Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:36 pm on April 12, 2026 Permalink  

  Checking on Things 

  Our Sunday was planned as a quiet day and thus far it is ringing true.

  Once in the studio, I decided to see what the world wide web had to say about generalities in the sizes of dorm beds.  Nicholas’ blanket is getting to the place where we need specifics and no generalities.  Dorm beds are 39″ x 80″ as most are now x-long.  The blanket for said bed was stated as 68″ x 90″.  It was time to get out the tape measure and see where my project would fit in.

  I had been working on the backing making sure to keep track of yardage I had.  The backing hot off of the sewing machine was 65″ x 81″.  My top is 51″ x 88″.

  Now comes the time for some sketches complete with notes.  Lena was great with penciling in what was needed as well as how it would look as if it had been in the plans from start to finish.  When quilt blocks are constructed by a certain lay of the colors, it is what it is.  What comes in after that is working with adding borders around the perimeter using colors found in the constructed blocks.  I am on it!  At this point in the juncture there is no cutting of fabric.  I can look, I can touch, I can sketch.  Cutting in error only feeds the circular file, aka: the waste basket.  

  Yesterday the mail brought the quilt batting.  I made sure to get what is listed as a queen size, allowing for the length I needed.  I can always use what is in excess in the width.

  It was time to walk away and close down the studio for some mindful thinking.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:16 pm on April 11, 2026 Permalink  

  Good Saturday 

  Home safe and sound from an event supporting veterans in the area that Sadie had promoted.

  Cold rain showers off and on with a wind from the south.  First alert weather is making it known that with the unseasonable warm temps for Sunday and Monday, storms may follow.

  We are having the remaining weekend on the quiet side.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:15 pm on April 10, 2026 Permalink  

  “Uncle” 

  This forenoon when my back whispered “uncle” I took heed and closed down the studio.  I am not out to do endurance trials.  It’s best to desist while everything is still going well rather than pushing my luck.  While working at the church tables to cut fabric, there is a stance that cuts through the back like a dull knife.  Having already added two bricks in height under the table legs to assist, it is what it is.  Wanting to continue the joy that my studio gives to me . . . tomorrow is another day.

  Actually, tomorrow afternoon we will be taking in an event that Dennis’ granddaughter, Sadie, is putting on in conjunction with her job at MACV, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans.  Sadie has a huge territory in southern Minnesota working out of Mankato.   There can be help with utility bills, proper clothing for job interviews that may even include a haircut.  Sadie, having completed three tours with the Army’s Red Bulls, knows the challenges.  There are many resources for the young veterans and Sadie helps with those connections as well as pairing donations with the need.  Of course, her main helper for tomorrow is her Grandpa Dennis.  It does him proud.

  This evening we are having canned roast beef over mashed potatoes plus greens.  The roast beef gains a bit of color by adding two teaspoons of instant Folger’s coffee.  That is a Lena tip that does the trick.  I will use a tablespoon or two of corn starch diluted in cold water to then heat the roast beef to make it a thickened meat with gravy.  Dennis is in charge of the potatoes.  He does them successfully.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:34 pm on April 9, 2026 Permalink  

  Thursday the 9th 

  I really don’t know anything for sure.  The old adage is that what is for sure is death and taxes.  I might add that we all have “free will” given to us via our Creator.   I am not quite sure where I am going with this train of thought.

  As we age we maintain that ability of living with “free will.”  Out of respect for the joy of achieving old age we don’t want it snuffed away from us.  I see it every day with Dennis.  Dennis lives by the letter of the law, never out to hurt anyone.  When Dennis has his mind made up, I honor it.  Why wouldn’t I?  He does nothing to put us or how we live in harms way.  He has worked hard when he was able.  Now with his 90th birthday coming this fall, he is still his own man, still having a say in every day life. 

  I think I can say for both of us that we like being independent . . . together.

  If I see the choices of “free will” in Dennis, I would like to have that seen within me also.  I am not reckless.  I am cautious.  I am still my own person.  As I, we, get older I, we, still acknowledge that respect is to be afforded us.

  In my heart, I knew where I was coming from with this post . . . did you?

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:46 pm on April 8, 2026 Permalink  

  Much to Do 

  For a Wednesday there has been quite the list for me to take care of here on Stauffer Avenue.  By most it would be no more than what could be accomplished by nine on any given day.  But you all know, I am not “most.”

  I took the time to read through all of the mail from our county’s auditor/treasure for this year’s taxes as well as next year’s value proposal.  Lots of pieces of paper, most of which is going into the recycling bin.  I came away with three pieces of paper large enough to fit handsomely into a legal sized envelope plus our personal check to cover the total of the 2026 payable property taxes.  The envelope was then sealed with a stamp and now is in the post office’s care.

  Dennis visited in the studio this forenoon to check on the progress of Nicholas’s college quilt.  He had not seen any of the process since it had been folded pieces of fabric I had brought up to the living room to share with him.  It is now lacking one more border and then the extra long twin sized quilt top will be ready.  I ordered the licensed cotton yardage for the last border, the backing and binding, specific to the college’s motifs.  That fabric arrived from Ohio last week.

  This afternoon, via Amazon, the mid-loft “Dream” brand of batting should be here by Friday.  It’s an 80/20 of polyester and cotton that will give good wear and tear.  I have used that brand of batting often.

  Dennis has his six month medical checkup at our clinic this afternoon.  Dang if he isn’t going with a rather huge nasty looking bump on his forehead and a large band aid on the top of his right hand.  Now the story goes that he ran into the door frame going from the garage into the patio porch on Monday.  The hand was scrapped today in the garage.  God willing and the creek don’t rise, they will let him return home later this afternoon.

  I think that’s enough for this day of reporting.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:48 pm on April 7, 2026 Permalink  

  Every Neighborhood 

  Every neighborhood needs someone that either has a synthesizer or a set of drums.  The fellow south of us that’s been thumping away all afternoon.  I think he has the beat down pat.

  Physical therapy went well this morning.  Several of their strength-gaining machines were tried with my outstretched arm pulling straight back with elbow tucked to the side.  I noticed on the choices of weight to be pulled, mine was the least.  Peddling with outstretched arms forward and backward.  It’s more mobility than I had before.  I am reaching for items on the second shelf up in the kitchen with relaxed shoulders.  The messaging of the neck and into the area between the shoulder blades can get warmed up real good.

  Tomorrow Dennis has his six month doctor visit here in town.  It’s really nice that we no longer have schedules in Mankato.

  Tomorrow I will be getting a phone call as to the approximate time our dining room chairs will be delivered from Slumberland in Mankato on Thursday.

  Due to PT, I am passing on the studio for the day.

  Dennis is doing supper in the kitchen.  I am ready for the treat.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   

   
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  Noreen 2:23 pm on April 6, 2026 Permalink  

  Buds 

  It amazes me the progression of the buds on the trees.  The rain and wind of Saturday pushed all of the sticky red tips off of the huge Maple tree.  The lilac buds look like they want into the game as well.

  I have one group of the Fairfax tulips looking really lush.  I’m counting on the rabbits of the neighborhood going after better digs.  The new clover crop in the neighbor’s yard should on all accounts be mighty sweet.

  One of the gals that worked with me years ago, Char, contacted me about digitizing a pattern for her to machine embroidery.  It seems to be a prayer of some length.  I have used my Bernina Tool Box to create a pattern by downloading a design, then adding text to it or additional images.  I thanked her for thinking of me, but I passed.  When I putz around in my studio, I am up for pass or fail grades.  Expectations of others can be more stressful than not.  I allowed her to know that Creative Stitches in Bird Island might be a try.  I know that Amanda created the design for Megan’s skate club years ago so I could embroider 70 plus towels for the kids to use on their skates.

  As Char and I visited, she shared that her and her husband, Steve, had bought a unit in Arizona when they retired about the same time I did.  That got old and they have since moved into a four-plex in New Ulm.  Now they are missing having the privacy of a home.  Hmm.

  While working or while retired, I have never wanted for more than what Dennis and I have here on Stauffer Avenue.  Every aspect of it has been repaired, replaced or upgraded.  Neither Dennis nor I want for anything more or different.  No wonder lust for us. It’s the most “home” either of us have ever had.

  Even with the six kids visiting yesterday, it’s temporary and soon things will quiet down.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:24 pm on April 5, 2026 Permalink  

  Easter Sunday the 5th 

  The sun has made this Easter Sunday enjoyable. 

  When I awoke this morning, I was still.  Very still, letting my senses come to slowly.  I heard the sounds of Dennis moving through the house for his usual routines.  Nothing loud.  For a few minutes I think I fell back to sleep.  When I heard the back door ever so gently click as Dennis went to the patio porch, I put my feet on the floor.

  Yesterday had been a busy day with our usual haircut, pedicures and grocery shopping.  The usual is to have all groceries put where they belong before I consider shopping complete.

  As it turned out when Sadie and her girls came, I saw the large SUV turn into the drive.  What I then heard was the bangy, bang of vehicle door after vehicle door being banged shut.  We had eight extra people in our home in a matter of five minutes.  Sadie has been dating a fellow that she knew when they were in school together.  I realized it must be getting serious as the fellow and his four children were with Sadie and her two girls coming to St. James as his mother was entertaining them for Easter.  The eight children ranged from seconded grade to eleventh grade, two boys and six girls.

  Sadie wanted to visit with her grandpa in the patio porch . . . her fellow went with her and Dennis.

  Well, I am here to tell you, this Grammie still knows how to handle a literal house full of kids.  Sadie’s two girls know their way around our home.  What was out of bounds?  The attic!  The four new children got the total tour of the home from bottom to the main floor.  Yes, when ask, I allowed for the cookie jar and the small can of various pop in the refrigerator.  “No shaking of the cans as you open them.”  Two wanted to play Solitaire on Dennis’ laptop.  Two were content on my laptop for Solitaire.  Team efforts.   One was content watching Dennis’ “48 Hours” on the television.   I and the older girl visited about her schooling and what she was planning on in her senior year.

  All the kids were very well behaved.  Sweet.   

  The end of the visit, about six, was the culmination of Sadie wanting her grandpa to know first hand that her and Colter are engaged.  Wow.  The new family of eight headed off to Colter’s mom and dad’s house across town.

  We thanked them for coming and there were hugs that went on much like the Walton’s experienced. 

  Dennis and I had a late supper and caught up with each other’s thoughts.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥                                                                          

   

  Still a jacket needed to protect from the ever north wind.

   
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  Noreen 2:29 pm on April 4, 2026 Permalink  

  Snow Pellets 

  A Full Saturday.  A great way to start a Saturday is with haircuts and pedicures.  Much needed, much enjoyed.

  The cupboards and the refrigerator were looking gaunt.  Sadie and her two girls would be stopping in later in the afternoon.  With my list in hand and Dennis waiting in the car we are now good for a week.  The grocery store was very busy with shoppers making sure all was needed for Easter Sunday fixings.  It took me longer than expected due to stopping to chat with other shoppers.  A mini social gathering on any visit.

  I listen to KNUJ as they share ads from Hy-Vee.  Our store runs parallel with many of the same items.  Land O Lakes butter at $2.56.  Hard to believe when not on sale, $5.69.  The temporary markdown for us today was $24.84.  I had shopped straight from my list and caught several items on the markdown.  The sell-by date, I watch quite closely where it counts.  My main stay in the refrigerator is the pasteurized heavy cream.  The container I picked up today that came home with me has a date of June 23rd.  I almost had to stand in the cart to reach the farther back one in the lineup.  The ones right up front were April 12th.  When I make an oven meal using a can of creamed soup or a jar of Alfredo sauce, I use a bit of cream to get the last of the thicker product out.

  Stauffer Avenue is host to the two older ones for Easter . . . Dennis and me.  There will be other times when we entertain family.  As the weather is consistently nice we may rattle the job jar for a task or two.  It’s very pleasant and comforting for the two of us to think that consistently we have kept our home up to snuff.  No emergency calls to our service vendors.  

  The snow pellets come in waves being blown about by a frisky north wind.  At times, I can’t see across the street and then the sun tries to make a break for it. 

  Dennis enjoys watching recipes on Facebook.  Tomorrow we may try one in the crock pot.  I did make sure to get what was needed.  Nothing ventured nothing gained.  It was difficult finding onions that were not soft.  We use the red ones as per the most beneficial.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:37 pm on April 3, 2026 Permalink  

  Good Friday 

  When Good Friday is stormy and overcast, I’ve always thought that that was very symbolic.

  In today’s mail, we received our payable 2026 real estate taxes.  We have three parcels, all classified as residential, though not all with under the homestead rate.  Our total tax bill due will be $1,362.00.  We look forward to taking care of it in total rather than dragging it out over two payments, the second one being on October 15th.  Our home value for payable 2027 was reduced by $400.00.  In recalling my times doing those tasks, I cannot for the life of me grasp which table of values that small dollar reduction amount plays out in the over-all picture.  Oh well. 

  Yesterday and today was a bit of spring housecleaning.  It all took place in a corner of the living room.  Somehow, papers seem to collect when they no longer have purpose or use.  An example: check registers from 1991.  Of no use other than to add to a recycling bag.  In this certain cabinetry were a few items that had emotional tugs.  Those items were set aside in my studio.  Perhaps the next time I re-visit them, they too will be pared down.  It felt good to take ownership of space that can be made use of in a better fashion.

  Dennis ran the errand of getting me 4 “C” sized batteries for my radio that is a constant companion in the studio.  He actually bought eight of them.  He knows what goes hand in hand in the studio.  $25.00 and some odd cents.  He had bought them at the parts store up the street.  They were a brand I had never heard of.  Duracell and Ever-Ready have competition.

  Supper is the remains of the oven-meal of last night.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥