BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: GUEST,LilyFestre
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 07:32 AM

Too cloudy to see anything here either except the faintest of reds which could have been the eclipse or the flaming off of one of the nearby gas wells.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 11:44 AM

Things at MY house are SO f**ked up.... but "I wanna be an unf**ker," as the YouTube song goes. TBTG the one item I had to charge online went via PayPal so I did not have to dig up the actual plastic. My Santee should get her item by the end of Crimmistide, and for our stuff I MAY catch up by the end of the 12 days of Christmas, but this looks to be one of those Xmas-in-Feb. years at our house. Painting the LR now seems like a nightmare, not a dream.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 12:36 PM

I stumbled out of the bedroom for my morning tea thinking "I wonder what the kitchen looks like?" I set the convection oven to soak, but all of the food was put away and the dishes had been washed. I have a lot of food in the fridge, so I hope my son comes by occasionally for a hot turkey sandwich. That's what I'm planning for me for lunch.

This occasion was just different enough, food-wise (ham and turkey, for example, and roast veggies instead of mashed potatoes) that it wasn't just a late Thanksgiving. I had several chilled bottles of Martinelli's sparkling cider, and I picked up a couple dozen plastic snap-together plastic wine glasses at the restaurant supply. There was a gale of laughter when my son returned from a trip to the kitchen with a tumbler and proceeded to pour himself a larger amount of the cider. A dinky 4 ounces at a time was too slow for him!

Moonglow has been making some hats, and there was a poignant moment late in the evening when we talked about her project. I remarked that one of our friends at dinner had tried to teach her to knit. "But Deanna taught me to crochet, and this is the needle she gave me." Deanna was the friend who committed suicide in September and her project was transformed into a sort of personal ceremony. There are some tools I use in sewing, in cooking, and such, that still remind me of the person (often a parent) who taught me how to use it, and there is a small moment of pleasure tinged with sadness that they're gone. And a reminder that we need to pass along their memory with stories about those activities.

I need to get some actual work done today, but I'll go check in for progress reports on Spaw and on maeve's house. Interesting reading!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 02:18 PM

Oh happy day! I just love the solstice. Now the days are getting longer. This alone got me out of bed a number of years ago when nothing else would. So today, I keep thinking of it and am starting to move again, as though I have been jump started!

Finding places in the kitchen and laundry room for all the wonderful food from the shed - brought all the way from the state of Washington to Montreal. Tons of staples and wonderful herb teas, dried beans, and ---how much cocoa do two people need!!!!???? Oh my! Anyway, I will only need perishables for the next month!

Also found mending stuff and iron on patches and....So this is a wonderful treasure hunt. Of course now I have no excuse not to get to that mending but I also feel as though I WANT to! Also found a couple embroidery projects that could be finished while watching TV - a rare occasion, or visiting.

I looked to get some yarn out of the large plastic garbage can in which it has resided for years but I had not put on my boots and the snow was deep over there. Next time. I plan to focus on small, easily completed projects - hats and scarves- and mostly crocheted if my wrist will cooperate. I quit in 1972 when picking up the hook sent pain up my arm. I can knit in the movies as long as I keep it simple.

Feels so good to feel good after the last while. I believe I really was just hanging on for the solstice to get started again. Have to watch out for that next year. That is not really very helpful.

Guess I will have to make choc cake and cookies and... Not hot choc because we have a wonderful organic mix with chili and other spices in it; so good!

Going to a friend's open house Christmas Day; can take choc something and maybe some baklava. Maybe there is such a thing as chocolate baklava?? NAH, doesn't seem right but maybe a drizzle on some of it. I make everything with less sugar or honey than called for; no complaints.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maire-aine
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 02:43 PM

Too cloudy in SE Michigan to see the eclipse. I've decided that I'm just going to coast through the rest of the week until Christmas. The cards have all been sent, and no more shopping to do (very little at that) and no huge meal to prepare. Take care, everybody.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 05:59 PM

I've decided to go down to Yorkshire a day early, so now I only have tomorrow to blitz through this place prior to it being attacked by Freya next Monday.

I got the washing done today, but it's been a bit of a subdued day - my glands are a bit swollen, and I'm distinctly viral, plus they eventually held Ian's inquest this morning. A "narrative" verdict was recorded: the coroner read out the findings of the enquiry which, according to my lawyer, was a catalogue of disasters on the part of the coal company. There was no "accidental death" or "misadventure" verdict given, and it was very much obvious what had happened. He has to remain impartial, however, and also has no real authority in another country.

The cat's going to the cattery early Thursday morning, and I am going to get red lowlights put in my hair prior to braving the winter weather down the A1 again.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 12:10 AM

Andrea, I used to have a mix of highlights and lowlights in my hair, but the gray was showing through enough that we decided to switch to just lowlights so the gray kind of looks like the highlights part. :-/

It was up to at least 70 here today, and for the accountability portion of my report, this evening shortly after dark I took the girls for a lovely walk so we could look at some of the holiday lights. They still manage to find acorns in the street even in the dark, so were happy.

I've been photographing a card on a table with strategically placed antique ornaments and layering in a historic photo to make the old photo look like it is part of a modern card. Took me a few days to land on this approach after the others proved too difficult to manage with my fairly basic grasp of InDesign. I did the card in Photoshop instead. Here's what it looks like. I hope they like this one, it took me a while to get here, but I think it works. The background is dark on purpose, with the ornaments and brass lamp simply for a little atmosphere. The card is actually one my brother sent last year (here's the original).

Time to wrap this up.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 09:34 AM

Unf***ing--

We hit on a new strategy for moving Christmas gifting forward I will repeat (earlier) next year-- a table where we can't miss it, in an intersection in the house, where items can pile up till critical mass for jointly-done wrapping/shipping can occur. This year it's a card table in the front entryway, but next year it will be the DR table we seldom use but leave set with linens and silver to remind us not to junk it up-- whip off dusty linens/place settings at the start of Advent, let the items pile up there, and re-stage the table once the shipping is done with clean stuff for the private Christmas brekky / dinner we always squeeze in somedamnwhar.

Email to close friends is out and about. The table is full. The tape has been bought. Tonight is pack/wrap night. Hardi's legs are good. My Santee's stuff will go to the post office tomorrow along with distant-fam gifts. Today a local drop will be made where need is great. Hardi's gifts are on order and one here for Christmas opening. (It's so handy to have our anniversary a few days after Christmas!) I have BRAS I can WEAR!!! Life is good, after all.

KISS is a new motto. I also figgered out how to get info to doc ahead of appts (using existing tools), which will take care of the odd thing growing on my skin I found last night.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 06:29 PM

I need to unkink my neck and body. I have been hunched over three different computer keyboards today to create, save, and send the library holiday message. The card itself underwent some editing this morning, after the draft was sent yesterday. Putting the citation in the proper format, and shifting the font just a little on the card to make it more readable for older eyes.

Original 2009 card from my brother

Yesterday's first draft

Today's final card (without the table it was sent in - that had links to larger versions).

The first one was a little squashed, but the gray contrast looked better. I forgot to see if I could find a tweak for that today, but it will still fly.

Don't even ask how many hours this took.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 06:51 PM

Nice job, SRS. I did our cards the other night and sent them off with Rog after Morgan helped me put on the return labels and stamps.

I also did qi gong yesterday morning.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 11:45 PM

Preparing for another afternoon of cooking on Friday, as I work on consumable gifts. Empanadillas are a meat pie from Puerto Rico (and other Spanish regions) that have pork or chicken simmered in a sauce and then put in the pastry with olive and pimento and fried in shallow oil. I'll make a batch and send them over with the kids to their Dad's house for christmas eve. They can eat some and he can freeze the rest. This is his main gift this year. It's so difficult to buy for someone who can get what he needs during the year, but he can't buy these, not locally, anyway.

I shopped some today, and made the executive decision to get a couple of dog beds (they're on sale at Big Lots). These won't go in the garage dog cave - they'd tear them up as a game, but in the house in my room when they come in on really cold nights these can go on the floor and I won't have to put down several layers of towels (that still seem pretty un-cosy, as bedding goes). These are washable and will live on the trunk in my room.

Time to clear a couple of tables and get ready to do some sewing. I have a couple of projects to work on tomorrow.

Michelle, I saw those photos of Jeremiah on facebook. He is such a healthy happy looking little boy! Your christmas this year is going to be remarkable (he might get a little over-stimulated - that can happen, but other than that, let 'er rip!) And remember, the paper and the box (especially large ones) are more fun than the toys that come in them. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 01:45 AM

Oh that was the time the tree had to be a smaller one up out of reach on a table, and barricaded by chairs! (Michelle, you are now on the cusp of the "nail-everything-halfway-up-the-wall" stage!)

Wonderful memories! Alex cut his first tooth on Boxing Day by biting down hard on a new rattle.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 02:43 AM

I have a favorite photo of my children when my son was about 9 months old and my daughter just over 4 years. They had a plastic child's "shopping cart" and a cardboard box - he was sitting in the box like a canoe and she was loading up the cart with stuff. They were equally happy with their conveyances.

There is so much food in my fridge right now it's embarrassing. I need to drop some ham off at a couple of friends' houses. My shopping this evening, in addition to the food, included picking up another converter for my favorite keyboard - this one says " "Windows 7 ready." The other didn't, so maybe this one won't hit a wall every so often and stop sending the signal through. This IBM keyboard is so much easier to type on - the keys are each concave, your fingers don't slide all over the place. Fingers crossed this takes care of the problem.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 05:00 PM

Last night I picked up a different adapter for my keyboard - and this one gets it right. The other had a slight lag, and it would quit every so often. Happy the typist with the great keyboard!

Must get things wrapped and out of sight. Not sure what time kids will be around tomorrow, though they usually spend xmas eve with their Dad. And I have to double check my recipes for the next couple of days, to be sure I have everything I need.

How's it working out, holiday preparation-wise, for everyone?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maeve
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 05:13 PM

No Christmas preparations here. Lots of big plastic-wrapped pallets outside waiting to be turned into a home.

I wish the rest of you a joyful time with family and friends.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 06:31 PM

Gosh, Maeve, to me your yurt is the best Christmas of all! And the prep has been breathtaking! And your candlelight service a great way to celebrate.

I had a long talk today with Rob's toxic brother. His call and insistence: so I explained, somewhat tearfully, why I have trouble dealing with him and how I, too, am worried about R and have been trying very hard to get him out to do the things which bro thinks need to be done. As this is at least the 4th explanation over the last 18 months, I am hoping he actually heard me and that our Christmas can be less stressful. Last year's was dreadful due to him.

No prep other than concern about how to deal with the logistics. I hope the brothers can do something together Christmas eve and we can all go to a friend's open house on Christmas day. She too is a psychotherapist and willing to have J. There will be others as a buffer. I will take a special loaf of choc, cranberry from our favourite bakery. Maybe something else if I feel like cooking tomorrow.

Right now, I await Rob, already late for our trip to the Cafe for Christmas program (I really wanted to be on time tonight)-- He took his brother to pick up his car. ---because his brother was talking on his cell while driving without a license a few days ago. $1000 in fines and car was impounded. Sure, he was on his way to get his license... This is at least his second for using cell... They could not have done this two hours ago?? Am I frustrated?? Discouraged?? Will I let it go and keep on - SURE!

Yet one more stressful Christmas. Yes, I am down right now BUT I am so glad to hear about others' preps and family doings. You give me hope and something to hold on to. There are cheerful Christmases out there! I am thankful for your words of happy preps.

Maybe next year...

Thank you all and do have the best possible holiday season!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maeve
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 06:38 PM

We're very glad of the yurt. Sometimes we miss our other life, that's all.

I hope your Christmas surprises you with unexpected pleasures, simple pleasures, and moments of peace to balance the inevitable, but passing, stresses.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 07:41 PM

Ripping CDs from the library into my mp3 player (recorded books) because they're due and I should have done this a while back. Several Agatha Christie. I had some tapes with Rex Stout, but never got to listening to them, as much as I love them. I'll probably listen to these as I sew.

The weather is seasonal now, cold, dreary, humid, with rain for tomorrow. Rain on what might be a busy driving day; fingers crossed the roads stay safe!

Ten days off seem like a lot now, but the time flies. Still, I'll take it!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 08:04 PM

Fam and Santee pkgs all mailed but two: one will go tomorrow and one is awaiting a mail delivery here first for us to repackage and ship.

LR cleanup underway. One local gift, maybe two, to deliver over the weekend.

Our annual Big Surprise for a local vendor was yesterday-- food this year, since that is what they needed, and the surprise aspect of it. I should write about this sometime-- our unique way of gifting our "bizpeeeps" (friends).

Hardi and I both have wrapped and set in place each other's gifts and we each stocked up on critterkibbles this week; friends in "the life" are as busy as we are and plans are underway to do lunches, etc., during or right after the 12 days.

A new friend of Uke Orthodox heritage and I have been tee-heemailing holiday cheer that is hilarious but you'd have to be Greek or western Orthodox to get any of it. But I got a new name there you may see here sometime.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 12:23 AM

Went to take tapes and CDs back to the library but they've locked the return chutes and are closed for several days. There will be fines. I am not sure why, though I have a sneaking hunch the city is trying to grow fines by making it impossible to return stuff after hours. Stinky policy.

I've removed the spare keyboard, the favorite one and adapter are up and running. I have a lot of clearing up to do over the holiday, but I also have a lot of other stuff. Sewing, writing, photo-editing, etc.

I'm thinking it's getting to be time to step down the de-clutter threads, I spend time here that I think I'd like to use in other pursuits. I might go to more lists, less prose.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 01:16 PM

I spend time here that I think I'd like to use in other pursuits. I might go to more lists, less prose.

We all go thru that cycle. It's good to know it and use it intentionally.

Me, I'm just glad I have been finding the bra's that needed elastic added to the straps and have been sewing one per day and have had clean bra's that FIT and FEEL good. When the shoulders were shot, the girls paid for it! :~) So I can't wait to dry and folds the laundry that's in the wash now, and count how many I netted, cuz that bag of to-do's is empty.

But first, others' Chrismases continue.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 01:22 PM

An addition to the note above; cold turkey isn't my way of stopping many things, but I do think I'll slack off the posts, enumerate more than describe after a while. I can see that my house looks so much better now than it did when all of this started. I'm sure some of that will reflect in the January thread. But I do need to stand back and see if there are any grand gestures that might speed this along. More furniture out the door? Move book shelves? Hold a garage sale?

This morning I packed for shipping an eBay item that sold this week. And the eBay page that greeted me tells me I can give eBay gift certificates. I won't be doing that, but I will be listing some things this week, hoping that in the down time between the holidays when people are home playing on the computer (new or not), that they might go shopping at eBay for useful or decorative items.

It's raining today, we haven't had rain since before Thanksgiving. Sounds wonderful! We don't need a white christmas, but at winter-time one does feel right (it hit 80 here one day this week!) All of you Santa's helpers, pace yourselves today. I don't put out the stockings contents until the kids have gone to bed, and that is pretty late some years. At least they sleep late, so tomorrow's breakfast (a favorite for all of us - pancakes and bacon) doesn't come at the crack of dawn.

It is a modest holiday, compared to years past, but still wonderful. My gift to myself is to have both kids here this year. And when I watch and listen to them talk and laugh and enjoy each others' company, I know I managed to accomplish something very important to me that my parents didn't manage (in their own lives or in ours) - to have a family that gets along, regardless of if we live together or not, if we're still married or not. This year was very important for me, when I had long, detailed conversations with two of my siblings and managed to finally set aside the last of the misunderstandings dating from my father's death. There is still one who is out there, not getting along with anyone, but that is due to nature, not nurture. Undiagnosed, untreated mental health issues are hard on families.

Here's hoping your houses, large, small, or temporary, smell good with favorite foods, with your choice of candles, fireplace, mulled drinks, baking, whatever. Give each of yourselves a hug for being the wonderful people you are, and thank you for sharing your gifts of insight and hard work with all of us over the last couple of years. It really has been a big help.

☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃

Maggie

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 04:54 PM

You've done a lot of nurturing in these thread, Maggie. Thanks for that, esp. sharing your thinking processes. (And, those snowmen are really kewl!)

I don't have a lot planned until after the holidays, but I do enjoy reading along as Andrea gets moved in and unpacked and Dorothy discovers old stuff like new, etc.

I think the decision we made about the books, finally, is a grand gesture, as you speak of, which will show us we've really done more than it feels like. This is going to be a year of big change for us as Roger plans for part-time retirement. We will be working on budgeting, planning ahead, etc. and whittling down the household which is what this has all been about, anyway. It will be fun to see where we are with it next year.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maire-aine
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 06:36 PM

These threads have helped me a lot-- just knowing that other folks were going thru the same things was a big help. And I love hearing stories about other people's children & grandchilden. I hope to realy buckle down next year, and get serious about learning new music. I've coasted thru this year. Maybe I'll post the song titles as I learn them. There are still a lot of things I could box up & store away, so I'll get back to work on that. But when I look back on how far I've come, it is amazing! Thank you all for the encouragement.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas!

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 08:06 PM

As of this morning, I did not have any gifts in this house wrapped. I had wrapped and delivered 4 gifts yesterday to a long time friend and her family...we met for lunch, the babies played and we had a nice time. However, I can't wait for later this month when Jeremiah and I can go visit at her house so the babies can be down on the floor and play...sitting in a restaurant is so hard for them...just happened to be a good spot to meet and exchange gifts yesterday.

I am happy to say that all the gifts in this house are wrapped. It's a small Christmas in our house this year package wise but we are blessed in so many other ways that the other things just don't seem as important. We also put up a small tree this afternoon. It still needs to be wrapped in lights and decorated but that will wait until Jeremiah is in bed. At the moment he is playing on a blanket with his daddy and his favorite race car. I love watching the two of them play together. LOVE IT.

I just finished putting wrapping paper, boxes and bows away. Laundry is going, dishes are going, my kitchen table is clear, floor swept and half mopped and I have a new shower curtain liner to go up this evening. The old fabric one has had it.

I'll be reading the story of Christmas to Jeremiah before he goes to bed too...I'm excited to begin that tradition. :)

Merry Christmas and Much Love to All,

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 10:32 PM

I wasn't thinking about the cheerleading aspect of this thread. Thanks for pointing that out!

I spent almost five hours on my feet this afternoon, started cooking at 3 and finished just after 7:30, when Moonglow picked up a pan filled with Puerto Rican meat pies called "empanadillas" to deliver to her Dad. His mother gave me this recipe and showed me how she made them about 22 years ago. We got together at the brother-in-law's house in San Diego, and between five of us (his father was still alive then) we made the sofrito (part of the sauce), cut up meat (pork in that instance, chicken in this one), made the pastry (kind of like a PR tortilla) and made the pies. I took notes, and I transcribed them and sent a copy over. It's one of those vague recipes that lists 2 cups of flour and no quantities of anything else listed. Definitely one of those "you had to be there" recipes! :-)

I have the evening to putter; the kids will come in late, and then I'll do stockings and we'll have breakfast of pancakes and bacon (a rare treat) and then exchange a few gifts. It's a slim stack this year, to be sure, but the money is going to a good cause - flying my son back and forth, and putting both of them through college.

Please let us know how it goes with you - Jeremiah, Morgan, all of the small folks who have kept us so entertained are on center stage right now. Please let us know how it goes!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 11:51 PM

Sounds lovely, SRS. I won't have much to report about Morgan until Sunday as they left this morning to go to his other grandma's since this is her first Christmas as a widow. I did talk with him a few minutes ago and he is sure Santa is real and will find him. They will be over sometime on Sunday, late morning, I hope, to unwrap the few things we have for him. We adults don't exchange presents, except for my siblings and we will do those with my brother, tomorrow, when he comes over for breakfast and/or dinner. The kids will have leftovers if they want them, on Sunday. I'd told my dau. I didn't mind letting her dogs out this evening, but I would not do it tomorrow...it would just seem too sad, but I am sure, with Rog able to help now, we'll go let them out in the morning. They will be fine after that until the kids get home.

I expect some happy phone calls from our grandsons back East, tomorrow, as we bought them mp3 players and they don't have a clue (fortunately they are not online and can't read this!*bg*)

I racked up points at paperbackswap.com and was able to order four books for my two sisters in WY and two books for the one in AK. It's pretty neat...still have four points to use and more books to list.

Morgan and I did spend a lot of time together, yesterday. He is too funny. Bought him a PaperJamz guitar and amp. Lots of fun..."early" Christmas present of which he paid $5.00 towards the strap he wanted for it. So, he's all decked out for rock and roll for now. And, he has got the m-o-o-o-ves! I'll see if I can get a video up, soon.

We were at the kitchen table and he asked me where "Papa" was. I told him at work. He moaned about wanting to see more of him. I told him we are working out a retirement thing and he said he had three (holding up his fingers) questions for me, with a big grin. I said, what? 1. Your bills! (We're both laughing.) 2. Your bills! (By now, we're really LOL) and, 3. Your dog! Well, that stopped me cold and I said "What dog?!" To which he laughed and laughed...he thought it was too funny throwing that in there. Then we settled down and I reassured him that WE would take care of our bills, he didn't need to concern himself with such. But, he wouldn't let it go until I explained the government would give us some money. Well. he thought that sounded just dandy...the gov. giving us money...why'd we wait so long for that?! Then, I explained about Papa paying into Social Security all of his working life and he said, "Oh and now they give it back to him?" He's still thinking this is pretty slick. Anyway, I reassured him some more and we went on to other things,. but it is a good reminder that he does not miss a thing and we all need to be careful of what we discuss around him. I wish his parents understood that better. Ah well...there's the Morgan story for the week or so.:-) Thanks for asking and listening. It is fun to share with you all.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 12:17 AM

Cheerleading is right! Maggie, you DO so much it is inspiring and sometimes tiring! But mostly inspiring. I love reading about what the rest of you are doing.

I have bought no gifts; it is not what I do. During the year I will give small gifts as the right thing appears. I did provide paper (from my stash in the shed!) and tape for Rob to wrap a couple and encouraged him to go visit friends and spend time with brother this Christmas Eve. I stayed home, comfortably, with a book and the computer.

For me, our time at the Cafe last night with our wonderful community of friends was my Christmas celebration. There were 25 wonderful musicians participating in the open mike. Adrien/Beer encouraged me to sing and he accompanied me for O Tannenbaum, in German. The evening raised funds for the ADDA music lessons for youngsters program - $584! And a friend talked with excitement about his upcoming CD - still very much in the works. I delight in his excitement! The group picture on the Cafe NamasThe FB site tells it all! We (I) drive over an hour each way for to be part of the Cafe family and it is worth every bit of it.

I have cooked nothing. I even forgot to go the the bakery today but called Rob and he managed to get there, before going to Church with his bro, and picked up two loaves of that wonderful chocolate cranberry bread to take to our friend's Open House tomorrow. We have two more invites next week; another one down in the country. I may or may not feel like baking or cooking for them; there is the bakery.   

I think I am finding it somewhat tiring to support Rob as he believes he is getting depressed. Sometimes I am scared, sometimes feeling inadequate, just plain foundering - Then he comes in cheerful. A yo-yo! I too have been there; I suppose most of us have. so I just hang on, reading, connecting with friends on phone and computer, finding support but not doing much else. I find it hard to be a psychotherapist who has done so much good work with people and to have a partner who feels as though he is sinking. How dare he be depressed when he has me! But that is reality and I am dealing with it- with the help of friends. That, too, is what life, and Christmas, is about, for me.

This, too will pass. I do not feel badly about doing "nothing". I am doing what is necessary and have made enough order out of the chaos that was in this house six months ago that Rob feels happy to come into "a home". And peace/silence, a calm environment, is healing. I am mostly OK but it does take a lot of energy. I always need the peace of silence. I give myself permission to do only that which I feel is essential, what I feel I can do comfortably.

As I wrote this, I remembered this poem by a wonderful Scottish musician, a beautiful human being. It buoyed me up a couple years ago when I was feeling like a yo-yo. So I pass this gift along; perhaps it will speak to others.

"Like the power of the ocean
You may feel you are falling
But it's been there all the time
You may think your boat is sinking
But it's not it's just you've been thinking
You have been drifting on another tide

If you look to distant horizons
The answers you may find them
Don't expect them to wash ashore
Your dreams will last forever
And one day you will remember
The life you lived here once before"

David V Taylor 1994

BUT, ABOVE ALL, I HOPE EVERYONE IS HAVING THE BEST HOLIDAY SEASON ACCORDING TO THEIR OWN NEEDS.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 06:59 AM

Total chaos ensued as Freya got overwhelmed with gifts.
My older daughter has bought me a carved John Barleycorn, made out of an old oak tableleg. The guy who made it has put runes down the side, about JB, and has kept the carving in his house for a year. He wants a photograph of where he eventually ends up in my house. I have a feeling he may be striking up a close relationship with my harvest lady corn dolly. She was carefully packed and arrived safely. This is remarkable, given that she has a headdress of free-standing oats, wheat and barley!

I hope the day has been kindness in its many guises to all.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 11:18 PM

We had a wonderful Christmas Day. :) We spent this morning at home...just the 3 of us. We started the day by reading the story of how Jesus was born (from Jeremiah's own little Bible) while Jeremiah ate his Cheerios. Pete and I exchanged stockings and the Wee One had his own stocking too. Santa didn't wrap the goodies in Jeremiah's stocking and he had fun pulling things out. He played with the first few things and stopped there. I think he was a bit overwhelmed. No matter, he will enjoy everything as the days go on. He opened one of his gifts....tugged the paper right off and promptly put it in his mouth. When he couldn't get the paper to tear anymore, he turned the box and started chewing on the box! :) Classic!!! Mommy got some great photos and video! Jeremiah still has 5 more gifts to open but we decided he'd had enough for this morning. He had a short nap and we went to visit his nana. He opened maybe 2 of his gifts there, played a lot on the floor with me while we opened the rest of our gifts (Jeremiah's too). He had great fun playing with an empty box and one of his new toys and then he was down again for a much longer nap.
    Pete, Mom and I had a very relaxed Christmas lunch/dinner, great conversation and we played cards. My favorite part of Christmas? Being healthy enough (and still here) to be with the people I love most. :) :) :)
    Tomorrow our niece is visiting (her very first break from the Army)...we haven't seen her since June and she hasn't met Jeremiah yet....should be a fun visit. The later part of the day will be spent at Pete's mother's house for Christmas. I don't like going there and frankly neither does he. It is totally a courtesy visit. I know that's not very nice but she and her husband (Uncle Pappy) smoke like chimneys in a small space with no open windows....it smells so bad and burns our eyes....ugh. In addition, she has no interest in Jeremiah so I can't seem to find any interest or enthusiasm for visiting her. If I was a good liar, I might be feeling a cold coming on *cough cough*......but since I'm not, I'll be going and doing my best to just be. There's no need to pretend to like her as she knows in no uncertain terms that I do not. I will be polite as I look right through her and her gift goes directly in the yard sale pile no matter what it is....I'm just not interested.
    Anyway, TODAY was wonderful. How often do you get to spend the entire day together with the people you love most in this world?
    I even got some laundry finished and some sweeping done...emptied out my car too!!! :)

Here's hoping you all had whatever makes your heart happy on this day. Merry Christmas!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 11:51 PM

Busy day, but nice to have both kids under the roof overnight. That doesn't happen very often any more. We had our breakfast, opened gifts, and then watched a couple of movies. Might seem an odd mix, but I had a bluray version of Rocky Horror Picture Show and then we watched Julie and Julia. I think we spent as much time watching to see how they played games to make Meryl Streep look 8 inches taller than she really is as actually following the story.

Moonglow and I went through an old trunk, looking for a hat I was going to give her, but I couldn't find it. We did find a couple of antique sterling pins that she polished and took with her. Considering the price of silver these days, and antiques, she took a fairly high-dollar gift home. And she's welcome to it - I think she'll go ahead and wear them. I may wear a couple of others myself. My great aunt had several pins with her initials, and that would be a nice touch, to honor her memory.

Time for another movie, I think, and puttering around the house. Have a good weekend, all!

SRS

Subject: Look back: 2010 & forward: 2011 Declut&Acc
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 09:17 AM

On what feels like the third Sunday in three days (Fri., Sat., Sun services), my Sunday morning at home is the usual for-the-Church melange of tasks and quiet reflection. Today I spent it re-binderizing the year's-worth of studies I've zoomed thru in the last six months-- making reference binders out of what had been the material-in-use. These amount to, in one sense, my "preschool-level" of Old Testament. Next year I will begin the frosh course in OT. But first I will spend the next several months preschooling the New Testament. Because next year will also include frosh-level NT. The new glasses making READING finally possible-- priceless!

Looking back I see God's hand leading my studies and prep: not a page wasted, not a resource missed, not a friend/support-person lacking. It has been an abundantly rich 6 months and I look forward to the similar treatment of the NT, very much. (Bonus: the resources and home-habits-of-health are all organized this time around, to make it even more fun and a better fit into the busy life of a fulltime Presbytera.)

A new friendship that is bearing adorable fruit is with a young raised-Uke man and his partner as they contemplate entering The Fishbowl of Ordained Ministry... J's Orthodox background fits so well with the Greek Orthodox worldview that has become increasingly a comfort zone for me. I identify more and more as an Ecupalian or Ecupanglican. :~)

The OT year was rich, also, in Anti-Racism source material, new AR insights, and new ways of looking at this multicultural world amidst which I minister.

New health initiatives should result in a a really interesting year to come: at some point yet to plan I will be undergoing long-needed surgery to remediate longstanding health barriers.

Later this week we will get and install the first of two dust filters to make home a much better place for everyone. I've identified several cleaning people to support a plan to paint the LR, and a painter. By summer I hope to have doors we can throw wide open.

TBTG, I wish you all an equally joyous and fulfilling year. Slavite Jeho!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 11:35 AM

It got down to 23^o here in Fort Worth last night, and the dogs spent the night in the house on their new beds. During the day they weren't interested in trying them, because they weren't ready for sleep, but last night, they plopped down, curled up, and stayed right there all night. Even when I got up for a drink in the middle of the night, they stayed in place. (Usually when they slept on the blanket and towel pallet they'd wander into the bathroom with me.)

For accountability, I am kicking the Scarsdale diet into gear in order to get off of the sugar that has crept into my diet. Last night we watched Julie and Julia, which makes cooking seem awfully tempting, but I'll have to stick to the healthy gourmet cooking and avoid the sauces and desserts. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stringsinger
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 01:43 PM

Maggie,

Vitamins are for the most part just expensive urine.

A sensible approach to the right veggies, fruits and for some, grains, offering variety,
selectivity and that are preferably organic will prolong health.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 07:14 PM

Our daughter surprised us this morning when she, her husband, and Morgan came over. They brought a gift for Morgan to open over here, which happened to be the board game, Clue. When I asked if they''d like to stay and play it, they said yes! It's been updated, so no library! but it was still fun to play. I helped Morgan the first time as it is a bit complicated to start out. It was a lot of fun and I hope we can have more times like that.

Morgan also came over later, today with the skateboard Santa left for him with elbow and knee pads, helmet and wrist guards. Boy, does he look grown up in all that gear. He's thrilled with it. We gave him a memory stick in the shape of a Tony Hawk skateboard so that was pretty kewl, plus we gave him an mp3 player.
So, we had skateboard practising going up and down our hallway today. I've never minded my kids doing such in the houses we've had as I remember how much fun it was when my mom let me ride my tricycle in the house.

Not much for decluttering going on, but I will get back to eating better...letting go of some sugar, too, SRS. I'll do some clean up, tomorrow, after Rog goes to work.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 07:34 PM

I very happy to post that I was wrong. The visit to my MIL's house went VERY well. Something has changed...maybe for both of us...a softening of sorts. We had a beautiful visit, great conversation and a genuine feeling of friendship. Maybe a new start?

I hope so. We all left happy....something that I've not been able to say in years.

YAY.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 09:33 PM

Wow! That's awesome, Michelle!!

It is a time for reflection. I just got off the phone with Morgan's mom after telling her thank you for being there six years ago when I went in hospital. Here she was a brand-new mom of one year, helping her dad get me to the hospital with baby in tow; then all of the stuff she did before I had surgery; took over the household, worked part-time, and took care of me and Morgan whilst Rog was at work. We couldn't have done it without her. I really appreciate all that she did then and throughout it all, she has been steadfast in having Morgan in our lives. I am most gratefull.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 11:01 PM

Michelle, I used to have mixed emotions about visits with my mother, but having children changed everything. Suddenly she had a different place to focus, not just on me. It made a big difference for both of us in her last years.

Kat, it seems to have been a year for important conversations. And I'm glad Morgan has all of that safety gear to go with the skateboard.

I have been working on my daughter's room this evening. A friend is coming over on Tuesday, and I use that room for sewing as well as guests. Changing linens since my daughter was here on Friday night.

I've been preparing to do some sewing, so I thought I'd streamline some of the drawers in a dresser there that I use just for fabric. Amazing how much I have - this is a testament to uncompleted projects, I'm afraid, along with the ones I did finish. I'm going to take out the contents and arrange them by type of fabric, so all of the muslin and backing and trim is in one place, the fancy large pieces in another, etc. And then put the small television I moved out of my office in there. I've emptied a couple of plastic bins so far. They'll be handy when I pick up my son at the end of spring semester.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 02:39 AM

I'll be heading back north later this morning with my little passenger. I shall watch very carefully to see what toys she ignores at my place and remove them from the stash.
I went on my customary visit to friends in a lovely rural cottage yesterday. They have an extension with a very modern living room, complete with under-floor heating. Oh so cosy! I was wondering if that would be a good idea for the kitchen floor in my place, as it will be built from scratch. It will save losing storage space to a radiator.

Michelle, it's funny how a child can be a catalyst.

I hope you aren't all being hammered by snow out there in the US. I'm keeping my fingers crossed we've seen the last of it for a while, but as usual the BBC radio and the met office are saying the opposite to the local weather prediction on the BBC website....

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 12:14 PM

It was quite cold overnight, down to 20. The dogs slept in again and loved every minute of their new beds in the house. It rained a couple of days ago so there is ice where there was standing water, but the roads are clear and today it thawed when the sun rose.

Time again for the end of year assessment of bills. I did this last year and saved a lot on both insurance and electric. I didn't save a lot on the phone, because that company pushed the envelope with the FCC portion of the bill and fiddled the amount. They're still playing games, but I took the phone away and now have that at a flat rate. Since my daytime minutes count, I wait to make my customer service calls in the evening after 7pm when I have unlimited minutes (evenings and weekends). This is the only accommodation I've felt it necessary to make regarding the new phone setup. (Some of those calls can run very long, so best to do it on their dime!)

My electric will go down again this year, and the insurance will stay down where the new company priced it last year at this time (which lowered from the previous company by half). I'm sure I did this at the end of the year last year because I had this time during the holiday break. It becomes a worthwhile activity each year, to shop around for good prices.

The last bit of equipment I need to add to the computer is on a good sale this week, but the store may have run out if the hoards of apres-holiday shoppers denuded the store. I'll go take a look later.

Filing, picking up, laundry, the usual activities also apply today.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 06:50 PM

Good to hear about others Christmases!

Now that I have survived Christmas, I look around and realize how far we have come, homewise, since bringing my stuff home from the West coast in November. As the distiller provides me with clean water, the heavy duty air cleaner with clean air, and some nice furniture, as will fit, more comfortable bed, cosy sofa and rocking love seat, we enjoyed a couple quiet days.

An open house at the home of friends, on the Day, solved the toxic brother problem and we enjoyed about 7 hours with mostly unknown, but interesting people. Then came home and watched movies on TV until almost 4 am! Well, once Chocolat started.... What an interesting movie! But then we lazed around, sleeping and talking for the next 12 hours! Supper at a "Yuppie" restaurant, about 4 pm, was pleasant (our only meal!) and home to laze around some more, read and computer by turns.

Now, I am feeling motivated to make more improvements: started by nailing down the board over the hole in the floor so it does not bounce each time I walk on it! Delighted to be able to find two nails for this without having to go out into the shed on a 17 degree day! Also, talked 30 min with my friend/health consultant in Penna, mostly about what might help Rob's anxiety induced depression, researched a couple supplements, went to the vitamin shop for supplies and picked up groceries in 3 dif places. Also fertilized the plants, now that the days are getting longer.

Rob has started to get more serious about taking on the second floor. Would be so nice to have twice the space and a real bathtub!!!! As soon as we have a warmer day, I will ask for help to get the very tall plant up there. The ceiling is higher and the poor plant is scrunched down here, but otherwise looks very healthy. Moving the plant could be a catalyst for further movement.

The Clivia still has three flowers!

Supper with friends tomorrow. I'll take bread and cheese again. M is making Spaghetti.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 07:14 PM

YOGA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I left puddles of sweat on my (own personal) mat and absolutely melted onto the floor for savasana. LOVE LOVE LOVED IT. I want more!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 09:18 PM

Did some running this afternoon, but not as much as planned. Had a bit of a headache so I headed home after a couple of stops, but with motrin and a nap, I'm now feeling like getting some work done around here.

I need to photograph the steam juicer in action (I thought I had, but I can't find the photos - I've just wandered down memory lane looking for them - it will be faster to steam juice the tomatoes in my freezer now and retake the photos.) There is a lot of blog stuff I need to finish, and sorting and such. Easy to overwhelm the vacation if I list everything, better to simply DO a few things and settle for that. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 10:06 PM

I did the dishes from Christmas, all but two pans Rog left to rot, so he gets to clean them up!:-) Also, a load of laundry. Had a wonderful long phone visit with our son and in between a Morgan-can-I-come-over-call which resulted in him learning to be patient and wait for "Mama" to call back. He did come over and we were having fun playing Monopoly, but he got mad when I asked him to *try* reading a Chance card.(He's doing really great at math, which comes easily and dragging his feet at reading which requires a little work:-) He turned into a two year old right before my eyes and had a fit which landed him in time-out. When he's good, he's an angel, then, once in awhile, the little "divil" comes out. Have to keep an eye on that. We did have a hug before he left.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 11:29 PM

Guiding children through those years and ending up with a great adult at the end means guidance along the way. Time out isn't a bad thing, just as important a part of the process as the hug.

Found the photos I was looking for, sized them down and put them in the Dirt Doctor site. You'd think someone who grows tomatoes every year would know about this way to process them for juice and sauce! I spoke with him a couple of weeks ago and he asked for the photos. I finally found his facebook page, so I'll post there also.

Why doesn't facebook just have a list of my "favorite" sites that aren't friend sites right on the front page? I shouldn't have to be in an editing mode to find them!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 11:43 AM

Decluttering my gmail this morning. I don't read it online, I load it all into the computer in my Thunderbird program. I leave it on the server, but every so often it pays to go in and get rid of some of the junk.

It's one of those heavy overcast days that benefits from lights on and good music or an old movie playing in the background. The effects of SAD are less down here in Texas, but we still have glimpses of it. I'm drinking tea, eating a couple of clementines and my half-a-bagel for breakfast as I get myself back to my low or no-sugar existence again. It simply feels better to not assault myself with sweets. And this time of year I don't always remember to drink enough fluid, but I have a 6-ounce Bert and Ernie tumbler from when my kids were tiny that I've always used in the kitchen for taking pills and vitamins. I drink one of those full of water each time I pass through the kitchen.

I loaded a lot of movies into my instant queue on NetFlix; a friend is coming over to spend the night. We're going to spend the evening watching movies. I have the large coffee table that she had for years but was going to leave behind when she moved from Fort Worth to Arizona. She was giving each of us something, so I asked for that table. A couple of times now her kids have remarked on that table when they've been over for our big meals. This year I told them that I really treasured having this artifact of all of those Mulley movies (the television feet scratched the finish) because the family and friends would get together for movies usually once a week. I think they understood finally that it represents all of them for me (no one was asking for it back, but they did kind of always grumble at their mother that she gave it away.) As noted above, this was a good year for important conversations. :)

I need to go check out the garage. Last night dogs must have been chasing a mouse or a rat; they shredded some of the newspaper in a bag of paper I keep for gardening (I lay it down as a weed barrier after I till and before I put down mulch). I think I'll take to recycle, if it is becoming too tempting for rodents to nest over the winter.

Much more to do, but I won't get to it if I sit here and write about it. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 01:41 PM

Well, a quick read reminded me to move the laundry into the dryer, have lunch, after I put a focaccia from a mix into the oven for today's supper at friends. Before I started checking FB, quite a while ago, I sorted a pile of stuff that had accumulated, higgeldy, piggeldy. Piles go to different places but not there yet - while I nuke lunch. Ski jacket zipper dead; worth fixing - later if I can find an appropriate zipper. Nice shirt needs two buttons - thread found and buttons too - after lunch. Then time to leave.

Beautiful sunny day for a trip to the country! COLD though. Darn, went to check outdoor temp and remote has quit. Will have to go out to shed and recover it, check battery - after lunch.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 02:10 PM

I'm on the 5th load of laundry...clothes are done (still need to be put away) and I'm now doing sheets and rugs. Hopefully I'll get to the last few loads of odds and ends that need to be washed separately. All but 4 Christmas gifts have been opened, toys have been assembled, all packaging material has been taken out and the rest of the gifts have been put away. My kitchen counters and table are clear...YAY! I do have a box of paper *clutter* that I need to sort out and either put it where it belongs, pay it or ditch it.

Yoga was great yesterday but I am SORE today...abs, thighs, shoulers...whew. No matter, it's just my body letting me know I've exercised parts that have been been still for awhile. When I groaned this morning while getting up, my husband said, "So what?!?!? You came home with a HUGE smile on your face!" You know what? He's right!!!

Tomorrow we are running away for the day...something we haven't done in MONTHS...maybe even a year. I am EXCITED!!! PLAY TIME!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 04:33 PM

I asked Morgan back over this morning, bright and early. I wanted to watch the Mousehole Cat with him, then maybe do some other things over here. We watched it and he loved it, same as before, then I couldn't stay awake! I've been up and down at night, for various reasons, and falling asleep during the day, trying to catch up. He was going to go home, but I was really sad and, sensitive that he can be, he offered to stay until lunchtime. He did and we had fun, after I slept a tiny bit. He went home after lunch, which reminds me, I need to do some laundry.

After he left, I was more awake, finally, so sat down and paid a few bills, one of which gave me great pleasure. We have a local hospital which assigns a new acct. number every time someone stubs their toe. Each time we see the doc who is affiliated with them and for whom they bill, they assign a new number, for that visit, then send out a bill with a return envelope. It drives me nuts, because the bill is usually for less than $25, but they get caught up between insurance payments, etc. so I will get eight of them all at once, in their own envelopes, each with a return envelope. And, they cry about the cost of doing business! So, today, I added all eight up, wrote out one check, stuffed that, with the pay receipts and ALL of the return envelopes in a manilla envelope and am sending it out, tomorrow. I just hate to see the waste. It's a stupid, inefficient system. Also paid the lights and gas, so, for once, we will be starting off the new year all caught up on bills. Phew!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 02:56 PM

Last two gifts sent (a third yesterday), and replies to cards rec'd-- underway. (May repair old broken relationship.) Santee has gift; info to go with has begin to flow her way.

Anniversary observed. Parish reminded not to step on our anniversary unless emergency.

~S~