Me, Myself and Memories

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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.

   
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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.