Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 1:17 pm on July 22, 2021 Permalink  

  One More Time 

  One more blood draw to see how the recovery is going post surgery.  All aspects were mid point.  Way to go!  We are on track, just not a terribly fast one. 

  I did challenge my medical records as they have listed me as having Stage 2 kidney disease.  I wanted to know where and when that had been determined.  Via the computer records at my doctor’s finger tips, all my blood work right up to the time of the stroke always put the items that earmark the kidneys, right at midpoint.  In fact, the blood draw of his morning indicated I was midpoint.  It was found that perhaps after intravenous testing, it may have tipped the scales.  It can’t change past comments on my history, but I feel better knowing it is not going to be in my currant situation.  We may still leave the salt shaker off of the table. 

  When I came home Dennis was washing off the house.  Bubbles everywhere.  He had commented on the abundance of cobwebs on the sides of the house and how the winds had caught spears of grass in them.  Well . . . no more.  It amazes me how Dennis keeps moving and how great it is.  No couch potato here.

  I am rewarding Dennis with homemade potato salad for supper.  He has always said I could put Mrs. Gerry’s deli products to shame.  It was great finding out the onion that I had wrapped in paper towels and had put in the crisper of the refrig was just as solid as when I had put it there in February.  I had bought a fairly large bag of onions and in reading the printed info on the bag that was the suggestion for storing them.  We had not been doing a lot of cooking as of late, so this was nice to know good onions can be kept for a time.  Dennis likes the potato salad with almost equal amounts of potatoes, boiled eggs and onions.

  It does seem that an appointment in the morning sure can take the shine off of the rest of the day.  The rhythm of my day has been broken.  I am not a one-note person, but it screws me up.  I’s a good thing the medical appointments are getting to be far in between.

   
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  Noreen 11:50 am on July 21, 2021 Permalink  

  Beating the Heat 

  We try to beat the heat when it comes to using the oven.  Early morning hours works best as well as running the clothes dryer in the earlier hours.  It all helps in the late afternoons when the sun has heated through . . . everything.

  I had mentioned quite some tome ago that Dennis felt a scone for breakfast outdid a sweet roll or a donut any day.  At a time when I was not as yet mobile, Dennis made the trip to the grocery store.  I had told him just where the scones could be found on the bakery shelves.  The trip to the store took him . . . forever.

  When he came home, I had not expected to hear clunks as he put down some bakery bags.  Dennis had talked to the Hispanic gal in charge of all things yummy.  Dennis came home with two dozen frozen scones so we could bake out as many as we wanted at a time.  I would have liked to have been a mouse in the corner as the ole cowboy broached the request.  Nonetheless, Dennis had been in charge of fixing his scones ever since.  I must say, they beat any other pastry.  

  With the forecast for the day, Dennis had the oven preheating to 350 degrees early.  Six scones were being put on the parchment paper.  One a day with the remaining ones in a container in the refrig.  He has his glaze, powdered sugar and a bit of water, for the top figured out so as it dries, it seals the top after they have cooled.  I must say, as they bake out the aroma of blueberries is quite wonderful.  Thirty minutes and it is a done deal.

  Dennis has achieved more of his own errands as I was not able to these last months.  He knows just where to go in the Family Dollar for his Lemon Heads.  They are a very tart little hard candy to get the saliva glands cranked up.  Meds can dry out the mouth to make it feel like you are choking.  Carrie found these for Dennis in the winter and he has been a fan ever since.  Earlier this week he came home with nine boxes, at $1.00 each, to make sure he would not run out.

  Both Dennis and I have learned much this 2021 year, thus far.  Sweet indeed . . . literally.

   
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  Noreen 3:24 pm on July 20, 2021 Permalink  

  Change in Home-Bound Schedule 

  Dennis and I started some dental work after I had recovered somewhat after my stroke in late March.

  I needed a new partial on the bottom as I lost one of my original teeth that the partial hooked onto.  That partial frame had been with me since I was 21, the year Carrie was born in 1965.  Dr. Wagner of Buffalo Lake was my dentist at the time.  Full top plate and a partial on the bottom all at the same time.  Yippee!  I am a poster person for encouraging women to take Vitimins when pregnant.

  Dennis was in need of also having a new partial.  We decided to both go through the process together.  As it turned out, we both had extractions that were needed.  Not much with menu planning for a while.

  Today we had our two month checkup in Mankato.  Both Dennis and I are on track.  This experience with a dentist is foreign to me.  Both Dennis and I were fitted with temporary appliances immediately after the extractions.  There was no running around with gapping holes in our mouths.  As I said, all is going well.  

  Our schedule here at home for the day was . . . take whatever comes down the pike, and we have.  We made a short stop for some groceries . . . well, mostly taxable items to keep the homestead humming.  As sticky warm as it was, we opted out of eating out anywhere.  A restaurant full of sticky warm people did not interest us.  We are never caught not having food for a meal here on Stauffer Avenue.

  What we did pick up was a package of three Mr. Clean spray bottles.  Here is the story:  Our vinyl flooring in the kitchen and bath has more years on it than it is suppose to last.  In high traffic areas the factory surface has taken a beating.  The Mr. Clean Erasers do a great job, better than a mop and cleanser in the water.  We have no plans of replacing the flooring when we know how to get the beautiful light gray appearance back.  Yesterday I tackled the stove top and Dennis tackled the floors: first with the erasers and then a general mopping.  His back felt it.  A lot of close personal TLC while bending.  I have seen the Mr. Clean Mop in the stores . . . no refills stocked.  I have seen the refills . . . no mop.  We are thinking that with the spray it will take some of the grunt work away, and by using our Swiffer mop and applying soft rags to the mop head, we may end up with the same great results of enjoying that great light gray flooring a bit longer.  Time will tell.  I am keeping a supply of the erasers just in case.

  By the way, our fare for supper is Shore Lunch soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

   
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  Noreen 2:35 pm on July 19, 2021 Permalink  

  Falling into Place 

  Amazingly, my days are falling into place.  A routine that feels good.  By no means a fast pace, just getting something done for each day that has been given to me.  

  I do plan on going into the sewing studio each morning for a short stint.  The three yards of border fabric yields two sides of the tablecloth.  I had two three-yard lengths.  After doing one such cutting this morning, I realized I need to put a new blade into my rotary cutter. Tomorrow I will have one last cut to make in my decorative border fabric and then all is ready for assembly. 

  Coming upstairs,  the first item was sitting down for a break with water.  The top of the kitchen range was on the slate.  A splatter here, a splatter there and add a kettle of pasta that managed to boil over . . . it cries out for help.  A sink full of hot sudsy water works wonders. 

  This afternoon I made contact with Aunt Janet.  With the heat settling in for the remainder of the week, doing a check-in when you know they aren’t venturing out . . . it’s a good thing.  Dennis on the other hand is quite mobile . . . rain or shine . . . hot or cold.  Dennis is off having coffee with buds.  I think it’s great.  Commiserating allows one to know how others spend their time when there is no grass to mow.

  I am enjoying a Monday feeling optimistic as I know the importance of having a routine that makes for a balanced life.  It takes more patience than I knew I had.

   
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  Noreen 2:03 pm on July 18, 2021 Permalink  

  Cabin Fever 

  Yesterday I felt it . . . cabin fever.  There has not been any reason for me to go anywhere.  Last week we had been over to Kevin for a repair.  It felt great.  What I really noticed at Kevin’s garage was the air flow through the long building via some strategically placed fans from east to west.  That will serve him well this week as another hot spell is on its way. 

  Back to cabin fever.  It was decided that if I could hang out until today, Sunday, we would go grocery shopping.  I had a list going.  Yes, I can drive.  I don’t feel comfortable as yet to trek through the store for a long period of time.  I have mentioned it before, feeling stable in our home and outside on the patios is far different than being in unknown surroundings.  Some days are different than others.  It could be mind over matter or the reverse.

  We did get our groceries.  Dennis said I looked dressed for the occasion.  I had earrings in my ears. The first time since they had been removed by nurses in February.  They have been in a small container with the same info on it as all the wrist bands had.  Yup, they were mine!  I got the right earring in, but Dennis had to help with the left one.  Gotter done.  They are the type and size that can remain in for an extended length of time.  

  Many decades ago my sister, Elvera, and I had gotten our ears pierced together.  Since, I had always worn earrings, Dennis would comment that I didn’t look dressed without them.  Forewarned . . . I am now dressed for whatever may come.

  When I walked this morning I had to stop and admire the Russian Sage next to the west porch.  It is beautiful and the bees are loving the delicate purple blooms.  Last year I had dug out the area and put in new dirt and amended it.  I couldn’t be more pleased.  No fuss . . . just enjoyment of them.  I will not hesitate to add a few plants next year in the backyard.  This is a perennial that does not disappoint.

  Here we are looking at the beginning of a new week . . . less the cabin fever.  Sweet.

   
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  Noreen 10:40 am on July 17, 2021 Permalink  

  Work in Progress 

  Each day I am a work in progress.  Walking without my cane in constant use is my latest attempt.  It’s hard to do anything when one hand and arm is busy getting the cane to cooperate.  I am very careful and know my limit.  I find the late day hours allow for more wobbling.  That might be the reason I fold up and go to bed at nine each night.

  

  Again, today I visited my studio.  Not for the long haul, but to push myself a little at a time.  The tablecloth is beginning to look as if it might be.  Carrie’s walls in the living area and dining room are navy blue.  When I was given seasonal border yardage, I felt I needed to do something with it.  Last year, Old Al ley Quilt Shop had the perfect 108″ width blue to match what was in the border print.  The bottom of the border print has a band of the dark blue design.  The accurate seaming will be what makes it all come together.  The Process on this project had begun.  I had not counted on it being delayed into 2022.  No matter.  I am here now.

  What I have noticed is that over the last six months I may have missed a step in getting my photos as I had before.  The program may have been updated and I have been downgraded for now.  I just need to play around with it . . . and play with it I did.  It is amazing what can be forgotten when not used consistently.  I need to repeat the steps in upcoming posts.

   
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  Noreen 2:29 pm on July 16, 2021 Permalink  

  We Agreed 

  When I got home after being gone for four days having had surgery, Dennis and I needed to chat.  Home health care was set up to visit our home as often as several times a week to help with . . . whatever.  Hmm.

  Dennis and I decided we could handle me and our home for whatever came up.  Handle it we have.  Dennis pitches in with all that I can’t do.  The most difficult for me is unloading the washing machine and then unloading the dryer.  The touching of the machine to my skin is still too sensitive.  Our favorite place to meet for folding clothes is the sofa.  Sweet.

  We are so accustomed to taking care of each other, a stranger coming into our home, even if labeled as licensed assistance . . . not so much.  We fill in the gaps of what each of us finds as a challenge.  The joys of having a small home that is tricked out with minimalism works great.  Both Dennis and I have shared much with our kids that we feel we no longer need in our home. 

  Today I toddled down to the sewing studio and looked around.  I still need what I have down there.  It instills in me the will and desire to overcome a few shortcomings from the stroke and surgery.  It felt great to turn on the lights, get the iron hot and freshen up some of my shirts that had stayed too long in the dryer.  The wrinkles didn’t bother me as I knew staying on top of our laundry may get waylaid on the final step.

  While I was downstairs I laid out fabric that will soon be cut for the border of a tablecloth.  I have the 82″ x 42″ cut for the top of the table and I also have the math done as to how to cut this decorative border with enough length to miter the corners.  Yes . . . I need all that I have in my studio.  It will play a large part in my tomorrows of enjoying good health. 

  As I take care each day in my routine of taking care of my incision, it still can take my breath away that this happened to me . . . and my recovery is going oh so well.  So . . . how could I not work side by side with Dennis in taking care of all that is needed in our beloved forever home.  Life is sweet and God is good.

   
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  Noreen 1:17 pm on July 15, 2021 Permalink  

  Mild Temps 

  What’s not to love when the temps are mild right into the late afternoon.  

  We had errands to run.  Dennis does the driving and I do the in and outing of places.  It is actually good exercise for me, as me and the cane have one speed . . . slow.

  The grocery store was in line after the post office.  When we had some pork steak as an oven meal, there were leftovers.  Leftovers make good repurposed meals.  I needed some egg noodles, and sour cream.  I have had some of the refrigerated “Better than Bullion” in the sautéed onion and garlic flavor on hand.  It is in a jellied form in a small jar.  When the noodles were still hot, I whipped in a large tablespoon of the sautéed onion bullion, a bit of olive oil and a cup of sour cream.  The diced pork was the last be be folded in.  I topped it off with fresh ground pepper.  It looks very appealing to be popped in the oven latter on.

  The last stop had been the Lewis Drug.  If I could do a happy dance and remain upright I would have as there was no co-pay due on Dennis’ three month supply of Warfarin.  We feel so blessed that our insurance premiums each month, that amount to a few cents over $15.00 for each of us, serves us well.

  I do have supper ready and the kitchen prep has been cleaned up.  I am ready for some chair time.

  As a thought:  a kind friend brought me donuts for my Wednesday and Thursday breakfast.  How could I not accept them and then go on to enjoy them these last two mornings.  They did taste oh so good as I have not had anything from the pastry counter in months and months.  I told Dennis “not again.”  The sugar high wore off both mornings and I could feel a downward spiral.  I will be sticking to my plain yogurt, flax meal topped with blueberries or apple sauce.  Every once in awhile falling off the wagon does teach a valuable lesson, much like not having carbonated soda beverages which are hard on the kidneys loaded with . . . nothing good, in the house.

   
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  Noreen 2:19 pm on July 14, 2021 Permalink  

  An All Day Rain 

  This rain today is slow and being soaked up gently.  No chance of run-off.

  Sometimes there are things that niggle in the back of the mind.  Today was the day to act on it.  I had a phone number of a life-long friend.  I had no idea if it was still viable.

  When Orlin and I were striking out to farm we were new to Boon Lake Township as a family.  I had grown up on the family farm in the southern part of Boon Lake Township.  My friend Sharon’s parents lived in the northern part of Boon Lake Township.  Ironically, we both went to rural schools, just not the same one.  Both Sharon and I had acquaintances in common via neighborhood gathers, picnics and possibly 4-H.  

  Orlin was from Hector and Sharon’s husband, Ted, was from that same area.  The fellows had known of each other.  In the mid 60s Orlin and I were farming just a mile or so down the road where Ted and Sharon were farming.  So the acquaintances became a long-lasting friendship.  Ted and Sharon remained farmers . . . us not so much.

  Though the strands of friendship may have become fragile, there is enough strength meant to remain strong enough to go through decades.  Sharon now lives outside of the metro.  Ted and Orlin are no longer with us . . . but close in memories.  They only get sweeter with time.

  This morning the niggling got the best of me and I made the phone call.  Hmm.  We still sounded the same to each of us.  This will be just the first of contact between us.  We are both mobile and there may be a meeting point halfway for a true catchup.

  I felt a lift in my spirits after the call.  I went into the studio and whiled away several hours.  It bears the thought that sometimes in the depths of our hearts . . . we do know what we need.  All it takes is to keep the lines of communication between our brains and our bodies open and then act on it,  I know my body does not lie to me.

   
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  Noreen 4:04 pm on July 13, 2021 Permalink  

  Biggest Day Yet 

  After the morning exercises, I did spend some time in the sewing studio measuring some fabric.  I have had a plan since 2020 to make a tablecloth for Carrie.  A border print was given to me and I had found the fabric for the top of the table at Old Alley Quilts.  Today what I got done was to wash and dry the fabric.  I am glad I did as my sheets that soak up dyes in the wash cycle did its job.  That was the extent of studio work.

  After lunch I headed to the drug store as we had several prescriptions to pick up.  The total was $5.38 for all three and all three are filled for 90 days.  Sweet.

  I had not been to see June in her apartment since the early part of June.  Sharing a glass of Lipton’s ice tea was great while we caught up with each other’s news.  June is happy to have made the move from home owner to renter.  

  As I was leaving June’s, I got an email that Dennis’ little red pickup was ready to be picked from having the brakes replaced.  Son, Kevin, has opened his own shop in Fairfax and we are on his list of clients.  We drove to Fairfax in our car and I will follow Dennis home as he drives his little red pickup.  Wouldn’t you know, we came home with the back of the truck bed full.  Kevin inherited quite a free goodies from the previous owner as he walked out the door.  This will be right up Dennis’ alley to work with said items to see if there is life, trade, or barter in his newly acquired stuff.

  We got home too late to do the oven roast for supper.  Yippee!  I have been waiting for just such a situation to have a frozen pizza.  Dennis is not crazy about pizza but I also know he is too weary to take himself to the café up town.

  It has been a full day and I do feel it.  It does not hurt me one bit to take part in what a normal day presents.  Bed time will feel wonderful.