Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from March, 2023 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 1:45 pm on March 23, 2023 Permalink  

  It is Done 

  At least my portion of the t-shirt quilt top is done.  All in all it went well.  Right now I believe that this was the last king sized top I will make.  Of course, things are always subject to change.

  Dennis helped me fold the ungainly top up.  The pieced top and the fabric I had purchased for the backing is in a bag with handles and Dennis has put it in the car.  Tomorrow. I will be making a trip to Old Alley to let Val work her magic with the long arm.  What a great feeling!  Though I had nothing to prove, when a challenge is met it gives a feeling of a conquest.

  One of the first things I did this morning was to send a birthday greeting to Sharon Skolberg.  A life-long friend that I have no intention of loosing.  Oh for the memories when her and Ted farmed down the road from us to the north.  Orlin and Teddy were both from Hector.  Sharon and I both went to rural schools just a bit distant from each other.  Those memories can become oh so sweet.

  Dennis had a physical therapy appointment this morning and I hunkered down to do some tidy, tidy in the studio and also under the hood of the sewing machine.  Nothing is messier than course cheap t-shirt material.  It is the fuzz that keeps on giving.  When I go into the studio after it has been tidied, it is as if I am the first customer in a new shop.

  I kind of think that my friend Ann is not very interested in becoming a quilter.  First time visit . . . only visit.  She went home with good information plus the fabric for a first time project.  Time will tell.  I have no problem keeping myself busy.

  Supper is to be the last container of the beef vegetable soup I had made in January.  Dennis commented that it needs a bit of a kick on the flavor.  I can do that!

  The next item on the list is to contact Kelly in Bird Island as to when he can fit in servicing my machine,  I make this appointment once a year before Kelly gets busy in the fields.  This checkup is the most important to ensure another year of good stitching.  He updates the firmware and not one lint ball escapes him.

   
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  Noreen 3:41 pm on March 20, 2023 Permalink  

  Thawing 

  The sun is working its powers.

  I made a solo run to Old alley Quilt this afternoon.  The t-shirt quilt top made huge strides today.  Measure once, measure twice.  The realization dawned that I had nothing left for a border to go around it nor for the binding.  The trip didn’t take long as I didn’t let my eyes wonder while I was in the shop.  One project under the needle at a time, especially a 90″ x 108″ . . . for sure a king-sized goodie. 

  I couldn’t believe how broken up highway #4 is.  The worst may yet come.  KNUJ reports that the frost is not very deep.   

  When I got home, Dennis was getting ready to leave.  Tonight is the fish and game yearly fundraising event up town.  It is Dennis’ responsibility to make sure all the kids attending get something to take home.  By the way, he does a great job.  The club usually serves a good lunch.  I am having a bologna sandwich for supper.

  We are happy for the sun’s power.  I think Dennis’ today trip to the elevator for shell corn may be the last.  The woods out east may be able to have something sprouting that could be to their liking.  The deer have had a good run from our yard.  Before Dennis started feeding and the deer came into the backyard, Dennis commented how they had goopy matter in the corner of their eyes, much like cattle when when there is a concern on their feeding ration.  As close as the deer get to the east patio slider, the eyes are clear.

  I must get on with my sandwich and tuning in to a goof PBS television program.

   
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  Noreen 2:36 pm on March 19, 2023 Permalink  

  A Balmy Sunday 

  Does it really feel like 30 degrees?  It might if the wind would go down.

  A dish of chicken parmesan pasta has come out of the freezer for our Sunday supper.  Man oh man.  I wish I had thirty such dishes to pull out of the rabbit’s hat.

  I put in five hours in the studio today.  The electric heater felt good on the legs and feet.  It was the best investment of the winter.  It is three thirty in the afternoon.  I can’t say that five hours wore me out.  What I can share with you is that my left hand has had me hit the back button more than what the right hand has done for errors in spelling.  It is amazing the telltale signs of the stroke.  When I had been making all the bias tape strips, one night I had to get up and take a pain pill.  It was needed to settle down the muscles in the left shoulder.  I had not felt anything at the time I was working my arms.  The body sure can let this ole Grammie know who is boss.

  Last week we had no trips to Mankato for appointments.  This week we have one on Tuesday.  I have a grocery list going.  I am sorry to shop out of town, but our one local option is outrageous in prices.

  I hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead for them.  Spring begins tomorrow.

   
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  Noreen 2:02 pm on March 16, 2023 Permalink  

  Is That All? 

  So far this Thursday afternoon, we can say, “Is that all of the storm?”  It has rained with some little ice balls once in awhile.  All the schools have closed pretty much by noon today.  When nightfall comes, things could definitely change.  If there is no snow to speak of, I am sure strong winds could move existing snow onto roadways.

  We were up fairly early today.  My plan was to finish sewing what needed to be done on each of the individual t-shirt blocks.  Dennis said once I was done with making snippets of threads and fuzz he would vacuum the studio.  What a fellow!  Dennis has been very helpful in getting AJ’s project as far along as it is.

  After noon lunch, Dennis and I were both in the studio with cleared off church tables and the thirty quilt blocks.  Putting down the blocks as they will be sewn together is not an easy task.  AJ’s t-shirts to cut up to be used were not very colorful.  The thirty blocks were laid down on the church tables and then the challenge began.  I could not count how many times each of us walked around the tables, moving the blocks around for a semblance of a quilt top.  There is no wrong layout, nor is there a correct layout.  We have agreed.  What there is, is what there shall be.  

  I had mentioned early on that this was not a quilt top for competition’s worth.  AJ had kept his more desirable shirts to wear when he was on his Harley.  I can say that Dennis and I gave it our all.

  I took the time to clean the sewing machine complete with an oil and lube job.  There is a new needle in the machine, a bobbin has been filled and the machine is threaded.  I have the sashing cut to join the rows of blocks.  I can say that that is all for this day.  Tomorrow is another day here in the studio.  It will feel good to come down to a tidied floor.

  We are having chili for supper . . . straight out of the freezer.  Priceless.

  I hope everyone is safe and sound today and for the remainder of this weather threat.

   
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  Noreen 3:31 pm on March 15, 2023 Permalink  

  The Eve 

  This is the eve of our last snow storm.  No . . . I am not putting any money down on that.

  Ann needed to take care of grandchildren today, so her sewing session in the studio is being put off for a week.  Her grandchildren go to Fairmont schools and I have no idea why the school closed at noon.

  I have had a good session in the studio.  I have three more blocks of the thirty to sew on the 1/4 inch border.  At that time I will have sewn 60 yards of the quarter inch embellishment.  Yes, it has been worth it.  Satisfaction is 9/10th of the measure.

  The stitchers were set to meet tomorrow at Baker’s Square, but due to possible weather issues we have postponed that until April 13th.  Wise choice.

  Dennis had an eye injection today at our local eye clinic.  That is one item I am thankful for not having to have done.  He takes it like a trooper.

  This evening we are having Johnsonville brat patties for supper with mashed potatoes and creamed cucumber.  A little variety in the menu.

  I will catch you all tomorrow whether rain showers or snow showers.

   
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  Noreen 1:38 pm on March 14, 2023 Permalink  

  A Tuesday 

  A day when things are looking up.

  First off, Dennis had a good report from the wound doctor at our local physical therapy department.  The wound is looking good with good pink tissue.  Dennis asked if the wound still needed changing every day.  The response: “It is looking so good from what was the onset, why change what is being done.”  That was all I needed to hear from Dennis.  I am on board to a daily change out of the wound dressing.

  I had a great day in the studio.  By two this afternoon I was ready to close down shop.  Of the 30 t-shirt quilt blocks, 19 of them have the quarter inch border sewn in place.  I have all the half inch fabric cut for the remaining 11 blocks.  Many of the sewn blocks need to have the border fabric trimmed down.  When things are going great it is time to take a break before I screw something up.  Dennis came down to check on things.  He is ready to see how these blocks will be aligned one unto another for the total quilt top look.  That may happen this weekend. 

  Tomorrow afternoon, my friend Ann is coming back for another sewing session.  I know myself well enough that that will be the end of the studio time.

  Before I shut all the lights off in the studio today, I need to give my machine some oil and check to see if there is any of the threads and fuzz to be cleaned out as well.

  As wonderful luck would have it, there is one more sunset meal left of the tuna dish.  Sweet.

   
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  Noreen 1:15 pm on March 12, 2023 Permalink  

  Sun 

  The sun shining amid huge snowflakes is a great site.  The flakes are outlasting the sun.

  With the clocks springing ahead, I was up at 6:30.  The coffee pot was turned on and the aroma did little to to snap me into attention.  I must say the taste of the rich coffee helped.

  One load of laundry . . . done and folded.

  Dennis was on board for an oven meal.  Albacore white tuna, peas and pasta.  It made a large enough batch that one container for two found its way into the freezer.  About five fifteen this afternoon there will be supper on the table with cranberries as well.

  All is going well in the studio.  I must say for such a small tool, it does great.  Feeding a strong half inch of fabric into it, a sweet quarter inch comes out the other end.  A steam press right behind as the tool is pulled along will make for a great looking addition to the t-shirt quilt blocks.  At this point I am thinking of sewing the bright orange boarder 1.5 inches from the edge allowing for 1/4 seam when joining the blocks.  Time will tell. 

  Right now the body is telling me that it has had enough of bending over the ironing board.  I do have enough strips for five of the 30 quilt blocks.  Realizing a successful solution to brightening up drab t-shirts has made my day. 

  A bit of reading will wind down this afternoon and as well as myself.  Sometimes quitting when everything is going well is the secret for further enjoyment and the task not becoming a drudge.

  Have a happy Monday everyone.

   
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  Noreen 3:30 pm on February 27, 2023 Permalink  

  A Typical Monday 

  A typical Monday means lots of bubbles in the washing machine.  I enjoy doing the laundry.  I can see lots of progress as the piles of clean folded clothes grows on the dining room table.

  While the laundry is going, it gives me a chance to do something with the kitchen floor.  With Dennis needing to wear his Velcro boot, it’s amazing of all the little bits of grit that come into the house.  You’ve got it!  There are two rugs for him to scuff the boot before entering too far into the kitchen.  Hey . . . the foot is healing.  Praise God!  Tidy, tidy is a small price to pay.

  By twelve noon Dennis was home from taking his friend Dwayne for coffee at McDonald’s.  The fellows have coffee and an egg McMuffin and drive around town to see what is new since last week.  Dwayne no longer drives and he thanks Dennis over and over for the time they spend together.  Other than Dennis he gets as far as their apartment and the Catholic church.

  This afternoon I needed to reacquaint myself with the embroidery module on the sewing machine.  It has been awhile.  Right off the bat, check the oil and put in a new needle.  An order from Amazon has kept me sharp in stitching.

  Supper is a bag of chili out of the freezer.  The freezer options are fantastic.  

  The rain we had overnight did shrink the snow some.  Just so it stays warm enough for several days and not have it turn to ice.  There is plenty of that under the snow.

  This is me signing off as the embroidery is busy at work.  It pays to keep an eye on things.

   
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  Noreen 2:38 pm on February 17, 2023 Permalink  

  We Did It 

  We got Dennis into bed last night – less his heavy Velcro boot.  I think he was asleep before I got to my bed.  This morning at six, I heard my name being called.  We got that boot back on Dennis’ foot in record time.  We have both agreed the first thing we are going to ask the surgeon’s second in command on Tuesday is if Dennis can take several steps out of the boot.  Hey . . .  it can’t hurt to ask. 

  Dennis has cat napped today, but I am not one to nap during the day.

  I did get a kettle of potatoes peeled this morning for supper.  Supper is going to be boiled potatoes and some Gorton’s fish filets in the oven and cranberries.  

  Off and on today I have been reading in my bedroom porch.  As cold as it was when we got up, the sun is coming through the south windows, being right next to my reading table.  The sun felt great.

  I missed the stitcher’s luncheon yesterday in Mankato.  I knew where I would feel the most content . . . at home.  Sometimes, there is nothing that is needed, other than being at home with what needs to be taken care with the one that is the other half of you.  Priceless.

  I have supper taken care of for this evening and Dennis has taken care of the dishes that were from last evening.  In doing Dennis’ bedding yesterday, I decided to do my bedding as well.  Yes, the washing machine is push button.  Moving the loads of laundry to get them swapped out can take its tole on my arms.  Both of us work together at getting the bedding back onto the beds.  A small home does not allow for a lot of extra real estate around the perimeters of the beds.  I will admit when supper was over last night, I chose not to see the dishes in the sink.

  All is well at Stauffer Avenue.

   
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  Noreen 4:05 pm on February 6, 2023 Permalink  

  A Helping Hand 

  With several loads of laundry and an oven meal to prepare, I had a helping hand that volunteered to vacuum the floors.

  Dennis has become quite mobile wearing the 24/7 boot.  He had realized that I had not said one word in regard to what may have been tracked in.  The tracking can’t be helped.  I think it’s wonderful that he is out and about taking care of what this little household needs in the errand department.  It is a blessing that we have no carpeting and only two scatter rugs that need shaking.  Of course there was a trade-off.

  Dennis requested that I stay busy in the studio while he vacuumed the floors, and . . . he did do all the floors.  Tomorrow we check in with the surgeon’s second in command and both of us are eager for the update.  After the vac was back in its storage spot, Dennis announced that Wednesday he would be doing the damp mopping throughout the house.  I do appreciate the fact that he does notice and is willing to help.

  When the boot gets to be retired, both of us will celebrate as it means the healing is complete and the foot can have the pressure of wearing a normal shoe.  That normal shoe will be after it has been fitted for an orthotic to make up for the loss of the length in that foot.

  I will be putting out an update after tomorrow. 

  Right now, it looks as if the forecast of rain may be spot on.  Gray skies while it is 35 degrees.  I am hoping that if there is something falling from above, the roads will be good early tomorrow for traveling to Mankato.

  By the way, the oven meal for today’s supper is in part cubed chicken from the freezer when we had had a broasted chicken from the deli and the excess was cubed and labeled for such a day as this.  I parboiled two cups of carrots and opened a jar of Alfredo sauce, a heaping teaspoon of Better than Bullion roasted chicken flavor, and two cups of pasta boiled, tender to the taste.  It was mixed and blended as it went into my blue speckled round roaster. 

  Four thirty at 350 degrees will have supper ready when the contents reach 155 degrees, or thereabouts.