Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from August, 2024 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:57 pm on August 5, 2024 Permalink  

  Happy 

  I am happy Dennis is home from Mankato from Jeff’s one-day procedure.

  Just as Dennis came home, it began to rain.  The sun had not shone all day but now the sun is shining through the rain.

  As I was in the studio, I texted friend Linda to firm up with her about the quilt tops I want to work up for the church ladies.  I am on the correct path.  Their group does not meet until after school starts. 

  After I had put in my allotted time, I came up to my bedroom porch to sit upon my cherry red chair and pick up the hand stitching.  I have been working on the stitching for Esther’s wooden box.  The stitching is going according to plan.  That’s always a good thing.  I have been kicking around what color of fabric I want to make the liner with.  I will use some of what I have in my stashes.

  Looking out to the south as I work on this blog, I couldn’t help but notice that some of the neighbor’s sunflower plants are taller than the roof line of their one story porch.  No blooms on them as yet.  The smaller plants are showing blooms.

  I am the consistent one that lives on Stauffer Avenue.  I keep a balanced life for myself each day.  With the enjoyment of helping Dennis mow our acreage, I thought I would also take care of some of the extra foliage among the Hosta.  Nope.  Once the mosquitoes notice a rustling of the vegetation, they are on me like . . . immediately . . . after my face and ears.  My stamina and balance doesn’t allow for long durations without a cane, so I don’t resort to the oily bug spray that needs to be washed off for the short time of use.  So be it.

  I did take note on KNUJ, the fellow that Kevin bought his first train set from and I believe also Rachel the goat had passed away at age 87, still living on his farm site at Buffalo Lake.

  Nothing exciting to report and that in itself is a good thing.

  Supper is grilled cheese sandwiches with chili.   

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:37 pm on August 3, 2024 Permalink  

  Grateful 

  Today I am so grateful I passed on a long trek to the home of the twine ball.  It was the Riebe cousin get together.  It is held in the city hall of Darwin that is airconditioned.  I just didn’t feel it.  Dennis said as late as last night that he would take me . . . Nope. 

  My age has nothing to do with it.  My general health has nothing to do with it.  More time is spent on the hot highways than in attendance.  I know I would come home with with the loud conversations echoing in my head as there are no acoustics in the building. I would be wiped out into tomorrow.  It’s all about choices.  The highways go both ways.

  I was content in sleeping until eight not having to worry about a food item to take along in this heat.  My ritual is to sit on the edge of my bed for a good ten minutes before I venture further.  A great way to start each and every day.  

  The breakfast coffee was rich and hot.  The buttons on the washing machine were punched and I was totally dressed by ten.

  Dennis’ plan was to visit with our tree trimmer.  He and I have decided to finish up the clearing of the blue barn acre.  The south lot line going east to west has about 12′ to 15′ of volunteer small trees and some larger trees that gave it up and fell over.  What a great feeling that would be to get it done.  Ryan has been with us since the first load of crap was hauled away from the site.

  My plan was my studio.  There was stitching laid out.  There was some progress that needed pressing.  It all boiled down to contentment for this Grammie.  The Spirit Lake radio station had great country western tunes.  When Dennis came home he had news from Ryan that maybe in several weeks he would be by with his crew and equipment.  Dennis had also stopped at Fleet Farm and bought several small bags of potting soil.  The two large patio plants were repotted last Saturday.  We have had two inches of pounding rain since and naturally the soil in each pot has settled making room for more to top off the pots. 

  Yes . . . a grateful day.

  Supper is going to be Subway.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:32 pm on August 2, 2024 Permalink  

  Got It Done 

  We knew after we had gotten two inches of rain the night before last, the blue barn acre’s surface would be wet.  But everything needed mowing today before it got away from us.  Half of the acre has pretty good grass and as we take care of it, the grass has stooled out quite a bit this year.  A portion of the acre has clover, creeping charlie and the weed that has flat glossy leaves and has been told to heal sores it the leaf is broken, crushed and rubbed onto a sore.  No, I’m am not going to try that.  I mow the Clark lot as well and that mowed great as it is in full sun and . . . no weeds.

  We were done mowing by twelve noon, other than the front yard.  Dennis mows that in different directions so it ends up looking great.  The ole cowboy takes pride in how our property looks.  As I was putting the zero turn in the back garage, two small fawns were enjoying some of the clover that had just gotten a haircut.  I am sure they were born in the early spring.  What a precious site.  When I had first started mowing, the wild turkeys were grubbing whatever it was that they enjoy.

  I have my mowing garb . . . zipped to the chin, sweat pants that mosquitos can’t sting through and my garden shoes.  I did get some mosquito bites behind my ears.  Not too bad.

  For supper this evening, I took last night’s supper’s left-overs and made a sort of a Shepard’s pie.  Green beans down first.  The left-over porkchop sliced real thin and put over the beans.  Those two items were covered with the left-over Stove Top Stuffing.  I made gravy out of the pan drippings that I had browned the chops in.  The gravy I covered the stuffing with.  Tonight Dennis and I will put our portion on a paper plate, covered with a damp paper towel and microwaved for about two minutes per plate.  Bread, butter and peach jam if desired.  A hot meal for the mowing team.

  Though the mowing was done by noon, the studio lights stayed dark.  I watched some YouTubes in my bedroom porch and did some cross stitch stitching.  Megan and I texted back and forth a bit.  It has been hot in Virginia as well.  The restaurant where she has a hostess job stays comfortable with the AC as does her apartment.  It was sweet keeping in touch. 

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:09 pm on August 1, 2024 Permalink  

  Oh My 

  Around 10:30 last night the light show began in the northwest.  Not much thunder but the sky stayed lit non-stop.  The rain sounded like pellets hitting the windows through the screens as the wind whipped the rain.

  When we got up, through the bathroom window, the east patio sliders showed branches full of leaves on the lawn.  The Hackberry tree had a huge limb that had been sheared off.  All we could do was text Affordable Tree and let Ryan know we would like to be added to his list.  Neighbor Jan told me we had just a bit over two inches of rain when all was said and done.

  Dennis and I picked up quite a pile of branches about as big as round as a thumb ready for the burning ring.  I knew I had some grass seed in the garage.  I used my small rake to rake through some tangled grass that could use some of the seed next to the west patio.  It might just have a chance to sprout.

  As Dennis took some letters to the post office, he came home and commented the wind had done its damage around town.  One of the letters was the application forms for his placement into the Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay if and when it would be needed.  We both felt good about having taken care of that in a timely fashion.

  Before noon time, I came into the house, having given the mosquitoes enough of my blood. 

  I did turn all the lights on in the studio this afternoon as I stitched a bit, starting another log cabin quilt top.  This one will be with hues of burgundy.  What with the yard work, several hours in the studio was enough. 

  As I am typing this blog posting, I have noticed quite a few pickups with trailers taking stuff to the tree dump.  KNUJ forecasts the possibilities of pop-up showers into this late afternoon and early evening.  It sure is gray enough for that to happen.

  For our evening meal, I am going to fix some boneless porkchops in the oven after I have browned them.  A can of cream of chicken should smother them until tender.  I haven’t decided if Stove Top or instant potatoes will accompany the chops and the green beans. 

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 4:12 pm on July 28, 2024 Permalink  

  Warmish 

  The morning breeze continued right on into the afternoon hot-feeling air.

  Today on the agenda, was to make use of the morning breeze on the east patio.  Two plants have been begging to be re-potted.  We were prepared with the Fleet and Farm trailer to get the dirt out of the car.  Dennis had holes drilled into the bottom of the two pots for drainage.

  We were in full combat when company arrived.  My cousin Mark, from the Canby area, had gone to Jackson for his class reunion and stopped in for a visit.  Quite the visit.  The coffee can I had been using to scoop new dirt was replaced by Mark taking the bag of dirt from me.  I did take a scissor and cut into the impacted roots so they would have a chance to nestle into the new soil.  It didn’t take long and the plants were getting a drink in their new home.  I will pick up a smaller bag of potting soil as the dirt will settle as a bit more water will be done.  Sweet.

  The entire time, we had a great visit with Mark.

  As Mark was getting ready to get home, two vehicles pulled into the drive.  Dennis’ daughter Sue, and her daughter’s family were here for a visit.  They had been in Sioux Falls for a bridal shower for Dennis’ youngest granddaughter. 

  When five thirty found our little home cleared out and quiet, I felt weak.  It had been a very full, rather hot day.

  If I think of anything earth shattering, I will fill you in tomorrow.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:10 pm on July 26, 2024 Permalink  

  Struggle and Strive 

  Each morning I strive to begin a new day with a good attitude.  Some mornings it can be a struggle to strive.  

  This morning my struggle and strive ending up with me having my bra on in-side out.  Hmm.  The hooks and eye closures are really tiny.  I wiggled around a bit.  Nothing totally uncomfortable so that is how it has stayed for this day, the 26th of July.  Tomorrow is another day to struggle and strive for a better outcome.

  My morning was going great.  I will have fresh bedding to sleep in this evening.  I don’t do both beds on the same day.  The gymnastics warrant one at a time.

  I have an oven meal for this evening.  After purging the refrigerator for last night’s supper, I was ready to get my supplies out this morning.  Dicing an onion is the closest to being blind I ever want to come.  I literally cannot see through the watering of the eyes.  From the sautéing of the onion things went better.  One pound of hamburger browned and drained.  Two cups of uncooked pasta . . . no elbow macaroni for my oven meals.  I like the elongated ones.  Once cooked there is a goodly amount.  One can of drained sauerkraut.  Those four ingredients combined in my round blue speckled roaster that has been sprayed with Original Pam.  Clean up with Original Pam is a breeze.  Knock-offs leave a burnt residue.  One jar of Alfredo sauce poured over and commence folding the ingredients.  One half jar of heavy whipping cream and continue folding.

  Of course there was enough to fill a glass baking dish for the freezer for another time.  I know that what remained in the round blue speckled roaster will be good for two suppers.  About 4:30 the oven will be set at 325 degrees for a five thirty supper.

  All of this before twelve noon.  That is when we were going to begin mowing the blue barn acre.  I didn’t get one round mowed before the zero-turn died.  As it was there was a loose connection under the seat.  When the mower was with the Park Mode the connection caused the mower to die.  I wasn’t able to help Dennis with the mowing today, but . . . the mower has been tweaked by neighbor Randy and it is in the back garage waiting for me for the next time.  Sweet!

  I felt bad for not being able to help out.  I felt I needed more local effort, so I went to the studio and pressed seams of the quilt top.  The six strips are ready to be sewn on another day.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:54 pm on July 25, 2024 Permalink  

  It Went Well 

  Dennis and I tag teamed today and our original acre was done by 1:30.  It goes very well with the two of us working together.  We have a lot called the “Clark Lot.”  In times past it had a home and a detached car and a half garage.  The home had a serious fire and we purchased it . . . took down the house and called it ours.  It is 100′ x 150″.   That is my lot to mow with the zero-turn.  To the northeast of Clark is a 75″ x 75″ that we purchased on a tax forfeit sale.  Dennis mows that with the Sear’s rider plus our original lot of 50″ x 260″. 

  With all the rain, mowing once a week is pushing it.  A side-rake could be used.

  Dennis has the mowers all tuned up for tomorrow.  Tomorrow the blue barn acre will be mowed.  My area is the east half from north to south.  There are two deep holes that I have earmarked to avoid.

  Dennis used to do it all by himself and when he pushed it, all in one day.  That was unacceptable to me.  I maybe can’t walk a straight line but I can surely sit on a mower to help out.  I believe with me helping he is afraid I will over-do it, so it is now broken down to two days.  Why Not!  

  Our supper is “raid the refrigerator.”  Some hamburger pasta and cold macaroni salad is enough for a half of a beef sandwich, pickled beets and bread, butter and peach jam.  Dennis also enjoys a glass of orange juice with his meals.  There will also be sugar free Mott’s apple sauce in a small sealed plastic cup for each of us.  Tomorrow we start fresh.  Neither of us waste much.

  I did do some sewing on the quilt top in between time.  Getting six strips sewn of four blocks each allows me to know I have kept them in the correct order.  There will be quite a bit of pressing before strips are sewn together.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:41 pm on July 22, 2024 Permalink  

  It Happens 

  It happens that when I need to get up from my sleep and the time is after four, there is already noise out on our street which is a thoroughfare.  Swift Eckrich food processing is only four blocks north of us and there are three rotating shifts.

  This morning, after I had gotten up, going back to sleep was not to be.  It happens.  It happens and it’s not a serious thing.  After we had showered before going to bed last night the laundry basket beckoned me.  I closed the bathroom door and went about my Monday chores, though a bit earlier than usual.

  The coffee pot goes off at six in the morning.  I started it a bit earlier.  When Dennis got up at six, I was on my second cup.

  With the extreme wet, we have had our share of ants in the house of various sizes.  Neighbor Jan north of us has reported likewise.  The best way to not have them is to keep everything tidy in the kitchen and bathroom.

  After the heavy fog lifted and the dew had dried off, Dennis headed out to the blue barn acre with his vegetation spray.  It does take about five days but death by spraying does work.  Dennis was home by 1:30 and he hung is heavier jacket up in the back entry.   It did provide shelter from the mosquitoes.  His winter cap pulled down low helped but when the buzzing about his face got hard to ignore, he called it quits until another day.  I know he will tackle it another day.  His mantra: slow but sure.

  I spent several hours in the studio.  Some containers on the shelf of sewing supplies were able to be combined.  It felt good to take a serious look.  I have three containers left to go through.  

  I am looking out the south window of my bedroom porch and our neighbor is mowing his yard.  Only his eyes are visible from his face mask.  His hoodie is tied tight and he has a straw hat pulled extra low.  He could pass for the Lone Ranger.

  Dennis and I have agreed on Subway for supper.  Sweet!

  I have not napped today and I know sleep will come easily tonight.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:57 pm on July 20, 2024 Permalink  

  Mowing Team 

  The mowing team on Stauffer Avenue has the blue barn acre mowed.  Sweet!  I do enjoy helping with some of the yard work.  The zer0-turn, from starting it to backing it where it needs to be in the back garage is getting easier.

  This morning while I was waiting for Dennis to give the all clear in regard to how wet the grass was, I pulled from my stash.  I pulled deep from my emotional stash.  All these years I have had a Wonder Bread plastic bag among my sewing items that had been Esther Schafer’s, aka: my children’s maternal grandmother.  I would look at the contents from time to time and then zip . . . out came the twister to close it up again.

  I knew what the contents were as a bit of paper no bigger than a paperclip had scrawled on it “silk.”  An entire hank of silk.  Talk about intimidation!  On to booting up YouTube.  The floss was variegated going from bronze to tan to navy to steel gray.  I knew I wanted to cut it in half.  The beauty of a YouTube video is that you can back it up as often as needed.  I now have it contained and in a zip-lock bag.  Will I ever use that entire hank in my stitching?  On the photo with the scissors there is one thread lying across the scissors.  That one thread is 6 ply.  When I cross stitch I use two of the 6 ply.  By following the instruction, I can take my needle at the top where the knot is and snag one thread of 6 ply and pull it free from the braid.  I had to try it and it worked great.  There will be or should not be any tangle whatsoever.

  Dennis has “people.”  Dennis’ friend Jack has live traps.  Dennis knew where the holes were and from there is was a crap shoot.  Woodchucks eat everything that is on the blue barn acre.  When Dennis was at the back garage after mowing, Jack stopped in.  Within one week, one possum and two woodchucks.  Jack is hopeful for more as woodchucks generally have four in a litter.  Wow!

  On a more somber note.  I do post the ongoing situation with Dennis’ son Jeff.  It is reality when people choose not to be responsible in the care of the body and life God has given.  Five liters of fluid were removed from Jeff yesterday.  OMG!  I did go on to Mayo portal for the summery of the appointment.

  I put in a pork steak in the blue speckled roaster for supper.  Dennis said to next time try bone-in porkchops with white sauce to bake out.  For the life of me, pan frying porkchops so they stay moist . . . cannot do.

  I had bought a small container of Mrs. Gerry’s coleslaw.  I fixed it the Lena way.  Minnie marshmallows and a sliced banana.  Dennis sampled it last night as I put it in the refrigerator.  I got a thumbs up.

  I hope everyone had as great of a day as we have had on Stauffer Avenue.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:56 pm on July 17, 2024 Permalink  

  Middle of the Week 

  The days don’t wait for anyone.

  There is no shortage in the laundry basket.  I had it sorted and three loads were on the docket.  My way is to fold it as it dries.

  I kept an eye on Dennis.  Yesterday after getting our home acre mowed, he strung out the long hose towards the patio porch.  With the patio under water for 36 hours, the amount of dried mud is nasty.  Dennis started on the east patio with a broom brush in hand.  That included getting the mud out of the patio door slides.

  Today, Dennis continues with his dried mud job.  Every time Dennis would take a break, I could see Snuggles crawling up Dennis’ belly so he could take a break as well.

  In time Dennis’ grandson AJ and a friend will be coming to put the mower back on the Cub.  In today’s mail a hand-hold assist came in the mail.  It resembles the one Kevin put on at the top of the basement steps at Christmas time.  This assist will be screwed to the top of one of the fenders of the Cub.  It will help getting on and off safely.  The assists on the zero-turn has proven to be a good thing, so more good things ensue.

  Dennis realizes how weak his legs are as per the ultrasounds at radiology in Mankato.  He does push himself by staying active outside but also taking breaks in his routines.

  When I am in the studio with my ever trusty battery-operated radio, when there is music playing, I am apt to do a waltz or my version of the Jitter-Bug around the church tables.  Visualize that for too long and it could cause sensory overload.  I don’t sit for long times at the sewing machine.  I could chain sew pieces of the pattern for a long time, but I choose to cut the chain and get on my feet and do some ironing.

  Both of us realize that we need to keep moving so as to not give up what we enjoy . . . each and every day.

  I continue building my Log Cabin pattern blocks.  The larger the blocks get, the more material and time it takes.  No marathons.  This evening, I will pick up the cross stitch project for the circular wooden box of Grandma Schafer’s.  I am halfway through the alphabet on the band that will go around the belly of the box.  I am also contemplating a few designs to add to each end as the box is a hefty one.  The circular design for the top is quite stitch heavy.  Where am I going?

  This evening it is waffles and breakfast sausages.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥