Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:09 pm on May 17, 2025 Permalink  

  Yes! 

  Yes, Lena, I did do some diligence with traditional Saturday housework.  It went without saying that my sister Elvera and I would be chasing dust bunnies on the farm in Boon Lake Township.  There was a gravel road and a gravel door-yard that made sure we were not without doing local effort.

  Today I felt the impact of what could have been labeled gravel dirt.  When we had gone to Mankato’s appointment on Thursday, the bathroom window had been cracked by an inch.  Just enough for that horrific dirt storm to deposit its goodies on the white shelf under the window.

  When I got started, I found more that needed attention.  How could I not!  Several years ago when the kids were here for a gathering, I had mentioned the kitchen flooring always needed TLC.  Of course, after one comes into the home via the back door, it gets a lot of traffic.  I could have cried when Kevin left the bomb shell: the flooring’s factory finish has a normal life span of twenty years.  Hmm. 

  Thank goodness the kitchen’s square footage is . . . not much.  After the bathroom had the Saturday’s tidy, tidy, I tackled about one third of the kitchen’s flooring.  Thank goodness, I do not get dizzy when I bend at the waist.  With my Mr. Clean that now also comes in a spray bottle, I took my time with a soft cloth and hummed my way through . . . “take that.”  Lena would be smiling.  I plan on finishing the kitchen flooring in the three equal whacks on as many days.  I do honor my body and its abilities.  It does not bother me one bit that no one but me will enjoy the end results.  It is done only for my own personal satisfaction.  Actually most of my days are done with that very same goal.  I have no one to impress. 

  Dennis’ two nephews from Windom have come for a visit.  The three fellows, in the patio porch, I am sure are solving all the world’s issues.

  I will be finishing the afternoon with the last of the breakfast coffee and putting in a few hand stitches while a YouTube, floss tube is playing in the background.  The studio will get a visit perhaps tomorrow.  Sweet.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:06 pm on May 16, 2025 Permalink  

  A Day! 

  What a difference a day makes.  24 little hours.  I can hear that song in my head.

  Yesterday we went to the Limb-lab for Dennis’ appointment for new shoes.  They give excellent service to the veterans.  Dennis’ shoes will be in the shop for pick-up in several weeks.

  The Limb-lab is right around the corner from the JoAnn’s store that is in the process of closing.  I had to have Dennis stop so I could check it out.  Most of the store was cordoned off.  If there was one packet of upholstery needles, there was 2,000.  The warehouses are circling the wagons to have the retail stores try to clear it all out.  I found three items for mending and spent $7.00.  At that it was ringing up as 60% off.  I looked and was satisfied that I had checked it out.

  We had no groceries to purchase and we headed home.  I have never ever been in such a horrible dirt storm.  It was beyond a dust storm.  There is a huge detour as Lake Crystal is getting a huge overhaul.  The traffic of every type of every vehicle imaginable was caught in coming and going on a two-lane highway with visibility sometimes next to nothing.  The situation did get better the closer we got to home.  I was so happy to be home safe and sound.

  

  Before we left yesterday I took a photo of the east side of our home.  The Hosta, the Fern Peony and some Lilies of the Valley were the backdrop of the Star of David flowers that were blooming in the yard.  They are just too cute for words.  You never know how far or where they will spread to.  In a short time all their greenery dies back and you wouldn’t know they were even something the camera’s viewfinder would see.

  With the horrific winds that were had, by the time we got home, the Fern Peony blooms were wind-whipped and gone as were the Star of David blooms.  The white lilacs had turned brown with the hot, whipping winds.  Not much pretty was left.  The Hosta plants somehow made it.  Well . . . those that the deer haven’t been lunching on.

  The strong winds of this morning did bring a shower of rain.  I missed most of that as I was in the studio.  The For Sale sign that Kevin had put out and up for us was totally bleached out from the sun.  Dennis had brought it to the studio for Grammie to work her magic.  The black oil paint is drying on both sides of the sign.  I did the best I could.

  Yesterday was blistering hot and today it feels like 32 degrees out.  Go figure. 

  For our evening meal, we are having the refrigerated beef tips with gravy, instant potatoes, cranberries and cottage cheese.  I really enjoy the tart cranberries over the cottage cheese.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:55 pm on May 14, 2025 Permalink  

  Oh Happy Day 

  Today was my six month eye checkup with Dr. Pinke just five blocks up the street.  When my eyes are dilatated, Dr. Pinke can see oh so much more.  In times past, when Dennis had had his eye checkup, that was how Dennis knew his corraded arteries were clogged . . . big time.  I will gladly go in every six months.  I have a hint of macular.  That hint has been there for ten years.  The test for glaucoma was a pass.

  Today there was another change for Dennis and me.  Going forward, Dennis’ son-in-law, Tom, will be using our zero-turn with our gas to do the 1.3 acre mowing as well as our residential home lot.  There was and is an amicable monetary agreement.  Dennis used the Sear’s rider to show Tom the lot lines.  As with me . . . there is a reasonable amount of energy to be expended for our not so young bodies.  Everyone is happy with what has been made off.  Tom is AJ’s dad.  Tom will be using his own zero-turn to keep up with the back garage lot for AJ.

  I knew that grocery shopping was in the cards for this hump day.  Dennis removed several of the glass shelves in the refrigerator so I could work my magic before groceries would be bought.  Something had either gotten spilled or something had leaked to the point that my little jar of minced garlic was not able to be moved.  It was schmucked down tight.  Another day, I will wash out the crisper drawers and also remove the multiple storage pods in both of the refrigerator doors for a freshening.  A bit every day and none of it feels overwhelming.  But . . . as I have said before, what my eyes see the mind cannot ignore.

  I worked in the studio for a time today.  Someone special has asked me for an embroidered item.  I used the Tool Box software program to pull a design together.  I did share the image as I had taken a photo of it.  Today was time spent pulling together stabilizer and various spools of bright colored thread.  Time will tell how it all turns out.

  When I was at the grocer’s, their steam tables of their noon specials were turned off.  At that time each day they portion it out and sell it in the cooler area along with other items such as Mrs. Gerry’s products.  Yup, we are having tater tot hotdish for supper with Mrs. Gerry’s coleslaw, cranberries and cottage cheese.

  Last night was a shot in the dark.  I had bought a bag of Simply Potatoes from the refrigerator section in the grocery store.  It was the option that contains some spices.  I had used half of the bag last weekend.  Last night I put the potatoes on a paper-plate, covering it with a damp paper towel.  While giving it two separate blasts of two minutes each in the microwave, I was heating up a small can of Dinty Moore’s Stew.  The stew spooned over those hot spicy hashbrowns, made a great tasting meal.  The potatoes soaked up the gravy . . . it was a very easy meal.  Of course Dennis liked it as it was a hot meal.

  Not to be surprised if there is no post tomorrow.  At 1:45, Dennis has an appointment at the Limb-Lab in Mankato.  It’s in the old Madison East shopping area.  Once a year, the VA writes a prescription for a pair of leather shoes that the lab makes the orthotics to fit into allowing for the space that toes would generally fill.  They don’s assume to order the shoes from last year’s mold.  They begin the process from step one. They also make sure that the right shoe has the correct innards for stable, even walking.  Sweet.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:23 pm on May 13, 2025 Permalink  

  Gave Notice 

  Today was quite the decision making day for Grammie.  I gave notice that I will no longer help with the mowing.  As we have sold the double car lot to Dennis’ grandson, AJ, that takes away the mowing of the 75′ x 150′ lot.  The zero turn is equipped with dual assists for getting on and off.  It helped me as well as Dennis.

  As I have been going to PT, I have been asking questions of those that have doctorate degrees in their field of knowing all there is to know about tendons, muscles and nerves that allow movement of the human body.  I will no longer help with the mowing largely for my hands, my replaced shoulders and for my body from the waist down. 

  The break-down of cartlidge within me is irreversible and . . . as perhaps also for many others.  I will not seek steroid shots that may or may not be effective and needing to be done more than once.  The gripping of hand holds on a mower that traverses over very unstable surfaces jostling the back and hips would only be tempting fate.

  I do very well within our home and don’t foresee needing help anytime soon.  My left hand has limited strength and mobility.  My right wrist . . . is what it is.  Continued use of the right wrist staves off the calcification and immobility that comes with arthritis.  I am over the moon thankful for how both serve me. 

  Dennis came to me this forenoon and wanted me to seriously think about the pros and cons of being on the zero-turn.  Well . . . you damn well knew there were no pros.  It has to do with pride.  I have always stressed that pride goes before the fall.  It was fun last year to be helping with the mowing and feeling like the clock had been turned back.  I have been using or on a mower for many decades.  Along with a few other items, I have always been hard-wired to get right in there and . . . do it!

  Now . . . I want to continue doing what I enjoy within my home in as much physical comfort as possible.  It was more like agreeing to a good solution than it was giving notice.  

  With that I will square my replaced shoulders and leave.  🙂 ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:14 pm on May 12, 2025 Permalink  

  Doing the PT 

  There is a definite improvement in Grammie’s ole body.  Is there a lesson to be taken from this?  Yes!  Be kinder to your body when you are doing what shows itself in your day-to-day work.  You won’t remember the monetary gain of a repair job or the sales as you ring it up at the till.  But . . . it may well catch up with you when it is the last thing you need to contend with.

  Mike has given me great stretches and exercises to do.  I will see him once a week for several more weeks to come.  I believe that in the realm of insurances and med-i-care, there may be tolerances for coverage or what may be deemed as a disabling situation.

  

  After PT I drove to the 1.3 acre to take a look-see.  It has good grasses that are spreading and self-seeding.  I could not help but take a photo of the wild ferns that have enjoyed being exposed to sunlight.  After looking over the entire lot, I came home and suggested to Dennis that we need to spend some money.  Over the recent years we have bought brush killer and such, and . . . not by any cheap prices.  For the two of us to mix up the spray, keep the sprayer working and traversing uneven ground . . . just not feeling it for us.  I called Spring Touch and asked them to do a one time treatment for weeds on the lot.  They were on it with their topography specific city maps and were able to confer with me the area and its boundaries.  It will be taken care.

  To celebrate wise decisions, this afternoon Dennis and I went through the drive-through of the Dairy Queen.  We took our malts to the 1.3 acre, sat in the shade via comfortable car seats with the windows down to take in the afternoon breeze.  Sweet.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   

   
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  Noreen 2:54 pm on May 11, 2025 Permalink  

  Oh Happy Day 

  I am having a happy day here on Stauffer Avenue.

  I was able to get the rest of the story on Megan’s graduation in Virginia.  Megan received three degrees in Bachelor Science of Psychology; Criminal Psychology, Psychology Counseling and Developmental Psychology.  From Grammie’s point of view it was a heavy load to accomplish.

  Carrie’s family is traveling today and tomorrow moving Megan home for the summer.  She found out Minnesota has a higher rate for pay with employment.  Funding is her goal before going after her Master’s degree.  Her honey is going into the National Guards this summer via Georgia to help pay educational goals.  Plans abound. 

  Dennis took the day off.  His bucket list is empty.

  I took several cups of coffee on the front deck this morning with a strong breeze from the southeast.  What my eyes see, my mind cannot deny.  Just get it done!  I completed my bucket list here on the first floor by twelve noon.  At times we say we have a few ants because they are seeking moisture.  At times we say we have a few ants because it is so dry.  Whatever!  The sticky ant bait was brought out.  Take that to your nest!

  I again noticed wasps in the corner channel of the siding by the back door.  Last year it cost Dennis a new hip by spraying up the channel.  In and out they fly without a care in the world.  I had a biscuit of steel-wool in the basement.  I pulled it apart and the entire thing got stuffed up the channel.  Try and get through that!  RW would have been proud.

  It is in the 90s out today.  The inside of the house is comfortable.  I gave Dennis the basics for supper.  He will let me know when I can come to the table.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:30 pm on May 10, 2025 Permalink  

  End of a Good Week 

  This morning at ten we turned ourselves in for pedicures and haircuts.  Maria’s shop is on our Main Street.  Today Dennis and I got our exercise getting to Maria’s.  The city is tearing up the two blocks that still had the brickwork on for the street’s surface.  Those two blocks may be closed for some time.

  It felt so good to get my hair cut.  I requested a fairly short cut.  I demonstrated the mobility of each arm.  She agreed shorter hair and less of it.  That meant she thinned it out good.  What helped in the determination was I had showered last night and our water softener must have kicked in the night before. Today my “hair do” was like a bushel basket of white that had had a mix-master go through it.  Like I said, it was a good example of what my hair looks like as we get towards our spa day.

  Today was city clean-up day.  The street past us looked like the gypsies were either moving in or out of town.  Amazing how high items can be piled in a pickup or on a car.  They used to do curb-side pickup.  Those that sifted through what was put out . . . you can imagine the mess.  Now everyone takes the items to the Meadow Lark tree dump and city workers sort each vehicle’s items and collect accordingly.

  Dennis waited until two this afternoon before he took his implement trailer heaped with branches out to Meadow Lark.  Those four girls that we hired to pick up branches last night on our 1.3 acre did a great job.  It did mist once or twice but I could not believe Dennis was back home in just a bit over an hour with the trailer heaped and the girls had their stipends.  Dennis thanked them and said he would keep them in mind if we ever needed more help.

  I had been outside most mornings during this last week being a gardener.  After I got home from the spa date, I needed to spend some time in the kitchen on the cooking surfaces and the counters.  Ya . . . you know how that can get.  Right now it sparkles.  Too bad it won’t stay that way, as we do kind of like to eat.  I am taking one job away from Dennis.  Dennis has been getting the coffee maker ready to go off each morning at six for a long, long time.  Hmm.  Too many way-word coffee grounds here, there and even . . . everywhere.  It will take me longer to fill it to the twelve cup level as it it a bit of a reach.  Where am I going!  

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on May 9, 2025 Permalink  

  Warm 

  As forecasted it is warm today.

  Dennis had to make an unexpected trip to the Mayo Store in Mankato today.  During the night his CPAP machine quit.  Nothing to do but get the little red pickup up and going down the detour to Mankato.

  After Dennis left, I worked in the area off to the side of the patio porch.  Standing in one spot, I could take out eight of the lovely blooming idiots, aka: dandelions.  Many more are feeling the effects of my spray.  I worked outside until Dennis got home.  It was high noon.  His machine was deemed to have been fixed.  After hooking everything up, it seemed to be working.

  It never ceases to amaze me that Dennis can back up to his implement trailer one time and get it hooked up.  The pickup and trailer are now parked in our drive.  At six Dennis and trailer will be in the backyard, the 1.3 acre.  Great granddaughter Addison and three of her friends will meet up with said grandpa.  The girls will be picking up all the branches from the winter’s winds and getting them on the trailer.  Rakes are included if needed.  I had texted Addison and made her and her friends an offer they obviously couldn’t refuse.  Let’s hear it for logistics and money has its own language.

  I am planning on an early supper for us.  Dennis is in and taking the afternoon a bit easy.

  When we came in it was noon.  It didn’t take long and I could feel the effects of the sun and its warmth.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:00 pm on May 8, 2025 Permalink  

  Full Day 

  It felt cool out this morning.  My fingers felt it when I took command of my new dandelion poker.  The old one turned within the metal shaft of the wooden handle.  I took quite a few of them out.  A few more tomorrow is on the docket.  By noon I had spent my gardening energy.

  At one, I had a front row seat at Megan’s graduation commencement ceremony in Lynchburg, Virginia’s Liberty College.  How sweet was that.  She completed her four year degree in three years.  At Easter she said she needed to work for awhile to save some money for her Master’s education.  I can so understand that.  I did get several good photos of Megan as she made her way across the stage for grandpa to see.  When he looked at them, all he did was put his hand out, knee high, referencing how fast time has gone.  I so agreed.

  The mail brought the bill for the installation of the new electric water heater, $269.00.  I really thought it would have been more.

  The mail was brought by our postmaster introducing us to our new carrier.  Oh my gosh.  Michael Nett, out of the Air Force coming back to St. James.  His mom, Renee, had worked for and with me for years.  Small world.

  Dennis took Watson’s check to the mail box and will be returning with a Tuna Sub for supper.  

  As I said, it was a great full day.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:15 pm on May 7, 2025 Permalink  

  Hump Day 

  The first hump day of May.  

  The sun is bright but where there are dandelions, their bloom is brighter yet.  If I take a few of them out each day, I will make progress.  With my mighty clipper in hand, I cut off the dried stalks of 2024’s Autumn Joy plants.  Those sweet plants come up year after year.  As the summer season lengthens, they will be ready to put out blossoms that butterflies are attracted to.  Each day that I do a bit, I am finding more and more Hosta plants making themselves known.  It is difficult as the Star of David plants are thick, and . . . everywhere.  Their greenery looks much like fine onion greenery.  Out from the center of each plant will be a lone blossom stalk that comes up with the most delicate white star, thus the Star of David.  After the bloom is done, the entire plant dies off and you would be hard pressed over time to know that it was there.  I have tried to thin them by digging them up and out.  They grow from a little white bulb that does look like an onion.  I have given up.  I let them do their thing . . . they win.

  Last fall when I was poking around under the white lilac bush, there was a single tall stalk that looked very much like an asparagus plant that had seeded out.  I put a special little rock by it.  Last week, I had two beautiful asparagus stalks about six inches tall.  I didn’t cut them, though munching on them was tempting.  I will let them seed out and perhaps these two will continue to feed the root ball for more coming up next year.  Bless the bird for doing his business and dropping a seed within it.

  The Jack-in the Pulpits are doing well.  Many years ago, Calvin and Lois brought me a plant when they came through from Iowa.  A very special plant indeed.

  Dennis finished mowing our original lot today.  After that, he changed oil in both mowers.  Ready for the next time.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥