Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from October, 2023 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 1:14 pm on October 10, 2023 Permalink  

  White Frost 

  It did get serious last night for it to have put white frost on the roof tops.

  This forenoon Dennis and I returned to the blue barn acre.  It was our intent to start some small fires around the area of the Kudzu laden tree of all the debris we had raked together yesterday.  I had quite a few empty paper towel rolls that Dennis stuffed with rags that were soaked in gas.   As the fires took air, I continued raking and cutting off sucker vines of the Kudzu.  All of these small vines will no longer get any nourishment from their roots.

  Neither one of us felt the cool air as we continued feeding the fires.  There was no wind to speak of.  Dennis took me home at noon and he went back to make sure the three piles would eventually be piles of ashes.  I do believe that we will need a chainsaw visit to cut off the large vine that has had way too much time to work its while.   My six inch rake and the Harbor Freight lopper are no match to deal with that beast.

  The two of us are settling in for the afternoon.  I did take out out a bag of vegetable beef soup for supper.

   
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  Noreen 2:22 pm on October 7, 2023 Permalink  

  Thirty What? 

  It was 37 degrees this morning.  That ought to get everyone’s attention.  Us, not so much.

  We went on with our usual morning routines.

  When I heard Dennis come into the house at eleven, I thought it would be for more coffee.  By the time he had found his way to my bedroom porch where I had been stitching, I looked up.  I looked up and Dennis was in his shoes and shirt and jacket, but no pants.  Hmm.  I think I knew the rest of the story.  Dennis had been over at the blue barn acre and it was either sandburs or burdock that his pants were covered in and he had left them in the patio porch.

  Each day he tells me that if nothing more gets done at the acre, he will be happy.  Curry . . . put your money where your mouth is.  Too funny.  He knows doggone-well, the pants can get cleaned up, but not in the house and not by me.

  It has been cool enough that I decided to put an oven dish together.  Right now, my arms are taking a break.  My blue speckled round roaster is filled to level with goodies.  There are also two glass freezer dishes sitting to the side to be filled, sealed, and put into the freezer for another time.  The ingredients start with medium sized egg noodles cooking to tender.  Two cans of drained white chicken meat loosened with a fork to shredded status in my strainer and then into the roaster.  One can of cream of chicken soup over the chicken and mixed well.  One can of drained white corn and one can of drained green beans that have been chopped and into the roaster both items go.  The pasta is cooked and while it is still hot, two generous tablespoons of Better Than Bullion roasted chicken flavor stirred in.  Folding all the ingredients is a pull on the arms.  All that is left is a portion of a jar of Alfredo sauce poured over.  I always save a bit of the Alfredo, so I can pour some heavy cream into the jar and shake, shake.  More folding over and over and over with my wooden spoon.

  What will ensue is a hearty oven meal heated at 325 degrees for one hour, served about five thirty.  Two frozen dishes of the same into the freezer for another time.

  When I do some dishes, why not make it worth while.  I do spray my roaster and my two freezer dishes with Pam.  The freezer dishes do have snap on lids, but I always stretch over some cling free wrap before the covers go on which will easily be removed before they go into the oven after they have been thawed.  Some foil over the top saves the top from drying out as the oven makes magic.

  Hmm.  That has been my adventure for the afternoon . . . what has yours been?

   
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  Noreen 2:03 pm on October 5, 2023 Permalink  

  A Blustery Day 

  The wind has had its way all day.  Within the viewing area that I have from my cherry red chair in my bedroom porch, what isn’t tied down is on the move.

  I have had a computer program from Bernina that allows me to create my own text into what then could be stitched out via the embroidery module to my sewing machine.  I have enhanced digitized images as well by adding personalized text.  This licensed program was installed on the HP that the Fairfax team had gifted me a few years ago.

  I would and could create a stitch out using the Bernina Tool Box and then load it onto a flash drive to then take it to the basement studio, insert the drive into the sewing machine to see if all went well.  Sometimes it took several trips up and down the basement steps.

  I inquired at the Bernina shop in Bird Island if I could install the licensed program onto my Dell laptop in the studio.  I received the info from Amanda earlier this week.  Knowing I had quiet time this morning, I gave it a shot.  Taking my time, the downloading went well.  I now can work totally from the studio for creating customized stitching.  I did not have to take the Bernina Tool Box off of the HP in the livingroom.  It is greater flexibility from either computer.

  Sometimes sticking my toe out, putting the fear of the unknown to rest, makes for more creative independence.

  I may not use all my tools from the studio constantly, but it sure is nice to have flexibility.  Dennis keeps reminding me that soon weather may keep us indoors.  He and I have really had choice accomplishments this summer.

  Dennis mentioned something about pancakes for supper.  That would work for me.

  The blustery air is raw and humid.

   
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  Noreen 1:06 pm on October 1, 2023 Permalink  

  The Dance 

  Our large trees felt the dry summer just as everyone and everything else.

  This morning, sitting on the front deck with coffee cup in hand, I watched dry leaves tippy toe, doing their dance across the hard-surfaced street.  Many leaves will not be able to hang on until the first hard frost.

  My ole cowboy is going to have his 87th birthday tomorrow.  Many that we come in contact with, never realize how many candles he has gone through over the years.

  This noon taking an orange juice break, I asked him if he wanted anything special for tomorrow.  Dennis shook his head.  He went on to say that yesterday when grandson AJ was here, he got his early birthday wish.  Not only all the chit chat, but Dennis and AJ went over to the blue barn acre.  There is no longer stray concrete blocks lying about.  The length of galvanized tin is not on the acre and the television lodged in the south lot line is gone.  Grandpa and AJ got everything on the implement trailer next to our back garage.  Items to still deal with, but on our home’s turf.

  Some commented that they were sure Dennis had bit off more than he could chew, taking that acre under his belt.  They didn’t realize that Dennis knew people or how many for that matter.  No matter how much was cleared, the naysayers would make a comment to him about those last items still in the dirt.  Dennis just wanted there to be nothing but trees, dirt and grass.  Dennis got his birthday wish and the best part was working with AJ to do it yesterday.

  I am very proud of Dennis taking each step slowly and achieving his goal.  Several realtors have asked us if they can list the acre with their company.  The reply is that it is not for sale.  Dennis enjoys keeping people guessing. 

  This next week by Wednesday, the temps will be cooler.  We do plan on going to the acre and raking together small piles of branches and limbs under each set of trees.  Who doesn’t like a fall bonfire! 

  For as many lots as we have cleared here next to our forever home, three, we have found treasure . . . zip.  But I will say it has been very satisfying to clean up what lies around us.

  It is chicken titties, green beans and instant potatoes for supper.

  With all things well with my soul, I will do a dance . . . all four slide steps.

  Happy October you all!

   
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  Noreen 2:14 pm on September 28, 2023 Permalink  

  The Sun 

  The sun made its appearance at noon and as if Dennis got the green flag at Indie, it was on.

  The Sears mower with new blades did a great job on the grass that got soft where it grew in the shade.

  My intent was to use the weed whip around the house.  I leaned it on the bench by the back door and put on garden shoes.  Hmm.  The weed whip never moved.

  I went to pull up a weed next to the picket fence.  Oh my gosh, with the rain, that weed pulled up great.  And . . . so did the next one and the next one and so on and so on.  

  After several hours I called “Uncle.”  I made huge strides in all that could get pulled.  With my trusty six inch rake I pulled all that unwanted stuff into a windrow to the backyard.  Just as if we had made plans ahead of time, Dennis came and ground my pile of weeds up and the wind did a pretty good job of scattering said stuff.

  Dennis did use the weed whip and the area around the house looks great.

  I took out a package of vegetable beef soup this morning.  Great supper plan.

  By the way, we never made it west to Windom yesterday for supper.  As we were heading west, the A & W sign beckoned us at Mountain Lake.  The burgers were good and the A & W was fantastic.  

  The blue barn acre wasn’t on the schedule for mowing today.  If Dennis breaks up the time he sits on a jiggling lawn mower, his back feels better.  Not to worry, the sun is going to make a return visit tomorrow.

  Also, one more . . . by the way.  Today is international “Son’s Day.”  Let me tell you . . . the kid I have is on my calendar every day as a. . . one of a kind.  He has the heart of a warrior, a mind that knows no puzzle and the soul swelling with kindness and gentleness.  The Old Adam did not spoil what he is.

   
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  Noreen 1:14 pm on September 24, 2023 Permalink  

  Rain Drops 

  We got home from Mankato about four yesterday.  There were rain drops now and then.  It didn’t take long for the rain to get its act together.  After all was said and done, the gauge registered at 1.5 inches.  Slow and steady.

  I am doing something I have never done before via the crockpot.  I browned a pound of 80/20 ground beef right in the covered crock pot.  I then added cans of three different beans, black, kidney and white pinto.  Seeing as how we bought ketchup at Sam’s Club . . . three to a plastic collar and each is huge, I added the Heinz and chili powder.  That was it.  It has simmered since 9:30 this morning.  I like the taste of it.  If this gets a passing grade at supper, I call it easy.

  There is no doubt that this rain will bring out the hum of the mowers.  I know that during the month of August,  no money was spent to mow crispy brown spears.

  A new week tomorrow and the last week in the month of September.  Time slips away.  The good thing is that the older ones on Stauffer have a goodly amount of local effort to put on the table.

  Catch you all tomorrow.

   
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  Noreen 1:14 pm on September 22, 2023 Permalink  

  Just a Spinkle 

  Just a few sprinkles thus far from the forecast.

  The day is cool and gray.

  This morning, I put a pork steak in the crockpot smothered in a bold marinate.  There are mashed potatoes left two nights ago that will be heated in the microwave.  A side dish of vegetables and we have an evening meal planned.  Nothing fancy, but tasty. I can assure you.

  We have not been shopping in Mankato for groceries very often as the medical appointments have ceased.  For sure, I have been watching our local grocer’s prices so I can compare when we do go.  Dennis has been out of breakfast muffins for some time and that would push a trip out of town.  He also enjoys his orange juice.  When he has been really busy at the blue barn acre he will stop in for a glass of orange juice before eating something on the go.  I can tell you that two of the 54 oz. jugs can be bought for the price of one here in town.

  I have noticed the frequency of trains lately.  One can hardy miss them as we are a block from the tracks.  Generally they are 100 cars plus.  The thumping noise they make going over the street’s intersection becomes music to the ears.

  This is a slow day for me.  I am switching from stitching to reading.  With the cherry red chair having great back support, there are no aches from extended times.  I can almost feel guilty having a lazy day. 

  May your weekend find yourselves with a bit of a lazy time.

   
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  Noreen 2:31 pm on September 21, 2023 Permalink  

  Spa Day 

  Today was spa day for Dennis and me.  It may sound strange, but on our spa day, we have Maria’s shop booked for the entire morning.  Maria, a single operator of her shop, opens at ten.  With Dennis and me having both pedicures and haircuts, it is a bit after twelve noon before we get into Dennis’ little red pickup and head the five blocks home.

  What gives me reassurance is that Maria has kept up her LPN nurse’s license.  She is vigilant checking legs from the knees down and also the scalp.  Little things that may be of no alarm for us, could well be of a serious nature.  Dennis also has a thumb nail that needs a check over.  Our spa day is a win, win.

  Before we leave Maria’s shop, I have her business card for the next month’s spa date.

  I was excited to come down the street and see our home after the shutters were put back on.  Without them giving a bit of a polished look, it was just so much white siding.  The exterior of our home got quite the spiffing up this 2023 year.  After all the painting and staining that my 1.5″ brush did, it is now no more.  The bristles had gotten quite short.  But I must say . . . it always cleaned up great.   

  We have decided on Subway for supper.  A 12″ tuna does the trick for the two of us.  It is the only time that chips of various flavors come into the house.  We do wait until late afternoon to go and pick it up.  By trial and error, that is when the bread is the freshest.

  Tomorrow being Friday, there is talk of rain.  It would be welcomed.

   
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  Noreen 1:55 pm on September 20, 2023 Permalink  

  Morning Breeze 

  I sat on the front deck with coffee this morning and enjoyed the breeze.  I knew that in time, the sun would scare me back inside.

  I took advantage of the early morning by putting a frozen peach pie in the 375 degree oven.  All I needed to do was brush the top with butter and sprinkle on a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.  By nine, the pie was cooling and the oven was off.  Seems fitting to celebrate the good week we have had thus far.

  This afternoon Dennis needed to have the little red pickup in Madelia.  We had gotten a notice about the air bags being recalled.  It was a puzzle as it seems that this is the third such letter.  Dennis made the appointment.  If something came about in the future and he had not heeded to what the recall advised . . . up a shit creek.

  Dennis had just left for Madelia as I got a text from Dennis’ grandson, AJ, in Mankato.  He would be heading out for St. James and would be putting the painted shutters back onto the house.  Sweet.  I think one more item is going to be added for AJ’s help.  It is time that the huge patio umbrella goes back into the potting shed.  Not that it is so terribly heavy, just cumbersome with uneven weight.

  Dennis may very well be back home before AJ arrives.

  I plan on adding some chicken tenderloins on the menu for supper.  It doesn’t take long to whip up a batch of instant potatoes and pop open a can of green beans as a side.

  This morning, Dennis did go over to the blue barn acre, if nothing else to pinch himself that it is done.  Yesterday, it was amazing how this huge skid loader could pick out a stray steel fence post and pot it over by a tree.  Dennis feels it will be a small pickup load of stray items that were not fit for the tree dump.  In the scheme of things, not serious. 

  Thanks be for a wonderful day.

   
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  Noreen 3:07 pm on September 14, 2023 Permalink  

  The Last 

  This afternoon was the last of my important yearly medical appointments.  It was at the eye clinic here in town.  There was no change needed in my lenses.  Yippee.  There is a test for eye pressure and there is a test for peripheral vision.  There is a test for glaucoma.  Then the eye drops come for dilation so Dr. Pinke can see the carotids, and into the brain.  There has been the slightest macular indication for ten years.  It never increases.  Yippee.  All is well with my vision health and all is well with my soul.  A win, win.

  I am using the prescribed over-the-counter for dry eyes.  Reading and stitching doesn’t harm as long as I have good lighting.  Man . . . do I have great lighting, thanks to the Fairfax team.

  Yesterday there was a small beef roast in the crockpot and today there is a large kettle of beef vegetable soup.  The condensed marinade from the crockpot is giving it a bit of a kick.  A Better than Bullion vegetable flavor tablespoon was added.  I know there will be several bags of it going into the freezer.  When I stopped at the grocer’s this forenoon, I bought a bag of Bird’s Eye vegetable medley:  broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.  I also tossed in the remaining refrigerator diced potatoes.  Dennis said a can of corn was needed.  We have all bases covered.

  What a great day to be a Minnesotan.  Dennis spoke with his son in Arizona this afternoon and he remarked that the snow birds were already arriving into his mobile home park.  The heat is still raging there.

  Take care my peeps . . . and pups.