Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:55 pm on November 26, 2021 Permalink  

  Decorating 101 

  It was time to visit the treasure trove in the attic.  My passion in times past was counted cross stitching, doing Victorian Santas.  I would watch the sale options at Michael’s when it came to framing.  When the sale said 80% off, I would take in one Santa at a time and have them done behind UV glass.  

  This Christmas season I am going to enjoy them . . . all eight of them.  2007 was my first stitching.  I admit I am a bit short of wall space.  Dennis said it would be doable.  Slowly but surely they will be hung.  

  In thinking on this, I may have one more Santa within me.  Throughout this season I will check out my patterns and what I may have on hand in regard to fabric.  Heaven knows I am not short on DMC floss.  I have the time and with the will . . . it may just become reality.  I can’t fail if I don’t start.  This would be more appealing to me as I know I no longer have the rotation in the right wrist that crocheting mandates.  Gotta love those Ritus boys and Art is the worst one . . . thus said mother-in-law Esther Schafer.  Tee Hee.

  Last night we had supper around five in the late afternoon.  Before clearing the table, I had to sit and marvel at what was in the west sunset.  The colors in the top of the scape were of aquamarine and as they did an ombre, the colors on the bottom of the scape were of apricot colored hues.  The trees were black silhouettes causing the perfect scene.  These beautiful skies do not last but a few moments as the sun is setting.  Each evening I can’t wait to see what colors have been chosen in God’s pallet.

  We have one winterizing job left to do.  The black service door will not be used over these next months.  The door has been made as secure as possible when Kevin replaced the metal door latch for the door knob to catch into.  We have sheet foam to insert into the interior door opening and then cover it with plastic.  The slider doors are very air tight and Dennis has them locked for the winter months.  The service door going into the car garage will be the only access to the patio porch.  Very doable. 

  When Dennis comes in for supper we will have a meet and greet session as to where the remaining Santas will be placed.  A great meeting of the minds.

   
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  Noreen 3:02 pm on November 25, 2021 Permalink  

  What a Grateful Day 

  I can send many thanks to God Almighty today.  Dennis and I am thankful to have heard from Kevin and Carrie today and Ken as he is driving his 18 wheeler somewhere in Colorado.

  In a matter of days there will be only one more calendar page left.  Time waits for no one.  Dennis and I have no need to rush about.  We stay on track of day by day.  Our only wish is that we were spry enough to physically help out the kids.  That goes for both Carrie and Kevin.

  Kevin and Kersten opened up their own automotive repair shop this last May.  Kevin keeping shop hours five days a week and Kersten riding shot gun to lend an ear or pitch in from time to time after her job of managing Casey’s gives her a break.  Busy people they are.  It does my heart good knowing that they both work five minutes from their home.  No more treacherous driving in fog, ice and snow for Kevin.  The shop has been busy since day one and is a great addition to the City of Fairfax.

  The month of December is bringing changes to Carrie’s family.  The second week of December Carrie will be opening her own store. Carrie’s background is fashion merchandising.  After having worked at various stores, there is a lot of hands on knowledge in regard to what the public is looking for and how to present it.  I am sure the entire family will be on board making the store desirable for Christmas.

  I applaud both of my children for striking out and putting in hard work to find the correct independent fit for each of them.  As I mentioned, Dennis and I are beyond lending a physical hand but giving untold encouragement.

  Dennis and I have spent this day quietly.  Dennis in his patio porch and me rummaging in the attic.  Hmm.  It may begin to look like Christmas here on Stauffer Avenue sooner than later.

   
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  Noreen 2:43 pm on November 24, 2021 Permalink  

  Long Time Acquaintances 

  Today after I left the physical therapy department, I glanced over to see who was manning the information desk.  My, my.  

  In the mid seventies Orlin and I had bought Kevin’s first train set from them when we all were residents of rural Buffalo Lake.  Here we meet up 70 miles to the north as resident in St. James.  It truly is a small world.  The key to it all is that we have to be open to such happen stances.  Keep your head up and eyes wide open.

  As I took my walk today I was battling wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph.  The temps were mild enough to make it feel good.  They do forecast that changes may be coming.  I think changes are coming!  Our first heating bill came online and it is $123.00 for the past month.  I know Dennis has been running the furnace in the garage, but not to the extent of what that bill is.  Dennis has picked up from the news that heating costs are going to be up 60%.  Can’t do much about it but try to put on a heavier shirt or sweater.  

  Today is “unique talent day.”  I happen to have one.  I don’t give in and I don’t give up.  I believe Dennis has the same unique talent.  While Dennis was in recovery from having a toe amputated, he was following all instructions and kept on moving.  Wearing his wooden shoe to protect his foot he was mowing the acre, getting the snowblowers ready for snow and attending a school program for Nicholas.  His comment has been . . . considering what I had gone through earlier in the year he still had nine good toes and there were things that had to be done.  We do challenge each other to find things to keep our home up to par.  People that are squandering their days with nothing to show for their God-given days . . . go figure.

  Thankfulness is in abundance here on Stauffer Avenue.  May all of my family, lifelong friends and acquaintances find the peace tomorrow that passes all understanding. 

   
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  Noreen 4:41 pm on November 23, 2021 Permalink  

  Whew! 

  We are two appointments away from being done with Aspen Dental.  Whew!  They offer 100% satisfaction.  Dennis and I both needed to have work done.  I know that for both of us these are the last appliances we will need . . . unless something unforeseen happens.

  Something unforeseen happened to Lena while she was in the Buffalo Lake Care Facility.  Lena wore appliances for much of her adult life.  At a time when the flu bug was going around, Lena had an upset stomach and her lunch didn’t stay down.  She was savvy enough to use a container and rang for a an aide.  The aide was quick to appear and take the container from Lena and flush the contents down the toilet.  Wham bam!  Lena barely caught her breathe and when the aide appeared, Lena asked where her dentures were.  A red faced aide said she hadn’t looked at the contents of the container and all was flushed down the toilet.  The dentures had let go out of the mouth the same way her lunch had left the stomach.  What a panic.  On a day shortly after that, Lena had a ride in the facilities van to a clinic in Chaska called the Smile Clinic.  She had impressions done and shortly a new set of teeth arrived via UPS at the facility.  What an unforeseen event.

  With the work that Aspen Dental is doing, I know that our appliances will fit correctly and securely.  Now they are called appliances, aka: dentures.  Even the temporary ones have served us well.  Dr. Wagner in Buffalo Lake was the dentist that fit me for my first dentures.  Oh so many years ago when Carrie had drained me of all calcium in my system.  Baby came first.  It goes to show how unaware times were in regard to prenatal vitamins or prenatal health care.  

  If the winds were not howling, the 59 degrees would definitely feel like Indian Summer.  I will take the winds as long as there isn’t ice under foot.

  Tomorrow I am going to pick up the new lenses for my glasses.  I had the appointment in mid October and found out the current lenses were no longer as effective as they needed to be.  Last week I thought it was time to see why they had not called.  Immediately they thought the lab had screwed up.  Five minutes later a meek person called and said she had forgotten to send the order to the lab.  I wonder what happens to those elderly people that cannot advocate for themselves? 

  Time to close for the day.  I have been enjoying the beautiful sunsets.  This morning we were on the road at seven and who knew the sun rises were just as beautiful!

   
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  Noreen 4:35 pm on November 22, 2021 Permalink  

  Responses 

  As I while away time in the studio, I have come to realize something.  No matter what I find that takes time, energy or effort it does not get a heart beat increase response from me.  If I have to spend hours picking out stitches or seams, I take it in stride.

  When I see something or hear something from someone, though I may stay quiet, the angst begins to build, aka: a stressor.  I do try very hard to hold my tongue, but not often enough.  I am a logical thinker.  Why isn’t everyone a logical thinker?  I am a visual person, being able to see how things are going to play out.  Many people cannot visualize beyond their nose.

  I believe both of those tendencies make me a pain in many people’s asses.  So be it.  In defense, both of my parents worked their way through their lives thinking and visualizing as well.  I think I will continue to apologize to those I offend, make angry, or pass me by.  I will not be changing my ways.  There is something to be said for consistency that has served me well over the years.

  I got to the UPS depot and Lewis Drug.  Dennis’ prescription was zero co-pay.  The UPS package will be delivered to rural Litchfield tomorrow.  Great news all around.

  I will need to set the alarm for tomorrow as we need to be at Aspen Dental by eight in the morning.  One more item to get taken care before winter actually hits.  We are staying on track with our errands.

   
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  Noreen 2:50 pm on November 21, 2021 Permalink  

  Gusts of 35 MPH 

  The wind howling would put any howling dog to shame.  I chose not to walk today.

  I did retreat to the studio with firm determination to finish a flannel blanket.  I had a cousin, Dwayne, that everyone called Dewey.  It is Dewey’s daughter that had asked me to make a blanket for her grandson that will be born in February.

  I am known for working with what is at hand.  Thanks to daughter-in-law, Kersten, I had quite a few choices of flannel prints to choose from.  The price per yard was attached to all the fabrics Kersten passed along.  The flannel was $5.49 a yard.  In today’s quilt shop prices this is half of what is metered out.  I can attest to the three Christmas stockings I just finished last week, that flannel had been bought in an upscale shop in Hutchinson and I know it was $10.99 a yard.  The thread count is quite a bit more than my Kersten flannel.  I would prefer to work with the Kersten flannel any day of the week.  I washed it and dried what I had chosen as a lower count flannel would be apt to shrink.  I now know that my finished flannel crib blanket will not shrink regardless how many times it is laundered.

  The flannel in this crib blanket worked up like working with butter.  I used what batting I had and when I free motioned quilted it, it puffed up like little marshmallows, just what you want in a blanket to cuddle with.  The higher count flannels do not puff up.  I know this as the quilt Dennis has on his bed is heavy as it has the higher count flannel on top and bottom.  Dennis wouldn’t care if he didn’t have marshmallows . . . he was interested in the heft of it . . . and he got it.

  As it were, I have a flat box that this blanket is going to be going into, even if it has to be pushed into it.  Tomorrow at four I will be at the UPS’ depot with a Litchfield address. 

  I will be pulling back for any “please could you . . . would you” as these next several months I want to enjoy each day as “mine.” I want to slowly and lovingly prepare for my family’s visits.  Over the course of months that our home had been stripped to the bare bones of extras that would need dusting and care, I want Christmas in our home.  And . . . you know I can pull it off.  Dennis can roll his eyes only so far before he gets dizzy.  Tee Hee!

  As yesterday, I had the Christmas music on.  It quiets my heart, literally and figuratively.  It’s a good thing.  Yes . . . the wind is still howling.

   
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  Noreen 3:57 pm on November 20, 2021 Permalink  

  A Settled Feeling 

  Things are falling into place here on Stauffer Avenue.

  Dennis has all the batteries pulled on mowers and a car that we are storing as well as Dwayne’s tractor that is stored.  The garage on the far west portion of the acre is full and secured.

  All things in the studio went well.  The crib blanket is on the last stretch to completion.  I have learned that no matter how daunting a project may be . . . all I need to do is start.  After that it is one step at a time.  If I complete only a step and then tidy up, put supplies that were needed for that step away and then take a minute to regroup, I make fewer mistakes and continue to enjoy working on it.

  With this crib blanket, I could have taken “X” numbers of flannel squares, sewn them together and called it done.  It may not be a blanket for someone that is close to me, but I like to enjoy what I am doing and take pride that if it were for my grandchild, it would have been done with the same care and had the same outcome.  

  Kevin sent me a text to remind me of the radio station that would be playing Christmas music all day.  It was a peaceful afternoon and even using many safety pins to sandwich the blanket . . . the process went smoothly.

  So smoothly, that I went on to set the machine for free motion quilting.  A test swatch was needed to make sure I had the correct tension on the quilting foot, the size of stitch that would work the best, and last but not least, that I had a full bobbin.

  The first quilt that I did using free motion quilting was Kersten’s Pokemon quilt. It was quite large, but slowly but sure, I was pleased how it turned out. I have no paper printed pattern to use when I do free motion.  It is truly my free motion.  This afternoon the Christmas music gave me a bit of a beat to follow.  The free motion on the crib blanket went well.  What I have left for tomorrow is cutting a binding for hemming.  What I was happy with was how soft the flannel worked up.  It worked well to have laundered it first.  There won’t be any shrinking in time to come when it is used.

  I think it is time to consider supper.  Dennis just came in from the patio porch.  Saturday is winding down.

   
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  Noreen 3:19 pm on November 19, 2021 Permalink  

  Rock in my Pants 

  I cannot believe there is more wind to blow.  Wind from the southwest.  Lena would have known what that predicted.  Me . . . I know it was difficult to get my walk in and not feel tossed about.  A rock in my pants or at least in my pockets would have helped.  The surprising thing is that we do not have any loose branches that have come down during these days of high wind.

  It has been a morning of activity.  Dennis has had an eye injection for macular, his daughter brought over a car to store in the back garage and now Dennis and Dwayne are doing the “coffee thing” somewhere.

  For myself, it has been a quiet time in the studio working away with flannel while listening to KNUJ.  It is so similar to what Lena would have been doing after the outside work had been buttoned up.  Mom had taken a third bedroom in their home that faced the south for her sewing room.  The light was excellent.  Not to worry if the sun made the room too warm, I know for a fact the heat run to that room would have been closed off.  I agree.  I like my surroundings to be cool when I am at a project.  It worked out great as Raymond had a room in the basement that he had saws and a turning lathe in.  When the door was shut, it meant that he was working and had the vacuum running to catch sawdust.

  The flannel threads have been flying today in the studio.  I have the top to a baby crib blanket done.  As I type, I have the backing flannel in the washer and dryer.  The finished project is going to be 40″ x 44″.  As luck would have it, the batting piece I have had on the shelf is 50″ x 50″.  I will tackle sandwiching it tomorrow.  The most time intensive work is done.  Though I have a huge amount of lighting in the basement, you just can’t beat natural light coming in through a window. 

  I feel very fortunate to have the sewing studio that I have considering the size of home we have.  If Dennis did not have the patio porch, I am not sure how square footage would have been divided up.  As it is, our main floor doesn’t get much wear and tear, but dust bunnies and lint are in no short supply.

  My goal is to have the blanket on its way via UPS either before Thanksgiving or right after.  With no one waiting for their requests, a few windows are going to be tipped in and washed.  This fall, I do have plans looking forward.  What is different this fall . . . I don’t feel the need to hurry.  2021 thus far, has had an impact.

   
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  Noreen 4:34 pm on November 18, 2021 Permalink  

  Making Headway 

  PT went well today getting to the nitty gritty, with several exercises to do at home until we meet again next Wednesday.  These exercises are in addition to sitting on tennis balls.  Mike T has a great sense of humor . . . commenting that a stroke and heart surgery can take second fiddle to butt issues.  He assures me that this is going to be taken care of . . . just a bit of patience and perseverance is required.

  From PT I went to visit June.  June had been my neighbor down east on Stauffer Avenue for decades.  June is now an apartment dweller and enjoying it.  She still walks when the weather permits and has ample hall lengths when the weather is too blustery.

  I am thankful that Dennis liked the chili as we are doing a rerun for supper.  I had made sure that we had saltines.  I had remembered that they had more flavor than they have.  I got spoiled with snack crackers that have a bit of a buttery flavor. 

  Dennis and I are in for a quiet weekend.  Dennis is having an eye injection tomorrow and that does call for quiet afterwards.  I stand a better chance of fewer PT appointments in the future than Dennis does of injections in his future.

  Catch ya all tomorrow unless the wind has carried you off.

   
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  Noreen 2:48 pm on November 17, 2021 Permalink  

  Hanging Tight 

  The Northern Red Oak is still hanging tight to about 50% of its leaves.  Again, the winds are a steady 25 mph from the north with gusts into the 40s.

  The chili using bear ground meat and ground beef tastes wonderful.  I added bullion roasted onion.  The concentrated bullion is a paste.  I purchased the concentrate in onion and garlic.  It really works slick to add flavor easily.  I know there are other flavors as I have seen them advertised.  With the meat for the chili I added chili powder, black pepper, one can of tomato sauce, one can of tomato soup, one can of red beans, one can of black beans and four cups of water.  No salt.

  Today we drove down the highway 15 miles to Madelia for the single express purpose of purchasing flat egg noodles for beef stroganoff.  Same store brand in each of the towns, but St. James appears to have a different distribution link.  Not to worry, I purchased plenty. 

  As we drove home on the Hammond highway, there was mile after mile of rail crews adding new ties.  The equipment was varied and the man power was huge running different aspects of the equipment.  I couldn’t help but think . . . dad, Raymond, would have pulled over his little blue Chevy Luv pickup along side of the road and sat there watching the process.  All things mechanical intrigued him.  Dad had a very mechanical mind as his workshop had attested to.  Sweet memories.

  I still have some time before serving chili so hitting the studio it is, starting to square up flannel baby quilt blocks.