Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 3:14 pm on February 1, 2025 Permalink  

  A Roar 

  The winds are making a roar outside my bedroom porch.  I had been in the studio and had not noticed it this morning.  The little USA flag we have had on a steel rod off of our front deck didn’t make it.  I went outside and took it in, realizing the shredding would not let it fly again,  I do have a brand new flag, but will wait until such time when the wind is calmer.  That might well be when the Easter Bunny comes.

  With coffee in hand, I went to the studio.  All was ready to power up the sewing machine.  I will say yesterday I was so thankful for the Husky table from Lowe’s.  Initially I had sent Kevin photos of tables recommended with no vibration when doing the embroidery.  The tables ranged from expensive to more expensive.  Keven recommended the Husky as he had bought one for his shop.

  Dennis and his friend Lyle had gone to Mankato after that and came home with a 42″ Husky already assembled from Lowe’s.  If I remember correctly it was $198.00 or there abouts.  It became my sewing table as fast as it could be gotten down the studio steps.  Not an easy matter as the table was very heavy.

  Yesterday while I was getting everything set up for today, it was easy pezy to crank the table up to a height that I could easily see to attach the walking foot and the measuring bar to do the cross-hatch on the  prepared project.  After said attachment was on, I cranked the table back down to the 21″ that I could sit at the table with my shoulders relaxed.

  As of this afternoon the project has been sewn in the cross-hatch design at 2.5 ” apart.  It was a bit of a challenge to wheel the stiff canvas with the batting and backing.  I did not hurry or rush things.  The completed step is on one of the church tables.

  I am a process stitcher, not a project stitcher.  I am in no rush to do a project and rush on to whip out another project.  I enjoy the process of achieving something I may never have done before and may never do again.  Such a huge difference.

  The next step in the process will be to sew straps to attach to the tote bag I am working on.  Those straps will be sewn into and onto a 4″ wide border that will be sewn onto the top of this rectangle of cross-hatched material before it will resemble a bag.  I am still kicking around what the border will be.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:28 pm on January 31, 2025 Permalink  

  The Aromas 

  The aromas from the little kitchen on Stauffer Avenue would have been hard pressed to have been any better in a 5 star eatery.

  The last time I was at our grocer’s they were running a special on a lb. of bacon.  The kicker was that it was honey jalapeno flavored wide sliced bacon.  I thought what the heck.  It was too good of a price to let it go.  I used a cookie sheet covered with tin foil and lined the slices up.   I didn’t let them bake to crispness.  When we have eggs and bacon for supper, I will top them out in the microwave. 

  The second cookie sheet, I covered with parchment paper and put the frozen cinnamon rolls onto it.  I knew that with the Pam sprayed onto the cling free sheet over them, the heat from the yeast would have them ready for the oven in three hours.

  It was a continuation of good aromas in the kitchen.  Dennis sampled a piece of bacon on his way out to the medical clinic.  It passed mustard.  Both projects were easy clean up.  The coverings of both cookie sheets hit the trash can.

  The studio was visited in between.  I have the walking foot on the sewing machine and it is threaded to match the canvas of my soon to be tote.  I do use a basting spray with which to hold the canvas, the top, to the batting and the backing.  I have always had good success with it holding everything in place when it goes under the needle.  The best part about the spray I use, is that it doesn’t gum up the needle as it sews.  It sure beats a multitude of stick pins jabbing me in the fingers as the project is manipulated under the needle while everything is held in place.  It also takes away from sewing over a pin and having it jammed somewhere under the hood.  The machine is capable enough as Megan found out when she was doing a quilt for Nicholas.  The needle of the machine went straight through the thickest portion of a safety pin.  The needle didn’t break but it took some doing to get the needle out of the machine while leaving it in the safety pin.  No harm was done.  A new needle was put in and all was good.   

  The studio got a short visit as operating the nozzle of the spray can did a number on the index finger as well as my right hand.  Way back when . . . who knew the index finger of either hand would be handicapped.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:25 pm on January 30, 2025 Permalink  

  Ready 

  My studio is ready to take on come what may.

  I do have a large selection of the Isacord thread colors.  I keep up with the master printed chart that has a color swab with the color number on it.  When I am in the process of deciding on a stitch out, I reference the number on the actual design chart to compare to my master print out.  It doesn’t take long for me to know if I can pull that spool of thread or if I need to find one that is in close color comparingly.

  I keep my threads in plastic cases, each hinged case holding 36 spools and filed by smallest to largest number.  That range is then written on a slip of paper lying on top of the spools.  At a quick glance my quest can be found.  The cases are not near sunlight.  The threads are an investment that should not be bleached by the sun or capturing dust that may be in the air.

  Today the 24 spools I had used yesterday were filed back where they belong for the next embroidered project. Years ago, I knew it would only be one brand of thread that I would have for embroidery.  For straight stitching, I have a collection of various brands.

  

  My project of yesterday had more attention today, as I pulled out some quilt batting as well as a fabric to line the tote bag I am planning.  That is all for another day.  I needed to turn my attention to my sewing machine.  I have oil that is in a syringe looking pen.  A new needle was at hand as well as various tweezers if I found a stray thread.  The sewing machine will thread the needle so that little ditty needed cleaning.  The sewing machine will cut the threads as I go on with the stitching.  That also called for attention to be given.  The threading of the needle and the cutting option were huge in deciding on this sewing machine.  It saves the arthritic hands and shoulders more than what can be imagined.

  After several hours in the studio, I was ready to attend to the first floor and check in with Dennis.  The sun is bright with little wind.

  Again, the county’s highway department is hauling trimmed trees to our tree dump north of us.  I am sure with no snow, or mud to contend with, this is hitting those projects that they have on a tick list.

  Checking the traffic from my bedroom porch while enjoying a cup of breakfast coffee, will wind down my afternoon until supper needs to be looked after.

  With that I will be taking my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:32 pm on January 29, 2025 Permalink  

  Record Breaking 

  We are in the midst of record breaking temperatures these last days.  Living a dream but not going to leave February out of what could be a nightmare.

  Without any delay, I got myself into the studio today.  I had had too many days where it wasn’t in the plans.  This design pattern is over 90,000 stitches.  There are 24 different colors used over 34 times.  It is a challenge for me that I have wanted to do for several years.  My hope is to have a beautiful sewing tote.

  As usual Dennis came in at noon and asked if I was going to come up for air.  No.  I am going to see this through and all systems have been working smoothly.  I had the filled bobbins to swap out.  It is 2:45 and I have two hours remaining.  My machine is set at a modest speed.  I don’t have the heart or the courage to run it wide open as Amanda from Bird Island does.  I have no tech to fix it on the spot as she does.

  This day has been in the planning for some time and I am enjoying the fact that one eye is on the embroidery hoop and the other is cutting out some quilt blocks.

  I have no idea what has gone on anywhere else on our homestead.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:44 pm on January 28, 2025 Permalink  

  Bricks Needed 

  We went up to the courthouse this morning.  First challenge was the wind from the north.  I could have used bricks in my pants.  The heavy railing they have put next to the sidewalk was used with every step I took.

  I looked at the roster of department heads.  My, my.  All new from when I left service in 2009.  We got our questions answered and Dennis got his new tabs for the little red pickup.

  With the biggest task completed, I came into the house and went straight down to the studio.  I was determined to make progress on the setup needed for my next project.  Mission completion.  I have multiple bobbins wound.  The canvas has had the edges surged to prevent raveling. I have my canvas in the hoop.  The tray with the collection of threads is on a tray within reach as they wait on the corner of the church table within reach of the sewing machine.  A piece of purple fabric is on the ironing board.  I will use that to add blocks to those long awaited embroidered designs that have nagged me long enough.  So there!

  I am not sure what Dennis is up to in the patio porch.  We will be meeting up for a supper of chicken tenderloins, potatoes and cauliflower in a steamer bag. 

  I usually open the weather on my computer.  I then expand the map to check for where the snow will be coming from.  Nothing for the next 24 hours.  I like that.

  As soon as the kids to the south of us are off of the afternoon school bus, they are riding their bikes up and down on Stauffer Avenue.  The contest seems to be which one can do some sharp turns making the most dust.  So it is January 28th with 50 degree weather.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:35 pm on January 27, 2025 Permalink  

  Monday the 27th 

  The start of a new week during the last week of January 2025.

  Dennis’ grandson, AJ, came for a visit to see his grandpa as AJ had today off.  AJ has a crew that does underground cable.  AJ’s boss runs a crew doing likewise towards the metro.  AJ always asks if there is anything that we need help with.  It’s a good thing.

  I have shifted my time from the studio and to the first floor and back again.  Slowly I will achieve something in the studio.  When my concentration has been broken, it is easier to throw in the towel and pick it up the next day.

  Dennis needed some consultation at the dining room table this afternoon.  Dennis purchased his Cub-Lo-Boy from a friend of his years back.  That friend, Jack, has since passed away.  Recently after the purchase, Dennis replaced all the wiring after a bit of a fire.  The tractor has a belly mount mower on it.  It is a good mower to use on the acre that we have been cleaning up.  Kevin helped with an engine seal last year.  This morning AJ checked with his grandpa if a second assist needed to be put on the opposite fender.  AJ put one on last fall.  It is of the same type that we have in our bathroom on the wall.  It was a bit difficult for Dennis to get off and on securely.  It was decided one was sufficient.  With no snow on the ground, I think, even with the cold and the colder yet winds, Dennis is getting spring fever.  Bless his heart.

  Me?  I am so thankful to not have any fever of any kind.  

  Nothing new to report is always a good thing.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:58 pm on January 26, 2025 Permalink  

  Hello 

  Hello to the sunshine with . . . very little wind.  How sweet is that!

  I have had a good conversation with my brother in Cloquet.  We chatted back and forth for over an hour.  I had not visited with him since Eric had helped him to relocate from Decorah, Iowa, over the Christmas.  Calvin stayed at Eric’s, outside of Duluth, for several days as Eric got the assisted living apartment ready to move into.

  It has been a change for Calvin, not a bad one.  He has a set-up with what he enjoys, much like how it was in Decorah, his television and his computer.

  After the New Year, our cousin Mark and his wife popped in to visit Calvin.  Mark lives in Finland, north of Duluth.  Mark’s dad, Melvin, was the youngest of my mom’s family of eight siblings.  Melvin worked and retired from the radar station that was active during war times protecting what may be coming in from across the ocean.  Calvin thought the visit was great.  It’s been a long time since Decorah held no possibility of a visit such as that.

  This morning, Megan and I shared a text back and forth.  Her courses are keeping her busy as well as doing some in-service off site related to her endeavors in the classroom.

  I have wandered from the studio to my bedroom porch and back.  The fabric I want to use for the next embroidery has been squared and the next step is to take in a tutorial on YouTube on a tote bag on which to put the embroidery.  I want to make sure I can get the centering of the design.

  Super is a container of Chili out of the freezer.  Sweet.

  Our week is free of any appointments.

  There is nothing like having choices throughout my days.  I will note that yesterday, Maria commented on the rise of the RSVP cases and covid.  Maria shares her salon work week with Windom as well as St. James.  Windom seemed to be her biggest concern.  I trust Maria and her nursing skills as much as the wickedness of sharp shears for a great haircut.  I do believe I will keep my nose down right here in my home.  I lack for nothing.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:25 pm on January 25, 2025 Permalink  

  Hmm 

  Oh yes, they spoke of forecasting temps in the twenties.  Nothing was mentioned of winds that would take us to feeling like -4.  Never to mind.  The strong wind rolling the dust down Stauffer Avenue, taking it south doesn’t make it feel like January.

  This morning we motored four block west of our home to visit Maria for haircuts and pedicures.  What a feeling of a treat.  There is nothing like it.  We came home at noon for a lunch of crab salad.  The flavors that have been co-mingling since yesterday’s forenoon.  Let me tell you, it served us well in the taste department as well as the texture of it.

  Dennis and I had a good full day yesterday, allowing us to take selective participation for this afternoon.  I don’t regret an afternoon like this.  The balance of life gives good days for happiness, bad days give experience, worst days give lessons and best days make for good memories.

  I have a YouTube playing in the background while I am doing some stitching, sitting upon my cherry red chair in my bedroom porch.

  Supper is a replay of the tuna oven meal of last night.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:08 pm on January 24, 2025 Permalink  

  A Busy Friday 

  Last night over supper Dennis asked me what my plans were for the next day.  I did share that it seemed like it would be a heavy first floor day.  His bedding needed to be laundered.  I had crab meat that I wanted to make into our favorite crab salad as a noon snack to tide us over for a hot supper.  I also had everything needed for a tuna oven meal to make a large enough batch to put one container in the freezer.  “What can I help with?”  I don’t think he expected me to answer as quickly as I did.  Yup . . . I came back with the plan.

  If Dennis would pull his bedding apart after he got up this morning and deposit the sheets and pillow cases next to the washing machine, I would have them washed and dried when he came in at noon.  If he would then tidy up the floor with our little first floor vac before he dressed his bed.  I assured him I would have the salad and the oven dish going in the kitchen and do up the prep dishes.  Dennis thought that all sounded good.

  I was making great headways this forenoon.  The buttons for the laundry had gotten pushed and I was breezing into getting the Suddenly Salad box opened to get the pasta boiled.  I had the raw onion diced as well as the crab meat diced up.  I use the crab meat out of the refrigerated section of the grocer’s that is a USA product.  I was onto mixing the envelope contents for the dressing.  You have heard of the commercial of a Dollop of Daisy sour cream.  I had the dollop going when the container spun out of my hand and flew to the floor doing a cartwheel but still landing right-side up on the floor.  The cartwheel had landed a spray of sour cream on the kitchen wall and floor.  Stop the presses.  Breathe.  Tidy, tidy and we were back in business for the salad to be completed and in the refrigerator.

  On to the tuna oven meal.  More pasta boiled, three cans of the Albacore while tuna opened and drained.  We have realized when we get a 12″ tuna Subway that the onions we request with the rest of the goodies goes really well with the tuna.  First time adding them to the oven meal.  I diced more onions using the large onion up I had purchased yesterday and sauteed them until translucent.  A package of baby green peas out of the freezer and a jar of Alfredo sauce opened.  So close to a finish in the food prep.  I added a bit of heavy cream to the empty Alfredo jar with a shake shake to get every bit.  I had enough for a glass container of the tuna dish to be put in the freezer for another day.  Sweet.

  During all of this Dennis came in at noon, just as usual to find his bedding washed and dried.  I turned a very self protecting deaf ear as the grunts and sounds ensued from his bedroom.  The comments varied from difficulty as to which way the fitted sheet went on as to where I had hid the small vac, yada, yada yada.  I remained doing the prep dishes, cleaning the kitchen range, etc.

  I soldiered through having continued from start to finish while in conversations with Dennis during his multiple breaks and catching of his breath at the dining room table.

  Wonder of wonder, we both completed our tasks.  I never got off of the first floor being busy.  Dennis had asked and his wish had been granted.  He has a fresh bed to retire to and we have several good options of healthy foods over the next days.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:49 pm on January 23, 2025 Permalink  

  An Outing 

  Even a trip to our grocer’s qualifies as an outing.  Dennis did the chauffeuring.  Of course we did an entire sweep of the town afterwards.  Not much to see but my curiosity was quelched.

  With KNUJ giving me the latest and greatest within our listening area, I found the fabric I was seeking in the studio.  Sometime after I went to bed last night and before I got up this morning, I knew I wanted the canvas fabric I have had for some time to see the light of the studio environment.  Of course the threads I have out for an embroidery project are just going to have to wait a bit.  I do want to make us some new placemats for our refectory dining room table before I embroider on them.  Then I also pulled out a leaflet on making totes for grocery shopping.  Considering the pile of plastic grocery bags under one of the kitchen stools that is waiting to be dealt with . . . it might not be a bad idea.

  I had the canvas fabric on the church tables about to pick up a tape measure when I spied with my little eye, the amount of softener salt crystal in the corner of the studio where the brine tank is for the softener.  The ole Filter Queen vac was called into service.  As long as it was suited up for action, I did a bit more of the tidy tidy.  Man that beast of a vac is cumbersome and heavy to operate.  Physical therapy 101 for sure.  The only thing plastic on it is the collar that the attachments fit into.  It is heavy steel in the wand and the attachments. 

  So . . . there is no shortage of things to keep me at my prime.  Ya right!  My prime is long gone.  What is left is a skeletal frame with certain portions having been replaced.  I go forward each day with mischief, audacity and building a good story.  I think what is appreciated is that my mind is sharp and if I can think about doing something . . . I will work at it until the mission is completed. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥