Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from December, 2024 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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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 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 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.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:52 pm on August 17, 2024 Permalink  

  Four Legged Friends 

  Our porch kitties are for sure the four-legged friends that are our sweet spots.  Hark, there is some competition in the backyard.

  The last several weeks we have had two young fawns hanging out enjoying munching on clover.  When we first noticed them, they still had their white spots.  Yesterday, they were showing mostly their rich tan color.  When Dennis came in at eight last night, he said they were bedded down under the Hackberry tree.

  And what, would you ask, are the porch kitties making of all of this!  The sliding screen of the east patio door is barely wide enough for all three of them sitting on their haunches keeping watch.  All they want to do is watch from their safe spot.  Amazing.

  Sleep came easy for me last night.  At 8:30 this morning, I had to fight to keep my eyes open.  Once the feet hit the floor, I was running an agenda through my mind.  As I enjoy the first cup of coffee, I do check everything over on my HP, including the weather for the day as well as banking information and obituaries.

  As Dennis was heading to the Dollar General to buy several gallons of distilled water for his CPAP machine, I headed into the studio.  The 24 quilt blocks were waiting on the church tables.  My goal was to sew half of them together . . . four per row and three rows sewn together.  At a bit after three, all lights were turned off in the studio with my goal having been met.

  Our supper is going to be a smorgasbord of items from last night’s supper tied together with scrambled eggs.  It will meet all of the major food groups.

  Nothing news worthy to report.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:08 pm on July 3, 2024 Permalink  

  Fleeting Thoughts 

  After a successful trip to my dentist, I settled in to my bedroom porch to pick up where I had left off with a YouTube video I had been watching.  

  Dennis was immersed out in his patio porch with a television program.

  Traffic of all shapes, sizes and colors speed by, hopefully to come to a stop at the four-way stop just feet away to the north.

  Wouldn’t one and all be surprised if they knew more about the little home and its owners at the 109 location.

  This home is Dennis’ and my safe spot.  Of course nothing is for sure or guaranteed.  This is a place that we never lack for food or rest.  It is the perfect home where Dennis and I  have found the cure for weariness, sadness, fears and uncertainty.  We share happiness and celebrate each day we have as well as decades of memories.  Our mantra is: save the best and leave the rest. 

  I trust and pray that my children have also found their homes to be their safe place sanctuaries.

  Tomorrow is the 4th of July.  That in itself brings a flood of memories. 

  Dennis and I will be celebrating this long holiday type weekend right here on Stauffer Avenue.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:53 pm on June 8, 2024 Permalink  

  A Day 

  This is Saturday and I am calling it a day.

  This morning at ten, we turned ourselves in for pedicures and haircuts.  Five weeks is a bit too long, but Maria had a son’s graduation party last Saturday.  Very special.  There is no way that I could tell which of the two treatments felt better than the other.  Dennis was sure his eyebrows would need curlers.  Too funny.  It is a block of two hours for the two of us.  We’re worth it.

  A bite of noon lunch of pureed apple sauce and peanut butter felt good.  As I was leaving for the grocery store, Jeff road up on his battery-powered three-while bike.  For someone that has not worked a W-2 form job for a decade or longer, he seems to do alright for himself.  He is on medical assistance.  I bid him a good day.  Jeff and his dad can do and have much to visit about . . . or not.

  I couldn’t resist looking a few things up on the internet.  Jeff had had two instances of having fluid taken from his side.  It is called ascites.  Blood vessels not working in the liver weep their fluid into the body cavity.  For sure, not good, not comfortable with shortness of breath.

  Rain during the early morning hours was unexpected.

  For some reason yesterday I thought of my grandpa Christ.  Dennis was sleeping in his recliner and his profile of no teeth in his mouth reminded me of grandpa years ago. 

  Kevin was just about a year old when Grandpa Christ and Grandma Laura stopped in at our Boon Lake farm.  They had found that my parents were not home at their farm and they drove a bit farther.  From Brownton to Stewart along 212 and then 12 miles north, it made for a nice Sunday drive for them.  Grandpa always drove a dark blue Ford sedan.  It didn’t take grandpa very long before he had Kevin in his lap giving gentle bounces.  Carrie was busy sharing her dolly with grandma.  What a sweet visit as we sat on the lawn west of the house.  We had coffee and cookies before they left.  The cookies may have been soft or maybe hard, I knew grandpa would dunk them.  Just as I wish I now had his favorite knife at their round kitchen table during meals.  He had taken his knife to the tool-shop and fabricated a one-of-a-kind utensil.  Possibly as many as six peas or kernels of corn could be scooped up to lay in little divots on the wide blade of the knife.  Grandpa never missed a beat.  I enjoyed many summers with them on the Penn Township farm.  It was with great grandma Christine, Christ and Laura and uncle Jerold and his wife Marion.

  Grandpa Christ died at age 79 a year later, almost to the day on his July 8th birthday.  He died of Prostate cancer.

  Those dang memories . . . just keep getting sweeter.

  With that I take my leave.♥

   
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  Noreen 2:28 pm on April 2, 2024 Permalink  

  April Showers 

  2.5 inches of showers from the late March snow thaw and the April rain should get this area out of the drought situation.  That is the talk of the town.

  This morning I turned myself in to our dentist here in town for impressions to be taken and made for the final product.  It may take a total of a month before all is done and all is fitting well.

  Dennis had a call from a fellow that we would see once a month when the Korean Veterans would meet at the VFW in Mankato.  That chapter has been retired.  George called to ask if we could get together with a few of the fellows and their wives tomorrow, so as to not loose all touch.  I think that is a great idea.  The VFW serves a daily noon lunch.  We can enjoy a lunch together and catch up with one another.

  This afternoon, I was stitching at the same time glancing at and reading my latest book.  My eyelids got very heavy and I knew I had to get up and move about.

  My birthday on Sunday told me I am truly at 80 years.  I also have been retired for fifteen years.  I retired two months short of my 65th birthday, so I am rounding it up.  My status of being a retiree plus a fulltime housewife is going to shift a bit.  I have had a talk with Dennis.  I remember when a status had changed within a household.  If I remember correctly there was one household task assigned each day when the other went to work.  Dennis said he would have no problem with that as he often has not taken note that there might be something he could do and take that task from me.  We will see how this turns out.  As I am typing this, there is a process going on that will result in a clean kitchen floor.  Yup.

  The monetary portion of my life has never been the end all to be all.  I have often shared that what I deserve in life is a clean secure home.  Yup.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:01 pm on January 9, 2024 Permalink  

  Better Late 

  Who ever commented on the saying, better late than never . . . hush your mouth.

  We were doing just fine with no snow.  It was a range of 3-4 inches of first wet mist and finally some official looking snowflakes.  

  Randy next door did not disappoint with his green line as he blew our drive off.  I made sure to have the snow off of the front deck, steps and concrete sidewalk and pushed it all onto the drive before Randy arrived.

  Dennis used his walk behind to clear the garage door opening that faces Stauffer Avenue.  If that little red pickup can’t get out, there would be a sad face.  I, on the other hand, don’t plan on going anywhere until I know there is no wind to polish road surfaces.

  I am a naughty Grammie sometimes.  My heritage is the “old Adam.”  It is better to give than receive.  I will go along with that. . . to some extent.  It took quite a bit of talking this Christmas to convince Dennis to forego giving gifts this 2023 Christmas.  He really, really always enjoyed getting his little stashes together for my children and Dennis’ children.  He would start making plans in October with lists of grandchildren and their spouses.  We were blessed with Thanksgiving guests and Christmas Day guests in our home.  Special.

  It would have been equally nice if someone from Dennis’ family had visited or called to visit in the latter part of December.  Nope.  Nada.  Not even the daughter that lives four blocks to the south of us.  Hmm.  Dennis was ready to receive well wishes from his family.  Maybe next year.

  I have retrieved some supplies from the studio.  I have a variety of Command Hooks, strips, etc.  Soon my Santa quilt will come down from the north living room wall.  I would like my scrappy quilt put up in its place for a while.  I have the adequate supplies, I now need a plan of attack.

  My attack for supper is a hot meal.  Two pork chops, au gratin potatoes and steamed broccoli.

  If you must travel, be safe.  I would rather think about you, than read about you.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:41 pm on January 7, 2024 Permalink  

  A Sweet Day 

  Yesterday, Dennis had spent the day with his grandson, as AJ wanted to go to the tradeshow in Northrop.  AJ had never been to one and felt better with Dennis most likely knowing all those that had set up for the weekend.  Good job grandpa. Today Dennis went back to Northrop to be able to sit and visit with the fellows that he had known for a long time, but had not seen them for a long time. 

  I took the day to take care of local effort on the first floor.  More importantly I wanted to think through my goals for 2024, and rough in my budget.  Both two very important items.  I had met my goal in 2023 in the month of December.  Nicholas will be going on his class trip in June, just as Megan had done between the sophomore year and the junior year.  Just as I had done for Megan to help meet each individual’s cost, I did the same for Nicholas.  It is one of those things that makes my heart smile.

  We had covered quite a few items last year in the home’s repair.  Nothing on this year’s calendar that is needed.  We take pride in ownership.

  I checked out the studio and I am totally equipped for the entire 2024.  I am a good planner.

  I will be ordering several items for our neighbor to assist in getting the zero-turn tricked out so I can use it.  I am doing that for myself as I have always enjoyed keeping up a yard.  Not a big item on the wish list.  Randy had mentioned that in the spring both of his sons had some plans for him in his retirement.  One son in Nicollet and the other in Mankato . . . good to to be able to help them out. 

  The afternoon sun is bright.  I have muddled through what my agenda was and I am on to do some reading.  We are having left-overs for supper.  Now that is a sweet deal.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:08 pm on November 20, 2023 Permalink  

  Peaceful Day 

  My usual Monday laundry day is finished.  It’s a very gray day with a shower of rain once in awhile.

  We are having company on Thanksgiving.  It will be six of us.  I had put out an inquiry as to what the grandkids liked to eat for Thanksgiving.  I heard back from Jeremy, the son-in-law.  Jeremy has a few days off this week and he is bring the Thanksgiving dinner in total.  Sweet and wow!  I did not ask any questions. 

  Dennis and I are doing the pies for dessert.  Dennis and I traveled to the Walsh Apple Barn yesterday and we now have the pies, fully baked and frozen in our freezer with instructions on when to take them out of the freezer and put them in the refrig. 

  Amazingly, the apple barn pie shop is open year around.  Last Wednesday they ceased taking special orders as they know what their freezer capacity is.  They also have a pie shop in St. Peter, it is called The Pie Monger.  The shop here on 169, furnishes the pies for St. Peter.  When Dennis and I were at the counter waiting, the glass viewing area into the oven area was amazing.  We have treated ourselves to one of their pies off and on.  Never disappointed.

  This afternoon, with the leftover breakfast coffee, I watched some of the YouTube videos that I have subscribed to.  The inspiration is amazing.  I do have finishes left to do on my scrappy quilt top with a border to assemble and sew on.  I did so enjoy my cross stitch project that I plan on doing another.  I have enough of the same fabric and it will again be done again with just one color.  It will be the same deep navy as the one I just finished and I have ample of that one floss.

  After this posting, I plan on doing some reading before supper.  Dennis requested one of his favorite Progresso soups.  Very easily done as neither of us have done any heft today.

  With that I take my leave.  ♥