Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from March, 2020 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:55 pm on March 17, 2020 Permalink  

  Events in Our Town 

  It is a harsh reality.  Our town is working towards safety.  Our Home Town Cafe is closing at five this afternoon.  No more home cooked hotdishes for a bit.  Jake’s Pizza is closing as of today.  The Eagles is closed as of today. Banks are letting some of their people work from home.  This may be only the tip of the ice berg that Dennis and I know of.  It is all the real deal.

  Last night Dennis and I had a heart to heart visit about a family funeral that would be this Saturday in a town not far from here.  Dennis was determined he would be going.  I did receive a text from one of our kids last night allowing me to know their feelings.  It got to be a quiet night as I let Dennis read that text.  Bedtime was quiet.  This morning was quiet here on Stauffer Avenue.  I went for a walk and Dennis left for his Tuesday McDonald’s coffee group.    

  When Dennis and I met up later in the morning, we went to meet with the cousin that has lost her husband at her home.  The coffee had barely been poured when Dennis let his cousin, Kathy, know that we would not be attending either the gathering at the funeral home or attending the funeral at the church.  Hats off to my ole cowboy.  Dennis got it.  I think when Dennis got to McDonald’s and the doors to go inside were locked, it set in.  This is all very serious.

  I am oh so content here on Stauffer Avenue.  I have been blessed beyond belief with the life I have.  Years past, I never thought about how my life would be after retirement.  I always showed up, one day at a time, at my place of work and did what was expected of me and what I was being paid to do.  Who knew all would turn out this sweet.  

  On my walk this morning, I stopped at my friend June’s home.  She lives on the other end of Stauffer Avenue.  June is two years older than I am.  We have a connection that is sweet and special.  June lost her husband a year and a half ago.  June is also a homebody.  Regardless of how quiet our little town becomes to weather this storm, her and I can visit together without fear.  

  May this Tuesday have been all that each of us would want for.  May we say our prayers tonight in thanksgiving to our Lord.  Tomorrow when we first sense that we have a new day to wake into, may we give a thanks to the Lord for a day unknown to us.

   
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  Noreen 4:51 pm on January 9, 2020 Permalink  

  It Feels So Good 

  Dennis and I had not treated ourselves to a pedicure since before Thanksgiving.  Oh my oh my . . .  my feet feel so good.  It is the best $25.00 I could ever spend on my well being.  We could purchase all the equipment that the spa uses and we would not be able to take care of our own feet in the manner that they need to be.  The deep massage of the legs is great.  Those small hands can really pack a punch.  As we were sitting there, I did mention to Dennis that if he wanted to really spoil me, a chair that gives a massage as well as their pedicure chairs do, would be wonderful.  The massage pummels from the back of the head all the way down the spine.  That in itself is worth a lot for feeling good.

  Of course we picked up groceries.  We are not too keen on having to visit a grocery store before we can plan a supper.  Though we don’t have a freezer other than the one over the refrigerator, we can sustain ourselves for a long time with what we keep on hand.  Priceless.  Cub grocery store is just a hop from Perkins where we planned on having our meal of the day.  Dennis filled the little red pickup with fuel for $2.31 per gal.  A savings from what we have in St. James at $2.44.

  Looking at our calendar, all the events that spun off of the holidays and medical appointments are over.  The peace that passes all understanding is here.  I love that.    Yup . . . Dennis and I spoiled rotten in our home.

   
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  Noreen 5:43 pm on December 15, 2019 Permalink  

  Sweet! 

  The kids plus two fur-babies were home for a late Thanksgiving and it was sweet and fantastic.  Dennis and I washed dishes and enjoyed the whole troop laughing and enjoying each other.  Very special when everyone can make it.  Forest Gump said it best . . . “That’s all I have to say about that.”

   
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  Noreen 4:20 pm on November 12, 2019 Permalink  

  A Red Letter Day 

  Yippee!  A truly red letter day.  After three months and twelve days, I am at 20/20 vision.  I had not thought it would take this long.  Listening to what medical experts advise is the best route to take.  The prescription is not as strong as previous.  It just plain feels wonderful to have these sitting on my nose.  What a blessing.  May I never have other vision problems.  May I never forget what a blessing 20/20 is.

  The other portion of this red letter day is literal.  After visiting with the stitch group yesterday, I felt encouraged with the red velvet that is left from the SantaVS restoration.  I went online and watched some YouTube in regard to embossing on velvet using the wooden stamps that have rubber on the back of them that I used in creating greeting cards.  Scary, but worth a try.  Heating the iron, putting the stamp under the right side of the velvet, giving a light spray of water on the back side of the velvet and press!  I believe checking out Hobby Lobby for a stamp that was not quite as dense as what I had on hand would work better.  At least I know the embossing would work as an option.

  I had two embroidery designs for Christmas that came with the sewing machine that I tried on the red velvet.  I felt white would really pop.  It was a guess as to what stabilizer would work on the back of the fabric.  The best part was that no stabilizer needed to be used on top of the velvet.  The stitches stay on top looking crisp.  Dennis liked the Christmas tree better than the snowflake.  I had to agree.  Seeking and searching as to what is on some of my flash drives will be interesting.  

  I can see . . . oh yes . . . as of today I can see . . . either of these techniques on red velvet scarves and or red velvet pillows, red velvet table runners . . . with a bit more thought . . . who knows!  Using the velvet would give a very good feeling.  

  It is loaded hamburgers with raw onions for supper.  The suggestion got a good nod from Dennis.

   
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  Noreen 4:00 pm on November 9, 2019 Permalink  

  Amazing 

  Amazing how much the snow has shrunk down with no sun to help it.  40 degrees still has power, but man oh man it is dreary out.

  With no definite agenda for the day, I have managed to keep busy.  There was a certain mail slot that was annoying me.  The interior magnetic flap had fallen off in the past.  I couldn’t do the brown duct tape any longer.  Amazing how tackling one annoyance makes the spirits rise.  Laundry is done, fresh bedding is on and I am winding down.  

  It is an oven meal for us this evening.  Chopped and cubed leftover pork roast out of the freezer made a handsome pasta for supper.

  Carrie sent home multiple Trump signs with Dennis yesterday.  This afternoon he is spreading and sharing the joy.  Gotta love that guy.  He is either making friends this afternoon or his usual coffee spot will be off limits to him.

   
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  Noreen 3:22 pm on October 30, 2019 Permalink  

  I Think Mother Nature Means Business 

  When I looked at the temps before I went walking this morning, I was a bit taken aback when it said the air chill felt like 18 degrees.  I suited up and headed out.  Dressed warmly, I didn’t mind the brisk air.  I always take my phone along in the jacket pocket.  Being safe is what being 75 is all about.

  Dennis couldn’t resist one more swipe at the leaves.  The Hackberry had a blanket of pretty green leaves on the east end of the acre that had chosen overnight to fall . . . no more!  I must say, the yard is ready for the next blanket of covering.  I knew Dennis would put the battery of the Cub-Lo-Boy into the garage for winter’s keeping.  At that point,  I knew . . . Dennis would be calling it quits for being the summer and fall grounds keeper on Stauffer Avenue.  God willing there will be a break before the snowblower has to be brought out.

  Dennis filled the gas tank on the Cub before taking it to the back garage.  I stood by and watched.  It’s what I do.  As Dennis lifted the five gallon gasoline container to the hood of the tractor, there was a dribble that hit the hood of the tractor consistently.  With the weight being what it was, Dennis was leaning onto the hood of the tractor.  I waited until Dennis was finished and then asked for the nylon down-filled jacket as I offered him a trade.  I could just imagine Dennis lighting a cigarette, not realizing how soaked the jacket had become with gas.  Yup . . . Grammie’s ever watchful of the ole cowboy.  I took the jacket into the laundry and sprayed with with Shout and then into the washing machine it went.

  Mother Nature means business, but so do I.  There are plenty of things that can go happen-stance without pushing Lady Luck.

  Dennis and I took all the empty gas cans up to the corner station to fill them.  Dennis added some Sta-bil into each of the three containers.  We are set for a time when the snowblower needs to be  started.  The electric power cord to start the snowblower is right where it needs to be for ease of using. 

  I do believe the older ones on Stauffer Avenue can breathe easy for a day or two.  I am not betting that Dennis won’t come up with something . . . he has been on quite a roll.   Me . . . I’ll always have something going in the sewing studio.

   
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  Noreen 2:36 pm on October 22, 2019 Permalink  

  Not Quite Yet 

  Well . . . not quite the outcome I had anticipated in regard to my eye appointment.  It seems that there is still more healing going on from the cataract surgery of October 7th.  That is not unusual.  The pressure behind the eye had been 39 on the 8th of October.  Today that pressure is at 27.  Ideally 20-21 will be the indicator that I am ready for new eyeglass lenses.  I have waited this long, another two weeks . . . I can do.  Let’s do this right!

  Kevin and Kersten had brought over a magnifier some time ago.  It has been one of my best helpers for seeing things and keeping things in perspective.  The computer screen is a no-brainer as I can easily increase the screen appearance.  Seeing the amount due on a bill . . . that needs my helper.  It will be in service just a bit longer.

  The wind roared last night to no end.  I believe the end of the wind is forecast to be supper time this evening.  Anything not nailed down has been rearranged.  I don’t do raking of the leaves, but I know after a bit Dennis will be using the rider to do some mulching.

  Dennis has prepared supper for this evening.  A chicken pasta hotdish always fills the bill.  Rotisserie cubed chicken, Penne pasta, cream cheese, Alfredo sauce and a package of frozen mixed vegetable that has been diced . . . perfect.  The best part is that he does his dishes up after the prep is done.  We love oven meals.

   
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  Noreen 5:02 pm on October 7, 2019 Permalink  

  Resting 

  We got home at noon today from the Madelia hospital.  Cataract surgery is behind me.

   
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  Noreen 5:24 pm on September 26, 2019 Permalink  

  My Oh My 

  Today I put on my walking shoes to head out for a walk on Stauffer Avenue.  I got all of 100′ and then I hobbled back home to await my physical therapy appointment that was at one this afternoon.  Was I disappointed?  No.  I know my body . . . I know my body oh . . so . . well.  These tendons and muscles in my right hip have pulled this crap before.  It builds so gradually and then wham!  It takes time to work through their stubbornness.  Their stubbornness is buried keep in the chubby cheek.  I am not going anywhere and I know Mike T. will stick this out until all those hard marbles that are tucked into the depth of the hip are dissolved.  

  Staying busy is the best medicine for me.  No point to whine and complain for what cannot be hurried.  I often think of my grandmothers . . . both suffered with degenerative arthritis.  There was no such thing as physical therapy to offer help.  Martha and Laura suffered from one day to the next while still maintaining a stiff upper lip. Look at me Grandmas! . . . my lip is stiff. I will get through this before the snow flies. 

  Speaking of snow.  Montana was in a blizzard warning for the next day or so.  Did that ring a bell in Dennis?  His snowblower was out in the driveway today getting tuned up for the upcoming season.  Knowing we have the long green line right next to us is reassuring.  Randy does a great job.  I on the other hand am going to learn to put my nose prints on the windows and watch.  Dennis threatened to hide my shoes at the first sight of the snowflakes.  I believe I have learned my lesson and will be a non-participant.  Gosh it’s difficult to get something into a part of my brain.  That portion should have a neon flashing light . . . “Thous shalt not.” Maybe, just maybe, we will have a light winter.  We can dream, can’t we?

   
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  Noreen 3:01 pm on September 5, 2019 Permalink  

  I Like It 

  I like this time of year.  Ya, ya, I realize what comes next but for this day and the ones previously that we have had, I like it . . . I like it a lot.

  With the temps and dew point as they have been it takes me back to the Boon Lake farm when Carrie and Kevin were wee ones.  Oh how I cherish those memories.  I would most likely be digging potatoes at this time of the year, while the kids played in the grass alongside the garden.  We had a huge garden at that.  

  In the basement of the farmhouse was a separate closet just right for hanging carrots and onions up by the stems.  We didn’t wash off the potatoes, carrots or onions as they kept better and longer.  It was a tight fit as there was a crock of sauerkraut biding its time as to when we could cold pack it.  A smaller crock had the rendered lard in it from the most recent hog butchering.  The lard stayed cool and a small container would be brought up to the kitchen as needed.

  The fruit jars on the shelf held fruit sauces of various flavors and jams and jellies.  Oh I remember the backache I had gotten one year from peeling pears for sauce canning.  It took me right into Hector to the chiropractor.  It did give a lot of satisfaction after the fact.  Elvera didn’t peel her pears . . . the core was taken out and in the jars they went.  Not the style that Lena taught.  The only thing that stopped the filling of the larder was when I ran out of fruit jars.  

  We had splurged on two Sears chest freezer that were in the same basement closet as the furnace.  Orlin worked at 3M in Hutchinson and had bought one of their electric sealers.  There were various sizes of the plastic bags and with little work, the bags were filled with goodies and the air within the bag was minimal.  There were containers of strawberries and raspberries alongside plastic bags of peeled and sliced apples waiting to be made into apple crisp, sauce or pies.  Saving the cardboard container of a pound of butter all year long was the perfect fit for a plastic bag filled to the brim with the sweetened frozen berries to stack up neatly in the freezer.  When I had extra time, I would make up apple pies and freeze them, ready for the oven when one was needed. 

  Right alongside of the garden items in the freezers was the butchered chickens, ducks, a few turkeys and of course the packages of beef and pork in a variety of cuts.  

  Hmm. 

  It was not an easy life, but it was my life and I was meant to be a good farm wife and a good farm mother.  Carrie and Kevin were always just at the end of my elbow, either pitching in or pitching a fit that one was doing what the other wanted to do.  I will say that Carrie was good at cleaning the chicken gizzards among so many other gopher jobs.  Both kids put on many miles fetching things for me when we were in the full thrust of the fall work of cleaning out the garden.   

  Hmm.    

  As I have said many times . . . me, myself and memories . . . it never gets old.