Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 3:00 pm on February 25, 2023 Permalink  

  An Outing 

  It took the bright sun and the promise of a 28 degree afternoon.  Dennis took me on an outing to downtown Sherburn to the Old Alley Quilt Shop.  Oh my gosh!  I had not visited there since the stroke, aka: 2021.

  Dennis said to take my time as he had the sun coming in his little red pickup window.

  Going to Sherburn, 28 miles from home, the west bound lane of Hwy. #4 was iced over in spots.  The wind was doing its best to keep it that way.  Coming home two hours later, the east bound lane was free of ice.  We could see the sun was doing a number on the iced-over areas of the west lane.

  Now I have fabric to continue working on AJ’s t-shirt quilt.  I did inquire about having them long arm the king sized quilt sometime in the future.  I cherish what my arms and hands can do.  95″ x 105″ is a lot of cumbersome three layers of fabric under a limited amount of real estate, aka: distance from the needle to the right to the hub of the sewing machine.  I did do a king sized quilt five years ago.  Then it was a challenge.  Today it would break my spirit.  Old Alley needs to have customers.

  This morning when I looked out of the bathroom window, there was a frenzy going on in the backyard.  The squirrels were digging out kernels of corn the deer may have left behind and stomped on.  No sooner had the squirrels done their best, the huge crows came and flew away with the treasure.  Oh for the pecking order of life.

  Today gives hope that spring will be coming.  There is slush and under the slush is ice.  This Grammie is thrilled that Dennis took me on an outing, and thankful to be home . . . safe and sound.

  This outing will do me just fine for some time to come.

   
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  Noreen 4:33 pm on February 24, 2023 Permalink  

  Friday and Cold 

  We knew this cold was coming.  We never look forward to it.

  I had my heater on in the studio and whiled away the day.  I am now at a point with AJ’s t-shirts that I need to decide what the actual size will be of each.  I have plenty of the shape-flex on the back of each piece to cut them down when the final draft of the size is determined.

  The weekend is upon us and may the temperament of each of us be on a positive side.  We are all in the same winter boat.  Catch you tomorrow.

   
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  Noreen 2:40 pm on February 23, 2023 Permalink  

  The Calm 

  It seems as if this week has lasted forever.  

  I realize the wind may be raising havoc on the roads even if the falling snow has stopped.  Being on the outskirts of town, we are sheltered.

  I have no idea how much snow we had.

  Having shot down Dennis’ plea to use his snowblower, his retreat to the patio porch can be respected.  Dennis wants to do the things as he always has.  I admire that about him.  He is able to run errands in his little red pickup as he hops in and he hops out without too much waking in his Velcro boot.  Walking behind a  snowblower requires digging in the legs and feet to turn the bulky and heavy thing round.  Best to farm that out.

  Next-door-Randy was here at 7:30 and our drive was cleared.  Randy also cleared Stauffer Avenue that runs along the overhead door of the garage for the little red pickup.  All was well until the city came by a bit later and plowed Stauffer Avenue.  No way would the little red pickup leave the garage after that.

  I bundled up and worked the bins for garbage and recycling out of the snow at the corner of the garage.  I pulled them into the drive as I knew grandson Ryan would be by later.  I cleaned up the snow next to the overhead door of the car garage.  Randy had pulled or blown away what he safely could.  He can get only so close.  When I cleared the back door, the snow, when pushed off, showed clear concrete.  It felt good to have gotten the snow moved that I could.  The wind was whipping snow and soon I was covered in a light covering of the wet.  When I came in the house the aroma of so much freshness was if I had brought in clothes off of the clothesline that had been hung out wet and froze dry.

  By two this afternoon Ryan had been here with a skid loader and made short work of the snow next to the garages.  The little red pickup could venture out at will.  Ryan also went into the backyard.  With the bucket of the skid loader down, he scrapped away the snow next to the patio porch and pulled it into the backyard.  Dennis will have a flat surface to put his pans out for feeding the deer.

  No corn was put out last night.  It was mixture of snow, sleet and rain.  Of course there were tracks all over the backyard checking to see if corn had been put out.  I am sure one disappointment will not keep them away.

  I hope everyone made it safe through these last days.  This year’s winter is like a bad houseguest.  It doesn’t know enough to realize it is no longer welcome.  Today’s calm is sweet indeed.

   
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  Noreen 2:25 pm on February 22, 2023 Permalink  

  Off and On 

  With the snow being an off and on thing, it’s hard to tell where this storm is at.  The wet sticky snow has slowed the traffic down.  Dennis’ grandson stopped by with the skidloader and took out some snow.  When Ryan tipped the bucket over to empty it, he had to trip it several times to get the snow to fall out.

  The first floor needed some mundane tidy work.  By noon all had been accomplished.  There are days the studio has lost some appeal.  A good book in my bedroom porch won my attention.  There are options in the refrigerator for supper.  It is going to be a night of “everyone is on their own.” 

  The dressing of Dennis’ left foot is going swiftly compared to January.  If we continue following the doctor’s orders . . . that is all we can.  Patience can be hard to come by.  The Old Adam in all of us wants to be in control. 

  Esther Schafer, I can hear you as if you were sitting at my table; “If life doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger.”  Her strong deep laugh never let anyone think they had a reason to bellyache.  Dennis doesn’t belly ache, he just pushes buttons.  Gotta give the fellow credit for trying.

   
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  Noreen 2:51 pm on February 21, 2023 Permalink  

  Phase One 

  We were in Mankato by nine this morning.  We decided to pick up groceries before the medical appointment at 10:45.  There was also a prescription of wound supplies to pick up at the Mayo store.  The plan was that as we walked out of the medical appointment we would head straight home.  The plan went well.

  As we drove home, we did drive into snow.  It looked fierce.  

  I believe we experienced phase one of the storm that is predicted.  It is now 2:30 and there is not a flake in the air.  No matter.  We are safe and sound at home and plan on staying put.  It wouldn’t crush me if all we got was phase one.

  There isn’t going to be any activity for the remainder of the day.  I have been up since five and am feeling it.  What may ensue is doing some reading in my bedroom porch while also keeping an eye on the traffic.

  Who knows what tomorrow will hold.  If anything noteworthy, I’ll be checking in.

   
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  Noreen 2:49 pm on February 20, 2023 Permalink  

  Whew! 

  I was just getting to the point of getting dressed for the day after taking care of some things on the main floor.  I heard Dennis come in and go down into the studio.

  I toddled down to see what was perking.  The lights were on and there was the ole cowboy with a rotary fabric cutter in his hand, much like the quick draw of western times.

  It didn’t take long for me to retreat and get dressed.  When there is a willing helper, it’s time to get a move on.

  We both had had a good breakfast and the time went fast.  Before we knew it,  all the shirts had been cut apart and it was two in the afternoon.  There was enough breakfast coffee left for each of us to have a cup and we bid each other a “see you later.” Dennis had livestock chores to do and I needed to do a bit of a tidy job in the studio as there were bits and pieces of shredded knit everywhere.  The church tables sure do come in handy.  The pile of knit in the far back of the photo are t-shirts cut down to front and back pieces.  I do have four shirt designs with the shape-flex ironed on the back.  I had black shape-flex on hand from a fantastic sale at JoAnn’s last year.

  I have quite a bit of pencil work to do for how this is all going to be configured.  I was still in my robe when Dennis came in this morning as I had been on YouTube watching videos on the “Quilt as you go Method.”  I am always up for what may be a better, easier way of getting projects under the needle.

  The amount we got done this morning sure puts this “strong arm” task into perspective.

  Tomorrow Dennis has a medical appointment in Mankato at 10:30.  The weather forecast is telling us not to spend any more time away from home than necessary.

   
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  Noreen 2:19 pm on February 19, 2023 Permalink  

  Working Together 

  I knew Dennis offered to help cut t-shirts apart that AJ brought over yesterday.  I also knew that help would come after Dennis’ coffee and breakfast and also after his morning nap.  I get it.

  I went into the studio and decided to do some cutting on my own with the next grouping of fabrics for my quilt tops.  That grouping would be the blues.  I found I’m having a difficult time getting the 2.5″ strips cut without me, the ruler and the material sliding. Something was not going well.

  It took a while before I realized I had picked up the wrong 6″x 24″ Plexiglas ruler.  It was the Omnigrid ruler that has a glossy finish on both sides.  I soon found my Quilter’s Select 6″ x 24″ bestie.  The Quilter’s Select has one side glossy and the other side has a finish that feels like suede.  It doesn’t slide on the material when cutting with the rotary cutter.  It is sweet.  After I had the correct tools, things went so much better.

  After a noon bite of lunch, Dennis headed for the studio.  If Dennis cuts the t-shirts so all I have is the front and back, it gives me flat t-shirt fabric to decide the size of what each block will be.  It is too soon to tell at this point.  I do know that Shape-Flex will be ironed to the back of each shirt.  That allow the stretchy fabric to act as if it were woven and easy to work with.  Some shirts have a Harley design on front and back.  This is not a marathon.  After four shirts Dennis needed a break.  Dennis commented how course some of the t-shirt material was.  Good thing we have plenty of new rotary blades.  I would be fine if four shirts per shift were done. That would be fine with me as each piece of t-shirt needs a lot of TLC.

  Our Sunday is quiet as it seems the entire community is quiet.  Not much traffic going by.

  A new week comes with new events.  There is no such thing as same-old, same-old, we just need to be open to it.

  As Dennis was heading out to the patio porch, he commented he would be up for more cutting, I just need to ask.  Working together for the common good.  Priceless.

   
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  Noreen 2:41 pm on February 18, 2023 Permalink  

  Saturday the 18th 

  Spring can’t be far behind when we go from minus temperatures to 35 degrees today.

  I think the patio porch kitties could smell some warmth in the air.  When Dennis went out at six this morning, all three bounded out the slider door to the east.  They may not have stayed out long, but after days being cooped up in the patio porch, they needed to check out the deer tracks and skat, the rabbit poop and where a squirrel had traveled.  It was then nap time.

  Today was the first time we passed on a great grands birthday party in Mankato.  Charlee B’s mom is in the guards and there are a lot of kids invited for this 5th birthday party.  We will stop in another time when we are in town.

  After the first floor got tidied and a load of laundry was in the works, I headed to the studio.  Saturday’s  AM KNUJ radio has sports items on.  I went to FM Minnesota’s 100 for country music.

  The stashes were visited this last week and I have three combinations piled together.  There will be one with predominate green, one in burgundy and one in blue.  I am sticking with the log cabin pattern.  Dennis offered to cut fabric.  What could I say!  I chose the green batch.  With a brand new blade in the rotary cutter . . . why not?  My job was to line up for  2.5″ cuts.  Dennis cut two layers each time and with his strength plus the new blade, it didn’t take long he had 7 yards of 8 different colors cut in 2.5″ strips.  No mis-cuts in the bunch.

  I know that “jelly rolls” are very popular with quilters.  A variety of coordinating colors and prints rolled up cut in 2.5″ strips.  I do not know how many yards are included, but according to the price, I would hope a reasonable amount.

  I will be hiring Dennis again.  Even with a new blade, pressure is needed for clean cuts.

  Today Dennis’ grandson AJ was in town from Mankato.  AJ has done a lot for Dennis to hook up his television so he can watch channels from the Godahl tower, via putting up an antenna on the east side of the patio porch.  He configured good reception via a booster plugged in on one of the outlets in the kitchen.  Dennis has a Samsung Smart television that I had in the studio at the time we were getting cable television from Mediacom.  Dennis also has Hulu and YouTube choices.  AJ also configured the Samsung television in the living room with the same options.  We really appreciated all of AJ’s understanding of getting this set up for us.  The savings in ditching cable television every month was astounding.

  What I had AJ do was to bring me his Harley t-shirts he has been saving.  I will be making AJ a t-shirt quilt from his Harley shirts.  The barter system is alive and well.

   
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  Noreen 2:38 pm on February 17, 2023 Permalink  

  We Did It 

  We got Dennis into bed last night – less his heavy Velcro boot.  I think he was asleep before I got to my bed.  This morning at six, I heard my name being called.  We got that boot back on Dennis’ foot in record time.  We have both agreed the first thing we are going to ask the surgeon’s second in command on Tuesday is if Dennis can take several steps out of the boot.  Hey . . .  it can’t hurt to ask. 

  Dennis has cat napped today, but I am not one to nap during the day.

  I did get a kettle of potatoes peeled this morning for supper.  Supper is going to be boiled potatoes and some Gorton’s fish filets in the oven and cranberries.  

  Off and on today I have been reading in my bedroom porch.  As cold as it was when we got up, the sun is coming through the south windows, being right next to my reading table.  The sun felt great.

  I missed the stitcher’s luncheon yesterday in Mankato.  I knew where I would feel the most content . . . at home.  Sometimes, there is nothing that is needed, other than being at home with what needs to be taken care with the one that is the other half of you.  Priceless.

  I have supper taken care of for this evening and Dennis has taken care of the dishes that were from last evening.  In doing Dennis’ bedding yesterday, I decided to do my bedding as well.  Yes, the washing machine is push button.  Moving the loads of laundry to get them swapped out can take its tole on my arms.  Both of us work together at getting the bedding back onto the beds.  A small home does not allow for a lot of extra real estate around the perimeters of the beds.  I will admit when supper was over last night, I chose not to see the dishes in the sink.

  All is well at Stauffer Avenue.

   
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  Noreen 2:50 pm on February 16, 2023 Permalink  

  Glad Tidings 

  The surgeon in Mankato had put an order in for Dennis to see Dan Kern here in St. James.  Dan is a certified wound doctor.  This allows us to have someone keep an eye on the progress of Dennis’ left foot without a trip to Mankato.  We may still have those trips, but not nearly as often.

  Tonight Dennis will be able to sleep in bed without the huge heavy Velcro boot.  First night since January 11th.  The stipulation is that he cannot get up in the morning or during the night without having the boot on.  The foot is not yet ready for weight bearing.  Dennis and I shook on that.  I will gladly be rousted out of bed before my time to get us through this.  I always say “us” as we are in this together.  The wound still needs to be dressed every day as the steps we take to keep it clean and dry will serve us well.  It amazed me as I do this every day how much the bottom and other areas of Dennis’ foot sweats.  The gauze does wick it away and that needs to be changed every day.

  Dan commented that the photos he took told a much better story than what had been taken last month in Mankato.  Yippee!

  That was all I needed to hear this forenoon and Dennis’ bedding was stripped before twelve noon.  As hard as one might try, the corrugated sole of the boot was bound to have some grit caught in it.  Where were those darn Morning Doves when they were needed.  The south window was ready for them to tidy up the bottom sheet and get their share of grit.

  Dennis drove me to the grocery store after our clinic appointment.  I could not believe the ice that is everywhere.  The snowbanks glisten with a crust of ice that the sun needs to burn through.  Getting in and out of the vehicle I chose snow-covered footing.  Yup, when I stepped on it, the top crust cracked and the next person walking there will be on ice. 

  Spring will makes itself known just like in all the years past.  It is hard to be patient.

  Dennis has gone to the elevator and picked up the shell corn for the deer.  Their trails through our backyard had filled with rain when we had the inch of rain several days ago.  If I were younger and steady on my feet, I could slide for some distance within their trails.