BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 11:20 AM

Maeve,

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: WYSIWYG - PM
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 11:31 AM

And I DID get to the post office ydy, AND the pool.

~S~

Pooltime will resume Monday if not sooner. I'm dealing with some fibromyalgia-like shoulder issues (meds are on the way via mail) and I did establish a workable pool approach to it (alt heat/cold with the right movement pattern) that has let me do daily chores again.

Ydy I was able to play music HARD for a gig. Shoulders were sore as hell after, but I know it's improving with the current regimen because it only took anti-inflammatories to make it right by bedtime, and I didn't have to take pain meds at all, even in the night after sleeping on it for hours, and woke up feeling fine.

Today is land-based-- grocery day with extra stops.

===

I have a really good, scholarly article in a book here that goes into detail about restorative sleep. I MIGHT be able to get the scanner hooked up soon, to get the text, so I can post that. I prefer to set that scanner up in the upstairs office, but it's whistling cold wind up there today. In a few short days I'll be in the weekend-interruptus mode again and trying to restart my other priorities again on Monday. That's another whole kinda cycle, but I added some select Maxines to my screensaver up there early this AM and she may work wonders! :~)


~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 01:57 PM

ok I am gonna get icky for a minute...

Planning to do pool time 2 nights a week with TSO after New Year (well after they reopen the Riverside Ice and Leisure pool (managed by Chelmsford Borough Council). It is being redecorated from now through 23 January.

Anyway, in past every time I went on vacation and used time share pools, I got UTI. I am worried about a repeat of this problem, because as we all know, antibiotics cause yeast infections. When I get this it tends to be systemic, affects my whole body.

Is there any trick to avoid getting UTI from bacteria in public pools? Some kind of protective or preventative treatment.

I know about cranberry juice (both uses).

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 02:26 PM

Well done Kat!
I just hope I can get through the festive season on damage limitation.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 04:57 PM

Khatt- How is your expectant friend?

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 05:06 PM

VTam, I know that there are waterproof pants used with incontinent folk during aquatic therapy, but I dunno if they keep water OUT as well or if they are just meant to absorb accidents. If you can locate an aquatic therapy physical therapist, they might know.

As for pooltime, there are several stretching/relaxation programs; look into Ai Chi which is so gentle you might sleep during it. For more vigorous aquatics there are several modes more vigorous (and fun!) than swimming, and I have lots of info on those.

And for anyone for whom hypertension is an issue-- I have LOTS of info, but the main thing is that aquatics done vertically reduces BP markedly even during high heart-rate aerobics, while aquatics done vertically (such as swimming) increases cardiac load rather than relieving it, tho it is good exercise otherwise.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 09:31 PM

maeve, I saw on her facebook page that her friend had the babies several days ago.

VTam, that's a bummer, and it sounds like something you should ask your ob/gyn about. Or a urologist.

My hands are so cracked and dry because of the time of year and just because they're doing this a lot. I put on the intense hand cream (Eucerine) and a pair of vinyl gloves so it can sink in and not smear grease on things I touch.

Shopping for incredibly practical gifts this year. I won't name any because Moonglow does sometimes read over here at Mudcat. Must wrap before my son gets home in the next hour, so I'll check in later. There has been some more progress, but you wouldn't know it from looking at the state of the dishes in my kitchen sink.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 12:32 AM

Okay, the dishes are washed. A few gifts are wrapped and bagged. Another early day tomorrow, but the weather should be warmer. That always helps perk things up.

Sleep tight, everyone, and DON'T OVERDO it! :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 08:20 AM

Thanks, Maggie. I'm glad Khatt's friend has delivered successfully.

I have done something... dug my violin out of storage in the nursery/guest/storage room. Haven't really played it for years, and I can't do much with it yet because of the wrist, but so fun to try it out again! One it warmed up (it's cold in that room, having been closed up for so long) I was able to tune it back to pitch without breaking strings or pegs. If I decide I still am not happy with the tone I may see if I can trade for a better quality fiddle, or go for a viola. For now I'll use the mute.

I also pulled out two big bags of clothing to get rid of. Maybe moving forward again; just a little.

How are y'all?

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 09:30 AM

Well, I MADE myself finish sleeping this AM and am much the better for it.

"No, brilliant minsd, I do NOT want to come out and play just yet! I'll be ready to play around 11, our usual time!!!"

"Oh! Righto, then, see you then!"


I don't mind having two heads but sometimes I wish they were the same age!

I think most of the sleep issue would be improved with an Upstairs Cat. I just have to figger out how to get one into the mix that will not upset Hardi. He's not one for upstairs pets. I know which cat-- have one waiting for me-- but the logistics are tricky.


~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 09:59 AM

P.S. I also found, in said storage room, my cassette tapes of a bunch of early songs I wrote 12 or so years ago. I might keep a few.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 10:51 AM

maeve, that is wonderful about your violin! I have been feeling guilty for not playing my dad's and, even my old one which I learned on. Maybe...I'll be inspired by you and get one of them out, soon. Morgan wants to play one, but he's a tad too small, yet and I took the little rental one back as he wasn't into practising at the time.

I decluttered a few more beads yesterday making jewellery for my sisters. A little bit more to do on that this morning, then I will box up the gifts and get them out by tomorrow, I hope.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 11:21 AM

Maeve, I have a spare digital recorder that can convert those off a tape player and into MP3s. Then you can keep them ALL. (Ask Janie-- you should!!!) It's so easy to use. Shall I send it?

===

I had hoped we would hear from LilyFestre by now. Since we have not, let's keep a good thought for her. In my case, that will be prayer (as I go about busy activities) that she be surrounded on all sides and in all dimensions by pure positivity in every form imaginable, and then some-- may she have more than enough, Amen.

===

We have godkids this year, for the first time. I'm slow. I got stocking stuffers ydy to mail tdy or tmrw and 2 more books in a series we give the two of them for b'days, etc., that will arrive here and be sent in a few days.

The stuffers are tiny and were QUITE affordable (begin as you mean to go on), and the books were BEST quality (Helen Caswell illus) gotten via MudLinked Amazon sellers.

One annual gifting has been 1 tiny ornament at a time-- I buy a different set of mini's each year. I get a set or two and put one ornament on our tree, and give the rest away (1 to each person) as a sign of our growing circle of dear friends.

In a lucky year I can find these in a flat design that goes in a card, so they do not feel obligated to "gift" back to us. In other years when the ornaments have been a little bulkier, they go in shipping bags from Catter-CDs that have arrived thru the year-- more evidence of growth in the circle. These dear ones really only care that we thought about them, and they know how short we are on time. That we send anything out of that busy-ness is always treasured, but they seldom take credit for the treasures they are, to us. Some of them are canners, tho, and have "gifted" us in that way at odd moments just when we need them. Our little tradition is just a way of re-'membrancing that closeness. Sans clutter! :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 11:29 AM

Musical minds think alike! I've been rearranging furniture in that front with with an eye to reaching the piano easily. It needs to be restored, it is out of tune (though it is ~ in tune with itself and has held what it has remarkably well, all things considered) and has a high C that doesn't play, but I've been meaning to sit down and play more, get my hands back into shape. Just yesterday I was debating hauling out music while my son is at school so he doesn't have to suffer through my limbering up. ;-)

---

I made a wonderful discovery today when I was shopping. I go to a small store called Save A Lot; they don't have every brand, or even every size and flavor of the brands they carry; it is a place to buy the staples, and it gets me through most weeks. There is a clerk there who I first met at another of their stores that closed. She's a beautiful young woman who had one glaring problem--really bad teeth. One in front on top that was clearly rotted more than half through and kind of a snaggletooth. I always wished there was a way the store would get dental insurance because clearly she needed a lot of work.

I was over there today in her checkout line, and I remarked that I hadn't seen her for a while, I've been through on a different shift. And then it hit me, she had a perfect smile. I pointed and asked her when this happened, and she is so pleased to have this work done (and noticed!) that it wasn't an imposition for me to remark. I did also tell her that I thought she was a beautiful woman and had always hoped she'd be able to do this. She needed to hear that.

The story is the remarkable part. She had a customer come through her line in September--she named the day--and he told her he was a dentist and that she needed to make an appointment with him. She held onto his card for a week before calling, and her co-workers urged her to call. When she made the appointment he did the xrays and told her what he proposed--her teeth were in bad enough shape that she needed a full plate on top and would also lose a couple of lower molars. It took a couple of months for the entire process, she said.

I moved from the register with my groceries and began to pack them nearby, and we were talking across the space between us. I asked if SaveALot had put in insurance to help her cover this? She said no, and that was the amazing thing, this dentist offered to do it for free--no cost beyond what her medicaid covers. We both burst into tears right there in the store and I had to give her big hug. That was such a generous thing for him to do--she knew this was a lot more work than normally would be covered.

I took my groceries out to the truck then returned with my camera phone and sent one of my twitpic posts to Twitter. She pulled out his card for the spelling--this man is a member of a family well known for good dental work here in town. His brother is an orthodontist we consulted (it was a long drive to get over there, which is why we ended up going somewhere closer). To go from broken, blackened teeth to a beautiful smile--it isn't just a vanity issue, it is a major health issue and such a huge psychological boost. And I am so happy to be able to share this story with each of you.

Go through the day with a smile!

Maggie

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 12:35 PM

That is a wonderful story, Maggie. Would you consider reposting it on Jerry's Kitchen Table thread?

My piano is always blocked by boxes and laundry. Like yours, mine is about to emerge. I'll start out playing it when my Truelove leaves for work early in the morning.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 12:47 PM

I haven't participated in that one--should I just plonk it down and say maeve sent me? :)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 12:52 PM

Yes please, Maggie. It's another very enjoyable thread- full of great stories and virtual feasts.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 01:28 PM

God Maggie - you got me weeping happy juice too.

There really are wonderful people out there in the world. I want to hug that lovely dentist.

Also Maggie - When I had the crack and peel and bleed skin on my hands, I used zinc oxide with cod liver oil and kept my hands inside of white 100 % cotton gloves. not the fuzzy ones archivists use but the women wore in 1940s. Usually did the trick.

Really funny story about one of those periods of hand peeling. I was about 24 or 25.   My mom invited me over for a Mary Kay make up party and the rep, noticed I was leaning my face on my palm. She chastised me for getting oil from my hands onto my face, saying it would cause acne. I held up my peeling hands and exclaimed that I really wish there was enough oil in my hands to cause such a problem.

Glad to read Susan so boyant today. Long may it reign and hope the upstairs purry companion happens for you.

Maeve - please take Susan up in the offer of digi recorder. Please don't toss anything away. No matter how you feel about it now, chances are you won't feel the same at some other time. Besides that is history of your art. Needs to be properly archived for future generations.

I so wish there were recordings or even print copies of my grandmother's songs. There is nothing, not even a vague memory from my mom who is now 82.

My daughter should be on her way to Atlanta airport right now actually might arriving at this moment. Her flight is BA0226 at 8:35 pm. She should arrive at Heathrow at 9:35am Greenwich Mean Time tomorrow.

We have severe winter storm warnings in the area for tonight and tomorrow... Thoughts and/or prayers please for her safe landing and our safe travel to and from Heathrow to collect her.

Hugs to all.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 01:52 PM

.................>>>>>>>>>>>> Hil>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>TAM!

*************************************************
***********[prayersparkles]*******Michelle*******
*************************************************

Yer surrounded-- come out with your hands UP! :~)

=====

Missed a few posts, dunno if I'm caught up.

Nope, Maeve: """""""""singing""""""""""" You don't HAVE to send me a CD of what you get, but I'd love it if you did....... :~)

====

Miss anyone else?

+++++

My Xmas Murrakkalees-- Ydy with so-sore shoulders I was in a WalMart scooter fetching Hardi's make-it-thru-Xmas goodies, looking up, despairingly, at top-shelf items I usually have no trouble knocking down for myself. Trying to think how I'd get them, close to tears of burnout. Before I gave up, a nice passerby asked if they could please help me, and did I need anything else?

That happened at least 8 different times. WalMart's big. Each of those were palatable sweets for my diabetic sweetie. And good for him.

Then, the checkout lady marshaled a rare helper to unload my scooter, a preggie girl with SUCH a great attitude. "Yes, and it's a boy, and a proud one. On the ultrasound yesterday he did THIS." {she strikes a wacky pose)

And then ANOTHER angel-- a big strong one-- materialized to take my cart to the van and load the van, with a GREAT attitude.

At WALMART!

So when I got home and realized I'd not mailed the CD I owed OPen Mike, I turned around in the driveway (Hardi was on the cellphone then, asking me about the specs on the new FREEZER I wanted), and when to a closer one I'd never visited which is close and tiny and GREAT, with a RAMP!

Freezer due Sat. AM, they'll cart off the old one, and it's 2 cubic feet bigger than the one I have, so that the dying Mudcat-beverage fridge can be discarded as needed (been using its freezer shelf for bread).

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 02:10 PM

Oops, missed Kat.

&=========*=======*===*@YMMV@*===*=======*=========%

Go Kat!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 02:13 PM

Susan - thanks for pushing Hil to me.

I like a post filled with sparkles and angels.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 03:37 PM

Thanks, Tam. I am accepting Susan's offer. And I don't think there will be any problem keeping the songs- maybe turn the good ones into mp3s with the magic gizmo, then also make a cassette/cd of all the bits and pieces for future development.

Have a happy time with your Hil.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 03:49 PM

Make them ALL mp3s, you'll see! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 03:50 PM

Virginia, I have a pair of gloves just like you describe. A friend of mine was here last week and gave them to me--they're one of her pairs. She buys them at resale shops, and they're the type you describe. I'll see about the zinc oxide--I have a tube and I think it doesn't go bad. It's also good for if you're catching a cold (zinc lozenges). Maybe if I'd been treating my hands earlier I wouldn't have caught this cold?

I'm about over it, but it hasn't let go completely. I had to go take a nap this afternoon, the kind where you pull your covers up over your head so the whole thing can warm up. (Just don't fart while you're under there!) ;-D

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 07:20 PM

Got some more shopping in, but I always try to head home before rush hour brings not only regular commuters but the shoppers to my intersection. I'll try to finish tomorrow. There are a couple of things I've been looking for.

Will be making cookies on the weekend, and Moonglow is coming down to help tomorrow night. She and her boyfriend and I are going to a matinee performance of the Nutcracker on Saturday. I haven't ever been to that live. It'll be fun (and for some reason our relatively unknown community, Arlington, Texas, has a ballet troop that includes a lot of ex-Bolshoi dancers. There seems to have been some mass migration a few years ago.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 07:24 PM

Maggie, if you aren't allergic to lanolin, Bag Balm works well. The swim team at Smith College uses it.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 01:03 AM

It works to a point, but I think the mineral oil/glycerin combination seems to attack the problem most directly. That thick Eucerin seems to be the best overall, though I sometimes mix it with bag balm or aloe.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 03:17 AM

Christmas cards for folk friends at Wassail this Saturday all done.

Ironing just finished and TSO helped.

Hil's flight delayed arrival by 2+ hours. Going to dust and vac master bedroom and take a shower and twiddle my thumbs.

Worry worry.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 03:44 AM

Keep breathing, Tam. Have a cup of tea and listen to something wonderful.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 09:14 AM

What news of your daughter, Tamara?

maeve

PS Did you know that when you fight the weather instead of baking cookies for a cookie swap wonderous things can be crafted quickly with cake mix (homemade or boxed) and a few key ingredients?

...fortunately.

m

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 09:41 AM

Plan of action for the weekend is...decorate the cake, bake the yule log and decorate it. Lunch with some good friends on Saturday. Double exercise class on Sunday, one on Monday and one on Tuesday for good measure to keep those extra lbs at bay.

Most of the presents are wrapped but it seems a never ending mountain especially as my family keep buying presents for the kids online and having them delivered to ours, although they do write out tags and send them!

At the beginning of December we made a holly wreath and a holly pentagram to go on the front door and they haven't fallen apart! Looks great!

New Years Eve gathering has been arranged. The desert part has been sorted but need to sort out lots of party food.

I managed to pull a muscle in my chest the other day picking up a very heavy bag containing lots of bottles of wine. Should have asked Paul to get it out of the boot of the car.

There is a blanket of snow outside which is making everything look pretty.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 11:57 AM

Hil's here... what's left of her. She's lost so much weight. 82 lbs (5 stone 12 lbs for my UK friends) and 66 inches.

She is still short though.

Flight landed at 11:38, but she didn't get into terminal 5 concourse until after 1pm.

I am tired... she is tired.... TSO is tired.

Things still to do. Vacuum spare room and set up her bed. Wash dishes and make dinner. Pack stuff for Good intent Uk Wassail and practice for same.

Thank you for all the good wishes. I may now be more off than on forum now she's here.

Lovely holiday to you all.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 12:14 PM

My house has slid downhill dust and clutter-wise during this cold, but I think this evening I'll be able to beat back some of the mess. My sense of smell is still off, my son thought he smelled something odd this morning (might be the air filter on the heater) so I'll poke around. And I'll drag the vacuum cleaner with me.

Michelle, how are those birds of yours? I have to put up the bird feeder now that much of the garden is finished (they scatter seeds in the working garden and end up perching and pooping on things I don't want poop on when the garden is going). Do you have a camera handy? I would love to see what it looks like when a rooster chases a squirrel! And are you still sitting in yoga doing your deep breathing or meditating?

Kat, how's the jewelry making, and how are you feeling? Will Morgan be over to spend more time with you next week?

I'm going to have to continue to lean on my son to get these applications finished. And I'll be mailing transcripts to all of the schools. We got a bunch of certified copies last week.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 01:04 PM

I'm here, Maggie, thanks. Just went out on my own since the "big" snowfall. I could've gone out earlier than today, but Rog isn't very good at getting rid of snow and ice, so I preferred to go out with him, in his truck, plus we upped the meds and I wasn't too keen on driving while i worked through the sleepy-making side effects. But the streets are fine now..it's only our driveway which is still treacherous in spots. I manage.

I am being kind to myself and not worrying about getting back to qi gong until I've been on the zoloft a full month which is when the docs all say it should really kick in. That will be around the end of the month, great timing for a brand new year!

I made one sister a bracelet of black onyx hearts with red glass hearts and little tiny silver beads in between. The other is getting earrings made with silver and cobalt beads and tiny bells from India. Morgan designed a pair for my other sister with red and black glass beads. He was so proud that he knew his pattern for the second one and didn't even have to look at the other one to get it right. We've been learning how to use the bead board to plan out our patterns. It's pretty neat. I don't know about next week, yet, have to talk with my daughter. I am sure he will be over here, though. Yesterday he brought his goody bag from the school holiday party and shared his treats with me. "Mama" rates!

One other benefit I have noticed with the lifting of depression: my diet is much better and I am eating because I am hungry not because of emotions! I cannot count the number of times I have mentally beat on myself for not doing a better job. I will be writing more about this on my blog, I think.

I have a few books to wrap, then will close up the boxes to be mailed and be done except for getting Morgan's presents.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 06:42 PM

I crashed and burned today on too much fun-- got the last box shipped today, had lunch with Hardi then came home to a major IBS-rebellion. Missing the annual choir party (Hardi went) which is FUN and a nice date each year with Hardi at a parishioners' home with great dogs and great company.... boohoo, he took the Stilton with him!

Take it easy, all.

Wish we were hearing from LF. Prayers continue, folks.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 07:09 PM

Went over to work today and added a few figures (they had been in an old box of toys in the garage) to a friend's bookshelf diorama. And a co-worker heard what I was doing so he donated one of his figures (looks just like Chauncey Gardener in Being There). So I left him a figure of a cow. So we've cross pollinated various scenery spots today.

Wrapping stuff tonight, to move it out of the way before company comes and sees it. Thought my daughter might not make it tonight, they were sure the starter was dead in their car. I kept telling her to check the battery. "No, it isn't the battery, it was new last year." But when they had both checked, it was the battery and it was replaced free. We all dodged that bullet, because I would have been in $100 toward the new starter. Sometimes Mom really does know best! :)

I picked up a couple of blinking light things for the dogs' collars, so we're going to go for a little walk before they get fed. See how well they work.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 01:37 AM

Moonglow and her boyfriend arrived late this evening. We visited and they ate, and it was a great opportunity to de-clutter the fridge. They went through quite a few containers of leftovers. :)

They're down tonight so they don't need to get up early to drive here in the morning. We're going to the ballet tomorrow afternoon.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 03:24 AM

Had a wonderful time in historic York when I went to the pantomime on Thursday night with my younger daughter and another young friend. Christmas lights, beautiful mediaeval buildings, and the first snow of the year - magic! As Ruth said, "NOW Christmas has started!" I was in full agreement until the badly designed grips on my sheepskin boots allowed my feet to slip sideways on some wet snow, and I fell hard on my left hip! Luckily I was next to a pub at the time, and once my shoulders got to a couple of feet above the deck, I slid the rest of the way down the wall! Much hilarity from my companions, and a nice painful butt cheek for me, plus, as my left arm ended up above my head, I pulled that a bit, having been bent into an extreme version of the yoga "moon" pose. It'll ease off soon, I hope.

To add insult to injury, we had just about got back to the car and it happened again onto the other hip! Luckily that wasn't such a wallop! Good job I was wearing my down-filled coat!

Yesterday was Freya's first birthday and so the family braved the cold and went to a children's little theme park about an hour from us. It was lightly dusted with snow, and if my girls don't stop telling me to be careful I don't fall....!!!

Anyway, tonight I am off to see an all-girl band called the Shee, who, I am assured are good. Before that I am going to ice the two small cakes I've done, wrap the last presents, and hopefully hand deliver cards round the village. I am going to make some biscuits too, this week, to give as a gift.
We have about an inch of snow, with some showers forecast for today, but the temperature is hovering around freezing. I know you all over there in the States have it much worse, but in the last couple of decades our winters have become much milder, and we somehow forget how to cope with even a small amount! Pathetic, really!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 09:17 PM

After some really scary medical news, more testing and a visit to a specialist, I had my first day of being able to breathe...to take in what I was told and to trust that it is true...it's either that or lose my mind.

I have been moping. Crying. Sleeping. Panicking. Sleeping. Not eating (just can't seem to choke anything down). I'm down 15 pounds in the last 9 days. Not good. I know. I'm working on it. I have to get some nutrition in for many reasons. I know this logically and am working with my body to cooperate. Today is the first time in those 9 days that I have any feelings of hunger at all. My husband was over-joyed!

I haven't posted as I've not done anything other than what I've already written...I've not been accountable for ANYTHING and the most work I've done is the dishes and THAT makes me tired. Ok...I did sweep some. I'm not supposed to do much of anything until after my surgery.

Tonight I drove myself to the next town over to go to church. I did about 20 minutes of Christmas shopping and walked to church from there (a few blocks). It felt good to be out in the cold, night air. However....I did accept a ride back to the car afterwards. Standing through the service created some pain...so I just sat down. I figured walking one way was enough for now.

My husband had asked me before I left if I would want dinner. I told him that I thought some winter squash sounded good. When I got home, he had it all peeled, seeded, chopped and in the pan. He's got a baked potato ready (we'll split it) and pork chops on the grill. I'm sure I'll have 2 bites of each thing and will be full....that's ok..it's more than I've done in the last few days. A little bit in the right direction....it's the best I can do for now.

Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes.....they mean so much to me.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 09:51 PM

Michelle, it is really good to hear from you. Having been through major surgery (very scary!) and recent panic attacks and depression, I am here to say ask your docs to give you something to help with the panic and anxiety. We beat up on ourselves for being afraid and not "soldiering" through when we need to be really kind to ourselves. There is help if we ask for it. Just my two cents.:-) {{{{{Michelle}}}}

We cleaned house this morning which consisted of me doing dishes for the third time since Tksgiving (ol' depression sure snuck up on me!), picking and straightening the LR while Rog changed the litter boxes and swept. I also cleaned off my DR desk yesterday. Oh, an Rog finally put up the Christmas lights along the top of our white-needs-to-be-painted-again picket fence.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 01:33 AM

Michelle,

Surgery took care of my cancer, but that process was life changing. I don't know your diagnosis; for this remark it is only enough to know that you've felt bad, and had a scare when trying to learn what the problem is. You'll come out of this stronger.

Everyone, take it easy out there. This is a tough week, no matter your health.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 12:10 PM

I was so tired when I was closing down the computer last night, I'm glad to read that that remark made some sense. I edited out more because I could hardly focus my eyes. It was a busy day.

The last of the peppers that were picked after Thanksgiving have been in bowls in the fridge, and I'm cutting them up in batches and slicing them onto cookie pans and freezing them. Then each pan of slices goes into a labeled quart freezer bag. This way I'll get my bowl back for making cookie dough.

Yesterday I rearranged the furniture (slightly) in my bedroom. I put a low trunk at the foot of the bed, then called the cat over and had him try using it as a step a couple of times. He's so old now he can't quite make the leap from the floor to the bed. We'll be building steps for him in each bedroom.

It's a lovely cold sunny day. I looked out my bedroom window and could barely see for the hedge that has grown up (a rock rose shrub) so will go out and prune that this afternoon. And tomorrow I'll have to call the heating/air conditioning company that put in my heat pumps seven years ago. We have a burned out motor on the big unit. At least I have the other one as a backup so half of the house is warm and warmth can drift into the bedroom area. I love sleeping in cold weather and have a down comforter on my bed, and I'll get out another one for my son who usually prefers just blankets. He's back home this evening.

I need to finish cleaning surfaces in the kitchen and I'm looking at doing a major clean up in my office. I haven't named any particular tasks to do over my break; inevitably if I do plan, and especially if I spend money in preparation for those plans, something else comes along and gets in the way of the work I planned. So I'm not planning, I have plenty of projects I can simply work on to finish. That will be enough. My break begins on Wednesday.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 12:33 PM

Don't forget to stop and relax a little..it's good for ya, SRS.:-)

A bit of a red letter day for me. For the first time since late October, I have started up my qi gong, again. Just did 30 minutes. I have been so stoved up in my lower back, it was getting really hard to get out of bed, up from a chair, and to sit at all. So I started out, in bed, doing a couple of yoga stretches, then the qi gong in the LR. It feels so good, mentally AND physically. Much better. I feel as though I've broken through some more depression fog.

Everyone take care and let's keep good thoughts going round to one another. I think we could all use them this week, esp.

Thanks and luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 04:30 PM

Michelle, while you were away from the keyboard a number of people (and I) PMed-around some good thoughts for/about you, because a number of THEM were heading away from THEIR keyboards for awhile. So even if you do not see posts to that effect, please know that there has been a wraparound of prayer and good thoughts around this place, that continues offCat while folks are away.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 05:55 PM

Note to self: eating most of a baked sweet potato for breakfast because you'd like to clear it out of the fridge is NOT necessarily a good idea. It will come back to haunt you later in the day. (A couple of dashed trips to the wash room when I was out shopping just now). I did finish cutting up and freezing my peppers and the counter is looking good. Out come the cookbooks and I'll get several batches of different cookies going. I picked up a fresh bottle of vanilla (nothing wrong with the old one, but it is nearly empty) and 10 pounds of good organic white flour. I'll send healthy cookies (well, if you don't count the sugar, that is).

Michelle, I hope you're feeling better and eating a little more today. Let us know a rough schedule (even if you send a PM) for your surgery and such.

maeve, please send a PM when you can.

The rest of you home remodelers, movers, painters, beaders, etc., take it easy.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 07:45 PM

I went to a holiday/solstace concert last night. It was performed by some very good friends, so it was nice to see them again. And they always put on a good show.

I had about 1/2 cup of sweet potatoes from last night's supper, so I made waffles for lunch today and added the mashed potatoes. Very tasty; they had some pumpkin pie seasoning in them.

I've been having some problems with my car for the past couple days. It starts okay, but as soon as I take my foot off the gas, it stalls. When I went out this morning to go to church, I had to wait until it was completely warmed up before I could drive away. It's off to the repair shop in the morning. I just hope I'll get it back before Christmas.

Michelle, all good wishes to you.

To everyone else, I hope everybody is feeling well soon.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 08:49 PM

A new tradition here. Or an extension of MudGifting.

We don't do the Mudcat Secret Santa thing, because I know our scheds will.... slip.... (crash) out of sync with it.

But what I do is take the BEST thing I got all year, from a Catter or someone in my community, and make a gorgeous package out of it to send faraway friends and fam. Some of these become annual traditions, and today a new one took shape. It's not "re-gifting" trash. It's sharing a blessing that was shared with us.

This one--

Karen, in our parish choir, takes my breath away as a hostess. I can't say enough about what I admire there, and what I learn. She's hostessed a parich choir party now for several years running, and each year thee's been a gorgeous "new antique" ornament she's "run up" in her spare time-- we find these as party favors on the dinner table. The first year it was waxen, molded angels from her previous parish, melted down from altar-candle stubs-- a beautifully made and presented, blessed item. Another year it was a large soft-sculpted Christmas tree with bells for ornaments and a pine stick for a trunk, a metal star glued at the top and a wire hanger.

These are always WAY too huge for our miniscule table-tree, so I hung the tree on the front doorknob. At the time I put it there so I would not lose it. I came to treasure seeing it there to remind me of Karen's home as I worked on mine-- the HEART.

I was sick for this year's party, but Friday night Hardi came home with a similarly-scaled French Hen Karen had made and initialled. Its wing is folded and glued MUSIC paper! One side is a needlepointed, winged greeting and the other a flat side (no wing), in a contrasting fabric.

And BAM! The perfect gift for the "don't buy me things" Mom in Californy!!! She's DOPNE decluttering so gifts are a real challenge. (Ssssh! I haven't told Karen yet.)

Each of thse is a collector's item-- she's that good a crafter. But I don'pt think I will ever have a tree large enough for them.

So with great regret and love, LAST YEAR's tree ornament goes to my mom, to hold in trust for the now-16 nephew who needs to start accumulating the tangibles for HIS happy Christmas memories. I wrapped it in lovely angel paper, and on the oversize bow is stencilled, "To Mom, in Trust for Nick." She can give it to HIM next year, because I'll be sending HER that French Hen after enjoying it for a year on MY front door. Cuz I think Karen is gonna keep up her end of that tradition!

===

It's all about the flow, as I have written so many times. Today I also wrapped the perfect gift for our Bishop-- a craftwork remembrance that is SO "our town." Similarly, someone gave it to us, years ago. We don't need the scrap to remember her. She's too deep in our hearts!

===

What it has to do with MudPrezzies? Seamus Kennedy just sent me a 4-VHS "Irish" series for my multicultural library. The box fit my mom's tree, to the inch! :~)

Flow, baby, flow....>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> OUT.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 09:09 PM

Another day of taking it easy here. I did some dishes and laundry. I can wash and fold, while my husband has to tend to any lifting over about 5 pounds. He has been cooking and moving things without complaint. He also holds my arm as I make my way down our icy yard. He is loved and appreciated beyond measure!!!!

I did better with the food today. Breakfast was 1 egg and 3/4 slice of dry toast. Lunch was 3/4 of a whole wheat tortilla baked with some tomato slices, diced green peppers and mozzarella cheese. Dinner was an Activia cherry yogurt. I also had an oatmeal cookie and glass of milk in the late afternoon. I have bottles of water all over the house and making sure to keep sipping. This is probably the closest to 3 meals I've had in the last 11 days.

My surgery is scheduled for mid January. I have some other tests to do during the first week of January and pre-op stuff.

I'm still having some panic but it's better. I have anti-anxiety meds but hesitate to take them because they knock me out...I'm not complaining....and I do use them when I absolutely can't stand it or myself any more.

So.....I have a clean table to sit at, an almost empty sink, clean clothes, somewhat dog hair free floors and a fresh pot of coffee.....everything I need in case company stops by.

Be well, all of you.....be very well.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 11:35 PM

Been living off left over party food and tiny sandwiches from the Ritz Hotel (yes, the big, uber-posh one in the West End, where they charge £50 for afternoon tea...) so accountability is out the window....

Been so busy with Christmas Carolling at the Ritz that all I've decluttered is my post tray...

But what a way to go!!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 03:31 AM

Made the Chocolate Yule Log and decorated the cake....here's a LINK to the photos

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 10:28 AM

Those are impressive cakes!

Tasks for what is the usable part of the week include getting advice on repairing the heat pump, finishing baking and shipping cookies, and finishing college applications. The rest comes after that.

SRS