Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 3:42 pm on February 11, 2022 Permalink  

  Hold On 

  Hold on to all that is not nailed down today.  The winds are horrific.  When the winds are this strong from the north, the service door has to be latched from the outside when Dennis comes and goes.  When Dennis is sequestered in the patio porch, he blocks the door from the inside as the winds will blow the door open and shut non stop.  We may have had some wet stuff that fell as there are icy spots on our driveway.  With some thawing temps off and on, our patio would make a great ice rink.  

  I did wear myself out in the studio today.  I now have three pinwheels stitched out.  It is a lot of trimming of the foam and both colors that make up the pinwheels.  The most challenging is to get the four corners pinned down and getting glue where it needs to be.  Tomorrow when I release the pinwheels from all the pins, that will tell the story to see if more glue is needed in certain spots.  It is difficult waiting for glue to dry.  My dad’s saying comes to mind, “You don’t have time to do it right, but you always have time to do it over.”

  There are quite a few other embellishments to fabricate.  It is all putzie and a good left hand is sorely missed.  I know I will need Dennis to help tie a knot on the fruit jar of flowers in order for a bow to finish it off when all is said and done.  There is plenty of time before that will be needed.   The red pickup needs to have a twine banner strung with flags.  The pinwheels go atop the three pop bottles.  A pair of cherries adorn the large dark blue block in the middle of the mini-quilt with twine from a green bow.  I have made two cherries in the block above the dark blue block out of circular scraps that are gathered in the middle. 

  This mini-quilt is so unusual as in the embellishments are three dimensional and placed on embroidered blocks.  In a pieced quilt, it is all straight stitched one block unto another.  Between you and me . . . I think I am ready for the mundane pieced project.

  Hold on . . . for a second time, our appointment in Mankato for Dennis’ foot to be checked has been rescheduled from this Thursday, to next Monday to next Wednesday.  It is a good thing we have plenty of supplies to redress it every other night.

   
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  Noreen 3:25 pm on February 10, 2022 Permalink  

  Challenged 

  Today the clouds are thick and there were clouds in the studio as well.  I was challenged.

  The Red, White and Blue min-quilt is coming to an end.  No, I don’t have the borders on yet and then there is the batting, and the backing and lastly the binding.  Only die hard lovers of threads and fuzz can stay so entertained.

  With this mini-quilt comes some embellishments when all the above steps have been completed.  The curiosity got the best of me.  I jumped ahead.  Just how would I use my machine’s software to turn out pinwheels.  I would need three of them.  With all the materials were three foam pieces.  A great place to start is reading instructions. 

  I used one of the smaller hoops loaded with stabilizer.  The first step was to tack down the foam.  As the hoop sits in the embroidery module the first fabric to tape down was the blue, being larger than needed.  Taking the hoop off of the machine, I needed to turn the hoop over and tape down red fabric, also larger than needed.  Again the hoop was placed in the embroidery module.  The stitching continued.  The final stitching was doing a satin stitch around the entire patch.

  Believe it or not, as soon as I get the glue to hold down points to the center, I will have a pinwheel.  Right now I am counting on the pins to hold everything until dry.  The end product is only 2″ x 2″.  I have two more to do.  As I had mentioned, I love all things thread and fuzz.  That one tiny pinwheel was it for me for the studio time.

  There are several other embellishments to do, but the pinwheel . . . I had to prove it could be done.

  We had huge snowflakes for a short time, nothing serious.  Our driveway remains totally clear.  Our neighbor Randy’s gravel driveway and yard is an ice fest from one end to the other.  

  This afternoon, Dennis is out with his friend Dwayne having coffee.  I think it was long overdue.

  I will be staying up late tonight as I have several PBS mysteries that do not begin until eight.  I can sit back and be entertained, no challenge there.  Dennis has quite the slate on the cowboy channel.

   
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  Noreen 1:52 pm on February 9, 2022 Permalink  

  Gloomy, Windy and Warmer 

  I would say 40 degrees is warmer and desirable.

  I had a 9:45 clinic appointment this morning.  I have a pair of sports shoes that were going to be worn.  I use a shoe horn.  That small little knob at the heel of the shoe didn’t feel like it was cooperating.  That little item took me back to our family’s time at South Branch.  

  Nothing said being up to snuff like the kids having Nike shoes.  At that time Nikes were quite extravagant.  We had a small dog, Sparkie, that stayed in the entry of our home while we were at work and the kids were in school.  What dog likes being cooped up and out of the family loop.  There were screams of horror and tears when we got home and Carrie found out Sparkie had chewed off that little knob on the heel of her “like new” Nikes.  It was so unfortunate.  Carrie did wear the shoes with the good fortune that the hem of her slacks covered it.  Oh how my mind wants to do a replay at times.  When that happens it warms my heart.

  Anyway . . . today I had my first dose of vaccine for covid.  I had kicked this can down the street long enough.  Without trying, I remember how much my kids . . . Kevin and Carrie, spent making my stroke and heart surgery their number one priority.  Over a shot that many I know have had with no ill effects, I can’t take a chance of putting my kids through something that was in my power to avoid.  I love them too much for that.  Life may have many ups and downs as it is . . . me getting covid need not be one of them.  March 2nd I will have the second shot.  Whew!

  I have spent some time in the studio this afternoon.  Hmm.  With the entire stitching of the top of the min-quilt completed,  I am off 1/2 inch going across 1/2 of the top.  As I am having the last of the cold breakfast coffee, I know that I will need to trim it off.  There are two borders to be put on with one being a red and white stripe going vertical.  That border needs to be spot on.  

  The moral of the story, aka: the stitching is only as accurate as the one feeding the fabric under the needle.

  The “Kevin” Korean Bar-B-Q chicken of last night’s supper was tasty.  The soy sauce and Worchester sauce was a good change of pace for us.  It would be great over rice.  Dennis was more thinking of mashed potatoes.

   
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  Noreen 2:45 pm on February 8, 2022 Permalink  

  A Puddle Jumping Day 

  We have a thaw going on outside.

  Believe me when I say it is a puddle jumping Day.  It was a first hand experience.  With so many medical appointments we had put off haircuts.  We were ready for dog licenses.  Dennis’ niece Brenda has the Curry Comb here in town.  She is closed on Mondays, so I had this morning pegged last week for 10:30.  We both felt wonderful.  The last time we had visited her shop was two weeks before Christmas.

  There are puddles hiding ice . . . and a lot of it.  Dennis had left me off at the walkway of their boulevard.  I took one step up with my cane and three backward to catch my balance.  A bit of a wet shoe was all that happened.

  Interesting tid-bit from Brenda.  Yesterday she received her income tax refund from the filing she did ten months ago.  She had called several times only be told that it was being processed.  We had to pay in and I am here to tell you it took a gnat’s second in time to cash our check.  Go figure.

  It was sunny enough that the patio kitties thought they were going to escape the patio porch for the first time in a long time.  Nope . . .they wanted to sit in the open doorway and look out.  That didn’t fly with Dennis.

  Yesterday when Dennis went to Lewis Drug for some supplies for changing the dressings on his foot, he came home in shock.  The most expensive item was beta dine, also known as Iodine.  It was $15.60.  Not long ago, it would have been less than $1.00.  Someone is scalping.   

  This afternoon was a good day to be in the studio with KNUJ radio on.  I find it interesting to hear what other small towns are doing to keep their heads above covid.

  This evening for supper we are having a skillet meal that I found in Hy-Vee.  Dennis chose it.  It is Korean Bar-B-Q flavored chicken that is finished off by heating the chicken cubed or in strips in a skillet and then putting the flavored Bar-B-Q sauce over it.  Nothing ventured nothing gained.  It is a brand I have seen advertised on television called “Kevin’s.”  I will be sure to let you know how it was.

  Snow showers are coming with perhaps rain and drizzle.

   
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  Noreen 2:14 pm on February 7, 2022 Permalink  

  Subject to Change 

  Doctor appointments are subject to change.  We would have been checking in at the surgical appointment on this Thursday.  With a phone call received, we are scheduled for one week from today at 11:30.

  Dennis just left for the Lewis Drug to purchase some additional dressing supplies for his recovering foot.  With his appointment being rescheduled more items were needed.  In days of old, the bone would have been cut off and the traveling doctor would not have seen this patient again.   Common sense still prevails. 

  I will tout the advantages of Vaseline.  With Denis foot sealed from heel to toe, when we changed the dressing on Saturday, his skin on his foot was like dry parchment.  Yes, gauze comes in a pre-rolled package as does the sticky ace bandages.  That doesn’t mean you need to use the entire 4.5 feet of it.  If that sticky ace bandage edge is exposed to bare skin, it rubs with its harsh sharp edges.  There was an area next to Dennis’ ankle that had rubbed.  Doc Pidy is in charge.  The incision site is covered by a 4″‘ x 4″ pad with enough gauze wrap going around the foot multiple times to cover that plus two inches on each side.  The sticky ace bandage allows for the gauze to stick out a good inch on its own.  The ace bandages used to have a clip to adhere it to itself.  The sticky stuff can be stretched a bit and clings to itself.  

  Oh . . . back to Vaseline.  After rubbing Dennis foot twice now with Vaseline and putting a sock on, the body heat captured in the sock has done the skin a 99.9% turn around.  The skin is supple to the touch.  I advocate it and we have the largest tub of it in the house that can be found in a store.

  Today was bed linen laundering.  A good feeling to get the beds dressed before nightfall.   

  We have agreed on a light supper.  I like that idea.  Dennis said he would opt for some ice cream later on.

   
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  Noreen 2:47 pm on February 6, 2022 Permalink  

  Sunday with Flurries 

  When the temps get a bit warmer, snow flurries are a possibility.  The warm weather soon cleared off the small amount of snow covering on the concrete driveway.

  I decided to visit the studio today.  After what seems like a long process, there is some satisfaction in knowing half of the mini-quilt has come together.  With all blocks trimmed, a scant quarter inch seams allowance has allowed the sewing to go smoothly.  My machine allows the needle to be moved either to the right or left so the scant quarter inch seam allowance is quite easy to maintain.

  In this half of the project the pickup has red vinyl stitched for its surface.  The glare on the bottle of fireflies is due to the fact that clear vinyl is stitched over the fireflies in the jar.  The pitcher of lemonade and the pop bottles also have clear vinyl stitched on top.  The rockets are stitched with glitter fabric.  I will need to make and sew pinwheels to add to the sticks in the pop bottles. 

  These patterns are quite labor intensive and a fun challenge.  It does pass the days of cold.  The blocks begin as oversized and that is where all the trimming comes into play allowing for great matching of seams.  In the coming days the blocks of the right side of the min-quilt will need to be trimmed.

  The winds from the northwest are gusting and moving some snow across the streets.  I had had KNUJ radio on listening to the fish contest on Sleepy Eye Lake.  Sounds like a rousing crowd.  I have never been fond of ice fishing.  Many years ago Kevin and his dad had joined another father-son duo for ice fishing.  Kevin happened to step on and through what had been a bored hole and with just enough of a skim of ice over it to hide it.  When they came home and told the tale, that did it for me going forward. 

  Winter sports evade me.  I have never been skiing, or have been on a snowmobile.  My only adventures were ice skating on the pasture slew when my siblings and me cooled our heels.  Spring will soon be here and I will have plenty of options.

   
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  Noreen 2:13 pm on February 5, 2022 Permalink  

  A Saturday 

  It is the weekend and never a dull moment on Stauffer.

  I always check our bank’s website . . . every day.  It is called consumer take care of your money.  For authentication purposes this morning, it was needed to have a one time pass code entered by having the site call your phone number.  The last four of the number was given.  My phone never rang.  A second option was to have it sent to your email.  The bank was using my Chrome search engine that I also use for my emails.  I had no choice but to set up an email on Microsoft Edge.  I had found out that if I closed the bank site and opened the Chrome email, get the pass code, close the email and open the bank site, it was the wrong number.  With having the Microsoft email open, I could get the pass code while the bank site was open.  Got it!  What a crap shoot.  Amazing how they test us older folks.

  Last night was great.  I was able to see the first live Facebook of my daughter in her Mainstream Boutique in Edina.  Her sidekick was her daughter, Megan.  They took turns wearing garments as an introduction of what the boutique had.  It was so spontaneous, unrehearsed, it was wonderful to see the two of them playing off of each other.  At times it brought a chuckle.  I was very proud of them cutting their teeth to do a “live.”  I am ready to see more reveals in time to come.  I opened the video up this morning for Dennis to see it.  He stuck it out for the entire video.  Poor lamb.  The price of the clothing was economic shock for him.  Hey . . . this is big city digs.

  Nothing brings me more comfort knowing that when I stop to see Kevin in his owner-operator shop in Fairfax he is smiling.  Seeing the two gals doing the video, will have to suffice until we can drive to the metro and see the the boutique first hand.  Dennis said that is on the schedule this spring.  

  I am in my studio today.  The embroidered blocks for the mini-quilt are done, now on to straight seaming.  It was sweet to crank down my Husky sewing table to a lower height to allow my shoulders a comfortable reach to the needle.  I love this table.

  It is leftovers for supper of the oven meal from last night.  I do have a surprise of turtle cheesecake for later.  Today was the RFD programs for Dennis.  This is my night of PBS mystery programs to enjoy.

   
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  Noreen 4:45 pm on February 4, 2022 Permalink  

  What a Day 

  Getting up at seven, it is at least daylight.  A dusting of snow looked like a covering on the driveway.

  Dennis decided he wasn’t in the mood for the patio porch and he opted for his recliner.

  I had my sites on some tidy, tidy on the first floor.  We have shelving on the east wall of the kitchen.  As I ran my first full glass of drinking water to start the day, I stood with my back against the kitchen counter and I thought . . . how much more clutter could the shelving and counter top hold!  It is so easy to pick up something and park it where it should not be.  I knew I had to have a cup of coffee before tackling it.

  It took several trips to the basement pantry with extra items before a check on the east wall of the kitchen passed mustard.  A second cup of coffee and the kitchen countertop was the next to get tackled.  The whole idea of the pantry in the basement was to let our tiny kitchen’s minimal sink countertop allow for food prep.  Surprisingly, having dirty dishes pile up is not an issue.  Either one of us will clean up after supper.  Cleaning products do have room under the sink . . . if they just get put there.

  The sun was so bright, I couldn’t help but get dressed and push away the snow from the back door and also make a path to the service door of the garage.  The areas for the bins for garbage and recycling also got a clean-out.  The winds from the north were plenty brisk.  I decided one more cup of coffee was waiting for me inside.  When I got inside I fired up the HP.  When I saw on the bottom task bar how cold it was outside . . . wow.  I did get my share of fresh air with my small jaunt of pushing a bit of snow.  

  All Dennis had on his plate today was to be at the eye clinic in town by 1 pm for his eye injection.  After he left I got items together for an oven meal.  How much easier when there is room on the countertop.  The kitchen will feel the extra warmth when the oven dish gets popped in at 4:30.  We stick to having our evening meal no later than 5:30.

  I spent some time in the studio cleaning up around the sewing machine.  I had quite a few spools of thread that needed to be put back in their boxes as going forward, the white spool of thread will suffice.  After trimming up some blocks of the mini-quilt, I could feel when enough was enough.  Tomorrow is another day and I don’t want to overdue the trimming with the rotary cutter.  It is a fair amount of repetition in gripping the handle of it with enough pressure to cut.

  My hope is that everyone stay safe.  When Dennis came home from being out and about he commented that the snow was moving out in the open making visibility slim to none.

   
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  Noreen 3:08 pm on February 3, 2022 Permalink  

  Long Day 

  Dennis and I were in Mankato by 8:45 to meet with the surgeon for stitches to be removed from Dennis’ surgical foot site.  There was a glitch in the operating room and we didn’t get to see the doctor until 10:45.  We stopped for some groceries and home never seemed so welcoming.  

  By the time we got home we both felt as if we had run a marathon in this cold weather.  There is only so much anticipation and the ups and downs of waiting that we realize we can take or want to take.  Tuckered out we are and calling it a day.

  I will get back with you tomorrow.

   
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  Noreen 2:49 pm on February 2, 2022 Permalink  

  A Wednesday 

  A cold morning allows for deeper sleep.  I must say sometimes there is a restlessness in the house.  That happened Tuesday during the night with Dennis.  By 2:30 a.m. we were done sleeping.  I didn’t nap yesterday and I was in bed by nine last night.

  I am usually in bed by nine as it feels so good for my challenged body to lay flat and unwind even if sleep doesn’t come until much later as Dennis goes to bed by 11 p.m.  Last night I believe I was asleep by the time my head hit the pillow.  I slept hard and fast and didn’t wake up this morning until I heard the school bus stop across the street.

  This is something happening on Stauffer Avenue.  I can tell you, spring cannot come soon enough.  Dennis is caught up on anything that may have needed to be done in the garages and the patio porch.  When Dennis goes out to the patio porch, the RFD television channel is on . . .  there is a cat on his lap . . . and Dennis is sound asleep.  This goes on multiple times during the day and after supper.  It is no wonder he doesn’t sleep well during the night.  This is happening with several of his friends of his same age as well.  Idle hands causes the eyes to be checked for cracks. 

  If it were not for me being on top of Dennis’ health, I am seriously contemplating wearing a mask during the night, so when a light goes on in the house, it wouldn’t wake me and also purchasing a pair of ear plugs.  The old adage: “Hear no evil, see no evil and do no evil.”  Hmm . . . perhaps a hammock strung in the patio porch would work.

  Once I am up, I have my schedules on the ground floor for tidy, tidy.  About noon, I am ready to hit the studio.  I may not always be stitching, but I can keep busy.   Today I stitched out a few more blocks of the grouping for the Red, White and Bloom series.  I checked the booklet and I am now ready to trim each block to the size needed to make the mini-quilt.  That task is a bit hard on the back and hands, allowing for slow and steady.

  Yesterday when June and I went for our Shingles shot, she commented that now at the age of 80, she wished she had picked up some crafting or sewing.  This is June’s first season of winter in her apartment.  June had always done her own yard work.  With spring coming, she is in for a challenge when there is nothing but her apartment to care for. 

  The only sideeffect I have from the Shingles shot is a bit of a sore left injection site.  Good going.