Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:51 pm on September 13, 2025 Permalink  

  Summer’s Back 

  Well, well, well.  The best laid plans of mice and men.  Not happening today.

  It was eleven this forenoon when I left Maria’s salon.  It felt so wonderful to be primped with a haircut and let me tell you the pedicure was good, but the foot and leg massage was wonderful.

  My plan was then to go to the grocery store.  I can share with you that my supper is going to be a roasted veggie pizza.  I know it has gotten hot and yes I will be heating up the kitchen with the 425 degree temp.  Well . . . who cares!

  With the few groceries tucked away, I discovered my zest for the north window washing today was gone . . . totally gone.  When I turned on the kitchen faucet, a huge amount of air blew out before the water ran.  I realized the Watson boys had been here in my absence to take care of the water leak in the basement.   There would be my next clean-up, the basement floor.  I could not believe my eyes.  The sponge mop had been used and the floor was ready to use . . . dry.  The wet rug by the floor drain was in a pail that had been under the sink.  I took the rug in the pail and put it on the bench by the back door to dry.  Talk about hometown heroes.

  During the first part of the week, I finished the latest counted cross-stitch design.  I like designs that are monochromatic.  I can pick it up and go with just one color of floss to get into the needle.  

  

  This was called “Christmas Silhouettes.”  I never tire of it.  I liked the idea of the white not being pronounced in the design.  There are many white snowflakes as well.  The last thing I did was to sew a red bead on Rodolfo’s nose.  I did find a frame in the basement for it.  That may well be on my list of to-dos when I have Megan’s project done.  

  I thought about working in the studio on the morning I discovered the water leak.  Not a good idea with using an electric sewing machine or electric iron, all in the same vicinity.

  I do have a new stitching pattern in mind.  I have so much of the silk embroidery thread left of Grandma Schafer’s.

  

  I really would like to use more of it.  It is heavily variegated going from blues to tans to a rich copper and mauve.  Each needle length would have all those colors showing. 

  As the day is winding down and my feelings of being lethargic remain, I may fix that veggie pizza and call it an early supper.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:38 pm on September 12, 2025 Permalink  

  Shh! 

  Grammie is in a “resting house” having just opened a bottle of green tea.

  This ole gal was in bed last night by nine.  With that I didn’t even mind getting up during the night for a bathroom call.  I went right back for more sleep.  As I was wide awake this morning at seven, my Friday began.  Sweet.

  I had my plans firmly planted in my head for this forenoon’s activity.  To the front deck!  I had no illusions how long I would last for this first day of the deck staining.  After I had an area of the deck brushed off of loose dust, there was no turning back.  The directions said to use a roller.  As I knew I wouldn’t be able to stay with the project long enough to warrant that messy setup, I referred to my brush.  By 10:30 the wasps were getting active and I was pleased with my progress.  I washed up the brush and  tucked all my supplies into the porch.

  Tomorrow, I have a haircut and pedicure.  I may or may not do any more of the deck as the temps will be fairly high by the time I get home.  Yup, Dennis is missing out this month.  I had let Maria know I would be coming alone so she could fill her time if an appointment was needed by someone.

  As I am enjoying my green tea, I am looking out of three more double sash windows in my bedroom porch that are a joy to look through.  The easiest way to get at the south and southwest windows was to dismantle my computer/office area.  Standing directly in front of the windows allowed me to brace the windows onto a chair as both the top and bottom tip in.  The water spots were awful.  After yesterday’s window I remember some cloths I had that were similar to chammies.  The final swipe-wipe was pure vinegar onto the cloth to make it damp.  No more water spots.  I even took the time to re-do the window I had done yesterday.  As I was standing right at the window sill, I got all the top sashes pushed up and locked.  Whew.  Having a green tea break to look forward to was excellent incentive for the hefty push.  I love our tip-in window replacements. 

  I know Lena always diluted vinegar in her water for the windows.  I said the heck with it.  It didn’t take that much vinegar to pour it directly on the chamise to tackle the spots.   I don’t even mind the smell.  I have used and washed these cloths for continual use.

  As I mentioned, tomorrow is my spa day.  The four windows on the north half of the porch require a bit more strategizing.  My bed needs to be pushed out as far to the south as possible.  All of the supplies for the four windows need to be right at my elbow as once I am behind the bed, I am there for the duration.  Of course, my phone will also be right at my elbow.

  I have had a very satisfying Friday.  I kind of think bedtime may come a bit early tonight.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:30 pm on September 11, 2025 Permalink  

  Depature 

  The Curry clan departed St. James at nine this morning.  Anything that could have been planned for Dennis’ journey had been taken care of pretty much before we went to bed.

  My first objective this morning after the quiet settled in was to call the Watson Boys.  Yesterday when I had gone into the studio, there was a trail of water stemming from the corner of the basement where all the goodies that could leak are found.  The rug in front of the toilet got rolled up and is positioned by the floor drain to leach out as mush water as possible before I put it in a pail for the outside bench.  Brandon Watson said he would be on it, so there was no need for me to worry about it.  At first I had thought is was from a back-wash of the PVC drain of the softener when it had recharged.  When I did try a sponge mop, I could clearly see in the reflection from the ceiling light that there was indeed water traveling ever so slightly towards the floor drain.  I didn’t mention anything yesterday . . . what would have been the point.  It will all be taken care of.

  Many decades ago, mom and dad had put together albums for all four of us kids with what they felt would be a good reference of  generations long ago.  Over time the sticky surface to hold the photos in place had dried out.  When the cover of the album opened it could easily unleash a lot of loose photos.  During these last weeks I had been working on photos.  The one large album I had taken apart still had some room for more to be added.  This project that had been niggling me is now done and the older album is in the recycling. 

  As of this afternoon, I have one double sash window cleaned inside and out.  When Dennis had washed the house off, one could hardy see between the water spots.  I like being able to stand in my bedroom porch and tackle a window.  When the sun sinks lower in the west, I am sure there will be some streaks showing up, but they will be clean streaks.  I went on to do the storm door leading to the front deck.  Between wasps and Asian beetles, I didn’t waste any time.

  So comes to a close the first of a few days where its all about me, myself and I.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:13 pm on September 10, 2025 Permalink  

  Packing Him Up 

  Today, on a very beautiful fall day, we are busy packing up Dennis.

  Dennis’ son Jeff passed away last October after having a sixtieth birthday.  Jeff was ill and he had made the request to his sister that he wanted his ashes spread somewhere in the Rapid City area.  Since that time three of Jeff’s siblings have been making a plan.  That plan will be executed this weekend.

  Tomorrow morning, two of Jeff’s siblings, Sandy and Susie, and their partners will be here in a camper to link up with Dennis and Dennis’ son, Kenny, for this road trip.  Susie will be heading out from Silver Bay to pick up Sandy in Mankato.  The camper is what I call a toy-trailer.  It will have a four-wheel being taken along.  Kenny will be driving the little red pickup and Dennis will ram-rod.

  My sole task in this is to make sure all that Dennis needs for this long weekend is intact.  All three of these kids know that their dad is not up for any trekking, thus the four-wheeler.

  I am and will remain zero in this equation.  As with any trip away from home, nothing is guaranteed.  Dennis will be with family and when Dennis returns home either Sunday or Monday, we will take it from there.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:15 pm on September 9, 2025 Permalink  

  Hmm! 

  Don’t be fooled that in the mindset of retired persons, one day goes by just like any other.  Oh so not true.

  Dennis and I had an errand day in Mankato on Sunday.  All of our objectives having been met, it felt good to be safe and sound at home, right here on Stauffer Avenue.  As I had had a busy Monday, I had failed to mention that after putting the little red pickup in the garage . . . Dennis didn’t come into the house.  Dennis fell into the house.  Clatter, bang, bang and I went running.  It’s amazing how many steps it is from the end of one small home to the other.

  Dennis had landed on his back with his cane under him, but yet propping him up under the shoulders.  Slowly I got beside him and took stock of getting him clear of the door and getting the cane out from under him.  Getting him in a sitting position, I realized he had scraped the top of his right hand on the edge of the metal on the stair tread.  Dennis is on a blood thinner and there was no doubt I needed a get back up the steps for a towel to tighten around his hand.

  Thank the lord for hand rails.  With Dennis seated at the dinning room table.  Three Tylenol and water was the first item to ward off what was bound to come from stretched muscles and tendons.  The right hand was secured with a large band-aid.  Smaller band-aids for the two fingers on his right hand and then one more band-aid for a spot on his left forearm.  I then went about cleaning the blood from the back entry, up the steps into the kitchen, right up to the table where Dennis was seated catching his breath.  Whew! 

  Thankfully, no broken bones.  Scrapes will heal.   Sunday was winding down. 

  Each day brings what it will.  There is nothing, but to take it . . . one day at a time.  Monday, Dennis was content in the patio porch and I stayed busy in the house.  Monday afternoon the “Doc Piddy, the Quack of Stauffer Avenue” checked and the bleeding had stopped on all of the areas.  I needed to use the Iodine swabs.  Yup, they did burn and sting, it needed to be done.  The best thing for the scrapes was for a scab to begin forming as the Iodine evaporated.

  Here we are on Tuesday and what do you know!  It is a normal quiet day here on Stauffer Avenue. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:09 pm on September 8, 2025 Permalink  

  The Week 

  And the week is ready to roll on.

  First things first.  I went to the clinic for the urine sample.  Five minutes and I was on my way home.  Yes, one, they could tell I have been taking an opioid for discomfort.  Or . . . two, they could tell I have not been taking the tramadol and have perhaps been selling my monthly prescription.  Whatever!

  As we had bought some items for our freezer yesterday, I decided to take stock of what the freezer on the bottom half of our refrigerator was holding.  Making sure to get the rotation up to snuff.  It is amazing how much can be stored.  We could go quite a while not needing anything.  It would be having milk in the house that would take us to the store.  I do have powdered milk on hand but . . . its just not the same.

  I have cucumbers peeled and onions slices, both sautéing in the dressing of mayo and a bit of cream.  Lots of ground pepper and just enough salt to pull some moisture out of the cucumbers to top off the dish.  Chicken tenderloins providing the protein.

  With the strong winds, we had one large limb go down on the acre.  Tom is always ready to get his Husqvarna chainsaw put to use.  He really likes using it.  The grass has slowed down for the need of weekly mowing.  Other Septembers the need for mowing would be done during the month of August.  Its been quite an unusual summer of weather.

  No stitching today to give my hands a rest.  I may tackle a bit after supper as it’s truly relaxing.

  One load of clothes to fold.  We sure do love clean clothes.

  With that, I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:40 pm on September 7, 2025 Permalink  

  Back Home 

  It was all systems go this morning.  The two older ones were headed to Home Depot.  There is a catch about our trips to the big town.  Dennis remains in the little red pickup and me, myself and I do the errands.  It’s really safer that way.  Dennis’ legs could give out at any given step.

  While the gallon of the black opaque deck stain was being mixed and then shook, I made my way to the weed-eater area.  There was a wonderful young fellow there that was a customer.  I asked a few questions and got a good review on the products I was seeking.  He gave a great testimonial on the Ryobi trimmer/blower combo I purchased as he had quite a few of their products.  We don’t need anything in the commercial heft.  The young fellow suggested I purchase an additional battery but Home Depot did not have one right off the shelf.  That’s alright.  I know my way around those little extra ditties. 

  We did make a stop at Sam’s to fill the little red pickup with gas.  I ventured inside to pick up a few items.  I like their 6lb. bag of frozen chicken tenderloins.  When I get them home, I package three to a zip lock.  Also on sale was our favorite package of good china.  The 300 plates last us a long time and save a lot on Dennis’ dish-washing.  The only other item was a package of 4 furnace filters.  We did get everything on my short list.  Oh, by the way, I will be bagging up Dennis’ favorite breakfast.  Twenty-four banana nut muffins.  I pop them into the freezer and each night one bag goes into his breakfast-box for the morning.  They were $23.92 for the 24.

  Dennis offered to stop for a late lunch, but I was ready to head for home.  Grammie was shopped out.  You could have shot a cannon off in Home Depot.  Sam’s Club was crazy.  A very nice younger women snagged her and I a cart as we were walking across the parking area.  People inside were waiting and watching for carts to be brought inside.  It was wall to wall people.  Of all days for their motorized cleaning carts to be among us.  There was one waiting and beeping at me while I was putting my muffin trays into my shopping bag.  I didn’t budge.

  So that is our Sunday in a nut-shell.  The day turned out to be wonderful.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:18 pm on September 6, 2025 Permalink  

  Not Today 

  No trip to Mankato today.  Dennis was not feeling too perky.  There is no point in perusing what the body is not up to.  What items we had planned on picking up can be done anytime, any day.

  The Amazon order was delivered this forenoon.  As well as the vitamin D and calcium, I wanted the order to be as complete as we needed.

  When Sadie cleared all the greenery north of the patio porch, my 20 year old shrub clipper threw its spring out of gear.  We never did find the spring.  Stauffer Avenue is back on track to take out that which chooses to pop up where it is not needed.  The last item in the box was a yard flag holder.  For decades we had had a small USA flag stripped over a steel electric fence post.  During the horrific winds, we have no idea where it took of to or where it may have landed.  We are now back in business with a small lawn flag at the end of the front sidewalk.

  There was no padding of any kind in the Amazon box and I was surprised the pill bottles hadn’t rolled around enough to have self-opened. 

  By the time Dennis put the new lawn flag holder together, he was feeling better.  We may try our trip tomorrow.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on September 5, 2025 Permalink  

  Sweater Weather 

  When I reach for a sweater, you know there is a chill in the air.  Couple that with a brisk wind and we are reminded we are on the last quarter of 2025.  With these cooler temperatures, the two patio kitties are sticking tight to their baskets.  Even the wandering fool, Snuggles, knows what is best for him.

  With the medical appointments we had yesterday, I did hear the often used phrase, “due to your age.”  Yup there it was . . . out in the open, not even able to be debated.  With that in mind, I did ring up Amazon last night.  I will be adding over the counter Vitamin D and Calcium upon the doctor’s recommendation.  Three months ago there had been visiting about taking something for continual bone growth and repair.  At that time I did have the bone density x-ray.  The results were minimally changed from the x-ray in 2022.  Check that off of my list.

  The fabric that I had ordered from Michael’s came yesterday.  A split shipment from Texas and Arkansas.  I had banked on it being billed at $3.50 per yard.  Some of it was at $1.99 per yard.  For what the project is geared toward, I didn’t need the quilt fabric quality of $10.99 a yard.

  With a new blade in the rotary cutter, I did make some end-rows in the studio with KNUJ playing in the background.  The plan has been formulated.  One thought out step at a time so as to not make an error.

  Tomorrow we will head to Mankato.  The quest is for a gallon of Behr black opaque deck stain.  The lateral surfaces are indicating a new coat is required.  The hot sun does a number on it.  At that time we are also going to choose a leaf blower and a weed-whip, with both appliances using the same battery.  I know we will find something doable at Home Depot, as that is where we are getting the stain from.  The detour is still in effect through Lake Crystal, so Dennis has found a route to the south on hard surface roads.  The actual detour is a two-lane highway and the traffic is merciless with a lot of trucks using it.

  That’s all for now folks.  Enjoy this wonderfully cooler weekend.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:42 pm on September 4, 2025 Permalink  

  Clinic Visit 

  Today Dennis and I had an appointment at the local health clinic.  It would be the first time that we would meet our new primary health provider.

  Dennis does see the VA health providers at the VA clinic here in town on a yearly basis but it feels good to have a local clinic connection as well.  All of Dennis’ meds were gone over as well as having them renewed for a year.  Two of his daily meds are gotten from the VA pharmacy in Minneapolis.  The cost of those meds are $15.00 per month, which is much less than our Lewis Drug prices would be.  We found out this morning, that our primary could also work with the VA for the yearly renewal.  Sweet.

  When Dennis’ official appointment was completed, he went out to the car for a wait.

  It was my turn.  Three months ago I did have a med added as my blood pressure read high . . . three times it was taken and always read high.  I have been on the additional med for the three months and I have cut back significantly on my caffeine intake.  The blood pressure reading was 118/70.  Everyone was happy . . . most of all me.  My heart does not need any more pressure put upon it than necessary.  My lungs and heart were listened to and all was well, along-side of a look in the ears, eyes, nose and throat.  I do have to return next Monday for a pee test as I am on an opioid.  The opioid is for the discomfort . . . strike that . . . for the pain of the arthritis in my back, hips, feet and hands.  The dose is a 50 mg tablet three times a day.  No . . . there in no way I can remain active to offset the pain all the time.  I know when enough is enough.  I do not seek any other remedy for the arthritis.  There is always a mention of some possible surgery to take out or deaden nerves in the effective areas.  I say no, what may remain could be worse, meaning less mobility or use than what I have now.  I want my life, my days to be as mobile as possible.  For that, I will take my catheter and pee in a cup.

  Even now, since the stroke in 2021, my left side experiences jolts as if the nerves are trying to engage into normal movement.  My brain works overtime.  If this happens, it is at night after supper when I am less active.  My left side will literally jump at bit.  When I experience restless leg syndrome, it is always on the left side.  I have a prescription for gabapentin for just such events.  I don’t take the 800 mg every late day.  I gauge each day on its own.  Yesterday, when my day didn’t start until 10:30, I had just given in and taken the extra rest.  With meds, if the system relies on them too much, they may no longer be effective and then what?  A stronger dose?  Not for me for now.

  Well . . . no secrets in the days of life of this Grammie.  I feel very fortunate each and every day.

  Meeting the new primary and all my cards laid out for review, I feel very comfortable with her.  Dennis agreed.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥