet.  For the first years of Nicholas and Megan when they stayed with us, it was the mantra of our home.  Sweet.  I would take those days back in a heartbeat.

  Both Dennis and I had decided today, this Thursday, would be a laid-back day.  Dennis had given his legs and his back a good work out on both garages.  Lets just say I could feel the early start of the fall cleaning to the point that I had not hand stitched as yet this week.  Neither one of us passes up on keeping our home tidy, tidy.  The Subway that we enjoyed last night for supper did not disappoint.

  Campbell’s extra tall can of Bean and Ham soup is second to none.  It is also hard to find.  I nabbed the only two cans in our local grocer’s last week.  This evening, it is buttered toast and bean and ham soup for supper.

  It is 3:30 and the street lights have come on as the rain is pelleting the windows.

  Friday was going to be a mowing day.  Time will tell what the morrow brings.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:02 pm on August 25, 2024 Permalink  

  Cable 

  Well, Grammie’s gray hair are now a hue of white.  Over the last month I have been working with the new HP to allow my Cannon camera to upload photos.  Over and over I got to the point that the computer would not allow the camera to be loaded as a new device.  Perhaps my camera was too old for the HP to recognize its make and model.

  Best Buy offered to sell me a cable to see if it would work.  It does allow the photo to be uploaded directly from the camera but the format is a bit different.  The only thing I could not get done, for now, is to give the photo a name, a label.  That is the least of my concerns today, August 25th.  Once I give in to the challenges each day may bring . . . it is down hill from there.  Many many days just bring the usual and customary.  You know . . . the meals, the dishes, the laundry and the Swiffer type of work.

  Today my focus of the tidy, tidy was our back door.  As I worked on cleaning it inside and out, I blessed our local lumberyard often.  Dennis did get a pass.  Dennis always favored buying locally.  Bolin’s lumberyard’s choices were slim to none.  The wood-core aluminum door did not have the usual metal slides to wiggle up the bottom panel to remove it for cleaning.  The slides are there, but only to raise or lower it to allow the screen to be used.  I thought by pushing in both slides at the same time it would be able to be pulled straight out.  Maybe the slides were dirty and the channels got cleaned.  Then I thought I would spray some lubricant into the channels.  I then tried a plier as I thought my hands were not strong enough for the slides to free the catches.

  How would Lena clean that bottom glass caught behind the screen.  I took my window cleaner, went outside and thoroughly sprayed the glass through the screen and then as the glass cleaner was running down the glass, I used a clean cloth to wipe down the screen as it touched the glass.  Hmm.  Not my finest work.  The top glass was very easy to clean inside and outside.  It is many shades cleaner than when I started out.  So be it.

  Dennis took the auxiliary hose off of the sump pump that had the water running into the street.  For a time the pump ran so often, it flooded the area of the usual spot north of the house.  I believe the hard huge rains are over.  I helped Dennis coil them and secure them with zip ties.  I offered to put them up and away in the potting shed.  For various reasons there have been bungee cords hanging from the cross bar of the rafters.  I was turning to leave the potting shed and . . . I could not believe my luck.  One of the bungee cord hooks had snagged the back of my shirt as I was working under it.  It almost got to the point of taking said shirt off.  Wiggle, wiggle grasping material of the shirt and I was leaving the potting shed.  Good grief.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:38 pm on August 24, 2024 Permalink  

  Check 

  We have one major item to check off of the fall’s bucket list.

  The mower is back on the Cub-Lo-Boy and all is working as it should be.  Dennis’ grandson, AJ,  had been surfing the web to find hints of how all went back together.  Dennis didn’t remember how he got it off when the Cub had a major oil situation.  All of the nuts and bolts had been saved in the faithful Folger’s coffee can.  AJ came to St. James from Mankato on his Honda cycle.  AJ made one trip to the parts store as a small threaded nut either dropped away from them or it had been lost when the mower was removed.

  When AJ went up the street to visit with his folks, Dennis came in for some orange juice.  He didn’t come right out and say it . . . but he was pooped.  I looked out the bathroom window before starting this posting and Grandpa and Snuggles are both taking a nap in the patio porch.  I don’t think Snuggles could get any higher up on Grandpa’s chest.  A well deserved rest indeed.

  My Saturday work has also been completed.  One load of laundry done and folded.  The bathroom from one end to the other and the back entryway have both felt the hand of . . . me.  Both of those items get hard use.  With Dennis not having any toes on his left foot, even with the orthidic insert his balance isn’t the greatest.  Our basement steps are steep for any and all so Dennis very seldom goes down into the basement.  We also do not ask anyone anymore to take their shoes off coming into our home.  I do not mind cleaning and keeping things tidy.

  Yesterday when I was out and about, I stopped at the eye clinic.  My glasses needed to be adjusted.  Over time the tiny screws that hold the “ear hangers on” become worn.  They even put on new nose pads.  I was and am set to go.

  There is plenty to choose from for supper.  I will take Dennis’ lead on what he is hungry for.

  These last days, I have been enjoying home grown peaches.  One evening when Dennis locked up the doors, there was a plastic bag hanging from the door handle of the front door.  There is only one person that Dennis and I know of that has a peach tree that we had been told was looking like the peaches would be plentiful.  Maria is the gal that we go to for pedicures and haircuts.  I am 100% sure that I was enjoying her peaches.  They were not the Alberta known grocery store peaches by any means, but I have enjoyed them fuzz and all.  Dennis passed on them.  I have two small ones left.  Sweet.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:46 pm on August 23, 2024 Permalink  

  Wasps 

  This must be a great time of year for the wasps to be flitting about.  Dennis knocked two down that were under the west awning of the house.  Dennis discovered by the back door they were busy using the corner siding piece and flying up it.  It did get busy when he used his water hose attachment and pointed the strong surge of water right up into the channel.  They are not fussy about where they choose to shelter. 

  Today I visited our local grocer.  It had been about two weeks since the last visit.  I realize the owner needs to make a profit.  Not being able to purchase many items in bulk, I am sure his price is quite different from Walmart’s grocery or Sam’s Club that don’t mess with anything unless a trailer hooked onto a semi is delivering it.  I will say $4.29 for a dozen eggs seems high.  Too numerous items to mention. 

  I had worked my last miracle in the kitchen for supper last night.  I needed stuff to make oven meals with.  I like having frozen vegetables to put in with the pasta dish, both for color and texture.  I bought five pounds of potatoes as every once in a while, plain boiled potatoes fills the bill to pair with something else.  Dennis had asked for some of the refrigerator items of Mrs. Gerry’s.  This afternoon, I proceeded to take her potato salad and mix in three boiled eggs and a chopped and minced Vidalia onion.  The coleslaw I mixed with one very large banana and some mini marshmallows.  Thank you Lena.  Why didn’t I use some of my 5 pounds of potatoes I had just bought?  From scratch, potato salad needs an over-night in the refrigerator for all the flavors to blend.  With my embellishment of Mrs. Gerry’s hard work, I have bought myself a little down-time in the kitchen for several evenings.   Put a piece of buttered bread with the fare . . . it’s all good.

  I did buy three cans of Albacore tuna packed in water.  We have tried what I call regular tuna.  In an oven dish, it is nothing but mush.  Yes, we have gotten spoiled.  We rarely eat out, I can cook using quality ingredients.  

  I had KNUJ on yesterday.  Several large grocery stores run ads over the airway.  I could not believe it when a Kalu Robbi was priced as $1.49 each.  Wow.  They have always been a favorite in our family.  I can still see Michael or Kevin standing by the garden peeling one and letting the munching beginning.

  The yards are finally slowing down with growth that will need mowing.  It has been a weekly item since late April.  

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
• 

  Noreen 2:05 pm on August 18, 2024 Permalink  

  Good Day 

  At eleven this morning, the little red pickup was idling in the drive.  I was not surprised as we had had the talk last night.  Today was mowing day.  We had not mowed in nine days and it was needed big time.  With both of us cruising the two acres, we can get everything looking good in two and a half hours.  Yes, we both stood still after getting the mowers back in the barn.  Taking good advice.

  Other than drinking what is left of the breakfast coffee, I have no other plans for the rest of the day.  Dennis did head out to fill the two small gas containers for the next time.  After the mowers have cooled he does fill them, depleting what is on hand.  

  I walked back from the far garage with my cane.  The mosquitos are so itty bitty, but the aftermath of them getting you does not keep the itch from being less.

  I walked on the sidewalk north of the patio porch heading to the house.  The sidewalk is a roller coaster for us elderly.  The neighbor’s oak tree can’t have many acorns left on it as walking on the sidewalk was dangerous.  I did the shuffle until I was clear of the tree’s overhead branches. 

  As I walked our backyard coming home, I hadn’t noticed any black walnuts on the ground from our two trees.  There were black walnuts on the ground as I was mowing the east acre.  I wonder if deer eat black walnuts and acorns.

  Our docket is clear for all of next week.  Sweet.

  By the way, I had an email that I had a test result in the Mayo portal.  I assumed it was from the urine testing I had done some time back.  I was curious.  Oh my gosh, I had no idea how many drugs could be identified via urine.  Truth to be told, I had had no idea that there were that many drugs needing to be tested for.  I am really innocent about that testing.  Nurse Sandy had said that in older people that need pain meds, they make sure to test us making sure the drug is noted in the sample and that we are not selling them.  Hmm.  Like I said . . . innocent.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:52 pm on August 17, 2024 Permalink  

  Four Legged Friends 

  Our porch kitties are for sure the four-legged friends that are our sweet spots.  Hark, there is some competition in the backyard.

  The last several weeks we have had two young fawns hanging out enjoying munching on clover.  When we first noticed them, they still had their white spots.  Yesterday, they were showing mostly their rich tan color.  When Dennis came in at eight last night, he said they were bedded down under the Hackberry tree.

  And what, would you ask, are the porch kitties making of all of this!  The sliding screen of the east patio door is barely wide enough for all three of them sitting on their haunches keeping watch.  All they want to do is watch from their safe spot.  Amazing.

  Sleep came easy for me last night.  At 8:30 this morning, I had to fight to keep my eyes open.  Once the feet hit the floor, I was running an agenda through my mind.  As I enjoy the first cup of coffee, I do check everything over on my HP, including the weather for the day as well as banking information and obituaries.

  As Dennis was heading to the Dollar General to buy several gallons of distilled water for his CPAP machine, I headed into the studio.  The 24 quilt blocks were waiting on the church tables.  My goal was to sew half of them together . . . four per row and three rows sewn together.  At a bit after three, all lights were turned off in the studio with my goal having been met.

  Our supper is going to be a smorgasbord of items from last night’s supper tied together with scrambled eggs.  It will meet all of the major food groups.

  Nothing news worthy to report.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:00 pm on August 10, 2024 Permalink  

  Cloudy 

  Today is cloudy and cool and nobody cares.  Everybody is just enjoying it.

  Today was spa day for the ole cowboy and me.  A trip up the street by five blocks and the spa event began.  Nothing, at least for me, feels better than some TLC for my feet.  Dennis never begs off of the spa day because . . . he enjoys it as much as I do.  Haircuts follow the the spa day.  Going for one-month intervals is as long as either one of us can take.  The toe nails catch in the socks and the hair becomes fly-away.  We never leave Maria’s shop without a card for the next month.  It was shocking to see the September date.  We will be there.

  When we got home a bit after noon, Dennis’ grandson and his pickup were parked in the drive waiting.  He had phoned his grandpa about the visit.  AJ knew we would be home shortly.  It is always a good visit for the grandpa.  AJ works for a cyber-optics company with under-ground cable.  He is not married, owns his own home in North Mankato and loves his dog Rowdy.

  For myself, I feel that I had a great week.  When I parked the zero-turn yesterday in the back garage after mowing, our work on Wednesday really gave the garage the look that someone cared.  We do need to pick up more floor-dry of the white consistency.  We left our oldest floor broom in the garage so we can work the floor-dry in and then get it shoveled up.

  Thursday’s shopping has allowed our pantry to be stocked for the items we consistently use and may not have to shop for them again for three months.  We bought a new tote to be used as a litter box for the three patio kitties.  Over time plastic surfaces pick up scents.  Did Dennis pitch the old one?  No.  It has Dawn dishwashing liquid in it and he thought he may use it in the potting shed for dry storage after a good scrubbing.  I encouraged him, if he did, to not use the cover for some time.

  When we were done at the spa date, we did take a whip in and around the blue barn acre, aka: getting to look like a park.  Very self-satisfying speaking of pride in ownership.

  While Dennis and AJ are solving the world’s problems I am comfortable in my bedroom porch listening to a YouTube while poking in a stitch or two.  AJ’s parent live several blocks east of us.  Pretty darn special that we were his first stop when he got into town.  Just saying.

  Supper is the left-over soup from last night with Dennis and I having a half of a grilled cheese sandwich.  

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:38 pm on August 9, 2024 Permalink  

  More Please 

  More days such as this . . . please.

  I knew yesterday as I was tucking groceries where they needed to go that today, Friday, was already planned.

  Today was mowing day!  The air and yards were dry as humidity and the dewpoint were low.  Mowing began at 10:30.  I have moved on up in the world, as George Jefferson said.  I am now able to start the zero-turn mower in the proper sequence and begin without any further instruction.  I walked into the house at 1:30.  Mission completion.  Dennis is helping out a person new to the neighborhood and mowing her lot as well.  When 93 year old Edna lived in that home, Dennis always took care of her yard.  I am sure at some time a mower will be on the new owner’s tick list.

  Before Dennis had rang the mowing bell, I had a few items I wanted tidied up in the studio.  One fabric that ravels easily needed to be put under the surger.  One of my patterns that I work off of in my bedroom porch needed to be copied.  I often use a highlighter to keep track of where I am in my stitching and a throwaway copy comes in handy.  I also had some blocks on the quilt top I am working on that needed pressing.  

  It is always more enjoyable to return to the studio if everything is up to snuff.

  When I came in from mowing, I nabbed the last of the breakfast coffee and tuned in to a YouTube.

  I brought out of the basement pantry a bag of Shore Lunch Chicken Noodle Soup.  The contents are dehydrated.  The contents are wide egg noodles, carrots, celery and herbs.  Six cups of water brought to a boil.  Contents of the bag are added and the kettle is simmered.  I will then add a 12.5 oz can of white chicken meat that I will use a dinner fork to break apart and shred.  It does make for a hearty soup.  Good thing crackers were brought home yesterday.  I generally don’t do crackers.  Dennis uses enough that there is no broth to sip at the end.  I am a sipper.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:22 pm on August 6, 2024 Permalink  

  After the Storm 

  This morning with the sun and cooler temperatures it was hard to believe there had been so many warnings out.  Our skies to the northwest didn’t look friendly at supper time.  We did not get any amount of rain and no winds whatsoever.  We were blessed.  

  With KNUJ on in the studio the rain totals were all over the map.

  It was interesting listening to the interviews with the KNUJ moderators for the first day of Farm Feast.  Hard to believe so much machinery and inventory is hauled out to the site for just three days.  Even closing the gates at four every afternoon seems counter productive for businesses to hawk their wares.

  Dennis has had success with his vegetation weed killer and went back to the acre this afternoon to spray another area.  The good thing is that Dennis knows when to take a break.  If he forgets, most likely his legs will threaten to buckle underneath him.  Just as I no longer answer his phone when he forgets to carry it, I no longer keep tabs on his whereabouts when he is out and about on our property.  There could be a correlation between the two.

  I have been thinking about Esther Schafer’s full hank of silk floss.  I have a stash of cross stitch fabric that may have been Carrie’s or mine or perhaps both of ours.  The curiosity got the best of me and I had to take a look-see as to how it would work up.  It handles in the needle beautifully.  No twisting or knotting up.  In the stash was several yards of banding.  Not all designs work on an area of 2.25″ in width.  I got out the gridded paper and struck out to see what I could see.  No, I do not have a full yard in length charted.  I am taking it slow.  It is interesting to see how a length of floss that is variegated looks on fabric.  I am not able to stay with it long as the fabric is slubbed.  I am working two strands over two stitches on this 25-count fabric.  Poking around and through the unevenness makes for a good challenge.  I am always up for a good one.

  Dennis reported he got one of the Harbor Freight sprayers emptied and then let the mosquitoes reign.

  I have taken out of the freezer an oven meal for supper.  Do I remember what concoction it is?  No.  A mystery meal is to be had.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥