Me, Myself and Memories

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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.

   
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  Noreen 1:58 pm on June 11, 2022 Permalink  

  A Free Day 

  My free day is just about to come to a close.  I decided to help Dennis with the patio porch.  Much like a junk drawer, items are included that need to be dealt with.  A bit is sorted, some is tossed and some is returned to where it needs to be.

  As Dennis and I worked side by side, Dennis allowed me to know that he would like my trips to see friend Judy cooled for a while.  Dennis felt I came home too upset and that I paid too high of a price emotionally to put myself through it for a time to come.  It is so difficult to see a life long friend live in such horrible conditions.  The friend of Judy’s that was also their cleaning lady had quit some weeks ago.  That was very evident throughout the home.  If Judy did have her sight she would be appalled.  Judy has four grown children, adult grandchildren and an able bodied husband.  I do intend to step back.  Enabling can come in many forms.  I will feel guilty making excuses when Judy calls and would like to be taken out for lunch.  I’ll get over it and perhaps in time, the family will get things figured out on their own.  I can and will invest my energies right here on Stauffer Avenue with Dennis and friends here on the home front. 

  There must have been enough rain to make puddles on Stauffer Avenue.  It has become a frequent happen stance.

  The patio porch got a lick and a promise and I did have time to work on some prep work for the next blocks of my ongoing project.  Even getting a little bit done is better than nothing.  It all counts for local effort.

  Supper is going to be two brat patties done on top of the kitchen range and potato salad.  A mini picnic right at the dining room table.

  Tomorrow we are looking forward to traveling to the metro for Megan’s graduation party.

   
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  Noreen 4:30 pm on June 10, 2022 Permalink  

  Summer is Upon Us 

  Summer has waited long enough . . . it is upon us.

  Today I took my friend Judy to Perkins for lunch.  Judy is totally blind.  It was a two-fold trip.  I needed to have her Bernina, cleaned and oiled, back into her home.  I did not need to have that responsibility in our home.  Her daughter and granddaughter now have a functioning machine.

  Judy’s husband was in bed while I wrangled the laundry cart next to my car to put the sewing machine into.  It was a bit of a challenge to get the laundry basket parked in the grass next to the drive, so it wouldn’t roll down the steep incline of the drive.  It is so true.  No good deed goes unpunished.  No, there are no health issues with Judy’s husband other than being a jerk.  It will be some time before I feel like going to Mankato solo or letting anyone know I am.

  I have put out several of the bottles from Kersten for gnats.  It does work and it smells nice as well.  The next time I am out I will see what it will do for biting flies and mosquitos as well.

  Tomorrow is my free day.  The yard work is done, the gardening is now up to each plant to give it its best to get the roots snuggled into the moist dirt and fertilizer it was plunked into.  Hmm, even the laundry basket has little in it.

  Both Dennis and I had late noon lunches, so it might be a dish of ice cream for later on.

   
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  Noreen 1:21 pm on June 9, 2022 Permalink  

  Oh What a Day 

  A balmy 77 degrees.  I was out finishing my Hosta work.  I had a lot of company.  Black biting flies, mosquitoes and gnats.  How fortunate for this company to spur me on to finish my project.

  Is a gardener ever finished?  I think not.  For this year, it has been 150% over last year’s work.  There have been 10 plants that have been given a new home, up close and personnel next to the potting shed and patios.  As much rain as we have had, my shoes did not pick up mud today.  A message that transplanting season is over.

  Dennis mowed the area of our original lot and I got it trimmed.  What a satisfying feeling to have a tidy yard.  Dennis had mowed the east part of the acre yesterday after attending a funeral.  A stroke of luck, we had purchased a trimmer, aka: The Works, that had an easy swapping out of thread when the spool is empty.  We are set for a few days over the weekend.

  I did go to the studio to check out the next block to stitch.  Sixty two three part blocks, called the Flying Geese.  Quilters know it well but that is not saying it is a breeze to whip out.  Time and patience . . . I have a lot of both.

  Tomorrow I had planned on taking friend Judy’s cleaned Bernina back to her for her daughter’s use.  I got a call last night that she would like to go out for lunch first.  How could I refuse a blind person that needs to get out of a less than friendly home.  I said we would go to Perkins.  Drinks are delivered to the table and bathrooms are a few steps away.  Judy had wanted to go to Panera last time and we did.  Unbeknown to me the drinks were self serve and All the way to the back as well as the restrooms.  With one hand at a time managing my cane, I got the drinks.  Getting her past a flood of people that were standing in line to pick up their food at a serving window for access for her to the bathroom . . . I was exhausted.  Judy had a heavy walker that one could turn around and sit on, that was a beast to get in and out of the back portion of my car.

  Here we are at the afternoon of Thursday.  I have the sewing machine in the car as well as an aluminum fold up walker for Judy.  Live and learn.  Who knew how to take a blind person out for an outing!

   Second time should be easier.   I need to use my voice and let her know verbally what I can manage.

  Happy Thursday everyone.  The next time I go out, it will be to put my shovel and spade in the potting shed.  Enough of the dirt work!

   
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  Noreen 1:30 pm on June 8, 2022 Permalink  

  Flash Back 

  Today we were on our way to Windom for a family funeral taking the four lane of #69.  I was watching traffic whiz by us.

  A blue Ford passed us by.  It was a rich royal blue.  Either I have not been paying attention to vehicles, or this hue of blue is not prevalent.  My grandpa Christ had a Ford of this shade of blue.  My grandmother, Laura, could hard roll grandpa’s name like no one.  It didn’t come across as “Christ.”

  At a time when Kevin was very small, on a Sunday afternoon, this royal blue Ford sedan came up the circle drive.  It was my grandparents, Laura and Christ.  It was beautiful out and we sat under the shade trees to visit.  Grandpa Christ pulled Kevin out of the stroller and plopped him on a knee.  Grandpa proceeded to bounce him on that knee for some time and then eventually Kevin leaned his back into grandpa’s chest and seemed content.  That was the last time Grandpa Christ visited our home.  After Christ passed from cancer, grandma Laura would come and stay with my folks for several days on end.  We only lived several miles away and enjoyed seeing and visiting her.

  Oh the memories that can be evoked by a royal blue Ford vehicle passing us by on #69.

  With some of the afternoon left, I am thinking of heading outside to see how things are after a long spell of rain showers over these last days.

   
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  Noreen 12:51 pm on June 7, 2022 Permalink  

  Who Knew? 

  Who knew we would get rain over the early morning hours that has lasted well past noon.

  Today was haircut day at the Curry Comb.  When the calendar fills up with medical appointments, the hair is the last considered.  The blessing is the appointments are not for me.  Niece Brenda does a great job of the cuts.

  We had a few groceries to pick up at Super Fair so I could whip up an oven meal for this evening.  I had the leftover brisket and carrots from the crockpot meal of Sunday night.  My plan was a beef stroganoff with carrots and pasta.  I decided on whipping some sour cream into the hot pasta plus some alfredo sauce.  I don’t think carrots are called for with stroganoff, but they sure had a great flavor to not include them.

  Tomorrow we have a funeral in Windom.  Dennis’ sister-in-law has passed away at age 88.  Dennis is now the lone ranger of his family.

  With the kitchen sink having been cleared of dishes to do and a load of laundry done, I am going to head outside and see how my Hosta transplants are doing with this cool dampness.  Perhaps one more . . . just one more plant may be salvaged from the east portion of the acre.  I do spy a perfect spot for it and it does have leaf patterns that are appealing.  Time will tell for Thursday as the growth with lots of rain will indeed determine how large a hole to dig.  Dennis’ daughter of Mankato has talked and talked about doing a Hosta dig for her yard.  If she does get over here, I hope she has plenty of large containers to take them home in.  

  With the early afternoon left and no need to do more than turn on the oven for supper, the studio may even get the lights turned on for a bit.

   
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  Noreen 2:48 pm on June 6, 2022 Permalink  

  Slowly 

  A few more stitches out by Jody at the Mankato Clinic.  All is progressing well.  

  I know I heard it raining over the night . . . could not tell how much.  As we traveled to Mankato, there were tell-tale signs in the fields.

  When the appointment with a doctor is 12:45, Dennis estimated it would be two before we would return to the car.  He was off by several minutes.

  The day is shot as nothing new feels like its wanting to be started by the time we got home.  Tomorrow is another day.  With the rain that we had, it feels a bit sticky out.

  I will share that yesterday when I was digging my holes for Hosta transplants, a hummingbird was within eighteen inches from my face.  He didn’t seem to be in any hurry.  I stood still and he fluttered in place.  After a time he continued visiting the Columbine blooms that were in the near area.  He all but seemed to disappear in them.  Very special visitor.