Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:24 pm on April 16, 2026 Permalink  

  Thursday the 16th 

  I have had a lot on my mind this week.  My cousin from Gibbon passed on Sunday.  The funeral is set for Saturday in Gibbon.

  Would-a, could-a, should-a.  I have decided to remain home on Saturday.  Dennis and I have made it through the winter without being ill or getting hurt.  Neither Dennis nor I have tested the endurance that we may have being out and about using canes for stability.  We pretty much know what needs to be in our plans before proceeding.  It was too much of a risk for a half-hour church service.

  I went to see Wayne and his wife after they were in the assisted living unit in Gibbon.  Ironically, Wayne and Jean never came when invited to the Penn Church events, nor did they come to Janet’s, Wayne’s last remaining relative of his mom’s family, 93rd birthday.

  I need to stuff down the feeling of responsibility and remember who is important . . . Dennis and me, for the long haul that we have been given.

  I called Aunt Janet this afternoon and let her know that we would be home on Saturday.  Janet is depending on a niece to take her to the funeral.  She is fragile and she would like to pay respects to her sister’s only child.  She also said she has a lot to think about between now and Saturday.

  I did go to the grocery store this morning.  We now are set for a week or more.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:14 pm on April 15, 2026 Permalink  

  Wednesday 

  We have had a busy afternoon.  Son-in-law Tom was over.  We had Tom do the mowing last year.  We needed to know what we were paying him and what the rate would be for this year.  Tom will be using his Zero turn as his seat is so much more comfortable . . . air ride.  There were things that Dennis needed help with.  It’s nice to get things talked over so there are no mis-understandings in families.

  Tom will do the first mowing tomorrow as the grass has come up in healthy looking clumps next to some dry areas.  The first mowing tends to even things out.

  I was looking for a brass item on which to hang a cross stitch item.  That got me cleaning drawers in the kitchen.  One container for recycling and one for garbage.  A good bit of organization was needed.  The end result was one container of what we have for tools, which is not much.  If we need something done, it’s best that good tools come with the worker-bee.  It was a good endeavor.  It may not stay tidy as a hunt and peck always seems to throw a wrench into the frenzy of looking.  I did find what I needed and the task was completed.

  Dennis’ jacket needed a seam sewn under the arm.  He wears the jacket nonstop as it is warm and keeps the wind out.  It was just a matter of changing thread colors for top and bottom in the sewing machine after the jacket came out of the laundry. 

  The winter jacket may do a come-back for this weekend.

  Supper is going to be EGO Fluffy Waffles and bacon.  The waffles we like come six in a package.  We each make due with two each as they are large.  I always buy two packages for the freezer so we end up with three meals out of the deal.  The four slice toaster does come in handy once in a while.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:13 pm on April 14, 2026 Permalink  

  Only Rain 

  For all the weather threats that we were aware of yesterday and into the evening hours, we were thankfully allowed a great shower of ran with no winds.  The areas that received hail were sporadic.  When the sun set last night it was a blinding sphere that turned the skies in all directions around us into hues of beauty.

  There was a physical therapy appointment for me at 8:30 this morning.  I had not one therapist but two, one with a his doctorate and also the owner of the independent clinic that rents from our Mayo facility.

  The reverse shoulders from 2013 and 2014 have smooth rotations and movement as they were put through the paces this morning.  A huge improvement from the first appointment when there was noticeable tightness as muscles across the shoulder blades, upper arms and in the base of the neck fought against movement and in some cases brought discomfort if rolled over a clutch of tendons that needed to know the relaxation that was part of the deep manipulations of some very determined and trained hands.

  I have the work ahead of me for building strength from the exercises that will need to be followed in my homework to keep the smooth movements going that will in turn not bring back the pain and discomfort.  I have the stretch bands for the exercises: yellow, red, and green all with varying strength needed for the full effect.

  Duly noted that the left side will need the hard work to assist in reversing the effects of the 2021 stroke that was enabled by the lack of physical therapy after the shoulder surgeries .  Not 100%, but definite for some possibilities. 

  Whether you think you can or think you can’t . . . you are probably right.

  The studio remains dark for this Tuesday.  Tomorrow is another day.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:01 pm on April 13, 2026 Permalink  

  Thunder Claps 

  The first of the season’s thunder claps.  Not much moisture with them.  That may still be coming.

  Going to my bed early doesn’t mean going right to sleep.

  I was calculating my next visit to the studio.  On my church tables are several bi-fold heavy cardboard grided 36″ x 72″ for helping with layouts.  Kersten added several to the one that had previously come from the Fairfax team.  I knew when my feet hit the floor this morning that the solution to the blanket project was that the quilt top needed to be a bit smaller than the fabric backing.

  When it comes time to sandwich the blanket, the backing and batting need to extend a bit beyond the top for close proximity.  Out will come my collection of thumbtacks.  Those heavy cardboard layouts will welcome the thumbtacks as I make sure that first the backing is laid out and taut, lining up to the grid work.  The batting will be next.  Making sure the top is aligned with the warp and weft of the backing makes all work oh so much better when there is nothing askew.

  Seeing as Mondays are good laundry days, the studio will wait for another day.  Decisions having been made correctly once don’t take up so much time the next trip.

  Dennis is off visiting his friend Lyle Grove in the city’s assisted living unit.  A good errand done.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:36 pm on April 12, 2026 Permalink  

  Checking on Things 

  Our Sunday was planned as a quiet day and thus far it is ringing true.

  Once in the studio, I decided to see what the world wide web had to say about generalities in the sizes of dorm beds.  Nicholas’ blanket is getting to the place where we need specifics and no generalities.  Dorm beds are 39″ x 80″ as most are now x-long.  The blanket for said bed was stated as 68″ x 90″.  It was time to get out the tape measure and see where my project would fit in.

  I had been working on the backing making sure to keep track of yardage I had.  The backing hot off of the sewing machine was 65″ x 81″.  My top is 51″ x 88″.

  Now comes the time for some sketches complete with notes.  Lena was great with penciling in what was needed as well as how it would look as if it had been in the plans from start to finish.  When quilt blocks are constructed by a certain lay of the colors, it is what it is.  What comes in after that is working with adding borders around the perimeter using colors found in the constructed blocks.  I am on it!  At this point in the juncture there is no cutting of fabric.  I can look, I can touch, I can sketch.  Cutting in error only feeds the circular file, aka: the waste basket.  

  Yesterday the mail brought the quilt batting.  I made sure to get what is listed as a queen size, allowing for the length I needed.  I can always use what is in excess in the width.

  It was time to walk away and close down the studio for some mindful thinking.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:16 pm on April 11, 2026 Permalink  

  Good Saturday 

  Home safe and sound from an event supporting veterans in the area that Sadie had promoted.

  Cold rain showers off and on with a wind from the south.  First alert weather is making it known that with the unseasonable warm temps for Sunday and Monday, storms may follow.

  We are having the remaining weekend on the quiet side.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:15 pm on April 10, 2026 Permalink  

  “Uncle” 

  This forenoon when my back whispered “uncle” I took heed and closed down the studio.  I am not out to do endurance trials.  It’s best to desist while everything is still going well rather than pushing my luck.  While working at the church tables to cut fabric, there is a stance that cuts through the back like a dull knife.  Having already added two bricks in height under the table legs to assist, it is what it is.  Wanting to continue the joy that my studio gives to me . . . tomorrow is another day.

  Actually, tomorrow afternoon we will be taking in an event that Dennis’ granddaughter, Sadie, is putting on in conjunction with her job at MACV, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans.  Sadie has a huge territory in southern Minnesota working out of Mankato.   There can be help with utility bills, proper clothing for job interviews that may even include a haircut.  Sadie, having completed three tours with the Army’s Red Bulls, knows the challenges.  There are many resources for the young veterans and Sadie helps with those connections as well as pairing donations with the need.  Of course, her main helper for tomorrow is her Grandpa Dennis.  It does him proud.

  This evening we are having canned roast beef over mashed potatoes plus greens.  The roast beef gains a bit of color by adding two teaspoons of instant Folger’s coffee.  That is a Lena tip that does the trick.  I will use a tablespoon or two of corn starch diluted in cold water to then heat the roast beef to make it a thickened meat with gravy.  Dennis is in charge of the potatoes.  He does them successfully.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:34 pm on April 9, 2026 Permalink  

  Thursday the 9th 

  I really don’t know anything for sure.  The old adage is that what is for sure is death and taxes.  I might add that we all have “free will” given to us via our Creator.   I am not quite sure where I am going with this train of thought.

  As we age we maintain that ability of living with “free will.”  Out of respect for the joy of achieving old age we don’t want it snuffed away from us.  I see it every day with Dennis.  Dennis lives by the letter of the law, never out to hurt anyone.  When Dennis has his mind made up, I honor it.  Why wouldn’t I?  He does nothing to put us or how we live in harms way.  He has worked hard when he was able.  Now with his 90th birthday coming this fall, he is still his own man, still having a say in every day life. 

  I think I can say for both of us that we like being independent . . . together.

  If I see the choices of “free will” in Dennis, I would like to have that seen within me also.  I am not reckless.  I am cautious.  I am still my own person.  As I, we, get older I, we, still acknowledge that respect is to be afforded us.

  In my heart, I knew where I was coming from with this post . . . did you?

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:46 pm on April 8, 2026 Permalink  

  Much to Do 

  For a Wednesday there has been quite the list for me to take care of here on Stauffer Avenue.  By most it would be no more than what could be accomplished by nine on any given day.  But you all know, I am not “most.”

  I took the time to read through all of the mail from our county’s auditor/treasure for this year’s taxes as well as next year’s value proposal.  Lots of pieces of paper, most of which is going into the recycling bin.  I came away with three pieces of paper large enough to fit handsomely into a legal sized envelope plus our personal check to cover the total of the 2026 payable property taxes.  The envelope was then sealed with a stamp and now is in the post office’s care.

  Dennis visited in the studio this forenoon to check on the progress of Nicholas’s college quilt.  He had not seen any of the process since it had been folded pieces of fabric I had brought up to the living room to share with him.  It is now lacking one more border and then the extra long twin sized quilt top will be ready.  I ordered the licensed cotton yardage for the last border, the backing and binding, specific to the college’s motifs.  That fabric arrived from Ohio last week.

  This afternoon, via Amazon, the mid-loft “Dream” brand of batting should be here by Friday.  It’s an 80/20 of polyester and cotton that will give good wear and tear.  I have used that brand of batting often.

  Dennis has his six month medical checkup at our clinic this afternoon.  Dang if he isn’t going with a rather huge nasty looking bump on his forehead and a large band aid on the top of his right hand.  Now the story goes that he ran into the door frame going from the garage into the patio porch on Monday.  The hand was scrapped today in the garage.  God willing and the creek don’t rise, they will let him return home later this afternoon.

  I think that’s enough for this day of reporting.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:48 pm on April 7, 2026 Permalink  

  Every Neighborhood 

  Every neighborhood needs someone that either has a synthesizer or a set of drums.  The fellow south of us that’s been thumping away all afternoon.  I think he has the beat down pat.

  Physical therapy went well this morning.  Several of their strength-gaining machines were tried with my outstretched arm pulling straight back with elbow tucked to the side.  I noticed on the choices of weight to be pulled, mine was the least.  Peddling with outstretched arms forward and backward.  It’s more mobility than I had before.  I am reaching for items on the second shelf up in the kitchen with relaxed shoulders.  The messaging of the neck and into the area between the shoulder blades can get warmed up real good.

  Tomorrow Dennis has his six month doctor visit here in town.  It’s really nice that we no longer have schedules in Mankato.

  Tomorrow I will be getting a phone call as to the approximate time our dining room chairs will be delivered from Slumberland in Mankato on Thursday.

  Due to PT, I am passing on the studio for the day.

  Dennis is doing supper in the kitchen.  I am ready for the treat.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥