Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 5:14 pm on March 7, 2019 Permalink  

  Heath Wellbeing 

  Out of the blue yesterday I got a call from our family doctor’s office.  I was asked to come into the clinic for some lab tests.  I checked in at 8:30 this morning for a blood draw for potassium and for one that is a test for kidney function.  I cannot remember the long name for it.  Who am I to question it.  I had a full panel done in December . . . perhaps these two were omitted.   

  When I got home I called Curt, my chiropractor. I could get in at 10:30 this morning.  I have been a careful snow pusher, but the base of my neck has been stiff and sore.  Curt knows my history of having certain implants in my knees and shoulders.  Today left me leaving his office, knowing he had laid hands on my neck.  I am going back next Monday.  There wasn’t near as much cracking sound when I now move my neck.  He had hit the right spots.  

  A prescription needed to be left off at the temporary pharmacy for Dennis.  Oh my gosh!! I walked into the empty store front that they are using as a temporary Lewis Pharmacy site.  My eyes immediately began watering.  The basement of that store front must be full of mold.  There were fans on all over the place, but there surely was no denying what the air quality was.  Sure not a good thing to have meds dispensed from there.  Hmm.  As it was, Dennis and I still had to drive to Madelia for the prescription to be filled at their official location.  Plans are to build a new facility next to our hospital.  That sure isn’t going to happen in a heartbeat.  We may well take the 15 mile trip to Madelia for future refills until such time the new facility is built.  

  By three this afternoon, I had an email allowing me to know the lab results of the morning lab appointment.  Both draws were right smack dab in the middle of the range.  Good going Grammie.

  Dennis is puttering around in the kitchen.  It’s meal time, and by gum, Dennis is back in the full swing to make sure the process is beginning right on track.  While he was gone, I had all my meals, just not on that hard, fast-paced schedule according to the clock.  Oh well.  Consistency is not all bad . . . right?

   
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  Noreen 5:16 pm on March 6, 2019 Permalink  

  It Was Worth the Wait 

  Being good stewards we took care of moving snow yesterday.  Today the little red pickup was taken out of the garage after a five week rest . . . and off to Mankato we went.  List in hand always helps.  Stick to the list and all will be well.  Great Clips was the first stop.  Both of us were shaggy to the limit.  Checking in we knew we have one a half hours before we would be sitting in their chairs like two hillbillies needing to get smartened up.

  Shopping locally is what we strive for and I have for most of the winter.  Today as I was let loose in Sam’s Club, there were just some items I could not resist.  Two jars of Jiff peanut butter for $6.98.  At Christmas, I had paid that amount for one jar that was less in size than either of these two.  To me, peanut butter is a quick source of protein for the quick snack.  You hear Dennis talk about peanut butter and he is in to putting a peanut butter frosting on a chocolate cake.  It’s all about perspective.  I did keep the shopping in Sam’s Club at just a few dollars over a hundred.

  After checking in at Great Clips, Dennis walked out of there telling me his cap fit better.  For me it felt great not having hair getting caught in my coat collar.  $13.00 for a haircut that makes one feel like a million dollars.  We were on to the next personal treat . . . a pedicure!  Dennis asked them for an estimate as to what a chair as he was sitting in would run him if he wanted to buy one for our home.  The massage in their chairs goes from tailbone to the neck.  When we were finished, we were so mellow, we actually held hands walking out of there.  Feeling good from the bottom of our feet to the tops of our heads . . . it was worth the wait of getting out of St. James and on to Mankato.

  This is what these two oldies think is just the best road trip ever.  Dennis talked all the way to Mankato and all the way home, relaying some of his adventures on his month-long trip.  He had a great time.  I was so pleased that he hadn’t passed it up.  I don’t think there was one highlight more impressive than another . . . well maybe the ride in the Tesla car.  He did say if someone gave us one we couldn’t afford the two batteries that only last four years each at $800.  

  Dennis and I have acclimated to each other after being apart for a month.  For me the time went fast as I was either looking at snow and more often than not, moving it.  Life is pretty darn sweet.

   
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  Noreen 4:59 pm on March 5, 2019 Permalink  

  Dennis came up from the basement a bit… 

  Dennis came up from the basement a bit ago and asked how long it would take for me to get ready to go dancing.  Ya right!

  With the snow raking having been done yesterday, our patio was filled with packed snow.  I took the morning slow, as I knew what would be coming for the afternoon.  Settling on summer sausage sandwiches for our Noon lunch I could feel the tension begin to build.  Dennis had a plan and he knew without saying a word, I would be right beside him to the end.

  Nothing packs snow like pulling it off of a roof and it comes down with a thunk with multiple layers added to it.  There is only so much a small snowblower can do once it slices through packed snow the first time.  The solid wall of packed snow could just as well be concrete.  We have a wonderful red plastic shovel that Dennis got when he was buds with one of the fellows who worked in the cleanup crew at our local meat processing plant.  It’s light as a feather and sturdy.  

  After Dennis had made a initial path through, the shovel and me would follow behind and knock down more snow for him to blow to the west.  Our goal was to free the north side of the garage of snow.  With this patio being on the north side of the garage, it would have taken until the 4th of July to melt, thus leaving very soggy siding on the garage.  Perhaps the melting snow would have found its way underneath the sill and we would have had a mess in the car garage.  

  We know the patio porch may flood this spring.  Today was meant to try and divert having a wet garage, as that is where the entire contents of the patio porch will be moved into when the thawing begins in full swing.  Yes . . . in hindsight!  In times past, it was a wonderful idea to have a slab of concrete off of the north side of the garage.  We enjoyed that patio to no end.  It was shaded most of the day and it always caught a breeze.  Well . . . that was then, this is reality.  We built a porch on that concrete slab and no matter how man times it may or may not flood, it is ours and we enjoy it to no end.  We should have elevated the original patio by a good two feet.

  Just to be clear . . . Dennis and I are not going dancing.  We can barely lift our feet let alone our arms after moving the snow.  It was a great workout.  In a perfect world, Dennis could have come home from his road trip and worked on getting the lawnmowers prepped.  Maybe next month the mowers will be able to be gotten out.  For right now, we are satisfied on having had a productive day of good local effort.  It also helps that I had a slow cooking roast with carrots in the oven while we were outside.  Nobody has to cook supper.  We may very well each take a fork with the roaster between us and call it a meal.  No fuss, no mess, no additional dishes.  Hey . . . we are older retired folks, there are no set rules on Stauffer Avenue.

   
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  Noreen 6:33 pm on March 4, 2019 Permalink  

  Snow Raking 

  

  No, you are not having problems with your eyes. This Grammie knows enough to stay far, far away from those who have a job to do. Looking out our bathroom window was a safe place for me.

   
  When Nephew Brett dropped Dennis off last night, he didn’t waste any time getting home to his own family. This morning was a different story. Grandson Ryan was here ready to use the roof rake. Brett pulled up right behind him with a large Bobcat. Ryan works for Brett. When Brett saw our yard and the snow on the garage, Ryan must have felt like someone was pulling him by a choker chain. Yup, it was his boss, Brett. Ryan had been given instructions before Brett and Dennis left.  I am sure he had planned on getting over here, but time flies when the boss is gone. Oh well.

  Today the garage that Kevin has worked so hard on, to continue standing, is free of snow on the roof. Brett took out the 4′ high and 90′ long snowbank that was between what our neighbor Randy had created with his snowblower and Stauffer Avenue.  That Bobcat had push power as well as a huge bucket.  Our backyard is filled with a lot of pushed together snow.  All is well that ends well.

  Oh, for the ass chewing that Ryan most likely got.  It can’t be easy for Brett having a nephew working for him some days.  The best part was that Grandpa Dennis never had to say a word.

   
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  Noreen 5:37 pm on March 3, 2019 Permalink  

  Dennis is Home!! 

  After four weeks and one day, the ole cowboy is back at Stauffer Avenue.  5,720 miles of safe travel.  Too bad it’s this cold out.

   
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  Noreen 6:26 pm on March 2, 2019 Permalink  

  Before I opened my eyes this morning I… 

  Before I opened my eyes this morning, I knew by the sound of all the birds chirping the kind of day that I wanted.  Opening my eyes and seeing all the snow that the boughs of the evergreen held, I knew my day was not going to be what I wanted or needed.  

  Forty nine years ago, this time of the year would have had me raking the yard with two little ones tagging behind me, messing up the piles of dead leaves I had just raked together.  Jackets would have been needed as one can never trust early spring temperatures that had totally taken away the snow to allow so many shades of green to show themselves.  No caps had been issued, rather kerchiefs out of Orlin’s big blue hankies so the ears would be totally covered.  Two large hardwoods to the south of the area was the perfect fit for a hammock.  It wasn’t the type that collapsed and would be hard to maneuver.  Both ends had braces that keep the inviting area ready to plop wee ones into, complete with a snack.  Today I pined for a spring such as that and the memories it evoked.  

  Today the sun was shining.  When it was time to greet the three cats in the patio porch, the snow creaked under foot.  It was a cold sunny Saturday on the second of March, 2019, with just a degree or two above zero.  There had been enough additional snow flurries since late afternoon to coat the east patio.  Without a second thought, I opened the slider door and went out to the patio armed with my Toro electric leaf blower.  By gum . . . the cats were going to have bare concrete to get their morning exercise.  Honey Bunny rolled and rolled until her silver gray fur was standing on end.  Snuggles has put on enough weight over this winter, his roll was more like a “do-over.”  Harriet sat in the open doorway all hunched up.  Not going any farther.  I spent time in the patio porch rounding up all their toys and piling them up on one spot and I hit the vacuum.  Just a bit of a tidy.  

  At five this afternoon, I happened to glance out the bathroom window and mama deer and the two fawns were already at the treat dish on our patio and what the next door neighbor has out.  The two fawns have really gotten big.  I believe mama brings them early to make sure they get some of the good food.  Sometimes later at night, I have tried to count . . . I loose track after seven as the shadows play tricks on my counting.

  The ole cowboy called this evening, warning me they are on their way home.  I know it’s about 1,600 miles from where they have spent the last week.  I told him I would leave the light on!  Isn’t that what Motel 6 has as their pitch line?

   
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  Noreen 6:18 pm on March 1, 2019 Permalink  

  This dense snow fall was not needed by… 

  This dense snowfall was not needed by any stretch of the imagination.  It might have been three inches but at this time of the year, it could have just as well been six inches.  The birds have the right attitude.  They tweet, they chirp and I am almost positive, the Thrush are back.  There have been Thrush bird nests in the anchors and braces of our front awning for quite a few years.  Their reappearance and determination  gave me second winds to get out there and clear off the snow.  On the first wave of energy the back door, front door and car garage doors got cleared.  If that snow is moved and pushed into the driveway about 15 feet west towards to the main street, Randy will blow it all to the south leaving me with not having to pitch it over the tall snow bank that borders our driveway on the south.

  The three cats sat in the patio porch watching . . . and waiting.  Nope, it was time for this Grammie to take a break before heading their way.  A cup of hot tea hit the mark.  I have some tea that has Turmeric and Licorice infused into the tea.  I did use the largish cup in the cupboards and it was wonderful.  My very last second wind was kicking in.  Let’s get this done!

  Yesterday the cats were able to wander onto the bare concrete of the east patio.  Today, all three hunkered in the open doorway waiting for me to clear the area.  One by one they followed behind me and the snow pusher.  It is comical.  It is endearing.  No one wants spring to come more than those three critters.  On second thought, the Thrush are going to seek and search nesting material far and wide.  I am resigned.  Taking one day at a time . . . still thankful that Dennis has not been home this month.  Ya, right!  Like he would take a break from the snow removal and have a cup of tea . . . not!

   
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  Noreen 6:15 pm on February 28, 2019 Permalink  

  It’s Still Up There 

  For a short time today the sun was bright and it made me feel happy.  The sun didn’t last long but I still remain happy.  The sun has power this time of year.  I never miss a chance to open the blinds on the south side of our home and catch those rays regardless of how cold it is outside.  The warmth is there.  When that sun does shine, it doesn’t seem to matter what the temperature is.  There is something to be said for becoming accustomed to our surroundings: it’s snowing, the wind is blowing, it is frigid.  As the snow hit our area over and over, the routines continued and we all acclimated.  

  I have tackled many things in my sewing studio.  Quilts have gone from scrappy, small size, large king size and many intricate.  It is safe to say that within the last three years, Kersten’s and mine were the two quilts that I would label intricate.  Today I worked on a stitching project that I plan on giving to Carrie for an annual event they have coming up that uses the silent auction to raise funds.  Last year, it was mentioned to late, so I decided to jump the gun and get started for the event that is in April.  True to my pledge, to myself, I am not purchasing any yardage for what I want to do.  I think in the days to come, my stashes will be turned inside out, upside down, measured, ironed and handled until I find just what I need.  Stay tuned!

  Friday promises to bring snow.  I have enjoyed these last several days of leaving the scoop and pusher leaned up against the back  door.  Thursday evening is one of my favorite evenings for watching several PBS shows.  Unfortunately they tend to have plenty of re-runs just like the rest.  I have a book waiting in the wings that I can take up.  With that being said, it’s time to role out the robe and slippers.  The bad side of that is, the eyelids take advantage of that and tend to want to close.  When that happened to Dad, he would disavow that he was napping, “Just checking my eyelids for cracks.”

   
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  Noreen 6:22 pm on February 27, 2019 Permalink  

  Waiting, to no Avail 

  I was going to wait until it was warmer out, but to no avail.  Errands needed to get run as the four-day outlook doesn’t really give much hope.  Our Fleet and Farm store was a busy place.  They do carry a multitude of items for the home and farm.  There was enough corn through Saturday in the garage, but as long as I was out and about, why put it off.  There were no more 50 lb. bags of shell corn.  The huge fellow gladly put two 50 lb. bags of cracked corn in the back seat of the Lincoln.  No way would I get them out of the deep trunk.  There are three of us neighbors who are helping out the deer.  They most likely feel like they are privy to a progressive buffet.  

  No way can small town grocery shoppers visit the store, pick up what you need and be back home quickly.  More than likely the cold snowy month had many of us cruising the isles to fill the empty refrigerator shelves.  What I had forgotten was that Wednesdays are senior citizens day.  An hour and a half later, I was back in my car with a sales receipt that showed I saved $2.68 on my discount and had visited with more town folk than I can count.  Good fellowship over the meat counter.  

  I have found a very good mystery author.  A stop at the library for me to return two books of hers and had them seek and search several more.  If a book is not within our library, they swap books in and out with other locations and will send an email when they come in.  Very good service.  Aunt Janet in Brownton is also an avid reader and we share authors when we find a good one.  Reading has been very beneficial in giving my stiff shoulders and neck a break.  I have an old book stand that gets moved from point to point when I want to read.  With wrists that have seen a whole lot of activity that has made them contrary, holding a large book is not something that I can manage.  Maybe tomorrow I will flick the switches on in the sewing studio.    

  On a light note: when Dennis is in the patio porch in the mornings, he usually has a pre-packaged breakfast bar of some time type to have with his coffee.  When the wrapper is being opened and barely opened, Snuggles shows up and usually gets in on the fare.  When I got home today, I took one of the bags of corn out of the car and set it next to the workbench.  Oh my Lord!  Snuggles was all over the bag.  The sound of the plastic bag must have made Snuggles think, “Dennis is here and I hear the crinkle of the bag.  I get a treat!” I finally opened the bag and let the cat realize what was inside.  Bummer

   
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  Noreen 5:12 pm on February 26, 2019 Permalink  

  Yipee, No Snow Today 

  It does happen that the body doesn’t know where it would be the happiest.  The area between the shoulders is tight and it travels up into the neck.  It surely couldn’t be that the scooping, the pushing and the shoveling of snow could have something to do with it this last month!  Assured . . . I have been taking my time, taking stock of how I have been doing all of the above.  No reckless abandonment has taken place.  

  The most comfortable spot to sit right now in the evenings is not my favorite nighttime chair.  The most comfortable is one of our dining room table chairs which is nothing more than an office chair with arm rests and rollers.  Quite sure that the soft chair allows my shoulders to rest on the arms of the chair, thus lifting the shoulders up a bit and letting something less than good to happen in conjunction with all the exercise of the resent past.  Armed with my heating pad to put across the top part of my back and then switching off to the jell ice packs seems to give some relief.  I also have exercises to do for the shoulders which happens often regardless of where I am in the house.  No lights in the sewing studio today was also on the agenda to allow for some rejuvenation of the ole body.

  It was a no snow moving day.  Top priority was getting the cats started with a chance to go out on the east patio so they could check out smells.  I know there is the scent of the deer.  There have been no stray cat paws around for some time but all surfaces must be sniffed at.  I have bare areas for them to roll and get their fur ruffled.  I thought only horses did that.  After cleaning the litter box from the night and putting on the cat’s favorite television show,  I sat in Dennis’ rocking chair for a bit waiting for the cats to quit prancing from paw to paw and come inside.  Yup, their patties are tender.  I have not touched the thermostat since Dennis left.  It is by no means shirt sleeve temps in the porch, but with the sub-zero outside, the heat in the inside feels good.  The lowest the furnace can be set at is 45 degrees.  I do know that Dennis prefers it warmer when he is home and God bless him, he can have it as warm as he wants.  His porch, his domain.  By the way, he wouldn’t be happy in the house right now either, as I have it set at 65 degrees.  I like having a chance to wear my warmer flannel shirts in the house.  Things will get back to the norm when Dennis returns to Stauffer Avenue.