Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:43 pm on February 22, 2022 Permalink  

  Snowfall 

  The snowfall as of mid-day is not as severe as they had forecast, though the wind is right up there . . . huffing and puffing.

  It has been a balanced day.  A bit of the tidy, tidy always is a good thing.  I did venture to the studio until noon.  Dennis now has had day 2 of his antibiotics with a snack.  When I read online about this particular med it did state it might be the third day when the effects will begin showing.  Generally it is given for a five day period.  Seeing as how this is dosage for 14 days, gives me an indication as to what the ole cowboy is facing.  Dennis can be so thankful that he is not in the hospital and that our family doctor believes in my ability to take care of Dennis.  Checking twice a day and there is no temperature . . . that’s a good thing.

  Changing out the bandage on the foot went well this afternoon.  Hopefully tomorrow we get wonderful news from the wound doctor.  The steri strips have held the incision nice and tight for better bonding.  We do so hope.  As we need to be at the hospital at 7:45, Dennis said we would be leaving home at 6:30 to be prepared for what the road conditions offer.  I agree.  We will be taking the little red pickup as Dennis is accustomed as to how it handles on the roads.

  During all this cold weather, neighbor Jan texted me, commenting that they have had a lot of boxelder bugs to vacuum up.   Where do they hide to survive?  When we lived in South Branch, we had a hall window facing east that put forth black flies when the sun shone.  The buzzing could get very loud.  At least boxelders bugs are quiet.

  Our supper this evening is going to be sautéed onions with leftover boiled potatoes made into American fries.  To make it a schmorgisborg, I will add several scrambled eggs.  What’s not to enjoy.

  Today we got the handicap hangers for our vehicles.  I had fought the idea initially, but last week in the bitter cold when we got to the hospital in Mankato, I was thankful for that slip of temporary paper taped to the dashboard.

   
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  Noreen 3:36 pm on February 21, 2022 Permalink  

  Pre-Snow 

  We are really being informed about snow that is coming.

  Regardless of new snow coming, my joints don’t seem to mind it today as they did yesterday.  Go figure.

  It may not seem like the news that we should celebrate, but the results of the CAT scan has a diagnosis.  Yippee!  Knowing is reassuring.  Dennis has pneumonia and today began a 14 day of strong antibiotics.  It will hopefully bring results in what the sinuses have been trying to tell him.  This will also bring the red blood count back in alignment.  This will also impact the healing of his last foot incision.  So many things can tie together for overall wellbeing.

  We do have an appointment Wednesday at the wound doctor’s in Mankato.  If the roads are too bad for travel, I do know how to handle that until we can reschedule.  At least Dennis would be on the rebound with the pneumonia. 

  As I did mention, my joints felt good today and after getting Dennis situated with his new pills that needed to be taken with a snack, I ventured to the studio.  Maybe my wellbeing is tied into Dennis’.  It wouldn’t surprise me . . . happy Dennis . . . happy Grammie.

  As these would be the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth Christmas stockings using the same pattern, all went very smoothly today.  The linings for these four are cut and ready to be stitched and tucked inside the flannel socks.  That will be the next step.  It never hurts to have oiled and cleaned the sewing machine, complete with a new needle.  Spending time in my studio is far better for me than any meds.  Staying busy does keep the mind off of joints even when they aren’t happy.

  As I look through the bathroom window, peering into the slider window door of the patio porch out east . . . I see Snuggles in Dennis lap.  I can imagine the conversation.  What happens in the patio porch . . . stays in the patio porch.

  It is 3:30 and the skies are very gray, but yet no snow.  I surely wouldn’t feel bad if the forecast were not right on.

   
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  Noreen 2:08 pm on February 20, 2022 Permalink  

  Sunday the 20th 

  Oh my oh my!  It is 47 degrees out and there would be choice puddles to jump in to.

  I don’t think patio kitties jump puddles, but all three left the porch to get the stink off of them from being cooped up too much.  Honey Bunny was out for a half hour and she returned to her basket.  She hasn’t got an ounce of extra weight on her and she is thirteen years old.  Chubby Snuggles was the next to call it a day and head for a basket.  Harriet is the youngest and Dennis thinks it will be dusk before he sees her.

  I baked a batch of scones and my day was set for the studio.  When arthritis bucks, I don’t do a lot of stitching that requires manipulating a lot of heft under the needle.  I do have my wrist braces on.  Doing embroidery is the answer to keeping busy and having something to show for the day.

  Believe it or not!  I am embroidering on four Christmas stockings. My nephew’s wife had enough fabric for these four extra stockings.  Regardless how their family grows, I will have used the goods that was sent to me.  At such time, I may not be up to the task.  The completed stockings will not have any names on them, and that will be up to the family to fill in those blanks when the need arises.  I will feel quite at ease knowing I helped the family out and moving them out of my studio will be the “rest of the story.” It is fun deciding what to stitch and not having to answer for it.  Surprise!

  A Sunday ritual for Dennis is that his son that trucks on the west coast calls and chit chats.  It’s a good thing.

  Even with the cold, I have found one Boxelder bug each of the last three days toddling across the studio’s floor.  Ugh! 

  Our next doctor appointment is Wednesday.  We had just commented to each other how fortunate we have been with such good road conditions.  That may change with Tuesday’s snowfall and where it decides to land across the state.  We will take it the way it comes.

   
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  Noreen 3:03 pm on February 19, 2022 Permalink  

  Saturday the 19th 

  As I had promised myself, today was studio day . . . after a visit to the grocery store.  

  I had a short list.  I couldn’t help but notice a few prices as I walked by.  Land-O-Lakes butter was $6.25 a lb.  80% lean ground beef was $4.95 a lb.  The beef I did purchase as Dennis is to eat more red meat.  100% Jacksonville beef brats also hit the cart.  The butter we usually purchase in Mankato when it’s on sale and I put several pounds in the freezer.  Potatoes were also recommended for Dennis.  A 5lb. bag will serve us well.

  Today I have my mini quilt sandwiched with batting and backing.  The embroidery module has been parked for now.

  In December I bit on an offering online, which is something I don’t usually trust.  It sounded too good to be true.  Vinyl quilting templates for $39.00, free shipping.  The package took forever to come.  I thought I had kissed my $39.00 goodbye.  The early days of February the package was on the front steps.  Today, I decided to see if I could work with these templates.  This was my very first attempt.  I had a sewing machine foot for Bernina machine quilting templates.  The Bernina templates are thick.  These inexpensive ones are quite thin.  Would the sewing machine foot stay in the guidelines.  The first thing I did was to examine the number #72 foot.  Low and behold the brass screw on the right hand side allowed for a height adjustment.

  Leave it to Bernina to have their products manufactured for multiple uses.  I put together several pieces of fabric with quilt batting in between and took one of the templates for a ride.  Yes, they are thin.  Am I suppose to take the brown paper off of each one?  I have no clue and besides that my fingernails are not that strong.  I fear I might bend or twist them and have them crack and break in two.  I am leaving the paper on for the additional strength it allows.  The fabric need not be turned, only to guide the machine’s foot to follow the template.  As I said, this was my very first try.  The secret will be having the same momentum to keeping the stitches even.  That would be the learning curve.

  I am not ready to incorporate this stitching without quite a bit of practice.  Knowing that what I have within my stitching options can and will work . . . is very satisfying.  I do now see these same templates advertised on Facebook, but not at the $39.00 I paid. 

  I call today a win, win.  After all, you can’t fail if you don’t try.  I think that is how that is said.

   
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  Noreen 1:19 pm on February 18, 2022 Permalink  

  Gray Skies 

  We may be having gray skies, but my spirit feels all sunny and happy.

  Being with friends yesterday and breaking bread (Baker’s Square Menu) with them accounts for much of that.

  I had stuck a small pillow in my bag for yesterday.  Hard wooden chair seats just don’t sit well with my tailbone.  My goal is to stay away from PT.  The waitress commented that that was not an unusual happening.  Padded seats are too hard to keep clean.  When we meet in March, the pillow will be a bit larger and softer.  At my point for a lifestyle to stay out of a doctor’s care if I can avoid it, I don’t embarrass easily.

  Today Dennis had a VA appointment to check his INR, blood clotting level.  He had barely left the house when the VA doctor was calling me to query as to how we were going forward with Dennis’ left foot.  I explained to her that next Wednesday we would be meeting with a wound specialist and would continue until all was better.

  I know the media gives the VA a bad rap on how veterans are treated.  Our local unit is spot on.  Dennis came home with enough wound supplies to take us into weeks ahead of home care, aka: me.  Several pair of knee-high diabetic socks with more coming in the mail.  There is an order in for a pair of shoes that is easy on the feet that have very tender, thin skin. She was also inquiring if we could afford the wound specialist visits as she would make arrangements.  I assured her our supplement insurance to Medicare would cover it.

  It boosted my mindset knowing we don’t walk difficult times on our own or alone.

  Today was laundry day and tidy, tidy on the first floor.  Dennis had oatmeal for noon lunch as he was cautioned he needs to push himself to eat more as his weight lose is too rapid.  Even the suggestion of ice cream after supper was offered.  I wonder where Dennis had heard this before?  Could it have been from his very own Doc Pidy?  Leftover bean soup is on the docket for supper.  He is to eat more red meat and liver.  The good thing is that Dennis likes Braunschweiger as I do.  So much easier having a sandwich with a thin slice of onion than pan frying it.

  I know that I have the weekend to spend in the studio.  As I said, a happy sunny heart does wonders.

  I believe some of the stitchers are making plans to visit a fabric warehouse in the metro soon.  I quickly opted out.  I have plenty of ideas on what I have.

   
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  Noreen 4:19 pm on February 17, 2022 Permalink  

  A Me Day 

  In the cold temps, I motored to Baker’s Square to meet the stitchers group.  Eight of us whiled away hours.  We are a diverse group in background and age. 

  I did fill our car with gas in Mankato as it was $3.22 per gallon compared to $3.59 in St. James.

  I did mention to Dennis when I got home that the 18 wheelers were crazy with speed today on the highway.

  Just because I was having a “me day” did not let me off the hook from making supper.  We are having eggs, fried Spam and toast.  There ya go . . . a meal fit for anyone eating in a truck stop . . . or Stauffer Avenue.

  The weekend coming up has us with no plans.  Sweet.  Home sweet home.

   
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  Noreen 3:03 pm on February 16, 2022 Permalink  

  Weary with Success 

  Yesterday we met with our family doctor for what we believed was a sinus infection for Dennis.  We had never met with our family doctor in this regard.  We did allow him to know that this sinus situation has been going on for a long time and that is why we met with an ear, nose and throat specialist in December of 2020.  A nose spray was given to Dennis and that was it.

  At this time the sinus’ are at war beyond anything in the past.  As quick as his pen was out, Dennis was on his way to the lab department.  Dennis had a CAT scan with contrasting dyes.  This morning, I checked the Mayo Portal.  Given the big words, I could still understand that is was something that will need additional attention.  With any infection in the body it does alter the fine balance of red blood cells and white blood cells.  Dennis’ red cells are just a bit low.  We will be having a follow-up for the next step.  One of the blood draws were for uric acid.  With Dennis having gout, it is important to have a level that is in the mid-level and it was.  Good news there.

  This noon we met with the surgeon that did the metatarsal surgery on Dennis’ left foot.  Hmm.  The incision is not healing as quickly as when the third toe was removed on Dennis’ left foot.  Any infection in the body has a “cause and effect.”  In the meantime we will be visiting a “wound doctor” next week.  As Dennis has no real feelings in his feet from neuropathy. I felt relief knowing that there would be hands on that knew what to look for and then how to go forward. 

  By the time we got home this early afternoon, I was weary but feeling good knowing we are making some headways with Dennis’ health here in our clinic and also in the Mankato clinic.  Success is in the future.

  Spring can’t come soon enough here on Stauffer Avenue.  Taking life one day at a time . . . one step at a time feels good.

   
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  Noreen 2:40 pm on February 15, 2022 Permalink  

  The Freezer 

  Today was one more day to check to see what the freezer could offer up for supper.

  It was time to get the last four slices of Christmas ham out of the freezer and put into bean and ham soup.  I had bought a container of vegetable broth and several cans of different beans for this day.  Some chunks of peeled potatoes would top it off for a low and slow simmer.  A few drops of vinegar into each of our bowls of soup and it is a supper on at about five.

  The other day when I had retrieved six meatballs to go with a can of store-bought pasta.  I failed to disclose one item at the supper table until it was time to clear the table from the dishes.  The meatballs were totally plant based.  Dennis had asked why I had not mixed the meatballs right into the pasta when heating up supper.  I knew that the round balls would not stand up to a lot of stirring around.  They had been molded into nice round balls.  Dennis did not pick up on the contents of those totally round balls.  Shh!  We don’t tell all when supper is put on the table.  I do know that I will not purchase them again, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.  It was Dennis’ favorite supper meal . . . hot.  That was all that was needed.

  My friend Judy called from Mankato today.  Though blind, Judy has a good outlook.  We actually visited about a favorite author that we both enjoy.  Through the Minnesota Association for the Blind, she receives audio cassettes when they are given certain authors that she requests.  What a sweet thing for her.  Each new selection may have as high as 10-15 hours per cassette.  The second bedroom in their townhouse is Judy’s domain.  Alexius offers her, her favorite music.  There is a trundle bed for a time when great grandson, 4-year-old Zander, can stay over for a night.  Judy’s daughter is raising Zander and they only live a mile away.  It seems to work out perfectly for all.

  Today at 3:45, we will see what can be determined to give Dennis some relief from a sinus infection.  I recall several winters ago, our neighbor Randy, that blows snow for us, thought he was having a heart attack that took him to the ER, and it was a sinus infection.  My aunt Florence would get a sinus infection so severely that her entire face would swell with black and blue areas.  It looked as if she had been beaten.  Oh what we can take for granted in our worldly bodies.

  God willing, tomorrow we will be in Mankato for a check on Dennis’ latest foot surgery.  I believe when we are enjoying spring weather, many maladies will clear up as well.  I hope, I hope. 

  Tonight for supper, there are no hidden ingredients.

   
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  Noreen 2:29 pm on February 14, 2022 Permalink  

  A New Week, a New Day 

  It’s a new week, a new day and a new attitude for me.

  Yesterday was some laundry, a batch of scones and prep work for supper . . . and then I bottomed out.

  Yesterday afternoon, I had reach my capacity for giving, for caring and giving care.  There comes a time when what is going on in a home and in a relationship feels one sided.  As I sat in my chair and watched the Curling competition in the Olympics,  a comment of Carrie’s came to me.  “Mom, you have to take care of yourself first, not Dennis first.”  Carrie had even gone one further and told Dennis’ oldest daughter, Denise, that she and Kevin would advocate for me and Dennis’ five children would need to advocate for Dennis.  Ya . . . right.  

  Dennis has five submarine children.  They surface when it suits them.

  Since October we have been doctoring with two separate foot surgeries for Dennis and multiple trips to the Mankato hospital and clinic for after-care.  Our dining room table would take first place in a health care kit contest.  The incision wound is changed out every other night.  We are now in the midst of a sinus infection.  Don’t get me wrong, Dennis does not complain but there are a lot of “needs” in a 24 hour period.  Sinus infections don’t allow for long stretches of sleep or a quiet home.  It is not within me to turn my back.  Dennis has seen me through a lot, but not with “hands on.”  Moral support counts for those that can’t do.

  Kevin was correct when he made a comment to me several years ago.  He referenced that at that time Dennis may well have had an additional 10 years of life for the care he had received.  I want that clock to continue ticking for Dennis, but I do get a timeout from time to time.  Yesterday . . . I took it.

  Tomorrow afternoon, we are going to see our family doctor to get some insight on the sinus situation.  Dennis said he would abide with what is suggested.  The only saving grace is that hopefully Dennis has been uncomfortable and miserable enough, he will take council.  I should have him sign something.

  As I said, a new day that brought the biggest most beautiful snowflakes ever.  The little things in life can lift the soul and spirits if we are just open and allow them in.  Perhaps being a caregiver is what God needs of me right now.  I do go to my happy place for bursts of rejuvenation . . . my studio.

   
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  Noreen 3:45 pm on February 12, 2022 Permalink  

  A Cold Morning 

  I was a bit taken aback when I realized I had taken off for the grocery store and it was -7 degrees.  The cold had not stopped anyone.  The store was packed.  When I saw what was in many of the carts, I remembered tomorrow was a football game.

  The sun is bright and with no wind, there is a saving grace.  When I sat in our west porch for a time at noon and read, I could feel the warmth of the sun coming into the south windows.  That couldn’t be said for the studio.  The two small south windows don’t do much to warm a concrete floor . . . but my shoes keep my feet warm.

  Listening to KNUJ, I think every area that has any sized body of water is, or has had a fishing contest.  Hopefully there were some skillets hot on the coals to fry up a few while some were busy catching their limit.

  I will say I was excited to see if the glue had held the pinwheels together.  If the light catches them in just the right way there can be seen a glistening bit of glue.  Hmm.  Better to be safe than sorry.  My mini-quilt top now has on the borders . . . making the top complete.  It has a folksy finish to it.  I used the fabric that came with the kit.  I know there are more steps but first there has to be some serious vacuuming done in the studio. Hard as I try to hit the circular files, and I have plenty of them sitting around, the threads and fuzz have a mind of their own.

  Sometime, I need to pull out my tote of quilt batting to see if I have something to use on the mini-quilt.  Last year when Brett was finished with a project on his long arm, regardless of the size, he gave me the extra batting.  I had tape that was sold expressly for putting pieces of batting together.  I know for the backing and binding, I am set and do not need to purchase anything.  What I will do in the next days is think on how I will free motion quilt this top.  Yup, I will be humming “Bringing in the Sheaves” to keep my rhythm.  With several blocks having clear vinyl on them, it will take some pondering.  In the mean time the instruction booklet will be added to the library of patterns on the shelf.

  There were six ample sized meatballs in the freezer.  I did not want to cook up pasta for a “dish for two.” In the grocery store, I bought a can of Spaghettios.  It has been decades since that found its way into the cart.  It will work out just fine.