Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:06 pm on July 12, 2021 Permalink  

  The Power of Push 

  Each day requires me to push just a bit more.  Going up and down the basement steps each morning is in my schedule.  I can’t say it’s a bad feeling in the legs and hips and the next time I do it, it feels better.  Move, move move. I walked to the east edge of the acre this forenoon and checked out the Hosta under the Hackberry tree and then did a round on the drive.  Push, push.  

  When I got into the house I was ready to sit a bit.  My eyes did close for a bit until the phone rang. 

  Dennis mowed the acre today.  I took a bottle of water out as he was finishing up and we sat on the back patio to take in how wonderful the acre looked.  The perennials are thick enough to keep weeds at bay.  In regard to weeds . .  I am betting on my 2022 to be at my best for taking better care of what Dennis doesn’t with the mower.

  I have wrangled the laundry and taken care of the dishes in the sink.  It’s been a good day.

  I truly believe a huge portion of my recovery and health at this time stems from the positive thoughts.  I get excited about the good that is coming in the days to come and kick the negative “what ifs” to the back burner. 

  No one can really know how I feel right now.  Yes . . . there is pressure when I cough or sneeze.  I feel discomfort at the oddest movements.  So be it.  It is getting better and with a bit more push each day, I am the one that will know when enough is enough.  Rocking chair time is important, only triumphed by a good night’s rest.

   
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  Noreen 2:00 pm on July 11, 2021 Permalink  

  Enough Talk 

  There has been enough talk about getting Dennis’ little red pickup over to Kevin’s Garage in Fairfax.  Today seemed like the day!  My first time driving in a month following Dennis down the highway to our destination.

  Driving didn’t present a problem for me.  One more step back to independence after surgery.

  It was great to have a short visit, stretch my legs and have Dennis drive us back home.  What I noticed was the wearing of a seat belt across my chest for that length of trip.  When Kevin and Kersten brought me home from Rochester, it was a much longer trip but I was also full of anesthetics and pain pills.  It will be several days before we make the return trip . . . and I will be ready for it.  Not to worry.

  As we drove home, we noticed huge fields of wheat.  Talk about amber waves of grain.  August is the month for harvest.  If there are no strong wind storms to lay the stalks down . . . it will be a great harvest.  All of the crops in our area look wonderful.  It may mean that the farmers will be sporting new vehicles.  Not so from what we saw at the dealership in Sleepy Eye and not from what the news people report.  Everyone is short of some computer component or another for manufacturing. 

  Here on Stauffer we have all we need for our day-to-day life and enjoyment.  Less is more and we do it well.   What Monday morning needs is less laundry waiting to be washed.  Suds time awaits.

   
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  Noreen 2:42 pm on July 10, 2021 Permalink  

  A Saturday 

  When Saturday rolls around there are vibes of mom, Lena, that tickle me in the back of my neck.  Saturdays were days to get the household ready for the coming week when there would be too much farm work to take care of to stay in the house.

  Enough bread was baked to last the week.  Boiled potato water had been saved throughout the week to use for bread making.  Lots of nutrients and flavors.  Ironically, there is a bread that is labeled Potato Bread that we often choose off of the bread aisle of the grocery store.

  Today my objective was to wash the sofa pillows that do double duty non-stop. Putting three in the washing machine was the perfect balance.  When they came out of the clothes dryer one of them had taken on the appearance of a crabby Mr. Magoo from the Donald Duck cartoons.  In time from being fluffed and used it will resemble the original square.

  The next item was to take afghans to the clothes dryer with a damp bath towel and a clean pair of tennis shoes for some freshening up.  I do put a few drops of fabric softener on the damp towel.

  As the day was rolling along, Dennis ventured up into the attic to open the window that faces to the west.  We do have roof vents but attics have their own unique aroma that needs a bit more air movement than the vents allow.  We will leave the attic step closure and window open for a time . . . always watching the weather patterns.

  I did do the waltz with the Swiffer mop.  Amazing what it finds.  Not the Saturday of times of old, but Lena . . . we did do due diligence.  Couldn’t have done it without what you had instilled in me decades ago.  Priceless.

  No time for a nap but a bit of “sit-down” with feet up is required.  I would rather do a little bit each day and feel fulfilled rather than overdoing it and paying the price for days. I am so happy that there are leftovers for supper.

   
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  Noreen 2:51 pm on July 9, 2021 Permalink  

  There Are Times 

  There are times when the stomach may growl.  What to put in it . . . hmm.  Nothing appeals.  Even thinking of all the contents and aisles in a store . . . nada.  Dennis and I were determined we would get this figured out.  I made sure I had on good shoes and I headed down Stauffer Avenue thinking I needed a fairly good walk to clear my head and work up an appetite.

  I walked east far enough to knock on Chuck and Bonnie’s door to bid them a hello.  I knew that they were leery of coming to see me in the event I didn’t feel up to a visit.  We did indeed have a good visit while I sat on their patio bench and caught my breath before making the return trip home.  Yup . . . pushing myself a bit felt wonderful.

  When I got home Dennis had cauliflower chunked, two cans of water-packed chicken, Alfredo sauce, pasta measured and a can of green beans for color ready to open.  It was a plan.  I pitched in and we will be eating a great supper . . . and perhaps a helping for two to pop in the freezer for another time.  Meals on Wheels eat your heart out.

  Naps during the day are getting slim.  I still hit the rocking chair but the eyes now don’t immediately fall shut.  I am in bed by nine each evening and do sleep well.

  Life is sweet.  I can assure you the dust bunnies are not getting the upper hand.

   
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  Noreen 2:36 pm on July 8, 2021 Permalink  

  Great Temperatures 

  Temps in the 60s and 70s is so welcoming.  I am not sure where one could live to have that for the majority of the time.  We are enjoying it when it comes.  It could be as if everything is coming up roses.

  This morning it felt like my rose had been nipped off as a bud.  Highs and lows are not uncommon during recovery.  I had not slept well during last night.  It’s not about tossing and turning.  It is more like lying awake and being very still feeling every twinge in the incision as the healing is going on.  That leads to getting caught up in listening to and feeling your heart beat.  Was it unusual?  Had the AFib returned as it had right after surgery?  It was just my night to flitter the hours away.  

  When Dennis and I poured our coffee cups full at 6:30, it was time to get outside and suck up some of that great air.

  It had been some time since we had our toes and feet treated to pedicures.  Dennis decided we were due and I sure didn’t argue.  We got right in at the Nails Group in Mankato.  There is no way I could twist and turn my hands to do the great job that they do on each nail.  Some nails become thicker than others.  Dennis’ toes need care as much as mine and we walked out of the salon knowing we had done something good for ourselves.

  It was a one shop stop that we needed in Mankato and we were home by noon.  Much of this day was still ready to enjoy, and enjoy we did.   

  As I walked the yard, I had to admire the Russian Sage, as I do each day.  Who needs roses when I have a bounty of delicate blue blooms on the Russian Sage!

   
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  Noreen 1:52 pm on July 7, 2021 Permalink  

  A New Stretch 

  I have been pushing and stretching myself over the last weeks to build up physical stamina.  This morning that didn’t feel like enough.  

  I felt the need to be in the sewing studio.  One cane stayed on the first floor of our home and I took my Diamond Head Willow cane with me to the studio.  I didn’t last long in the studio as I realized many of my embroidery designs were in the file explorer on my HP Notebook on the first floor.

  It felt so foreign to work through the steps of computer files.  I had not done anything like this for six months.  Typing a blog entry is far different than locating a design within a file and getting it sized ready to be downloaded on a flash drive that my sewing machine could read.  Any success in the studio for embroidery had to start here.  Embroidery was my first goal as it did not entail handling large pieces of fabric for quilting.  I could work into being in the studio for short periods of time having something to show for time and energy.

  At last with flash drive in hand the studio was again visited.  Putting in a fresh needle and checking if oil was needed.  Fantastic!  I did get the automatic needle threader on the first try. I picked out a white dish towel for my first project to work with.  Sweet and simple.  I looked at the stabilizers on the shelf and hoped that one would scream “pick me, I am the one that dish towels need.”  Not.  Back to the drawing board of reading specs on various items.  Had I known I would not be visiting the studio for such a long length of time, I would have had labels on each.

  I have not lost cognizance but the routine of working with my stashes had had a long enough break that reviews will be needed.  It was a good thing Dennis called down and said it was time for a noon break.  He knew better than me that a timeout was needed.  A bit of lunch and a few minutes with my feet up . . . sweet.

  Yes!  I did complete a design on a dish towel.  I couldn’t believe how weary my arms were.  Much, I believe, was being anxious.

  Dennis came down to the studio and expressed how good it was to see me doing what I had so enjoyed doing before the stroke.  I agreed.  This was a bit of a stretch for me and it felt good to push myself a bit.  We now know that it’s going to be O.K.  Thanks be to God.

   
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  Noreen 1:18 pm on July 6, 2021 Permalink  

  Catch Up Day 

  We had company today and it was to be a catch-up of what was new in my daughter Carrie’s family.  Eden Prairie isn’t a far stretch from St. James, but in the world of busy families, it needs to be planned.  My mama didn’t raise no fool.  Carrie was coming to check up on me . . . and us . . . to make sure all was doing well after the heart surgery.  It has been three weeks since the surgery and it had been two weeks since she last visited.  We passed mustard.   She has nothing but love and concern as this has been a family affair.   Whew.  There is nothing wrong in being kept on your toes as guidelines can be veered from.

  When queried, Dennis had my back.  It has been going well.  There has not been a single setback in recovery.  It is as if there were a handbook for chapters to be followed.  It is and does take time, and my goodness . . . we have alot of that.  

  With the hot outside temperatures abating, Dennis started the oven and baked out some scones.  It is wonderful to have something on hand for that first cup of morning coffee.  

  We are doing Subway for supper.  We both enjoy a treat of sharing a sub.  The choice of subs is still in the wind . . . and we had a coupon for a free sub that came with the gift card from Mother’s Day.  Sweet.

  We did have thunder and lightning during the night, but the small amount of rain didn’t register in the gauge.

  On a quiet day when the job jar isn’t rattling for attention, it’s a good thing we have junk mail to mull over.

   
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  Noreen 2:15 pm on July 5, 2021 Permalink  

  One Step 

  Nothing needs to be done in a rush.  It’s not prudent in my life right now.  One step at a time . . . a really small step.  

  I continue to do walking every day on our drive and the patios.  That comes first before trying anything else.

  Dennis and I went into the sewing studio today.  The sewing machine was uncovered and plugged in.  A good step.  Dennis lifted the embroidery module and attached it to the machine.  A good step and that was the last step in the sewing studio for the day.  Tomorrow . . . we will see how the day goes.

  I had wanted to go with Dennis to the store.  It was a short list of ice cream and distilled water.  We did do a whip around town to see what was going on . . .  not much as this Monday was considered a holiday with the 4th being on a Sunday. 

  It was hot out and I was content to have had an outing beyond our property.  Dennis calls it “blowing the stink off.”  For me it felt good to have gotten out of the house to push stamina in the recuperating.  What followed was a nap.  Naps are good.  Naps are also what the patio kitties are doing today in the porch and garage . . . sprawled out much like bear skin rugs.  The heat puts on sleep spells.

  Take care people.  The temperatures are not to be taken lightly.

   
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  Noreen 8:06 am on July 4, 2021 Permalink  

  4th of July 2021 

  Oh my gosh for the 4th of July memories!  

  About 65 years ago, our farm chores started extra early.  There was to be a huge 4th of July boat parade on Lake Alley just several miles from us.  Everyone had signed up early that would want to participate.

  Dad had been busy during the winter months getting ready.  Dead built us a family friendly pontoon boat.  Fifty gallon drum barrels had been scrounged, saved and cleaned.  Sheet metal had been welded for the cones for the front of the boat.  A railing went around the majority of the decking with fine chicken wire strung tight.  Safe and secure.  We had taken the pontoon out quite often that spring to various lakes for early spring bullheads. 

  Our church’s Luther League decorated the boat for an entry, complete with a cross that Dad had built and mounted securely.  All of the decorating had been the day before by the leaguers and after chores we headed for the large pasture area on the south shore of the lake for the lineup.

  A small community with a lake that wasn’t spectacular, had over 30 entries from around the area.  Dad’s boat was the only one that could hold more people than most.  The shores of the lake to the south and west were packed with picnickers and campers.  All of the homes on the east side of the lake had groves of friends and families to take it in.  

  Hmm . . . memories.   The 4th has always been a time when a spot would be found for a picnic.  Until . . . July 4th, 1968, when the firecrackers brought a firecracker all of its own.  Kevin Michael Schafer was born in the Hutchinson Community hospital.

  Our farm in Boon Lake Township became the spot for the 4th of July celebrations in 1969 and going forward for a time.  The rolling lawns around the house had room for all the family members from the Schafer, Wendlandt and Riebe families.  Close neighbors joined in.  Kevin’s grandmother, Esther Schafer, played the harmonica and accompanied Norman Riebe on the concertinas.  Fun family times with lots of food, fun and laughter.

  Orlin had set up horse shoes, and a net for some birdies to take flight.  Nephew Frank gave rides in the wagon behind the rider lawn mower.  Something for everyone.   

  Over the decades, of course, the 4th of July never goes by that my memory lacks evoking decades of memories.  As birthdays are and can be personnel, the day is now given over to the one born on that day to enjoy it.  Kevin’s day to do and be what is enjoyed.  It is after all “Independence Day.”

  Today, on this 4th of July, these two older ones on Stauffer Avenue are having some patio sitting time before the forecasted heat of the day finds us.  Sweet day with much to enjoy during the quiet of the town where most have found a place to be.

   
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  Noreen 2:49 pm on July 3, 2021 Permalink  

  The Month is Rolling 

  We are in the last half of 2021.  The first six months were a waiting room for me.  Today I am peeking out of God’s waiting room as the door was left open.  Not large steps but definitely steps going forward . . . kind of like the steps that I see everywhere on the floors of stores to keep six feet apart from one another. 

  That being said, today, I visited out local grocery store with Dennis riding shotgun at my elbow.  It was time to have a bit more on hand for meals than going by one meal at a time.  We know what we enjoy coming from our kitchen.  We have tried various premade dishes and they just don’t cut it.  We have also tried cultural dishes.  It may be our stage in life combined with what we have grown up with.  Checking out items that are packed in water, rather than a brine solution is our goal.  I think we are heading in the right direction.

  I do have a list as to what foods to avoid and what to shop for as per what a diagnosis of stage two kidney disease was in the medical clinical notes after surgery.  This is not life threatening by no means at this time, it is time to begin being watchful.  The main thing is, sodium, phosphorous, potassium and dairy make the kidneys work harder.  There goes my love of olives, pickles, tomatoes, bananas, oranges and a few other choice items.  It is not a 100% taboo, just being mindful.

  So there you have it.  Supper will be a tater tot oven meal with very lean hamburger, frozen vegetables and low sodium cream of mushroom soup.  Yup . . . you peek out the door of your tomorrows and take in all the possibilities of a good life.  I am a work in progress.

  As the month has begone its roll, so have I . . . rolling to the good life.