Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 1:49 pm on April 18, 2023 Permalink  

  Desperate Times 

  The old adage is that desperate times call for desperate measures.  I dispute that on every point.

  Coming upon challenging issues, indicates to me that I need to think things through before it comes desperate.  

  You all know that I have had a stroke that makes the left portion of me less than it was . . . less than I would wish.  I have carried on with all that I had previous to the stroke.  It may take me a bit longer, but try, try, try again.  The leaf raking several days ago didn’t go too badly.  Granted, my rake is only 6 inches across, it still managed to roust the piles that were as matted at the manure in a calf pen.  Yes . . . one layer at a time.

  My true joy is the studio.  So named as there is no one choice of activity down in the studio.  All is fair game.  My goal is to keep it zeroed onto one project at a time.  I get nervous when there are UFOs, unfinished objects.  It’s not that I think I won’t have time to finish them, I just want to honor the effort and resources that have gone into them thus far.

  There have been quite a few posts on here, of this beast of a king sized t-shirt quilt I am doing for Dennis’ grandson, AJ.  All has gone well with the slow and steady technique.  Once all thirty blocks had found themselves sewn together, I didn’t have to think about it for awhile.  I dumped the project onto Old Alley Quilt Shop to do the longarming.  I knew I would have a several week hiatus before I would get the call to come and pick it up.  Yes, it did make me feel good when I got the invoice and the notations were “Fantastic quilt, I loved the embroidered blocks.” Bless her heart.

  The meandering on the quilt top looked great.  Hmm.  Here I was with the last step.  Four hundred and sixty inches of binding was going to be my best friend.  I prepared as much flat surface as I could to distribute the bulk.  Feeding the quilt under the needle ever so slowly.  It really did go slow.  The left hand could not grip the heft to take it away as the needle stitched.  Creativity to the recue.  One of my 2 lb. weights had a surface of fabric much like sticky felt.  It didn’t take me long to use that weight as my rudder as the sea of fabric threatened to swallow me.  The left hand had only to gently push it and the fabric followed suit.  Oh my gosh was this fantastic or what!  If the hand didn’t have to work hard the left shoulder also benefited.  You can be sure, this little beauty will be close at all times.  The 5 lb. weights worked well for anchoring the yet-to-be-sewn quilt.

  There comes a time when a break is needed.  Tomorrow will be ready for more sewing.

   
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  Noreen 1:57 pm on April 17, 2023 Permalink  

  Happy Monday 

  Happy Monday and the last day to frequent our favorite IRS peeps.  This gives us thirty days before our real estate taxes are due.  Anyone needing to get their car tabs?  Might as well do all of the nasties up.

  It is mid afternoon and I have surfaced on the main floor of our home.  The real reason I have shut down the studio is that I got cold.  This time of year the thermostat on the furnace can in no way make the basement comfortable.  It happens every year and this too shall pass.

  I did get all set up to begin sewing on binding of the king sized quilt.  Plus the two church tables I have moved the ironing board to the south side of the tables.  All of this done for as much area as possible to help with the heft of the quilt as it gets moved around from under the needle.

  After the project got strung out onto the flat surface, I had to flip the switch on the sewing machine to take a gander on how the binding would be sewn on and at what length of stitch.  Hmm.  Four hours later, I do have the binding sewn onto the back of the quilt.  Four hours . . . no wonder I got chilly bordering on flat out being cold.  Being in the studio it is easy to become distracted and loose track of time.  I do so enjoy that.

  As I am doing this posting, I do have the television on.  With the Samsung smart TV, I have found that I can watch some YouTube videos on the television, rather than my laptop.  One of my favorites is “The Last Homely House.”  A woman, Kate, from the eastern end of the UK that is into all things similar to my tastes.  For me, it’s relaxing and it gives me permission to be my eclectic self.  Did I mention how I so enjoy the distraction that can be found in the studio? 

  Dennis has been off to Fleet Farm for oil.  It’s time for getting all things with an engine ready for yard work.

  No sluffing off on Stauffer Avenue.  Have a happy Monday!

   
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  Noreen 1:41 pm on April 16, 2023 Permalink  

  Home Sweet Home 

  Early yesterday afternoon, Dennis called his family members and allow them to know we would not be traveling to the metro for Dennis’ niece’s funeral on Sunday.  He had heard enough of the weather reports to make that call.  Sweet.  

  Here it is today, Sunday, and we are snug and safe at home.  I have no idea what conditions are outside of our home.  Both of our phones went off an hour ago advising of an accident on Hwy 60 and Hwy 4.

  The studio has remained dark today.  I can fess up that when the gal came yesterday for the button tree, it did not go as smoothly going out as Kevin made it look when he delivered it coming in years ago.  The two older ones on Stauffer Ave. kicked it in gear and assisted.  It was a good team effort.

  Dennis has been in the patio porch with the kitties.  I found a fantastic mystery on Acorn.  Sitting and letting the body be at rest may be foreign to me, but needed from time to time.

  This week the weather is going to be all over the map.  Dennis and I will be right here at home taking it one day at a time.  As always the laundry basket is overflowing and that will wait until tomorrow.  I have been resting on my Laurels in regard to creative kitchen and supper making details.  It has been wonderful.  Tee Hee!

   
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  Noreen 2:10 pm on April 15, 2023 Permalink  

  Just Rolling Along 

  What a whirlwind of the last 24 hours.

  I had barely finished my early afternoon blog yesterday when Old Alley Quilt Shop called.  AJ’s king sized t-shirt project had been long armed, trimmed and ready to be picked up in downtown Sherburn.  Dennis said he would drive us there.  I think he was just as thrilled to get us one more step closer to being able to call this a quilt as I was.

  Dennis went into the shop with me.  He knew it was a heavy parcel when I dropped it off.  Now with quilt batting, backing and umteen feet of thread, I would appreciate the help.  Dennis looked over the long arm.  This shop’s long arm compared to his nephew Brett’s, Brett’s looks like a toy.  The gals in the shop thought that the embroidered blocks that were intermingled with the t-shirt blocks made for a fun t-shirt quilt. 

  I had also ordered from Old Alley a new cutting mat.  The Quilter’s Select that I had ordered has a surface that does not allow fabric to slide.  It also is a self-healing, multi-layer mat usable on both sides.  The Fisker’s I have been using has dots to use as guides for 1/8″ through 3/4″.  The Quilter’s Select has actual slash marks of those measurements on each one-inch increment across the 24″ x 36″ mat.

  We got home, and of course had to unfold the 96″ x 112″ Harley project.  I do have the binding ready to be sewn on.  That may be next week’s project for me. 

  My plan for today was to set up the Husky table so as my machine would feed the quilt through the needle the quilt would flow onto the church tables, taking away the heft of fabric so as to not have it pull away from the sewing.   

  I decided to check my computer and lo and behold I had a serious nibble for the Fairfax button tree that had gone onto the Facebook Marketplace.  Within two hours, the button tree was loaded into a pickup and heading for St. Peter.  How sweet was that!  Someone having the ability to use what I no longer did . . . priceless.

  As I am finishing this posting, the 39 degrees compared to the 79 degrees of yesterday morning can definitely explain why the furnace has been kicking in and out.

  Tomorrow we are to go to Dennis’ niece’s funeral in the metro.  Visiting with Dennis and what the weather is forecast to be . . . time will tell.  Colder temps, possible snow and high winds will decide if we hit the highway or stay safe.

   
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  Noreen 1:09 pm on April 14, 2023 Permalink  

  A Sweet Friday 

  Dennis and his friend Dwayne joined the rest of the fellows at McDonald’s.  I had a plan when I got up at eight.

  The breeze from the south was brisk.  My plan was to give loft to the leaves next to the picket fence between neighbor Jan’s and us.  With the old rotting lilacs having been cut out last summer, I was able to get right next to the fence.  I had help.  Snuggles was right there sniffing every time when a layer of leaves was lifted.  From there the two of us walked to the far east line of the acre.  The branches that had blown down over the winter, I put on the trailer that was parked to next to the garage.  There were too many to carry to our burning ring closer to the patio.

  I had worn out snuggles and he decided on a nap in the patio porch.  I found the dandelion poker and took out some of the plants that had made it through the winter.  Some of the catnip plants were greening out.  I poked a few of those and Harriet appeared from nowhere to enjoy the high from chewing on them.  Sweet.

  The last of my outdoor energy, I used on clipping off the old canes of the Russian Sage on the southwest corner of the house.

  I walked into the house right with Dennis as he returned home from the coffee clutch.

  My thought process while doing some yard work is that I need to build up my strength after a long winter’s nap.  Doing housework and taking time in the studio is not allowing leg muscles to remain strong enough to supplement my core muscles.  A little bit at a time and it feels sweet.

  I took an hour and opened a new book to read, sitting in my bedroom porch.  The breeze through the west window was just as great as the leftover breakfast coffee.  That hour gave me the moxie to cook up some pasta.  The meatballs from Easter had enough spices to carry them to today.  I used some softened cream cheese into the drained hot pasta along with the minced, cut up meatballs.  Supper on Stauffer Avenue is on!  Dennis is doing up my dishes as I type.  Can sweetness of the day carry on?  I think so.

  All that remains for the day is changing the dressing on Dennis’ foot.  I have so enjoyed this day.

  I did share the same sentiment as Dennis did when he came home.  The black flies are out in force.  Dennis had stopped at nephew Brett’s garage.  All that there is at the site is gravel as the fellows are getting the trailers ready for DOT inspections.  The black flies were making the fellows work one handed as they were swatting flies away.

  Too much summer, too quickly.

   
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  Noreen 4:03 pm on April 13, 2023 Permalink  

  Solo Trip 

  I had a solo trip to Mankato for the stitchers at Baker’s Square.  It had been several months since I had been in attendance.  It was enjoyable to see everyone and get caught up to date with each other.

  There is road construction for a stretch of highway by Madelia.  From some of the other gals coming from different directions, it is the norm.

  What didn’t feel like the norm was the strong wind from the south.  I stopped at our Lewis drug as I came home.  It actually took me some time to get the car door open due to the serious wind.  I was on high alert getting into the drug store as well as returning to the car staying upright.  2023 has had way too many less than norms when it comes to weather related items.

  I do think everyone is on their own for this Thursday night’s supper.  I am just not feeling creative.  I think breakfast cereal sounds good for me, Dennis will have to think his fare through.

  It’s been a good day and being home is the best part of it.  Dennis had a cup of coffee waiting for me . . . sweet.

   
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  Noreen 2:35 pm on April 12, 2023 Permalink  

  In Progress 

  When the temps jump up into the 80s in such short order, there is outside work beckoning.  I did tackle some of the outside items this morning.  

  When individuals are kind enough to move mountains of snow at their convenience, there is bound to be some after effect.  This morning I found my favorite little rake and tackled the clumps of sod that had been pushed up at the same time the snow was moved.  It took me quite a while.  Slow and steady as I took the job in stride.  The wind from the south was strong, just as strong as the sun’s rays.  I was happy when I could work in the shade of the evergreen on the northwest corner of our home.

  When I walked our backyard I couldn’t help but think that the deer did a wonderful job of aerating most of the area.  It will be interesting to see if any of the Hosta appreciated the many footprints in the soft soil.

  When Snuggles and I had put quite a few snow implements into the potting shed we kicked back and thought well, “For the first attempt of spring yard work, we did well,”  This definitely is going to be a work in progress as the spring days will beckon us outside.  The two spots of the Fern Peonies, are just showing some bright red little buds poking through.

  I did walk through the studio this afternoon picking up a roll of paper toweling.  I did stop at one of the church tables to take a peek at the project that will have to wait for a bit.  It for sure is a work in progress.  I had kicked off my garden shoes and made the trip into the studio in stocking feet.  Holy buckets the floor was ice cold.  The water finding its way around the perimeter via the tile heading to the sump pump . . . I cannot imagine what the temperature of that water would be.  I picked up the towels and beat feet out of there.

  By the way, the haircut turned out well.  Bless Dennis’ heart.  Before I got into the chair, he commented to Brenda that when he had to help get my hair to lay down for a road date, he liked the way I looked when the hair was snipped in all sorts of lengths.  Dennis knew how I had fought with my brush to get the heavy lengths to do something.  No . . . Dennis is not my stylist, but him talking and commenting to his niece went very well.  Like I said, bless his heart.

  Tomorrow the stitchers are meeting at Baker’s Square in Mankato.  We have cancelled more times than not since before Christmas.  The winter didn’t allow Thursdays to be safe.

   
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  Noreen 1:21 pm on April 11, 2023 Permalink  

  Laundry 

  Dennis’ bed has been stripped, laundered and all put back on.  Sweet!

  It is 78 and sunny today.  When the temps get this high there is a threat of warm air fronts meeting cold air fronts . . . a storm could brew.

  As I waited for laundry, I found myself doing a tidy, tidy in some bedroom drawers.  The shuffle of what is sought, always means to leave a mess.

  At three this afternoon we are heading to the Curry Comb for haircuts.  It has been just a bit over a month for my haircut, but there is no shape left.  I do mean to have a bit of one on one with Brenda.  My arms and hands do not do well when there is a majority of hair cut at one length.  I need texture and thinning so that as I get my arm lifted by the other arm and do a shaking of the hand all the different lengths can do their thing and then I do the other arm with the same action.  I have gone through this with Brenda several times over the years but she may need a bit of a reminder.  Actually, Brenda’s client list is mostly women that have a wash, set and then do a comb out.  It is then sprayed in place until they come back the next week.  Ugh!

  I would like to stay in town for pedicures and haircuts.  Marie does our pedicures and if all does not work out with Brenda, Marie also does hair.  I do feel a bit of obligation to frequent Dennis’ niece’s shop.

  Today I have off from dressing Dennis’ wound on his left foot as Dan the wound doctor at our clinic up the street took care of Dennis this morning.  Dan uses ultra sound as well as a tool Dennis relates to a wood burning craft tool to while away tissue not in like with healing.

  One more evening of leftovers.  Again . . . sweet!

  Tomorrow I will take my bed apart for the laundry.  In between time, I have found the same quilt videos on our Samsung smart television as I would watch on my laptop computer.  It does allow me to put the feet up for short breaks in the day.

  Catch ya all tomorrow feeling refreshed after a haircut.

   
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  Noreen 12:16 pm on April 10, 2023 Permalink  

  Easter Monday 

  The sun is out, birds are signing and I stepped out of my front door onto our new decking and welcomed the day!

  What a fantastic Easter Sunday was had here on Stauffer Avenue.  Exchanges of conversation were had while the job jars were emptied.  I did say jars of jobs.  One jar required power tools whilst the other jar needed glue and rubber bands.  One of the heaviest jars was the jar of Grandpa Dennis’ quarter jar.  A friend of Dennis’ was missing the Wisconsin state’s quarter for a coin folder.  Nicholas went through all the coins.  In the end there was just one such coin found.  Many multiples but just one that was sought. 

  There was food aplenty, something to satisfy all individual tastes.  Dennis and I will be enjoying a bit of everything out of the refrigerator for a day or two.

  The sun was bright and I noticed Jan next door picking up branches, some even caught in a huge snowbank in their yard.  Jan had her kindling box out in her drive burning what would catch fire.  I got my walking stitch and went over for a chat.  The two of us had texted over the winter but neither scaled the tall bank of snow.  Spring is here and there is much ado what signals to be done.  I will venture forth with my rake when the ground is not quite so soft and muddy.  I just hate it when I get mud on my shoes . . . or it could be deer skat.  Either one is not needed on my shoes.

  I had had a busy weekend for the Sunday prep.  I slept well last night but it was Dennis that needed a long nap today.  So be it.  I took several cups of coffee over the same time frame and did some reading.

  As I was reading in my bedroom porch, I began envisioning what kind of chair would find its way to our new decking.  Hmm. Food for thought.

   
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  Noreen 2:20 pm on April 8, 2023 Permalink  

  Sunshine 

  A day with sun is fantastic.  I think the Fairfax tulips must agree as they have popped through.

  A bit of this and a bit of that and I am ready for family that is coming tomorrow.  Dennis is also ready as he had one of the Watson boys stop in this morning.  The handle for flushing the basement toilet finally gave out.  It has been a challenge of late.  We are totally ready for family!

  When I looked out the kitchen window, our neighbor Randy was sitting in his drive via a lawn chair with the full on sunshine.  Yes, spring is here.

  We do have a tick list for tomorrow.  Just a few odds and ends that help is needed for.  Dennis popped out to Fleet Farm and came home with the smallest bottle of wood glue.  Son-in-law, Jeremy, has no clue what awaits him.  As we have all that is needed on hand, there was no need for a heads up ahead of time.  He will find clamps for gluing one of my favorite reading chairs in a few spots.  It has squeaks that need to be quieted.  Kevin has the job of adding an assist, a hand hold, when we come up the basement steps.  That needs equipment we do not have.   

  It will be a great Easter Sunday.