Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 1:53 pm on December 28, 2023 Permalink  

  A Thursday 

  On this Thursday the 28th, I did see about a dozen snowflakes fly, and then . . . no more.

  My day is going very well.  Before the first cup of coffee, I had the washing machine going. 

  On to putting our supper into the crockpot.  I had no idea that Wal-Mart put together meals in one sealed tray; a bed of new potatoes, carrots, celery on the bottom, a cut of Chuck Roast on top that a flavor packet moistened rubbed on the roast with more liquid added to the flavoring poured to the bottom with an onion on the top.  It is now 1:30 in the afternoon and I am getting whiffs of our supper.  These darn kids find out all the new and improved ways to make days . . . wonderful.  Thanks.

  I do like to put into practice challenging items here in the studio.  One photo has images of designs I found to download onto my computer.  When I had bought my sewing machine, I purchased the Tool Box software.  There were some free images to play with that I have never used.  I was able to combine those images onto one text box, making a complete design.  I then loaded that text box onto one of the flash drives I just smartened up yesterday.  I made sure when I used that flash drive it came up on the sewing machine as I had planned.  

  With all loaded into the sewing machine there is also a file on my computer, I was able to print out the complete image from the tool box screen with all the called for colors of thread I will need in the stitching process.  As my machine is a Bernina and the Tool Box is exclusive to Bernina, the Isacord threads are recommended on the embroidery and are thus in the printout.

  My day has gone well.  I will admit getting things done on the computer for the sewing aspect, does take me awhile.  Do it over and over till I get a satisfactory outcome.  As I said, challenging myself is a very good thing.

  The studio will go dark as soon as I send off this posting.  It is now time for some reading and hand stitching.  The studio will be there and here for another day.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:01 pm on December 27, 2023 Permalink  

  Nippy 

  This morning was not only nippy we had little balls of ice crystals everywhere.  It reminded me of vermiculite, the insulation that had been used in times past.  It also worked well in potting soil so the dirt would not compact allowing for air in the soil.

  I didn’t get threads laid out for embroidery.  I got side tracked to clean out some files on the flash drives that I use in my sewing machine.  There were some as far back as 2017.  It was taking up space and as many files on a flash drive, it took quite a while to download onto the sewing machine.  The deleted files are still in my folders on the computer.  

  With these mild temps, the studio is chilly when the furnace doesn’t run often.  The small heater blowing warm air across the legs felt good.

  This morning I carried up our small crockpot from the basement closet.  Getting it set up for Thursday morning.  I have found out that using the original Pam sprayed into the crockpot or any item baking in the oven, really shortens up clean up time.  It has to be the original as knockoffs leave burnt residue.  Hmm.

  Dennis came in needing some information.  He was headed to Fleet Farm and needed the same of the plant fertilizer we have used in the past.  Miracle Grow was what he was after.  He has two large plants in the patio porch that he tends.  The air in the porch needs all the filtering possible that plants can give.  Tee Hee.  Those two plants we have had since before I retired.  Dennis gives them a haircut when they get out of hand.  In the spring they sit outside and take rainwater and continue to thrive.

  This afternoon I am doing hand stitching.  We have off and on bright sunshine.  Full sunshine on my stitching makes it difficult to see where my needle needs to go.  Good filtered light makes for nice stitches.

  Megan and I texted today.  See goes back to school in Virginia January 14th.  She says taking care of her mom’s store, from opening to closing over her Christmas break, may come in handy someday on a resume.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:26 pm on December 26, 2023 Permalink  

  Crystals 

  Both Dennis and I turned in early last night.  After a relaxing Christmas Day, all was well when my head hit the pillow.

  When I looked out to the front deck this morning, the rain and mist that had continued into the night, had frozen crystals on the steps.  We have escaped a whole bunch of snow by having mild temps and rain.  Yesterday morning, Dennis’ cousin had been over for early coffee and at that time Bruce reported that we had had 1.65 inches of rain.  The late news today will have the updated rain amounts.

  The task at hand today was to visit the back garage while there was no snow or ice.  Most likely that will be the last until early spring of 2024.  It always amazes me how much Dennis has packed into that garage for others as well as our own items.

  A visit to the studio has several pieces of fabric picked out for some embroidery designs.  The next visit will be laying out the spools of colorful threads.

  Dennis has gone to coffee this afternoon in the apartment complex where his friend Lyle lives.  My agenda was reading and hand stitching for the afternoon.

  A batch of bar-b-q on King’s Hawaiian open sandwiches will be our supper with leftover cranberries and creamy fruit salad from supper.  That combination would never be found on a restaurant menu but it is a great way for us to get ready for a beef plus crockpot meal.  Yum.

  I can only imagine how this weather would feel if the sun decided to show itself.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:34 pm on December 25, 2023 Permalink  

  Waiting is Over 

  The waiting for our Lord and Savior is over.  Each day here after is the glory and grace that we have been given to live in our daily lives.

  This Grammie is basically at a loss for words.  I have had a fantastic Christmas Day.  With my feet going up and the last cup of coffee, I will be resting in the after glow of this day.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:11 pm on December 24, 2023 Permalink  

  A Silent Night 

  How appropriate that the day is gray with very little activity out and about.  This is the silent night awaiting the birth of the baby Jesus.  So much in the world hinges on this wee one that will bring peace on earth . . . sometime in my life time I pray.

  So little is needed in our lives when hope and joy is all around.  Open our hearts so that our eyes may see the glorious wonder of that which has been given so freely.

  In our little home on Stauffer Avenue, Dennis and I often comment to each other what a wonderful life we have . . . not in wealth but in the blessings that we have received in our health as we enjoy each other and enjoy our home, regardless of shortcomings that are really quite minuscule.  Yes, things may have, could have turned out differently with challenges that have been met.  On the eve of your birth, thank you Lord Jesus.

  Come into my heart Lord Jesus, come into my heart today.  Come into my heart Lord Jesus, come into my heart to stay.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 4:09 pm on December 23, 2023 Permalink  

  Good Day 

  Amazing when the household is as it should be . . . a good night’s rest ensued.  Dennis’ prescription situation was cleared up allowing for his feeling of wellbeing, thus we both got a good night’s rest.  I have often wondered how an individual that has no one to advocate for them, gets through the red tape and poor communication that is often offered to elderly people.  In Dennis’ situation, you would have thought we were distributing pills to anyone walking by on the street.

  Today Dennis and I gave each other our Christmas gifts.  We got home at noon after both of us having had pedicures and haircuts.  Sweet.  Nothing feels better than some attention to the top and the bottom of our bodies.  Marie has a wonderful shop.

  Was there a problem at the shop in Mankato where we had gotten pedicures?  Was it a coincidence that in September of 2021 we had pedicures and by the end of October of that same year, Dennis’ problems with his left foot began, and not totally cleared up until June of this year 2023?

  I digress.  Marie is also a registered nurse.  Younger years her family was migrant workers that followed the fruit farms from season to season to harvest fruit for owners.  Maria was thirty when they came to St. James with a young family.  Maria decided to go to nursing school in Mankato for her LPN license.  Maria’s nursing license had her working at the health care facility here in St. James.  Over the years, she continued at the health care facility while pursuing her cosmetology license.  A shop owner was ready to retire and Maria was going to open First Avenue Styles.  Of course the Covid hit just as she had opened the shop on Main Street.  The health care facility welcomed her back during the lockdown of shops such as First Avenue Styles.  Maria has a thriving business doing what her goals always were.  Talk about the American dream.  Maria is living it.  The two youngest of her children are in high school and her husband does “fix it” jobs.

  Dennis and I enjoy having monthly appointments with Maria.  Not only receiving pedicures, but me . . . getting haircuts that I can manage without wearing a stocking cap.  Dennis feels secure that Maria remains to be a licensed LPN that always has a smile for us.  People such as Maria in a small town make us feel that we are in good hands.

  The day may be gray but as the shepherds and the wise men are traveling towards the star that is leading them, knowing that what is about to happen will be life changing.  Dennis and I are at peace, also awaiting.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:55 pm on December 22, 2023 Permalink  

  Can You? 

  Can you see me now?  I went for a long walk at noon today with an annoying wet mist falling.  The mist is still at it but the fog is settling in.  I felt the walk was needed before I have to cancel out future walks due to what is under my feet.

  As I walked the carpenters in various directions are sawing and pounding.  I feel for lumber suppliers that they run into as they are on site.  Our one lumber company has got nothing but crap quality left as he has been trying to sell ever since Overson Lumber closed.  When we did our front deck and steps, I called over to Truman as I knew Vaughn would make sure we got #1 lumber.  They delivered everything without an additional charge.  When our neighbors ask our carpenter to put a back deck and steps on their house, I knew Brian went to Menards for materials.  Not knocking Menards, but I do know each piece of lumber should be scrutinized.

  The only time the lights were turned on in the studio today, was for me to take a few photos for Kevin as he will be jingle jangling my job jar on Christmas.

  Dennis had a tough night due to a prescription refill shortfall.  I have been ringing their number often this week.  I am hoping one of the providers out at our clinic will take on the refills for pain meds.  I know Dennis is not the only one needing that certain medication.  Dennis is napping in the patio porch and I have been up since 4:40 this morning.  When the household has activity during the night and my Rehm sleeping has been disturbed, I am wide awake.  The walk and fresh air this noon will help me tonight.  By nine tonight no one will be seeing me as I will be under my covers.  

  ——-The Mankato Pain Clinic just called and one of the providers at St. James was given the permission to fill Dennis’ refill and it was sent to Lewis Drug this afternoon for the monthly supply.  Time will tell what will happen 30 days from now.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:22 pm on December 21, 2023 Permalink  

  Gray Day 

  This day is beyond gray.  The saving grace is that the breeze is minimal.

  The studio was hit early this morning.  Everything went well and before I knew it, the quilt was bound and I could now enjoy it as a finish.  This is my quilt to enjoy whether on my bed or when I am in my teak rocker.  I have really enjoyed the journey of my scrappy quilt.  This is the first quilt that I pieced both the top and the backing.  It’s a twofer!

  The 2023 year saw four finished quilts come up and out of the studio.  Three of those went to people that had touched a tender spot in me.

  My church tables are by no means clear and clean.  Those items I will seek help with on Christmas Day.

  My plans for the sewing machine going forward is to put the embroidery module on and do a few designs.  Those plans are for another day.

  I dressed up and took my two walking sticks for a walk on Stauffer Avenue.  Though the temps are in the mid forties, the air was cool.  My nose sought out a tissue when I came into the house.  Soon we will have new neighbors to greet on the walk.  Kenny and Faye have moved into an apartment.

  With the day feeling as damp as it is gray, there will be a hot supper . . . of some type.  You can be sure there will be some yummy stuff going on.  Us beggars are never choosey.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:40 pm on December 20, 2023 Permalink  

  A Hump Day 

  What a fantastic hump day we have.  40 degrees with little wind if any.  I look around our neighborhood and there is a lot of activity.  To the northwest there is lumber being taken into the home.  To the southeast, there are several new windows going into a two-story home.

  We, on Stauffer Avenue, are no slackers on this balmy day.  Dennis and I washed our bathroom exterior windows.  No ladders needed.  Our trusty Swiffer mop works to affix a clean cloth to wipe over the window after a good dousing of Windex.  The secret is that the Windex spray bottle is half white vinegar.  A great spritz while standing on the ground and maneuvering the cloth that is on the Swiffer mop.  Sweet.  How could we miss a chance to be able to see out to our backyard.

  I am in my studio as this post dribbles out of me.  The binding fabric was chosen and it soon was cut into 2.5″ strips.  I needed 280″ and will have a bit extra.  Those strips have been ironed in half.  Sometime they will be sewn onto the back of the quilt. 

  I began looking into a bin or two to see what I have available for the “Good Will to Men” cross stitch.  It was a good thing that Megan and Nicholas enjoyed doing crafts at the church tables here in the studio.  A bit of this and a bit of that and it is looking quite positive for days to come. 

  In days long gone by, there was a joke about older women belonging to the “Blue Hair” society.  What it was, was Mrs. Stewart’s multi use bluing product for the laundry.  It came in a little bottle with a cork closer.  It would last forever as it was potent.  It could be added lightly into the rinse water when washing clothes, keeping whites as brilliant white as possible.  Hmm.  A little bit sure didn’t hurt to use when those with more hair white and gray than not when washing hair.  Hard water in households could easily leave those earned gray hair with a yellow cast. 

  Loreal markets a product for those with blonde or graying hair to tone down what is not desired.  I have used that product for some time.  A little dab will do you.  My squeeze tube was just about gone.  Yesterday I went on Amazon and placed an order for the Loreal product with the purple additive.  We had no plans to venture out of town for quite some time.  Yesterday I ordered it, today it was delivered to our front door.  Wham, bam . . . talk about fast service.  Yes . . . the “Blue Hair” society lives on.

  Humpitty, dumpitty. 

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:00 pm on December 19, 2023 Permalink  

  Sunny and Warmer 

  The sun can bring warmth and feelings of nice.

  There had been no plans to visit the studio on this Tuesday.  About 9:30 this morning, I felt the tug.  A trip had to be made to check if anything had changed over night.  You can never tell.  Sure enough I captured one very brave Boxelder bug sitting on my sewing machine.  Hmm.  I went ahead and cleaned, oiled and put a new needle in.  I know the machine will appreciate it when next its turned on.  That was the extent of this visit.

  The sun beckoned me to my cherry red chair to soak up sun and prepare to begin a new cross stitch project.  I have not come up with any solution for the framing of “Good Will to Men” cross stitch.  Still thinking on that.  Cross stitch stitching is really comforting for me.  I do have to stay on track for a design to do well.

  I will share why I dropped out of the stitching group that I had traveled to in Mankato.  It began a while back when Anita put on Facebook that those interested in expanding interest in machine embroidery would meet in her quilt shop in Mankato.  Anita sold her shop and we met in various restaurants for noon lunches.  That for me was the beginning of meeting new people.  Long story made short.  Over time, machine embroidery people did not do or share any embroidery.  Four of us could have out of the eight that the group grew to, and I did enjoy sharing what I had embroidered as well as sharing designs with three of them.  The emphasis in the recent past was more on taking in quilt retreats, traveling to quilt shops to shop and eating lunches.  I opted out to grow my passions in my own home and not eating fast foods.  A part of it also was that my personal circumstances had changed in regard to my mobility. 

  The original group was enjoyable when we met in Anita’s quilt shop.  Those sweet gals did meet with us in the lunch area of the mall after Anita’s sale.  As all things will, they change and those acquaintances were lost and not included when Anita went forward with what became eight on a monthly get together. 

  My cherry red chair in my bedroom porch is my place of serenity and enjoyment, also being sunny and warm.  I wish that for all the stitchers in my life.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥