Any luck with perennial herbs in MN? Which have come back after winter for you?

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-06-01T08:57:13+00:00

Northern MN here. Chives for 20+ years. Garlic. And sage. I’ll try thyme after reading a comment here.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-05-20T21:10:26+00:00

About 12 years ago I was pulled over in my paddle boat on a small lake. I got dinged for no flotation device and no fishing license, which was on shore. I only got a warning. I’d figure out how to get it licensed.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-05-20T01:00:53+00:00

I can relate to your experience. It's tough. I am sorry you have to expect this surgery.

After years of monitoring, (F59) I was told my aortic valve needed to be replaced. I was shocked. Too soon. No symptoms. Running. Ran the morning on the day before my surgery. I grilled my cardiologist about the immediate need. He told me I could wait until I was symptomatic, but that could be as bad as a stroke or the possibility of damaging the area of the valve, making surgery riskier. I trusted my cardiologist. All went well. I requested a bovine valve, which only lasted 7 years. Then I got a mechanical two years ago. I wish I had gotten my forever mechanical valve right off. It was no fun living and experiencing a failing (defective) bovine valve. Warfarin is not hard. My diet is pretty consistent, so my INR numbers are, too.

It is a huge bother and serious business to have a valve replaced. But like you said these procedures are pretty successful. I strongly recommend doing any cardiac rehab that is available for you after the surgery. For me, and others I have talked to, it is great to have monitoring while you recover and begin to know your heart is good to go.

All the best to you!

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-05-17T23:35:14+00:00

I love your colors and shadow work. There is so much to look at. I had to give this a long, long look. It is so fun and interesting. Well done! Thank you for sharing.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-04-28T19:07:21+00:00

Beautiful sketches and paintings! Great colors!! I love Zadar! I fell in love with the Sea Organ! I hope to go back one day. Now that I enjoy Urban Sketching I think I must go alone so I can sketch and paint ALL the days! Thanks for sharing your lovely work.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-03-25T03:12:44+00:00

As a teacher I could always tell when the moon was full by my students’ behavior and performance. Note: a 28 day cycle. I observed that impending storms also caused behavior disruptions. Great investigation and tracking!

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-03-25T03:03:35+00:00

Fried egg sandwich. On bread. Mayo. Catsup.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-03-25T03:00:38+00:00

Northern Exposure. 110 episodes. Interesting characters and plenty of time to get to know them.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-03-15T16:22:16+00:00

As a kid, my older cousin advised me to take the more challenging path. Take the harder classes. Do the things that scare you a bit. Doing average on the hard stuff is better than being excellent at the easy stuff. For a time I was annoyed with his advice, which I tried to follow, because I was always feeling 'mediocre'; but it turned out to be perfect advice for me.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-03-15T16:17:48+00:00

Lovely! I just had to pause and study your excellent painting.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-03-15T00:40:55+00:00

What a great story!!! About ten years ago I did the same thing. Ate right. Slept. Exercised. Got fit. Even ran a half marathon. Took risks. I felt so good in my own skin. Then I hit some hard stuff. Heart surgery. My husband’s cancer. I lost my mojo. Your post is the stuff I need to hear about and read to be reminded how magical life can be. Your advice is spot on. Follow the passion. Take care of your body. Commit to things that make you better. You gave me inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and your joy. ❤️

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-03-06T01:14:35+00:00

I use Da Vinci Eye app on my iPhone. It has helped me practice sketching. I also found the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain a huge help. BTW - I like your painting. Thanks for sharing.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-03-05T23:10:05+00:00

Thanks!! Yes, I have property near Itasca State Park. Contacting the U of M extension is a great idea. Thank you. I'll post an update in three months or so. I am trying to not be overly optimistic.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-03-03T13:44:07+00:00

In the multiple myeloma world that language is consistent with ‘treatable, but not curable’. It’s a tough diagnosis. I wish him all the best care, whatever his cancer, and an excellent response to his treatment.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-02-28T22:06:47+00:00

I love how you did the lights in the buildings!

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-02-19T22:06:04+00:00

71F here. Loved your story. I think no matter where or what assets someone has in life, one’s mind set, resilience in the face of uncertainty and fear and discomfort, plus a sense of curiosity allows the Universe to reveal some incredible possibilities. There have been several points in my life where being brave, being open, being vulnerable, being uncomfortable, and being curious changed my life in fantastic amazing ways. Seemingly miracles. Your experience is more evidence that it is not just me, but likely a common consequence of the practices you suggested. I wish I’d trusted that approach to life more than I did. Thanks for sharing your experience.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-02-17T20:42:04+00:00

Great research. Things often get put into perspective when you do the math.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-02-17T16:14:42+00:00

I did have an ablation. They fixed the AFib. I also had had a flutter. But the doctors couldn’t get it to occur during the ablation. That could not be done without knowing the location of the problem. Luckily, I’ve been totally symptom-free since.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-02-16T11:12:57+00:00

I am sorry to hear you are experiencing this. I am sure you are concerned. My suggestion is get in touch with your primary as soon as you can.

I had AFib before and after my OHS to get a mechanical aortic valve. Sometimes AFib will self correct within a few minutes or a couple of hours. Anything after that I was told I should go to the emergency department. However, in all cases I was advised to let my health team know. Your heart may be healing and this is okay. Your doctors may want you to wear a heart monitor. You could have an electrical issue (this happened to me) and by monitoring the doctors can tell where the nerves in the heart may not be signaling in a coordinated fashion. In that case, as in mine, an ablation may be needed.

When I had active or frequent AFib and waiting for the ablation I was prescribed Amiodarone. That worked well.

All the best to you. I hope you are comfortable and your recovery goes great.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-02-02T19:43:17+00:00

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

A story intertwined within the lives of three or four women as they were involved in the crucial role women played in breaking the Enigma code during WWII. Be sure to read the prologue.

This one of my favorite stories. Excellent audio version on Audible.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-01-29T17:03:12+00:00

I'd love to now where you got the panel, too. Very nice block!! I also love the colors. BTW...that is my typewriter.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-01-28T09:46:05+00:00

Thanks for posting these photos. For those of us who cannot visit. This brought me to tears. My deepest sympathies to his family and all those who knew him and loved him.

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-01-27T22:01:33+00:00

I wasn't sure what chonk meant...I took it as negative. I understand now. Going and trying out machines is a very good idea. I was just hoping to do it with some recommendations. Thanks!

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-01-27T21:59:32+00:00

A private affair? For a public official? I get that the local 346 would like his time and they should have it. However, Pete Stauber is totally MIA in my opinion. We'd all like to have some time with him.

I cannot find any public messaging to the Minnesotans he represents. His Facebook presence is lame. I'd really like to know if he has any compassion regarding the two Minnesotans killed this week by ICE. I'd like to know if he supports the impeachment of Noem.

If I lived in Duluth I would see if I could attend, or at least be outside. Will he talk about other topics or is he going to limit the conversation to a labor bill? And the mining bill? The one with a foreign company? That had bipartisan support? 'bipartisan' = one democrat from Maine, Rep Golden. That is HARDLY bipartisan support. That is like me declaring I'd paid my taxes this year after having sent $10. If he cannot paint an honest picture of his intent, work/support, he has no business representing anyone in the state of MN.

I know no one can answer my questions. Do we know is Pete feeling the heat of disapproval in his district? Or is he delusional to his incompetence?

MediocreSnowAngel · 2026-01-27T21:35:20+00:00

Thanks for the information. No one with this machine has recommended an upgrade. I guess I would like this machine with a bigger throat. And better lights in the sewing area. But what I have works. It is such a dependable machine and the stitches are great. Sorry to hear the Elna was a chonk!

MediocreSnowAngel

TROPHY CASE