The sun came out and we sat on the patio. The sun felt great on my back. It is not warm enough for the perennials to really pop up. The lilacs are blooming and it smells great on the patio. Life on Stauffer is very, very nice.
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Noreen
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Noreen
A Substitute for the Sunshine

The blossoms of the Ornamental Crab Apple tree is filling the view from the kitchen window. The colorful blossoms make up for a very wet, gloomy day. I am working on filling an order for 14 kitchen towels via my sewing studio. Oh, believe me, Dennis knows what he wants, without realizing the steps it takes to achieve the request. The barter system is alive and well, but he managed to farm out his end of this deal. What a guy.
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Noreen
Friday night and all is well on Stauffer.
All of Dennis’ cats made curfew. The Lincoln is back in its stall and Butter Ball and Snuggles are already in their box up in the rafters above the car. They sure did miss that for several nights. We could not have ask for a better ending for this week.
I am counting on a warmer and sunnier weekend than what we have experienced in the previous days. No doubt, when I look out the window tomorrow, there will be lawnmowers lined up just as in an implement showroom. I must say, the day of yard work will be warranted . . . after all, it’s good to stay active.
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Noreen
How bad can a gloomy day be when the first rhubarb of the season was plucked for a crumble dessert. It turned out great, and was the perfect oven companion with a roast. I must admit the warmth of the furnace on these cool days has been pretty sweet.
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Noreen
What an experience! I now know what it feels like to ride in a rumble seat of a vehicle. This all took place in the front seat of my Lincoln Town Car. My first impression was that the small city I was driving through really needed to do some street improvements. By the time time I was a bit further north on the highway, I had thoughts of being on the hay rack as my Dad took us over the plow fields to pick rock.
Who knew that air suspension bags located in the rear, under portion of my car would keep the mud flaps from dragging on the road surface.
I drove to a repair shop and I asked a young fellow if they took “walk-ins.” I had made the trip to Fairfax as a fun visit and the young fellow said, “Yup, no good deed goes unpunished.” Yes, Kevin I hear ya.
As the time ensued, my AAA driver, aka: Dennis, came to pick me up. Kevin will put my car up on the hoist for the repair. Dennis and I know this car has not cost more than oil changes and perhaps a brake job. The Lincoln will again be road ready for many more road dates.
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Noreen
I cannot believe it! I am setting the furnace to have it kick in. 58 degrees is just a bit chilly in the house. It was my idea. I am proud of Dennis that he had not suggested this earlier today. He is the chilly one, and I am usually the one who can take it on the cool side.
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Noreen
After a lightening show accompanied with thunder in the late hours of yesterday, there seemed to be more to come today. As it would be, Dennis just got our rain gauge up for the 1.7 inches to register.
If I tackle a window here and there, the task is not quite so daunting. Our tip-in windows really make sweet work compared to managing taking off a 64 inch storm window to replace it with the screen.
A hamburger pasta dish for supper sure hit the spot. I sauteed celery and onion and Dennis took it from there so I could stop in at Lorraine’s and take care of some things for her. I have had family members work through cancer, but I was not close geographically for frequent visits. Seeing the energy level lessen of this gal that loved garage sales and quilting . . . makes it easy for me to pitch in while still allowing her to call the shots. I can relate when she mentions that it is so hard to rely on others rather than doing for herself. I always come away being so thankful and grateful for her being in my life.
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Noreen
Thunder and rain this morning made it quite easy to sleep a bit later than usual. We did a run to Mankato for errands and enjoyed the farm chit chat as we drove and took in all the fields that have been worked and planted. From a distance they look as smooth as glass. Recalling the years I walked fields like that picking rock . . . looks can be deceiving.
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Noreen
Stauffer Avenue: Back in the Groove

I began taking a few things out of the potting shed. Our small lawnmowers are always moved to the car garage for easy access. Before I knew it, Snuggles was on the bagging unit. He stayed there for the entire ride from the potting shed to the car garage. His very own hammock.

Dennis in the far east of our acre.
Things are greening out nicely. -
Noreen
We slept in this morning . . . like 8:45. By 2:30 this afternoon, we had quite a bit of yard work done. The next door neighbor’s fire pit took care of many small branches and the leaves from several of the gardens. Black Walnut tree wisps burn similar to dry straw. One more day of raking under the huge Oak and Maple trees will allow for the perennials to take over.
Dennis and I are “Steady Eddies.” No speed records are claimed here on Stauffer, just consistent movement.