Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: mg
Date: 18 Nov 13 - 04:51 PM

There is a way to send items for free to the Phillipines if you are near an lbc??? shipping..it goes through the end of the month I believe. I think I posted a link earlier. If not, google shipping free phillipines typhoon. They are desperate for medical supplies and would love anything you could pack up I am sure. There might be other ways to ship for free. It will take a while to get there but the need will be ongoing..and was ongoing before the typhoon..great poverty there...you might need to use their boxes though.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Nov 13 - 01:07 AM

Aww, Linn. When it rains it pours.

I'd think that donations and working on those listed projects are probably the static cling that is holding you together right now. If you can give yourself a chance to take a few deep breaths and let the clothes and item donations wait a few days or a couple of weeks, they won't go away. Get yourself that extra sleep that you need. Read a couple of good books. You don't need to burn that candle at both ends any more.

Take care, kiddo. And a big virtual hug.

Maggie

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Nov 13 - 09:07 AM

I rarely have English Muffins but Shaws had a three day offer - buy one, get two free, so I did.

Do the easy stuff, Linn. It allows your brain to work on the important things while you stay busy. Careful what you give or throw away. I managed to donate a bunch of my mother's clothes without checking for jewelry on the lapels. Several treasures were lost.

One day at a time. Always one day at a time.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Nov 13 - 03:45 PM

(((Linn)))

Winter draft sked:

MONDAYS      
*600 cal lunch is 800 on PT days.
PT 10am and nap post-lunch/recovery calories.
Dishes and cook supper.      

TUESDAYS
600 cal lunch is 800 on ex. days.
PW pool stretches/aerobics.
Make veg for week.
PW pool stretches and aerobic.
Laundry, vacuuming.
Cook supper.      

WEDNESDAYS
*600 cal lunch is 800 on ex. days.
AM PW pool or ramp exercises and aerobics.
Session day (2nd Weds EWR Roch)
Faulkner day.      

THURSDAYS
*600 cal lunch is 800 on ex. days.
PW pool stretches/aerobics.
3rd Thurs. session & H&H Roch.
Ladies Guild also 3rd Thursday.
Date Night.      

FRIDAYS
*600 cal lunch is 800 on ex. days.
AM PW pool or ramp exercises and aerobics.
Day with Hardi.
      
SATURDAYS
Ramp stretches.
Date afternoon.
Sat. Svc.
Dinner C&C      

SUNDAYS
Session or dancing, evening.
Active rest day.   

Not a lot of time for Mudcat in there.... need naps, more!

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Nov 13 - 05:25 PM

My schedule is on my work Outlook calendar and in my phone - I try to give myself enough of an alert time so I stay on schedule. Anything else is as it happens on the fly.

Today is the last day I'll wear these black denim trousers for work. They've looked good with a lot of things but they're just way too big now and even with a belt to hold them up they are loose everywhere and almost to the floor. I went shopping last week to get some new tops and bras, but I can live with thrift store trousers because there are always so many to choose from that are in mint condition. Time to make a trip over to shop for replacements.

Yesterday I started clearing some of the things from my dining room table. It isn't horribly crowded, but it was the staging area for several projects. I need to think about the setup for Thanksgiving so don't want to have to clear it at the last minute. I also need to start looking at prices for turkeys. Since the freezer was defrosted I have room to easily store a bird, and I might get two and use one for xmas also. Can I stand turkey two months in a row? Possibly. Sometimes it's nice to have a spare bird handy for just in case. I'm all out of whole frozen chickens, so it looks like shopping-wise this is going to be a fowl month. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Nov 13 - 06:07 PM

Ah, Linn, You are running on an energy born of relief and the need to get certain things done. But also a way of dealing with the pain of loss. Wonderful to know that if you bottom out from all the stress of the last months/years, you have a terrific support group of dear friends. Back in '62 when my father/best friend died, I was most delighted and supported by a very late note of support. A dear person who waited weeks, purposely, until there was a lull in the support because she knew I would need it when others may have thought all was well. How right she was. I got through the early days on "thank heavens he is no longer in pain". Then I slumped with the weight of my tremendous loss of the most important person in my life. I have never forgotten the wisdom of that wonderful woman, when I really needed it.

Here in my real life in the city, we now have a door to return the "duplex" to a "one-plex"; I can go to the upstairs bathroom without going outside and in the next door! It seems a small thing but as the weather gets colder, it is so nice to know I can take a bath without going outdoors in my bathrobe!

R is realizing how tired I am of "living like this" and asked what was the next important improvement. Heat for the upstairs BR so we can move out of the cave downstairs to a room where there will be light coming in windows in the morning. And two big chests of drawers for clothing, rather than the bookshelves now being used. But light is the big thing. I so hate to wake up in the dark - at 8 or 9 am!

There is even some semblance of hope that the kitchen may be renovated- a major project entailing removing every piece of wood - joists, studs included to get rid of the powder post beetles that have eaten everything. The whole k is in danger of falling into the cellar!

For reasons best known to someone else, my night cough got worse on Friday night and I started not getting enough sleep. Getting nothing done on Saturday in the country, I came back to the city to spend Sun and Mon Afts with my friend with Parkinson's. My time with her helps her through times when her husband needs to be away; hard for her whole family to fill that extra time. I am a poor substitute but my presence is a help to all.

I am glad to be giving back to these dear friends of 45 years. I also feel the pain of her increasing disability; know how I would feel to need someone to hold me up and help me struggle to move one foot forward at a time; and know it will get worse. I weep for her and for her family as they watch her deteriorate physically. As I think of things to say to her, filling the airspace, trying to keep her mind off the absence of her husband, I have the benefit of talking about aspects of my life, and of her wisdom and support. Also discussing books I am reading or have read and thoughts on the world in general. whatever helps her through the long afternoons.

The phrase, "pieces of me" is on my mind as I have finally realized that, in the course of my very many moves, I have left pieces of me all over the place. I have given pieces of me to people and sometimes left them behind bereft as they were not prepared to be without those "pieces". I have also, of course, added to myself, pieces of the people with whom I was involved in those places. I am looking at my life backwards and realizing that I have been hard on some of hose people who came to depend on me in some ways - and then I was gone, not realizing that I had been important to certain people. Might be something worth writing about to share. I see I have been hurtful without ever realizing it.

I told a mutual friend on Friday night that I was about ready to throw in the towel on this relationship with R. Four years is long enough to deal with this. I muttered to myself all the way back from the country Sat eve, as I have done often over this four years but "really fed up this time" only to find him being exceptionally accommodating when I arrived. I wonder if she told him??? Oh, phooey. I could save myself a lot of muttering in fury if I would just accept that I am in it for the long term regardless. In other words - de-clutter the fury and accept what is.

My cell phone died yesterday and it took two trips to the koodoo booth to get back on track. "This phone is like your old one." NO, it is not! I needed help to figure out the basics. These "kids" do not get it! And for some reason the phone numbers I use most often did not make it onto the new one so had to be re-entered. Then hot bath, bed all afternoon, and now I am almost ready to do something useful.

A trip to library is in order. Avoiding grocery trip. Going back to country tomorrow where there are lots of groceries. But no bread here. OK, make cornbread from mix to go with the chicken I roasted yesterday - and R did not come home 'til after midnight. Salad and chicken and cornbread - and phone him to ensure supper by 10 pm with any luck.

Library, here I come. I'll walk if it not too cold.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Nov 13 - 11:32 PM

I brought home a book from the library yesterday, though I have to admit that since it is for a writing project and is only one of two that I need that I could get, I also ordered both of them via Alibris and they'll be here when they get here. I can read the library copy in the meantime.

I put on the amber (blue blocker) glasses Alice recommended this evening because I work late on Tuesdays and the winding down when I get home part is hard, especially since I need to be at work in the morning on Wednesdays. I'm about ready to wrap things up - these really do block a lot of light, and I am feeling tired/sleepy.

What Dorothy describs about support is true - after a while people forget. I remember hearing a radio program about grief, and they said that the Jewish traditions to do with grieving are quite comprehensive and extend for at least a year. I don't remember what they are, but I thought it an interesting topic. Simply asking if it is a good day might be an opening to use if you need to talk, here and in other discussion sites.

Lights out for me. I'll report in about the glasses after I've worn them a few times.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Nov 13 - 01:43 PM

Whoo hoo! I'm down below 160! Stepped on the scale this morning and am at 159. There's always a little fluctuation up and down in a weight-loss endeavor, but this is my first time into the 150s in probably 3 or 4 years. Back then I was told by the mail-order prescription service that is part of my insurance that they were no longer going to pay for the compounded Rx for my hormone replacement, and I was tired of fighting, so I went on their product for a while, hoping that the upside down numbers weren't going to be a problem. I slowly gained weight the whole time I was on it. I finally did the math and realized that it cost $75 for three months of the product I didn't like and only $93 for three months of the Rx I preferred. I switched, and though I didn't lose weight, I stopped gaining it. The weight loss is due to alternate day fasting (regular eating one day, 500 calories only on the modified fasting day). I'm now down 35 pounds from my high in the spring of 2013, when I was topping out just above my highest pregnant weight.

I have a bag of stuff to take to the Goodwill. After the laundry finishes today a couple of more items will go into that bag and out the door. I'm not keeping any of these size 14s as fat pants. I know how to keep my weight where I want it since I now have a system.

15 pounds to go, but I can finally see glimpses of my old self. I can wear a few more of my rings, my shoes fit better, and after feeling like I had almost outgrown my winter jacket last year it is now a lovely loose fit again. I have a pair of flannel-lined LL Bean jeans that I haven't been able to wear for the last three or four winters, but this year I may once again fit into them. This is so nice, being able to shop my own closet. And there is so much more room in there now that I've discarded the larger sizes.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Nov 13 - 10:08 PM

The blue blockers are on, it makes some things a little tough to do, but it means the television and the monitor aren't overstimulating my brain with blue light. It is very early days yet in this test.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Eldergirl
Date: 21 Nov 13 - 05:35 AM

Hi all, i've been following this thread off and on for a while now, my admiration increases for youse guys, the amount of stuff you get done in a day just amazes me.
Re blue light blockers:
My other half has great difficulty sleeping most nights. Trouble is, when he wakes and can't nod off again, he turns to his laptop to use the time positively, but i'm not sure it helps him in the long term. He also suffers from depression, which lack of sleep probably increases, so we've acquired a light source designed to help SAD sufferers. Maybe, just maybe, if I can arrange the light source for morning use, and get a pair of blue light blockers for evening use..
(sigh) but none of this will cure his twitchy burning feet.
All minor niggles I spose, but they add up.
Peace, love, and all that stuff. X el

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Nov 13 - 10:00 AM

Eldergirl,

Here is the solar shield link that Alice came up with in another site. Reasonably priced. If you're in the UK or somewhere else I suppose Amazon has a country-specific ordering page.

Too bad our Kat is no longer here. She is the one who spoke at length about the efficacy of a bar of Ivory soap under the bottom sheet at the foot of the bed. There's something about it that helps with cramping and twitchy feet. I've also heard that having a packet of mustard by the bed to consume (I know - it's a bit of a pucker!) if it is a problem.

And if Susan passes through this thread again I think she can expand on the efficacy of special lights for SAD. I think that has been an issue in her household in years past.

Good luck with all of that, and thanks for checking in!

Yesterday was my fasting day, I was careful about it, and I got about 45 minutes of good exercise mowing the front lawn. I'm down another pound. I need to try to get home early enough this evening to mow the back yard (the yard is large and is most often mowed over two days). Here overnight it is supposed to turn very cold and rainy, so this will be the last mow. I want the yard to look trimmed and park-like for a while. If I don't mow it will look kind of shaggy for the winter. The grass is just about to all go dormant. I don't always lose weight on my regular eating days, but exercise is always good, and in this case, the lawn needing a mowing right now trumps waiting until tomorrow on a fasting day to mow.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Nov 13 - 12:44 PM

I need to look hard at the alternate day fast thing. Still packing on weight even though reducing the steroids. On 2 mg daily down from the 15 mg I started on over a year ago. But as of today on steroid asthma inhaler to calm this habitual cough. 2 puffs twice daily. Gah!

Walk home from GP yesterday (5 minutes for fit person) took me 30 minutes due to hips seizing up and coughing fits. Cold and rain make both worse. Lots of moaning and aching in hips last night from that walk.

Had DBS (diagnostic boob squishing) today. Most uncomfortable especially the manipulation of my arthritic shoulders to get good picture of armpits. Imagine sleep will be interuppted by shoulder pain tonight. I might just pre-empt with co-codamol.

Next up, bloods taken. Vein inside left elbow is starting to give up (right arm vein can't be located) and the left is now knackered from being stuck every month. Get big black bruise every time now and it is painful when they sick me. Didn't used to be.

I didn't wear proper plaster over the burn on the back of my hand today so constant digging into handbag for taxi fare and appointment and blood forms means I broke the blister. Ick. On the upside, Chris gets to wash the dishes.

The problem with swapping (my occupational health prescribed non working) Wednesday to Thursday to accommodate hospital appointments is that I am not getting the day of rest in the middle of the week. But my employer wants me to not miss work for medical appointments. Can't seem to get line manager to understand that I should not be using the non working day to take care of personal appointments. Defeats the purpose.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Nov 13 - 07:07 PM

Phone calls to make tonight -- there really never seems to be enough time, and each call demands leisure to talk. Tom's first wife emailed back that I don't have to call tonight -- she's keeping up on things. Time to talk when life gets, well, not exactly back to normal, but a little less...I don't know what it is right now. I'm getting things done, checking things off lists, living in a world of lists, knowing there are still people who haven't heard...

Got the online obituary page through the funeral home accomplished today. The website is mine in perpetuity...and I can post as many links, YouTube videos, photographs, etcet etcet as I want.

Still waiting for a call back from the local fire department (down at the foot of the road) which maintains a cache of wheelchairs, walkers and other equipment for those in Nottingham who need them. I have a wheelchair, two different kinds of rollators, and a very nice walker to donate, but the fellow I talked to (who has helped Tom a number of times with lift assists or trips to the ER) had to talk to the chief.

I wanted to take stuff to Goodwill today, but the wheelchair is still in the back of the car and, besides, it got too late in the afternoon. I just discovered yesterday that Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (where Tom has been through most of his hospitalizations) has an outdoor labyrinth outside the new wing. When I take the stuff to Goodwill, I'll go over to the hospital and walk the labyrinth.

Went to Deidre Randall's talk Tuesday night and not only touched base with her, but made a couple other interesting contacts. Inspired me, too, to get serious about my writing again. Last night I went to a song circle run by a friend where I had gone for the first time the night before Tom landed in the hospital the last time (two weeks ago).

I think I've got all my Secret Santa and other Christmas shopping done...and bought myself a present: a lavender plant from White Flower Farms that thrives indoors.

I mailed a few things out today AND got a passport application at the post office. I'd like to visit a friend of mine (who lived in Portsmouth for quite awhile) who lives in Strath-something, Ontario in a converted church.

I also finished indexing Tom's 1995 freelance output, so now I just have 1996 to finish. I got all the meds, etc. cleared out of the table area, the commode moved to the cellar, the couch cushions back on, little bits of stuff organized, cleaned, whatever...it's all therapeutic and giving me a more peaceful environment.

And now I'm going to go upstairs (with a margarita) and make those phone calls. I need to find out what's going on in Milwaukee (my mother went into hospice on Monday, as far as I know) and I need to call another old friend...

Yes. Talking about Tom helps.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Nov 13 - 09:43 PM

SAD is covered well in a thread with that acronym in the title, just filter search for it.

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Nov 13 - 12:23 AM

Found it. Seasonal Affective Disorder question (I left off the BS in the title, because for those affected, it isn't BS!)

Grim meeting of my department at work today. Openly discussing the state of our library. Someone speculated that about 85% of the people they know in our library would leave tomorrow if jobs were available elsewhere. I'm not the only one biding my time. I'll need to keep some daylight fixtures handy to keep my mood up.

Amber lenses on this evening - started later than usual because a favorite program (Elementary) is on from 9-10pm. They're making references to some of the various Sherlock Holmes short stories this season, something either they didn't attempt last year or that I wasn't aware of. Since last spring I've read two short novels and two longer story collections. This season the program referenced "Silver Blaze," "The Greek Translator," and one one more I remember from the Jeremy Brett series but I haven't read the story yet. It's a good move, to keep the die-hards happy, to see how far the new plots can get into one of these old stories before they have to divert to take into account 2013, not 1887.

Tomorrow is Friday. I'm going to a classical guitar concert in the evening with Susie, and we may bake bread on Saturday. The day is supposed to be cold and yucky because a cold front moved in this evening. I'll clear the counters and let the dogs in. They'll love it. The truck is in the garage in case of hail.

On my way home this evening I decided to stop at my local thrift store, since I have retired my favorite pair of black denim jeans. I could use them like slacks with lots of tops and not get called out for wearing jeans to work. :) I picked up a number of pairs of black size 12 and almost all were too big! A pair of Talbot's and one other pair fit well, and I only needed one, so got the Talbot's. $3.33 plus tax. I'm not so foolish as to race out to pick up the size 10s, I'm sure they would be too tight and I'm tired of too-tight pants. The fact that the 12s were loose has to do with the types of size 12. If it is a Women's size then it is more full in the waist, and that is what I found was too loose. Some were too long. I need to lose another 10 pounds before I start looking at the size 10s.

Enough. Like Mark Twain said, sorry for the long letter, I didn't have time to write a short one. It takes time to edit and trim and decide what really needs to be said. I'm slapping it down on the page then heading to bed.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Nov 13 - 10:35 AM

This morning I took a large plastic bin labled "size 10" from the upper shelf in my closet to look at the contents. I have good blue jeans, black jeans, and black slacks in there, along with a few pair of summer pants. When I get through the size 12 phase I'll have the garments I need for the next (and terminus) part of the weight-loss plan. I do have some size 8s in another bin, but I don't know if I'm going to fool with trying to get to that size. I think that was my divorce-era depression size.

Very cold weather settled in overnight. I got out my thermal plug (the circuit opens when the temperature gets down to 45 and stays open until it reaches 50). My oil heater is now plugged in for the dogs in the garage, and as it gets really cold I'll put it on a timer or leave it on all day during the coldest spells.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Nov 13 - 12:43 PM

Just back from my annual physical.. All is well. Lost a few pounds. Made it thru another year.

---

The mudelves are smiling at this good news! Congratulations! ;-)

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Nov 13 - 12:26 AM

Guerrilla shopping this evening - an ice storm is predicted for Sunday into Monday and I want to be finished with the bulk of my holiday shopping. I stopped at two Krogers, an Albertson's, and a Save-A-Lot before I finished. I have most of my Thanksgiving meal (I forgot the little marshmallows for the sweet potatoes) and I picked up an extra turkey for either December or for next spring if a friend from Arizona makes a visit. I'll host a dinner for friends and family on that occasion.

Susie came by this evening and I showed her how the bread machine works. Set it on "turbo" and "manual" and in an hour had a loaf in a pan for her to take home to rise in her fridge and bake in the morning. Her sister arrives during the day, and the smell of fresh-baked bread is as visceral a welcoming smell as I can think of!

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Nov 13 - 11:41 AM

I'm not sure how life could get more complicated right now than it already is.

I can't remember if I mentioned that my mother in Milwaukee entered hospice earlier this week -- after time in the hospital, rehab and then a couple days in a nursing home. All during which I really could do nothing from this distance with, of course, my hands full with Tom's last illness and death (other than be an available ear for my sister). I just got a call from my sister about an hour ago. She was on her way to the hospice as my mother had taken a turn for the worse and may not live through the day. I gave her some advice based on my all too recent experience and will await whatever is going to happen.

So this rather puts a lot of plans on hold. I don't know if/when I'll be flying to Milwaukee for the funeral. I have to find the errant piece of paper with the date and time of my phone interview with Social Security about the SS death benefit for Tom (in case I have to reschedule). I have to let all those who have invited me to Thanksgiving dinner what's going on. I've made my packing list (I'll be traveling very light), and I called a friend for flying advice. I haven't flown since before 911 and the last time I booked a flight it was through a travel agent.

I distributed a few of Tom's things to friends last night at the session, found out that the fire department doesn't need the wheelchair, etc. so I was planning to Freecycle them, but with all this uncertainty, I'll worry about that later. But I have to get the damned thing out of the car! I would like to get the bags of stuff for Goodwill over there on Monday (and take the time to walk the new labyrinth at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital -- boy, do I need that right now!) and I want to see my neighbor today and perhaps visit a friend tomorrow. I had just called the electrician to schedule the needed work, so called him back this morning to explain why I can't reschedule right now.

Jeri will take care of the cats and mail and the packages I'm expecting.

I've got lists...I've got more lists... What am I forgetting?

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Nov 13 - 02:37 PM

To Breathe. In and out. Slowly.

Why don't you ask your drug store if they can use the wheelchair? My drugstore rents various pieces of equipment; perhaps if someone comes along who has a longer-term need they can give it to that person for you.

A friend sent a recipe for Cranberry Nut loaf and it's a cold day, so I think I'll make some of that and other fancy soda breads in my small loaf pans and freeze them to give people in the next few weeks. I have one trip to the store for a couple of Thanksgiving ingredients and then I can settle in for the cold weather that is supposed to pass through tomorrow and Monday.

My nextdoor neighbor has a nice 8'x10' area rug she doesn't need now and asked if I'd like it. She buys good quality items and takes good care of them, she doesn't have pets, and they don't smoke. Sounds like a good rug - I took a look and will now see if I can find the place where it should go if I bring it over. For quite some time I've been wanting to create a conversation area with a rug and the sofa and the coffee table and a couple of chairs. Maybe this is the time to do that.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Nov 13 - 03:34 PM

My mother died this morning. Sigh. The timing COULD have been better (for a lot of reasons), but, what with Thanksgiving this week and all, and me being the furthest away, no decision has been made yet as to when the funeral will be -- this coming week or the week after.

So right now I can't plan much of anything until I have a better idea.

So...I think I'll go over to a friend's for dinner, long conversation, dog snuggling, and not too much wine...

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Nov 13 - 05:05 PM

In vino veritas,
Go for it.
So sorry ,Linn.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Nov 13 - 05:31 PM

I second what Maggie said....

Breathe in and out very slowly...sit down for a few minutes, close your eyes and just breathe.

Much love to you my friend.

You are doing an amazing job....I'm sure it doesn't feel that way, but you are.

Breathe in....hold.....hold....hold.....let it all out.

Repeat.

(((((((((Hugs))))))))))

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Nov 13 - 02:30 AM

Oh {{{{{ Linn }}}}}. I am amazed at how upbeat is your writing (and replete with sharp detail) here on FB. Think you must be running on left over adrenaline. Please do take time to wind down and recover. That Labrynth sounds lovely.

Maggie and Sins - WooHoot! Way to go the weight loss. Sins extra for making it through and getting good report from doctor.

To all others. Just hug.

Got the call from Acura Home Health Care on Friday. First dose of Golimumab arrives this Wednesday (so glad I can arrange the delivery for my day off work) along with injection pen, swabs, sharps box, plasters etc. The nurse to show me how to do first inject will call some time this coming week. Fingers, eyes and toes (due to RA) crossed for luck that this treatment will work and that I won't suffer to much from side effects and not at all from the worrying risks.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Nov 13 - 04:27 AM

(((Linn)))

<3

~Susan

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Nov 13 - 11:51 AM

Linn,

You have a lot on your plate, and everything probably looks like one giant contiguous job. I'm glad you have all of those notebooks, now when you need to do something specific for Tom's Legacy with all of your clippings and files you have that storage.

I hope you'll be able to go ahead and work on that guest room again, not to make it a hospital room, but to make it a hospitable room so that you can have guests come by on spur of the moment if they're in your area. I'm gradually putting away stuff in my sewing room (because it is my daughter's bedroom and she'll be here for the holidays next month) but I have my son's bedroom completely clear of odd stuff sitting around and it's ready for any guest who comes my way. (Okay - you got me - don't look in his closet!)

Around here I need to do a few things to address the cold. We've had a couple of brief freezes but the faucet covers aren't in place yet, and it must be done today. The hoses are out there and I need to pull them into the garage.

I made two batches of quick breads yesterday and am going to make more today. I'll pile them up in the freezer for sending home after Thanksgiving and for distribution in December. (I bought a batch of 5 little loaf pans at an area thrift shop years ago so I can do several loafs at once.) I also bought some turkey wings and used a thigh that had been in the freezer for a while to make a batch of turkey stock. I'm going to brine my bird (which I have to put in the fridge today) and that tends to make the juices too salty. I can use some to add the salt to gravy, but I'll have stock and grease from the earlier batch ready for making my gravy.

Mostly today it will be eBay Central, and I'll find a holiday symbol to use, i.e., stick a poinsettia in some of my photos. (Hint hint, shoppers!)

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Nov 13 - 05:54 PM

The new schedule/routine is going great and is resulting in clearer thinking, better self-carecare, and some overdue cleaning and organizing. This weekend I pitched 3 much loved sweaters and a favorite satin nightgown that all needed more work than they were worth. These made room for some new cozy items bought new and used.

For any lightweight items I pitch, I save a swatch the size of a medium-sized quilt square. I have no plans to take up quilting (tho you never know!), but I can insert them into a photo album to recall many happy memories of people, places, and events they evoke. Right now the collection is no bigger than a paper grocery bag-- a cold winter evening's project.

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Nov 13 - 07:04 PM

I made a pot of homemade potato corn chowder today and then spent hours this afternoon sorting out two HUGE boxes full of paperwork...just things I've been setting aside and meaning to take care of. Tonight it is DONE. I'd say a 70% of it was trash, the other things were either magazines/reading material or medical paperwork/taxes/bills/child care stuff, etc. Feels good to have to all taken care of....I still can't get over how much JUNK was in the boxes!! There's been a Shrek marathon on TV which we all love. Pete's been working himself silly so it's been nice to have a fire going while he relaxes with a magazine, feet up and some silly TV. Jeremiah is playing with his trucks and books, watching intermittently and I am now finally taking a break and then plan to read through a couple of the magazines so I can pass them on and get them out of my house! Laundry has been going all day as well.

I am most content.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Nov 13 - 08:23 PM

More baking of small quick breads, and I cut up and sauteed several of the garden eggplants and will put them in the freezer to use in tomato sauce and stew and such.

We're looking at a possibility of ice overnight, but I still have to be ready for work tomorrow. Just like a kid waiting to see if school is cancelled. ;-D

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Nov 13 - 11:22 PM

This evening I set out clothes for tomorrow for if we have no adverse weather overnight, and decided while I was looking at my earrings and such to try on a ring that hasn't fit for quite a while. I was able to slide it onto the finger where I usually wear it. This is the true test of a weight loss, if I can wear my "regular" jewelry again. A pleasant discovery!

Today I've worked in the kitchen and caught up with some recorded programs (the good thing about Win7 and above is that they make networking router-connected computers very easy - my office computer is on so the kitchen computer can pull recorded programming off of it to play while I cook.) eBay stuff is accumulated, but not listed - I was having too much fun baking bread and catching up on those programs.

Tomorrow the first look out of the bedroom window will tell me what I need to know for the day. The faucets are covered and the pickup is in the garage. The dogs are coming back in for the night in a few minutes.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Nov 13 - 09:19 AM

Annual physical and all is well - except of course my weight.
Keep hearing Gordon Bok singing "I don't mind the wet and cold I just don't like the growing old"
oh well...

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Nov 13 - 02:57 PM

The ice coated my trees and fences and was on the metal trim of my sliding glass door this morning, but it wasn't on the roads so we had a work day like usual. I'm glad I took some photos since the ice didn't last long and the "silver thaw" of trees coated with ice was lovely.

After a weekend of baking I brought a couple of small loaves of bread into work today - I think the carrot bread is better after a day, the flavors meld more. I'll be making a variety of seasonal breads for friends this year - as affordable gifts for one thing.

My hands have broken out again (dry and cracked) - partly I think it is a contact thing (something I touch routinely with my right hand) and partly I think I simply need to avoid any of the cakes that people bring into campus for various events. Last week on Thursday I had a slice of what looked like a vanilla cake, but I'm willing to bet there was coconut in it. I'm so tired of this - I can go for weeks with my hands clear, and then something happens to set off the dermatitis and until it clears it is easy to re-trigger. I have resolved that if I can't read the ingredient list I won't eat it.

Despite grumbling about the cold I like this time of year - I can get out all of my great sweaters for a few months. Some I bought new last year at this time are larger sizes than I might buy now, but it doesn't matter so much if cardigan sweaters are a bit big. I will probably donate a couple of pullover tops that are hanging on me now, unless I can take them in a bit at the sides.

Everyone stay warm and cook up a storm this week!

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Nov 13 - 03:10 PM

The results from my tumor marker test are in and show the largest jump up in numbers since my diagnosis. The goal is to keep numbers low...so...I called both the oncologist and hematologist. While it was a big jump in numbers for me they aren't too concerned and have scheduled me for a retest in the not too distant future. In an attempt to keep anxiety at bay, I cleaned out the fridge, did the dishes, cleaned off the counter, did laundry, got next year's calendar filled in with important names, numbers, addresses and birthdays. Soon I'll be off to get my little man and some time out to clear my head.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 25 Nov 13 - 04:32 PM

It is definitely THAT time of year. People die, people get depressed, we need the light and warmth - not HOT, just warmth - weather and friends warmth. Some get news like Michelle and go into a blue funk; SHE makes a clean sweep of things needing to be done! Hurray, Michelle. You are a light in the darkness.

I have had no energy today - or just bits and drabs. Unloaded a kiln full of lovely bowls but it did not inspire me to do anything else. I am hoping the young woman who comes to pot will inspire me; she is due shortly and needs my attention.

It was down to 14F last night and very windy, and the kiln fumes blew into the living space - blurred vision caused me to get off the computer and realize the odour was dreadful and very toxic so I went to the city and came back this morning. Unfortunately, the bedding in the city smelled of the diesel fuel R spilled on his clothes last week so I had trouble sleeping. It was midnight, no spare sheets, 50F in the house because he had tried to wash the clothes which blew the circuit with the main heater and - uh oh, the frig was off all weekend also. I slept cold and trying to avoid the smell - one of the worst for me.

No wonder i have little energy today. I was back here by 9:45, found spare flannel sheets and a good thick quilt to take to the city, still hoping to glaze and reload the kiln then drive back to the city and do laundry, change the bed. The temp is up to 29F so the house should be tolerable. This place is OK but I fear the fumes may escape again. No wind tonight; it is expensive driving back and forth. Had a chat on line with a friend on Whidbey Island about surviving December.

I did have a couple very productive potting days and have another load almost ready to bisque fire - tomorrow. On those really good energy days I realized how sick I really was these last few months - environmentally. The diesel fumes scared me and I have been coughing badly all day. Very discouraging. OK. I'll try another trip to the pottery. Maybe this time....

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Nov 13 - 05:55 PM

Woke up way too early this morning but at least I'd gotten to bed comparatively early last night. Came downstairs to make a cup of tea to take back upstairs and read and...got caught up in miscellaneous cleaning and decluttering until the water boiled.

Actually, not a bad start to the day.

When it turned a decent season to make phone calls, I made them -- called the electrician and he'll get back to me as to which of the 3 possible days next week will work. Called a friend who is going along with me to pick up Tom's cremains (is this really a more, what? PC? word than "ashes"?) and figured out what day and time works best -- Wednesday morning. I just didn't want to go alone... Renewed a prescription, left a couple messages...checked a lot off the list.

My up-the-hill neighbor came down for lunch (buttered Saloio bread and brie, small glass of pinot grigio -- we both decided a salad was unnecessary) and then we picked up her daughter and went to Goodwill in Dover where I schlepped in 5 or 6 bags of stuff, getting it out of my living room. Found a large plastic storage container for 2 bucks and another one of the flashlights I really like, new but cheap -- so I can keep one in the car. Bought Druinn (neighbor's daughter) a pair of large floral earrings that she wanted (for a buck) as a "Hanukkah present" (she works a job where she has to wear all black -- but she can wildly colored earrings).

Then we went to discover exactly where the labyrinth outside the new wing of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is. Found it right off -- further to the left of the building than I usually get to. It's a 5-circuit classic labyrinth out of dark and light grey cobbles. I really wish I had known it was there a couple weeks ago, but didn't learn of it until I got the newsletter last week. Didn't walk it today because I'm hobbling as a result of medial pain in my right knee yesterday and today. But I'll definitely be back.

Came home and posted the wheelchair, rollators and walker on one of the two Freecycle lists I'm on.

My mother's funeral in Milwaukee isn't until December 17 so I have a little breathing space to get some stuff done here.

And tonight I'll call one of the twins my mother babysat for (as a live-in mother's helper) back 70 years ago.

Not a bad day...

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Nov 13 - 06:25 PM

After buying the new old car and getting stuff on my house fixed, I figured it was safe to buy a jacket, so I did. I might not be able to afford the ideal house or ideal car (at least not a new one), but I figured I'd go after the ideal jacket. After all, it was on sale. Last night as I was not sleeping, I heard the awful drainy-suck noise my heating system made when the guys were working on the house. I messed with various things and turned it all the way down (which is 50°F) and went back to bed. The guy was coming to do the annual cleaning today anyway.

So today, the guy comes and determines the pump for that level's (downstairs) heat is dead. Replaces it. Nothing. Now, for the funny part, which probably is my fault somehow: it was the wrong level's pump. Got it all sorted out and working. I'm warm and happy... other than finding yet another opportunity to dispose of money.

But I love my Sub, my parka has shipped, and things could be worse.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Nov 13 - 11:21 PM

Jeri, sometimes getting through the day is a matter of averaging things out. I have an L.L. Bean jacket I bought years ago that is still going strong, it was the best jacket I could afford at the time.

Dorothy, it sounds like you need a warm sleeping bag you can use to relocate to a couch if necessary, if R is bringing diesel fumes to bed!

Linn, sounds like a nice labyrinth. Will a knee brace help?

I'm looking at university job listings this week. One I will apply for, and one that is ranked too low to bother with, or it could be interesting. Why do these departments decide that you can only do one thing and pay squat for it? They could pay someone a living wage and have them do two or three interrelated things. [sigh]

I've decided that I'm swimming so much in the gray slacks I wore today that I need to put these in the donation bag and find another pair of gray suit-pants type trousers. Back to the thrift store next weekend.

Amber glasses are working. The dogs are coming in and I'm to bed.

SRS

Subject: RE: "PC" terms around death and dying
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Nov 13 - 07:11 AM

RE: "PC" terms around death and dying

Linn, "cremains" is the term funeral directors settled on that they hope is accurate and not piling hurt upon hurt, that in their professional jargon among one another, clergy, and cemetery people simply means: "This specific funeral will involve a process that can and might helpfully take some time, as opposed to a quick embalming and burying."

That term often signals a professional who cares deeply about all aspects of what occurs at this difficult time. Most people I have known who are receiving the ashes of the person they have lost prefer to use the word "ashes," maybe because it has that sense of loss of so much more than the physical body that has passed.

You use the word that works for you. Whatever you say will truly be just the right thing to say. Whatever you find weird from others' words will truly be weird.

On this strange planet called "Bereavement" that Animaterra wrote so movingly about, not so long ago, I think nothing might feel really right-- it's all just what is, for now.

<3

~Susan

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Nov 13 - 10:50 AM

A few Mudcatters and others met me at the Edmonds/Kingston ferry terminal several years ago and when we were about halfway across the captain slowed and made an announcement about the reason, a crew member helped us, and we scattered my Dad's ashes in Puget Sound, then tossed in some cedar boughs in lieu of a wreath or flowers, and as I recall, we had a few blueberry muffins that we thought might make him smile. The state ferry system does this for free, they only ask that you go on a non-rush-hour run and that it be a long enough trip so they can actually slow and do the ceremony and make up the time to land on time.

Cremated remains are heavier than I expected, but they do blow around a bit, so the ferry slowing really helped. If there was anyone who would want to be scattered with the fishes, it was my father, who lived the last 25 years of his life at the beach.

Cold gray day today, suitable for leading up to Thanksgiving. This week if I were to stay on my alternate day feed/fast schedule I would be skipping Thanksgiving - I won't do that, it will be a modified week. :) They turkey is thawing in a sink full of water now and I'll brine it overnight on Wednesday.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Nov 13 - 12:20 PM

Being overly sensitive, in my experience, is far more stressful than being awkward and guileless. It makes the bereaved have to pussy-foot back at you, because, really, are you being politely sensitive or are YOU easily offended?

One of the most in-your-face examples of this is I remember someone singing this ditty at the Press Room after someone had died. I'm not sure the singer wasn't Tom. He did the song. You can either tread delicately on eggshells, or stomp the hell out of them and hope it's appreciated by the important folks. It's one of those areas where one should try to be like small children who are honest and haven't yet learned to be 'proper'.

My stuff has arrived. Alas, it's not cold enough for the jacket, but the dusting of snow has reminded me to get the shovel out of the shed NOW.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Nov 13 - 03:28 PM

My Dad did one of those songs at a Song Circle one time - way more over the top than this "Bloody Well Dead" one - when my youngest brother brought him the news that Dad's mother had died. (I can hear it, can't remember the name - I've probably buried it.) They had issues, to say the least, and none of us knew her, but I think my youngest brother (about 12 at the time) was mortified.

I stopped at the grocery store on the way to work for acorn squash and yogurt. Both will be fine in the cold pickup truck until I head home this evening. The first store I stopped at (the high-end Kroger) was packed, no open spaces in the parking lot out front, so I stopped at another Kroger, more main stream, and had no problem getting in. I like that other store because they have some nice products (I buy their gallon of organic milk any time I find a sticker that it is reduced for quick sale - it still has ages to go before it expires.)

Odd day today, but a sweet start. In my mail I found a flat rate priority envelope, and a friend had picked up some lovely leaves from various trees in NYC and sent them to me. I'll see about putting a few under glass. Now I'm at work, looking busy. Around big holidays a lot doesn't get done - too many people taking days off to hold meetings or pass off tasks.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Nov 13 - 06:37 PM

I do not think R will go to bed smelling of diesel again. I have read the riot act, in spades, as I washed and washed and washed the clothes, finally in hot water, baking soda and detergent - 3 or 4 times. The washing machine still smells a bit but the several other loads I managed came out OK. I squoze in washing, and heating the house between loads. This incident will not be forgotten.

I also commuted back and forth, accomplishing glazing and 3 glaze firings with Vanessa involved as I assure myself she will be careful enough. Today the roads were not nice in the am - wet, slushy and the temp at freezing - so I emailed V and told her she could unload on her own. She is so excited about the pots she has made, I did not want her to have to wait. She reported that mine were "pretty" but neglected to report on the test glaze - "Robin's egg blue" or the brown she used on two pots.

So today I did more laundry, made chicken rice stew with remains of roasted chicken, fed R and Bruno lunch and went shopping for socks - done! keepers for earrings as I am tired of losing them - done (3 types)! a funnel with sieve at Canadian Tire that will be helpful for test glazes - done! And a few groceries. Two hours and ten minutes portal to portal - wore my new mask in several stores to reduce hazard.

During lunch I expressed my heartfelt desire to have the kitchen at the mill FINISHED! And at least the rough floor in the LR. B expects to have time and now R has heard how important it is to me. "I want something to be FINISHED!" And B agrees with me so maybe....

Now I need a hot bath. I've been back to coughing a lot but did get to sleep most of last night.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Nov 13 - 02:33 AM

Busy day here - I took a vacation day from work, and will also be off next Monday so I'll feel like it was a real vacation after tomorrow's marathon cooking.

I made cranberry sauce today - not difficult, after all. I have bread rising and will run a bath and finish the bath when the bread is finished. I'll have to let it cool in my office with the door tightly closed so Zeke my counter surfer doesn't nail it during the night.

The turkey is in the brine in the little refrigerator and several other things are ready to go. Since one guest is a vegetarian I picked up some mushrooms - I love sautéing them in butter and wine for an appetizer, and there is rice along with various vegetables and potatoes.

Minutes have passed, I'm shutting down the computer for the night. Bread is cooling on top of the fridge, laundry is in and set to run early in the morning. The hot bath was wonderful, and is something I try to do before Thanksgiving because once I get going with all of the cooking and baking on the day of I don't seem to have time to stop and run for a shower before we eat.

Have a great day, everyone, whether you're doing a big turkey dinner or not. Stay warm!

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Nov 13 - 08:47 AM

Kevin Scanlon, who Tom had enticed to the joys of folk music and the Press Room session some years ago and who had moved to North Carolina, just happened to be visiting in the area (I think he had a gig in Boston, but his family is local) came to both Press Room sessions right after Tom died. And Kevin led "Isn't It Grand, Boys" with multitudes of voices (including mine) joining in the chorus. I rather wish John Duffy had been there, too, to do his recitation "Reincarnation"...

Jaki, our server on Saturday, observed, "You folkies got it right -- you don't mourn, you celebrate."

Ayuh.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Nov 13 - 10:56 PM

TBTG, another BIG transition Monday: TREADMILL, at PT, in the "dry clinic." I am now under the weight limit for the one at PT, and did 10 minutes. (It had been 8 minutes on the aquatic treadmill till a week or so ago).

So this means that the one we bought me years ago-- that my pre-surgery body could not operate at all-- goes on my daily schedule and MAYBE I will get tired enough each day to sleep all night, every night, without sleep meds. I'm aiming for 2x/day, 10 min, between 1.5 - 1.8 mph for gait re-training and core focus to protect my back.

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Nov 13 - 11:01 PM

Picked up a $10 basket of Quebec cranberries this morning and some marked down cheeses at our fav cheese store, including a nice piece of yummy Stilton! The apple juice booth was clean out and none 'til Friday at 6 pm! Darn!

Then drove to country this morning. Some pieces of road needed reduced speed. Was after noon when I arrived, then lunch, loaded bisque kiln but could not muster energy to finish those teapots or do any throwing. Read and computered, did a bit of organizing, started kiln and went to writers' group, by way of fabric store - just to see if anything new. Then back to city over slightly better road. A TV evening - very unusual for me but really tired. Using computer during commercials, found a piece of my writing and sent it to a member of writing group to ask if it might be suitable for our anthology which is in the planning stage. Soon to bed.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Nov 13 - 12:01 AM

As part of the research study I am part of (for ovarian cancer survivors up to 4 years), they gave me a pedometer. I am happy to have one that actually stays put where it's supposed to and am kinda having fun with it seeing just how much I run around or not. Both my guys have been home for the last 3 days so it's been some much needed down time for us all.

No Thanksgiving here today....well...lots of giving of thanks but not a big meal. That will come tomorrow. Frankly I'm looking forward to the butternut squash and mashed potatoes....they can keep the rest of it! And even more than that, I'm looking forward to playing cards with my Nana!!! :)

FYI: Dannon Light and Fit Greek yogurt and Reddi Whip Whipped Cream is luscious! Better yet....I'm out of my yogurt so I nabbed one of Pete's Chobani Greek Lemon Yogurt and added some Reddi Whip on top....who needs pie? SUPER YUM and not too bad for a body at all!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Nov 13 - 01:36 AM

Michelle, we used to do our Thanksgiving dinner on Fridays after the holiday for many years because the neighbors we always celebrated with had a chef in the family. He cooked dinner for Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, for home game on Thanksgiving. I sometimes cooked a turkey breast so we'd have the leftovers for sandwiches.

I reached a point this evening when I was ready to sit down and be finished - it hits every year - that point when the legs and the lower back ache from all of the standing.

I have a few days off (I don't have to be back at work until Tuesday afternoon) and am finished cleaning the kitchen before I collapsed in my chair this evening, so I can start on own my stuff tomorrow. It's another cold night, the dogs are in. Everything is put way up out of Zeke's reach.

I hope I can get a few of the "to do" things crossed off my list.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Nov 13 - 08:06 AM

In checking my email this morning I discovered I'd just won a 10 buck Irving gas gift card in their Secret Santa promotion! Still have a chance at the $50 and $100 gift cards...

Will take Tom's wheelchair, walker and some other stuff today over to the Legion Post in Newmarket, shirts appropriate for wear with a kilt to Chris Vaughan at The Press Room, and a few other things to give to friends should they fit.

Jeri delivered Tom's red curmudgeon suspenders to Kendall yesterday.

I spent Thanksgiving with some friends (one of whom is going through some serious health issues) and we had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Clay Hill Farm in York, Maine. No leftovers, but I'm not up to cooking yet anyway. (The creamy cheesy leeks the other night was because the leeks would have rotted if I hadn't cooked 'em up.)

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Nov 13 - 01:20 PM

Linn,

Up to cooking - I hope you start pampering yourself soon with some of those great meals you described fixing for Tom. Now if you clear the counter or living room or wherever it should stay cleared, so make a space for yourself to be able to fix a meal on impulse. I found a recipe for a great pasta dish (caramelized fennel, celery, and sardine pasta) that uses just what the name says. I have all of the ingredients except the fennel, so one of these days if I remember I'll pick up a bulb and bring it home to try this "heart healthy Sicilian classic." (Page 85 in the November issue.) Just a thought - pampering yourself probably isn't high on your list, but it needs to be. --offered with a huge virtual hug. :)

Looking at the weather forecast I think I can do some yard work on Sunday or Monday when it warms into the mid-60s. It won't be getting so cold at night now either so the heater in the garage can get plugged into the thermal cube (if it does get below about 45 the cube cycles on and the heater that is plugged into it will warm the garage to 55 before it shuts off again.)

Our Thanksgiving dinner was small yesterday. Very nice, but small. I am thinking about making a push to organize the house enough to have a few more people over at one time before xmas because I haven't had people in for a long time. Lunch? Dinner? A party? Who knows. But I'm thinking about it. It feels like time to start moving furniture. :)

SRS