Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 3:07 pm on November 11, 2025 Permalink  

  Returned 

  Great fall days have returned. . . for now.

  My Veteran is having a good day.  After a breakfast box and coffee in the patio porch, he decided to check his eyelids for cracks.  Naps are good for the soul.

  I headed for the studio this morning.  I had it in my mind to get the module on the sewing machine and stitch out a design.  There are many steps to achieve a successful product.  If I don’t keep my hand in that process . . . well, that would just not be good.  I have all the materials needed.  Whether what I stitch is needed by someone is not the point.  I need to maintain my level of comfort in the challenge.

  What I had not counted on was getting a thread jam early on in the stitching.  Nothing to do but begin from the inside out to solve it.  Sure enough, in the cavity where the hook is, the area that holds the bobbin, there was a short length of thread.  That itty bitty bugger was preventing the needle from engaging the bobbin thread to pull the thread up to make a stitch.  Keeping the machine running smoothly encourages patience, a whole bunch of it.

  I did succeed in my quest.  So much so, that I think tomorrow I will repeat the process.  I have always enjoyed sharing from my studio when someone drops in.

  The leaves in the neighborhood are catching hell this afternoon.  With the winds of the last days, it has really stripped most of the trees bare.

  I am always thankful when we have made it through the remainder of October and the first week into November.  That span of time contains real estate taxes, six months of the home owner’s insurance as well as six months of the car insurance.  Whew!  A great feeling to have all handled without stress.  

  The remainder of the tuna oven dish is being postponed until Wednesday night.  Ham and bean soup seemed a good fit for this evening’s meal.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:38 pm on November 10, 2025 Permalink  

  A Monday 

  Clarification was needed.  Neighbor Jan stopped in this morning with a piece of our mail that had been left in error in their mailbox Saturday.  It was a piece of junk mail, but nontheless it was our name and address on it. 

  Jan commented that she had come too early as I was still in a bathrobe.  I didn’t want to say anything to make her uncomfortable, I just passed on it.  After Jan had left I had thoughts.

  Jan was wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt.  I believe it is a generational thing.  I didn’t grow up with “the sweat” as a line of clothing.  In my day, you were either in a bathrobe or you were “dressed” for the day.  

  In my eighties, I am in my “robe” phase of clothing.  As this was Monday morning, the laundry was started and I was in my pink robe that had suffered from a splash of bleach some time back.  This robe serves me to hustle about the east end of our home that includes bathroom and kitchen.  After the laundry was humming, I began a tuna oven meal for tonight’s supper.  Dennis was on board to open several cans of the Sun-Kist Tuna that was packed in water.  With all ingredients in the round blue speckled roaster, it was ready to be popped in the oven about 4:30.

  Dennis took out the recycling and house garbage as Tuesday’s our garbage hauler will be here by seven in the morning. 

  I went on to do the dishes from the prep.  That led to a tidy of the kitchen cabinet fronts next to the coffee pot.  He, she, me . . . does splash a bit pouring an early morning cup.  If it hits the front of the cabinet fronts it is bound to also frequent the floor.  Tidy, tidy.  I can work up some heat with the hustling and bustling, thus the lightweight pink working robe.

  When the east end of our home had been taken care of, I knew I would be feeling the fact that our home temp is set at 70.  I chose a warmer robe as I would be relaxing, having been cooled down and enjoying a second cup of coffee and yogurt for a late breakfast.  The work robe hit the laundry.

  Yes, multiple weights of robes for various times during the day.  Actually, I have three robes, light, medium and heavy.  No “sweats” for the Grammie, just a variety of robes.  FWI . . . robes are not for the studio.  Being “dressed” allows for maximum mobility.  Tee Hee!

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:00 pm on November 9, 2025 Permalink  

  Sunday the 9th 

  The snow flurries of yesterday chose not to make an impact.  A few sheltered roof tops are still harboring the white.

  What has made an impact is the wind from the northwest.  If one were to hold open a huge garbage bag facing the wind head-on, it might very well fill the bag.

  The wind allows for the trains running through town on the tracks a block to the north of us sound as if they are right next door.

  Last night, we had a poor-man’s supper.  No we didn’t add a rock to the soup to make it go farther, we were fresh out of rocks.  What was added to the can of Progressive Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup was the chopped up cauliflower from the night before,  as well were the leftover mashed potatoes used.  I heated the mashed potatoes in the microwave.  They were then divided into our two soup bowls.  At the table the soup was ladled over the mashed potatoes.  A very hearty supper it was.  The consequence . . . leftovers used up in a tasty hot meal.  

  I am so proud  of our front sidewalk flag.

  

  The cap of a marker covering the top of the post and one of my green quilt clips hugging the flag to the post is letting the red, white and blue fly brightly and proudly.

  Dennis has his favorite cucumber dish prepared as a side-dish for supper.  His choice of a Maria’s frozen dish will be piping hot.  I am opting for a salad with my cucumber dish on the side.

  I did look through the embroidery design on the computer.  Quite a few to think on.  I have someone that doesn’t do Christmas without the Grinch.  No . . . ironically it is not Dennis. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:39 pm on November 8, 2025 Permalink  

  First! 

  Today was the first of the snow but I doubt it will be the last.  The Farmer’s Almanac tells us it will be a different winter from the last several mild ones we have had.  By the way, 2026 will be the last edition of the Farmer’s Almanac . . . so says somebody, I didn’t get their name.

  I don’t know about Dennis, but I feel pampered and special today.  This was our monthly visit to Maria’s Salon.  Amazing what a pedicure and a haircut can do for one’s feeling of wellbeing.  When Dennis is in her chair they talk about experiences either from his Korea days or her days when her family traveled where the fruit and vegetables were for harvesting.  When I am in her chair we talk about crocheting, yarns and women stuff.

  We stopped at Super Fair grocery on our way home.  We were in need of pasta and Dennis is in the mode for a tuna oven meal.  Star-Kist tuna packed in water is what we have on hand, and we are firm believers in using up what there is before buying new or more.  We had gotten spoiled with the white Albacore that is packed in water.

  It was difficult, but I did find a cucumber that was acceptable.  Most were soft and mushy.  Four pears and four avocados are also in the crisper along with the remaining Mcintosh apples that I have.  We never are without food.  I am at the point that shopping for produce here in town is what it is.  I still like to go to Sam’s Club and bulk up for the non-perishable items.

  Unfortunately, today the arthritis is not taking a time-out.  Weather as we are having today brings out warmer jackets and it sucks that I need help with the left side of the jacket.  Friction of my shirt doesn’t play well with the plush.  My thin nylon jacket slipped right on.  I am not one to back away when asking for help.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:35 pm on November 7, 2025 Permalink  

  What! 

  What is up with this!  Those bones, oh those bones crick and crack.  No . . . it is what is holding the bones together.  Nothing out of the unusual or ordinary.  Just a case of arthritis kicking in.  The first floor was where I stayed today.

  It seemed like a good day for YouTube watching with some stitching thrown in for good measure.  I do have something to take for when it hits hard and I said Uncle at 11:45.

  When I sit in my bedroom porch and hear the windchimes clattering, it does make me glance at our small USA flag that we have strung on a sleep post.  Those narrow ribbed posts were often used for stringing electrical fencing for cattle.  It works just great for our flag.  We did have to get smart after loosing one in a horrific wind storm in the late spring.  Though the steel post is ribbed and not smooth the winds whipping eventually walked the flag up the steel post and where the flag landed no one knows.  Initially we stripped the hem down the steel post with a safety pin clipped at the top to keep it in place.  The rough top of the steel post ate a hole through the hem on the top.  I did patch the hole first with needle and thread and then a dab of glue on the spot. 

  I knew the wind would whip its way for another hole.  The cap off of a Sharpie marker fit onto the tip of the post.  A quilter’s clip meant to hold fabric firmly in place attached the bottom of the flag to the post, gripping it tight.  Each day since we did this, I am thrilled to see the quilter’s bright green clip not letting the flag budge up one inch of the steel post.  I have lots of bright green clips if one breaks.  

  We had ordered two of the small flags.  When I saw that they were stitched and not printed, the extra heft helped.

  The meds are helping.  I never take them past noon of any day as they may effect my steadiness.  My shower-time is about eight at night.  We have multiple hand holds in the walk-in shower as well as a shower stool.  Safety at its best.

  Chicken tities for supper with vegetables.  Of course bread and butter pickle chips.  We like various brands.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:01 pm on November 6, 2025 Permalink  

  Season’s Change 

  Whatever made us think that the blustery days would not come.  

  The leaves are dancing in every which way.  I am sure they will settle down on someone’s yard and snuggle in for a long winter’s rest.

  The studio time was a bit short today.  There actually was a rhyme and reason to all the tidy, tidy I had been doing.  Some time ago,  I had fabric cut out for a certain quilt top.  I could envision the booklet of directions. High and lo I tidied.  Nothing.  On all four walls of the studio I tidied.  Nothing.  This was so unlike me.  Enough already!  I sat down and did an order from Amazon.  Knowing the author and what the front cover looked like did help.  I will be getting the booklet at the whooping price of $2.60 from a Goodwill in California.  I didn’t need a new edition.  This booklet was deemed in good shape.   I can rest . . . all is good.  The booklet is in the mail.

  I have two items on the calendar for myself.  I called the cardiac unit in Mankato.  I knew I was to have an Ectocardia ultra-sound in this month.  I kept checking the Mayo Portal . . . nothing.  Some things one needs to do on their own.  Not much for availability.  I will have the Ecto here in St. James January 6th, 2026 with a follow-up with a doctor on the 14th of January.  I am on a call list if there is a cancelation.  My surgeon left Mankato.  Dr. Haly is an MD as well as a cardiologist.  I do have an appointment with my primary here in town the beginning of December.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:09 pm on November 5, 2025 Permalink  

  Good Memories 

  I am not the only person that likes good memories.

  When we visited Sleepy Eye Furniture and Dennis had made his pick of chairs, as the owner was ringing up the purchase, he looked at Dennis more closely.  He commented on knowing Dennis from 1977.

  When Dennis was out of Korea, he became a recruiter for the National Guard.  Dennis would make his rounds to various community armories.  Mr. Larson remembered Dennis from that time.  It took Dennis by surprise to no end.  The two fellows spent quite a bit of time as various names were brought up.  As we drove home from Sleepy Eye that day, Dennis continued recalling events as he traveled southern Minnesota.  Sweet.

  Last night for supper we enjoyed a 12″ sub from Subway.   We marvel at those that can put a 12″ away on their own. 

  As of this afternoon, Dennis now has a new Lazy Boy rocker recliner.  It fits right in.  Yes, I dug out a doily for the back rest just as Dennis requested. 

  The air outside this afternoon is filled with dust from all the mowers that are hard at it.  I think the Asian beetles are thirsty.  When we find one in the house it it always at the kitchen sink.  Well, hello . . . let me give you that drink as we flush them down the drain with a bit of hot water, as I swear they can crawl back out if not given a good ride.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:05 pm on November 4, 2025 Permalink  

  Inventory 

  A good night’s rest and a plan was put in place.

  I have had my sewing machine since 2015.  I would not have believed it had I not gone through the operator’s manual and saw the receipt the other day.

  Today was the day to go through my flash drives of designs I have saved, stitched and enjoyed.  I took the time to load each drive into the sewing machine.  Of course, on each, there were multiple collections as well as individual designs.  What made it so perfect was that I reviewed each item as it came up.  I kept note of items that were no longer valid.  At that time I swiveled my chair, put the flash drive into my Dell computer and deleted those files. It really felt great to review what I had.  I also pulled out some small bags that would now hold each flash drive with a hand-written note of what was on it.  Ten years worth of learning and enjoying. 

  As with anything in my world, emotional attachments trumped the delete key.  A full collection of Pokémon along with all the images of grand pups.  I know I may well add to designs I find.  I will do the organizational thing right off the bat.  Also, I will not be loading the drives up to the hilt, but putting less on perhaps many.  Yes, In the last years, Amazon and I are on speaking terms in as much as I have found a package of ten drives is very reasonable. 

  Today the lawnmowers are chasing leaves.  When I look out over the trees, there are oh so many yet to fall.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:23 pm on November 3, 2025 Permalink  

  Life Expectancy 

  Life Expectancy of appliances and home furnishings is not what it used to be.

  In 2015, Dennis got a new recliner.  He insisted we buy locally . . . and we did.  It was a recliner that had push button controls.  Over the weekend the “push button” would do no more.  I think the chair was past its utility due to its demands.  The chair could just as well been wired for a vacuum attachment to keep up its appearance.  The pleather, aka: look-a-like leather, was shedding worse than the patio porch kitty Snuggles.  We tried some covering to help with its integrity.  At the end, forget it.  There was more black Gorilla Duct Tape on it than was economical.

  Today we drove to Sleepy Eye to the Larson’s Furniture Store.  It was totally up to Dennis as to how the chair fit him.  Color choice could be done as in special ordering it.  Dennis looked at me and I said, his comfort was #1, the color was not even in the equation.  I proudly acknowledge our home is for comfort, not matchy, matchy.  May this new chair give him comfort for ten years.

  The chair will be delivered Wednesday as the store already had a delivery here in town for Wednesday.  Willingly the $25.00 to take the old chair out was gladly added to the bill’s total.

  Oh my, . . . only Dennis.  His request was for Doilies.  That cracked me up.  Well, he thought what had been good enough for his mother and grandmother, would work for him.  Yes, I can honor his request.  Bless his heart. 

  We stopped on the way home at Super Fair.  Ice cream after supper to celebrate a new piece of furnishing.  

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:03 pm on November 2, 2025 Permalink  

  November 2nd 2025 

  Another month is on the go with the clocks being turned back one hour as of two a.m. this morning.  Experience from previous years, the change of an hour one way or another doesn’t impact my life.

  We have two wall clocks that will need to be adjusted plus the coffee pot.  I knew if I waited long enough the electric mantel clock from my parents would be right on target.

  Before engaging in any fun times in the studio, I prepared a salted kettle of water to boil some pasta.  I like the pasta tender but not over cooked.  Dennis’ pasta is usually over cooked until it resembles mush.  I thawed some seasoned meatballs.  The pasta, meatballs and a jar of Alfredo will make a good hot meal for today.  When I had the prep done of the pasta dish I turned the kitchen over to Dennis.  Cucumbers and onions in a cream sauce is a dish Dennis does to perfection.  What he needs from me is to have the onion cleaned and sliced.  The round slices that I do, Dennis chops them to his liking.  I have no disagreement in how he does his dish.

  To the studio for some finishing work.  I had three small pillows to complete that will settle in for a patriotic display.  One corner of the church tables is the finishing area.  A very well used and worn Tupperware canister is where I keep the crushed Walnut shells for my small pillows.  I like the heft that comes with the shells rather than the poof that doesn’t remain poofy.  I don’t make many small pillows but I am prepared.  It was economical to order from Amazon where the 5 pounds is listed as Lizard grit in the pet category.  I also like the small pillows as home for a needle or two using them as pin cushions to keep the needles sharp.

  

  I did complete the filling process for the pillows and went on to clean up that process. Using quilting clips to make sure the area that was open for filling remains secure sense.  It took some time for me to thread a tiny needle and much more time for me to get them stitched up.  Hands that used to fly through those stitches now take a bit more time.  Another day, another visit to the studio will find me putting trim around the pillows.  The 2026 pillow is going to get some extra TLC.  Before all is said and done, I will rub some of the crushed Walnut shell over the stark white to give it a good weathered look.  Walnuts have long been key in making stains for furniture.  A little rub here and there will make what is good . . . even better.

  Our supper is set for finishing in the oven.  As I am working on this post, the wind is having its way with anything that isn’t nailed down.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥