Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 1:42 pm on June 22, 2022 Permalink  

  Oh My Gosh! 

  We opened our mail late yesterday.  There was a letter from our bank.  Hmm.

  Our bank in St. James is closing as of September 14th of 2022.  WTF!  Dennis has done business with this bank for over 50 years.  Granted, it was sold off to CCF, which is a conglomerate of locations.

  Talk about wheels spinning.  There is so much to take in.  Direct deposits, automatic payments and I have enjoyed making payments out of our checking account.  It has been very convenient.  Last night I started making a list.  This sure can catch a body by surprise when you have to take a hard look at your personal business.

  This morning I went to the Pioneer Bank and an hour later, I had a routing number and an account number.  We had no intention of putting this off.  In the world of changes that involve money either coming or going, no excuse is valid when we have been given a hard and fast window of opportunity.  Both accounts will be open and working until we know all is cycling as it should. 

  This afternoon we drove to Fairmont to the Social Security office.  That took us a total of 20 minutes talking one on one to a live person.  Nothing can be done over the phone.  Tomorrow we are going to Mankato to the PERA office.  Again, nothing can be done via the phone.   I do appreciate that, as a lot rides on clear and concise information. 

  This day has left me feeling tuckered.  Somebody, in a short period of time, took away my blanket of security.  Oh my gosh!  Suck it up Grammie and get this done!

   
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  Noreen 1:55 pm on June 21, 2022 Permalink  

  Spring is Gone 

  Spring is gone and now we can look forward to summer.  Do I really want to?  I did enjoy the early days of spring when the temps were in the high 60s and low 70s.  The bugs weren’t paying attention as yet and I couldn’t wait to get outside and dig in the dirt.  I did get some serious transplanting done amide rain showers.  The last so called shower was two inches.  I hope that that would have given all the new transplants enough rain to have settled the roots to soak up the fertilizer that was waiting for them.

  We are enjoying days on Stauffer Avenue that are quiet.  It is my kind of quiet.  No alarms need to be set for early morning doctor appointments.  Dennis always has the ability to run away to have coffee with various fellows.  If all else fails, McDonald’s does not discriminate.

  I worked on some items I call fillers in my sewing project.  It was really important to have the fabrics cut at 1.5″.  I don’t trust my left arm and hand to hold all things steady, so my weights came in handy.  It does go to show that you never throw anything away that you have paid for.  With so many finished blocks of various sizes, these finished 1″ inch pieces will allow for justifying seams.  Dennis came down and checked me out to see if I could still see straight.  I had not rushed with this.  I have my teak wooden rocker in the studio and it serves me well when I need to ponder my stitching.  

  Dennis had told me that our neighbor Edna had called him to help her get some items out for the recycling pickup.  Dennis has mowed her adjoining yard to us for years.  Edna was 98 this last week.  Living on her own and as sharp as a tack.  My, my!  Edna is 20 years older than I am.  It is something to aspire to.

   
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  Noreen 2:02 pm on June 20, 2022 Permalink  

  Up at Six 

  At six this morning, it was nice outside.  I strolled the acre and picked up a few branches for the burning ring.  Two kitties followed me around.  I also heard several lawnmowers in the distance.  Smart fellows.

  I was back in the house by seven seeking the rubbing alcohol for a newly acquired bug bite.

  Dennis announced that he was going to pick up his friend Dwayne and go shopping to Mountain Lake.  Dennis had decided he was going to start using an electric razor.  A few too many nicks of late.  A very wise decision.  Dennis now has a rechargeable Remington.  The White Drug in Mountain Lake is an awesome retail store catering to many needs and it is a locally owned drug store . . . a very rare drug store indeed.

  True to my word of yesterday, I have spent the greater portion of today in the studio.  I took the time to pull out a piece of backing that my mom had put together.  Now that has some age to it.  A folksy print to go with the patterns of “A Long time Ago.”  It is nice to know that things will be coming together. 

  Dennis got home at noon.  From Mountain Lake the fellows went to Windom for biscuits and gravy at Hardees.  Of course there were new faces to visit with.  Those fellows had known Dennis’ brother and his family.  Once they found out that Dwayne had been the owner of the International Harvester dealership here in St. James, the visiting took new life.  What a great day for Dennis and Dwayne.  It did the fellows good to meet and greet others besides the same ones with the same tales to tell.

  No comments are needed for the temps.

  I am thrilled that I can bounce from reading to sewing.  Never a dull boring moment.

   
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  Noreen 1:30 pm on June 19, 2022 Permalink  

  Happy Sunday 

  Happy Sunday, aka: Happy Father’s Day.

  The sun is bright with a brisk breeze for all that like it this way.  I was up before six this morning by the grace of a call for the bathroom.  I started the coffee and decided that I would take advantage of the cooler temps and the wind and enjoy our yard.

  My goal was to take out a few weeds before the bugs knew I was up . . . and it worked until 7:30.  The black flies were at it.  Dennis and I did get a cup of coffee on the patio before it wasn’t fun anymore.  I wasn’t about to put any bug repellant on as I knew I would soon be heading indoors.  I sure didn’t want to feel sticky for the rest of the day.

  Dennis made sure he had his cell phone with as there would be some Curry kids calling hi today.

  I did head for the studio with coffee cup in hand.  Today’s quest was working with 60 degree triangles.  Keeping the angle of the fandangle straight was a challenge to make these blocks work.  Looking at each cut triangle it would appear all sides were equal . . . not!  I had my trusting brass “picker-outer” close at hand.  As evident from my photo, not all tips of the triangles turned out perfect.  But hey?  Who do I have to impress?   Two separate finished blocks of these triangles will be incorporated in the final project.

  When I got this pattern, it was a mix of fabric prints for each old time pattern.  I had a heck of a time finding the older cherished patterns within the 60″ x 60″.  I had decided I wanted to make each pattern quite distinguishable within its own block.  Quilting is all about interpretation per quilter.  So today was my green and cream combo, plus the strip of six in gold and cream.

  Tomorrow if the heat continues, I will be turning the next page in the “Long Time Ago” pattern.  This pattern has kept my interest, much like the novel I have going in my west porch bedroom.

  Take it easy tomorrow.  I would like to think of you all rather than read about you.

   
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  Noreen 2:06 pm on June 18, 2022 Permalink  

  A Short Spell 

  I spent a very short spell of time outside this early morning.  When the buzzing around the face began, I was on my way towards the house.  As it were, I do have welts where my shirt collar didn’t cover the neck.  The histamine of the biting bugs has affected me more than other years.  What am I saying . . . I was not outside much of last year.  When I have been checking out the far east end of the acre in the early morning strolls, I had wondered why I could smell cow manure.  Not cow but deer.  They have been enjoying Hosta salad.  What a great way to keep things trimmed.  I was thrilled I had gotten the favored Hosta out of that area during my transplanting mode.

  There were several loads of laundry to get done before the heat of the day would cause the clothes dryer to add humidity to the house. 

  Dennis and Dwayne took in the morning coffee goers at McDonalds.  Dwayne is not driving these days so an egg and sausage biscuit were treated to Dennis.  For two classmates to enjoy spending time together . . . special.

  My sewing project had a block pattern that needed to be drawn out onto fabric and then cut out with scissors to allow for the curves.  The rotary cutter has been the tool used up until now.  Using the scissors is a bit rough on the hand.  Slow and steady and that will be the extent of the studio time today.

  Dennis and I have agreed on a 12″ tuna from Subway to split for supper.  While I had a road trip yesterday, Dennis did up the dishes for me.  It would be a shame to mess up a perfectly tidy kitchen counter.

  Stay hydrated during these days of higher temps.  Once the body feels off kilter, it takes a long time to get it back on track.  I am speaking of experience to a situation that happened several years ago.  A lesson such as that is not easily forgotten.

   
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  Noreen 5:01 pm on June 17, 2022 Permalink  

  Oh My Oh My 

  It is six in the afternoon and it feels really warm out. 

  We had no internet service for most of yesterday and last night.  Someone dug where they shouldn’t have.  Everyone survived.

  Today I had a road trip doing it solo to the north.  It was time to check out Bird Island and Gathering Friends Quilt Shop.  They have closed up the second floor that they had used for showcasing kits and quilts on display featuring those patterns.  It got to be too dangerous with the steep steps.  They do have generous street level square footage.  I bought nothing as I have no plan in place to purchase anything for.  The plan first and purchase second.

  I stopped at the kid’s shop in Fairfax.  Kersten was done at Casey’s for the day and Kevin finished the headlights on his last customer’s vehicle of the day.  I know the weekend is appreciated by both.

  As I drove into our home on Stauffer Avenue after the day out and about, the yard work that we did yesterday looked very sharp indeed.

  Dennis had a quiet day here at home.  I am looking for more of the same over the weekend.  Let the events of summer take those that enjoy heat in close proximity . . . not for me.

  The best part of coming home this late afternoon was that Dennis saved a cup of coffee for me.  Sweet!

   
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  Noreen 2:13 pm on June 15, 2022 Permalink  

  Rain Dribbles 

  We have had rain dribbles all day long.

  I was out early this morning, but the biting state bird drove me into the studio.

  It was contentment type of stitching.  As I stitched and pressed and then trimmed, I thought back to Megan’s visit several weeks back.  I was able to send home the quilt I had made for her to take to college.  I assured her it was washable as I had tested it out after I had finished it.  It also allowed me to give to her first hand the stipend I had for her.  It will come in handy for college.  Sweet hand offs indeed. 

  I stitched longer than I had anticipated today.  Things went well and I worked myself weary.  Weary is a good thing as it always gives a good night’s rest.  It is rare that something keeps me awake.

  Today was the last day of working with Flying Geese for the sewing project.  Three different sized blocks of them dirty birds to incorporate as per the pattern.  Yes!  Tomorrow, or sometime soon, I will flip the page in the pattern book to see what is next.  The pile of scraps of fabric on the church tables is getting less, so perhaps, so are also the remaining blocks.

  I finally see clearing in the skies.  I hope the rain dribbles are over.  I may have to apply bug repellent, but it would be nice to spend time outside using the patio.  The month of June is half over as is this week.  Last week at this time we were a Curry family at a funeral.  Yesterday Dennis niece’s husband passed away from a heart situation.  We had not planned on sharing time together so soon.

   
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  Noreen 2:42 pm on June 14, 2022 Permalink  

  Good News – Good Day 

  Our medical appointment was at 8:45 with nurse Jody in Mankato.

  Dennis has just two stitches remaining in his left foot from the May 19th surgery.  Good news!  What is even better news is that we do not have a medical appointment in Mankato until June 30th.  Both Dennis and I are ready for this break in traveling to Mankato.

  We were happy to be home by eleven this forenoon before the brunt of the heat hit.

  We had a bite of noon lunch and then we each went our own way.  Dennis to the patio porch and me to the studio.  It being Flag Day, KNUJ has had a good variety of patriotic music by various recording artists.  

  With a pen in hand, I went to the black and white copy of my sewing project and “Xed” off this 12″ completed block of Flying Geese.  This was done in hues of tan and browns.  There are two smaller blocks using the Flying Geese within this pattern.  I have broken out the polka dot printed fabric for them.  There may be a few tips that were not honored on this 12 inch block as the stitching came together.  It was working with a lot of seams to justify.  That will be the proof that this was not done in a sweat shop in China, as those sewn items are massed produced perfectly.

  The HP says it is 92 degrees.  The dew point is at 64 with the humidity at 48.  I was very comfortable in the studio today.  It may be a repeat for me tomorrow.  I have had a good day with local effort.

  I should explain “local effort.”  When I worked at setting values for taxation in the assessor’s office, the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue in St. Paul, mandated that we use the market sale price of property sales in various categories.  I needed to show proof of my “local effort” for equalization of value to taxation.  If my local effort was not within the mandated guidelines, the state would override me and apply a state increase across the board.  That would then be reflected in my review when it came time for my re-appointment.  I was hired by the Commissioner of Revenue and not by the county commissioners.  

  To this day I need to apply local effort, aka: pay attention to what is needed in my household, my studio and managing the business of our household to keep it all humming along in a tidy manner.  My own personnel scorecard.

  Take care and remain safe with the temps.

   
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  Noreen 1:31 pm on June 13, 2022 Permalink  

  Where is the Ark? 

  The rain began falling during the very early morning hours, complete with lightning and thunder.  It didn’t completely stop until forenoon.  Puddles everywhere.  There will be no need to water that which was transplanted last week.

  I had the best morning.  Pushed a few buttons to begin Monday laundry day and then the studio lights were turned on. 

  Dennis decided to take soap pods and quarters to the laundry up town.  Rugs from several months of the back entry’s use and two large polar fleece blankets were in the back of his pickup, ready to roll.  We agreed to meet up at noon for a snack at the dining room table.

  Before I headed down to the studio, I did do my usual computer checks . . . our bank website and my emails.  Blind friend Judy’s daughter, Cindy, had sent an email.  Judy fell in her home yesterday and broke a hip.  Hmm.  She is in the New Ulm hospital.  Cindy said she will be pushing for her mom to go to the health facility in Mankato called Stone Path for a time as more than likely there will be PT needed.  Cindy also mentioned her mom could use a break from her home and use the additional rest.  I was saddened to hear the news.  This may be what is needed for family to rally and get her home in order. 

  Dennis and I had lunch together.  He shared news he had scooped and I shared my news.  

  It was then time for some serious stitching of Flying Geese.  I do have 32, three part blocks sewn.  I will need to check the instructions on the placements to arrive at a twelve inch square completed block of these.  Oh for the mystery.

  With the temps rising over the afternoon, I plan on returning to where I am comfortable . . . the studio until supper time.  KNUJ is spouting forecasts of warm days ahead.  We knew it was bound to happen with this much rain to bring on the steam.  No Ark needed, just plenty of hydration.

   
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  Noreen 4:06 pm on June 12, 2022 Permalink  

  Super Great Day 

  We traveled to the metro to take in Megan’s graduation party at her home.

  Lots of prep work went into it for the family.  I got a kick out of younger brother Nicholas who was in charge of the snacks, veggies, fruit and soft drinks . . . behind the bar.  Nick aced it in his black blazer giving it a professional look.

  It warmed my heart to see Megan wearing earrings, locket and a ring that she had scored out of my collections.  Over the last years, I gave her cart blanch to check out what I had and she could have her pick.  Today she was wearing the Black Hills gold pieces that I had fancied over the decades.  Sweet.  It spoke volumes to me and our relationship.  Sure going to miss that gal when she is off to college in the fall.  Good thing we have gotten accustomed to texting.

  With guests coming and going from the metro acquaintances, I enjoyed visiting with my peeps that were there.

  We always rejoice coming home safe and sound.

  Tomorrow may be a free day in total for me.  KNUJ radio and I have only been getting snippets here and there of late.

  Dennis declared each were on our own for supper.  I seconded that.