Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 4:07 pm on December 31, 2020 Permalink  

  Sunshine Abound 

  What a great sunny day to round out 2020  Aside from all the hoop-da-la, there have been many wonderful things to think back on of this year.

  When the year can come to an end and my family is safe and secure . . . priceless.

  I am slowly getting some Christmas items stashed away.  The tree is not in any hurry to be undressed.  Dennis and I both agree it brings us good feelings.  

  I put a roast in the oven this mid-afternoon.  No fuss for supper when the roast is done, add some fried potatoes and corn.  Dennis and I agree: you can’t beat the taste of boiled potatoes and having a few left over for American Fries.  Don’t get me wrong we do have instant boxed potatoes on hand as well.

  I have spent quiet time since Christmas.  What a better way to encourage than was the 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle on the dining room table.  The quiet time is allowing my last PT adjustment to set in for a good end.  No standing over a cutting table or ironing board or jumping up and down from the sewing machine.  I feel the more I can walk standing upright honoring my center point of energy and do good walking it will let the body know what it expected of it.  Our drive is cleared off enough that it is safe.

  I hope everyone feels good about closing down this year.  Dennis and I do and we are looking forward to continuing in good stead into 2021.

   
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  Noreen 4:32 pm on December 30, 2020 Permalink  

  What Retired Do 

  We may be among many that are retired from the W2 jobs, but we are no way retired from participating in daily duties to keep hearth and home safe and viable.  We also have many th0ughts and care about our children’s lives.  That doesn’t end no matter how old the children get.  Mom taught me that even when she was well into her 90s.

  We should all be able to have joy in our lives.  Joy is what keeps us believing, trying and achieving.  Joy is not 24/7 in our face.  Joy is what we feel in our hearts when the quiet of day sets in and we do that “re-run” at the end of the day. 

  I make my own joy each day.  That wasn’t always so.  We make our own roads along the way.  If we have not found fulfillment in our choice of a certain road, thus bringing no joy . . . it is our own asphalt.  Yes, I said asphalt.  When that has happened to me, I have had to own it.  Not because it was anyone else’s doing.  God gave me free choice. There is no one to blame.  If I ever thought there was, a quick peek into the bathroom mirror, shows me the culprit.  No complaining, no blaming, just owning it.

  These thoughts made me think of the kid’s grandpa, Art.  He could tear apart a tractor and put it back together in his sleep.  Art had always wanted to have a repair shop of his own . . . and never did.  Was it because of the sense of responsibility to family, or lack of backing.  He wore it well and always gave 110% to his employer.  That was sad to observe.

  When we seek our joy, we go at it whole heartedly.  That is not to say there are not stumbling blocks.  In 76 years, I could build a fortress around our home on Stauffer Avenue with them.  I don’t hang onto those stumbling blocks as it would only drag behind me like a dead horse . . . or a team of horses.  Hanging on, it would only be a negative of what energy I need going forward.  Positive energy!  Carrie would get weary of me when I would tell her, “Save the best and leave the rest.” Saving that best was just as good as a boost in the butt, much like vitamins. 

  The true joy is that a challenge has been put out there and I gave it all I had.  I was also the one that would have to acknowledge that I tried, gave it my all and knew when there was another road for me to take and travel forward.  It’s not a bad mantra to take hold of.  But . . . let me tell you, I don’t give in or up easily.  When I see that the forward has not gone well or is not healthy for me in spirit, mentally and physically, I will not let it continue to become a negative.  That would be harmful to myself and those that I love.  Ahh . . . free choice and ownership.  Life’s story. 

  So . . . I continue taking great care of hearth and home.  I take great care of myself.  I take great care of Dennis.  I have much left over for my children . . . a huge portion of my joy.  Doing what I do best in my retirement.

   
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  Noreen 4:09 pm on December 29, 2020 Permalink  

  The Fine Snow Falls 

  Even if the snowfall is of very fine wet snow . . . it does pile up.  We had no reason to be out and about today as I noticed the street at the stop sign was slippery.

  Many decades ago, in between Christmas and New Year, it was decided to go sledding.  My sister Elvera’s family, and our family made plans to drive from our farms southwest of Hutchinson to Beaver Falls which is southeast of Redwood Falls. 

  Orlin’s sister had a beef cattle farm at Beaver Falls.  Orlin and I knew the farm well as Orlin had been a farm hand for his sister and we lived on that farm.  The hills of pasture were fantastic for sledding.  They had not been so fantastic when the cattle had broken through gates and they had needed to be herded back into a gated area.

  Elvera and I had made plans for the picnic baskets we would take along for noon lunch.  Nether family could head out until the morning milking chores had been completed.  In addition there were hog chores, young stock chores and we also had chickens to tend to.  Elvera’s had never been to the back roads to get to the pasture that Orlin had in mind.  We had a caravan of two vehicles.  

  Every one was dressed for the mild winter day.  The pasture that we had in mind was just a bit off of the road and was surrounded by hills, putting our area for sledding quite sheltered.  The banana plastic sleds could hold two people and we had plenty of sleds for solo trips as well.  The hills were steep with brush cedars that needed to be dodged.  

  It didn’t take long and the nine of us were making the trip up and down the long incline.  Trudging back up was another story.  I think several times a small cedar tree was sacrificed.  There were even several areas of the incline that a sled could catch a bit of air. No one complained about being cold, no one complained about being tired.  It was a great, fun day.  There was a tarp put down and the goodies for the lunch were laid out and the food could be enjoyed as each got hungry. 

  If memory serves me, that is the last time I did a summersault as my sled came to an abrupt stop and I did not.  There was laughter, giggles and hoots as each of us put all our cares away and went for the thrill of the ride, over and over and over.

  I don’t know about Elvera’s family on the way home, the trip was a least an hour plus, our car was very quiet in the back seat.  All the kids were wore out and I think the four of us adults were also, but we couldn’t buy into it as there were farm chores and cows that needed to be milked when we arrived home.

  That family memory is just as precious today as it was then.  As per Dr. Seuss, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

  Oh my gosh, my life would be so empty if I didn’t have my memories.  I hope your lives are as rewarding as mine when those quiet moments sneak up on you.

   
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  Noreen 5:46 pm on December 28, 2020 Permalink  

  A Quick Day 

  The day seemed to fly by quickly.  I had a PT appointment today.  I thought I would graduate today . . . not so.  The large hamstring adjacent to my tail that goes into the pelvic bone is a mighty stubborn situation.  Time will tell.  I am doing as much as I can within my home to keep the tibia running the length of my right leg stretched.  If I had better control of my arms, I would be able to get that tennis ball right where it needs to be.  I place it . . . I sit on it . . . and it scotches out of place.

  If the day would have been any grayer, the street lights would have come on.  It sounds as if we may be in for snow tomorrow.  Dennis has already stated that no matter how much meowing and crying the cats do in the morning, they are all going to be confined into the patio porch.  Good grief!  There isn’t an alley cat in the town of St. James that wouldn’t give their whiskers to have such a warm cozy place to live.

  I am about to get back into the sewing studio.  It has been closed down long enough.  Today, I did open a 1,000 piece puzzle on the dining room table.  It will be a side-light to putz with.  

  I will admit it . . . if you tell on me, I will deny it.  I don’t like the feeling of not being able to do physically what I want to when I want to do it.  Shame on me for not realizing and listening to what my body tells me I am able to.  I’ve got to learn this lesson or I am doomed to repeat it . . . over and over and over.  I have even asked my Lord and Savior to save me from myself.

  Stay safe in the ensuing snow.  I must say I have learned, in regard to snow, that I look at it and I do not touch.

   
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  Noreen 4:10 pm on December 27, 2020 Permalink  

  A Normal Day 

  Believe it or not, it feels good to have a normal day.  No rushing to be where we needed to be, no unusual schedules for meals . . . just me, the ole cowboy and the patio porch kitties.

  Patio porch kitties . . . now there is a peace that passes all understanding.  Last Wednesday morning started out just as the previous day, with very warm temperatures.  Snuggles and Honey Bunny stuck around the porch, going in and out umpteen times.  Harriet got a wild hair and she headed for the east portion of the acre towards the empty buildings in the neighboring lot.  

  The weather turned within several hours to rain, sleet, howling winds and snow.  No Harriet.  She knows her name and Dennis called for her numerous times.  That night Dennis left the backyard light on and stuck it out in his rocker until late waiting for her.  With the blowing snow, he called it and locked everything up.  For each of the next three nights, the light was left on hoping against hope Harriet would march through the snow and cold.  We had experienced frigid temperature with that snow and wind.

  Christmas day Dennis had commented to the kids that this would now be two patio porch kitties from here on in, but it didn’t stop him from having that back light on until late every night from that Wednesday through Saturday night.  When I would look out the bathroom east window each night, I could see the silhouette of Dennis sitting in his rocking chair looking to the east.

  Last night, Sunday night, I looked out the bathroom window and the backyard light was off.  The silhouette I saw was of Dennis rubbing the heck out of a cat.  I knew Harriet had found her way home.  Dennis reported she looked good and made her rounds throughout the porch and garages as if to make sure everything was where she had left it.  Priceless.  

  Today when I looked out the bathroom window I saw Snuggles and Harriet curled up together on a pillow in one of the chairs.  You wouldn’t have been able to slip a piece of paper between them.  Dennis’ rocking chair is now facing south and all is well in the world on Stauffer Avenue.

  No whistles or bells for us.  It is the little things in our lives that allow us to feel our normal selves.  Me, the ole cowboy, Honey Bunny, Snuggles and Harriet.  Sweet.

   
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  Noreen 5:02 pm on December 26, 2020 Permalink  

  2nd Christmas Day 

  Oh my oh my, What a grand 2020 Christmas.  Forget all the other less than good things that happened in 2020, these last two days have wiped out the negative.

  Christmas day, our home welcomed family to Stauffer Avenue.  The home was filled with the aroma of oven dishes waiting to make an appearance onto the table that was set for eight.  Conversation dwindled while the plates were filled by those that had the longest reach to take individual instructions of what and how much to put on each plate and then passed it down.  No one was bashful when seconds were ask for.

  Dennis and I had a plan, I prepared the meal and served it and Dennis would be the dish washer.  The plan worked great.  Dennis had had offers to help him, but he was up to the task of shouldering it solo.  

  The platters of goodies were set in the middle of the table and everyone took ownership of what they desired and what they could handle.  What ensued was the chit chat as everyone settled into comfortable chairs of their choice.  With our small home there really isn’t much of a choice in chairs, but . . . it always works.  I actually stayed at the place I had enjoyed the meal.  Listening to the banter back and forth from the kids . . . priceless.  I had the best seat in the house.  Megan and Nicholas found their way out into the patio porch and Snuggles scored big from all the attention.   When Dennis went out to the patio porch after the dishes were done, he got some one on one with Megan and Nicholas.  What was talked about in the patio porch . . . stays in the patio porch.

  It was just the best time ever for me.  When Dennis and I found ourselves alone in the evening, we each commented on various parts of the day as we did a “recap.”  I was not the only one that thought we had nailed it as deeming it a great day.

  Today we traveled to Mankato, as Dennis’ granddaughter hosted the Curry Christmas.  Seeing the families from the North Shore area was a treat.  The home was a-buzz with little ones aging from two to thirteen.  A sit-down meal wasn’t needed.  With no shortage of food, it seemed as if there were unintentional waves of those that were hungry and those that were not.  It all worked out.  We knew that the Curry gathering would go far into the night as many were sheltering in place for the night.  We hugged everyone, wishing them the best and we headed for home, as we knew we would be home before dark.

  The amount of slush on portions of the highway and the windshield spray of slush, made it plenty difficult, but we were home before dusk.  With the dropping temps, ice would soon appear on portions of the road.  The first thing we did when we hit St. James, was head for a car wash.  We concluded our Christmas with a romantic stint in the carwash.  Priceless. 

  Both days, there were no gifts exchanged.  Who needs material gift exchanges when there is so much joy and appreciation of . . . each other.  I want more of it and I think next year, I will begin asking Santa far ahead of his busiest time if he will grant me that.  

  This evening, I am going to rest easy . . . it was the best Christmas ever.

   
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  Noreen 4:12 pm on December 24, 2020 Permalink  

  Christmas Eve Day 

  If everyone thought they were ready for Christmas during this mild December . . . not so.  The winds have been howling during this last week.  They were just getting geared up for December 23.  It began mild enough in the morning with rain, turning to sleet and then on to ice.  As the snow began in the forenoon, the winds from the north made sure none of it stayed in the same place, or perhaps it did the second or third time it was swirled around.

  During the night I literally prayed the roof of the porch I was sleeping under would stay put.  The awning that we have along the entire west side of the porch bucked and baulked.  Every window in the house was froze over.  What you can’t see, can’t hurt you.  My ears were on overdrive.  

  This morning the sun was out greeting all those who knew what laid ahead of them for the day . . . moving snow, moving hard snow.  Miraculously, the windows were clear of the majority of the ice.  If it had been Christmas morning and not Christmas Eve morning as I was just barely awake, I would have sworn Santa was clumping around the living room by the Christmas tree.  Naw, it was Dennis in his snowmobile boots coming to tell me he was heading out to play in the snow.  

  Our neighbor Randy had already made a path in our driveway.  I had not heard a thing.  I kept tabs on Dennis as I began my rituals in the house.  He and his snow blower were doing a great job of getting in where Randy’s rig was too large.  What I liked best was that Dennis was taking breaks in the patio porch and not letting himself get overheated or exhausted.

  It is now four in the afternoon and things have settled down for us.  The snow that needed to be moved has been and Dennis did a great job.  You would think as warm as the weather has been, the concrete would peek out from the bright sun today, but the layers that the horrific wind applied is hard.  I had a good run in the kitchen and am prepared for Christmas Day.  The oven tasks today were making two pies.  Dennis got to choose: apple and peach.  I bought two quarts of peaches that our store carries: Amish Wedding Old Fashioned canned fruit.  My quest was to have the pie not run all over the plate when cut.  Tomorrow, time will tell. I made my own pie filling and used a fairly large tin I had in the pantry.  Martha Stewart . . . don’t let me down.

  The next best thing would be for Harriet to come home.  She wanted out yesterday morning and with the winter weather, hopefully kept her sheltered somewhere and safe.  Dennis would be thrilled to see that little gray fur ball come marching through the snow for home.

  It is going to be a wonderful Christmas because my heart tells me so.

   
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  Noreen 2:45 pm on December 23, 2020 Permalink  

  Tables Turned 

  How quickly the tables can be turned.  Yesterday I took a walk with a quilted vest on and it was 42 degrees.  Hmm.

  Today in the forenoon, we had sprits of rain.  Now at 2:30, there isn’t a window in the home that can be looked out of.  The horrific winds are blowing the incoming snow in every direction, plastering the windows.  It feels like -4 outside.   What a change.  What a beginning of winter that was marked on the calendar this week.  When the wind gusts reach  30 mph from the northwest, it does cause me concern with a huge evergreen on the northwest corner of our home.  In years past, several such trees in our neighborhood have had the tops relocated.

  
  We knew winter weather would make its appearance, just not in one huge felt swoop.  Dennis is in the patio porch doing due diligence, watching and waiting.  Harriet went outside this morning and now the waiting begins for Dennis.  I hope she has found shelter and waits the storm out.  Those darn porch kitties can be heart breakers.

  Dennis had a few errands to run earlier this morning and it feels good that we are both safe and sound at home.  Putting it in God’s hands that all my family can also arrive safe and sound to their homes before nightfall.

   
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  Noreen 4:20 pm on December 22, 2020 Permalink  

  Me and Mine Were There 

  The week of Christmas was always a busy time.  Of course, there was food being thought of and prepared.  There was clothes that were being hemmed, pressed and being finished for the Sunday School programs on Christmas Eve.  The programs were a huge event.  

  The afternoons for a month of Saturdays prior to Christmas Eve, rehearsal was held at church.  All grades through 8th were included in the productions.  Actual booklets had been ordered for each teacher.  It was a story to tell from A to Z.  For those that had a speaking part, their portion had been copied, sent home with them early on with a note to encourage parents to have the child learn it from memory.  During these practices the church elders would be putting up two huge Christmas trees, one on each side of the alter.  They were marvelous.   The women of the Ladies Aid made beautiful ornaments of felt.  Those trees were lit with the huge bulbs that spread the illumination far.

  Christmas Eve night the church would be lit with candles and the Christmas trees.  The overhead lights were at a minimum.  The classes of Sunday School kids were lined up in the basement for the full on entrance into the church proper.  The curls that the moms had spent time on glistened from the lights.  The boys couldn’t resist making sure the foreign feeling ties and bowties were staying in place.  

  The organ played as the children marched in with their teacher and perhaps a helper for the smaller ones. The full on force of the organ seemed to magically make the church vibrate.  The productions were always a hit and unbeknown to the parents and grandparents in the audience the slip-ups occurred but were covered over.  The Baby Jesus in his bed in the manger was the grand finale.  Priceless.

  The children were not the only ones that spent time preparing for Christmas Eve.  The members of the church council had also been meeting prior.  The Sunday School children exited the church in the same manner they had marched in.  At the double doors of the church proper each child was given a fairly large paper bag filled with an array of nuts, mostly peanuts, candy of various types and an apple and an Orange.  Each bag had been twisted shut with hardy hands.  After the Sunday School children were back in the basement finding their coats, gloves and hats, the congregation was ushered out pew by pew.  Every child that had been in the audience also received a bag of goodies regardless if they were an infant or of high school age.  The entire time the organ was rattling the rafters with one of the much loved Christmas hymns.  

  For one of those years of participating, our family of four made the trip to the church in Buffalo Lake, which was only a four mile journey.  The trip into town didn’t mess up too much the long green Victorian dress trimmed with white eyelets for Carrie.  Kevin had on his three piece suit complete with tie.  I always had a lot of satisfaction sewing for the kids.  Hmm.  Carrie’s dress was in her cedar chest that had belonged to Grandma Schafer.  Kevin’s suit is still in my cedar chest in the attic.  

  Hmm.  What fun going down memory lane this afternoon.  What may have been some 47 years ago still has special meaning today.  If someone were to wipe out my memories, I don’t know who I would be today.

   
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  Noreen 3:11 pm on December 21, 2020 Permalink  

  A Test 

  It is a test to see how secure your replacement windows are when the wind is from the north, gusting at 40 mph.  A whisper would make the lace valances wiggle.  Nothing is moving inside of our home.  Now on the outside, if it isn’t nailed down it has blown away.

  Because we have a bit going on this Christmas weekend, the schedule within our home needs to be juggled.  After I came home from PT, the beds needed to be stripped.  Let the bubbles in the laundry begin.  Perfect timing to catch those late date dust bunnies when the flannels have been disturbed. 

  In between the cycles of the washer and dryer, I did some reading in the west porch.  Leaves were doing their dances straight down the center of our street.  Not a variance in a single leaf . . . right down the enter line as if a huge lawn rake was chasing them.  

  It may have crossed your mind that all that happens of late here on Stauffer Avenue is housework . . . ya, that is about it some days.  Though there is no snow on the ground and up to date it has not been bitter cold . . . the outside work was done to perfection thinking we would have snow by now.  For myself, I like to keep moving.  Moving is the best tip that both my chiropractor and my physical therapist have always instilled in me.  Arthritis loves a body that is complacent by sitting for long periods of time.  If you are really quiet, you can almost hear the clicking sounds of calcification knitting tight handholds around the joints.  

  This afternoon, I did give Dennis his list for our Christmas shopping in our hometown.  He needed to pick up a new electrical plugin from Fleet and Farm . . . in white.  The next stop was at the lumberyard to pick up a 1″ x 12″ x 48″ oak board that will be used in the west porch for the extra shelf we put up.  Hey . . . we shopped!  We shopped locally.  I had estimated $20.00 for the board.  Dennis came home and said I was off on the price.  It was $21.38 with tax.  He couldn’t believe I had been so close in the estimate.  Just a good guess. The lumberyard fellow was happy for the company when Dennis stopped in.  Not a lot going on locally for his yard.  It is for sale . . . no nibbles.  Dennis is already planning plans on getting the board sanded, getting it ready to be finished with polyurethane.  A good project now that we are officially in the winter season.

  Dennis picked up his friend, Dwayne, this afternoon.  The plan was to get cups of coffee at the gas station and then take Dwayne for a road trip around the community.  Dwayne made it through the heart valve operation as well as getting a pacemaker.  This happened several weeks ago.  Dennis was sure Dwayne would appreciate getting out of their apartment for a bit.  It will be some time before Dwayne is to drive a vehicle.  Two lifelong friends sharing space and yacking the entire time.  Good thinking on Dennis’ part.