Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:14 pm on January 2, 2022 Permalink  

  Yippee! 

  Yippee, we made it above zero!  The bright sun is doing its best to help warm the windows facing the south.

  It was time to oil the sewing machine and put in a new needle.  Winding five bobbins didn’t hurt either for future embroidering.  Embroidering is easier on my arms and hands than piecing.  Over time, the piecing has to ensue to finish up what have been embroidered into portions towards a finished project.  Slow and steady.

  I have a project called Red, White and Bloom.  After the machine was ready, I did do one block to “let it begin.”  Reading instructions doesn’t hold a candle to dipping your toe and making several cuts into fabric.  With one block stitched out successfully it will become easier each time I visit the studio.  With a heat run open in the basement, it makes it doable as long as I have shoes on.  Concrete floors draw into feet not covered, causing discomfort in the legs long after being away from that floor.

  Dennis caught a John Wayne black and white movie on the RFD television channel.

  I made a few strides on my 1,000 piece puzzle.  I have many mini areas put together matching up portions according to the picture on the box.  There will be no quick fixes.

  Alarms will be set this evening as we will be in Mankato at 8:30 tomorrow morning for Dennis to have a MRI of his left foot.  There is bound to be a solution to an angry bunion bone.  We will be meeting with a podiatrist the week after.  In the meantime, in between time we dress the wound every night.

  Thank goodness for a 9″ x 9″ pan of hamburger pasta in the freezer.  Super . . . nailed it!

   
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  Noreen 2:22 pm on January 1, 2022 Permalink  

  Decades Ago 

  Perhaps 45 years ago on a crisp New Year’s Day, two car loads of family hit the hills of Beaver’s Falls to go tobogganing and sledding.  Beaver’s Falls is northeast of Redwood Falls.  My sister’s family, Orville Trettins and their three children; Orlin, myself and Carrie and Kevin were ready for a day of fun.

  It took a lot to get ready for this New Year’s Day.  Each family had livestock chores complete with the morning milking.  At that time Orlin was working shift work at 3M while I took care of livestock chores.  It worked.  The temps were mild that New Year’s day.  I believe all nine us had parkas on that 3M had sold to employees as the parkas were sporting their new line of reflective trim on the parkas.  Orlin took sizes from Elvera and there was little choice of colors . . . beige worked.

  Elvera and I had planned the food and hot coco for a noon meal on the hills of the pasture that belonged to Orlin’s sister.  There was cold chicken, sandwiches, cookies, chips and dip and even left over fudge from Christmas.   Picnic potties . . . pick your clump of trees.

  The plastic tub toboggans could hold two.  I do remember that there were yellow and red ones and plenty to go around.  There were scrub bushes to try and avoid on the way down.  Trees were also not a good thing.  If it was not to be, the best move was to tip over to avoid the hit.  Going down went faster than climbing back up to the top of the hill.  I do believe that day is the last time I did a summersault when my toboggan snagged some underbrush.  

  About three thirty it was time to pack up and make the long drive back to reality.  I don’t know about Orville’s car, but we had two kids out napping when the heater of the car did its job.  Orlin and I did the evening milking and the rest of the livestock chores while the kids stayed put in front of the television.  No threat of mischief after such a busy day.  I had prepared Bar-B-Q for our supper after the chores.

  Hmm.  Such a sweet innocent memory.

  Today is mellow on Stauffer Avenue.  I can sit in front of my 1,000 piece puzzle and look and look and am good if I find one or two to pieces to fit in.  Today is a Saturday that feels like a Sunday.  We didn’t make it above zero today . . . maybe tomorrow.

   
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  Noreen 3:02 pm on December 31, 2021 Permalink  

  A Great Quiet Day 

  A day that is quiet is a gift.  Dennis has been napping the day away.  A perk from the antibiotics and the Mucinex.  

  Yesterday had been a day of burning shoe leather for me.  The clinic appointment location, the Mayo store had a refill of the dressings that we are using on Dennis’ foot, a stop at Walmart to purchase a new toilet lid as our wooden one cracked, and the pharmacy once we hit St. James.  Last night I had restless legs when I retired to bed.  Nothing like a good night’s rest as a cure-all.

  We have not stayed up until midnight to ring in a new year for ages.  Back in the Lena and Raymond days, some of their siblings would get together to play cards and enjoy a late pot of coffee.

  I have no resolutions for 2022.  My goal is to continue doing as I have been . . . staying upright and staying busy within our home.  

  My prayer for my children is to remain excited about their lives and their homes.  The best feeling for me is knowing I have raised two great kids. 

  Happy New Year!

   
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  Noreen 5:01 pm on December 30, 2021 Permalink  

  Interesting Day 

  Today we were back at the Doctor’s office in Mankato for a review of Dennis’ bunion bone on the same foot where the toe was amputated.

  The wound has not healed by any measure.  The bunion bone was irritated while the foot had been wrapped after the toe amputation.  Dennis is on antibiotics as of this afternoon and an MRI will be on Monday morning.  The X-ray of today did not look much different than that of two weeks ago.  What was different was the weeping of drainage that was evident each night when we changed the dressing.  That has been within the last week.  I have checked Dennis’ temp each night and it has been normal.  I was thrilled to know that the MRI may show what an X-ray may not.  Dennis is always borderline diabetic so no chances are being taken.

  We were glad to get home today and we will hunker down over the weekend.  The blessing in all of this is that Dennis is a good patient.  When I picked up the antibiotic I did pick up Mucinex to see if we can’t get the slime in the throat broken through.  Daughter Sandy, the nurse, had suggested the Mucinex as well as Vicks on the chest, an older t-shirt and the heating pad and cook it out.  By the way I have plenty of blue Dawn dishwashing liquid to clean the washing machine drum.  Vicks on the neck was nixed by Sandy.  Dennis is under the care of Doc Pidy, aka: me for the duration.

  Not sure what is going to be rustled up for supper right now.  I am thinking about it.

   
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  Noreen 3:25 pm on December 29, 2021 Permalink  

  Cold Weather 

  The secret to cold weather is that you don’t look at a thermometer.  Today we have bright sunshine to dwell on.

  Amazing was the results from a tip from Kevin.  Yes . . . blue Dawn Dishwashing liquid does cut through Vicks on the inside of the wash machine drum.   My hope is that I do not have to repeat that remedy.  We each have home remedies that we believe are destined to be the ultimate.  I believe all things in moderation is the key.

  Though brisk, I did walk the drive several times this afternoon.  The fresh air does the mind and heart good.  With a covering of snow, Randy had scrapped the cement drive.  Today, the majority of the drive was down to the bare concrete, perfect for that walk.

  With several items going: a book to read, the jig saw puzzle and a project in the studio, I have a good balance to my days.  In between today, I peeled some potatoes for supper.  Surprisingly a 5 lb. bag of potatoes will soon put on sprouts.  My goal is to peel a few here and there to beat the growth.  Dennis may not have a good appetite all the time, but boiled potatoes do perk him up.

  Each night there are three yearling deer that are outside the kitchen window nibbling on the berries that they can reach on the ornamental crab apple tree.  It would be hard to believe they are short of food as it hasn’t been that long that our snow had melted down to the grass.  They may have discriminating tastes.

  New Year’s 2022 is right around the corner.  It does not seem possible that time passes as quickly as it does.  We have no big plans going forward.  There comes new threats daily on the news in regard to covid and the new strains.  We stay close to home and frequent very few businesses.  The clinic and drug store is about the limit.  We had stocked up on groceries at a time when there was no threat of ice under foot.   Visiting our pantry in the basement will work for quite some time. 

  May each day bring a feeling of contentment and self satisfaction.  I took a lesson from my grandmother Laura.  There has to be shown at the end of each day that we used the God-given gift to his glory.

   
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  Noreen 2:39 pm on December 28, 2021 Permalink  

  We Skirted the Snow 

  We did have a covering of snow today.  Each day we go forward with threats.

  Speaking of threats.  I may not threaten Dennis, but the bear is not doing it in the buckwheat . . . no more.  I am so done with red hankies that have been slathered in Vicks hitting my washing machine.  Vicks does not dissolve no matter bow hot the wash water is or what laundry soap is used. 

  FYI . . . instead of taking care of slime in the throat from the 0utside going in, try knocking off sucking on hot cigarettes’ the majority of the day and cauterizing the stint in the throat.  Dennis has done nothing other than relying on over-the-counter fixes and prescriptions for the sinus’.  His doctors have pretty much told him what would be a good beginning on fixing his situation.  My arthritic hands are worth more than trying to tie a hankie around his greased up neck tight enough for it to stay secure.  As an adult I can say “No.”  This has been going on for months and there has not been one iota of benefit other than going through one jar of Vicks after another.

  I may love Dennis dearly, but not enough to play this silly game of “Oh my gosh the tub of the washing machine needs cleaning of the ring around the tub of Vicks.”

  It might get quiet for a time on Stauffer, but no one advocates for me in my health and wellbeing, I know what I need to do.  It might be fine for Dennis to say, “I think you should take it easy.”  Putting your mouth where your housekeeping hands could be might be the rest of the story.  I know what my challenges are and I work through them.  Am I  complaining, no, just stating facts and logic.  

  Time will tell how this evening goes or if the Super 8 will have a new tenant.

  Just because we love our spouses does not mean we need to buy into that which passes all understanding.

   
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  Noreen 3:17 pm on December 27, 2021 Permalink  

  Seeking Energy 

  Today was a day of replacing items that we needed for the two days of Christmas.  The extra chairs are back in the closet, the crock pot is back on its shelf in the basement.  All is well.

  I am seeking some energy to get back into a project or two.  I have had a new 1,000 piece puzzle from Creative Stitches in Bird Island.  Dennis suggested a card table in my west porch bedroom.  I wouldn’t need to worry about getting it bumped if it were on the dining room table.  Just as if I had wiggled my nose, Dennis brought in a round table freshly tidied.  It may take me some time as the puzzle depicts all sorts of sewing supplies.   The porch is a sunny venue with no need of extra lighting.

  For a backup project, I downloaded a project that was shared with me.  It is a min-quilt/wall hanging of summertime fun.  I had the DVD disk from Amanda and the multiple designs are now loaded onto a flash drive ready to put into my sewing machine as needed.  I will be visiting my scrap box to pull fabrics for the variety of blocks to complete this project.   

  I am not saying I am going to jump head first into either of these right now.  As much as I have enjoyed getting the home tricked out with decorations, planning meals, enjoying the company of my children . . . I do need a day or two to rejuvenate.  Humph!  I sure didn’t see that coming . . . Dennis did.  He sees me burning the candle on both ends and knows when it is time to snuff it out.  

  I am prepped and there is something to be said to have the projects at the starting point.  My goodness there is a lot of winter left.  That was evident as last night we had freezing rain that allowed for a covering of snow when all was said and done.  With the bright sun, the driveway is showing bare concrete.

  We have some wonderful leftovers for supper.  I have noticed Dennis has some favorite treats as he passes the dining room table.  So be it!  It can be Christmas for a bit longer.

   
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  Noreen 3:48 pm on December 26, 2021 Permalink  

  Merry Christmas! 

  We Merry Christmas’ d for two days straight.  What a joy!

  Kevin’s came on Christmas day, and pup Kluge had the run of the house.  A great trade off for a meal, cherry pie and treats was that my job jar was empty when they left for the day.  Photo frames were hung level, my office chair got the mechanism replaced and Dennis’ pleather recliner needed a repair on the back rest and arms.  Sweet!  The jobs on Stauffer are not the labor and physical intensity of years prior, but still mean the world to us.  Carrie’s were here today from the metro.

  As both of my children ended 2021 being new owners of their own businesses, there was no shortage of chit chat and questions.  How wonderful and this mom is one proud mom.  The spouses also get support from Dennis and me.  I am praying and pulling for all of them each day.

  I will say that a bit of that and a bit of this from the two day’s meals was tucked away in the freezer for Dennis and me to enjoy after the Christmas days are gone.

  Dennis’ Christmas presents found their homes.  Many different homes to be exact.  In 2010, Dennis started books of the United State’s National Park quarters.  Each year as they were minted, we would get a few select quarters for select states.  2021 we received the last to complete each book.  What a great run and they all found a home.  Dennis’ family celebrated Christmas at Silver Bay, Minnesota.  The quarter books had been sent along for the group when they were together.  Dennis got to firsthand see the enjoyment when Kevin’s and Carrie’s were here yesterday and today.

  Both days, I gave my ole cowboy off from doing dishes.  What helped is that I opted for large oval sturdy paper plates.  I pulled the fragile older person ticket.  As long as the food came out of the oven hot and tasty . . . that was my goal.  There are several cleaned serving dishes that need to be put away.  I can guarantee I will have my feet up before the day gets much older.

  What a wonderful feeling of contentment.  Every last family member was hugged and sent off with me saying to myself, go forth and do as you will to enjoy your health and wellbeing and know that I will do likewise.  Dennis and I do not want to be a worry to our children.  Our job is to take care of each other so family may look forward to come and spend time with us.  

  For myself, I don’t think I am Christmas’ d out yet.  I will sit in the glow of our Christmas tree for quite some time to come.

   
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  Noreen 3:35 pm on December 24, 2021 Permalink  

  The Most Great of All Births 

  This is the eve of the birth of Jesus.  I can only imagine the weariness of the shepherds as they followed the star.  The wise men may have followed their trail, and they came in meekness as they offered their gifts. 

  Today I feel weariness as I prepare my gifts from my kitchen for those that are coming to our humble home.  Having guests on Christmas day as well as the day after does not dim the excitement to make each day special.

  Dennis has been busy making beds in the porch for his kitties.  A remodeling is ensuing.  He felt that they are all getting older and a more substantial basket was needed. The day is gray but the temps are liking the 40s. 

  I am hoping we can do a light supper as this Grammie is “food prepped” out and no, the pie does not get cut into.

  I have sent out greetings to many and this is a Merry Christmas to all.

   
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  Noreen 2:17 pm on December 23, 2021 Permalink  

  It is Getting Closer 

  I believe I can hear jingle bells.  Christmas Eve is just as special as Christmas day.  I am prepared in all aspects.  

  In my preparation I so enjoy a quiet home.  Even the radio can remain silent.  I can only imagine how busy the family is.  It would have been no different when I was working full time.  The days were always too short, the list of things to get done were too long.

  In my days of retirement, I appreciate that I still know what is important to put on a list to keep hearth and home in good stead.  Dennis is right there to help.  The secret is I need to ask.  He can’t read my mind.  My eyesight is unique compared to Dennis’.  I can see a dust bunny at twelve paces.

  I am excited for all and any family time.  It is my time to sit back and take in what has been happening in their days since last we visited.  It will be my children that are coming to our home. 

  Dennis’ children are traveling to Silver Bay to his daughter Susie’s home.  Each year they take turns celebrating in the Mankato area one year and then up north in Silver Bay the next.  Dennis has made it known that we would  not be spending that much time driving on Christmas.  Weather patterns can change as well as road surfaces.  We had goodies that we made sure would be at Susie’s in our absence.

  I can easily remember that my dad would very likely still be finishing up a few things in his workshop right up to the last minute.  Lena would have made sure that her sewing machine would be covered by this date before Christmas.  Her focus would be totally in the kitchen.  I can relate to that.

  My kitchen may be small, but we can still hit it out of the park.  Who wouldn’t want a bit more counter area.  It has been my observation that those that have a larger kitchen also have more clutter in it.  Sending out a thought to my sister-in-law Joann.  Tee Hee.

  Here we are with a temp of 45 degrees.  I love it, and our furnace does also.  It was time for a walk down Stauffer Avenue.