Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 2:25 pm on March 24, 2025 Permalink  

  In Training 

  Quite a while ago when I was doing the box pouch cork phase, I also had a small quilt project perched on the end of the church tables in the studio.  That was a project that entailed quite a few embroidered blocks that never got to be in anything finished.  I had had fabric pulled together of various hues of purple.  It felt right that today, was the day.

  With a new blade in the rotary cutter and a cleared off area on the church tables the measuring tools came out.  This will be a blanket type of quilt using a bit of this and a bit of that from my fabric stashes.  I had not used the rotary cutter for some time and I think Grammie got weak.  I take this project as perhaps a bit of training for when Sadie brings her tee-shirts.  What muscles I had in my arms have gone pretty much to soft tissue.  With any cutting it is measure once, measure twice and then cut by pressing down hard on the rotary cutter so one pass will do the trick.

  As it was close to three this afternoon, I knew I had had enough and the studio went dark.  So far the project measures 35″ x 65″.  Another day I will find from the stashes, fabric to bulk out the width.  I cut, I sewed, I pressed and then pondered.  As I grow this project, I need to keep in mind that I have six yards of flannel for the backing and that is not changing.  Of course the backing will be pieced either lengthwise or widthwise.  I am not ready for that decision.

  These decisions would have been right up Lena’s alley.  She was a marvel of taking less than nothing and turning it into something that would take a blue ribbon any day.

  We mutually agreed that the last of the chili that was in the freezer is going to be our supper.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:21 pm on March 23, 2025 Permalink  

  And Again 

  It may be getting old, but . . . again I am referring to the blustery winds.  First from one direction and then to another. 

  I took coffee and headed to the studio in time for “Radio Church.”  Grace Lutheran from Glencoe in part sponsors it.  I find it enjoyable.

  I will let you know that last night’s poor man’s Shepard oven pie went over well.  Might try that again some time, as one of the stuffing mix is too much for us for one meal.

  When we have extended family stop in, they usually are interested first and foremost what Dennis has been up to.  Then, they want to see what’s going on in the studio.  I enjoy having something extra that I have stitched to send along home with them.  My completed items in the stash was bare bones.  I hope to soon have that rectified with Dan River hand towels from Amazon.  First things first, they hit the laundry for factory sizing to be washed out.  Once that is out during the laundry, it remains to be seen as to what type of stitching they will tolerate.

  When Megan was in the Eden Prairie State Club, Carrie had gotten towels from Amazon so each girl had a towel embroidered for skate guards.  Amanda from Creative Stitches, aka: Bernina, digitized the logo for me.  If I remember there were 80 plus towels for the skate club.  Yes, I was re-embused and happy to contribute.

  My stitching won’t be anything in that number count . . . just Grammie enjoying her studio and its possibilities.

  This afternoon there may be a possibility that will be added to the studio.  Dennis’ granddaughter Sadie, the military E9 gal, sent me a text with a question.  As of the last day of March, Sadie will no longer be in the Minnesota National Guards of Red Bull.  Sadie is 35 and has been in the military since she joined up in her high school junior year.  We give her so much credit for her service as she started a family during that time.  She is ready for “more” in her life.  Grandma Noreen has been asked for one more tee-shirt quilt.  I did not hesitate.  It meant the world to Dennis when she would come over and swap tales of her military experiences during her three tours and Dennis’ in Korea.  Sweet.  Time will tell how it all will work out.

  Subway will be our evening’s fare on this Sunday.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:19 pm on March 22, 2025 Permalink  

  A Saturday 

  As I had finished my local effort by twelve noon, I took a cup of breakfast coffee to my bedroom porch to do a bit of traffic watching.

  Thinking back: There was a time in the past that our Saturdays were spent working at the church in South Branch.  Especially during Lent the church needed double duty.  The Wednesday service always had families that brought snacks for their small children as the service went past the bedtimes and what better than to feed them hoping for an induced nap.  There seemed to be a fair amount of bridal showers in the spring of the year on a Saturday afternoon and that added to getting all done before Sunday.  Sundays also had coffee after the morning service.  We did get it all accomplished.  Thinking back, the sum of $75.00 a month rings a bell.

  Today my local effort here on Stauffer Avenue was changing out bedding.  There is no changing out as it comes off the bed and goes into the laundry and then goes right back on the bed.  Linen closets . . . don’t have one, don’t need one.  During the process it is the ideal time to roust out a dust bunny or two from under the beds.  I am so thankful we don’t have carpeting.  Either the vacuum or the Swiffer can get into the corners and under the beds.

  Dennis’ grandson AJ spent time with Dennis in the patio porch this morning.  It always makes for good feelings with Dennis.

  The studio stayed dark today.  Enough exercise for the ole body.  Yes!  I said exercise, not “extra fries.”  I’ve had a successful Saturday, one that would have made Lena proud.

  We are having a poor man’s Shepard’s pie for supper.  The leftover stove top in the small skillet with a small can of Dinty Moore’s stew over it and heated in the oven.  Sounded good to Dennis.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:13 pm on March 21, 2025 Permalink  

  The Lull 

  The lull of the chimes outside my bedroom porch could be hypnotic.  So much so that I hurriedly got dressed this morning and headed for the studio.

  When I had downloaded the bunny project, there had been many more designs in that collection of the embossed look.  I didn’t download all of them other than the bunnies.  This morning I was determined to finishing up that which had been started.  Every design company has a mirid of files that their designs can be loaded onto.  My sewing machine’s embroidery uses the EXP files exclusively.  

  If nothing else, I need to dip my toe into acquiring an additional design so I don’t forget how to go about the process of it all.  Getting a zip file to open and deposit the information into the my computer’s File Explorer.  From there opening up the “D”, USB drive, with a flash drive plugged in to copy only the EXP files onto.  I do check after several designs have been transferred to turn from my Dell laptop in the studio and plug the flash drive into the sewing machine.  For Grammie, it never hurts to check.  After everything was loaded, I will need to label that flash drive.

  The next item on my to-do list is to pick up several more of the flash drives.  The more I have loaded onto one, the longer the sewing machine has to hunt for what I need.

  I looked out just now and we are having snow showers that look as if it could turn to rain with the 45-degree day we are having.

  Dennis had told me that he was making supper last night.  I ask no questions.  When I was told supper was on the table, I was there.  Beef brats and potato salad with leftover cranberries and pickles.  It worked for me.  And . . . the dishes were also done up.  Sweet.

  This evening it is chicken noodle soup and a grilled cheese half sandwich.  Turn around is fair play.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:25 pm on March 20, 2025 Permalink  

  Can’t Fail 

  I can’t fail if I don’t try.

  I had met my local effort this morning by cleaning the bathroom.  Studio . . . be ware.

  I tried out a design pattern with the embroidery module this forenoon.  Sometimes if I don’t keep my hand in it, I forget what stabilizer works well with what.  That was the case this morning.  I was so confident that a sticky stabilizer would work with my terry towel to hold it nicely in place.

  Hmm.  The design stitched out without a glitch.  Taking the terry towel off of the sticky stabilizer, I dang near pulled off all of the loo0ps that make a terry towel a terry towel.  I settled down and decided to take my time to work a sharp knife under the stabilizer pushing and freeing the loops as I went.  What a huge lesson.

  

  I was determined.  I hooped up another try.  The only thing in the hoop was water soluble stabilizer.  I laid the terry towel on top and used long stick pins to attach the towel to the stabilizer.  I then ran a basting thread around the perimeter of the hoop using my fingers to assist in keeping the towel flat.  It worked out just fine.  Whatever stabilizer couldn’t be cut away from the back,  dunking in warm water will take care of the rest.

  The photo is actually of the “Bunnies” that I picked the sticky stabilizer off of.  No warn, no foul . . . just plenty of patience.  I have some hand towels coming in brown.  Who doesn’t like brown bunnies.  Today was a testament that if you don’t use it . . . it can be lost.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥ 

   

   
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  Noreen 2:04 pm on March 19, 2025 Permalink  

  Bullet Dodged 

  When I came to this morning after my night’s rest, the evergreen right out of my bedroom porch was whipping.  The wind chimes hanging from one of those branches didn’t have a chance to chime, they were clattering.  It took a bit before I was brave enough to look out the windows.  There was not drop one of rain or a single snowflake.  Our area dodged the storm and we were left with high winds.

  I can feel the fact that I had a session of PT yesterday.  Having been worked into a very busy schedule, I felt relief that the target of what was needed had been identified.  Next week I will have two sessions and two additional sessions scheduled for the next week.  Getting into the rotation was the first step.

  At noon we had on the news and south of us, Rochester’s roads were not easily seen.  About that noon news.  We no longer get it from Mankato.  The sister station owned by the same entity delivers Rochester’s news and we are lucky if a dribble is reported from the Mankato area.  So be it.

  I opted to stay on the main floor today.  Alas . . . the studio stayed darkened.  Dennis set up our vacuum and I took care of the floors from one end to the other.  The hose on that vacuum is very long and has its own way of wanting to coil.  I am more apt to go with it and stay on my feet rather than Dennis being taken by surprise and falling over it.  It was also a good opportunity to clean the clothes dryers vent.  The screen catches most of the lint, but the trough that the screen fits into needs some TLC as well.

  After the floors were done and a few extra dust bunnies rooted out, the vacuum went back into storage.  

  I enjoyed the last of the coffee and took in some of the YouTubes that I enjoy following.  I can do a bit of stitching with one eye on the HP screen and taking in a sip of coffee.  A very good way to work through the afternoon.

  There is a marinated pork steak in the round blue-speckled roaster in the oven.  Supper will be stove-top rather than potatoes, green beans and some cranberries.  A very good hot meal for a blustery evening.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:37 pm on March 18, 2025 Permalink  

  One Down 

  One physical therapy appointment done.  I was assured that help will be forthcoming.  Mike had looked at the records and was amazed how long it had been since I had needed him.  Yup.  Time flies.

  I have four appointments set up for twice a week going forward.  I know there will be better days ahead and Mike assured me I would have as much time as needed.  A five-minute drive is all it takes.

  Now you may ask . . . how did I get into this situation.

  Dennis’ hip broke a few days after his Oct. 2nd birthday.  He got out of bed and snap . . . the deed was done.  We had no idea at that time what was the real issue.  I tried to help and I fell.  I cannot get off the floor by myself.  The left side no longer can be an assist.

  I got off of the floor the same way I did after I had my stroke in 2021.  I butt walked, hitching up one hip and then the other, from the bedroom through the living room and kitchen to our back entry steps.  There were the two banisters with which I needed to get on my feet.  It worked like a charm this time as it had in 2021.  I could get the door unlocked for the EMTs. 

  Dennis is on the mend big time and now it is my time.  This too shall pass as I am in good hands.  I am in excellent hands.

  Life throws a curve every once in awhile and having a life without that happening . . . that’s not the real world.  Just so you know kids . . . I love you both.

  With that I will take my leave. ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on March 17, 2025 Permalink  

  Tempting 

  There was a bit of restless-leg going on with me during the night.  I had gotten up and decided to walk it off with the length of the living room, kitchen and bath.  By two, I felt I could settle in . . . and I must have.

  When I got up at eight I had no bad effects from a shorter night’s worth of rest.  After one cup of coffee while sitting at my HP laptop, I mulled over staying in my robe for the day.  I tried to tell myself that I deserved that.  I had been clocking into the studio with regularity during the last week or so.

  The mulling didn’t last long.  I got dressed, put my phone in a pocket and went to the studio.  All the lights went on and KNUJ was telling me the latest news.  On a morning such as this I force myself to get up and move.  Sitting is not my friend.  It does nothing for my physical wellbeing nor my mental wellbeing.  Stagnation could so easily set in.  Giving in to one day of not moving . . . what could it hurt?  Than a second day and soon it could be the norm.

  I had one large tote that was full of varying sizes of quilt batting.  That got emptied and all of the box pouches found their home within it.  On the cover is a taped on label, “Curry Pouches.”  The quilt batting found a home in a zippered bag.  A large amount of it can be squeezed into a small container.  A smaller picnic-type of a tote is housing the box pouches I made for my family.

  The Filter-Queen vacuum was a life saver for picking up all the snips of cork and tons of thread clippings.  I tuckered myself out and took a noon break.  But . . . I did not shut anything down in the studio as I was planning on returning to do a bit more.  Dennis had been in the patio porch since he had gotten up and my noon break was solo.  So be it.

  I feel good about the state of affairs in the studio.  Everything is geared up to do some embroidering.  Four towels are laid out.  The module is on the serviced and cleaned sewing machine complete with a new needle.  It will be easy to get into the groove.  Not having to start from zero does encourage me.

  For me . . . moving is a good thing.

  Tomorrow is my first PT appointment at 2:15.  The first one is for a meet and greet and where does it hurt type of dialog.  My blog schedule will be a bit later in the afternoons that PT is offered as one session has already been scheduled on the 18th of March at 2:15.  I am hopeful for help.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:32 pm on March 16, 2025 Permalink  

  Mission Completion 

  I am giving myself a high-five, aka: my right hand slapping the left.

  The studio is dark.  KNUJ will need to get along without me for the remainder of the afternoon.

  

  I have completed the “cork phase” in my studio.  The phase was doing a project to use up the scraps of various colors and designs of the cork fabric.  I had no intentions of cutting into the larger pieces that were rolled each within their cellophane bag.  Perhaps another wild hair will prevail in days to come.

  Tomorrow the sewing machine will be cleaned and checked over from top to bottom, inside and out.  No needles were broken during this project.  Oh my gosh . . . all the snippets of threads on the floor.  The handy dandy Filter Queen will be on board.

  Before I had headed to the studio for the final hurrah of the cork, I had put together a tuna oven meal for this evening’s supper.  Ya, ya . . . I know Dennis likes peas with the tuna.  I had none in the freezer.  What I did have was a bag of frozen mixed vegetables.  Why not!  Worst case, the green beans are stacked on the edge of the plate.  The fact that I used Albacore white tuna makes up for the vegetables.  I know I have mentioned this before about tuna.  Star-Kist is like so much mush in the can.  We are worth having a choice grade of tuna for our meal. 

  When I came up from the darkened studio, Dennis had done up all the dishes and the stove top.  Kudos.

  A while back I had used up the Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix.  I did not over-bake.  I had actually put them in the lettuce saver from Tupperware.  The lid is a tight seal with the two little white things snaped up to keep it sealed.  Last week I was going to have a cookie and I dropped it.  It shattered like a piece of fine porcelain.  Way too many cookies for dunking.  I had the individual containers of Mott’s apple sauce in the refrigerator.  I opened one up, enjoying half of it, leaving half of it in its container, and set the container in with the cookies.  Overnight we had soft sugar cookies.  Good job Grammie.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:29 pm on March 15, 2025 Permalink  

  A Day 

  What a difference a day can make.  Yesterday was shirt sleeve weather for some and today brings on the warm clothes to bundle up in.

  Today has been a turning point in the studio.  My sewing table looks like a zipper fest.  The last two of the box pouches have the zippers in ready to finish up another day.  I have been using the scraps of the cork fabric as well.  I have completed three using 7″ zippers and they resemble the finished size of a checkbook.  I have several remaining of the odd-ball size also with zippers sewn in.  The perfect size to zip up something of a stash of no specific heft or size.  My zipper foot of the sewing machine is going into retirement for now.

  I was so sure the awning that goes the width of the front of our home would take off sailing, landing on someone’s vehicle passing by on Stauffer Avenue.  It could really waft with the gusts of wind.  I have no idea if the rain we got early last night amounted to anything.  It sure did thunder.  I do know looking at Jan and Randy’s yard, it is back to having muddy puddles on their gravel yard.  When I had walked over to visit with Jan on Thursday the mud of last week’s snow had dried off.  So many times I am thankful that our drive is concrete.

  This wind has been going on since Thursday.  When I got into the car at the clinic a gust of wind decided to close my car door for me . . . before I had my left leg in.  I am sporting a huge bruise on the inside of my left knee.  I had all I could do to keep the door open long enough to get my leg into the car.  Lesson:  check which way the wind is blowing before I park the car.

  We are tucked in for the weekend.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥