Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from December, 2024 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 3:18 pm on December 18, 2024 Permalink  

  An Elf 

  An elf complete with a stocking cap pulled over the ears.

  Last night while we were having supper, I heard a snow shovel scrapping at the back door.  When Dennis went out to close down the porch kitties, there were tracks that had come and gone from the north.

  This morning Randy was back with his long line of green Deere.  No snow blowing, but he scrapped the drive clear of the snow that had fallen.  I thought he had gone home to do some of his own, but again I heard a snow shovel, this time at the front door.  Randy was clearing off the front deck and clearing the snow from the base of the steps and the short sidewalk.

  I pushed open the front door and greeted Randy, allowing him to know the appreciation we felt.  The snow on the front deck had not been walked on and it was so dry, his broom could push it off.

  My morning entailed going into the studio to work with the embroidery module.  Yesterday was successful and just like any tool shop, having all that is needed handy beckoned me.

  I had barely set my coffee cup down and Dennis’ daughter, Sandy the nurse from Mankato, came down into the studio.  She commented that she really didn’t know if I was still doing any sewing or not, but I noticed a bundle under her arm.  Sandy needed curtains at 50″ and 63″ was the norm.  Off came the embroidery module and we set to work on a hemming project.

  I cleared one of the church tables, gave her a tape measure, plus a supply of pins and let her get to it.  Sandy had never used a rotary cutter, so I warned her to keep fingers clear.  Measure once, measure twice and cut once.  I set to the hemming while she did the second panel.  While I was sewing the second panel, she was pressing the first one.  No, Sandy had no iron at her home.  She had planned on leaving the curtains with me, but everything went so well, she would be able to  take down the towels on the bedroom window and have her curtains up by dark.  She thought having all the right tools made it seem doable.

  During that time, Dennis came home from mailing some letters.  Dennis made it into the studio (the first time since his hip surgery, very slowly) and a good visit ensued for him and Sandy.  She commented that the highway from Mankato was clear.  Last night at six, KEYC warned that 169 leading this way was very icy.

  I had spent my allotted time on the cold cement floor of the studio and shut the studio down when Sandy left.  My plans had no time frame.  Tomorrow seems just right.

  This evening it is baked potatoes, stir-fried raw, peeled and deveined shrimp and green beans for supper. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:36 pm on December 16, 2024 Permalink  

  Warm Temps 

  40 degrees in mid December can fool one.  The sun feels warm, but the air is cool.  Perfect settings for catching a cold.

  With no ice on the drive it was the perfect day to take the second wooden trunk out of the basement and into the garage.  There is plenty of room in the car portion.  We have lightweight plastic sawhorses when the time becomes right to begin working on it.  As careful as I was in the studio doing the first trunk, there was no logical reason to do the second one in the studio as some sewing may ensue.  Dennis always has it toasty warm in the garage.  It never gets lower than 45 degrees.  It doesn’t take long for the furnace to respond to get it warmer.

  A true test of comfort during the night hours happened last night.  I had not moved the thermostat to 65 before we went to bed.  If anything, it had been turned up after supper for showers to be had.  Both Dennis and I had fit-full sleep.  Unfortunately it wasn’t until after one in the morning when we realized what the problem was and rectified it.  I had set the alarm for seven this morning, so Dennis would get to PT on time.  Oh well, no foul, no harm done.  I need to be more mindful this evening and every other evening.

  There may be snow moving in tomorrow in the late afternoon.  We are planning on a trip to the big town tomorrow for kitty supplies at Sam’s.  If the snow moves in sooner, I have already priced out the Meow-Mix at our grocer’s and the Family Dollar has the clumping lightweight litter in fairly large plastic containers.  I could use a trip out of town.  As Dennis says, blowing the stink off once in awhile doesn’t hurt.

  The city crew has been hauling load after load of tree trimmings past our home to the tree dump.  Perfect weather for it.  Even the grade-school kids are getting off of the bus with the hoods of their winter jackets over their heads as being what is holding the jackets on.

  I see by our small flag on the corner of the sidewalk, the wind is brisk from the northwest.  All of Minnesota’s seasons in one 24 hour time span.

  Leftover beef over mashed potatoes for supper.  Dennis felt his recipe of the instant potatoes needed a bit of tweaking so he is implementing a do-over.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:20 pm on December 15, 2024 Permalink  

  Thawing Temps 

  Strange December weather.  I have no idea what was forecast for this winter, but one day at a time.

  The older ones on Stauffer have been sleeping as if we were hibernating bears.  The thermostat gets turned down after nine at night to 65 for the night.  Dennis even commented as he had usually been the one up at seven or so.  Its more like nine before the feet are hitting the floor.  I don’t think its a bad thing at all.  We seem to get all things taken care of that are necessary.

  The local meat market was visited in the recent past.  I had put a 2.5 pound of arm roast out to thaw overnight.  This morning I turned the crockpot on high for the time it took me to get the roast really to plop it in.  Huge onion rings were placed on top of the roast that I had rubbed down with Lawry’s seasoning salt.  Supper will be ready by 5:30 or six.  Dennis announced he would be making instant mashed potatoes.  We have been doing the real deal on potatoes for a very long time.  I think he wanted to see if he still remembered the recipe.  Tee Hee!

  For a time this morning, if I ever wondered what it would feel like to be totally blind, the onion I was dealing with let me know.  I made it as far as getting the onion on top of the roast and getting the crockpot cover on.  I literally felt me way into the bathroom to soap up my hands and rinse, before blowing my nose and grabbing a wash cloth to rinse my eyes out.  I swear, my eyes were rimmed with red for most of the day.

  I am my father’s child.  Raymond would love eating a raw onion sandwich but his eyes would pay the price ever so dearly.  Even when mom and dad would visit and I would be in the kitchen preparing a meal that included an onion that needed to be prepped, dad would go outside for a bit regardless what the weather.  

  I have been doing some reading and hand stitching this afternoon.  I also checked in with Dennis’ daughter Denise.  Thursday she had had eye surgery.  Her eyelids were folding over her eyes, big time.  Thursday night she looked very bad.  She has off work from Casey’s until tomorrow, Monday, morning where she has a huge pair of dark glasses ready.  Today she commented that the itching, of course the healing, was bad.  I remember Orlin and his sister Micky having that same syndrome.  I don’t know if they had had surgery.  Oh the little things we take for granted.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:34 pm on December 13, 2024 Permalink  

  Re-Grouping 

  Tis the season of the cold.  Why fight it.  The cold is still a better bet than having to move around a lot of snow and still needing to contend with very cold finger, toes . . . you name it.

  With a plastic bag in hand, I went into the studio to pull some things together. Re-grouping #101.  First items in the bag was a can of green beans and a can of jellied cranberries that I will put to use to go with the tilapia and boiled potatoes for supper.  With the necessities covered in the bag, I added some craft items that I can work on in my bedroom porch.  The sun has power and though it may be hit or miss, it is still better than the concrete floor and walls of the studio.

  Seeing as how neighbor Jan had given me the wooden trunks, I sent her a photo of the trunk yesterday.  I offered to give her the second one back if she had changed her mind.  She didn’t want any part of a project such as what would entail from start to finish, with so much work in between.

  Oh yes, there could be so much more done if the end game was restoration.  My goal was to allow the trunk to be tidied as best I could with what I had to work with.  From the first day that Jan had brought over the trunks in her wheel-barrow, I had ask Kersten if one or the other interested her.  I went forward from her reply.  There was no time element spoken of.   The well worn metal bands will hold the trunk together for quite some time yet.  On the end pieces can be seen the saw impressions.  Perhaps more than one wood was used.  The Golden Oak stain was sucked in on some spots and other spots it wanted to run off.  It has been stained and then a coating of matte Modpodge to seal the surface.   I did check, a glossy surface could be applied over the matte.  I used a spray can for the matte seal. 

  The second trunk can be seen sitting behind the finished one in the photo.  Dennis ask when I was going to start that one.  Ideally out in the patio porch.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:45 pm on December 11, 2024 Permalink  

  A Rescue 

  We have a small USA flag, 5 x 8 or so, that is stripped on a steel electric fence post on the corner of the sidewalk out the front door.  The wind had been nasty and the flag had gone all the way down the post and was on the ground.  This morning after getting dressed, I gingerly went down our front steps with a safety pin in hand to shore up the flag so it could proudly fly freely again.  It may have been a quick fix, but I rely on that little flag telling me which way the wind is whipping for the day.

  This may sound quite like what an older person partakes of, but it is me.  Several nights ago we had precooked brats and sauerkraut.  There were two brats and some kraut left.  I tucked them in the refrig.  The last two mornings I have enjoyed a brat/kraut sandwich for breakfast.  Heated in the microwave for a bit and it made for a good start of my day.  I may very well do the same if there is pizza left over from the night before.  That doesn’t happen often as Dennis doesn’t like pizza.  Is it about not wasting food or is it enjoying food that tastes good enough to finish.

  This morning, I made Dennis the crab salad that he enjoys.  It did make a fairly large batch.  It was at a cost of $11.00.  The box of Suddenly Salad complete with the Italian seasoning did pair well.  I dare say there was a lot more imitation crab than what is found in the fare that is purchased in a deli.  That was more as if they had a piece of the crab meat and had drug it through the remaining ingredients.  Dennis will enjoy the batch for several noon lunches.

  On another good note, we have a second night of the chicken oven meal of last night to enjoy this evening.

  There is a wind chime hanging from the evergreen on the northwest corner of the house.  It has been entertaining me for days as the wind has had its way with it for days.  I do not mind it.  Hmm.  It makes me think there should be a second one with just a bit of a lower pitch for a full cascade of entertainment. 

  I spent time in the studio this forenoon and when I came up, the sun was warming and welcoming as I sat and read in the cherry red chair of my bedroom.  It may well feel quite different when the sun goes down and the wind continues.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 4:20 pm on December 10, 2024 Permalink  

  A Dusting 

  KNUJ was spot on.  They did foretell of a dusting of snow.  It was barely enough to cover the drive.

  The studio time was spent swapping out the furnace filter as well as cleaning the screen for our dehumidifier.  Both showed signs of threads and fuzz that had been airborne.  I can always find things that capture my attention in the studio.  Before I knew it, several hours had gone by.

  The first floor of our home beckoned me.  There was a load of laundry to start and then pull together what was needed for an oven meal.  A simple chicken, carrot, penne combo held together with a jar of Alfredo sauce. 

  I know in the very near future I will be making Dennis some crab meat cold salad that he hinted for.  Yesterday I bought a box of Suddenly Salad for the fixings that I will add imitation crab meat to.  In any deli it goes for 8-10 dollars a pound.  Dennis shall have his treat.  

  When I was at the store yesterday, I did buy a new shaker container of the poultry seasoning.  I am sure I will use up the loose ground container, sometime in the future.  When I was checking out, the gal commented on the 13 oz jar of Blackberry Jelly that she scanned.  It was Bonne Maman brand.  Yes, there were more inexpensive choices.  This brand is a product of France.  I champion this brand.  It has been around since the second world war.  The founders of this company hid hundreds of thousands of people from slaughter during the Holocaust.  Good deeds century old but also wonderful products, and I use it as a treat. 

  During the strong wind of yesterday and last night, the shrub on the northwest corner of the house did its duty.  There have been offerings of trimming it and I always decline.  

  Our supper just went into the oven and it is also time for some KEYC news over the supper hour.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 4:19 pm on December 9, 2024 Permalink  

  Monday the 9th 

  Today was a trip to the grocer’s here in town.  When Dennis had many medical appointments in Mankato, we would frequent Sam’s Club and would buy quite a few things in bulk for the cistern pantry and Dennis would put gas in the little red pickup.  For what we are saving in traveling fuel, I don’t mind shopping here in town.  Another aspect is that I can purchase containers of various products in the size that I can easily handle with my hands. 

  I know Wednesday is senior citizen day at the store for several dollars of savings.  I was surprised how many people, my age, my acquaintances were in the store on this Monday.  I like never got out of the store.  

  Dennis’ PT went well.  It was rescheduled from 11 this morning to 1:45 this afternoon.  The heating pad needs to be brought out front and center so when the muscles want to cramp up in his left leg, he gets it plugged in.

  I found something interesting from what Usain Bolt, he ran the 100 yard meter in 9.58 seconds, gave as encouragement to people young and old: Dreams are free goals that have a cost to become reality which are, time, effort, sacrifice and sweat.  That can pertain to me at my current status in life as well as anyone else.

  The wind was strong when I went out and about, but now it has taken on a frigid cold on top of it.  It feels as if it were -6 outside.

  It has been a long time since we have had Progresso Chicken Noodle soup, Dennis’ favorite.  Seeing as how he enjoyed a frosted cinnamon at Brett’s after PT and before coming home, the soup will serve us well.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 4:22 pm on December 8, 2024 Permalink  

  Gray Day 

  It would feel more like the 50 degree day that we are having if the sun had come out.  Far off to the southwest I can see the clearing as the sun is beginning to set.

  Today, I finished the exterior of the wooden trunk project.  Though the sander had a collection container, it was time to tidy up that portion of the project.  I had such an array of stuff on the top of the church tables.  Putting everything back where it belonged wore me out a bit.  Cleaning the sander with the Filter Queen attachments made short work of it.  I cannot believe what a work horse that vacuum can be.  The sander with its goodies is back in the box.  Today, the city’s postal service delivered the package from Amazon with the additional sandpaper.  Who knows when the sander will be called into action, I wanted to make sure we had on hand what would be needed.

  Tomorrow, I may be doing more vacuuming in the studio.  With the finger-sized attachment that I used on the sander, that attachment did not allow for the dust to be collected.  I tried to have the vacuum running in close proximity of where I was sanding . . . with minimal success.  Any little bit did help. 

  This project does beg the question: was this really all necessary?  No, of course not.  Couldn’t I have been content reading a book and watching traffic go by?  It was a matter of challenging myself to see if I could pull it off.  So far . . . so good.  The internet tells me that I can wipe off what ever wants to be wiped off of the metal bands that are holding the trunk together with WD-40.  Next step in the works will be to check out what we have on hand.  I do feel a few days off in that regard.   

  This evening’s supper will be the pre-cooked Johnsonville beef brats with the leftover sauerkraut in the 32 oz. jar in the refrig.  I can see myself putting a brat and kraut in between a slice of bread and calling it fare for an indoor picnic. 

  Dennis has PT in the morning.  Me . . . not so much going on.  I am sure I will find something to keep me on my toes.  Speaking of toes . . . I always wear heavy socks and shoes when in the studio.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 4:18 pm on December 7, 2024 Permalink  

  Patio Kitties 

  The patio kitties took advantage of this nice weather.  Dennis came in at 3:45 and reported Snuggles and Harriet are still out in the yard somewhere.  Not to worry, they know when it’s time to come in and where food, water and shelter is.

  I have ordered more sandpaper for our Jellas electric sander.  No, I don’t think I will need it for my current project.  What I found out is that the option of putting on the attachment with the finger-sized specialized sandpaper to get into tight quarters is not to be found online.  I used the model number to seek and search.  The sandpaper pads and the re-fills are scored.  If and when I would use the attachment on the tip of the sander there is a screw to allow the black attachment to be put on.  The small finger-sized sandpaper is held on with Velcro much like the full sized sandpaper is.  The bottom portion of the scored replacement needs to stay on the sander with the holes matching up for the residue to go into the holding tank.  I ordered the sandpaper replacement packages with the idea that when the small amount of the finger-sized sandpaper is gone, I can cut out replacements from the full sized sheets.  It doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

  Supper is more of the chicken rueben dish that we had last night.  It was well received.

  I occasionally have restless leg syndrome when I go to bed, but only in the left leg.  It may be a coincidence or . . . an effect of the stroke.  When it does happen, the left leg literally jumps.  I get up out of bed and sit in my rocker and massage the leg starting at the knee going towards the foot until it subsides.

  Years ago, there was an over-the-counter, in pill form, that contained quinine.  It worked very well.  It is no longer on the market.

  With supper already in the works, I spent some time in the studio, dinking around.  I have a one-time-left of sanding on the wooden trunk.  My sewing machine has been covered since I had it serviced in Bird Island.  When the sanding is done, I will get it uncovered for some sewing.  The dust collector of the sander works great.  As a testament to that, my glasses have not needed to be cleaned due to a sawdust issue and I do have my face right down in it.  I did not want or need the sewing machine ready to run just yet.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:39 pm on December 6, 2024 Permalink  

  Return of Fall 

  I am going to enjoy some warmer temperature as it may be short lived.

  I had a busy day on the first floor.  Laundry running gave me a chance to get frozen tenderloins out.  Yup.  Chicken Rueben, hot meal coming up for supper.  I like to dice/cube the chicken before it is completely thawed as it cuts so much easier into the pieces I like.  The next time I shop, I need to look for Poultry seasoning that is in a shaker container.  The container I have is loose powder.  All I can do is put some on my palm and swipe it over the chicken with my other hand.  Too much in one place is not a good thing.  The spices in it are worth the addition.

  I finished four small pieces of stitching.  It was time to get them into the basement on the padded Quilter’s Square and Block pad that the kids found for me in Goodwill a time back.  They average 4″ x 4″.  I will pull out interfacing to put on the back and then some patterned backing fabric.  I have either the poly fill or the crushed walnut shells to fill the pillows with.

  Today I ordered a new brush attachment (about as big a round as my closed fist) for the basement Filter Queen.  The brush was the go-to attachment.  Now that the vacuum has had a good cleaning, I will be more apt to use it down here in the studio.

  Dennis’ job jar, in total, was the back entry floor.  I don’t require shoes to come off when anyone comes into our home.  Of course there is bound to have stuff come in.  I don’t appreciate cigarette ashes mixed with what Mother Nature can drag in.  Nope, sitting on the steps of the back entry with his foot holding open the screen door to let in the cold and blow ashes in to have a cigarette before bed, using a soup can as an ash tray . . . no more you ole cowboy.  He comes in from the patio porch at eight at night.  You could set your watch by it.  If he made for almost two months without a cigarette during the hip surgery time, he can make it from 8 pm to 8am without choking off.  Yes, I know how to stand my ground, because I am reasonable.

  My hope everyone within my reading proximity, gets that last little bit of outside work done while we have no snow or ice to contend with.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥