BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Sep 10 - 01:33 AM

An hour into the auction there have been a lot of looks and 2 watchers. (This could be our folks, but the number of looks is a good sign). Fingers crossed this one is popular. I did send a link to it to Marsha Collier on Twitter. We spoke about the bear sale. Told her this one ought to be a little easier to sell. ;) Might be a few of her Twitter followers who looked in.

Cinnamon tore her plastic bootie off this evening out in the yard. When I called them in for the night it was kind of dirty and chewed, but still intact. We'll see if it can go a couple of more days. :-/

Night, all.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Sep 10 - 12:19 AM

I think the challenge, and charm, of selling on eBay is discuss the importance of the item, including its history (provenance), and make the case for why someone would want to buy it. Most people just put the item up, list a few specs, and leave it at that. Maybe they don't know more. But even if I list something I picked up in a garage sale, I pick it up because I know something about it. I don't sell a huge volume, it isn't a business for me, and mostly it is family items. For me, I think the bid prices and the success at selling comes with the story people get when they read the auction. I have managed to sell things that don't sell in other people's auctions, and I think this is why.

The perfume bottle I sold a couple of years ago is a good example - I had to do the research to learn about it so I could get the attention of interested bidders by giving it the correct keywords. Contacting perfume bottle collectors didn't hurt either. The thing I heard from the people I communicated with: "I've heard about that bottle." It was so rare they'd never seen it. That's why I left the photos up on my Photobucket page, because if someone else decides to try to research the bottle again, they'll find information about it.

It's actually pretty interesting about the development of these hearing aids. This is the second generation of electric audible assistance, just one remove from the ear horn. Because it is Art Deco it is a work of art, and I hope that gives value to this item. It's also something that would tend to have been discarded as a used medical device. So this one might be unusual at this point in time.

It's my hope that someone who is an audiologist or some related field collects devices that represent the history of the field. Like [name the profession, i.e., firefighters] collect old helmets, postcards, ads, etc. By working at taking good photos I need to help them see the possibilities. But that's how you sell anything that people don't really need, isn't it?

Gotta wrap things up, get ready for work tomorrow. I did laundry, made bread, there's a 1/2 chicken and two nice chicken burritos in the fridge, and some other things for meals this week. Lots of canned and frozen goods. I'm coasting up to payday with lots of stuff in the freezer and pantry. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 10:55 PM

SRS, my Rog thinks that should be in an auction house sale...he's very impressed and thinks it could go for a lot. It would be a perfect museum piece, as you said. Good luck with it..the photos are great.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 10:45 PM

Though adjusting my HRT has the same tedious aspect of taking a fair amount of time, I keep my fingers crossed that I don't end up with thyroid problems. My mother had them.

I listed the antique hearing aid on eBay this evening. Here's an arty photo I used for the listing photo. And I added a ton others (linked from photo bucket - you should find them all here.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 09:16 PM

YOU be well, too MariGold!:-){{{{{HUGS}}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 08:49 PM

Had a weird thyroid day - overactive again and will be adjusting the meds for months. ARGGGHHHH! Nonsense compared to some of your illnesses but after twenty years of the ups and downs, they wear me out.
People ask why my head is shaking - a bit like Katherine Hepburn but nowhere near as regal. My hands shake. Cold sweats - like eternal menopause.
Rant and whine over...
A young guy at work was involved in a nasty accident on Friday. He is always looking longingly at my homemade chicken salad so I made a bunch to take to work tomorrow - white meat chicken with curry, pineapple and walnuts. Hopefully he will be in and up to eating.
Then I looked at the broth and thought if I don't do domwthing with it now, I may as well give it to the cats. So now I also have a supply of individual servings of lentil soup. Manic can be good.
Laundry done too.
Cancelled out of a Gordon Bok concert. No way I could have sat still for two hours. Maeve, Jacqui and Kendall were going. Gordon and Carol had dinner with them.
Hope I can sleep tonight. I really hate this.
Sorry - now the whine really is over. Pass the cheese.
Be well all.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 06:59 PM

We had an unexpected (but lovely) visitor today!!! Later we canned 18 quarts of pears!!!   I never had canned pears before and it turns out it's easy easy!!! Messy...but easy!   :) I also did 4 loads of laundry....it's all washed, dried and folded but I still have to put it all away. At the moment, Pete and I are relaxing in front of the television watching Seinfeld reruns and having popcorn while Jeremiah naps in his room.

Can I just say that I love canning? It makes me feel really good to be doing something that my family will enjoy when the weather turns cold. And to make it even better....an afternoon of excellent conversation with my husband while we were up to our elbows in pear goo! :)

Sins....sounds like you've been busy! Wish I lived near Maeve to lend a hand. And Kat....EXCELLENT news about your walk! It feels GREAT to be outside walking, doesn't it? If someone had told me last February that I'd be out walking a few miles and enjoying the sunshine and pushing a baby stroller up hills....well....it would have just depressed the hell out of me...never thought it would happen. YAY for walks outside in the fall sunshine!!!

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 04:30 PM

AuntieSins, I tried to get a video of him "composing" new music, yesterday, but he didn't want to "make a movie" so maybe next time, esp. after his bow is re-haired and he can give me more of a concert.:-)

That is REALLY good news about maeve and TL!!

Well, we woke up not sure of what we were going to do, today, except for the usual. I was a bit tired and not ready to get moving, even after breakfast, so I asked Rog to take me for a ride up on the palisades where there are a lot of orchards and vineyards. Usually we just go, drive, come back, no stopping. This time, I asked him to be sure to stop at a wildlife viewing area hiking trail, when we got to it. Whilst riding I took a lovely little nap. The day is gorgeous, bright famous Colorado sunshine, slight breeze whispering in the trees, birds and crickets singing away. We got to the trail, I put the O2 bag on my shoulders like a backpack, put the leash on the dog, and off we went. I managed a good 15 minute hike down a very steep trail and back up! I didn't know if I'd ever be able to such a thing, again, in my life. Before surgery and these past five years have been such a struggle with poor muscle tone and feet I couldn't walk on for so long. I am thrilled to bits I was able to do this AND without having to catch my breath at all. The only thing that stopped me, for just a few seconds, was my leg muscles hurting a little bit, but it was a good hurt, the kind that tells you, you are USING those muscles and it feels like PROGRESS.:-)

We then came home, I got a recipe book wooden holder my granddad made out of the office. Washed it up and decided I wanted to put it on the kitchen counter. There was no room, so I cleaned out two shelves under the counter, closest to the washer/dryer, the catchall shelves where all kinds of things get thrown for storage. They are deep and dark.*bg* I found a bag with two new dropcloths and a bunch of new sponge paintbrushes (those shutters WILL get painted!), a bag of clothespins, various cleaning supplies, spray paint, and a few other things. Some of it was boxed up and taken to storage for a yard sale or giveaway. I washed down the shelves and stacked things back, including a plastic drawer unit I bought earlier this year for the counter clutter! So, it is now tucked on the easier to reach shelf, the laundry detergent is put off the counter to the shelf, also and we can actually find stuff now. Plus I can now display my granddad's handiwork even though I never use my cookbooks.:-)

But, wait, there's more! I asked Rog if we had any shelving in storage from when we had more bookcases up and if we did, if he'd put them up in the office. I need to empty my desk back there and need shelves for Etsy/ebay stuff until it sells. By now it was getting close to lunchtime and usually Rog has Sunday afternoon OFF from honey-dooze, etc. He was sweet enough to find some shelves, then:

We went to the hardware store
To get the metal things
To mount on the wall
Which hold the brackets
Which hold the shelves
Which Rog found!

Phew! Then, he put them up for me! So, I will be able to empty my desk, get things more organised and begin to make jewellery again as I will have the desk space to do so.

Here it is almost 230p and time to play a bit, maybe sweep a little and take it easy. Rog is chuckling over something in 2nd Life and life is good. I am very proud of us both, today!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 04:08 PM

I'll be re-running the ad tomorrow for Wednesday's ad paper, apparently; just got news that another landlord beat us to sign up these great kids.

But the room is ready, and there is a possibility that Jess will take us up on Room #2 when Matt goes back to VA after he graduates.

C'est la vie!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 02:31 PM

SINS, sounds like you saved up for a while, and thanks for sharing the progress report at maeve's homestead. It's a great pleasure to think they will have a safe warm place for the winter after more than their share of the elements! Your own trip should be a lot of fun also. Where is East Aurora? My Google Maps says it's east of Buffalo, NY. Is that correct?

I spent time working on my son's room. I pace myself, a little at a time. Since he's away for a while I took the opportunity to strip the bed and wash everything so it'll be fresh when he comes back. I made the bed this morning (you know how tough it is to put one of the really stretchy mattress pads on a queen-sized bed by yourself? You end up spread-eagled holding the first two corners down with your feet as you stretch for the last two). I found a plastic tumbler under his bed that I thought was lost two years ago. And tons of scraps of paper, little bits from boxes unpacked from the computer construction, and tons of dust. As a friend of mine says "someone is coming or going." :)

My kitchen is looking lovely, and I rearranged some shelves in the fridge. I have two large plastic holders for produce, but when they're stacked on each other I can't see the contents of the bottom. I separated them each to their own shelves. Next time I'm over at the Container Store I'll pick up the next size smaller. When it's just me here I don't need as much produce, but I would like to separate the fruits from the veggies.

I've taken some new closeup shots of the hearing aid. I found a good color contrasting paper and was close enough that you can't see the edges or the curve in the paper behind the items. This provides a more artistic view of this art deco hearing aid case. I figure if the bidders can visualize this as an artistic item, that will help raise the bids. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 02:02 PM

New 30 minute limits at work keep me out of Mudcat during the week.
Update:
The sunroom is full of boxes about to go out to the shed to clear some space. The garden chairs used for concerts are in the basement reducing living room clutter. All linens are clean and ready for the Getaway tenants due to arrive in two weeks - WHOO WHOO.
Yesterday, Jacqui and I delivered the bulk of my VHS collection to Maeve and True Love.
Talk about de-clutter. They have unearthed four more feet of the house remainings. It is astonishing to see the amount of work they have done. And both are markedly happier than I have seen them in a long time - they see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Jacqui and I had the best time touring the grounds, seeing what is going where, meetng the new chickens - the baby roosters are a riot, surveying plants and orchards and the Phoenix rising.With luck, they will be safe and warm in their new home before the snow flies.
A wonderful day. We are so lucky to have these two in our lives.
As to Morgan's "concert', I have been privileged to see his song and dance routine. This young man is very special. Imagine knowing at six when you are not hypered. LOL. Another treasure in Auntie SINS' life.
My best news - my family is paying for me to fly to East Aurora and spend Thanksgiving with the nieces and nephews and great nephews. Hotel included. I am thrilled.
Life is very good.
"God bless us everyone" heh heh

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 12:41 PM

Michelle, I forgot to mention that a few weeks ago Poppy did the same kind of thing as your dog. She started limping, wouldn't put the foot on the ground. I couldn't find an injury, swelling, displaced bone, etc. I watched her for a few days and after about a week she was running on it like nothing happened. I suspect she simply sprained or pulled a muscle in some of her running around or jumping, and the vet wouldn't have been able to do anything. So don't feel compelled to rush to the vet right away - close observation is a reasonable approach (especially if the vet bill is going to sink the budget). Cinnamon had her recent toe surgery after giving her a few days to see if it would heal on it's own. (I had a similar injury next to my thumb nail a while back and waited a lot longer to see the doctor - I guess that means I'm treating the dogs better than myself!)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 12:35 PM

I wish I had something to can this year. The tomatoes were a wash and I always freeze the peppers and dry the herbs. I've been getting okra and popping that into the freezer if I don't give it away. The next door neighbor has been picking it (I grew it for her) and every so often she tells me of finding enough to take it home and cook for lunch. That's the most fun way to use the garden - pick it and eat it now. Between the two of us we try to keep up with it - okra grows very fast.

Laundry is about set to run a load, and I've ironed all of the hankies that were in the special zipper laundry bag for delicate items. It's now filled with the batch needing laundering, along with the white cotton gloves I've been using more.

Good luck with the renters, Susan, and good luck with the paint, Virginia. I wish I'd used flat or matte on some of my walls; I used semi-gloss in several rooms and it looks pretty much like gloss. Andrea, I love your plans for the day!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 11:50 AM

Andrea,

Plan B sounds like a winner!!! Pete has been out in the garden this morning and has picked all the remaining corn...the end of it for this season. It's going to rain here too and I think it might be sooner than later so all outside work has been done for the day. The grill is on with some center cut pork chops, corn is boiling away and some broccoli rice is just about ready. Big lunch. Little dinner. That's the way we like it when we can!

Michelle

Subject: Secret Gardening
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 10:07 AM

Alli/Ani,

Last night I decluttered my overgrown backporch basil pots. Our kitchen windowsill has room for only two; the first of the "overflow" went to our fave restaurant and found a ready green thumb in the employ of the happy chef. They have sunny, empty space in need of eye candy-- not only for the rest but for any other herbs I can start, divide, and share. Win-win-win-WIN!

My Gifts are usually in "starting" and nurturing something meant for someone else to take over... in letting go so they can... and in spotting the time when they are actually ready to take it over. And I love starting plants.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 09:47 AM

Plan A was to pick, peel and slice a load of Bramleys, and start tha drying process. It's been bucketing down all day. So -
Plan B - stoke the fire up, drink coffee, and watch a series of documentaries on the history of mediaeval castles.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 09:29 AM

Ahhh yes. My kitchen is back to normal!!! Washed all the dishes by hand and have the dishwasher full of quart jars and running! First load of laundry, done!

:) Happy Sunday!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 08:24 AM

Today is gray and looking like rain....makes me glad that we went out yesterday! The laundry is already going and I have some work to do in the kitchen since I was too busy having fun yesterday!!! I have a bushel of pears sitting in the kitchen that are finally ripe enough to can. And then later today I am going to shred some zucchini (from the garden)to freeze for later use this winter. If I am still raring to go after all that, I do have some laundry from the last 2 loads to put away.

In other news, our cocker spaniel has hurt his front leg somehow and is limping. I've checked his paw and felt all around his leg and he doesn't wimper or cry or snap at any touch. Pete can't find anything either. If he doesn't seem better by tomorrow, we're going to have to take him to see the vet. C'mon Amos...buck up little camper. We love you!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 07:54 AM

Good thoughts that they will like the space at first glance are welcome.

Awoke with our end of the total agreement-- costs, living arrangements-- integrated thru strokebrain and sleep. Clipboard full of notes/questions/responses to their stated needs and offers. I'm relaxedly ready to propose/negotiate it ALL later today (right on schedule TBTG).

Lots of barters feasible with them, because of skill/interest matches discovered at dessert meeting last night.

They want to learn bulk cooking, with a health food twist, for starters. Matt is a serious bodger. I bet he paints walls, too.

Hardi's doubts appear to have vanished as well.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 02:54 AM

Why oh why didn't I check the type of paint before I started using it? I sent TSO to buy Dulux cornflower white, which he did. I neglected to tell him it should be semigloss. Now I have patches of matt paint on the semigloss.

Oh well. Only one wall exposed (no bookcases) so I will paint that today with the matt. May just do the hall too. Kitchen curtains laundered and ironed and back on pole. Waiting for TSO to hang, cuz I am too unsteady on step stool.

About a quarter of the ironing done from 5 am this morning. I woke with splitting headache and couldn't get back to sleep so have been working.

Yesterday I finished bathroom and kitchen which are now all sparkly.

Going to have rice krispies and a peach with skim milk and then back to ironing until TSO wakes. I need his help moving stuff in spare room before I finish painting.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 02:37 AM

Sounds like everyone had a good Saturday! I mowed the front lawn, which was a major effort (the mower kept lugging and died a few times in the thick moist grass), but it's finished and looks good. I'll trim tomorrow.

Still working on the eBay listing, I'll put it up tomorrow. I think if I can market this correctly it should bring in a nice amount.

Kitchen is cleaned up, chicken in the fridge, bread in the box. Each had a sample taken by me. Both are good. I have some boiled eggs and I'll set up for salads and quesadillas for this week.

The dogs are here, as ever over the last few days, waiting for me to go to bed so they can go sleep on that rug beside my bed. I guess I'll adjourn and they can tag along to the next carpet. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 10:11 PM

For a closer look at where we went walking today, look here: Rattlesnake Rock Section of Rails to Trails

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 10:01 PM

Matt and Jessica are even more awesome than I thought/hoped/prayed. Showing space and doing negotiations over logistics tomorrow, 3:30.

Feels so right.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 08:40 PM

Awwww....a concert!!!! That was sweet of him!!! Having learned to play the violin at a young age, all I can say is that I hope your ears have stopped bleeding by now! ;)

We had a family day which I love. Today we went for a ride in the woods and stopped at the Rails for Trails, this time we stopped at Rattlesnake Rock and walked for a few miles. We did not see any bear, although later in the day we would hear from others on the trail that they had seen a bear and a cub. We did see 3 snakes, all garter snakes, two of them very large and fat!!!

After we made our way back to the start of the trail, we relaxed a bit in the shade...Jeremiah LOVING laying in the grass! At the next little village, we stopped at the general store and had pumpkin ice cream. I shared mine with Jeremiah (his first taste of ice cream which he LOVED) and at least half of it with Pete. It was good but kinda sweet for me so I was happy to share it. We took the long way home through the mountains where the leaves are starting to change. Now we are home, the baby is in bed, we've had an easy dinner of soup and grilled cheese with tomatoes from the garden and I've got my feet up. AAAAaaahhhhhhhhh!!!

It was a beautiful day for such a walk and I absolutely love being outside in the fall temperatures with my guys. <3

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 07:23 PM

We started out this morning, took back a couple of pieces of clothing I decided against, from the Goodwill, for refunds, then over the the health food store for figs, then to the major grocery store for the week's supply, or at least some of it. Came home, put it all away, had lunch, both started to settle down for some leisure time and the phone rang. "Mama, can I come over. I'm not...a, I'm not hyper or anything, I promise!" "Okay, Morgan, just for an hour or so."

Here he comes lugging a violin case with him. His mom finally got a student violin my sister gave her when she moved to Alaska, out of a closet for him and she put a new string on it. The bow needs re-hairing, badly, probably not more than 10-15 hairs on there and they are coming out rapidly. However, there's enough there for him to give me a "concert!" He wrote some more of his own compositions today and then "conducted" my playing them on the plucked psaltry which he refers to as a "harp."

In between Rog got the litter boxes done AND re-washed the shutters which I am determined to get painted this coming week. There are only four of them and I've had the paint since what, July or August?!

Fed Morgan a bit of supper, he likes MY fried eggs and nobody else's, and then Rog walked him home, 4.5 hours later. He has been a gem the past two days, so much fun, but still so much energy!

We will do the floors and scrub the bathroom tomorrow, then take the rest of the day off! Maybe go for a drive.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 06:47 PM

Took a large load of household recycling to my usual depot today - they were closed a couple of weeks ago and last week I was busy with a funeral. Today I pulled in and the drop off stuff (fridges, stoves, equipment, tools, etc) that people don't want was next to the bin. In the past they've let people pick up items if they could use them. I have a very nice metal set of shelves in my closet from there.

Today when I pulled a heavy restaurant aluminum stock pot out, the guy at the gate waved and said "no." Hmmmm. This was next to a stack of restaurant steam trays and stands. And then a guy brought by a 7 gallon air tank. It comes and goes very quickly there. I was on my phone to my friend who cooks a lot to describe the stuff when the "no" came. They're busy at the gate, did I mention that? I mentioned the tank, and he asked if it had a valve - his tank was missing one. So in the end I quickly slid the tank into the truck - I wasn't going to stand there and try to unscrew a valve - and one of the sets of steamer pans. These will go to my friend, who should be a chef somewhere. I recently saw a blog where a woman runs cooking classes in her home, limit of six, $50 each. He could do this no problem. If he gets the house into shape to have people in.

Other than a touch of larceny (recycling!), I have been working on the listing of this antique hearing aid. I have an advertising pamphlet for it also that had been tucked into the case. I'll list these together, but I'll make a big point that there are two important items in the auction, the device and the ad. It really can be quite interesting (and time consuming) to do this research, but when I look at this art deco piece, I can easily see it going in the twentieth-century decorative arts exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. I love to go look at that exhibit of household items that all have a function but the form is so creative and original. I'll link to the auction once I have it up.

Making bread, roasting a chicken today. Cooking for a few days ahead. I'm making enough to have leftovers to use for a few days (but no so much that I can't stand to eat it all just to finish it. Chicken can go into lots of things, for example. But a large casserole is basically a large casserole. All. Week. Long.)

I'll set up the bread machine, then go mow. I've left it till it cooled a little but before the mosquitoes are out. They're awful this year.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 02:28 PM

Thanks, but no, I sat in it for over an hour ydy with no adverse results, and the bugs are not really in our area yet.

The chair IS suffering from a cat infestation-- both it (and the matching sofa I left for others) have the backs shredded pretty well, but a staple gun and tinfoil will fix THAT.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mg
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 01:59 PM

If the chair you picked up is upholstered, I would sure check for bedbugs. I would also establish bedbug policies when talking with any potential tenants..such as what can be brought into the house..a quarantine area for any freecycle or yard sale stuff etc....they are spreading like wildfire. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 11:43 AM

Ani/Alli,

Up to warp speed now... just got off the phone with "tenant's" dad. She isn't a "tenant," any more. Many connections I had not spotted... They are now people I can honestly say are our friends. That has significant and specific meaning in these parts. The lines marking that road are fairly narrow.

Gosh he had some great questions to be sure his little girl would be taken are of right. What a great dad. Letting her go and fly, but not letting go of the hand she still puts into his. Not confrontationa], either, just.... right. I love the people here!

So the main need now is cleaning of the shared spaces to show Sunday afternoon. She says she will clean for "rent rebates," but no woman I know wants to take on another woman's mess from the gitgo unless there is serious illness, without super-bucks, plus Jess will be busy moving and settling in. I just got off the phone with a friend who knows someone who will do a 2-hour blitz on those shared spaces AND happily wait the two weeks it will take mt to pay her unless we get a deposit on the room.

That deposit is slated to complete remaining expenses to open the room for occupancy, and the cleaning lady's blitz just fits.

The young man up the road who helps us will be here at 2:30 (I'll rush home from a funeral), to carry the heavy stuff down from the attic (and the heavy shop vac the cleaner will need). Luke will also brig in the great FREE chair we got off the parkway Friday. I rode home from a colleague event in it ydy and need it in the LR! I hurt!


We will start Monday in a clean, tidy downstairs (I'm doing the loo myself), for me and Hardi, AT LAST.

It's been a series of bad messes since vacay return-- and WAY too much ministry to deal with most of it.

But we MIGHT be able to paint the LR this fall after all. Bye-bye weird bird wallpaper (see Gathering pix)! You are on our way OUT!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 11:32 AM

Beginning day three of a dog with a bandaged foot. It was a little cooler this morning, but still quite muggy. We had a little friskiness once out in the yard, but I think the weather will keep her quiet most of the day. I'm tempted to sew a little dog boot out of some leftover cordura (backpack) nylon and take her for a short walk.

It's supposed to hit 95 today, so fall isn't in the air yet. It does cool a little more at night, that's why the grass is wet with dew, so I'm letting that dry before I mow. My neighbor mowed last night (he'd been out of town so I didn't mow while he was away - easier to let both lawns grow inconspicuously tall than to have one tall and one short to advertise someone is out of town. It's either that, or mow his lawn when I mow my own.) That said, the light is pretty as we get into the autumn end of the calendar. I need to mow and trim then take some photos of the yard.

There's lots to do beyond mowing, but rather than making a list, I'll just report if I got much done today. :)

Liz, I hope you pace yourself with those birthday chocolates. Then you can give yourself some accountability credit under the heading "it could be worse."

Virginia, you're getting a lot accomplished! Your work on the camper reminds me that I want to wash the truck again (what? twice in one year?) to knock off some of the dust from the desert. And I need to rearrange stuff in the garage - one of these years I will have enough of the clutter out of there or all arranged in one area so I can use the workbench and reach tools and saws while the truck is still in the garage. I have an oil radiator so I have a vision of eventually being able to work out there in the winter. For now, when I need to work I move the truck out into the driveway.

Better get moving. My cuppa tea has brewed long enough.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 11:26 AM

Ummm, SRS, I really don't think it'd be a good idea if you slept in the garage.**bg**

We're off to do our usual Saturday errands, plus I am trying to get Rog to agree to cleaning up the driveway and backyard by doing a "dump run."

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 10:28 AM

Animaterra,

One of the references on this Room rental-thing asked me a perfectly reasonable question yesterday, and I found myself floundering to fish up a cogent summary of the MANY uses this space has had, other than our own personal use of it. "Have you rented this room before?" Between strokebrain... and the non-traditional occupancies most folks would not understand without significant explanation sometimes involving confidential ministries... I was left with, "Oh.... it's been re-invented more times than I could list, right off."


So this AM I took some time to list out, "translate," and organize it, like this:

In the two rooms we are now allocating as September-July sublets, the rooms have been set up for/hosted in the past:

<> Month-long and briefer occupancies for local individuals and couples (parishioners, etc.);
<> Vacationing musicians (I listed them for myself to mind me of applicable anecdotes)
<> Large musicians' weekend gatherings, incl one family of 5;
<> House-sitters and pet-sitters for our annual, month-long summer vacations;
<> One adult on a longterm job search (6 months);
<> Extended visits from family members (I listed them for myself to mind me of applicable anecdotes);
<> Band office for songbook publications/arranging music (Susan);
<> Acoustic jam sessions (monthly Porch-Picking)
<> A home office for the Red Cross chapter I directed, where I drafted most of our policy/procedure manuals.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 08:46 AM

Glad things are looking up, Tam. Now, be sure not to overdo. Slow and steady does the trick.

====

Here is where room status and negotiations stand as we begin to let go of our much-loved summer "palace" to become a starter home for the "kids" with whom I hope to close the deal tomorrow:

Jessica and Matt,

... got up early this morning; all the things I was discouraged about last night, up in the room, were easily knocked out in an hour and a half. It will never be "done," but now I can move on to the shared areas I want to show you on Sunday.

Jessica, our agreement with past occupants has always been to leave the space broom-clean, and sometimes they do! :~) As we have been repairing things and removing vac-clogging debris as we go, it's almost up to that level now. :~) Your references all say how clean you keep your home. So-- shall I leave the vacuuming, dusting, and window-washing to you in exchange for a free week after Matt leaves, and can Matt carry up the shop vac or upright you will need? (The electric broom up there is only good for routine maintenance-cleaning.)

Past occupants have left things they expect to find when they come back in July. I will trust your "nose" to set out anything offensive that ought to go to the trash or our camper-- which they also use. I no longer trust my sense of smell (mostly meds issues). This also means we will Febreze the space for you once it's clean, if you want.

Matt, I have a few items still to to carry down, and a ceiling light-globe we broke to sweep up, but the only other jobs left up there just need a tall person to put up a couple of small, lightweight things and a skinny one to tack down some things on the floor. Are you able to help me with those? I do not fit either criteria, LOL.

I was just given some nice scrap carpet to cover the stairway treads and little landings-- to make them quieter and nicer-- but that would not require access into the room as far as I know. I do not expect to get that done before Sunday (my hubby reminded me at bedtime of a big funeral this afternoon), so you will find the stairway broom-clean.

Furniture and locks-- the black cube/hassock isn't up back there yet. (See the space first and decide it you want that.) If you are not bringing a small microwave I will get one out of your deposit. We can decide together what you want for locks and we will install them. Any other furniture you want up there that will actually fit in the narrow stairway-- please know that I might be interested in bartering for it, to keep for the room after you vacate.


Looking forward to meeting you both! See you later tonight,

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 08:09 AM

caravan is now ready for winter except for outside wash which we will do in a couple of weeks

spare room has 1st coat paint

bathroom and kitchen are getting everything moveable removed for dust and scrub

oven to be steam cleaned

intervals of lying down with feet and legs elevated to battle the gravity monster causing serious edema

since doc stopped the blood pressure medicine rash is starting to clear up.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 02:34 AM

Still here, have decluttered a lot of crud (hence too busy to post here) but have cluttered up life with another year of it... so am busy decluttering the chocolates that came with it. Consequently, the accountability has gone out the window.

Working on some sewing commissions that mean I have to spend almost every spare moment hand sewing (for a re-enactment fan, it has to be authentic, so hand sewing is the thing. Why can't she be doing World War One instead of Waterloo... bloody Waterloo came less than 20 years after the invention of the sewing machine so the general populace didn't have access). The yellow quilt is on standby for that reason, but it will be done by Christmas and I have just succeeded in cluttering up the house further by taking on a jelly roll quilt competition entry, designing a quilt made with 1 jelly roll of fabric. I may cheat and use 2, making 2 quilts.

Anyway... off to declutter the lungs now, singing for a wedding.

Enjoy the day!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 01:54 AM

Set a chair on the kitchen counter to stabilize those antique family photos that I stood up and then photographed with the flash set to bounce off of the ceiling. Hoping to avoid the glare of the direct flash. I'll spend time tomorrow cluttering Moonglow's email with photos to help with costume design.

The dogs are taking to this coming in at night real well. But since they're so unaccustomed to being in the house for long, when I get up to do any small thing, they tag along, to see if what I'm doing is dog-related. They're on the floor behind me now, asleep. Even though I'm up because the lights are on, they're in the habit of heading to the garage to sleep after dark. I should follow their lead!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 06:33 PM

Google search on "small strokes blog". Actually, not a bad enterprise at all. You'd be in good company.

Headed to the library to take photos. I'd rather hang out and enjoy a full weekend here at the house. Friday night always sets the pace for the weekend. Bit of a decadent dinner before I go: bacon and eggs. This weekend I'll roast a chicken and get a few of the usual ingredients around that I use for various dishes. Fried rice, quesadillas, sandwiches, etc.

The dogs just enjoyed a roll-scratch-and-tickle session with me in the back yard. Every day is Saturday for them!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 05:52 PM

Refrence checks going well, more from fiancee tomorrow.

And no I do not want to clutter up my online life with one more blog! I'm drowing in several I mod for the parish and friends!

I want to get this DONE and move on to something ELSE, and Jessica and Matt can start a Great Landlady blog if THEY like.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 03:37 PM

And thank you for the well wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:)

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 03:31 PM

Well. I half listened to my body. I took care of the truck business and groceries in town and then came home. I decided the breadmaker can wait. I use mine frequently but we will survive just fine over the weekend with store bought bread. Lately I've been using my breadmaker just about every other day. I've only ever made bread and pizza dough with mine but would LOVE to learn how you make pita bread!!!

I wish I had known my breadmaker was giving out as I'm sure I saw some breadmakers this summer at a few yard sales. It's ok, it's one thing I don't mind paying a little extra for. I've got my eye on an Oster for about $60.00....normally it runs $89.99. I actually had purchased a breadmaker this spring and it worked beautifully...ONCE. After that first use the power would not come on. I have no idea what happened but had saved the receipt so I took it back. Too bad. I bought it because my old breadmaker looked like Hell. Paint peeling off the outside, etc....but it was still working so I decided just to stick with that. I guess that time has now passed.
   I do think I have a bug and I know that Jeremiah also has it. We are staying in. Resting. Taking it easy. I'm seriously hoping it's a 24 hour thing because I want to hit the trail tomorrow and it's supposed to be a BEAUTIFUL day!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 03:23 PM

Michelle, I see bread machines at garage sales regularly, usually priced from $5 to $10. I'd start there. I picked up a DAK one recently that looked like it had hardly been used. (DAK was a catalog, Drew A. Kaplan, sold nifty stuff. His machine is made by Welbuilt. I think Sears has those. It's a sturdy machine.) This latest machine is for one of the kids one of these days. I have a couple of my own (yes, that does mean I have 3 bread machines). Mine have been used so much that I figured giving one to the kids it would be nicer to have a less used one. I now don't make bread often, maybe once every couple of weeks. I'm going to start freezing half the loaf. I make pizza dough and make small personal crusts I lightly bake and freeze, and I make pita bread, usually a half batch so I end up with about 6, to go with a batch of baba ghanoush or hummus.

I have two machines because one was mine and one was my father's. And there are times when I have them both set up - Thanksgiving, for other celebrations, I'll make rolls or pizza dough, etc. enough to feed a crowd. I always set it on the manual setting so when it finishes mixing and kneading I take it out and shape it or pit it in the pan I want. I used to make bread the old fashioned way before I had these machines, so I understand well the science and chemistry that goes into good bread or other dough. These are a great tool to speed things along.

I have some public library materials due today, so am ripping two recorded books (Nero Wolfe stories) to load onto my mp3 player. I'll drop it off on my way to my other library tonight. I was also folding laundry, organizing the freezer some, piddly stuff, but now I'm at work, this is a late night with a lecture at my library this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 03:19 PM

SRS, you are so good at creative solutions and helpful, too. Great suggestions!

Michelle, it has been my experience that my body is trying to *tell* me something when it is trying to ward off a bug or whatever. When it does, I do well to listen. Were I you, I'd stay in today...giving my bod a rest so that it can stay healthy and ahead of the game.:-) Just my take. Happy finding a breadmaker, etc. regardless.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 02:24 PM

Hope you feel better soon, Michelle. And I hope you found a good breadmaker - mine's a Panasonic, but as there's only me, it doesn't get a lot of use.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 12:23 PM

Of course the "ah ha!" moment came after I hit send. Your blog could be
the Small Strokes Landlady blog. Play on words. All those small
touches you're working on, and the memory process to keep track of
them. People might actually find that very useful - small strokes are
no laughing matter, and you might find a lot of folks traveling the
same road who want to follow your progress.

Just a thought. Keep your chin up, but watch your feet when you're on those stairs.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 12:17 PM

Susan, you need a Landlady Blog running somewhere, where you can go back and edit one list if you want instead of having to repost a new iteration, and a place to post photos of close details, before and after shots, the details you can't add to Mudcat where we can do some html but not to add photos (alas). Have you looked at Wordpress or Blogger? They give you a fair amount of space in the free accounts. On my blogs I link photos from other free sites (I use Photobucket and Picasa for a lot of photos).

I never figured out what you thought was hilarious in this post, but context is everything. Maybe folks following your blog would have taken the meaning from it? One note of caution - JessicaR may or may not be happy to be quoted or cited here at Mudcat or in the blog, so you might need to make some of that detail pretty generic.

Didn't get my mowing done this morning. I'll do it tomorrow. Gotta go pick the okra before it reaches the moon, though. Must do that at least daily. I mowed a small patch of grass last night so I could move some bags of topsoil that will give me greater access to a weedy spot at the bottom of the garden (I stopped when I got attacked by another mosquito - they're viscous this fall!) I'll at least get those bags moved today so I can mow more easily tomorrow.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 11:31 AM

Up and sick during the night....probably just a bug or something I ate at the church potluck that isn't sitting well with me....still...there's the fear that it's a signal of something more. I'm heading to the clinic next week to have my port flushed so if it continues, I'll seek help.

I have errands to run today....paying for our truck that has been in the shop recently and then on to some groceries. I have the dishes done, laundry gathered and floors swept. Then it's on out of town in search of a decent breadmaker. Mine bit the dust and it's something I use A LOT. Funny how most places don't put them out until around Christmas time. I do have a coupon for 20% at a store that does have the breadmakers in stock....so that's a bonus. I'd really rather stay home today and get over whatever is making me feel kinda gross but I'd rather have the weekend at home (or on the trail) with my honey than going grocery shopping then.

Onward.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 08:33 AM

Excerpt from most recent email to tenant applicant we will meet tomorrow over dessert:

...please know that the whole reason I rent this room out is so I can afford a cleaning lady to do what my ministry schedule and health issues preclude me from doing to my own satisfaction, much less yours, LOL.... if you rent here, you will see your deposit reflected first in the kitchen you will probably want to use after she deep-cleans it!

I used to manage a cleaning service, but you will see a work in progress, here. I hope you will balance your first impressions with your love for your cat! :~)


To be fair, I want to propose that before you agree to anything here, you spend a little time up there just hanging out to see if the space steals your heart and is meant to be yours. You will probably have good ideas for improvement. It's prettiest in the western sun, I think, so will Sunday afternoon work for you? Then I can follow you back to the trailer to meet Felix le Marmaladus, and let him smell our critters on me?

Also please know that one of the reasons I like to handle things in email is because I am also recovering from a few small strokes that affect my short-term memory. Do not ever be shy about taking me back to a prior email, if I seem not to recall a detail-- I probably don't have it in longterm memory yet.


~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 08:14 AM

Sounds like GREAT planning. That old house will be in good hands!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 06:14 AM

Yes it is the one you linked to and I only have the one door!

I've just booked a surveyor to go next Wednesday, and I'll see what horrors he uncovers. The listing means there are certain things I am not allowed to do to it. However, I am not the sort of person who goes ripping out original features! The front door is original, with the old iron door furniture on it. The architraves round the doors are about 3 inches wide! I am expecting problems - old houses are an ongoing piece of work - but I feel up for it... as long as they don't tell me I have to pull down the existing extension! The planned bigger one isn't necessary for me, and I suddenly realised that if I knocked down what was there it would leave no taps or toilet facilities for the duration! This would mean moving out and renting. Both my daughter and the agents said to just live in the place for a couple of years, and then decide whether or not it needs extending. At that point I can get plans done which suit my needs, rather than what the current owners had drawn up, probably to help sell the property (which it didn't). At the moment the cost of doing it wouldn't increase the value of the property by enough to merit the work. It's going to need a new heating system, and a fair bit of exterior work as regards pointing the stonework and repairing weather damage to it.

I have no family as such there, but my sister in law has a holiday home about 20 miles away, which she visits quite frequently. The lure is the nearby gorgeous Northumberland beaches, castles, and relatively easy links up to Edinburgh and Scotland. To get down here, I drive out of Belford, turn onto the A1 highway, and keep going for about 2 and a half hours. I then drive one junction up the M62, and I'm back. Not a complicated route - just tedious.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 12:43 AM

DETAILS, ELECTRICS

Electric update for those following (and my records). Got some great contractor advice at the store, and bought smart.

In the extension cords (correctly rated) that reach from outlets to lamps and clock radio, the joins are all totally away from footstep areas. None are in areas that will get heat accumulation, and I have insulated (rated) staples to tap in that will not compress the cords, etc., or allow them to be moved about.

Where the cord crosses a doorway (no choice) I have a heavy (rated) raceway like you see in offices to sagfeguard cords that run across walkways.... which will also help insulate the drafty bottom of the door, and be screwed into place as a threshold. It used to be in use that way in the main house, for the sailboats room that no longer has working outlets (casualty of fire in 2000; the fixers forgot to rewire that room, LOL, so it's little lamp runs off the outlet one room away.)

At the ext cord joins I have added baby-proofing outlet covers for "open" sections, and then electricians' tape to secure those in place, with tape also holding the plug in the extension cord, for the one thing (i.e. supplied lamp) the ext. cord runs. I put a telltale inside the tape so I will know if anyone tampers with it.

Off one of two open outlets that stay powered-- even when the master wall-switch is flipped turning off all the lights-- will be the oil rad. That rad will be set up on a rated extension cord, so the tenant can roll it to seating areas as needed. (That is the outlet that runs our AC in the summer, and it has never overheated, or had any issues.)

There is a special sooper dooper babylock I can add to keep that rad cord permanently plugged in. That way no one but the landlady can unplug the rad and instead plug in a multi-outlet tap-- like if they want to plug in more stuff WITH the rad that will only pop the circuit-breaker far away in the locked basement.

Across the room, the other always-on outlet will be set up to run the clock radio. If they prefer to leave the laptop plugged in there, charging, there is a battery-operated alarm clock; but the clock radio also plays CDs so the tenant can decide what they want there. That outlet will hold the new outlet-strip with built-in circuit-breaker for blowdryer, shaver, etc..

Oh and I took out the AC myself. Hardi will bring it down tomorrow.


I have one set of cords left to tape up, a mirror to mount with construction adhesive/clips, and curtains (already on curtain rods) to hang on the hardware Hardi installed for me tonight (screw anchors). Cut and install stairway-landing carpet, put one or two last bulky things under a bed, give it all a good cleaning... photograph and I'm DONE-- and back to the main house, just on schedule.

~Susan