Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:15 pm on April 15, 2024 Permalink  

  Second to None 

  Today our trip to Kevin’s Garage in Fairfax was second to none.

  The 1966 Cub-Lo-Boy blew the engine seal gasket.  Yup oil all over.  Last week the tractor was loaded on the implement trailer and we headed to Fairfax.  It was not a job that people were waiting to take on.

  The tractor got TLC that it would not have gotten anywhere else.  Fixing what is apparent is perhaps what might have been done with anyone around our town.  Going the extra mile and checking everything is what Kevin’s Garage does. 

  “Don’t have time to do it right, but always have time to do it over.”  That is not the motto when Kevin and Kersten tackle the job.  Yes . . . I also mentioned Kersten as she is right there to assist.  Sweet.

  I know the day wore Dennis out.  Denise immediately unloaded the tractor and tucked it into the back garage.  Before unhooking the trailer to its spot next to the garage, Dennis started the Sears rider and mowed and mulched grass and weeds where the trailer will be parked.  Yup.  Those traits more than make up for some of the smalls that he can and does pull.  Tee Hee.

  When I knew I had watched all and Dennis was safe in the patio porch, I went to the grocer’s.  I cannot remember a time that my laundry basket was as full as it was today.  I needed to buy laundry pods . . . there was not a single one here at Stauffer Avenue.  I went on to Lewis Drug to pick up two prescriptions.  While there I picked up a graduation card for an invite we got.  No, we won’t attend the graduation in Granada, but we will remember grandson Ryan’s girlfriend’s son.

  While I was at the grocer’s I picked up at the deli, Orange Chicken and JoJo potatoes for supper.  A can of cranberries will top it off.

  Our job jar doesn’t even have a burp left in it.  A very satisfying feeling.

  I think I am going to see if grab bars, as like the ones we put on the zero turn, can be put on the Cub.  It’s a bit of a challenge for Dennis to get on and off of it.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:03 pm on April 14, 2024 Permalink  

  Oh the Wind 

  The winds that we had in the winter have carried trough to the spring.  What moisture we gleaned with a bit of rain, will be sucked right of the soil.

  Dennis’ daughter and Tom drove out from Mankato.  Tom had stored his mustang in our back garage.  Dennis always takes batteries off of all things over the winter.  A trickle charger is used when its time for the use.  The mustang started right up and is going to a garage in Mankato for some fix-it items.

  Sandy took charge of the potting shed and our patio looks as though someone does live here.  The patio umbrella is in the stand and getting an airing out complete with a rock on its base when the winds are nasty . . . like today.

  Tomorrow, Monday, we take a trip to the north country to bring home the Cub-lo-Boy.  It has had a badly needed fix-it in Kevin’s garage in Fairfax.  The older ones on Stauffer are getting geared up for the summer season.  We take our jobs as caretakers on Stauffer Avenue very seriously.

  The little red pickup has the trailer hooked up for the trip tomorrow and of course he will be ready and waiting, sitting in the driver’s seat as I am pulling my pants on.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:31 pm on April 13, 2024 Permalink  

  Summer 

  I do believe summer has arrived.

  I had an agenda for today.

  By nine this morning, I was dressed to be outside, complete with my gardening shoes and gloves.  By eleven I was back in the house, mission completion.  Our original yard and what we call the Clark yard, the lot right east of us via a tax forfeit purchase, was clean of winter branches.  The burning ring is full plus with many that Dennis will need to take the loppers to.

  The grass is growing like wild fire.  I do know my ole cowboy well enough that he will not pick up branches.  He will not get off of the Sears rider to pick up branches.  Once the mower is running, anything in his path is run over.  Ah ha!  Let’s hear it for the saving of the mower blades.

  I was rather warm by the time I was done.  It felt good to open the front door and let a breeze come in.

  At this time of the mid afternoon, I have the last of the three kitchen towels done that have a cactus border embroidered onto them.

  Here at 3:30, we are at 83 degrees out.  The skies are cloudy.  Too warm too fast spells the possibility of storms. 

  Dennis put the PVC downspouts on in preparation of more rains.  He bought a new garden hose carrier for the south side of the house at Fleet farm.  One of Brett’s fellows came by with tools so it is solid on the house.  It now has a 100′ garden hose on it.  The north side of the house has the cart reel hoses ready to use as well.

  I say we have had a great day of local effort.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:44 pm on April 12, 2024 Permalink  

  Me! 

  This posting is all about me, the author of the dribbling that my fingers need to type and get it in word, mouth and deed.

  I am in the process of dental work.  We have a wonderful dental office here in town.  I totally trust him.  His wife is the receptionist and greets patients like old home week.

  Today I visited our Mayo Clinic to meet my new primary doctor.  Nerves were a bit jingled as Dr. Eatwell had been my primary for years and had seen me through many many medical experiences.

  Julie Pace is my new primary doctor.  She comes from farming history right through to the current.  I had no idea what the morning would bring.  As I was a new patient with having have no history with her as a doctor, I got the full treatment.  x-rays and lab work completed before I got to meet her.

  First off: blood work.  All of the items are right where they need to be.  Kidney function good.  Liver good.  Red cell ratio to white cells good.  Cholesterol mid point.  Blood press 120/80, good.  Lungs sounded good, heart sounded good.

  My next appointment will be April 30th when I meet with my cardiologist in Mankato.

  The x-ray of the back and hips indicated a bit more pronounced arthritis since two years ago.  We talked about pain and chronic pain.  Mine is chronic.  The meds that had been prescribed from Eatwell are still a good choice.  I am to be the diagnostician when and if meds need to be reviewed for the pain.  

  I also have antibiotics to take one hour prior to the time Dr. Pitcher does the four teeth extraction.

  All prescriptions have been renewed for a year, including the one for self-catheters at Handies Medical supply in Mankato.

  Today was a great day and a very reassuring day.

  Yes . . . this was all about me and me is doing well.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:08 pm on April 11, 2024 Permalink  

  Dampness 

  This morning before I came down into the studio, I turned up the thermostat up a bit.  This time of year, the basement studio cannot do more than 58 degrees even when the first floor is comfortable.  Recent rain showers make the studio feel damp.  Ramp up the heat and it feels so much better.  Needless to say when I am done in the studio for the day the thermostat will be back at 70.

  First things first when I came down was putting in a new needle and giving a shot of oil in the Bernina.  Yesterday’s slow start was operator error.  Amazing when the sewing machine bucks, it is smarter than me at that time.

  One towel per day under the needle.  I have made a note to start each of the designs to be 3.75″ from the bottom of the towel.  Consistency counts.  I checked with Megan and I have a package of four placemats in the correct color coming from Amazon.  Out of my comfort zone, I found a package of digital embroidery designs with succulents.  How fun.  It is fun fulfilling a bit of this and a bit of that for the apartment the four friends will be sharing in May.  Yes, they could have been stitched on white kitchen dish towels.  Mom, Lena, had made sure I would save her set of towels for Megan one day.  Got it done.  I will make sure that Megan’s kitchen will have motifs of what she and her friends wanted.  Some time today, I will send for blank potholders to stitch succulents onto.

  I do remember mom, Lena, telling me that it is still the best when we can do for family.   I listen hard so as to not miss when I can perhaps add something to someone.

  Dennis did get the oil changed on the three mowers yesterday.  Dennis feels oh so good when he has a good day taking care of what needs to be done before it is needed.  With the showers of rain, the yards are beginning to look green. 

  The studio is closing down early this afternoon.  I wanted some time this afternoon to sit in my cherry red chair in my bedroom porch.

  Tomorrow, I will meet my new primary doctor at the clinic here in town.  Of course, there were quite a few questionnaires to be filled out ahead of time.  Get it done at home or you get handed an iPad at the clinic.

  With that I take my leave.

   
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  Noreen 1:22 pm on April 10, 2024 Permalink  

  In Progress 

  The older ones on Stauffer have items in progress.

  Dennis has been to Fleet Farm here in town to purchase oil for the three lawn mowers.  The price did surprise him a bit.  A visit to Fleet Farm always will take longer than the product put on the counter with billfold in hand.  There seems to be visiting that is in order with other customers.  That is not a bad thing.  Dennis always comes home with news of those about town that we know.

  My first order of the day was at the dentist.  Today was a wax impression plus matching of color for the teeth that will make up the bottom plate to be compatible with my top plate.  One step at a time.  They will give me a call when I need to return.

  The Gorilla duct tape was called into service as the seat of the Sears rider needed a patch.  I helped with that.  Getting it off the roll takes some heft.  It sticks great.

  Megan had told me when her and her three friends move into their apartment in May, the kitchen motif will be succulents and cactus.  I have found a great pattern online for the kitchen towels.  It took me awhile to get with the program in the studio as the error message on the machine would not go away.  Hello!  The design needed to be loaded in the maxi hoop and wouldn’t you know it, I had it prepped in the mini hoop.  Oh Grammie.  This will be a one towel out of three,  day.

  I am keeping an ear out for the work Dennis is doing in the driveway . . . just in case he needs my help.

  More progress tomorrow.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:44 pm on April 9, 2024 Permalink  

  You Would Think 

  You would think that after amassing memories, there would be no room for more.  Not true.

  It could be a sound, an aroma or seeing something in my every day life that can bring a flood of memories.  Isn’t that wonderful!

  Who are those that are blessed to store up volumes of memories.  Could it be those that are inciteful?  Could it be those that cherish many and all moments knowing that there are no do-overs?  Even in memories . . . that is just how it happened and no matter how you want to gloss it over or paint it over its not happening. 

  Not just the pretty colorful balloons in the sky make memories.

  Some of my memories of less than good behavior on my part also have made lasting memories.  If a situation presents itself in my day-to-day life, I can feel the slightest breeze as a door opens in the back of my mind . . . “It didn’t turn out great then, don’t do it again.”  Yes, memories.  Memories are the greatest time capsules ever and my time capsule is no where near full.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:32 pm on April 8, 2024 Permalink  

  Drought – No More 

  Apparently the rains of the last several days has pulled this part of Minnesota out of the drought zone and is pushing the tree buds out of hibernation.

  Granddaughter Megan Lena and three other girls will be moving off campus sometime in May.  Megan had her 20th birthday in December of 2023.  Carrie did likewise when she was eighteen.

  My mom, Lena, had returned a set of dishtowels that I had done for her when Megan was a toddler.  Yup, they were to be Megan Lena’s someday.  They will find their home in Megan’s apartment sometime in May of this year. 

  I searched the internet for a kitchen hand towel design that I want to do for Megan’s apartment.  I found one that will fill the bill.  This morning I pulled out three cotton towels that will sport the 12″ x 4″ bottom border.  There are eight spools of colored threads standing at attention ready to be called into action.  Tomorrow, I will find the appropriate stabilizer and the right sized hoop for the task.  Doing the prep work, makes all things go smoothly. 

  The sun is trying its hardest to break through the clouds . . . with no success.

  Dennis is busy in the back garage with batteries and such.  He did comment on the cost of new batteries for mowers.  It’s not like in the 60s.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:21 pm on April 7, 2024 Permalink  

  Rain Makes for Green 

  The grass has no control when welcoming rain is applied.

  As of yesterday, Dennis and I are ready for the grass to do its thing.  I went over to Randy’s garage as he was fitting the zer0-turn with two grab bars.  When the last bolt had been tightened, he prompted me to give the grab bars a try.  The first time I was hesitant and shaky but I got my butt onto the seat.  We chatted for a bit and then it was time to get off the mower and then get back on.  Each time, the movement became easier.  Randy commented that if he had a zero-turn, he would need grab bars.  As I said, the older ones on Stauffer are ready for the season.

  Our sump pump has been filling the little divot in the yard where the water is pumped out from the perimeter of our basement.  This morning Mr. & Mrs. Cardinal were taking a bath in the water.  It was really fun to watch them.  She would go undetected if it were not for her bright red beak.  

  Time was spent in the studio today.  No music needed.  Being around my threads and fuzz is very relaxing.  There was some hemming that was needed.  Most important was organizing the spools of threads I last had used.  It is very satisfying keeping my mini Michael’s ready to use the next time.

  Dennis has laid out his plans for Monday.  The zero-turn comes from the back garage to home base, so the oil can be changed.  Dennis, being an ole 18-wheeler, does keep on top of what is needed for a reliable machine.

  Yesterday was a wind storm from hell.  Dennis had initially encouraged me to go to New Ulm where a quilt show was being held.  In hind site, he knew I was in a good spot right where I was at.  Do I know everything about quilts . . . no.  What I know is that I have plans for threads and fuzz that will last me for some time.

  Every year without fail, Michael Wacker sends me a wonderful email from the north country for my birthday.  Michael trained under me so he could step into my shoes when I stepped out of the local government shoes.  Michael moved on from Watonwan County when a northern county had an opening with a salary that was very advantageous.  This morning I took the time to respond to his email.  Oh the memories.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:32 pm on April 6, 2024 Permalink  

  Our Evergreen 

  I do know that wind that whips through the evergreen boughs exacerbates the sound.  

  As I am in my bedroom porch today, I see what is blowing down the street.  The wind is strong.  A home kitty-corner from ours put a new Larson storm door on last fall.  As it is bangy-banging today, I hope the door lasts until this evening when they get home.  I checked our door to the west this morning to make sure it was locked.

  Yesterday, neighbor Randy told Dennis to bring over the zero-turn anytime for him to install two grab bars.  Dennis put its battery on the trickle charger at that time.  The mower is now over at Randy’s garage.  This is not Randy’s first rodeo with a zero-turn grab bar.  Bob Luther lost his right arm in a farming accident several years ago and Randy tricked Bob’s zero-turn out for him in ease of getting off and on.  Sweet. 

  My Smokey the Bear got his chores of burning done yesterday.  It all worked out great.  Even leaves were raked out from the lilacs for the burning.  Just a bit here and there counts up.

  Today the snowblower was taken back to the potting shed and out came the push mower.  Whether the push mower gets used is not important.  It’s been checked over with fresh oil.  Dennis mentioned he would be buying a case of oil in the near future.

  We are having chili and grilled cheese sandwiches for supper.  Each of us gets a half sandwich and a slight bowl of chili and that is plenty.  We don’t have heavy meals anymore.  Yes, Nicholas, I know it’s not real cheese, but I am determined to use it up.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥