Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 3:50 pm on March 9, 2020 Permalink  

  Gray Skies 

  Gray skies with little pellets of . . . something.

  A Monday morning is a great time to start something new.  Dipping all ten toes into a new venture with chin up and shoulders squared.  Ready or not here I come!

  For myself, I have been kicking around an old pattern book for several weeks.  I did do a project out of this book when Lena still lived on the farm in Boon Lake Township.  Who knew that I would end up owning a sewing machine that could also do embroidery.  My plan is to take out a portion of the pattern that was pieced and put in an embroidered stitched item.  Right now my church tables are a mess with fabric scraps, rulers and stabilizers.  I am holding my breath as to the outcome.

  I took some time off to head to the grocery store for milk and a few items.  It does the noggin good to get some fresh air and clear muddled thoughts.  I knew that the project I am working on would need some quilt batting.  Dennis’ nephew always saves me what is left after one of his quilts is off the longarm.  As I got into his sewing area I was blown away.  Talk about dipping toes into new projects.  He is in the process of building a sewing table top to put on an existing table.  It is 7′ x 12′.  He has lots to think about in regard to stabilizing it.  I could just see one of his buds coming to visit him, putting a butt check on the edge of the table to chat and having the entire table top flip.  I suggested legs on the corners.  I took my quilt batting and l left.

  We all need to know what is within ourselves to make our lives doable and meaningful.  Suggestions can be made but in the end, all that can really be offered is a lot of moral support when someone is strong enough and brave enough to get those toes wet right up to the the ankle bone.   Life is sweet when we realize the options that are out there and . . . go for it!

   
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  Noreen 5:44 pm on March 8, 2020 Permalink  

  Communication Malfunction 

  Somehow the patio porch occupants missed all of the communications of this last week that it was time to move the clocks ahead one hour.  This allows for the knowledge that the Stauffer Avenue folks are not on a stressful schedule.  Too funny.  The time changes have never been an issue for me.  It is what it is.

  Taking my walks these last several days have been just as if I was getting an injection of B12.  I enjoy walking, and believe me, it is walking.  No fast trots . . . just a gentle consistent stroll.  What is interesting is to stop and just look at what there is around me.  Winter always has so much tell-tale debris.  Amazingly our yard has very few branches down.  I knew eventually all that was loose was bound to come down when we had such a windy fall.  Nonetheless, Dennis has a burning ring that he procured last fall, aka: a truck tire rim. It’s not huge, but it is his.  It’s a status thing in our neighborhood.

  My days in the last months have been consistent.  I have a routine in the mornings that I keep seven days a week.  I never feel that our home is in needs of a huge tidy job.  A little bit every day.  I learned a long time ago that lack of organization is a path to a crisis. 

  I remember crisis days.  Oh my gosh.  With Carrie and Kevin being little farm kids, the house routine was the last thing on my mind.  I was more interested in getting them suited up to be out with me for chores.  Our wheelbarrow was the perfect place for a bundled up Kevin as we went from one barn building to another.  He didn’t get into the barns, but then he was too bundled to get out or fall out.  Carrie . . . you couldn’t keep up with her.  The chores always got done.  The housework was second fiddle.  When I knew that there would be company coming over . . . it was crisis time.  It was such a Godsend to have a panic closet.  Open the door and pitch.  Oh yes, there would be a time when we needed to find a pacifier for a nap that may have been in one of the blankets in the panic closet.  It’s amazing how fast the closet got sorted.  Oh such wonderful memories that have kept me warm all winter.  Not to worry.  Getting outside and doing some yard work is a way for the memory lane events to be enjoyed while doing the no-mind raking.

  Tonight we did try the Hormel Pork Roast tray.  In times past we have had the beef tips selection, giving them a good review.  For a quick meal it was okay.  Dennis gave it a thumbs up.  As we get on, meals have less appeal, especially when we haven’t been very active.  Hello!!  That’s most of the time.

  May the week treat you kindly. May the week bring you enthusiasm.  May the week bring you to a place that feels right.  And . . . know that I am already there.

   
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  Noreen 6:29 pm on March 7, 2020 Permalink  

  Got it Done 

  Today was the day for “out with the old, in with the new.”  Grammie was going to get a new sewing table.  For the last fifteen years I have been sewing on an old heavy table.  The top was shiplap tongue and groove that had more layers of paint than could be counted.   2 x 6 boards made up the four sided frame with 2 x 4 legs.  It was built to last.  The table was too short to sit up to as my legs couldn’t get under the 2 x 6 sides.  Two bricks under each leg and all was good.  

  Dennis came home yesterday from Mankato with a new Husky height-adjustable table that was 20″ x 46″.  It was totally assembled.  That in itself was a Godsend.  We don’t do well with DYI projects.

  Slow and steady to allow for the old table to be brought up the steps.  There had been a railing put on the south wall that took away a good five inches of width in which to wiggle the table up one step at a time.  Break time!  Dennis hit the rocking chair in the patio porch and that gave me time to get out the old Filter Queen vac to tidy up in the sewing studio.  

  As heavy as the Husky table was, I was totally taken aback how easily we got it down the steps.  “Watch the crank, watch the crank.”  Bend the crank handle and the adjustable height is history.  Let’s hear it for the older ones on Stauffer Avenue!  We decided to take the casters off of the legs.  That made a whopping 4″ difference in the height. 

  Dennis was anxious for me to get the sewing machine with the embroidery module set up on the table so we could see if the table would vibrate beneath the sewing machine.  Nope.  Steady as a rock. 

  This whole process went a lot faster than I could have planned.  From Thursday night to Saturday noon, the project was talked about, sought after and installed. 

  Sometimes as we work through physical challenges, what is right in front of us goes unseen.  This table top is now 5 inches lower than my ever faithful lumber table top.  I know that my body said a prayer of thanks.

  Spring ahead!  That is the message heard everywhere on the news.  It does seem like we just adjusted the time.  For my part the winter has gone fast even though we were quite the homebodies.  We realized the depth of that when we were in Mankato last week and had the pickup serviced.  The last oil change had been done August 9, 2019.  As we pulled into Jiffy Lube we were right on the 3,000 mile mark for the service.   Yup, time flies when we are having fun.

   
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  Noreen 6:09 pm on March 6, 2020 Permalink  

  A Popping Type of Day 

  We found out that company was coming.  Michael’s wife Jo was coming our way than going on to see her daughter and grandson in Laverne.  

  Dennis had a prescription in Mankato that could be picked up today for his CPAP machine.  Some components of the CPAP, particularly the latex gaskets that attach to the headgear, are issued one a month.  We do have it set up that Dennis can pick up three months worth at one time saving us driving.  It’s a window of picking up supplies that’s not wise to delay.  Dennis took his friend Lyle with him on the road trip.

  Kevin had shared with us that the Home Depot might have an adjustable height table that could be used for my sewing studio.  We may have to order one if they don’t have the small one in stock.  The lowest height was 27″.  Right now my old lumber table has the needle hitting the project at 35″.  Dennis said he would check it out after he had his prescription.

  It was right around noon when Dennis called.  Home Depot had one small adjustable table, 46″ in length, with the remaining stock much larger.  Dennis could purchase it right off the floor, totally assembled.  What a great deal.  I had been looking at some online that were much more expensive and shipping charges would have applied.

  While I had a great visit with Jo over coffee, Dennis and Lyle had the table loaded in the pickup and were off to enjoy lunch at Perkins.  It was a win, win.

  Tomorrow we will take our time and do some configuration in the sewing studio before the new sewing table comes into the studio.  This purchase was one of the last items to be gotten in regard to getting the right fit for the ole gal with tender shoulders, hands and neck.  Sweet!  It is amazing how some things fall into place so smoothly that it’s downright scary.  I put out a request to Kevin on Thursday night as to what he felt in regard to some website tables I was thinking about.  Here it is 24 hours later and the table is ready to come into the house.

  The weather for the weekend is to be wonderful, giving the dirty old dirty snow a run for its money.  That coupled with the turning of the time clocks forward by one hour, can Spring be far behind!

   
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  Noreen 4:12 pm on March 5, 2020 Permalink  

  Hang On 

  I think I just saw parts of Canada blow by.  This wind is more than I could walk against today.  The winds are carrying grit that needs to be picked out of the teeth as if I were riding a bike on a gravel road.

  WE did it.  Our applications are in for the Minnesota Real I.D.s.  It took four trips to the courthouse.  The first trip we were like blown away.  No matter how many cards we had in our wallets that stated our names . . . nope.  When we realized Dennis’ birth certificate did not have his name spelled correctly, that was a huge bump in the road.  I realized I needed a copy of the separation when Orlin and I had divorced.  We put our tales between our legs and went home.   I was sure I had the separation paperwork, but it was not where I thought it was.  I contacted McLeod County and the friendly gal would call when they found it.  It was a week when the call came.  All of their records that were of that time frame had already been sent to the McLeod County Historical Society.  Send money and it will be on its way.  Who knew.

  All of our records for Dennis were gone through here in our home.  The second trip was to let them know that their records via what we had found in our own records was wrong.  Correction ongoing.

  Today was our third trip. As luck would have it Dennis had lost his social security card and that meant a trip to Mankato to apply for a duplicate.  With that in hand we thought we had this.  Nope.  His discharge papers with name and social security card was not what was needed.  Most of the paperwork was ongoing with the promise that we would return today, trip number four,  with Dennis’ paper statement from social security allowing what was needed to file our income tax.  

  After $150.00 that included new driver’s license fees that will last four years, we may be on our way to . . . no plans for now.  It will be interesting to see what chip shows up on our new licenses that will allow us to either drive into Canada or get on a plane with the destination within the USA.

  You know what?  It didn’t hurt us one bit to take care of our own business and get things in order where they belong.

  Just last night we heard on the news that there are going to be security offices within the Minneapolis Airport to allow people to apply for the Minnesota Real I.D.s while they wait for their flights.  Hello!  Who just happens to have their entire paper trail portfolio in the same envelope as their boarding pass!

  I have been taking the afternoon at bit on the easy side.  Mailing in income tax yesterday and getting the I.D.s nailed . . . damn near wore me down.

  Starting the washing machine this afternoon with the mundane usual and customary was a huge relief.  If I didn’t have my slippers on I would be up and clicking my heels together . . . “there’s no place like home.”  I hope everyone that has a bit of stress in their day returns to their home and breathes. Just breathe and know that you are on hallowed ground.

   
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  Noreen 5:25 pm on March 4, 2020 Permalink  

  Road Trip Done 

  We headed out of town this morning.  Dennis off to his luncheon and me making plans on a few errands.  I decided I had to have a haircut.  It had been since the first week in January and I was getting shaggy.  The second stop for me would be JoAnn’s.

  I checked in at Great Clips and was put on the 12:30 slot.  It’s always a crap shoot as I don’t have an app to put an appointment out online.  As I sat there, there was a fellow that looked familiar.  Yup.  It was my cousin Douglas from LeCenter.  His dad and my dad were brothers.  You can have a family reunion in the strangest of places.  My number came up and we said our goodbyes.  It sure beats seeing family at funerals.

  Anyhow . . . my haircut feels wonderful.  I did get my fusible web at JoAnn’s and Dennis enjoyed his fellow Korean veterans.  As we drove home it was amazing how much water is waiting for the field tiles to open.  

  As we were driving home both Dennis and I were lost in our own thoughts.  I thought about my two children.  How brave they are.  Each steps out of their comfort zone in and to unknown endeavors.  How proud I am of them.  Me . . . on the other hand, was a total coward . . . a chicken.  When I had known security after I was 50, I hunkered down and held on for dear life.  I was afraid to try for anything new.  I was afraid to let go of what was a known.  I don’t have any regrets as I never had the courage to peek at what could be a step out or an additional step.  I can’t miss what I never had.  Hmm.  I do have the security I sought.  I do have a comfortable life.  Hmm. Maybe I was in the place I was meant to be after all.  I want my children to be where they are and were meant to be.  They have courage to take a look at their present and make decisions and changes.  Yup . . . my children are my pride and joy.  Who knew what wonderful treasures I would leave to this world.  Strong to strike out and seek.  Enough self reliance to squelch doubts and just . . . hit it.

   
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  Noreen 6:20 pm on March 3, 2020 Permalink  

  A Day of Good Feelings 

  Dennis was up and at it to be in place at his favorite spot for coffee . . . McDonald’s.  It does him a world of good to kibitz with those that can share what their days bring.

  Dennis had barely driven out of the yard when I had company in the sewing studio.  Very unexpected but surely was welcomed and enjoy.  Nothing serious going on but sharing ideas and picking each other’s curiosity in all things fuzz and threads.  It was almost Noon when Dennis popped home and he shared some thoughts with my visitor about all things fuzz and threads.  Dennis has been down in the sewing studio long enough and often enough that his thoughts give credence.

  This afternoon, I decided to check over our tax returns for one final peek.  Nothing had changed but I felt better refreshing everything in my mind before I got the checkbook out to write out the amounts due to the state and federal.  Sigh!  At suppertime Dennis had the privilege of putting the postage stamps on and also the inked return address on the envelopes.  A team effort.

  I am no further in my endeavor to begin a new project.  Quite a few quilt books are out on the church tables with bookmarks in some.  I am on the trail.  Would you believe in all of my studio stashes, I do not have two-sided fusible web.  How could that be!  Dennis has the first Wednesday of the month luncheon in Mankato tomorrow.  I am riding shotgun to make a short visit to JoAnn’s while he is at lunch.   It will be my first visit to JoAnn’s for the 2020 year.  Felling pretty good about that. 

  Over time my thinking gets muddled.  It’s also called ruminating.   I cannot believe how fast time has gone over the year.  Many challenges have been met with just as many sleepless nights at times.  We have made it through those challenges and come out on the other end in good stead ready to take what comes.  From my point of view . . . feelings don’t cripple us, feelings don’t debilitate our spirits.  Maintaining good health is where it is all at.  Our healthy bodies visit regularly with our minds to keep us on track to know that we are children of the Old Adam.  It was never meant to be a walk in the park.

  Mid 40s tomorrow.  Gotta love it.

   
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  Noreen 6:15 pm on March 2, 2020 Permalink  

  It was Needed 

  This day, this Monday, it finally worked out for us stitchers to get together at Baker’s Square.  There are times when schedules don’t pan out, but let me tell you the wait is worth it.

  Sharing ideas can be compared to finding a new planet that is orbiting earth.  Sharing the stitches that didn’t work out is like an earthquake in your very own backyard that needs recovery time.  We speak a language that is foreign to many.  All of us agree that finding homes for our finished projects is priceless.  Any family request for what we may be able to stitch does not go unheeded.  Sometimes we would hope more would be needed from us from our families.

  I enjoyed being out and about today.  No heat needed within the vehicle with just a hint of fresh air from a cracked passenger window.  As I had stopped for several groceries at Hy-Vee, I also brought home supper from their deli.  Coming home and needing to get right into the harness can really take the glow off of a great day.

  Dennis has all of his five gallon pails at the elevator for shell corn.  Tomorrow after his usual Tuesday coffee group he will head to the elevator and have enough corn for several weeks.  This evening at supper he did mention that perhaps this would be the last of the trips to the elevator for corn.  The snow has shrunk allowing some of Mother Nature’s offerings that were snow covered to peek out for a nibble here and there.

  As I have not one single, unfinished item in the sewing studio, I came home from the stitchers with a new idea.  It will take time to flush out a pattern from my stashes and see what will happen.  I am still on target that stashes will get hit before purchases, so this might get interesting and be a lot of fun.

  Enjoy the Tuesday and realize that whatever the day brings, it will never ever be duplicated again as the real time, real deal.  Yesterday is over, tomorrow is not as yet ours, we need to live in the present.

   
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  Noreen 6:18 pm on March 1, 2020 Permalink  

  Oh My Gosh 

  We have had a Sunday in the mild temperatures and . . . I have nothing to show for local effort.  It seemed that the day was on a roll and me . . . not so much.  It doesn’t happen often and when it does it really befuddles me.  

  Dennis was content in the patio porch watching the RFD channel that had rodeos.  I almost envied him in regard to being able to veg out for the day.  I did wander from one end of the house to another, that took all of 10 seconds.  I wandered into the sewing studio and picked around with nothing that jarred me loose . . . maybe tomorrow.  I knew the cookie jar was empty . . . maybe tomorrow.  

  When I think back on Sundays on the home farm in Boon Lake Township, Raymond was good for a nap in the afternoon.  It was also time for him to catch up on The Farm Journal.  Lena would be at the kitchen table, more times than not, mending Raymond’s socks.  The entire time the New Ulm radio station would be playing old time music.  

  With my situation today . . . this too shall pass.  Even to decide not to be active during a day is still a decision.  May the week bring more spring time temps as the snow is cowering . . . big time.  Unfortunately the price we pay for having calcium chloride spread on Stauffer Avenue twice during the year to control the dust, also allows the spring to turn it into a muck. 

  So, take care and be good and may the new week bring all that each of you need.  No . . . we don’t always get what we want.

   
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  Noreen 4:47 pm on February 29, 2020 Permalink  

  40s and Sunny 

  This is the type of weather that temps me to dust off my walking shoes.  Close but not yet.  I have managed to stay upright thus far this winter season and my walking trail will still be there if the temps get up in the 50s.

  This morning I heard Dennis get up and I made sure to say good morning to him.  l knew he would take coffee and head to the patio porch.  I stayed in bed and took in the scene outside of the window.  There wasn’t much breeze.  The evergreen boughs gently swayed.  Occasionally the birds took shelter on one of the branches.  It was so peaceful to take in the morning while the world outside was still relatively quiet.  When I did get up I couldn’t believe I had whiled away a half of an hour taking in the new day.  This is the peace that passes all understanding: thanking the Lord for a good night’s rest and a second thank you for the blessings of being able to have another day.  I really do try and do better each day.    

  Dennis and I went to a funeral today of one of Dennis’ friends from times ago.  Paul also served in the Korean War.  Both Dennis and Paul attended a monthly noon luncheon in Mankato on the first Monday of every month.  Family and friends were in abundance today for the memorial of 80-year-old Paul.

  On the way home, I asked Dennis what he thought of the service.  His response was quick . . . “Nope! I don’t want any of that when it’s my time.”  The response didn’t surprise me.  Pulling out all the trivia of a lifetime on this earth for all to stand over and comment isn’t Dennis.  As it was a good friend of Dennis’ today, I needed to be sure I understood and understand what Dennis’ wishes may be in the future.  Both Dennis and I agree that our families are the only ones to be there for each of us at that time.  Dennis and I live quietly and thus we will meet our maker when the time comes.

  May Sunday bring all that you need to feel the grace and quiet that lives within.