Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:26 pm on August 16, 2020 Permalink  

  It’s a Quiet Type of a Sunday 

  We have been sitting on the patio quite a bit today.  Great weather for it.  It gave us a chance to re-cap some of the events from the Riebe Cousin day.  I will say, and Dennis agreed, it was a lively bunch of people to mingle with.  No one stayed in a cluster.  Share and share alike.

  As we took a coffee break out on the patio, low and behold, we had activity.  Earlier, the cicada wasps that had infiltrated a flower bed next to  the southwest corner of the house.  Little buggers had tunneled holes supposedly laying their eggs within the dirt nests. It was noted that since we had shoved moth balls and crushed moth balls into the holes, we had not noticed any at the flower bed.

  Shucking darn.  Today one of the cicada wasps buzzed me and landed on one of the lawn chairs carrying another bug.  I got out the hornet spray and needless to say, after he dries out, he will be a crispy bug plus one.  Not too long later, one buzzed Dennis and it flew right into the latticed base of the patio umbrella.  The umbrella stand does sit over a small stump of an oak tree with quite a bit of dirt around it.  When we looked, the pulverized dirt under the stand was actually working its way through the lattice and coming to the surface.  They have been very busy.  We sprayed into all the lattice crevasses.  Time will tell. 

  What a gift it will be if we have a repeat of this day for some of next week.  May you all find something to smile about each and ever day!

   
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  Noreen 2:36 pm on August 14, 2020 Permalink  

  Great Energy Day 

  Though I didn’t get out of bed until 8:30, I had no problem kicking it in gear.  I knew the weather was going to be sticky but it didn’t deter what I had plans for.

  Tomorrow, Saturday, me and my cousins from Mom’s side of the family are getting together at the Darwin City Park.  The cousins are from Emil and Martha Riebe.  Emil and Martha had eight children: William, Wilfred, Wilmer, Lena (my mom), Gilbert, Norman, Gertrude, Melvin.  All eight are deceased.

  It will be wonderful to get together for fun, rather than at a funeral. 

  I began the morning with laundry and plowed right on through to put the cold salad together.  Chopping celery and onions kills my hands, so that I had prepared them yesterday and they were chilling.  Brownies will be topping off my “take along.”  Dennis washed up the cooler, loaded our two Harbor Freight chairs and fetched a small bag of ice for storage in our refrigerator until we need it.  Dennis’ idea is to put the ice in the cooler tonight before we go to bed, thus having a chilled environment for the salad tomorrow morning before leaving for the trip.  Ya, I know, older people need to have a plan in place ahead of time or something may be forgotten.

  I have not bought baking pans for most likely 50 years.  Too late, I got the message that anything other than Pam to spray on the pan prior to baking will allow grease to burn onto and penetrate the surface.  As I was thinking on the brownies, I really felt bad that the handles of the glass baking dish showed the decades of grease being burned in place.  Didn’t go too good.  I had bought Goof Off to work on getting caulking off of cement.  Since purchasing it, it has been too warm outside for me to work at it.  On a whim, I got the Goof Off out with a small square of fine grit sandpaper.  I sprayed a bit on the handles and began buffing.  Oh my gosh!  The burnt residue came off.  My favorite dishwasher, Dennis, has tried numerous times to tackle stains such as those on various baking dishes.  Now we know the rest of the story.  I will say that initially I tried our nylon dish scrubber and it did melt the nylon.  Use with caution and follow up with hot Dawn water to make sure to wash it all off. 

  I did make two trips up into the attic.  With Dennis’ huge gun cabinet being a new addition in the living room, I needed to have some items go to storage.  One of the items was the old fashioned wicker clothes basket of Mom’s that I had extra throw pillows and lap blankets in.  The other item was a toddler’s highchair that Dennis had spent many hours taking off the old paint and refinishing.  For some reason, I have a huge emotional attachment to that chair.  Not to worry, the hand sewn teddy bear that always sat in it, went right along to the attic . . . it’s a duo.  If I had more square footage, I know I would not have any problem having more of my items around that evoke good memories.

  Tomorrow is being looked forward to.  Something different and getting out and being with cousins that I have not seen for some time.  The wonderful part is that Dennis has gotten to know several of them.  He won’t have any problems socializing.  By the time we return home it may be late.  If I don’t catch you tomorrow, enjoy the beginning of a weekend that promises to have nicer weather in store.  Be good, be safe and be . . . happy.

   
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  Noreen 2:55 pm on August 13, 2020 Permalink  

  Smells 

  Smells, or if you want to be fancy and call it aromas, can evoke many memories.

  Several days ago, I began messing with some wood stain on woodwork that needed TLC.  The area adjacent to where one steps out of the bathtub, the area next to to the bathroom sink and the spot next to the kitchen sink . . .  it gets tough use.  Splish splash year after year on the mop boards and the trim.  Treatment was needed on the window sill in the bathroom.  Just a few too many times not having the window shut when unexpected rain could blow in.  In years past we had an ice damn on the bathroom roof and water had found its way to drip down the wall where the octagon window is.  Of course.  The water pooled on the flat surface.  Those areas had been cleaned, scuffed, stained and ready for a new look.

  Using polyurethane is sweet on flat surfaces.  Truth to tell, I did not have many flat surfaces.  How much thinner could the product be!   I will also anti-up the rest of the story.  I can’t do much on my titanium knees.  Kneeling on one spot is doable. Having to move along over lineal feet . . . not so much.  Bending from the waist is where my best bet is.  I warned Dennis that I would be in my nightie most of the day.  Having had multiple surgeries in the abdomen area, the scar tissues can and do remain tender.  Bending over with underwear, jeans and a belt, as my pants do not stay up on their own is very uncomfortable over a fairly long period.  There are choices to be made.  My choice was underwear and a nightie.  The nightie floats down on its own and it’s a feel good moment of only one soft layer of cotton next to the skin.

  What I was getting at with smells . . . is that as I worked, it reminded me of Dad’s work shop.  He loved to work with wood and the finishing of wood.  Of course Mom would be right at his side as the finishing of the wood surface was not his favorite of the projects.  Mom made sure the drips were tended to as the poly would be applied.  His shop was in a room in the basement of their home. When I would stop in for coffee, I knew the elves had been at work.  Depending on the time of the year, both Mom and Dad would beat feet it into the kitchen as there were surprises underway in the shop.  No peeking.

  My sister, Elvera, went through a decoupage era.  Her home would have the poly smell going as the holidays or a special event was ramping up.  Decoupage crafts started with small pieces or wood intended to be wall decorations.  Depending on who the item was meant for, appropriate paper images were glued onto the wood.  Multiple layers of a special poly were applied until the image looked as if it were floating off of the wood.  Times past remain fresh within me.

  The smell I had going on these last days were not about crafts or special gifts.  Actually that may not be accurate.  Having gotten tended what was needed, does feel like a gift from me to ME!

  Yup, I can talk myself into most anything.  Come to think on it . . . I do talk to myself quite a bit while I am busy.  Encouragement is always welcomed.

  It’s a Thursday that has brought about good feelings.  I hope that may be true for all of you as well.

   
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  Noreen 4:01 pm on August 12, 2020 Permalink  

  Ready, Set, Go! 

  When we received a call from Home Depot that our order of May was in . . . it was ready, set, go!  Dennis was determined to get the shutters home where they belong.  The shutters will be in storage in the garage until sometime in the fall when the weather is . . . wonderful.

  The unexpected trip to Mankato was a good road date for us.  We checked out Pet Expo as the Koi have really been eating.  No, I don’t think it is any type of sign as to what winter holds for us.  These older Koi are of pretty good size and need sustenance.  There is a funny thing happening with the Koi food which comes in small sticks that are fairly soft and float on top of the water in the pond and the Koi come up to the surface to feed.  When Dennis gets the bucket out to throw in a handfull into the pond . . .  guess who is right there for a few nibbles . . . Snuggles. 

  Snuggles has been a stitch this summer.  Dennis takes one bottle of chocolate Boost every noon.   Noon lunch doesn’t appeal to Dennis, but he did admit he needed more than coffee and cigarettes in his system.  Lots of protein and goodies in one small bottle.  I am not sure when it all started and I was surprised when one day I was privy to it.  Snuggles may be out of site, but when Dennis cracks open the bottle of Boost, Snuggles is right there.  Dennis pours the bottle cap full of the chocolate drink and Dennis and Snuggles share the Boost break.  Way too funny.  Boost and Koi food, this cat has a very unique pallet.  I just shake my head.  

  We came home and the apple barn on highway 169 was open and had customers.  As we drove by Dennis decided to go to the next exit and come back to it.  We now have a cherry pie in the oven.  Yup . . . the apple barn does not discriminate in goodies.  I think Dennis was feeling his oats.  Dennis had a doctor’s appointment earlier this morning and the lab work was ready for viewing shortly after he came home.  All – and I mean all – of his blood work came back in the normal range.  He was pretty pleased with himself.  I don’t think one cherry pie will flip any of these readings to a huge extent.  I have not been doing much baking of late.  Dr. Eatwell shared with Dennis that he will be 62 tomorrow and he hoped he would have such good readings when he is Dennis’ age, which is 83.

  Life is great and I wouldn’t want to change a thing.  We got home from our road date and both of us agreed it was the best part of the road date.  Sweet!  Going on a road date is special, coming home is more special.

   
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  Noreen 3:17 pm on August 11, 2020 Permalink  

  A Tuesday 

  It is unfortunate that the storms in Iowa were so severe.  Our nice weather today was due to that outburst of weather.

  Today Dennis and I voted.  It seems like a slim turnout, but time will tell.  It was the most diverse group of people we have been around since February.  Oh yes, all masks were in place.

  I don’t do many trips to our local grocery store.  My pantry tides us over very well.  It is the milk, bread and fruit that brings me to shop locally.  As it turned out there were quite a few people my age and older that were out and about today.  I can imagine the store being right across from the polling location may have had something to do with it.  

  As I was going isle by isle, it was difficult to keep a good pace going.  Many familiar people were out and about and wanted to visit.  Perhaps they felt the need to visit as they, like Dennis and I, have not been out and about socially to any extent.  Those that I met today in the grocery store do live alone.  Perhaps any chance meeting in a store allows them to feel some type of connection.  The polling place didn’t give anyone more than . . . hi and goodbye and there is the door.

  What I can tell you about this time since February is that what I miss the most is the touching and talking.  I am a hugger.  When I run into friends, going up to them and giving them a hug is my first instinct.  Now immediately what comes to mind is “Don’t touch them.”  I can get my dose of hugging and touching via Dennis.  Because of Dennis, during stretches of the day, I can be alone and not feel lonely.  Isn’t that sad that many older people that live alone do feel isolated.  Today, though we all wore masks, the hunger in their eyes told the rest of the story.  I know.  I, along with most Americans, have been sold a bill of goods during this time, but just as many, don’t realize that.  So . . . I make sure I don’t make anyone feel uncomfortable . . . I don’t hug.

  It was a relatively quiet day.  Minding my “Ps and Qs” until the next round of energy returns.  What I did get accomplished today is to change out all parts of Dennis’ CPAP machine that have a sell by date.  Actually it is the parts that are to be changed out about every thirty days.  It is the hose, the filters, the gasket and today even the chin strap was swapped out.  Not so much by the number of days, it is telling by the noise of the air leaks via the machine during the night when parts need to be changed out.  He can’t hear it. It does effect his rest as the leaking of the air effects the timing of the burst of air that he needs from the machine when he stops breathing due to the irregular heartbeat that he has 24/7.  It is called AFib.  I can hear it and it also effects my rest.

  I think my energy will return sometime later this week as I will be getting an order from Amazon.  I have six packages of Murphy Oil Wipes coming my way, postage free.  The care and cleaning of the woodwork in our home is going to continue.  I ordered them.  Checking different places in Mankato, not all stores carry the wipes.  They do carry the large containers of liquid to mix with water.  Where I am at with the condition of hands, shoulders and neck, doesn’t necessarily mean I can go at it for long periods of time. The convenience of using the wipes allows me to do the work a bit at a time when the body allows it.  Sweet!  My motto: working smarter rather than harder.

  Tomorrow is hump day!  Have a great evening.

   
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  Noreen 3:48 pm on August 10, 2020 Permalink  

  Happy Monday 

  We have escaped any storms over the weekend.  Thanks be to God!

  Dennis spent the better part of the day with his friend Dwayne.  They pulled a trailer of Dwayne’s treasures to Stordan where there is an older closed school that is used for auctions.  Dwayne’s son will fill the trailer for the fellows to make a second trip next week.  Moving from rural to city makes for a lot of work when out-buildings need to be cleaned out.  Hmm, Dennis and I are not planning on moving but we can commiserate on the cleaning that can ensue.

  I had a happy Monday.  I have worked on some fall cleaning to the point that as I think of supper, I can feel the fruits of my labor . . . stiff joints and a few muscles that are less than happy.  It doesn’t matter what I have gotten accomplished and it doesn’t matter if no one notices.  I know.  Self satisfaction is its own reward. 

  I took out a frozen portion of Bar-B-Q for sandwiches.  It will be a great supper as the buds had a late lunch at the Home Town Cafe after their trip.

  As I took out all the was needed for Tuesday’s garbage pickup, I took note how nice it was outside.  Humidity and dew point are neck and neck in the mid 50s.  I am ready for autumn even if it means the Asian Beatles and Boxelder bugs will make themselves known.  

  Tomorrow we will be going to our polls for voting.  Silence is consent.

   
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  Noreen 3:31 pm on August 9, 2020 Permalink  

  New Day – New Energy 

  Perhaps a half inch of rain washed away all the arthritis discomfort of yesterday.  I do know a good night’s rest is a huge part of the equation.  Today I had good energy.

  Dennis and I have been playing it close to home since March.  Not that we were such gallivants, we have hunkered down playing it safe.  That being said, we have made work being fun in our home.  Tweaking this, cleaning that . . . the time does pass.

  These last seven months have not been much different than how I grew up.  Farm families always had a lot of work.  There wasn’t such a thing as a family vacation in the summer months.  Cows needed milking twice a day come hell or high water.  All of our neighbors were in the same boat.  Bringing someone strange in to take over the milking for a time, would surely put the cows off on the milk.  There was no down time on the farm 24/7.

  Now, just as then . . . home is where I do my best and am my best.  Balance in place, the time is well spent over the weeks and months.  

  I have been yipping about doing some sewing, but I manage to get waylaid.  Having been busy outside since early spring, the housework was a just a lick and a promise as I looked as to what was needed outside.  Hmm.  Recently my bifocals zoomed in on the stair railings that needed TLC.  It was a job well done and well deserved. With just a bit of a tip of my head, I looked up the back steps of our entry and realized that the kitchen oak woodwork has been neglected.  How many years since the new flooring and woodwork was installed?

  When Dennis came into the house he found pillows, towels, a wet Mr. Clean Eraser and me on the kitchen floor.  Pillows work great for the knees.  With a kitchen counter extending over the flooring, it was easier for me to get close and personal.  I don’t rush.  I get all my needs around me, much like a nest, and proceed to get at the task at hand.  I believe the poly finish needed a thorough cleaning and then a follow up with Murphy oil wipes.  Those wipes do an amazing job of putting on a protective finish to the wood. 

  No . . . I am not a neat freak.  I do know that keeping busy brings me self satisfaction.  It also allows for me to take multiple breaks, read a couple of chapters in my library book, hit it again and I end up with a job well done.  No more all-day jaunts and then feeling like my joints are coming undone. Working smarter and not harder . . . it has taken me many years to come to that.

  It is not the nicest outside.  Dennis and the patio cats can attest to that.  I did put a tin of cinnamon rolls in the oven to pair with pasta hotdish that I had taken out of the freezer for supper.  

  The month is rolling on quicker than one realizes.  I do hope kids get to start school.  It’s one thing for us older folks to stay home.  Children need to be in a classroom bonding with classmates and putting in a good day of the “3 Rs.”

   
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  Noreen 3:03 pm on August 8, 2020 Permalink  

  Bones 

  Today the arthritis bucked to no end.  It brought to mind “Dem Bones.”  It’s an old spiritual from the 30s or 40s.  It makes reference  to “Dem Dry Bones.”  I don’t think it’s the bones . . . it’s all about what is holding my bones together. 

  I don’t know if the weather has anything to do with arthritis.  This morning was a nasty start to the day.  One could hardly catch a breath outside from the humidity and dead air.  Arthritis is about wear and tear where inflammation can set in.  I have no one else to blame for it, as I don’t think it is heredity.  I have a sneaking suspicion that my body is reacting to what my mind keeps telling me . . . “I can do this, get out of my way.”  I truly hope my children heed their bodies in regard to moderation while working their way through the years.  So, now that I have refreshed my mind as to why I am feeling the way I am today, will things change.  Hell no!  There is more to each day than taking up space.  Feeling the effects of my movements gives me pause to take it a bit easy for a part of today.

  Reading is “my pause.”  I am also pausing as the first coat of the poly on the stair railing is drying.  Tomorrow I have a bit of steel wool to give it a light scuff and it will be ready for the second and last coat.  Dennis commented how much improved the the railings looked . . . as he is crawling up the five steps to get into the house and crawling down the five steps to get outside.  It is manageable and it makes for safety.

  The bedding has been washed and is back on the beds.  We have no linen closet.  What comes off for the laundry is put right back on.  Less is more.

  When Dennis does come back into the house, he will no doubt report as to how much rain we have gotten this afternoon.  Not much thunder our way but it looked as to the north they may have had a bit more of a storm.

  The weekends this summer are quite different as there isn’t much for additional entertainment with the summer festivals having all been canceled.  It will be interesting to hear the reports from the Sturgis 80th anniversary of bikers.  Piles of people on top of each other . . . I prefer the quiet on Stauffer Avenue.  Enjoy where you choose to be.

   
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  Noreen 3:37 pm on August 7, 2020 Permalink  

  Magic Erasers 

  The mystery of Mr. Clean’s Magic Erasers and why they work so well . . . I don’t really need to know the ins and outs of them.  I do appreciate them.  What the Germans know in their secret formula is a winner.  

  We had oak railings put onto the walls of our interior back door steps several decades ago.  They had a wonderful poly finish on them before Kevin installed them.  We use them multiple times each day.  Anyone that comes into our home most likely uses them.  For some reason today as I came up the basement steps, I took a long, hard look at the railings where the hand would touch them while putting the foot on the first step going up into the kitchen.  The oak for the first twelve inches of the railing on the left side of the stairs had turned a gray color.  Hmm.  I had used a Mr Clean eraser on the steps to get some surface dirt off.  This surface dirt that I am referring to is due to the factory finish of the vinyl flooring wearing thin even though the manufacturers suggestions for cleaning has always been followed.  The traffic patterns on these steps and also certain areas in the kitchen and bathroom are tell-tail.  When Kevin told me that the life of vinyl flooring is generally twenty years, I dang near cried.  Getting back to the railing.  I used the eraser on the railing with a fair amount of pressure.  The gray color was being transferred to the eraser.  I kept rinsing the eraser and low and behold, I was just about down to bare oak, and it no longer looked gray.  

  I basically felt like mom, Lena, was clucking her teeth at me saying, “I’ve taught you better than that.”  This particular situation had been taken for granted for a long time.  I cleaned both railings and let them dry.  Out came my favorite oil wood stain, “Golden Oak.”  The biggest challenge for Dennis and I will be to walk those five steps keeping our hands off as the goal is to really let that stain soak in and then give it a new poly finish.  

  The Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are a good line of defense for multiple uses.  I know that there is a Mr. Clean Mop, which would work out great for me.  When we have looked, one store may have the handle but not the refills and then the exact opposite is true in the next store.  I may pay Amazon a visit, as I am not ready to replaced flooring in the entryway, the kitchen and the bathroom.  In the meantime, Grammie needs to bend over and get it done. 

  Where in the world does all this tweaking of home care come from!  In all honesty, I pray that I will always be able to see what needs to be done and then act on it.  It might take an ah-ha moment such as I had today, but I will keep looking.  

  In the meantime, in between time, the acre has been groomed today.  Dennis encouraged me as he watches the weather forecast and neither he nor I enjoy getting overheated and then end up feeling ill. The acre is showing mixed signs of green.  Our front yard as well as a few others in the neighborhood totally burned in the last weeks.  It crunches and begs to be left alone for some type of recovery.  It is a good feeling to end the week with a tidy yard.

  May the weekend bring all that you desire and all that you need to have that contentment of liking where you live.  We sure do!

   
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  Noreen 2:49 pm on August 6, 2020 Permalink  

  Three in the Afternoon 

  It’s three in the afternoon of Thursday and it feels as if a plastic bag has been pulled over our part of the world.  No breeze with heavy clouds and the humidity and dew point are on the rise.  Dang.   This morning was fantastic.

  Today we sat on the patio and did some “what ifs.”  The Koi pond needs to have the filters cleaned almost weekly during the summer.  It’s not that it’s hard work, but it is clumsy work.  Getting down on the knees and bending over the pond to get at the filters . . . it always takes my breath away when I watch Dennis tackling that, and believe me, I am there watching.  Most times I have a finger hooked into the back belt loop of his jeans . . . just as a precaution.  Taking everything from the back of the potting shed to the south side of the house for water access . . . yup, clumsy.  We had priced out new equipment as the older items are almost 20 years old.  There are six very old fish left in the pond.  It will be Dennis decision if and when he wants to retire from the aquatic hobby.  The inkling I got was that the Koi would be going into the horse tank when it gets cold and he will see how he feels next spring.  Fair enough.

  Today was our first meal in a sit-down restaurant since February.  Perkins welcomed us with plenty of social distance.  I had a list of items and . . . why not get in the car and go!  One of the items we came home with was a LED light bulb, in the daylight mode, for the car garage.  It is equivalent to 4,000 lumens.  Why we kept on being content with the LED 10, that compares to a 60 watt that was putting out 760 lumens . . . what can I say.  It’s even one with the softer glow!   We do now have the Good Off as well a the Goo-Gone to tackle cleaning up some caulking mess.  Those items used one at a time coupled with my wire brush should be able to give some relief.  Oh ya, I forgot . . . lots of elbow grease.  

  I have no plans for the coming day.  It will be welcomed and I am sure within a short amount of time, something will speak to me as to what needs to be done.  Living on the edge . . . priceless!