DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Sep 24 - 10:23 AM

Patty, time to take a tip from Gilbert and Sullivan and make a little list (ok, different kind of list, but I love that song) of all of those chores, and no matter how small. You'll be surprised how energizing it can be to see accomplished tasks crossed out that way.

Charmion, another ranger and I were stung by a bunch of wasps when we were out on the job in our Brooklyn, NY, park, and the supervisor insisted on taking us to a neighborhood doctor or emergency clinic. We each ended up with an antihistamine shot that was so powerful I just wanted to curl up and go to sleep a few minutes later, but had to get myself home first. I think I slept around the clock from that stuff, but it sure did a job on the stings. I hadn't thought about that in years.

The instructions with the new LED rope light say don't cut it but say nothing about use with a dimmer; it is helpful that the Interwebs have conversations about doing it. Searching Amazon for "plug in dimmer switch" and passing on all of the too smart for their own good variety, I realized I already had one of the analog switches stashed in with the electrical cords in the laundry room. That job is complete and the den will resume it's normal low-light aspect when the timer next turns on the lights in front of the stairs.

JennieG, I was scrolling back through here to see who we hadn't heard from for a while and finally watched that Op Shop Ladies video. So funny!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: pattyClink
Date: 19 Sep 24 - 06:21 PM

I remain somewhat overwhelmed by the to-dos which seem to multiply daily. But, I'm determined to be patient and work on some good new habits as I settle in. Journaling constantly, just to keep on track. I now think the tremendous fatigue of the first week was not just exhaustion, but altitude sickness, I forgot that I went from 200' above sea level to 5000'.   

All the 'stuff' is now unloaded into the house; some of it just had to wait for some spurts of work in the cool mornings. The next phase will be setting up storage shelves and tucking lots things onto them; and some new furniture/storage will need to be acquired.

Was gifted an airfryer, and so far it's fine, but not sure it's worth the counter space it sucks up--and must always be used on a wooden board so that it doesn't melt the countertop! It's been good to encourage me to prepare some simple meats and veggies.

Got great deals on a few garden tools, and finally started using them. Hoed weeds from the driving area, trimmed the stalks from a sad yucca cluster. The biggest one I had to saw, and it was so prickly to get to, I had to don a canvas rainjacket as armor.

Blasted the cochineal stuff off the prickly pears, but have not soaped them yet.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Charmion
Date: 19 Sep 24 - 08:53 AM

Fifty milligrams of Benadryl, assisted by one extra-strength Advil and a series of icepacks, reduced my wasp stings to a residual itch overnight. It also knocked me cold for hours, and left a hangover that lasted to early afternoon on Wednesday, but I’m okay with that. Definitely a drug to approach with care. Read the package insert, and cancel all immediate plans!

Two batches of chutney are now finished and sealed, for a total of thirteen 250-ml jars and three 500-ml jars. Only one Cortland apple and five small Bosc pears are left over. I would also have seven or eight small blue Italian plums if I hadn’t busted my diet and eaten them all instead of supper last night. They don’t keep, y’know — especially not in my house.

Back to what I like to call normal today — pool class, and an afternoon of work on the concert choir’s library database. Church choir practice this evening (it’s Thursday, after all). Although the equinox is almost upon us, the weather in southwest Ontario is still hot and dry during the day, and only a little cool at night. Roll on autumn!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Sep 24 - 02:24 PM

I will research the possibility of trimming off extra length of the rope light, making sure not to leak electricity in the process. ;-) This isn't a subtle light source; right now it's like leaving on a ~40-watt bulb in the room.

Virtual decluttering continues as thousands of update and promotion emails are now gmail pixel dust. I'm moving photos around also, out of online accounts and out of harm's way before the deleting of online versions. I use Outlook to backup photos from the phone but because of the way Samsung wants to bury them deep in a Samsung folder in my Outlook account I am not letting it manage those uploads. (If you go in and move things in Outlook in those Samsung folders then Samsung syncs them or deletes them inside the phone, creating chaos.) This means I periodically have to upload manually, essentially sharing with that account.

I stopped using Dropbox in the spring (I still have the free account with 7.5G of space) because they were so pushy, but I've moved some of the files into the computer then uploaded them to Outlook, and others I've moved into resident photo files on the computer. I'm clearing out a lot of stuff related to past employment and writing projects in Dropbox and am going to again let it upload my phone photos to that file because it is still the easiest way to get them for use immediately when I'm working on the computer. The trouble is, if I let it start uploading now it's going to want to go back and get everything it hasn't touched since March. I'll have to figure out how to tell it to load from now forward but no backlog. I have to go into a little watchdog program that guards the registry - I told it to block Dropbox nagging about uploads so I'll undo that when I ready.

Meanwhile, back in the kitchen I'm still reading about food, nearing the end of The Case for Keto. I just read the bit about sodium and what Charmion was experiencing, and the accounts from different physicians who describe the approach each took to low carb high fat eating, most of them landing in Keto land with ketosis to control blood sugar. I'm still adjusting my diet and deciding how many "slow carbs" to include, and I do have dairy (cheese, yogurt, and little bit of milk, with milk liable to be phased out.) He suggests that sticking with more olive oil and less butter is a way to lower the LDL if it becomes a particular struggle (mono-saturated versus regular saturated). More research ahead.

Yesterday I sent an email with photos and receipt and heard back this morning that Ames (a subgroup of Craftsman) is going to mail me a new spade fork. I'm curious to see how that works out; you know I'm going to put it to the test when it arrives.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Sep 24 - 12:33 AM

Ouch! I have to get a steroid shot when that happens (and it has several times in this big yard where the paper wasps build nests in hidden bushy places I've discovered the hard way.) BTW: I saw the photo of your chutney on FB; those jars are beautiful!

Harbor Freight had the rope light I needed, and it is incredibly bright but it will do the trick. I tested the timer and the fuses in the former string and nothing stood out as a problem. For now the new rope is uncoiled and stretched across the room to let the curl relax before I put it in place.

Today saw additional shopping and troubleshooting. I use wide mouth quart jars for making tea for iced tea and for food storage (phasing out plastic of all sorts), but jar rings and sealing lids aren't an easy way to close those jars. I visited the Big A and read a lot of reviews before settling (ironically) on plastic one-piece lids that have silicone gaskets to use with those jars. It isn't meant for canning, just for food storage. Hard plastic isn't as much of a problem as soft plastic, and the gradual rust buildup on the metal lids isn't helpful.

The kitchen is looking good and I'll sweep and mop the hall bathroom before putting down the freshly laundered long mat. It seems to be fall cleaning season.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Charmion
Date: 17 Sep 24 - 07:16 PM

I just found out the hard way that my composter is also a wasps’ nest. Several stings on my right foot, which (God knows) has plenty of problems already and is now swelling in a most unattractive fashion. Plus it hurts like Billy-be-damned.

So now, instead of attending a choir board meeting, I am watching TV under the influence of Benadryl. Not quite away with the fairies yet, but headed in that direction.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Sep 24 - 12:59 AM

A big wince and condolences to both of you for living with those shiners, though they both sound like near-misses, considering the possible worse injuries that could have happened (I lost one of my great aunts after a head injury in a "short fall"). Something not to be repeated.

Throw rugs and dog mats are in the washer this evening after using the squeegee broom thing to round up dog hair, chewed up stick fragments and crumbs of dried dirt that Pepper brings into the den and chews. Why? Anyway, the forest floor has been cleared out for the time being. I also ran the dog water bowls through the dishwasher.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: JennieG
Date: 16 Sep 24 - 10:07 PM

You have my sympathy on the black eye, Charmion - one of the injuries I suffered in a fall back in April was a black eye that could only be described as spectacular. It was over three months before the colour finally faded.

It was caused by the frame of my sunglasses when I went down; didn't hit my face on the ground, fortunately, but hitting the sunnies was bad enough.

Himself did get some funny looks when we were out together, though, what with my arm in plaster and that spectacular black eye!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Sep 24 - 09:39 PM

I searched online for the right length of lights, comparing standard xmas strings, LED strips, and a "rope" of lights encased in a clear PVC tube. I read about LED light strips but on one that was the right length I decided to pass; the instructions were (I hope) mangled through translation—you can trim the LED strips at intervals but this one said you had to be careful to cover the trimmed end so the electricity doesn't leak out. I don't want me or the dogs sliding in a puddle of electricity next to the step.

Eventually I landed a rope light from Harbor Freight that is a little long but I can run it in front of an adjacent built-in cabinet so it won't be in the way.

I cleared the kitchen cupboard and now four each of Corning Ware casseroles and Sidekick dishes are in easy reach on the lowest shelf. The rarely used French press and porcelain teapot are on the higher shelf but are still easy to grasp when needed. I moved some of the COVID tests and devices (thermometer, pulse oximeter, neti pot) to a basket in the next cupboard to join the spare vitamins, cough syrup, cotton balls, swabs, and such. Should have been there in the first place.

A few weeks ago I went poking through cupboards and drawers in the antique kitchen queen for some beeswax wrappers I thought I'd stashed there. The small bundle was a gift a couple of years ago that I had finally thought of a use for. Never found them. They were tucked up with the Corning ware, but darned if I can remember how I wanted to use them. (Did I write about it? Maybe our close reader Keb will remember.)

Papers were filed today and I caught up on the last two of my regular donations (now listed with the others in an Excel spreadsheet). These last couple of good causes keep sending me renewals that actually finally needed renewing. (If you don't watch them, they'll send you annual renewals every other month, hoping you're not paying attention.)

Finally, I'm working on cutting back on the stevia in food and drink. I think part of the insulin response to food has to do with anticipating the sweetness or carbs. There are no carbs in stevia but if the cup of tea or bowl of yogurt is too sweet, it can still trigger insulin and works against how you burn fat (which happens only when insulin isn't secreted.) This year I've gotten off of much of the salt in foods so next come sweets. Despite the weaker flavor of decaf tea, if it isn't as sweet I can taste the tea itself better. I never used a lot, but now I'll use less.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Charmion
Date: 16 Sep 24 - 02:47 PM

Two batches of chutney are planned, Stilly: one for members of the kin group, and the other for the Christmas bazaar at church. I will keep one or two 250-ml jars for myself. It’s a strong, complex condiment that should be eaten sparingly, so it will fit into my diet if I don’t get greedy. It’s particularly good with well-aged Cheddar cheese.

I wish more people would wake up to the proliferation of tripping hazards in and around their homes! I took a bad fall and a major dunt to the head about 18 months ago when the sole of my sandal caught under the edge of a mat laid over a slippery wooden deck; the second my movement was checked, the other foot slipped and I went down like a sack of potatoes, striking the metal door frame on the way down. The resulting black eye lasted for weeks.

And you’re right to re-arrange your kitchen shelves. It’s a good policy to put stuff you use often no higher than eye-level, especially if it’s breakable and doesn’t have a handle by which you can grab it securely. The current fashion for installing microwave ovens as part of a multi-function range hood is particularly dangerous. One of my sisters-in-law is short — about five-two — and well over 70 with a history of shoulder trouble; if she used such a microwave to, say, heat a casserole, she would have to reach over her head to lift down a heavy dish full of hot food. Yikes.

I have three pairs of Fiskars scissors (small, medium and large) in my kitchen. I don’t know how I ever kept house without them.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Sep 24 - 12:00 PM

Charmion, will you be able to eat the chutney on your current diet, or will it be for gifts? I'm looking at a case of my mustang grape jelly and pondering what to do with it.

I have concluded that it is time to rearrange the cupboard directly above the dishwasher. With the almost-Keto cooking I'm baking a lot in single-serving Pyrex lidded dishes and small trays and they're in the back of the middle shelf of that cupboard; it's a stretch to pick them up and I'm going to break something if I'm not careful. I'll empty the bottom and middle shelves, dust, and hope that by working on this cupboard I don't condemn myself to having to rearrange others as well.

On the floor along the base edge of the steps that enter the den I have a string of clear LED lights that have faded to almost not showing. They run on a timer to light dusk through dawn to avoid tripping hazards for myself and guests. It may be a fuse in the string gone, but likely they just need replacing. I also have two or three strings on my crapemyrtle branch in a pot of rocks that is an odd but beloved piece of homemade art - one of the strings is no longer lit. Time to disturb some dust and change out lights there also. The big box stores are putting out their light strings so now is as good a time as any to look for replacements. The seasonal lights I store in the office closet already have uses and the strings are too long.

My favorite pair of plastic-handled fiskars-like kitchen scissors are failing to cut, despite sharpening, oiling, and tightening. They're in the laundry room now until I think about giving one last push to do all of the above at once and see if they'll work, but in the meantime I retrieved two pair of the many scissors I inherited from parents' homes (mostly Mom) and put them in the kitchen drawer. One is really old sewing shears with the chrome finish long worn off, and the other a slim pair of Fiskars with the ubiquitous orange handles. They can take on the jobs that one pair has done for years. Reuse instead of buying a new pair.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Charmion
Date: 15 Sep 24 - 12:47 PM

It’s the week of autumn when all the ingredients of my five-fruit chutney are in season, but I missed yesterday’s farmers’ market for the sake of the annual launch of choir season. Today I’m too damned tired to drive all the way to Kitchener, the closest burg with a decent green-grocer. It will have to wait for Tuesday, while I hope against hope that the Italian blue plums aren’t all gone by then.

Too much stuff happens in September!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Sep 24 - 11:35 PM

I mowed around in the back yard today but found a painful anomale to the usual wildlife - fire ants that aren't mounding. They're completely underground. When I walked over that spot there was no clue they were present until they started biting, and the were worse than what I usually have run into. I believe these little guys may have created a few small blisters with their bites.

The side yard was trimmed until I was tired of swinging around the trimmer. I'll have to make a point of taking all of the empty spools to the greenhouse where I've stored the reels of string and refill them. That's a great job for a rainy day, to enjoy the yard but work in that cute little building. A piece of news picked up from a neighbor while I was working out front - it seems our village doesn't allow yard signs for political advertising until one month prior to the election. I'll have to look that up. Perhaps I can put a Harris sign inside the house in a front window. :) My vote like Democracy depends on it sign is okay because it doesn't promote a particular party or candidate.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Sep 24 - 11:49 PM

This evening I got a workout in the kitchen - I made my nacho mix - (it can be used in tacos, put over chips as nachos, wrapped in tortillas and fried as burritos, etc.) I didn't add my usual black beans (carbs) and because the beef was lean I used a big dollop of bacon grease to saute it. I think it is at least keto-adjacent (onions, peppers, tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, and some olive oil) also. It was a big batch so there are several jars in the freezer and a big bowl in the fridge; tomorrow I'll jar and freeze more of it. I'll probably eat this will small dipping corn tortilla chips (Aldi has a brand that are smaller than the usual restaurant ones so you can eat the meat with fewer calories from chips.)

I also made a batch of the smoky gouda spread/dip that has pecans, cream cheese, sour cream, and some seasonings. I found some Blue Diamond almond and flax seed crackers that go well with it.

Tomorrow afternoon is hot again (99^o) but the morning will be in the low-70s, so I'll so some mowing; the side yard and back really need it.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Sep 24 - 10:19 PM

My mood today was low as I was worried about my friend with the apartment problems. I'm not her keeper, so I left it alone until this evening, when I asked how her case has progressed. It turns out that she has an ally in the apartment complex management, and I told her if she needs someone for hand-holding tomorrow afternoon to let me know. I have to take Pepper to the vet in the morning, then the day is open.

That was a good development. Dr. Amen of the brain health lectures talks about finding good things in each day, and I was able to do that. This afternoon I had a conversation at a place where I volunteer - I was set to scan a botanical collection when a woman visiting that library introduced herself as a board member at the organization. Having been a member myself on a different city board, I recognize an interested party who is probably well-connected (though I wasn't connected, I was just interested.) We spoke for a few minutes before two hours of silence as I scanned and she read books. At one point as she returned to the table with a handful of books I asked her about an old friend, and learned that yes, he is still working for the city but retiring in a few months, and that he "recently remarried to a wonderful woman and is very happy." Of all of the things I knew about that friend, I've remembered how unhappy he was to be divorced 25 years ago, so this was a great outcome.

The dishwasher is running, the kitchen is clean, and I've put laundry in to run overnight. Basic stuff, but good to have it out of the way.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Sep 24 - 12:31 PM

Patty, that is probably cochineal on your prickly pear. The source of a durable red dye. You can wash them off with a strong spray of water from the hose nozzle and use insecticidal soap (or any kind of soap like dish soap or Murphy Oil soap) in water in a squirt bottle to kill them. They'll slowly suck out cactus juice when left alone. If you're planning to start weaving and dying your own red yarn, let them be!

Smoke alarms on the ceiling are going to be the first to respond to smoke. Here code says they have to be wired and have battery backup; they're also connected so if one goes off they all do. They're a pain to change out and I bought my sturdy ladder a few years ago because the step stool thing I was using was too wobbly.

You may need to put up spikey things in the veranda under the roof so they don't perch there to begin with. Or put stuff on the ground under those spots that can be cleaned up?

And first things first, get those goatheads. Stepping on one of those with a bare foot or stab yourself in the hand is a life-changing experience. If you pick them up on shoes or clothes they're a time bomb waiting to jab you later. Kill the plants with strong vinegar (20%, or if you only have 10% pickling vinegar, add a couple of tablespoons of orange oil to the gallon of vinegar. Orange oil is also good in the 20%.) Discard the seed heads in the trash, they don't go in the compost, then kill the rest of the grass and learn to identify it early so you can catch them before they go to seed. I've been working to get rid of a similar type of burrgrass in one corner of my yard for most of the years I've lived here. Some years I don't see any, others just a few and I grab them and bag them for the trash.

Pepper isn't eating this morning. She seems otherwise healthy. She has preferences and I try to keep track of those, but she is over time eating more slowly and selectively. Time for a vet trip to see if there is anything else going on.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: pattyClink
Date: 12 Sep 24 - 10:28 AM

Arrived at home at last, splendid weather. All in good order except the smoke alarm was beeping. Had to borrow a ladder, and this was for the lowest one. Now a bit peeved that 2 others have been set at 10' heights. I guess I'll have to buy a giant ladder after all, drat. What were they thinking? It's not like you put them up once and then don't have to climb up there any more.

And garden tools ,asap. The aloe survived but its big old terracotta pot finally cracked in half. The prickly pears have white stuff on them, fungus? Lots of green stuff growing all over (tumbleweed etc), which means they had a great monsoon season, but apparently I have to rip out a bunch of the spreading plants that make 'goatheads', and trim back suckers on the stump of a desert willow some idiot whacked down years ago, try to get one or two viable stems to flourish.

Meanwhile the birds have a few spots on the veranda where they like to poop. What's the best method for dealing with this stuff? I would scrape and bleach, but reckon that would screw up the concrete.

And the welcome mat! Got encrusted with crud and feathers, then blown around and folded in half. I live in a place where the welcome mat needs paperweights!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: JennieG
Date: 12 Sep 24 - 02:47 AM

In Oz we have 'op shops' - op being short for 'opportunity' - where one can find all manner of 2nd hand goodies, such as Sandra's donations.

This little film was shown during 'Tropfest', a festival for short films, back in 2011. It never fails to make me smile.

Op shop ladies

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Sep 24 - 06:52 PM

Sandra, your Sewing Basket sounds like a good-works place, along the same lines as one I've been donating craft and teaching stuff, the Welman Project. They offer art and school supplies to teachers (for free). It has materials and some costumes and some stage stuff for school drama departments to borrow when needed. And they have a store at the front where anyone can go in to buy things that will fund the project. I've donated a couple of times now. They're so busy that I made the soonest appointment I could get the last time and had to wait a month to take things over.

Looking through the Welman list I see they can use paint. Hmmm. I have some I'll probably never use again. I also have a bunch of three-ring ex-library binders (but I just checked eBay and they seem to be selling again.)

I spent the afternoon helping my friend who lives downtown. Her apartment management has not done a good job of sending bills and keeping her up-to-date when anything is still owed, and now they want to evict her. The notice that says she should leave by Friday is bullshit, but the next notification (they have to send by postal mail) will give a court date and she needs to attend, so I will take her there. Hopefully by then she'll have an attorney who can make mincemeat of the apartment management. The complex fired their last manager who probably mismanaged this and that tells us they're trying to pull a fast one to get past his mistakes. Anyway, after a quick trip to the legal aid office (all of that is pending), I took her shopping so she could use a couple of gift cards and load up on frozen dinners. As a bonus part of the visit I emptied, cleaned, and refilled her cat boxes. It's a big job, but it's a gift for someone who is disabled and has trouble carrying the used litter to the trash room. I've washed off my arms to remove the last of the litter dust (and I work a mask while I did the job.)

Lots of other things going on here, to be parsed in posts later in the week.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Sep 24 - 12:00 AM

ps. yesterday I decluttered half a trolley load of stuff to the charity shop - tho most of it was discards by neighbours, but some was mine!

I took some books with me yesterday but the shop I was heading to was closed for stocktake, & the other charity shop doesn't take books so I'm taking the books out again today.

I'm reminded of a conversation some years back - a friend has been burgled & Police were there. The officer commented on the chaos in her son's room, but it wasn't the result of the intruders searching it - just his normal state.

A lot of the chaos in my living room & bedroom is archival - Australis'a oldest folk club, the Bush Music Club turns 70 in a few weeks. Eventually (if I live long enough!!) much of this mess will find a home in the National Library ...

Of course, I have lotsa' craft stuff that also needs, some to head off ASAP to the craft charity shop, The Sewing Basket & the rest can be distributed between my craft group friends & the Sewing Basket when my sister eventually sorts out my estate ...

I think charity shops will do well when I eventually pop off the twig

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Sep 24 - 11:39 PM

here in the Harbour City, I'm wearing summer gear & carrying my light down jacket which I wear home most evenings when get back 8ish), & still sleeping under my down quilt, still need a bit of warmth at nights, tho sometimes I'm a tad warm when I wake. As it gets warmer I remove the quilt & sleep under a fine wool shawl, then eventually just the sheet. Mid winter I have a thin blanket & a shawl or 2 over the quilt.

sandra (1.30 Wednesday, 20C outside)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Charmion
Date: 10 Sep 24 - 10:43 PM

It was some nippy in Stratford on Saturday night, Jennie, so I’m not surprised it was snowing around North Bay.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: JennieG
Date: 10 Sep 24 - 10:19 PM

Charmion, my friend in North Bay had a family wedding last weekend - and everyone wore winter coats over their party frocks as the wedding was in a marquee outside. (Probably a reasonable decision when plans were first made!) It was so cold that snow fell on some of the higher hills around town.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Sep 24 - 09:45 PM

I'm playing with the ceiling fan these days, starting on at bedtime but turning it off if I get up to make a bathroom run because it has cooled enough. And I have a light cotton blanket over the top sheet, pushed aside to start with but there to drape over my feet in the early hours if I wake and realize I'm chilly. It's incremental, but better to do this than the expense of running the air conditioner to keep the house cold and use blankets.

This afternoon I spent time weeding crabgrass and sedge out of the groundcover in the middle of the front yard, making the groundcover look much more intentional. I can feel it in my legs and back but the fitness tracker barely budged.

Paperwork today also, and now a lot of mail that has been sitting around needs to be filed.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Charmion
Date: 10 Sep 24 - 09:14 PM

Watson and Isobel are old enough now to understand that I habitually come home again, sooner or later, and therefore don’t hold my absences against me. It helps that I always employ a cat-visitor to feed them, top up the water fountain, toss cat toys around, and offer a little lap time. Jane-across-the-street says my current cat-visitor hangs out for at least an hour each time she comes.

Today I conducted a Rite of Fall, the disassembly of the upstairs fans so I could wash and dry the components, put the fans back together, and stow them for the winter. The hot weather still has maybe ten days to run, but overnight conditions are crisp and cool. Last weekend was chilly enough that I wanted the Hudson’s Bay Company blanket on top of the quilt, much to Watson’s delight — that thing is heavy enough to be claw-proof.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Sep 24 - 12:44 PM

Charmion, do the cats do any dramatic pouts or spill the water bowl or anything else to protest that you were absent for a while? Refuse to sleep on the bed the first night you're back?

It seems to be a week for paperwork or calls. I tried to return the defective spade-fork to Lowe's but it was purchased in 2023 so I have to call Craftsman instead. In anticipation of that I've taken a few photos for them since I don't imagine they want me to try to mail this back. The bigger job has to do with the mass of SS numbers that ended up on the "dark web" in a recent data dump by a hacker. Ever since a 2019 data breach at one of my banks I've had an identity defense account (awarded as part of a class action settlement) and since this newest breach I started freezing the information that can be shared by lower-tier credit reporting places (did you know that there is a completely different set of those businesses that payday lenders use? Or that the utility companies use?) I told a sibling about this, and after their bank emptied a checking account to a fraudster several states away they want to do the same thing; I must compile the list of those credit reporting companies and send it.

A tropical storm is churning it's way from Mexico along the Texas coast, they're anticipating landfall in Louisiana. I'm assuming Patty is past the LA part of her trip now so will not be in harm's way. The drive across Texas will be remarkably mild, considering September here is often times scorching hot.

We have an ozone air advisory here so I won't walk the dogs as I planned, but I will do a little quiet weeding of the grass out of the horseherb groundcover. I do that a few minutes at a time when I need to stand up from the desk.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Charmion
Date: 09 Sep 24 - 02:38 PM

I'm back at my desk in lovely, leafy Stratford. I went to the Y this morning for pool class, and did a little light housework -- I washed the dishes and polished the brass. Procrastination completed, I am now settled down to answer my email, pay whatever bills I have to pay "by hand" (as it were), but first a visit with the Cat.

I could not access Mudcat at all when I was away because of the licence problem, which bothers an iPad far more than my desktop computer, although that, too, is an Apple machine. So youse all were spared the account of the back spasm that hit me last Tuesday and ruled out about half my agenda. Museums are off limits when one's back is complaining. The return drive was tolerable only because I budgeted more time to rest and loosen my back by hiking around parking lots, but most of Sunday was spent recovering from the coffee I had to drink to stay in my lane even when my biorhythms had hit rock bottom. Edmund was always perky after lunch so he would drive through my post-prandial slump, but now, if I'm to get home by dark, I have to get hopped up on caffeine to push through it.

I'm always glad to come home to a clean(ish) and tidy house, although achieving that state before leaving is always a bit frantic. Last week's back misery is almost certainly the result of carrying the dratted vacuum cleaner around before subjecting my poor old frame to eight hours of road.

The choir season begins this week, and I think I'm ready. Let the games begin!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Sep 24 - 11:24 PM

Good job! The person who posted about Balmorhea is a Texas music aficionado and author (Joe Nick Patoski) who posted in July about the pool. He's a denison of Marfa and the West Texas area; friend of Stevie Ray and Willie and ZZ Top and everyone in between, who loves to visit the local beauty areas.

Trimming, weeding, and mowing out front done, though it wasn't a full job (I didn't take the string trimmer around all of the front yard, I just mowed up and down the curb and driveway in addition to hitting the grass patches in the front yard). The code enforcement guy should have no complaints this week (I haven't had a tag since last year, but once burned, twice shy).

Indoors I've researched stringing pearls (with knots). I have two strings of cultured pearls from great aunts that (according to eBay) are worth a great deal of money now. One is an 15" string 1 centimeter pearls and the other is a 16" double strand of 8mm pearls. And I doubt they've ever been restrung. I don't want 100+ year old silk failing and dropping either of the necklaces, so they need a restring. Jewelers do it, and can offer a more secure clasp than what is on now (and a sterling clasp will have a cost - I can buy one also - it's a toss up). I'll do some calling around before I decide which way to go. I should probably practice stringing with the cheap freshwater pearls I have around here.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: pattyClink
Date: 08 Sep 24 - 09:14 PM

Thanks, did reserve a site and apparently they actually have a gatehouse manned after 4 p.m., unlike many TX S.Ps.

Your laying in of fruit and veg sounds brilliant, good thinking. As far as brussel sprouts, we used to just steam them, bit of butter at the end. First cut an X in the base so that part will cook quick as the rest. I think I've done the roasting technique but don't recall it being worth the extra time or effort.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Sep 24 - 12:18 PM

Congratulations, Patty, on clearing out the storage locker! That's a monthly savings you'll appreciate from now on in addition to not having to drive there to get stuff. You probably already know, but if you didn't yet go online and get a day pass or camping reservation by calling or using the website. I read recently about decreased numbers of people in the pool at Balmorhea because of the day pass system restricting what were sometimes high numbers. Hopefully if you're camping you automatically have access. Here is the Texas State Parks camping reservation FAQ list.

This morning I finished processing 10 pounds of strawberries I picked up yesterday on a veggie run; I stem them, cut them in halves or quarters and freeze them on a large baking sheet. They'll go into a vacuum bag once they're frozen. Asparagus will be eaten this week, I'm going to dice and freeze some onions for future cooking, and I have tomatoes for eating fresh and for cooking. Also picked up some Brussels sprouts - I eat them when other people cook them but since they're a good keto-style vegetable I should figure out a preparation method I like. I suspect it will involve tossing with olive oil and baking. Suggestions welcome.

After last week's rain I must mow this afternoon. I'm also going to take the hori hori knife out and dig to remove some plugs of tall grass popping up in the groundcover I'm encouraging. Mowing the groundcover to get the grass slows the groundcover I want to spread. There is a lot of trimming to do also around the driveway and I can get out the tiller and prepare a couple of beds to plant Swiss chard and other greens happy to grow here in the fall.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: pattyClink
Date: 08 Sep 24 - 07:14 AM

Agree on the benefits of singing, it's a great thing, and a big bronx cheer to those who scoff at others singing unless they are pros!

Finally got the loading done, the last bit in the rain, then the storage unit cleanout. The great manager agreed to take a few can't-fits and put them in auction or use the shelving for their own storage.

Celebrated with a great meal in Vicksburg, start of a new chapter.

Now slogging my way to Balmorhea, where I pray the weather will still be warm enough for a swim workout. It surprisingly popped up on a search for 'pull-through' sites, they apparently built several new 'eyebrow' type sites. And let us pray that it will actually be open for the first time in years, and not flooded like the central Texas lakes where I usually camp.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Sep 24 - 12:51 PM

I cleared two containers of mashed bananas from the freezer and made four small loaves of banana bread to give to family today. They still eat wheat and sugar and such so I'll put it to good use.

That blue pool for the fountain may be put to use after all (it's a lovely sunny day for a solar floating fountain), but I have to clean out the tree dust in the water first. I had filled it a few inches and there was enough rain to fill it up to the top! The yard will desperately need mowing soon. I can use the exercise.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Sep 24 - 09:59 PM

Scanning today with disasters large and small happening in my vicinity. At the museum (where I finally started on box #4 of 11, I'm into the thousands of slides scanned) the bathrooms became problematic when water pressure dropped. It seems a sewer replacement job in the street outside the building broke through a large water main. Leaving the parking lot was like driving into a small river in the street, and because it is a historic brick-paved street I imagine the water has managed to pop a lot of bricks out of place (I got out just as it started.)

My second scanning gig is working on a well-funded collection at the Botanic Garden, and the disaster there was that when was setting up to work I realized that when I swapped out the contents of my messenger bag into a shoulder pack the other day I accidentally left behind my Pentel mechanical pencil. I had to use wood pencils and sharpen a couple of times. Library and archives work require pencils, and a really good mechanical pencil is a treasure.

When I arrived home I was astonished to see that my garage door had been open for the several hours I was away - in the past, neighbors would call and offer to close it for me. I always try to remember to close it, but it may be that when I hit the button something made it stop closing and opened again. Sometimes that happens and I don't notice. Thankfully my lawnmower and power tools were still in place - chances are anyone approaching the garage would be barked at by the dogs at the gate and in the garage stall.

Tomorrow is Friday. A family lunch and some shopping are all that are planned. Interesting how a week shortened by a holiday can be as long or longer than a regular one.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: keberoxu
Date: 05 Sep 24 - 03:12 PM

Love that neuroscience validates
the good health of singing in a chorus,
even though it can be strenuous under some circumstances.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Sep 24 - 09:45 PM

Weigh-in at the doctor's office today had me down by six pounds since my appointment in March. Maintaining my desired weight with a low-carb diet (leaning heavily on the Keto influence in order to avoid the inflammation from wheat and sugar) is clearly where I'm headed. I still use a lot of dairy (cheese and yogurt) for the calcium (for my bone health); Keto is more rigid on some of those foods. I remember Charmion noting ages ago that she read that whole milk was better to use in that you might not feel as hungry during the day (don't quote me quoting her) - anyway, today was a confirmation since the record shows that I lost weight and for me the high-fat products are a good choice because I'm not feeling hungry.

Puzzles dropped off at the library, and the use of them clarified: they don't lend them, they have one set up on a table and people can come and go and work on them when they're there. So the 1000 piece puzzles aren't a problem, it's not like one person has to do the whole puzzle in one library visit. (We had puzzles set up like that in the library staff lounge at the university, and during finals week they opened the door to our lounge for students to use the space, and invariably they headed for and finished our jigsaw puzzles.) Anyway, I dropped off two puzzles that I really enjoyed assembling so I anticipate that joy spreading to others working on them (and they can look up the company and order their own if they really want some of their own.)

Tomorrow games will be donated to my branch library then I drive downtown to scan at a museum and the botanic garden libraries. Doing both volunteer jobs in one day is working out as a good way to manage my time. I'll take in my bluetooth headphones though I will only be able to listen to music, not a book - you have to pay attention to the metadata and when you're doing that it cuts out following the audiobook. I'm on the WiFi at the museum; if I can get onto the WiFi and the Botanic Garden then I'm set and have lots of choices with Sirius/XM on my phone. A scanner note: I've worked on the same files at the museum for four years and am about to start on the fourth of eleven gigantic boxes; just me scanning and adding metadata. At the Botanic Garden the boxes are tiny by comparison and other people can end up working on your project: I find that a little off-putting. I'll have to figure out a way to start and finish a box in one sitting.)

I'll close with a remark from an NPR program I listened to today. Krys interviewed Daniel Levitin, a neuroscientist and musician, who has a book with the MOST PERFECT TITLE for the subject: I Heard There Was A Secret Chord: Music as Medicine. One of the points that came up in the interview is that people who sing in groups like chorus or choirs—lots of brain-happy hormones are secreted when people sing together. For Keb and Charmion who do that kind of singing, I'm glad to share that there is a big brain-health bump from the work. (You both probably already knew that.)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Sep 24 - 12:52 PM

Patty, my back aches just from reading that account! Did you know they make little battery power pumps that you can find at Harbor Freight, that will pump the liquid from the bottom of your cooler? I have one I used for a while with a rain barrel that had no hole on the side, I just pumped from the hole on top into a bucket to pour on my potted plants. Look up "transfer pump." I've had a couple of types - this kind works well. I see one under the "Jobar" brand at Walmart, $13. I just looked at Tractor Supply - waaaay overpriced.

I'm finishing some baking this morning, an acorn squash for meals this week and a small batch of almost sugar-free bread pudding. I used Stevia and Monkfruit drops, and a teaspoon of brown sugar just in case there is a chemical property that the sugar adds to make custards work. Next time I'll make it without entirely. The "bread" is a non-wheat half of a bagel (that was never very good at being a bagel consistency-wise.)

Headed out in a bit for an appointment then to drop off puzzles and games. And a parcel I forgot to have on the porch in time for the postal carrier this morning (unless he swings back by the house before I leave for the doctor; his route brings him past two more times after he delivers here.)

Clearly doing a low-carb diet means buying smaller quantities of some types of fruits and vegetables. I finished a Bartlett pear this morning from a Costco box, the last couple were very ripe because I've paced myself in how often I eat them. I had a largish bag of Costco asparagus that I was able to use it all before it was squishy. I'll be baking banana bread (with all of the usual ingredients) as a gift later this week when family gets together for a joint birthday lunch. I have frozen bananas and flour to use up and they're still eating all of the usual stuff. That's one way to clear it out.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: pattyClink
Date: 04 Sep 24 - 09:20 AM

Well done on the purple goblets!

Things continued to get worse as I spent a couple of scorching hours trying to get my hitch to work. Finally gave up but not before taking photos of the underside. Researched online, which has become so difficult since the crapification of search. But, finally realized, yes my coupler latch was not functioning correctly. The good news, an excellent hitch mechanic was less than ten miles from the issue.

Since the 'schedule' has been blown to bits, might as well drop into low gear and keep my health and sanity. So, got the engine serviced and tires double-checked, knocked out the laundry with the residual left on one of those stupid cards some places make you buy, and then went to see the trailer people.   I was advised to raise the latch handle and whack it with a hammer because the dealybob was jammed.

Anyway, happy ending to yesterday, I did get hitched up, though it still took forever because having to thread a tiny needle getting the ball in socket yet forward of the dealybob. Musta climbed in and out of that cab 30 times, and 50 the day before. On level ground I could have manhandled the thing into place, but not with trailer on a downslope, weight and gravity against me.

Reported back to the wonderful trailer shop, where they cheeerfully examined it and greased all the parts that needed it. Apparently I need to get a little pot of lithium grease.

I am off this morning to load, my back not feeling good because Igloo and Wal-mart think it's okay to sell a large cooler with no drain valve (no it never crossed my mind to check for this). So I've had to heft it over to the door to drain, and it's too much deal weight for me.   Last night I bailed it into a bucket instead. But hey, Igloo made an extra 50 cents profit by leaving out the pesky drain plug, so I hope their CEO is a little more comfortable in his Hampton beach house.

I should waste more time returning the thing, but then where does the stuff sit til I can accomplish that? Yes the mini-fridge would have been a better option, but I did not realize things would drag on so long and weirdly.   

I did find a great ice machine closer by, which has been a big help. It's funny, it is festooned with big signs saying 'don't leave your trash here', fancy graphics and all. People leave beer cases etc. Seems like installing a trash can would have been cheaper and more effective than the signs!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 24 - 10:41 PM

Success breeds success - things on eBay tend to sell in batches. Another item was purchased this afternoon and is ready to go in the mail tomorrow.

This evening I made a push to clean the kitchen. I ran the dishwasher and soaked the faucet/hose nozzle in vinegar to clear up the limestone crust. Each sink has a silicone pad thing to keep pans from chipping or scratching it and they benefit from a trip through the dishwasher. Sinks were scrubbed with cleanser as were the counters and stuff was put away. It will be an inviting space for my future self for the rest of the week (at least).

Two more games and two puzzles are in the car to be dropped off at libraries tomorrow, and an invitation was sent to an old friend to meet for lunch. That would be a treat - I haven't seen her in ages, we reconnected via email earlier this year through a mutual friend. The rest of the week has social and volunteering activity, something I've been kind of a slacker on this summer. I'm picking up the pace now that I have cleared the lethargy-inducing statins from my system.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 24 - 11:45 AM

Chemo is one of those cures that is about as bad as the illness; one day at a time - I hope Monday's tests are stunningly good (and congratulations on the hearing aids and getting the pill notifications to work on the phone!)

Yesterday I pulled up a broken up piece of the base of a pine tree I had cut down a few years ago and found it riddled with termites. I'll have to keep an eye on them that they don't migrate to the house (also a reason for not piling the firewood on the porch of the house. But there are different types of termites, so the ground ones may not be the house ones.)

Keb, have you made progress on downsizing the apartment contents, and is the estate settling moving along (not at a Dickensian pace)?

Steady rain overnight and today - a perfect gift from the weather gods (so much more productive to have it soak in slowly than the hit-and-run effect of heavy thunderstorms). There's a lot of gardening weather remaining (two to three months) and this is perfect for softening of the soil and transition to fast-growing salad greens, chard, and beans and such. The house is very humid at the moment.

I pulled the blue wading pool in front of my office window, intending to add the little floating fountain. It's at the side of a tree and overnight the rain washed lots of green dust out of the tree into the water. I may decide to give up on that plan and put the pool away again. There's usually a grace period from when I fill it to when I have to start washing out algae; this may be a sign.

The batch of purple goblets sold on eBay this morning and the box is on the front porch (on a block against the porch wall to keep it out of any rain splash). I got them for .89 each (plus tax) so $45 for $7 of glasses is a nice profit.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 03 Sep 24 - 10:35 AM

Dupont:

Ah yes! A platform! But we have agreed that the top step area will be a great place for this year's firewood! If I use the right words to encourage him to pick up a load in his pickup truck! The area inside that door is a hall with ceramic tile floor and close to the den/the wood stove. And it faces south so less snow, and quick and easy to grab wood and bring it the 15 feet to the Den. The back deck was always snow covered/north facing. And, since he parked a large travel trailer in the drive - hard to get in with a truck. NOW, a load of wood - soon! In the right tone of voice?

My physical condition has deteriorated in the 3 weeks of the fancy med. I am keeping an eye on how I feel during this week off. Today is starting out OK.

Hearing aids are a real plus. Interestingly, visiting with a couple on Sunday, I understood Jim and his woman but had trouble with R! But they are an improvement.

I love this fall weather- crisp and cool.

I managed to make mashed potatoes, and gravy (from chicken drippings)last night then went to Bed about 7 and read until "pill time" (9:30) My travails with tech - somehow I have managed to get notifications operative! These "small" things make life feel more manageable.

Next Monday, blood tests and oncologist to find out how things are going.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 24 - 06:49 PM

Dorothy, you may need to also innocently remark about that new platform for the chair! Good work!

Charmion, has the light-headedness cleared up? And are you pretty close to your goal by now? It's September in Canada, so I suppose you've looked at the lined jeans and flannel shirts in the closet? Do they all fit?

Patty, when do you expect to be back in New Mexico? Will you have help unloading stuff at the house and do you have the various furnishings you need to have a comfortable new home for the foreseeable future? I'm so thrilled to think of you getting set up and settled in and figuring out all of the various community offerings.

September in Texas means it's usually in the 80s or 90s. With today's rain passing through the area it is a lovely 82^o right now. (Tomorrow's high is forecast to be "much cooler" at 78^o. I imprinted on what I consider reasonable temperatures when living in the Seattle area so I am not convinced that is "much cooler.") Anyway, this afternoon I dug up about a square yard of the bed beside the front walk and set aside more than a gallon of daffodil bulbs to use later. I worked until I filled a 20-gallon bin I use for weeds and dug to the edge of the patch of crinum lilies. I'll work more tomorrow, now that we've had rain and it's a little cooler. The goal for today was to clear a spot that would be behind my League of Women Voters sign that says "Vote as if Democracy Depends on It!" and it is in place.

I started the job using my new ('23?) spade fork and darned if the neck on the thing didn't bend! It's a Craftsman, but clearly not the kind of sturdy tool that Sears used to sell. This came from Lowes and I kept the "lifetime warranty" information so it will be returned later this week. Since I have a couple of other really old (but apparently more reliable) spade forks I got out one of those. There is one in the greenhouse for the back yard and one in the garage for use in the front yard, and one that has 3 of the four tines left that I often use to prop up things in the garden. I bought the new one when I was thinking of discarding the 3-tined one. Oh, well.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Sep 24 - 03:08 PM

Dupont:

Too tired to ... I have done a couple five minute tasks on this lovely cool fall day! And R has done a terrific job of de-cluttering the front of the house: the rotting wooden porch and steps that someone placed over the ancient concrete steps is de-constructed and stacked on the front lawn! It is a secondary entrance This was a nuisance to me as it had become put-you-foot-through-it dangerous; I could no longer even sit on it and could not get out of the house by that door due to the railing. I innocently commented on wishing to be rid of it and LO! He gathered tools and Bye Bye! I wonder if it will occur to him that it needs a new platform just big enough for a chair or two on warmer days. The old concrete is pretty raggedy. It is on south side of house so there will be cool days when I can sit in the sun!

OK! been up 5 hours and going back to bed for a bit.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 24 - 02:11 PM

Shame on that old friend! I'm sorry for the rough week, Patty, but it is a good thing you have someone to remove the basal cells (not intending to be Pollyanna here, just grateful you have good medical care!); I hope you get a reliable source of ice soon. No truck stops in the area you're staying? Are there Walmart or Home Depot in the area with small AC/DC fridges? Or is it all moot by Tuesday if you can get in for a repair or replacement?

We had some of your rain last night and the humidity today, it seems to come from a slow counter-clockwise circling thing off of the Gulf (our weather usually comes from the SW.)

I'm still working my way through Taubes' The Case for Keto and am glad to see that he distilled down the highly detailed material in Good Calories, Bad Calories. And while he doesn't offer recipes, his information helps inform shopping and cooking. I'm in the habit of buying lean meat and boneless skinless chicken breasts, but while protein is needed for our tissue growth and repair, too much lean protein

is composed of amino acids, and these can be converted to glucose in the liver and then stimulate insulin secretion. This is a slower process than eating refined grains or drinking sugary liquids, but the result is still likely to be at least some insulin secretion⁽¹⁸⁹⁾.

So the lean chicken and beef and pork in the freezer will be used in dishes that have oil in the sauces or cheese on top, to balance out the amount of fat consumed in conjunction to the meat portion. Too much lean meat is counter to the project. I'll be buying and baking more skin-on chicken leg quarters (my favorite parts when I buy rotisserie chickens).

One of our occasional members Lily Festre has been sharing from a Keto diet site on Facebook; while I don't believe I'll ever end up on a Keto diet, many of these recipes will keep the carbs down or out. (And in her photos shared she looks very healthy - it's working for her.) Today there was a kielbasa, cheese, and cauliflower soup that sounded very good (and you could easily swap out broccoli for a change.) I'm aiming at a low-carb diet with healthy fruits and vegetables, no wheat. I don't have a lot of weight to lose so just changing how I eat will manage to drop those pounds. Most of my life I was the "lean" description, it was after children that I gained, and even then it was still not obese. So I'll eat accordingly, assuming I can tolerate some carbohydrates.

Meanwhile in Declutter land, the trash was picked up and in it I got rid of a few things that were taking up space and not donatable. I have two more games to take over to my main library, puzzles to take to another library branch, and several things to list on the Buy Nothing page. I changed my mind about one game when I looked inside and saw lots of used scorecards. The kids played it a lot as teens so might enjoy it as adults also. I can see them with their spouses playing something like this on a holiday visit.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: pattyClink
Date: 02 Sep 24 - 10:52 AM

This week has not gone well. Didn't feel well from some mild bug, then Doc removed a few basal cell cancers, storms, power outage, heat, humidity, and an old friend let me down. The only place that sold block ice shut down for a couple days, a machine I knew of and wasted time driving to was out of order, it's a whole project just lining up ice.   

Today and tomorrow are the last two packing days. Trying to squeeze half of the climate control stuff into the RV for safer transport. Getting the rest ready to put in cargo.

It's just tough weather for this; while the temp finally went down to 90 the humidity shot up. It's dripping-sweat weather.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Sep 24 - 11:00 AM

Even with hot weather I can feel the changing of the seasons (the quality of the light this time of year) - I found myself charging a couple of other backup devices around the house. The Stanley Power Supply for lamps and a radio is now fully-charged, and I have a few other things around the house (a Thermos camping lantern, etc.) to round up and charge. Even with the nextdoor generator in the back yard and a cord run between us during outages it still pays to be ready. All it takes is for them to be out of town on a cruise and I'm back to square one.

The batch of purple Duratuff goblets I listed on eBay a few weeks ago are just about perfect - as close to new condition without being new as possible, so I'll leave them at a higher price. But the current set of small purple tumblers are smooth with a few scratches (they were probably stacked over the top of each other). More condition descriptions required for these puppies for a lower return, but they will clear some space when they go. That's my weekend project. I did revise one handbag listing; I did a search to see how many others of that brand are for sale and realized I'd buried the lede - the name of the maker was at the end of the list of attributes. Fixed that.

It feels real now—the calendar page is turned to September. As a kid I was torn - any kind of birthday celebration was overshadowed by the end of the summer break from school. My birthday often coincided with the first day, at least the first week. It was too early in the year for the teacher to know and invite my Mom to supply cupcakes for the class to celebrate, like they did for others later. Then about 25 years ago I had a cancer diagnosis (and it was this time of year) that after a couple of surgeries was gone; I realized every year after that was a gift. So here comes 70, and it is what it is.

As a gift to myself and the kitchen I finally evicted the puny dying Pothos sprouts in a pot near the back kitchen window, stirred the soil then put in some water-rooted Spider Plants (also called Airplane plants for the sprouts they send out with new little plants on the end). These plants have been in a container on the window over the sink all summer and needed planting. There's one other Pothos in that area that is doing a bit better but I'll take it down and repot it for a boost.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Aug 24 - 07:41 PM

Safe travels to Ottawa and may your mandolin always be in tune!

Every so often I swap out the pocketbook/purse/shoulder pack I'm using, and today was that day. It lets me see what needs to be removed from the stash I lug around and what needs adding. It's also the time I take the battery backup I carry for mostly the phone or tablet and charge it. (I have on occasion pulled it out for friend of family to use for a quick charge when away from an electrical outlet. After someone did that favor for me.)

I'm testing another flavor of dog food for Pepper by introducing as an occasional treat a handful at a time. I'll do that for a couple of days then put it in her meal bowl and see if she likes it. She seems to have issues with the one I'm giving her now. I'm trying to stay grain-free (it seems the least I can do - if I'm not on gluten my dogs don't need it either.)

It's Saturday night and I was looking forward to some of the PBS mysteries, but damn - it's pledge break. Ancient rocker concerts are on the program guide tonight. Time for NetFlix.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Charmion
Date: 31 Aug 24 - 07:21 PM

Yes, I get it, Stilly.

Both cases demonstrate a very common logic error known in philosophy circles as “begging the question”, which means assuming as necessary the very factor that should be questioned most closely. The diet case assumes that humans should eat a carb-heavy diet, and the highway case assumes that modern First World middle-class people should be encouraged to travel by personal car.

Of course, wide-spread abandonment of a life-style based on cheap carbs and personal motor vehicles would kick jeezly great holes in our economy.

The car is stuffed with stuff bound for the Ottawa-based branches of the family, and the refrigerator is down to food that keeps. I have completed all my various choir-related devoirs, and packed my bag. I still have to shove in the mandolin somewhere; there’s session I like within staggering distance of Elder Brother’s house.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Aug 24 - 12:01 PM

Congratulations on getting the cat hair from under the bed. I have underbed storage and some long wood side panels of antique bed frames under the modern beds in my house and any gaps between all of those things are probably caulked full with dog hair.

Pepper is shedding at a rate that seems impossible - how can one dog have that much hair? And it's summer! The Furminator worked on Zeke with his dense and complex Lab coat, but hers is patches of black shorter fine alternating with long merle guard hairs, and each color has a different density. Amazon has various brushes - I've searched for one best suited to her - brushing a wide swath with a bunch of little wires (tipped or no - that's one consideration for her tender skin) to be able to get a lot in the short amount of time she will tolerate my brushing her. Or one that she really likes and doesn't mind if I do it.

I could use a tape lint roller on Cookie if she needed a cleanup.

Two more games dropped off at the public library. They keep them on a shelf at the front desk and anyone can ask to use them - games stay there in the library, making it easier to keep track of parts and the sheet of rules.

I'm working my way through the Taubes Case for Keto and had a moment of philosophical inspiration on the current chapter. I've read enough of his descriptions of how the old thinking is incorrect but doctors and science keeps trying to follow that same path - calories in, calories out; eat less, lose weight - it's like how other things are done in our Western culture. Cities have congested highways so they add more lanes. More lanes won't make a difference, it's the same old thing. A different answer is to change how we get around. You see the correlation? The new lanes aren't working because the real problem is we must move more people with fewer resources. The science of how we process carbs makes a good case for dropping that part of the food pyramid or whatever shape de jour; the science of how to get all people to appreciate rapid transit (not just the segment of the population that can't afford cars). Paradigm shifts in both cases. (That kind of shift is also what is called for to remedy some of the US' political issues now, but I'll stop there.)

This weekend's overcast days are fine - it's cooler, and rain is predicted for the Monday holiday - that would be wonderful!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Charmion
Date: 30 Aug 24 - 08:16 AM

I cleaned my bedroom yesterday, doing the full Monty — everything dusted, furniture out from the wall, baseboards and floor thoroughly mopped. Holy Dinah, the quantities of cat hair under the bed — !

The parlour and dining room are due for the same treatment today. When I finish, I shall have a lamb chop and a large glass of Médoc.

Why all this sudden flurry? I don’t want the cat visitor to think I’m a slob. Sweet are the appropriate uses of bourgeois pride.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Aug 24 - 01:46 PM

It's a week for cooking oil adventures. Rinsing a few dishes before heading out - the casserole with chicken grease provided quite a splash onto the knit top I was going to wear today. Grrrr. Have set that shirt to rest with spots of dish soap on the affected areas and am dressed again. No more dishes before heading out the door.

I missed the trash this morning, I had only a tiny bag to go but it has the wrapper from chicken - so - stinky soon. Out to the can it goes until early next week.

There are several things that need listing on the free groups, but I list them when I have a couple of days at home, it's easier to put stuff on the porch just ahead of arrival that way. Better than to tell someone where I live but I won't be home until whenever to put the items out.