Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:04 pm on September 16, 2025 Permalink  

  Tuesday the 16th of September 

  They had forecast that today would be a corker and their prediction did not disappoint.

  I know the label on my Behr deck stain stated two coats.  Hmm.

  Last night after supper I went on the website and read all of the reviews of the product.  Some good reviews, some bad.  The good out-weighed the bad.  I was at that time convinced that two coats would be done.  Suggested also the second coat be put on before traffic, grit, grim etc.  By 7:45 I had my gallon can of stain open.  In case Dennis slept in, I made sure to unlock the back door on the premise that all entry into the front door would have a wet stain on it.

  At 9:45 I was cleaning my brush.  All that had had one coat was now sporting its second coat.  I did hustle a bit.  Oh what a relief this is to have the very worst done.  If we don’t have rain in the morning, I do plan on being on the north side of the deck to get those end boards covered with the stain that are under the spindles.  The gallon pail will be much lighter to work with.  I don’t think it is worth while to have any type of chair or table to put the can on.  What comes after that is all of the flat boards on the deck going around the perimeter as well as the top rails.  The stain sports a non slippery surface.  With the sun shining on it there is evidence of small granite glints.  Hmm.

  As I am sitting in my bedroom porch looking out of four clean windows, priceless.  I have not forgotten about the north four windows.  Nor have I forgotten about my stitching project at my left elbow.  Grammie can only do so much until the “have too’s” are finished.  The ole body has been holding up well.  Thus far, no one has been harmed during this project and I mean to have it stay that way.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:11 pm on September 15, 2025 Permalink  

  Continuing 

  I am continuing with my front deck job.  A huge glass of water, plus a cup of coffee and I was opening the stain can at 8:30.  There had been no dew.  The three steps were a larger project than I had thought originally.  The steps are two planks wide and have a backing.  I came into the back door at 10:00 to wash up my brush.  Hopefully I can continue each morning.  The railings and top boards of the deck are next.  There shouldn’t be very much stooping left.  Truth to tell the spindles, could use a coat of stain.  Time will tell.  I could not believe how warm I felt when I came in.  There was no way I could have beat the sun this morning . . . just not quick enough.  Actually that is the one thing I promised myself with this project.  No rushing and no extended time each day.

  I came in and had buttered toast and Greek Yogurt.  I had picked up some Bartlet Pears and one of those topped off my late breakfast. 

  I have poked in a few stitches in my next cross stitch design.  The variegated silk floss from Grandma Schafer is going to work well.  I am a process hand stitcher.  That means I do it for the joy of poking the needle in and out as it brings comfort.  Even though each stitch needs to be counted, it is relaxing.  A project stitcher is in it for the “let’s get this done as fast as possible.”

  Dennis is quite poky today.  The four day trip with his kids went well.  The camp site that the huge camper was parked at, had a motel just a half block away.  That is where Dennis and Kenny stayed at night, leaving the facilities in the camper to the other adults.  Breakfasts were fixed in the camper each morning and enjoyed at picnic tables.  Granddaughter Cheyanne had a fight Saturday night and the Curry crew watched it on the outside television on the camper.  It was a wonderful trip for Dennis to be with his kids.  No outside influence and as telephone connections were nil, they had time to visit when they were not engaged in checking out the surroundings.  Cheyanne won her match.  Her winnings were $6,000.00.  She is young in this endeavor.  I don’t think the money is worth getting the shit kicked, hit and punched out of you.  Even football players wear protective gear.  Not the fighting gang.  No holds barred.

  Enough dribble for the day.  My body is geared up for the remainder of the day to go quietly.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:12 pm on September 14, 2025 Permalink  

  Missed It 

  I missed Dennis’ return from the Black Hills by two hours.  I had guessed at four in the afternoon and the little red pickup pulled up on the drive at two.

  The trip was uneventful in regard to safety.  Susie had taken her husband’s ashes as well.  Tim and Jeff soared over the badlands to their final resting spots wherever the winds may have taken them.

  My morning was very successful. By 10:00 I had the remainder of the flat deck boards done.  In years past, a fellow by the name of whiskers helped us out by skimming the back entry walls and ceiling to make the patched together coverings look wonderful.  His real name was Jim Anderson.  By nine in the mornings he would be taking a hit from the flask in his back pocket.  When he was done with his handywork, the painting was up to me.  “Put it on like somebody else is paying for it.”

  It was good advice then as well as the staining job that I was doing on the front deck.  The worst of the job is over.  I can’t use a paint brush by sitting down.  I need the extension of the full arm to handle the two inch brush.  I cannot keep my wrist brace on as the hand needs to be able to flex. From here on it is the steps next.  I will finish by standing on the grass to coat the ends of the floor bords and that which stick out from under the railing spokes.  Tidy, tidy.  The can suggests two coats.  That may well happen . . . sometime yet this fall.

  Yup, we are back to normal here on Stauffer Avenue.  Dennis just dropped his cane while a Lemon Head got away from him.  Carrie got Dennis hooked on the sour candies to help with saliva.  A dry mouth from meds is not uncommon. 

  Tomorrow is at my beck and call.  My two inch brush got washed out immediately and it will be ready to put into service in the morning hours.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:51 pm on September 13, 2025 Permalink  

  Summer’s Back 

  Well, well, well.  The best laid plans of mice and men.  Not happening today.

  It was eleven this forenoon when I left Maria’s salon.  It felt so wonderful to be primped with a haircut and let me tell you the pedicure was good, but the foot and leg massage was wonderful.

  My plan was then to go to the grocery store.  I can share with you that my supper is going to be a roasted veggie pizza.  I know it has gotten hot and yes I will be heating up the kitchen with the 425 degree temp.  Well . . . who cares!

  With the few groceries tucked away, I discovered my zest for the north window washing today was gone . . . totally gone.  When I turned on the kitchen faucet, a huge amount of air blew out before the water ran.  I realized the Watson boys had been here in my absence to take care of the water leak in the basement.   There would be my next clean-up, the basement floor.  I could not believe my eyes.  The sponge mop had been used and the floor was ready to use . . . dry.  The wet rug by the floor drain was in a pail that had been under the sink.  I took the rug in the pail and put it on the bench by the back door to dry.  Talk about hometown heroes.

  During the first part of the week, I finished the latest counted cross-stitch design.  I like designs that are monochromatic.  I can pick it up and go with just one color of floss to get into the needle.  

  

  This was called “Christmas Silhouettes.”  I never tire of it.  I liked the idea of the white not being pronounced in the design.  There are many white snowflakes as well.  The last thing I did was to sew a red bead on Rodolfo’s nose.  I did find a frame in the basement for it.  That may well be on my list of to-dos when I have Megan’s project done.  

  I thought about working in the studio on the morning I discovered the water leak.  Not a good idea with using an electric sewing machine or electric iron, all in the same vicinity.

  I do have a new stitching pattern in mind.  I have so much of the silk embroidery thread left of Grandma Schafer’s.

  

  I really would like to use more of it.  It is heavily variegated going from blues to tans to a rich copper and mauve.  Each needle length would have all those colors showing. 

  As the day is winding down and my feelings of being lethargic remain, I may fix that veggie pizza and call it an early supper.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:38 pm on September 12, 2025 Permalink  

  Shh! 

  Grammie is in a “resting house” having just opened a bottle of green tea.

  This ole gal was in bed last night by nine.  With that I didn’t even mind getting up during the night for a bathroom call.  I went right back for more sleep.  As I was wide awake this morning at seven, my Friday began.  Sweet.

  I had my plans firmly planted in my head for this forenoon’s activity.  To the front deck!  I had no illusions how long I would last for this first day of the deck staining.  After I had an area of the deck brushed off of loose dust, there was no turning back.  The directions said to use a roller.  As I knew I wouldn’t be able to stay with the project long enough to warrant that messy setup, I referred to my brush.  By 10:30 the wasps were getting active and I was pleased with my progress.  I washed up the brush and  tucked all my supplies into the porch.

  Tomorrow, I have a haircut and pedicure.  I may or may not do any more of the deck as the temps will be fairly high by the time I get home.  Yup, Dennis is missing out this month.  I had let Maria know I would be coming alone so she could fill her time if an appointment was needed by someone.

  As I am enjoying my green tea, I am looking out of three more double sash windows in my bedroom porch that are a joy to look through.  The easiest way to get at the south and southwest windows was to dismantle my computer/office area.  Standing directly in front of the windows allowed me to brace the windows onto a chair as both the top and bottom tip in.  The water spots were awful.  After yesterday’s window I remember some cloths I had that were similar to chammies.  The final swipe-wipe was pure vinegar onto the cloth to make it damp.  No more water spots.  I even took the time to re-do the window I had done yesterday.  As I was standing right at the window sill, I got all the top sashes pushed up and locked.  Whew.  Having a green tea break to look forward to was excellent incentive for the hefty push.  I love our tip-in window replacements. 

  I know Lena always diluted vinegar in her water for the windows.  I said the heck with it.  It didn’t take that much vinegar to pour it directly on the chamise to tackle the spots.   I don’t even mind the smell.  I have used and washed these cloths for continual use.

  As I mentioned, tomorrow is my spa day.  The four windows on the north half of the porch require a bit more strategizing.  My bed needs to be pushed out as far to the south as possible.  All of the supplies for the four windows need to be right at my elbow as once I am behind the bed, I am there for the duration.  Of course, my phone will also be right at my elbow.

  I have had a very satisfying Friday.  I kind of think bedtime may come a bit early tonight.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:30 pm on September 11, 2025 Permalink  

  Depature 

  The Curry clan departed St. James at nine this morning.  Anything that could have been planned for Dennis’ journey had been taken care of pretty much before we went to bed.

  My first objective this morning after the quiet settled in was to call the Watson Boys.  Yesterday when I had gone into the studio, there was a trail of water stemming from the corner of the basement where all the goodies that could leak are found.  The rug in front of the toilet got rolled up and is positioned by the floor drain to leach out as mush water as possible before I put it in a pail for the outside bench.  Brandon Watson said he would be on it, so there was no need for me to worry about it.  At first I had thought is was from a back-wash of the PVC drain of the softener when it had recharged.  When I did try a sponge mop, I could clearly see in the reflection from the ceiling light that there was indeed water traveling ever so slightly towards the floor drain.  I didn’t mention anything yesterday . . . what would have been the point.  It will all be taken care of.

  Many decades ago, mom and dad had put together albums for all four of us kids with what they felt would be a good reference of  generations long ago.  Over time the sticky surface to hold the photos in place had dried out.  When the cover of the album opened it could easily unleash a lot of loose photos.  During these last weeks I had been working on photos.  The one large album I had taken apart still had some room for more to be added.  This project that had been niggling me is now done and the older album is in the recycling. 

  As of this afternoon, I have one double sash window cleaned inside and out.  When Dennis had washed the house off, one could hardy see between the water spots.  I like being able to stand in my bedroom porch and tackle a window.  When the sun sinks lower in the west, I am sure there will be some streaks showing up, but they will be clean streaks.  I went on to do the storm door leading to the front deck.  Between wasps and Asian beetles, I didn’t waste any time.

  So comes to a close the first of a few days where its all about me, myself and I.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:13 pm on September 10, 2025 Permalink  

  Packing Him Up 

  Today, on a very beautiful fall day, we are busy packing up Dennis.

  Dennis’ son Jeff passed away last October after having a sixtieth birthday.  Jeff was ill and he had made the request to his sister that he wanted his ashes spread somewhere in the Rapid City area.  Since that time three of Jeff’s siblings have been making a plan.  That plan will be executed this weekend.

  Tomorrow morning, two of Jeff’s siblings, Sandy and Susie, and their partners will be here in a camper to link up with Dennis and Dennis’ son, Kenny, for this road trip.  Susie will be heading out from Silver Bay to pick up Sandy in Mankato.  The camper is what I call a toy-trailer.  It will have a four-wheel being taken along.  Kenny will be driving the little red pickup and Dennis will ram-rod.

  My sole task in this is to make sure all that Dennis needs for this long weekend is intact.  All three of these kids know that their dad is not up for any trekking, thus the four-wheeler.

  I am and will remain zero in this equation.  As with any trip away from home, nothing is guaranteed.  Dennis will be with family and when Dennis returns home either Sunday or Monday, we will take it from there.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:15 pm on September 9, 2025 Permalink  

  Hmm! 

  Don’t be fooled that in the mindset of retired persons, one day goes by just like any other.  Oh so not true.

  Dennis and I had an errand day in Mankato on Sunday.  All of our objectives having been met, it felt good to be safe and sound at home, right here on Stauffer Avenue.  As I had had a busy Monday, I had failed to mention that after putting the little red pickup in the garage . . . Dennis didn’t come into the house.  Dennis fell into the house.  Clatter, bang, bang and I went running.  It’s amazing how many steps it is from the end of one small home to the other.

  Dennis had landed on his back with his cane under him, but yet propping him up under the shoulders.  Slowly I got beside him and took stock of getting him clear of the door and getting the cane out from under him.  Getting him in a sitting position, I realized he had scraped the top of his right hand on the edge of the metal on the stair tread.  Dennis is on a blood thinner and there was no doubt I needed a get back up the steps for a towel to tighten around his hand.

  Thank the lord for hand rails.  With Dennis seated at the dinning room table.  Three Tylenol and water was the first item to ward off what was bound to come from stretched muscles and tendons.  The right hand was secured with a large band-aid.  Smaller band-aids for the two fingers on his right hand and then one more band-aid for a spot on his left forearm.  I then went about cleaning the blood from the back entry, up the steps into the kitchen, right up to the table where Dennis was seated catching his breath.  Whew! 

  Thankfully, no broken bones.  Scrapes will heal.   Sunday was winding down. 

  Each day brings what it will.  There is nothing, but to take it . . . one day at a time.  Monday, Dennis was content in the patio porch and I stayed busy in the house.  Monday afternoon the “Doc Piddy, the Quack of Stauffer Avenue” checked and the bleeding had stopped on all of the areas.  I needed to use the Iodine swabs.  Yup, they did burn and sting, it needed to be done.  The best thing for the scrapes was for a scab to begin forming as the Iodine evaporated.

  Here we are on Tuesday and what do you know!  It is a normal quiet day here on Stauffer Avenue. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:09 pm on September 8, 2025 Permalink  

  The Week 

  And the week is ready to roll on.

  First things first.  I went to the clinic for the urine sample.  Five minutes and I was on my way home.  Yes, one, they could tell I have been taking an opioid for discomfort.  Or . . . two, they could tell I have not been taking the tramadol and have perhaps been selling my monthly prescription.  Whatever!

  As we had bought some items for our freezer yesterday, I decided to take stock of what the freezer on the bottom half of our refrigerator was holding.  Making sure to get the rotation up to snuff.  It is amazing how much can be stored.  We could go quite a while not needing anything.  It would be having milk in the house that would take us to the store.  I do have powdered milk on hand but . . . its just not the same.

  I have cucumbers peeled and onions slices, both sautéing in the dressing of mayo and a bit of cream.  Lots of ground pepper and just enough salt to pull some moisture out of the cucumbers to top off the dish.  Chicken tenderloins providing the protein.

  With the strong winds, we had one large limb go down on the acre.  Tom is always ready to get his Husqvarna chainsaw put to use.  He really likes using it.  The grass has slowed down for the need of weekly mowing.  Other Septembers the need for mowing would be done during the month of August.  Its been quite an unusual summer of weather.

  No stitching today to give my hands a rest.  I may tackle a bit after supper as it’s truly relaxing.

  One load of clothes to fold.  We sure do love clean clothes.

  With that, I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:40 pm on September 7, 2025 Permalink  

  Back Home 

  It was all systems go this morning.  The two older ones were headed to Home Depot.  There is a catch about our trips to the big town.  Dennis remains in the little red pickup and me, myself and I do the errands.  It’s really safer that way.  Dennis’ legs could give out at any given step.

  While the gallon of the black opaque deck stain was being mixed and then shook, I made my way to the weed-eater area.  There was a wonderful young fellow there that was a customer.  I asked a few questions and got a good review on the products I was seeking.  He gave a great testimonial on the Ryobi trimmer/blower combo I purchased as he had quite a few of their products.  We don’t need anything in the commercial heft.  The young fellow suggested I purchase an additional battery but Home Depot did not have one right off the shelf.  That’s alright.  I know my way around those little extra ditties. 

  We did make a stop at Sam’s to fill the little red pickup with gas.  I ventured inside to pick up a few items.  I like their 6lb. bag of frozen chicken tenderloins.  When I get them home, I package three to a zip lock.  Also on sale was our favorite package of good china.  The 300 plates last us a long time and save a lot on Dennis’ dish-washing.  The only other item was a package of 4 furnace filters.  We did get everything on my short list.  Oh, by the way, I will be bagging up Dennis’ favorite breakfast.  Twenty-four banana nut muffins.  I pop them into the freezer and each night one bag goes into his breakfast-box for the morning.  They were $23.92 for the 24.

  Dennis offered to stop for a late lunch, but I was ready to head for home.  Grammie was shopped out.  You could have shot a cannon off in Home Depot.  Sam’s Club was crazy.  A very nice younger women snagged her and I a cart as we were walking across the parking area.  People inside were waiting and watching for carts to be brought inside.  It was wall to wall people.  Of all days for their motorized cleaning carts to be among us.  There was one waiting and beeping at me while I was putting my muffin trays into my shopping bag.  I didn’t budge.

  So that is our Sunday in a nut-shell.  The day turned out to be wonderful.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥