Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:52 pm on September 7, 2021 Permalink  

  Good Grief 

  Good Grief, what next.  I had noticed last week on a daily basis as I signed in to post on the blog, there was an alert that ran on top of the page that stated an infringement had taken place and Mediacom was the author.  I did not pay any attention and the notice went away.  Ya right.

  Today we get an official letter from Mediacom with much the same info in regard to the infringement.  I immediately looked for a phone number and I called Gulf Breeze, Florida.  Paramount Picture Corporation was filing against us for inappropriate viewing of movies.  WTF!  When it all came down to the nitty gritty, there were twelve systems using our WIFI address causing the problem for the two older ones on Stauffer Avenue.  Again, WTF!  

  The gal on the phone was very helpful.  We now have a new WIFI address with a new password and I have written both items down.  Whew.  Apparently the correction will follow down and Dennis nor I will be charged an enormous fine.  Each infringement called for a $250,000.00 fine.  There would have gone Dennis’ cigarette money.

  After the lengthy phone call, it was time to take in the breeze on the patio.  Is there any wonder where the white hair and wrinkles come from.  I had been having good success in the studio and my next action will be to go down and shut everything off.  The mojo is gone for the day.  Dennis can consider himself lucky as I already had supper planned.

   
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  Noreen 1:53 pm on September 6, 2021 Permalink  

  Labor Day 2021 

  It was a Labor Day indeed.  I knew when I had come back from my morning walk, there was a hint of gas fumes in the air.  Dennis was fueling the rider mower.  Hmm.  There was also the weed whip and the leaf blower on the patio.

  I bit at the hint.  The weed whip was fairly handy to use, as I could set it down in front of me in leu of my cane.  It sure does make a good job of mowing into a grade A job of it.  Tidy, tidy.  We may have gotten some rain last week but it was a dirty job using the gardening tools.

  The leaf blower was a little more of a challenge, so the cane was in the right hand and the blower in the left.  I was dirty, so I went ahead and used up the battery in the blower to retrieve the straight line of the concrete on the front step and some of the driveway’s  It doesn’t take long for the greenery to grow out of bounds.  I will finish the drive the next time we mow.  My arms and hands had had enough.

  How could I not get a good rest sitting on the patio when Snuggles is up and on my lap before my butt cheeks have totally relaxed into the chair seat.  He is quite the schmoozer.  He gets that from Dennis.  I swear to God, Snuggles wrangles around me with the purring.  Dennis does it by pretending to be helpless.  Ya right!

  Dennis used his lawn sweeper for the first time on the entire yard.  Up until we had that good three to four inches of rain, the lawn mower was on sabbatical.  The sweeper really gives the acre that fine groomed appearances.  It did very well picking up the walnuts.  Now that we have an extra set of the nylon brushes for the sweeper, Dennis is apt to use it each time he mows.  It will be a good test of how durable those nylon brushes are.

  It was a great feeling to have enjoyed this Labor Day.  It was a great day for me to have participated in the yard work and feeling none the worse for it.  Finding the right balance while on my feet will be the key for more such yard participation.  In the mean time, keeping that cane handy and not getting too frisky.  I don’t know if I could get myself up if I fell and I really do not want to find out.

   
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  Noreen 1:41 pm on September 5, 2021 Permalink  

  Sunday Pre-Holiday 

  The middle day of the three day Labor Day holiday.  It is a Sunday.

  On my walk today, I walked intervals not using the cane.  What is necessary is using the arms swinging back and fort for smooth momentum. Not a disappointing work out.  

  As Dennis was vacuuming out the patio porch, I pulled up the stalks of the Bleeding Heart plants.  They had dried and were ready to be given some relief.  Several large branches that had seen their better days from on high in the Maple had crashed landed in the backyard.  Denis has them piled ready for the burning ring.  With my mighty rake I pulled together all the small ones that were scattered.  More the merrier for the burning ring.

  Watching where wasps congregate is quite telling.  Dennis did get a fair amount yesterday as evident from their dead bodies on the cement.  Surprisingly there were just as many today in flight.  Dennis investigated the area.  In between the soffit of the building and the back side of the down spout was quite telling.  After Dennis had sprayed the area to get most of them flying out and about, the poking with a stick ensued to dislodge some of the nests.  Perhaps no mosquitos, but there is always something to take their place.

  It was too nice to visit the studio today.

  What I did do was mix up a chocolate malt for us this afternoon.  That container of malt powder has been waiting in the wings of the second shelf in the kitchen cabinets for . . . too long.  Culver’s could do a close second. My heavy glass pitcher on my 1960s vintage avocado green blender still has it.

  I have really been sleeping hard these cooler night.  I don’t shift a lot in my sleep, so getting up and moving and taking a walk loosens the tight back.  I don’t stay in one place for long throughout the day and that is a huge help.

  Tomorrow is Labor Day.  Can’t say I would blame you if you were hard at it, as long as it brings you joy.

   
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  Noreen 3:51 pm on September 4, 2021 Permalink  

  Variety in a Day 

  The day started by a discussion as to what supper would be.  Wow!  I wasn’t even dressed for the day and we need to know what is going to be served for supper!

  Dennis declared he would be making supper and we needed to fill in the blanks as to what would be needed.  I told him I would dice and sauté the onion for him.  Dennis headed for the store as he needed a can of peas and a jar of Alfredo sauce.  The end result is that supper was going to be a tuna, pasta and pea oven dish, complete with the sautéed onions.  We eat onions in most of what is cooked.

  A classmate of Dennis’ was walking by and Dennis invited Janet in for a visit as he was heading to the store.  I enjoyed the visit as Janet and I have been acquaintances.  Our daughters were in school together.

  I don’t get into Dennis’ way when he cooks.  It is because, my advice is the last thing he needs.  I also stay away as he washes up the dishes from his prep.  I had headed out to the patio porch to work my whiles on painting the cement rooster.  I also didn’t need any advice in my project. 

  Dennis and I met up at twelve noon for a bite of lunch.  Each, willing to share how each of our projects had gone.  I know I will be eating good and Dennis knows all he has to do is give the rooster several coats of poly.

  The afternoon air was pleasant for patio sitting.  Neighbor Jan came from the north and the two of us caught up with each other.  Jan works in the school’s library and her vacation days will cease the day after Labor Day.  Dennis joined right in.

  As all three of us were enjoying the afternoon, Dennis noticed quite the group of wasps that were in the process of nesting under the garage roof line.  Black Flag promises a shot up to 20 feet away.  Time will tell how the fast draw of the ole cowboy did to hit the target.

  Our plans for this last holiday of the summer is consistent . . . enjoying our home.  Gotta love it!

   
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  Noreen 1:41 pm on September 3, 2021 Permalink  

  A Break from Picking 

  A well-needed break from picking embroidery stitches presented itself when Dennis told me his CPAP machine quite working during the night.  He is scheduled to have a new one every six years.  This July of 2021 was the date.  The Mayo store, when called, said we would need a new prescription from his pulmonary doctor in Mankato.  After two hours of being on a telephone merry-go-round we were no closer to getting a live one on the phone.  I finally found a line that allowed for me to leave a message.  Time will tell.

  Back to picking stitches.  Right at twelve noon, I finished with the design.  I had had enough and shut off the lights in the studio.  The air is cool outside, perfect for a walk.  When projects have had a huge hiccup, a small break does wonders.  There is no time crunch and I can think the next steps through while walking.

  Dennis was waiting for me with questions.  He wants to repaint a very heavy cement pheasant that has been sitting in the back of the acre for over ten years.  His eagle turned out great.  Of course, my stashes are to be . . . blink, blink and a miracle is to happen for all that would be needed.  Yes, I have paints for the pheasant, and no . . . Dennis is not up to working with them.  I have an idea that my studio lights will remain dark over the weekend.

  It’s great that Dennis notices what needs attention.  It’s great that we have on hand what is needed.  Quality time together.  Which of us will be wearing more paint than the other?  This latest project of painting will be more than I have tackled this year.  Always up for a challenge.

   
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  Noreen 2:54 pm on September 2, 2021 Permalink  

  Rain and Clouds 

  This morning it was dark and gray when I awoke. I so enjoy my first minutes of waking.  Lollygagging and checking out what the huge evergreen is doing on the northwest corner of my bedroom gives me a small indication of what is to come for the remainder of the day.  I hear the coffee pot go off at seven.  Dennis is the first out of bed and I usually give him first crack at the bathroom.  Once I hear him pour his coffee and then the sound of the back door closing, I know he, his coffee and his scone are headed to the patio porch.  No one is as thrilled for the morning as the three kitties.  They tumble over each other to hit the patio via the open doorway.  I never tire of watching that scene as I look out the bathroom window.  Yup, we are going to have a day.  Bring it on. 

  I like to catch some news in the morning.  The rest of the day . . . not so much. The forecast is for rain.  We can surely use the rain.

  Today when I went on facebook, there was a posting that my sister, Elvera, would have been a great grandmother to new baby, Leo Conrad Hoffman.  Elvera’s son Larry would be a proud grandpa.

  At a time when Larry’s mother-in-law became very ill, Rita gave me quite a bit of her fabrics.  I worked most of it up into blankets.  As it happens there were two that made great baby blankets in blues.  At four today, Dennis and I will be going out to the UPS depot to send a package off to Leo Conrad in Hutchinson.  We love lightening the stashes of finished items.

  After lunch I went to visit June in her apartment.  At 80 years young, she is one of the youngest in her building.  There are two vacancies and she is hoping for some younger tenants.  No June, Dennis and I are passing.

  Today Dennis finished the poly coats on his chainsaw Eagle.  It came out great.  The stripping and sanding has kept him busy for some time.  It wouldn’t surprise me if he doesn’t have something else in the wings.  He does manage to stay out of mischief.

  I did get a good walk in before the rain hit.  After several loads of laundry, I have been picking out the stitches of an ill placed embroidery design in Megan’s blanket.  It sure does keep me humble.

  Hard to believe the weekend will be here in a wink of an eye.  Labor Day holiday . . . last chance for families as school begins next week for most.  For those that school does not impact . . . a quiet weekend.

   
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  Noreen 2:47 pm on September 1, 2021 Permalink  

  It is Going to Cease 

  Today Dennis and I agreed the commotion since last Friday needs to cease.  Today is Wednesday and we have been hopping for the last six days.

  The trip up north was followed by family visiting from Arizona that left St. James this morning after breakfast.  In between, I had a stitcher’s luncheon yesterday.  Today after company left, Dennis and I headed to Mankato for the Korean’s luncheon meeting at the VFW.  How could I refuse to go with Dennis!  Many of the spouses have been attending right along.  Today, there was a wife of a deceased Korean veteran that wrote her own songs honoring that forgotten war.  Being in her 80s her folk songs were very timely and creative.

  We did stop for fuel as the price was $2.96 a gallon.  I had noted when we left town it was $3.14 a gallon.  What a difference in price over a 45 mile distance.

  As we were cruising along 169 heading home, Dennis pulled into the Welsh Heritage Apple and Pie Shop.  Dennis felt I have been doing a bang up job this year with very few treats and now as of late with catering to his family, a pie was in order.  Of course I let him pick the flavor.  Had I been left on my own, a Sour Cream and Raisin pie would have been in the back seat of the car.  Having had his share of raisins donated by the Red Cross while in Korea, he no longer eats them.  Who doesn’t like an Apple Pie.  The best part is that they adhere to using the old fashioned lard recipe for their crusts.  You can’t beat the flakey flavor . . . just like Lena used to use.

  As I had mentioned commotion, my body needs to get back to the PT that my home routine allows.  Way too much sitting and being immobile.  The left side of my body takes on the tendencies of mobility much like shortly after the stroke in February.  The saying “if you don’t use it, you loose it” has truth.  Time to buckle down with the walking.  Even the studio has merit with PT.

  I checked our calendar when we got home and September is clear.  No doctor appointments for either one of us.  Yippee!

   
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  Noreen 3:33 pm on August 31, 2021 Permalink  

  Good Group 

  Today seven of us stitchers meet at Perkins in Mankato for lunch.  It was the first time this year.  With the covid and variants that may bring on new restrictions, it was well needed.  Sharing ideas and what life has dealt each of us since last we met, it was such a great day.

  Dennis’ son had traveled to St. James from up north in a pickup he had borrowed, only to discover the tabs were expired.  Hmm.  Yesterday, Dennis let his son, Ken, have the little red pickup as Dennis knew that a few cocktails would be had when old friends meet and he didn’t want Ken to be stopped for expired tabs on top of things.  What was left in our driveway was a GMC Sierra 4×4 with huge tires on it.  The cab of the truck looked like it was three feet from ground level.

  Tuesdays, Dennis and friend Dwayne go up to McDonalds for morning coffee.  I asked Dennis what he was planning on taking for a ride.  I could easily see him taking the Cub tractor with Dwayne riding on the fender.  Nope he was taking the Sierra.  

  As I was getting ready for my Mankato trip I could hear commotion out the back door.  Dang, I never have an option for a photo when I would like.  What I saw was Dennis plunk down the small stool from the patio porch by the open door of the pickup.  Attached to the leg of the stool was a green bungy cord.  Dennis stood on the stool to get into and onto the driver’s seat and then he preceded to reel the stool up and into the truck via the bungy cord.  The stool was parked beside him on the center console and off Dennis went to pick up Dwayne. 

  I knew Dennis would have Dwayne get into and out of the pickup with the same arrangement with the stool.  Gotta love determination and . . . no fear of retaliation by the rest of the gang at McDonalds.

  We both had a good day with friends.  You really can’t ask for anymore than that.

   
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  Noreen 12:58 pm on August 30, 2021 Permalink  

  Back on Stauffer 

  After being gone for just a short weekend, both Denis and I wanted to click our heels in gratitude for coming home safely.  The little red pickup did a great job in assuring a safe trip.  It rained the entire time from Friday through Sunday in the north country.

  Our destination was Silver Bay, which is an hour north of Duluth, for Dennis’ granddaughter’s 30th birthday.  When you hear that fetal alcohol syndrome is for life . . . believe it.  Taylor is a fun loving child trapped in an adult body. 

  A huge family and friend gathering was on board for the event.  Lots of activity and visiting.  Taylor’s family found life in Silver Bay when the Silver Creek Mining company had their own railroad system and Taylor’s dad was a train engineer that took a transfer to that area.  The area has been a home for the family ever since.  Of Dennis’ five children, Sue and her family will forever be the “ones up north.”  As it is a six hour drive, turnaround was fair play as us southerners paid a well deserved visit.

  Today being Monday,  meant life on Stauffer resumed.  Dennis checked out the acre when we had driven into the yard yesterday.  I was surprised that he held off until today to get the mower going.  What helped is that his son had flown in from Arizona for Taylor’s party and is now spending several days in St. James before heading back on Wednesday.  There wasn’t much one-on-one visiting during the up north visit.

  For me, I can’t tell you how much I appreciated getting home Sunday.  I was weary.  It was the first long weekend for Denis and me this calendar year.  I kidded him yesterday when we hit Mankato for fuel and a bite to eat that my left cheek on my butt was dead.  Dennis is an ole 18 wheeler and when the ignition switch makes contact, it’s going to be a long time until we stop.  I actually was willing to tough it out as I was just as egger to get home as Dennis was.  There is no place like home.

   
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  Noreen 2:22 pm on August 26, 2021 Permalink  

  Quiet Day 

  If you are seeking a quiet day and don’t quite know how to pull it off, I have a recommendation.  I can recommend a comfortable chair that can be pulled up to a table top, a pair of tweezers, a seam ripper and a good radio station.  Pick away.  I did do some quilting today and when that petered out, it was time to pick stitches out of the opposite corner of the quilt.  I had thought that doing embroidered motifs on portions of the quilt would really work well . . . not!  Too dense of a stitch for the look.  Why fight it.  Take one stitch out at a time.  I won’t get either the quilting or the picking done today.  Who doesn’t like to have a project waiting in the wings. 

  Dennis also has a project that is taking patience.  The stripping of the chainsaw eagle is going well but slow.  He can really be proud of the results.  Choosing the type of poly spray is for another day.

  This will be my last posting until Monday.  Tomorrow is Friday and we are heading out to Silver Bay in the northeast corner of the state.  Silver Bay is one hour north of Duluth.  Also close to Highway 2 where the fires are.  Dennis has a granddaughter, Taylor, celebrating her 30th birthday. More times than not that branch of the family does the six hour drive south to see family.  The highway does run both ways..  It has been quite some time that Dennis and I have seen the scenery along that way.

  While listening to KDUZ radio, I learned that my cousin’s granddaughter was crowned Princess Kay at the state fair.  I am sure the Litchfield area is popping their buttons.  Sitting in a cooler for eight hours to have her likeness carved in butter would be not the best of all the accolades coming her way, but still quite the honor.  Knowing my cousin Dorothy, she is close at hand for moral support. 

  Have a great weekend and Dennis and I will travel light and safely.