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  • Noreen 3:00 pm on December 6, 2021 Permalink  

    A Brisk Day 

    Waking to a brisk 9 above zero does not compare to the howling winds all night.  The awning that runs north to south on the front of our home sounded as if it wanted to set sail at any hour of the night. 

    I slept until seven this morning and Dennis was already in the patio porch having his breakfast and coffee.  When I looked out the bathroom window to the east . . . there was Snuggles laying on Dennis’ chest as the rocking chair went back and forth. The swirls from the garage chimney were doing their own bit of frolicking as the winds from the north blew them about.

    I had no intention of going anywhere today.  I knew by the time I had my coffee and breakfast the studio would be my next stop.  I completed two projects for family and now I am all about digging around in my own stashes.

    This afternoon Dennis came down into the studio with a roll of foam that we needed to make wider with some of my stash so as to fit snugly into the interior doorway of the black service door going into the patio porch from the patio.  The doorway will then have plastic taped over it.  It is, or I should say was, the only drafty spot in the patio porch.  Who knew that Gorilla duck tape would be the only tape that we had on hand to stick to tape the two together.  I only found that out by checking the computer.  The U-Haul wide tape did squat. 

    I would be lost were it not for asking my trusty Dell computer in the studio advice.  The HP in the living room would give the same good service if not for me having to run the steps.

    It is going to be a chicken casserole for supper, helping to add a bit of extra warmth to the kitchen.

    Tomorrow I have PT and an eye appointment in the forenoon.  Get them done and retreat to home, though the talk is of warmer temps.  As it is, I will need to dig out a winter coat and gloves.  Thus far, I had been spoiled with a quilted vest.

     
  • Noreen 11:54 am on December 5, 2021 Permalink  

    Peaceful Day 

    A day without the windchimes clanging is rare.  The little flag on the corner of the drive is indicating a southeast breeze with temps at 37 degrees.

    It is almost noon and I am not sprouting a whole lot of energy.  This week we had three trips to Mankato for medical and dentist, got twelve tip in windows cleaned, and lightened the load on the first floor by visiting the attic.  The living room ceiling isn’t showing signs of stress by bowing due to that visit, so we are good to go.

    One of my older carpet rag rugs is showing signs of some warp strings having broken.  Down to the studio to do a bit of zig zagging to give some saving grace.  When Orlin had bought a four harness Flying Shuttle loom from a gal in Willmar, Mn., we were in it to make rugs!  $.10 a foot.  We set it up in the basement of our then farm home. 

    Somehow a woman from the metro found out that we were looming.  She and her sister drove out to visit.  We agreed to the job that she laid out.  She would bring out the wool carpet rag balls that had been cut from coats to the width that we had instructed.  Talk about carpet rag balls of many colors.  Our loom wove up to 42″ wide.  We ordered the warp in the burgundy color she wanted from Lima, Ohio.  As we wove with the wool we would release the brake often and unroll the woven length to allow the wool to relax.  The length was important as she had someone that would weave multiple lengths of our looming into a room sized rug.  Yes, we charged more than $.10 a foot. 

    Hmm.  Talk about memories that can be brought to the forefront while mending my little yard-long rug that rests in front of our kitchen range.

    WreathsYesterday when I was going to post a photo, I then realized that a Windows 10 update had been done.  About the time that this Grammie has something nailed down . . . it is subject to change.  These small wreaths bring a smile to me when I glance out of my bathroom window.  Just as many wreaths that face our way, Jan has facing her home.  Sweet.

    Dennis-NappingI think Dennis was in for a long winter’s nap this forenoon.  His white hair is barely visible as he is snuggled into his heavy polar fleece blanket.  As busy as I was this last week . . . guess who was right beside me!  Whatever short comings we each have, the other is there to lend what is their strength.  It works very well for us.

    These next days the ornaments come out of storage to adorn the tree.

    A new week and it sounds like a weather change.  My nephew, Eric, from the Duluth area sent a photo of . . . white.  Hmm, I kind of like the green and brown.

     
  • Noreen 2:31 pm on December 4, 2021 Permalink  

    A Satisfying Day 

    It might be a dreary day, but who cares!  The world looks brighter when looking through clean windows.  Today was the last of the 64″ windows.  I didn’t do it for anyone but me.  Dennis got the windows up far enough to lock for nobody but . . .  me.  

    While the vacuum was out, I did get a swipe at corners.  Most importantly was the dryer vent.  The vacuum is going to stay in the west porch for a time.  It is so much easier than getting it off the attic steps to use.  Out of sight out of mind.  I see it every day and there is no denying where and when to use it.

    NoelThe last of the Christmas wall hangings was put into the stairwell going into the studio.  I do have more wall hangings than I have space to put up.  Dennis gets a vote.  He has discriminating taste when it comes to my stitching projects.  If Dennis had his way, our five foot Santa would be on the first floor of our home.  Not only do we have limited wall space, we have limited floor space.  What ever shall we do!  We decorate for our own enjoyment.

    I have one last item to do before the day gets much older.  A trip to the attic to put away some extra items that seem to be under foot.  I love our small home and need to make decisions on my level of comfort when it feels like “too much.”  Living minimal is our goal, but is easier said than done.  It is my situation of having an emotional attachment to work with and consider.  

    Let’s just call a spade, a spade.  The first floor of our home is a far cry easier than my studio.  The solution was put into place the first part of 2021.  No purchases!  I have stuck to that and have been quite content working from what I have.  Grant it, when Kersten shared with me a fair amount of sewing supplies . . . that did not count.  Tee Hee.

    House-DecorationDennis found quite a few green wreaths with red bows on them in the far back garage.  Hmm.  That stash had been forgotten.  Dennis had the best time placing them on the posts of the picket fence.  He even made sure that several faced neighbor Jan’s yard.  What a fellow. The wreaths and the red bow on the front door does make it feel very festive.   I have since had a situation of loading photos and will try tomorrow to load Dennis’ picket fence.

    It has been a long enough day.  Catch ya all tomorrow.

     
  • Noreen 3:04 pm on December 3, 2021 Permalink  

    New Day – New Energy 

    It is awesome what a good night’s rest can deliver.

    We have 64″ tall windows in the living room and Dennis’ bedroom.  They are double sashed. What makes it more challenging is that they also have mini blinds covering them.

    By nine this morning I knew I was at a point of no return.  I had taken the duvet coving off of my feather comforter to launder.  I had put hot sudsy water in the bathtub to clean the blinds.  Suds in the laundry and suds in the bathtub.  I was in it to the finish.

    The windows tip in and with the vacuum to vacuum the screens and window wells, we were putzing right along.  It didn’t take me long to realize that today was cooler then Wednesday when I had done the west porch windows.  It is one thing to have everything glistening clean and another to get the windows pushed down and pushed up to lock.  Nope, I couldn’t get the arm power to do the job.

    Dennis came in and he also had a tough time to get the top sash pushed up to lock.  Out he went and when he came in he had his can of Blaster Silicone.  Just a bit of it sprayed along the tracks, he gave the sashes a push and held them there while I locked those two windows.  Whew.  By that time I had both blinds cleaned and ready to hand them off to him to put back up.  My oh my, what a great feeling.  Dennis is going to be on hand when we tackle his two bedroom windows tomorrow.  In the meantime, Dennis is back out in the patio porch.

    While I had a tray of frozen scones in the oven, I tackled stuffing the feather comforter into the duvet.  I have all four corners literally pinned down.  When Dennis returns we need to take the four corners in our hands and loft it several times until it is the full size that is meant to be and then put on my bed.

    Yes, indeed.  I can’t say for Dennis, but I indeed had new energy.  One more day with two more 64″ windows and I can get into back into the studio.  Yippee.

     
  • Noreen 4:24 pm on December 2, 2021 Permalink  

    Oh My Goodness 

    The checkup today on the missing toe sight went well.  Initially, Dennis’ foot was wrapped for four weeks after surgery.  When the wrappings came off the stitches were also removed at that time.  What was a surprise at that time was the bunion area of that foot.  It looked angry, and we were told to put moisturizer on it.

    Today that bunion area took the focal point.  It is now deemed an open wound.  Dennis will be on antibiotics for seven days.  Once a day I am to bathe the wound via gauze with Acetic Acid and cover with a self adhesive soft silicone foam dressing.  We will be returning in two weeks for yet another checkup.  What was cleaned out to make it an open wound were gout crystals very easily identified even from where I was sitting, as well as drainage once the area was opened up.  Oh my goodness.  Talk about what can happen, will happen.  

    On the way home, we stopped in Lake Crystal for a Dairy Queen cone.  First one in 2021.  We thought a treat was warranted . . . and it was.

    It was so good to get home.  It feels like we need some serious home time . . . I surely do.  I do very easily get worn out if home time is denied me.  Three trips in four day to the big city does wear on one . . . meaning ME!

    At 4:15 it is 44 degrees but the sky is very gray.  I just checked the patio porch through the bathroom window and Dennis has nodded off.  I can’t say I blame him.

    Tomorrow is bound to have new energy for us.  The little red pickup deserves a break.

     
  • Noreen 4:18 pm on December 1, 2021 Permalink  

    Too Pooped to Pop 

    I might be weary but eight west porch windows have been cleaned.  They tip in for ease of cleaning.  I am not saying they are totally streak free.  I am saying that the hard water spots on the exterior glass is gone.  Denis washes the siding of the house several times during the summer and city water is as hard as rocks.  Stauffer Ave. is gravel and I need not say any more about that.  Dennis had planned on one more wash for the season, but the toe that needed to be removed took presidents.

    A time back Kevin brought over CLR Foam cleaner.  It takes the hard water spots off . . . right now.  The windows do need to be rinsed well to take off any residue.  I will swap out a few streaks rather than hard water spots any day.  On a good day when the shade of the day hides the streaks, there is no way the hard water spots can ever be seen through.  In Dennis’ defense, when he washes off the house siding the muddy water runs down in rivulets.  Well worth it to keep the house looking good.

    When the windows get done, if I could wiggle my nose and make the west porch ten feet wider, that would be ideal to maneuver a full size bed from side to side.  Dennis is close at hand until I am done.

    Our trip to Aspen Dental yesterday was our last trip, with no unforeseen adjustments.  The best thing is to chew, chew, chew to see if there are some sore spots that need adjusting.  Kevin shared with me a memory of Grandpa Raymond.  My folks had come to South Branch to visit.  Grandpa had just gotten a new set of Dentures.  Grandpa winked at Kevin and out to Kevin’s shop they went.  Grandpa used Kevin’s Dremel electric tool and proceeded to do his own adjusting on the dentures.  When they came back into the house, Grandpa was all smiles and Kevin had a sheepish grin on his face.  DIY dentistry at its best.

    Late this afternoon, Dennis’ grandson, Ryan, stopped in and our huge red bow is on the front door for the season.  This will be our third year of the Hobby Lobby score.  After Christmas the $100.00 huge red velvet ribbon had been 90% off.  I did not confer with Dennis who was in his little red pickup watching people coming and going from the store.  I had all I could do to balance it in the cart as I headed for the pickup.  After the holiday season each year, we set the ribbon on a plastic sheet, pulling up all four corners and using clothes pins to secure it. We then hang it from a ceiling hook in the far corner of the patio porch.  

    Tomorrow we are back in Mankato for the last check on his foot where the toe was removed.  The site really looks great.  One more item to check off before winter has truly arrived.  For two older ones, we don’t seem to let grass grow under the little red pickup tires.

     
  • Noreen 10:56 am on November 30, 2021 Permalink  

    November is Done 

    The year is marching on whether I am ready for it or not.

    Mornings after a sound night of sleep should be ready to march on.  Hey . . . not so fast!  I do take time to lay flat and do some exercises to rotate the back and twist from side to side to allow the body to realize we will be getting upright soon.

    My left arm and hand are not all that excited.  My left hand has curled into the fist during the night, into that post-stroke position.  There is more work to be done to get some cooperation.  I do have my cane right next to the bed.  I am as wobbly when I take my first steps in the morning as I am after a full day.  That is the lasting effects that have become customary and usual.  If we can help it, we don’t schedule much in the early mornings.  It takes time to get into the grove of the day.  

    In the scheme of things, my days could have much more severe spells when it comes to movement.  I do miss being able to handle a full sized sandwich with two hands.  I still have not achieved using a knife in conjunction with a fork to cut meat.  There are so many foods that can be handled with one hand and a fork.  I have lots of time.

    Doing dishes is easier to do than drying them.  Doing the dishes can easily be done by backing them into a corner of the sink to get them clean.  Silverware needs to have two hands for drying, or . . . lay them on a clean dish towel and dab them into surrender.

    General housework goes well.  It is those finite motor skills that I will not give up on . . . and that is where my studio comes into play.  Unfortunately, I bless things a bit too often, when getting into the nitty gritty of projects.  Nothing has hit the circular file, aka: the waste basket.  I take my time and don’t plan on working at the machine for long durations.  I take breaks and find something to tidy before hitting the foot peddle of the machine again.  It works!  My life might be different on a day-to-day basis, but it’s still ME!

    We have our home decorated for Christmas.  There might be one more Christmas wall2021-Santa hanging to put in the basement stairwell.  The crowning achievement was when Carrie got Santa out of storage.  He will be greeting everyone from his Old Santa (Small)place at the base of the stairwell going into the studio.  In 2019 when Dennis had gone on a trip with nephew Brett, I gave a weary Santa a makeover.  He had spent his younger years at the lobby of a bank in Fairfax.  Kevin and Kersten rescued him and brought him to St. James.  He needed me.

    It’s time for me to head to PT and then Dennis and I will be heading to Aspen Dental.

     
  • Noreen 4:31 pm on November 29, 2021 Permalink  

    One Away 

    We are one away from our last visit to Aspen Dental in Mankato.  Today Dennis was in and out in a flash.  The wax molds for Dennis’ upper and lowers hit on all points.  For me, the nurse called in the dentist and he shook his head.  The lab gal was called in.  The dentist was not happy about where #23 and #24 were hitting with the bottom mold for proper alignment.  They needed to come to the forefront a bit.  It was back and forth for some time before everyone agreed that it was a “go.”  Amazing how that lab person could work with the wax molds right there in her corner of the world.  At the final approval, had I not known it was wax, it could have for the whole world been permanent teeth in shape and color.  Now that was a “lab gal.”

    Tomorrow at three we return to Aspen Dental and we will have delivery of our dentures.  The lab does the finals right there on site.  Amazing.  I have worked with several different dentists.  The impressions were taken, sent away, and when the phone call came, the permanent dentures were a done deal, thank you very much, pay the bill and . . . goodbye!  Aspen has done a wonderful job going forward for customer satisfaction.  I have three crowns in my bottom jaw.  The color of those teeth are not a consideration going forward.  All the people at Aspen, checked my smile.  It was the top teeth that had took the smile monitor.  Going forward those three teeth played second fiddle. There may be a follow up, if after having them in the mouth with the chewing aspect going, a slight adjustment is covered.  I will be thrilled to have this over with before the real winter hits.

    The sun was out and now in mid afternoon it is still 56 degrees.  Sweet!

    It feels like this day needs to come to a close.  It has been agreed upon that it is eggs, sausage and toast for supper.

     
  • Noreen 4:05 pm on November 28, 2021 Permalink  

    City Girls Come Visiting 

    Megan and Carrie came to visit today from the metro area.

    It was catch up time as to how Megan’s eight-day senior trip had gone to Porto Rico.  120 students had made the trip.

    Rooms within homes that had been flooded during the hurricane five years ago were scrapped and then given a fresh coat of paint.  Flat roofs that leaked were painted with a sealant.  Homes that had had brush piled up around their homes from flooding were cleared.  Many home pantries would have several cans of beans and rice for the family’s meals, but little else.  Certain days of the week, people would gather at a town square for community food distribution.  Mango and coconut trees were prevalent.

    The meals that the students had were heavy on rice and beans and some pork protein and sleeping was on wood slat beds with mattresses of canvas covering straw.  Mosquitos found targets during the nights, and spiders during the days.  Shower areas were most often a pipe overhead with no shower heads or more times than not the water was cold.  Not all homes had running water.  Water taken from streams had a solution of bleach added to make the water drinkable.  None of the students were to drink anything other than bottled water.

    Megan said the treat was swimming in the ocean twice.  On the day they left for home, there were boxes to donate items of what they had come with for the village people.  Most donated the pillows and sheets as each child had had to bring their own for the duration. 

    The trip was interesting, but Megan commented that sleeping in her own bed and using a toilet that flushed . . . awesome.

    For the chaperons, the comment was that the accommodations in Porto Rico were so much better than when they had gone with previous senior trips to the Dominican Republic.  Hmm.

    Life’s lessons that could not be explained but only through experience.  Sweet.

    Megan also got some cat Snuggle time while they were visiting here today.  Megan has always loved grandpa’s cats.

     
  • Noreen 2:43 pm on November 27, 2021 Permalink  

    Sunny Saturday 

    From the first this morning it was a beautiful day and the wind chimes were at it.  Winds from the northwest and the temps would tumble from the morning.  I did let the north wind blow me down Stauffer for a brisk walk.  Walking home against the wind made me realize I need to dig out a cap and mittens before the real winter hits.

    Remaining-SantasThe south living room wall has the remaining five Santas . . . hung as best and straight as us older ones could.  I know there will be help coming in the days to come, if it is needed.  The Santas left plenty of room for our tall and skinny pre-lit Christmas tree to stand in the corner. 

    I purchased the tree last year in Michael’s.  I had checked various online sites and I couldn’t pass up a tree for $49.99.  Kersten unpacked the tree last Thanksgiving for us and set it up.  A seven foot skinny tree was a great find.  The options for a huge amount or ornaments on the short limbs is limited.  I know Dennis would be content with just the lights.  That  may happen.

    Jackson was the site of a trade show today that Dennis headed out to.  It will give him a chance to kibitz with fellows he doesn’t see very often.  There is nothing like swapping tales of who has the best selections on their tables.  It has been four years since Dennis would set up his wares.  Dennis decided it was more fun to be on the move and visit than to be tied down.

    If I didn’t know better, I would swear the wayward boxelder bugs are arriving in my studio from the tile around the perimeter.  One a day, two a day . . . too many.

    The aroma of scones baking never gets old even if they went into the oven from a frozen state.

     
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