Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 1:15 pm on June 5, 2022 Permalink  

  Sunday of Heavy Air 

  A sprinkle here, a sprinkle there.  The air is heavy.  It’s a good thing the birds do not mind it.

  I was determined that the garden shoes would have to do what was needed to get the job done.  Two holes were dug with fertilizer granules added.  After the second hole was dug, I sized it up and realized it could have been better situated in the scheme of things.  Too bad.  A hole dug is a hole that will be plugged with a plant.  In time to come, the plants will fill in and no one but me will know the difference.  I headed out to the east and and after a time and two trips, I had plants for each hole.  This is perfect transplanting weather.

  Whatever plants remain on the east line of our acre has been offered to whomever may need some fillers.  

  I made use of the water faucet on the south side of the house by taking off my garden shoes and cleaning them from toe to heel.  It didn’t bother me to rinse off my bare feet, the bottom of my cane and tip toe into the back entry.

  When I came in, the brisket in the crockpot gave me a great welcome.  I put carrots in the bottom.  I had an onion but chose to leave it on the counter and use some meat rub I had on the pantry shelf.  No potatoes were added.  Though they get tender, they take on an unappetizing dark color.  We had a few potatoes left in a five pound bag and there are now enough peeled with most likely enough for some American fries at another meal time.

  I had all of this done by twelve noon and headed to the studio.  It now feels oh so good to be done with the third and final half square triangle block.  I will call this my pinkish mode using four different print scraps with a peach colored plain.  Sometime soon, I will turn the page of the directions and see what is next.  I have a black and white copy of the finished project, and what a great feeling to put an “X” through each block as I finish it.

  This is deemed as a good day.  I dwell on what I can do and not what I can’t.  Actually, with thought and a plan the “can’t” becomes insignificant.

   
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  Noreen 2:30 pm on June 4, 2022 Permalink  

  Saturday the 4th 

  We had rain that started during the night and it carried over into the forenoon.

  I was bummed as I had had plans to be outside.  With coffee cup in hand I headed to the studio to work on half square triangles.  I didn’t even need a radio on for company.  Dennis came down long enough to decide what kind of progressive soup we would have for supper.

  The quiet of the studio ensued.

  Soon there was a hello coming down the steps of the studio that continued into hellos that filled the studio . . . plus.  It was Dennis’ daughter and her family from Silver Bay that came for a grad’s party on the Dennis’ son-in-law’s family.  In short order we had eleven people over for a visit.  By that time the rain had stopped and the patio was the gathering spot.  What a busy three hours was had before the group left for the graduation party.  Surprise visits can be the best reward.  For us to see the four great grands that range from 14 t0 7 1/2 from the north country is special.  Josie made sure she got the half in.

  What started as a damp dreary day has turned out to be sunny in many aspects.

   
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  Noreen 1:15 pm on June 3, 2022 Permalink  

  Busy Hands 

  Busy hands keep me out of mischief.  Last week it was time to wash the duet cover of my feather comforter.  The comforter was put into the duet and now it was time for the next step in storage over the warmer months.  Yesterday the answer came in the mail.  It was a Hefty seal and store bag that uses the vacuum to minimize the area needed for storage when the excess air is removed.

  This morning, I got the comforter in the bag.  Pressing and sealing the strip was another story.  There is a yellow strip and a red strip to press together.  I didn’t get it done in one swoop.  The left hand needed to hold onto what was pressed together correctly, while the right hand needed to make progress.  When both stripes indicate orange all is good.  That is as far as that project went today.  Tomorrow, I will double check the closure and then get the vacuum out.  One small thing at a time.

  It was too nice to stay in the house any longer.  I headed to the east line of the acre with cane, spade and pink plastic scoop shovel in hand.  I did get the intended Hosta dug up.  It was so easy to put the Hosta in the scoop of the shovel and pull it home.  It was also large enough that it broke in two.  The remaining of my holes got plugged.  It is perfect weather for this kind of transplanting. 

  Dennis got the hand pump sprayer out and checked out the gaskets and such.  It is now loaded, ready for a time when the wind is just a breeze.  Roundup to the rescue on green little plants that are a nuisance.  They can’t be pulled up as their root is no larger than a strand of thread and immediately break off to come back with multiple plants the next time.  We have two old fashioned bushel baskets to put over the plants that will need to be protected.  The plan is set for perhaps tomorrow morning when the air is quiet.   

  It has been a busy day with local effort attained.  The hands are happy and tomorrow is another day.

   
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  Noreen 4:30 pm on June 2, 2022 Permalink  

  Breezy Sunny Day 

  Here I thought we were off the hook for a Dennis doctor appointment for the week.  Good thing I keep a calendar on the dining room table.

  The foot is looking great after two weeks time.  Several of the stitches were removed, but we go back next week again.

  The week seems to have been really short. 

  Tomorrow may be a more news-worthy day.  Catch you then!

   
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  Noreen 1:35 pm on June 1, 2022 Permalink  

  Day for Farming 

  It is a wonderful day for getting the fingernails dirty!

  Two previously dug holes next to the patio porch have been plugged with Hosta from the east line of the acre.  They have gotten rather . . . huge.  I put the Hosta to transplant on our Fleet and Farm garden wagon and Dennis pulled the wagon home behind the Sears mower.  That sure saved me some grunt power.  I have two more holes to plug on another day.

  I have so enjoyed being outside this spring playing in the dirt.  It was no fun in 2021 to have the want power but not be able to engage safely.  With caution, I have control over my plants.  In time the only area I will have for the Hosta is right next to the patio porch and the east and west patio that surround the porch.  I may not get it totally accomplished this calendar year, but there is always 2023.

  I do know how Dennis felt yesterday to be able to spend some time on his beloved mower as he has been sitting on the sidelines since winter.

  It was then also time to take all the branches I have been piling up since winter next to the potting shed over to neighbor Bob’s huge fire ring.  I piled the wagon full several times and Dennis pulled the wagon to Bob’s behind the mower.  Dennis is so ready to pitch in, but I believe the foot is not ready for active weight bearing on a full time basis.  Thursday we will have a medical person give their evaluation. 

  Wonder of wonder our giant Maple tree has very few seed pods, aka: airplanes this year.  The two thunderstorms earlier this week took off what there was.  That means fewer volunteer maple trees to contend with.  I swear, if a clump of them fall on any bare soil, there will be a clump of trees showing in a matter of less than a month.

  It’s time for me to go and check on Dennis as he took the rider mower over to Bob’s to burn branches out of the fire ring.  I looked out, and he and the mower are at a very safe distance.

   
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  Noreen 12:57 pm on May 31, 2022 Permalink  

  New Week 

  This is a Tuesday that feels like a Monday.  We have had enough rain for awhile.  One inch in two days with just enough hail that some of the Hosta leaves have pock marks.  

  I put on old shoes and began pulling out the green stuff that I don’t want to give a home to.  It sure did pull easily.  Lo and behold I found several small Hosta that were hiding.  I hope they will continue to grow in size and were just late to the spring.

  Today was Dennis’ first outing of 2022.  When he told me what he wanted to do, I gave him no argument.  With his wooden shoe on and with the left foot well cushioned, Dennis set off to mow what neighbor Jan had not mowed last Friday.  Dennis has been mowing Edna’s yard for years.  At 94 years young, she has no family in St. James and lives independently.  She looks forward to coming out and visiting with Dennis.  She always offers to pay and Dennis just smiles and makes small talk.  I know it did Dennis a world of good to be doing . . . something.  I have seen that there is no stress on the incision site when I have dressed the foot.  After an hour of activity, Dennis is in his rocking chair in the patio porch, content.  Perfect.

  We both put in a little local effort and tomorrow is another day.

   
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  Noreen 2:53 pm on May 30, 2022 Permalink  

  Artist at Work 

  Another blast from a thunderstorm that began at three in the morning and lasted well into the forenoon.  Humidity and dewpoint are neck and neck with gray skies into this afternoon.

  Carrie and Megan came for lunch today.  Sweet to see the new graduate.  Seeing as how she had won accolades for her artistry at the graduate ceremonies, I decided to dig out some brushes and a pail of our bathroom paint.  The shower project had left a bit of paint trim to be finished.  Megan got right on it.  It is now to perfection.

  Our week is slow and I think that is about right.  

  With two days of rain and warmer temps I can almost hear the grass growing.  It is as it should be in Minnesota.  Enjoy what the week may hold.

   
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  Noreen 2:23 pm on May 29, 2022 Permalink  

  Heavy Air 

  This morning right before daylight we had a thunderstorm move through.  Heavy rains with some hail that brought down a lot of tree tips.

  I was surprised that it stayed warm all through the night.  Right now the dewpoint is higher than the humidity.  Nuff said about that.

  My studio is the place to be today.  With a fan moving air it is doable.  I am halfway through the half square triangles.  The two finished blocks began with 32 plain and 32 printed.  Not stressing over the monotony is the only way to take one stitch at a time.  I will need to cut another 32 plain and 32 print for the next half square triangle block.  Whoever dreamt up this pattern may very well have been marking their days off in chalk on their cell wall awaiting release.  I am in this to win it.  Lu was kind enough to have copied this manuscript of a pattern off for me and had sent it, believing I was just the person to tackle it.  With gas prices what they are, $4.24, I am not missing out on anything by staying the course.

  I can now hear the wind chimes on the northwest corner of the house.  Perhaps that will help this heavy air to dissipate.  

  On to the Memorial Day tomorrow.  Us fuddie dutties will leave the highways to the more adventuresome.

   
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  Noreen 2:14 pm on May 28, 2022 Permalink  

  Sunny, Windy and Warm 

  What a great beginning to the holiday.  Sunny, 88 degrees and windy.  I am so happy that we procured this cabin for the entire summer.  Our forever home does qualify for a cabin. 

  Friend Bruce stopped in yesterday to not only deliver our new flag but to let us know they were heading up north to open their cabin for the summer.  Bruce said it is a pain in the butt to drive for three hours, one way, and then work all weekend long getting the cabin fit to enjoy after its been closed up since Labor Day of 2021.  The yard there has the same debris as our yards here in town after a winter and spring of winds.  After all the work and the thought of kicking back . . . it’s time to return home for the workweek.  Bruce works at the platting plant here in town.  Many years ago Bruce nickel platted a proof press for Kevin.  Talk about a handsome piece when it was completed.  

  By noon I had the second bed done with fresh bedding . . . with an extra load of laundry done for good measure.  When Dennis and I had a bite of lunch, I told him I would be spending the afternoon in the studio.  Dennis had plans to be in the patio porch, also keeping busy.

  Putting half square triangles together in a definite pattern can cause the eyes to cross from time to time.  A few ripped seams makes it all work.  There will be a photo when all have come together.

  As warm as it is, I am happy we will be having a re-run of the tuna dish from last night’s supper.  I think I can pick up the aroma of a grill being used somewhere in the neighborhood.  That is one thing I had never gotten the hang of doing or using.  It seems like a lot of work for two hamburger patties or four hotdogs. 

  Checking the clock on the wall, I have a bit of time to return to the studio after having given my left hand a break.  It does rise to the challenge of getting that half square triangle under the needle.

   
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  Noreen 3:28 pm on May 27, 2022 Permalink  

  Spring has Arrived 

  With 78 degrees in this late afternoon . . . spring is here.

  We had Jan and her long green line mow the acre today.  Her yard needed mowing as well and she zipped right through from ours to hers.  It sure didn’t take her long.  I went over and sat with her a bit afterwards and thanked her.  That speaks to a larger, more powerful rig than what we have.  Each year we have wondered how long our Sears would last.  The deck is getting quite fragile.  

  I had texted Megan after the baccalaureate festivities.  She was surprised by her receiving awards.  Super Sweet.  Tonight we will be watching the graduation ceremony via the live stream.  This young woman is the same little strawberry blondie that spent so much time with us . . . until pre-school hit.  Memories are mine and I cherish them.

  Today I was so thankful that we do not have any carpeting in our home.  I used the same Swiffer mop that I use for dusting, by just putting on the wet sheets.  It had been some time since all the floors got hit at once.  A satisfying feeling.  One of the two beds has fresh bedding.  The duet cover for my feather blanket has also been washed.  I can tell you that I am not up to putting those two together today.  My arms are telling me, “Get over it and use an afghan to cover with.”  Good message from arms that have had quite the run of mowing yesterday and doing the tidy, tidy house today. The second bed is up for tomorrow. 

  Progresso soup has had its run.  I have a tuna, green pea, pasta dish put together with Alfredo sauce.  While the pasta was still hot, I whisk in some roasted garlic bullion paste.  Just a bit more flavor.

  We have a new flag!  Friend Bruce picked one up for us from the VFW.  We have a holder made out of narrow PVC piping that has been threaded onto a rod cemented in the patio.  Bruce got the nylon one as he said the sewn cotton flags have a disclaimer that they may weigh up to seven pounds soaking wet.  Out little holder would be challenged.

  Everyone have a wonderful holiday weekend!