BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Penny S.
Date: 09 May 11 - 01:44 PM

I've put some plastic trellis over my spring onions and carrots after the cat had damaged the rows again.

We've had some rain, and the slugs have gone for the lettuces. I've put out a beer trap, and some "organic" granules from Oxfam. It's iron phosphate, so not as horrible as the metaldehyde stuff.

Today's task was to put up the first book shelves, but that was a bit disappointing. Though I have drilled holes in brick before, no problems, my hand drill really struggled here. I bought a new bit, but it was no better. Then, after I had done two and a half holes of the three I needed for the track, I realised that I had two sorts of track with different hole patterns, and I had drilled for the sort I only have three of, and not the ones I have twelve of. So now I have to drill seven more holes before I can put up shelves, and it is such hard work.

I will be having my Dad's power drill, so I can't buy a new one. I think I'll have to wait for the shelves.

The gauze curtain I've rigged up to deal with the evening sun is working well.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 May 11 - 03:24 PM

Hi DP!

(((DP))) A loose hug for a smart lady.

Van now at dealer for 3 recall notices. If not done I get a free loaner for the trip. It had one MORE recall item I had not known it needed-- wiring harness for cruise control! I DEPEND on cruise control to save my knees!!!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 May 11 - 05:39 PM

It's getting hot down here, so I've been doing some of my outdoor tasks slowly with indoor breaks. I finished the trimming (the code enforcement guys put these stupid neon announcements on your front door if your yard isn't up to their specs, so this is more for them than for me). The grass is off of the curb and all is swept.

I've been moving rocks. I came in to read up a little on the project and am going to redo part of what I set up, not a big deal, but it might make it easier.

I hope toxic rooms and vehicles are a thing of the past for everyone here. I was listening to Nate Berkus for a while today, one of the "declutter" items that the guest suggested also was "toxic people." Now there's an idea, Dorothy! Next time that person buttonholes you, push the virtual "delete" button and wish them well, but goodbye.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 May 11 - 07:35 PM

SRS: That person truly was trying to be helpful. And, fortunately, I was too sick to just kick her out of the way and I sure did not want to scream at her. When I am feeling better I will email her with a better explanation. I have found Temple Grandin's book, Thinking in Pictures, which has a good explanation of the auditory processing problem. And the site on environmental health has a clear statement on the difficulty of finding medical help- since my word is not good enough for some people.

I realize now that I did not explain things in a way she could understand, which made sense to her. I will try again.

In spite of trying, I do not yet understand what part of the brain is afflicted but I have found the same sensitivity to sounds in people with autism, MR and brain damage from hypoxia. Two weeks ago, a certain noise felt like a knife in my brain and caused me to scream in pain. I scared myself and upset a lot of others. I did not recover for four days. It has never happened before and I hope it never does again. But this is definitely the sort of thing that happens to some people with certain symptoms of autism. I'll bet Daniel Amen and Oliver Sacks would know. When I have more energy, I will check their sites.

We are not through with toxic homes and vehicles until all chemicals are eliminated or declared safe by non-corporate studies. I know they tried to do renovations to the cafe in a safe manner. We suspect the "ALL Natural" floor oil. We need to be aware that all natural is not necessarily safe - arsenic, hemlock, sassafras tea, etc. I have gotten ill in buildings that were clean and odour free ----In one, they exterminated for bugs and the residual chemicals were enough to give me nausea and headache in 30 minutes. And that was on one of my very good days!

Today, getting off the sofa is an effort. I believe this is sill the effect of the dentist. R phoned today to give a heads up so, hopefully, wednesday's appt is not a repeat. I would like to be in good shape for the weekend Quaker Gathering when we will be considering discernment and the appropriate use of the words consideration and/or discussion, a strong concern of mine.

Still a limp noodle.

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 May 11 - 09:38 PM

3535 incredibly painful trudges.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 May 11 - 10:07 PM

Well. I completely blew today out of the water. It was a good day (weeded 2 flower beds for my nana, drove 200 miles on a beautiful day, got something that helped Jeremiah with his teething and spoke at an adoption forum this evening) but not a nutritionally good day. Good thing there's healthy food in the fridge for tomorrow!!! Ugh. Crap food makes me feel like crap.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 May 11 - 10:46 PM

I put down the first row of stones in the front, and figured that it might take as much as two bags of mortar per row. Of course this first one had a lot of mortar in the hole for the first rocks to rest in, so the rest of the rows might use a bit less. It looks good, though I know what I want it to end up like - to anyone else, it looks like a ragged row of rocks.

I cleaned the truck, took my recycling over to the village collection point, and hauled some of the compost leaves (in bags I picked up on trash day at other peoples' houses) to the back yard.

Getting ready to make a batch of banana bread, and I did a little shopping. Now I need a shower to scrape off the sweat, dust, and mortar. :-/

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 May 11 - 12:29 AM

This week I've been finding things that seemed long gone. A knife, and now a pair of glasses. The spare pair that was a previous Rx. My current frames were replaced just a couple of months before I needed my next exam, so I reused them. The older pair is now my spare again.

Banana bread cupcakes out of the oven - they smell wonderful! Decluttering the freezer of some frozen bananas this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 May 11 - 11:38 AM

Hard to believe, but I actually got the van back this AM already-- axle not cracked, so regulation (risk mgmt) reinforcing kit installed. Several other recalls we had never heard about-- also checked/fixed. (Frame!?!?!?!?)

I decided to make a non-customary grocery stop for the vittles I'll take on board. Delighted to find a conversion van sitting out in front when I came out, of an age we could afford, and with nice people inside. They indulged me in a great Q&A supporting my contention that a used one in good shape CAN be found, affordably, and that is DOES make a HUGE difference to be able to stand all the way up, inside it as the 5'11" driver assured me!

Theirs even came WITH a foldout bed!!! They'd paid $2,000 at 125,000 miles on it. It now has close to 180,000 and has not needed any major engine or transmission work.

Frabjous joy! And no they were not selling it-- wouldn't part with 'er.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 May 11 - 11:58 AM

Dishes all finished, trash out. Laundry folded, put away.

Garden watered.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 May 11 - 12:48 PM

Dishes done, floors swept, rug vacuumed, counters clean, table found, all baby things, baby now down for a nap and I'm off to clean out the car from this weekend's emergency trip. I'll be doing laundry the rest of the day...clothes, rugs, blankets, etc. I have new curtains to be hung in the living room and a new shower curtain too.

Nutrition is MUCH better today.
Breakfast: FF Cottage Cheese, Mandarin oranges, rinsed well.
Lunch: 2 small tortillas, 2 slices swiss cheese, 6oz. FF Greek Yogurt.

A beautiful salad is ready for munching on later if I get hungry, plenty left to enjoy with dinner too.

Dinner: Grilled chicken, curried couscous, green beans, salad.

YAY! Emergency trip = eating on the road = total crap for 3 days. Yes, I know salads are available but I needed fast. I did get in some fruit but the rest of it was ick. I'm paying for it too.

Time to clean out the car and get the mail which for us, is 1/10th of a mile one way. It's a beautiful day to be outside!

Later Gators!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 May 11 - 03:12 PM

Emergency trip = eating on the road = total crap for 3 days. Yes, I know salads are available but I needed fast. I did get in some fruit but the rest of it was ick. I'm paying for it too.

Planning is just needed. Your bag, baby's bag. (Mommies first, remember?)

We have some good tricks. Subway has the oat bread and of course you can customize. The BEST McD diabetic meal-- it happens!-- has been the 4-pct Chicken McNuggets Happy Meal (no sauce), with Apple Dippers (no sauce) and unsweet iced tea. Purists crack off the breading. For lo-sugar moments, we split the oatmeal cookies. Sweet, but 1/2-cookie is about right (and we put the rest away where we cannot see them). (McD does not care how old the Happy Meal consumer may be, and you get a car toy!)

When I travel, I stop to stretch the legs and grab fresh fruit to go with the non-refrig-type tofu on board. It keeps about 6 hours after you open it and can be sprinkled with ramen noodle packets. I also carry Chicken a la King (it's in a poptop) and eat it as a dip, with rice cakes-- it has fat and protein but little/no carb. No cookem's.

Hardi's preferred staple is a thick PB san on oat, cut and squished and buried in a backpack-- ziploc w/ 4 dry, bar-shaped mouthfuls.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 May 11 - 03:30 PM

Michelle, I make up my own trail mix using dried fruit sans msg, nuts, and sometimes 3-4 m&ms. I know you probably can't do the m&ms, but you can plan out the rest, plus there are some good drinks out now with 2-3 day's portion of veggies and/or fruit which are handy and filling. Also, string cheese, WW's brand is only 100 calories or thereabouts.

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 10 May 11 - 03:35 PM

The rice cakes are high in carbs..about 14 for 2 brown ones. They are also exploded grains, which are supposedly worse because of surface area or something. They are one of the things we are told to avoid if we have metabolic syndrome. mg

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 May 11 - 03:36 PM

I suppose I did it backwards but my first instinct was to make sure I had everything I needed for Jeremiah. Bottles. Diapers. Food. Wipes. Clothes. Then for me: Insulin. Meds. Toothbrush. Deo. He had food, I did not. I really didn't have time to come up with stuff to take other than apples. I did have 3 chicken breasts, rice and baby carrots cooked and in the fridge but I left those for Pete so he wouldn't have to fuss with making lunch for himself while I was away.

I got snacks for Jeremiah at the hospital cafeteria...yogurt, a banana, Cheerios and milk. And for Mommy? A bottle of water. I don't know..I was stressed, tired, worried about everyone but me.

The thought for better eating was there but not the energy to follow through. The good news is that I'm home and will make better choices today and hopefully in the days to come.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Penny S.
Date: 10 May 11 - 03:39 PM

I found a drill bit which is up to the job of the local brick, and put up two sections of aluminium shelf support track, and four book shelves, now loaded. Several cardboard boxes now empty, but the books are in anything but Dewey order, or even the alphabetical version suggested by my nasty ex-neighbour as if it were ridiculous. History of various periods, science, religion, children's literature, guide books... In the boxes they were sorted by size alone.

I have one lot which I have realised I will never get round to reading, which will go to Oxfam, and another which I won't need to keep after reading, so they are in a basket going upstairs.

The cat has been on the garden again - well, not actually BEEN, but done a bit of scraping. And something has squashed some lettuces. Under netting. The rose I saved from the last place has mildew, and is looking very sorry for itself. It may be a mistake that it is in shade, but I can get a replacement. Oddly, in the same place, a branch of the angelica is looking peaky, and the neighbour's shrub, hanging over the fence, had a dead part. I have sprayed the rose with anti-fungal spray, and keep it watered. The buds are ready to open, but looking a bit slow. When they have bloomed - if they do - I am going to cut it hard back, and move it to a sunny spot. The place where the cat has destroyed the onions and carrots might well do!

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Penny S.
Date: 10 May 11 - 04:23 PM

I am trying to get hold of some rockery stone - there was a small-ad in the local press for 3 cwt free. But no-one ever answers the phone. It's our local hard stuff, Kentish Rag, a limestone cemented sandstone which comes in irregular chunks. It is now difficult to source, so I was rather pleased to see the ad, and intend to pay the owners if it hasn't already gone.

The stone I have in the garden is a mishmash of the previous owner's rock specimens, and mine, and a load of smashed concrete. I did look up how to make hypertufa, but decided that the concrete - known among geologists as "urban conglomerate" or "wimpeyite" (Wimpey's being a major construction company) was very similar, especially if mossy. However, it will be difficult to construct a rockery which looks like a natural outcrop. Ragstone would be much easier.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 May 11 - 04:58 PM

Played outside with Jeremiah. He loves to swing!   While he was swinging, I was picking up nearby downed branches/pieces of branches and started a pile of them. We collect them each spring to use as kindling for campfires or for next winter when the fire has died down. There are A LOT of them this year!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 10 May 11 - 06:14 PM

Next time I hope you take the chicken breasts and leave husband to fend for himself..he can go out to eat at a Chinese restaurant or whatever if there is not much at home. You could hard boil some eggs (yuck), take the chicken breasts, have cans of tuna and salmon, jars of peanuts (big costco ones and leave in the car), other nuts, grab cheese from refer as you go, soy nuts..don't be afraid of McDonald's..you can eat hamburgers or chicken minus buns, they have some nice meat salads. It is more important that you as a diabetic driver with a baby have food on hand, and some stashed in the car, than your husband not be inconvenienced...

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 May 11 - 07:24 PM

Wait a minute. I had access to food. I just didn't make the best choices for myself. Sure I could have taken the chicken, rice and carrots for myself but I WANTED to make sure my husband had decent food and not have to mess with cooking. He is a WONDERFUL cook and is more than capable for fending for himself...I didn't want him to have to do that. He works hard enough. I did not put myself or the baby in any kind of danger. If push came to shove, I had 6 apples in the car, 6 jars of baby food, baggies of animal crackers and Cheerios. I was just pointing out that I opted for crap food (McDonald's hamburgers, a fruit smoothie, small fries) because it was easy and fast which is what I needed because I waited until I was starving to eat. There was too much going on and I was exhausted. It happens. And when you eat crap, you feel like crap. My sugars were a little high but nothing over 150.

I REALLY don't like the implication that I was putting the baby at risk. I absolutely was NOT.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 10 May 11 - 08:23 PM

OK..I will only speak for myself. If I wait until I am starving, which I rarely feel because I get way too symptomatic of low blood sugar (really never that low, just symptoms are same)...and am exhausted, I am in no shape to drive. I don't have the mental acuity or sharpness. I drive too fast, my reactions are not good. I should not be on the road when I have not eaten, and there are no symptoms of hunger, just increasing confusion. Hopefully I am the only person on the road who gets like that. I had to have it written in my personnel file that I can stop the state car and eat when I need to, because usually we are not supposed to do that. In my own car, and I am without a car right now, I keep lots of peanuts for sure, a few cans of chili. I thank God every day for McDonald's because it is pretty standard and has the protein and fat that my body needs, sometimes very quickly without much warning, as my schedule changes mean changes to my metabolism.   mg

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: maeve
Date: 10 May 11 - 09:43 PM

Many of us want to be helpful to each other here. Inevitably, as I think Maggie has pointed out in the past, we only see the part of the picture someone's words paint, interpreted by our personal experience. I appreciate that Mary focused her later observations on her own solution for herself. That leaves others free to take or leave her observations based on their personal situation.

You're a wonderful mother, Michelle. You are generous to keep a window open for us to share glimpses of your life. I've pretty much closed my virtual window.

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 May 11 - 10:56 PM

2966, and on this HR0-lowering med, I am NOT seeing ANY training effect on wind. My muscles feel it, my metabolism feels it, but my wind? Zilch.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 May 11 - 10:58 PM

Maeve,

   Thank you!!!!!

Mg,

   I can appreciate your post but please know that exhaustion does not always mean low blood sugar nor does it mean I am on the verge of falling asleep (I WISH!!!) I am exhausted frequently as the chemo continues to work it's way out. It's just part of my life.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 May 11 - 11:04 PM

Very well said, maeve. Thank you and, Michelle, I agree, you are a wonderful mother.

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 May 11 - 01:29 AM

I'm mostly away from the computer for a couple of days, I'll check in as I can. Breathe and relax! :-) You're all doing fine, just a little mis-communication there.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: mouldy
Date: 11 May 11 - 05:06 AM

Just being a mother is enough to exhaust anybody (I've had 3) even without any health issues on top. The usual format is see to the little ones, and then grab what you can lay your hands on in the time available for yourself.

The fireplace surround is almost exposed, but I am having a bit of a lazy day today. There's only the bottom of the side bits to clear now, and I have decided not to chip every little bit of pitch and plaster off, as they are all part of its story. I'm trying to pull together the admin strands of the imminent build, as the builder and I want to get started asap. The archaeologist assures me he will be dealing with it today. I also need the planning dept to tell me exactly what they need me to do as regards fulfilling the conditions.

The builder hopes he won't be dumping stuff on all of my garden, but he'll have to use what he needs, so I'm still not planning much until the work's finished. I think today's main task will be to just go through the front bed with a hoe and sort out the chickweed that may be appearing.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 May 11 - 08:41 AM

Working upstairs this morning, going for a walk, a stop at the park and then an evening meeting that I am very much looking forward to.

HELLO SUNSHINE!!!!!

Have a great day everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 May 11 - 09:00 AM

Woke at my normal time, though I'm taking the day off. You'd think your brain knows it can take a little extra time to sleep. Oh, well. I can use the time.

SRS

Subject: Family Systems a la Mudcat
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 May 11 - 10:34 AM

Speaking in love and in truth to power....

"Take the best and leave the rest" seems to be obsolete at Mudcat these days, as if adults are not capable of thinking and discerning for themselves what is needful. There seems to be a fear that crisis is just around the corner, when, in fact, we are all actually doing a whole lot better that we thought we might. Increasing one's isolation is never health.

Choosing to change one's viewpoints or one's time involvement, on the other hand, usually is. When I think of the folks who we don't see around here much anymore, with some of whom I remain in contact elsewhere, I see healthy individuals. Increasingly I am one of them. Increasingly, I find this fear-based paradigm at Mudcat toxic. It won't change as people are driven away by it. Only changing that paradigm will change it.

A "family systems" consultant would have a field day at Mudcat. I would hope that Mudcatters familiar with that model might think about applying it here-- not "at" other folks (and thereby increasing their own isolation inside it), but to their own behavior.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 May 11 - 10:36 AM

Thanks for the desk yoga link, SRS. That's great!

Yesterday - qi gong 30 minutes

Today - maybe exercise class, depends on if I get a nap in. Had Morgan over at 430a as his dad had to go to the ER. They're all home now, so I hope to rest enough to go to class.

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 May 11 - 11:43 AM

I really enjoyed that link and meant to say so too!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 May 11 - 11:44 AM

And as for a recent post, I find it HYSTERICAL that this thread currently follows this thread: Recognising Psychobabble

BUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

*SNORT* Gasping for air...

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 May 11 - 11:49 AM

Whew. Ok. Composure regained...somewhat *GRIN*

I didn't do what I had planned regarding working upstairs. Jeremiah was most content playing with his toys in the living room so I dusted and picked up in there. I got the dishes all done, more laundry going and I wiped down his larger toys (smaller ones set to soak in a little bleach water) with Lysol wipes. I got them for a great price plus I had coupons for them. I hadn't ever purchased them before but decided to go ahead and get about 6 of them. Man..they are SLICK! They have a side that is textured so it's great for scrubbing. I'll be watching for those to go on sale again...they are absolutely perfect for wiping down little riding cars, activity centers and the like.

Onward! The baby is napping, the sun is still shining and I'm going to finish some things up before our walk and time in the park! I'm looking forward to it!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 May 11 - 02:20 PM

Hm, 58 years old and just learning how to hang up my clothes.

Not learning TO do it, but the HOW-- to keep 'em ON the hangers.

When the dry-cleaner here went out of business, we lost access to foam-padded wire hangers. But now-- larger, heavier padded ones are available locally so I'm getting rid of the old, nasty wire hangers. And I discovered that if I fold them into thirds, vertically-- right on the hanger, as it I were folding them on a flat table-- I can clothes-pin the underarms together in back. It all hangs stgraight, leaves no marks where they will show, can be packed in tight without wrinkling, and the resulting tension on the shoulder part of the sleeve holds it from shifting, too.

FINALLY!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 May 11 - 07:54 PM

Well, I have most of my brain back. Took almost a week after the dentist chemicals, added to the other toxins, did me in. We finally thought to phone the dentist in Pennsylvania to find out what he used on me. Wonderful people! Told Robin what would be OK and also that I had a lot of work done with NO anesthetic. Not knowing what today would bring, I took the 4 NAC recommended by my health consultant and went off to brave the dentist. Robin had prepped the staff on the call to PA. The Dr. informed me wer are only doing fillings today to give me a break. I informed her we could do that without A. She accepted this and we did four. Oh joy. The list is shortening. She assured me she had the required chem and in a couple weeks we will do the next root canal.

So I sorted out more of the shed. We are planning to make a concerted effort to clear it completely in the next couple weeks - take it to the country - so we can take it down and SEE the back yard. I am delighted by what is coming up. Want to get the two dozen tomatoes and pepper plants into the ground as soon as shed is gone. Light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a freight train coming through.

I am content for people to make their comments, suggestions, whatever. Sometimes they are helpful, sometimes reminders, and if they are not applicable, I do what I do. Connie is my "bottom line" for health matters; I trust her implicitly.

Found an "Environmental Working Group" on line today which has good info. We hope to go to a conference tomorrow eve on environmental health, held by a Montreal group. It is heartening to find these things. I feel less alone.

Still sorting out the cell phone problem - does not work at country - in the house. Tomorrow I will resolve that, I think. I only try to do one away from home thing each day, or two easy ones.

The weekend is a Quaker gathering near Ottawa. The site is environmentally challenging but there are lots of windows to open. I survived last year. Guess I'll be sure and take the NAC. Glad R is going. He helps so much, explaining to people when I cannot. He also translates when I can not process what is happening. AND I think he will enjoy the group of people who will be there. He has only met the Montreal group so far. And, in spite of his fluent French, he appreciates being where he can count on people speaking English.

It is good to have my brain back as the weekend theme was my suggestion; I want to be on top of it. I have a concern for the right use of words in a Quaker context. Obit for Kate Swift adds to my repertoire of the importance of word-usage. She seems to have been a bit of a pioneer in the use of non-sexist language.

And so, life muddles on. Good to hear what others are accomplishing.

I think I have gotten R to understand the clutter-fear I have developed as he drags in stuff from every yard sale he sees and from whatever looks interesting on trash day! The country house seems to have given him permission to escalate. I blew a couple days ago - I DON"T WANT CLUTTER!!! Today's find came in apologetically - a lovely, good quality brass floor lamp for which I have a shade at hand! Living with one another is definitely challenging!

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 May 11 - 11:03 PM

2595

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Penny S.
Date: 12 May 11 - 09:52 AM

This morning, as I listened to the morning radio programme, I heard about a project for people to record what they do through today, so I'm noting down everything. In case I find out where to submit it.

I've hung a long mirror which came from Dad's house in the hall, sowed some bean, pea and lettuce seeds, and bought some bean plants in case the new batch fail to germinate lake the last.

I've looked up what has affected my rose bush - powdery mildew, and I need to eradicate the plant. And dispose of it at the dump in the household department where it will be incinerated. And clean the secateurs with disinfectant. I have planted it in exactly the wrong place. It's a good thing I still have access to a healthy one.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 May 11 - 10:14 AM

Pack the Van Day I today-- cot and loo. (The tricky parts.) Wash the dresser and add that.

Out,

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 May 11 - 03:13 PM

Spring cleaning bedrooms today.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 May 11 - 03:26 PM

Ya know how the essential things never really happen until they are supposed to happen? For years I've wanted a hitch-mounted cargo carrier. The same moment I was confronting the reality of all the things I cannot carry inside the van, and also still sleep comfortably in it as the demands of my ministry seem to require-- from the front porch I saw the mail carrier, who was delivering a birthday check--- and it turned out to be about 10 times bigger than this one relative usually sends for my birthday. I had allocated what she usually sends to reimburse this trip's ministry travel expenses, and was just so grateful THAT amount had come in time for this foray.

The place I wanted the carrier from IS open til 9 and DOES have it in stock. And it is STILL on sale and there is enough $$ to also get the water-resistant cover that fits it!

Winwinwin!

(And they have a really affordable carrier, as well, for my scooter-- another pesky problem long in the solving!)

A popular saying at our house: "Gee I love it when a plan comes together!" and TBTG.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 May 11 - 07:16 PM

Packing up for a trip to the hospital tomorrow...port accessed, exam & test.

Be well everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 12 May 11 - 08:56 PM

Oh joy!! A good day. I am back to my self. Cleaned up BR, packed for weekend, hemmed three pairs of R's pants and roughly mended a work pair, packed a plastic container with winter stuff and put it with the rest in the back yard, straightened up more of the shed, ready to start the last big move of pottery stuff and other to the country - more storage space there. Groceries, a lengthy phone conversation to sort out part of cell phone situation, more tomorrow. A conversation with the man who wanted me to deal with the lack of neutering clinics in Montreal; there was a wonderful news item about a new group working on better ways to deal with the 50,000 abandoned animals each year. I suggested he get involved!

Seriously sorting papers, some into recycling, others into correct categories and appropriate niches.

Did not get to the conference on Environmental Sensitivity. Rob is too busy and I would not get much out of it on my own. But it is wonderful to find the group, and a group fighting pesticides. Still need to finish the chili for tomorrow;s potluck - better if it season's for awhile. Rain this weekend so I have to check the shed for ways to keep the rain out of what is still there. Tomorrow...

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 May 11 - 10:03 PM

3470

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 May 11 - 10:08 PM

Goodonya DP!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 May 11 - 12:05 PM

OK, it's last-day-to-pack when what is really important is obvious-- last emails, last-learned priorities, key things to bring to meet them.

A huge area of relief for us has been that as the house gets more and more organized, there is less and less BS about packing-- and that includes leaving things at home as we wish to find them when we walk back in.

This is an outcome to which we can all look forward, even when we are buried beneath impossible tasks. It DOES actually get you somewhere. And whether IRL or virtually-- where it gets you is OUT.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: Penny S.
Date: 13 May 11 - 06:32 PM

I've sowed some radish seed, and moved my potato bags from their starter positions, on flagstones balanced on flower pots, like old fashioned staddle stones, to make sure the mouse didn't eat the seed potatoes. I've had to hack at the virginia creeper which is in fast growing phase.

I've made a stack of the flagstones to stand strawberry pots on, matching one I had already built.

I won't be getting the Kentish Rag, which had already gone.

Yesterday I went into Oxfam, and was astonished to find a pair of books I had taken in now in their locked display, one priced at £35. Rather a surprise. The books were "Quest for Orion" and "The Tower of the Stars" by Rosemary Harris, a dystopic adventure for children in which a neo-stalinist totalitarian Europe is defeated by children in a reconstituted Templar/Teutonic order, guided through the psychic powers of one boy. Weird.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 May 11 - 06:48 PM

It's all out on the porch now for mega-loadup.

2950 and rising.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 May 11 - 07:47 PM

Port easily accessed. Fantastic nurse!

Check up: Great!!

Test: Not required! WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!

Grocery shopping and 180 miles later, I'm exhausted.

Night everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: May 2011 Declutter & Fitness Records*
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 May 11 - 07:51 PM

Wonderful, Michelle!!!