BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010

Subject: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 06:59 PM

It's looking dark outside, but not because the sun is going down. It's because rain clouds loom overhead. Here in North Texas we've had one of our hottest summers since they've been recording these things, and I am SO READY FOR AUTUMN!!! If it rains, I'll be able to get out and work on my fall and winter garden. It's a bit early yet for the place to look like fall, but we will begin to have cooler temperatures at night. And when this happens, my cleaning and cooking genes really kick in. Here's the last thread.

This is a de-clutter and exercise accountability thread, one in a series we've run each month. I'm adjusting to cooking for one and deciding what projects I'm finally going to finish. I'm also deciding about how to move my sewing machine into the living room so I can sew and spread out and watch movies on the large television while I work.

Each day I've packed, picked up, and de-cluttered in my son's room. I won't throw out anything other than wrappers, empty boxes, etc. and a lot of dust. My daughter's room is the sewing room, and it was an early staging area for my son's move to Arizona last month. I'll make sure it's in good shape as a guest room.

Think about it - soon is time again for our Secret Santa activities. We're wrapping up our fiscal years and planning donations for tax purposes. Many of us will have a lot more energy once the weather is cooler. Let's make the most of all of these activities!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 07:04 PM

Off to a good start, SRS, good for you. Don't know why, but today I just haven't been able to build up any steam. My dau. and Morgan have both had days off from school and work this week due to colds. I don't have the same, but something made me feel lazy today. I have great plans. Rog is to take off Friday as well as Monday, so we will be doing some extra things around here to clean the house and yard up. I have to give him some time off, too, though.:-)

Hope to do some qi gong tonight, at least.

Thanks for the new thread. You know we've been doing these for almost two years?!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 07:13 PM

Working outside has been my main exercise this year, but it turned cold and wet in the last few days. We have had several hail storms today along with the rain.

Temps are supposed to go up tomorrow and provide some sunshine, then I can work again on the storm windows.

Still some digging and transplanting and bulbs that need to be taken care of before it snows. Garage will be de-cluttered a bit more, I hope, before snow. Yesterday's painting
click.
Worked on organizing art materials this morning. Not sure if I'll get an image painted today.

A.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 07:16 PM

I must add that being home now, after a job that had me driving around the state for the last 4 years, I can at least be active in a way that I could not be for those years. It's good to be home and take care of home and myself!

A.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 07:37 PM

I've caught up with the last few posts on the last thread. I concur about the value of having someone come in to help with the house. When I was in the house before the divorce and then in the apartment after, I had someone come in every other week for four hours. In that time she vacuumed, swept, and mopped, and cleaned the bathrooms. I swept fairly often, and did laundry and such, though sometimes I'd ask if she could iron, etc.

A few days ago I mentioned drawing down the contents of the fridge. I just now cut up and froze a roast I found on sale - that's three chunks of meat that will be ground for hamburger at some time in the future. I have some other things to prepare and freeze, then I'll empty the rest and give it a quick once-over and restock it. I should also empty the freezer of this side-by-side and organize it.

I haven't made myself any bread since I took my son to college. He always inhaled much of the loaf. I think I'll make a regular loaf and freeze half of it.

A thunderstorm has been passing over here for the last 30 minutes. I feel the emptiness of the house more when it gets dark, and when weather like this passes over. I think it isn't so much for myself being alone, but just an expression of the wish that my chicks are somewhere safe to roost.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 08:01 PM

I'm anticipating being in an empty nest at the end of this month. Not sure if I mentioned this before, but my son will be moving to California. When he had his own place during college, I was on the road so much, neither of us was home. Now I've been able to spend the last 10 months with him living with mom before going on to build a career somewhere else. We have to let them fly, but it sure is going to be quiet here.

This week I started making milk/berry/fruit/flax seed/coconut milk smoothies to have something fast and easy for meals and no mess to clean. I put the blender, which has been stored in the cupboard, out on the counter so it is easier to keep a blender jug full of smoothie each day in the fridge. Already I notice we have less dish clutter in the kitchen.

A.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 08:46 PM

Yoga: 90 minutes of bliss

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 11:53 PM

Good idea, Alice. I always forget about making smoothies, though I have all of the ingredients I like here.

I found a 6' rope light at Lowes, so I've set up my step into the living room with a light again. The corner of my living room is where two halls come into the room (at 90^o to each other) and there is a step up into the halls. It really hurts if you stub a toe on one of those concrete steps. I have the light on a dimmer and a timer, so it isn't super bright or on all of the time. This also provides some light in the hall itself so from my room I can walk out to the hall without having to turn on any additional lights. It's around a corner so doesn't shine in.

I've turned off the power to a few things in my son's room. All of those little ready lights add up over time. We just had a good rain, hopefully breaking both the heat and dry spell we've had. The last water bill was pretty hefty (I did have neighbors water for a week, so maybe they used more than I expected). Perhaps fewer people and better weather will conspire to lower a few bills.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 03:50 AM

I won't get much exercise today, as I have a massage booked for this afternoon. However, I have a burgeoning urge to go up into the loft and have a real good sort through my craft boxes. I suddenly realised that whenever I move, I will not probably have anything like the storage and work space, so it's time to be ruthless with the cutters and sundry stuff that can be replaced if needed.

Anyway, salt dough plays hell with them: it rusts the metal ones and blunts the plastic ones!

No plans as yet for tomorrow, so maybe a bit of digging in the garden?

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: ragdall
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 07:59 AM

SRS, Thank you for providing us with a fresh thread. The light on the living room step is a very good idea. I wonder if turning off things in your son's room while he's away will offset the the power it uses?

Alice, "Cabin In The Pines" is another lovely image. It's amazing how much detail and expression you manage to work into your tiny paintings.

Today I was able to accomplish a few of the tasks on my list but added a few more tasks, too, so I'm no farther ahead.

Began converting the "guest room" temporarily back into my sewing and storage room, decided to move the large furniture and thoroughly vacuum under and behind it, discovered a few patches of something on the outside wall which may be mildew. I need to find out how to remove that without damaging the wood panelling or the carpet.

Reassembled the children's overhead ladder, adding a washer to each lag bolt to enable more tightening without pulling the bolt head into the soft wood. That helped a lot. Added corner braces and bases under the legs. If tomorrow is warm and dry enough I'll try to apply the final coat of paint.

Nailed two boards on the outside of the deck railing to make it difficult for the neighbours' cat to jump and grab one of the squirrels who come looking for fallen bird seed and peanuts.

Updated several pages of information about who is to do what when and where, to be photocopied and distributed at a meeting to members of a women's group to which I belong, printed up some other materials for that group, removed old pages from my information binder and cut them in quarters to use for grocery lists and notes to myself.

Drastically reduced the size of my "may need this someday" box collection. There is a huge pile of boxes waiting to be flattened and taken to a recycling bin.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 10:38 AM

rags, I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who keeps some sizes and shapes of boxes because I might be able to use them later. Every so often I get tired of looking at them and flatten them for recycling. I got rid of a bunch of them a couple of weeks ago and my sun room looks a lot better for it.

Heavy overcast and rain today. It's a break from all of the heat, but it doesn't have that lovely crisp fall feel I am looking for. We probably won't get that for a few weeks yet. Right now we're living in expectation of fall.

I have a lot of virtual de-cluttering today as I go through photos for work. I also have a stack of disks from my son's room to go through to find one he should have labeled but didn't. He wants it sent to him. I suggested I could send all of these unmarked disks, but it would be a waste of postage.

My biggest goal this month that won't show up in the house, but will affect my pocketbook, is to declutter the credit card bills. After the big move and push for getting ready for college, I need to give them a rest. I earn travel points on one, so I will budget the use there, but on the other, I'll pay it off fast.

The auction knife has moved into the price range I expected once I had remarks about "made in India." There are an awful lot of watchers, but I've noticed in the past with some other charismatic auctions that though there were a lot of watchers it didn't translate to a lot of activity at the end. The early bidding pretty much took care of it.

I'm watching a book at eBay that if it goes above a certain point I'll skip and buy it new from Amazon.

The trash collection guys have changed their routine so this morning they didn't get trash at the crack of dawn. I have time to take it out now. I never put much out there anyway because I recycle so much and compost much of the rest, but now being the only one here I'll be putting even less. If I had a trash burner stove I could get away with putting out trash once a month maybe. I'm tempted to blow up a couple of plastic bags just to bulk up the bag (I usually put out trash in one or two grocery store plastic bags, there's that little of it). :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 11:30 AM

Laundry and dishes done this morning as well as the baby's bedding and some tidying up in his room.

I'm going to have to get extra busy this week as two things just popped up and time is ticking away before our uncle comes to visit. A friend has asked me to take her to Mama Goose, a children's consignment store about an hour and a half from here so that will take up a day (and it will be a good time). Then yesterday I received a notice that I have been accepted to Camp Good Days and Special Times, a camp for children or adults who have cancer or who have battled cancer. I am going to participate in the Wellness Program for Women with cancer. It means 3 days and 2 nights away from home just before our uncle arrives. So....have to get things done soon.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 11:48 AM

WHAT was I thinking when I agreed to be the intermediary/shipper for 500 jewel cases?!?!?!

Oh, that's OK-- they can go in the church basement!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 11:59 AM

I rarely use cases any more, I buy the paper envelopes for discs and they take up even less space. Those and a Sharpie for writing on digital media discs and I'm set!

I was out in the garage getting a small pot and some potting soil when the heavens opened. I waited a little while, playing with the phone camera and sending them to twitter, when I remembered there was an umbrella in the truck. I got back too late for the auction. Darn. But I'll get the book from Amazon, or maybe I should sign up for that paperback trading group, see if anyone else has it. If you think of it Kat, post a link?

I have a trailing house plant that I'm going to use to take some cuttings and start in that other pot. It would look nice in a hanging pot once it gets started.

We needed this rain, and I'll be able to do some gardening this weekend. It is looking kind of ratty out there now, lots of weeds. It has been too hot to do much work and the soil was too hard for pulling weeds effectively.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 12:01 PM

Me too SRS.

But folks who are producing CDs do like to ship them in cases.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 12:03 PM

More laundry, today, after taking Morgan to school as his mom is still not feeling well. My Task Manager tells me to finish my website redesign, but my Fun-Loving-Put-It-Off-'til-Tomorrow Self is telling me to go have fun in the old office, moving stuff around, but then it would be more fun to do that with Morgan after school, so...maybe I'll do a bit of what TM is telling me.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 12:48 PM

Cross-posted, SRS. Here ya go: PaperbackSwap.com.

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

New project - figuring out how to do affordable multiples of art images that will be popular items to sell on Etsy.

It takes too many hours to create to just sell the original small paintings, so I'm working on ideas like what I did about 8 years ago for items I sold at the Farmer's Market. I can transfer the images to fabric and applied them to lots of items I sold like small terracotta herb pots, magnets, small wooden boxes. For Etsy, I'm looking at reducing and cropping the images and making lockets, pendants, etc.

Sun is coming out. This may be my last chance to get the garden work and the storm windows finished before winter.

I'm getting out my old hula music to exercise by dancing again. A rolfer who worked on my body a couple of years ago encouraged me to go back to the hula I used to perform as the best all over exercise. (I'm sure yoga and others are just as good). But hula has the beautiful memories and brings back my youth when I hear the music and move to the choreography.

A.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 03:09 PM

They would make beautiful greeting cards, too, Alice, imo. When I went to the Wyoming Book Fest a few years ago, I took my photos of Boysen Peak to Office Max and had them copied onto card stock, then they cut them for me, so I got to cards from each sheet. I put six cards with envelopes in baggies and sold them for $10 each. I sold lots more of them than I did books. People really loved the images which are fairly unique as not many people get to go up top and take such shots. I've thought of doing that, again, and offering them on places like Etsy. Good luck with whichever you decide to do.

I feel decidedly lazy, again, today. Didn't get to sleep until about 130a and was up by 7a, so maybe a nap is in order, again.:-)I want to be fresh and awake when I pick up Morgan at 4p to take him to buy some new shoes as a surprise.

Rog is off tomorrow, so maybe I'm just storing up my energy for what all we will do together.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 03:19 PM

At lunch I took time to empty the shelves and bins in the fridge and wash everything down. I also took out a couple of crisper containers I've been using and cleaned those and replaced the veggies, then scrubbed the door shelves before replacing those bottles and jugs. The freezer will wait for reorganization.

Kat, I meant to mention earlier, the first couple of years of school it seems like the little guys are sick all of the time. It takes a while to build up immunities to what is going around in that new germ pool. I suspect you'll have a few more of these episodes with Morgan home sick during the year. It's less frequent for younger siblings, because they've already caught what the older school child brought home. Same kind of thing happens when they go away to college also. Fingers crossed that there aren't too many colds going around out there in the dry desert air.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 03:40 PM

Thanks, SRS...we had the same thing happen last year in kindergarten. He usually recovers fairly quickly, but his parents both smoke and imo, it costs them a lot of downtime when he brings home the germs OR when one of their co-workers brings germs from their kids to work. Germ pool is right! At least this year he doesn't argue with me when I tell him, first thing, "go wash your hands and use soap!"*bg* And, he likes using purel!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 08:24 PM

Hour and a half of gardening exercise done, digging, planting, transplanting. Tried to give some Japanese iris to a neighbor, but she declined. Oh, well. More for me next year.


A.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: ragdall
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 08:25 PM

Beautiful sunny day here alive with migrating and resident birds chirping and calling.

Before I could change my mind, Mr. ragdall has flattened and taken the boxes to the recycling bin, bless his heart. I've been tidying inside the house and rushing out with my camera whenever I hear birds calling, always hoping to get that one exceptional photo of a bird that I never seem to be able to get. I uploaded the best of the mediocre shots today. After I uploaded these photos I caught three woodpeckers, but will try to wait until later to upload those because I need to get that ladder painted while it's still warm enough out there.

I'm having problems with the agoraphobia again. It got worse from being forced to stay inside for over a week when the smoke was bad. My camera gets me out of the house, I don't feel anxious when I can hide behind it. Going out into the carport with only a paintbrush on the other hand, terrifies me. I need to get this project finished and delivered to the grandchildren.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 08:31 PM

I know the feeling, rags. Once out there it's not so bad, but anticipating having to deal with outer-world is stressful.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 08:42 PM

Those are beautiful shots, ragdall. And what a lovely day! I am making a point of getting out every so often or I could go for days without talking to anyone. I'm tired of the skin on my hands being broken out because it makes it difficult to do what I want or I'd be outside a lot more. They got a lot worse this week, but that was after I had soy milk on my cereal several days in a row. Now I'm completely avoiding soy products and I'll see if they clear up. Myself as guinea pig is not the easiest way to sort this out, but it's the only method available to me without the expense of a visit to a specialist, but that will have to be my next move if this doesn't work.

More information on the knife, someone on the British Blades site came in and named a maker and a town in India. I think I've posted as much as I'm going to on the site, though. It is a good looking knife, it does seem to be very well-made, so perhaps it is the exception to what some of these guys are reporting. I've put a lot of buyer-beware information on the site, and if anyone has a computer and uses Google, they'll land on my conversation over on that blade site. One of the remarks I forwarded from questions posted said it was made in India, so that's that.

Time to walk the dogs, then fish for dinner, and after washing up I may watch a movie. It has been a while since I sat down and just watched one. I have some NetFlix DVDs that have been here for weeks. We've still watched instant stuff, so it hasn't gone unused, but it's time to move these along.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 09:52 PM

rags, if those are mediocre, I'll take them any day! Those two of the tanager look like paintings, the colours are so balanced. Just beautiful, all of them.

I couldn't go anywhere without being with my Rog over the past year when I was having such a horrible time with anxiety and depression. Morgan did get me out in the yard to watch him play, but I was not comfortable going anywhere alone. Still prefer having company. It's good you recognise the trigger and can use the camera to make sure you ease back out. Good for you.

SRS, almond milk is delicious on cereal and also in smoothies.

Best laid plans...don't know what we will get done this weekend, now. Rog came home to tell me he picked up a half day or so of freelance work which will really help our checkbook AND it is up on the Uncompaghre (oon-cum-PAH-grey or un etc.) Plateau, so I will go with him as I love it up there. There are a couple of albums at MY OPERA with some photos of up there...not very good ones as I took most as we were driving.:-) We will go up on Sat., so will try to get some things done, tomorrow, for sure grocery shopping.

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

Wishing you good weather for that road trip to the plateau, kat.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: maire-aine
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 10:21 PM

I guess I'm behind. The new month's thread took me by surprise. August turned out to be one of Michigan's 10 driest months ever, but we finally got some rain last night. I took a ride out to several garden centers in the area (two were new to me) looking for some bargains, but didn't buy much. The good perennials weren't on sale yet, but I did by some daffadil bulbs.

This weekend is going to be crazy. Our little suburb (north of Detroit) is hosting Arts-Beats-Eats over the weekend. Huge crowds are expected, and this so soon after the Woodward Dream Cruise. I'm a mile from downtown, and even our street is designated for "permit parking only". If I go, I'll have to walk, unless I can find somebody near downtown that'll let me park in their driveway.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: maire-aine
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 10:30 PM

It finally cooled off enough to open all the windows, and now I get the fragrant aroma of skunk coming thru the window. Aargh!

M

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 10:33 PM

ugh, skunk
Yup, this is the time of year I start smelling it from our backyard and alley, too.

A.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 10:47 PM

Today I declutted a lot of mismatched crapola that had piled up in the drainer-- mostly lids that fit nothing. No one ever empties it, so it's a catchall I am putting AWAY! I need the counter space for the hauled-water operation anyhow.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 11:09 PM

I'm so pleased that I cleaned my refrigerator today. I opened it to fix dinner this evening and it was so white and sparkling in there! As I worked I had to throw out things that were just too large to use by myself. I had a big jar of pickled herring that was beginning to get a rancid flavor, so out it went. I'll buy the little jars now, my son decided he doesn't eat it now so I was working on that large jar by myself before he left.

My auction is now at a respectable $56, and I don't expect it to go much further, but it has a surprising 23 watchers!

I'm going to work on my photos for work this evening until I finish them and can send them out. And I'll be able to take a few hours off tomorrow. It's nice to have a long weekend!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: ragdall
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 06:38 AM

SRS, I hope that you'll soon be able to tell what causes the skin on your hands to break out. It's hard to do anything when your hands are sore. When I used to work in a bakery I discovered that I have a contact allergy to flour that made a mess of my hands. Good luck with the knife auction. I'm impressed that so many people noticed the knife so quickly. Can you tell if any of the watchers have already placed bids? Most likely some are waiting until the end to put in a bid at the last minute. If they bid sooner it drives the price up.

Kat, have a wonderful time in the Uncompaghre Plateau, whatever you were planning to accomplish on the weekend at home will be waiting for you when you return.

The ladder is painted! I used a roller this time instead of a brush, I think it looks better now. I had enough paint left in the can to do a full second coat on the ladders and a single coat on the two 2x4 studs I bought to anchor the legs to in hopes of preventing the ladders from toppling over sideways. When it's thoroughly dry I'll dismantle it and try to arrange for a visit to see the "new house" and to set the ladder up for the grandchildren to use.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: maeve
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 07:17 AM

Your link needs a nudge, Rags. It shows as private.

m

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 07:23 AM

Finally a full night of sleep courtesy of Ambien (and my husband who had his ears on for the baby). I'm up and ready to hit a bunch of yard sales with a friend this morning!!!   YEEEHAW

And, this is important...so listen up! September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and today is the day to wear the color teal to show your support! So get your teal on and power UP!!!!

If you happen to see a mostly blad woman and a gorgeous little brown boy dressed in teal, c'mon over and say hello...don't be shy....we can talk symptoms and details to save your life!!!!!!!!!!!   ;)

Power Up People!

Love you all!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 11:12 AM

Michelle, did you have difficulties sleeping before all of the medical stuff? If so, do you think that as you get further from it you'll get back to old habits? I had to stop drinking any caffeine after early afternoon or I noticed it kept me awake more, and I can't take my allergy pill (generic zyrtec) or some decongestants at night or they keep me awake.

Teal is one of my favorite colors, so wearing it today (or this month) is slam dunk easy!

It's Friday, and I need to look around for some task here that I can finish. I have many that I've started. Last weekend's mirror was a good start because it looks good where it is and I'm no longer tripping over it where it was. The same can be said about the little stacks of tile around some rooms where I left off working (rooms next to the incomplete hall tile). I have tile down to grout, I have tile to cut, and I have tile to put down, so that might be my best choice. I have all of the materials here, that's another criteria, to truly finish an existing project is to use up some of the stuff sitting around.

rags, are you able to eat flour? Is it just handling it that bothers you? I do bake regularly and I made pizzas a few days ago and that corresponds to when I was using soy milk. I was going to go look for some rice milk, but now that almond milk has also been suggested I'll see if I can find either one. If I avoid handling flour at the same time I'm avoiding soy and my hands clear up, I'll still have to figure out if it is soy or flour, but at least that is something I can try later.

For exercise, I walked the dogs around the block again last night. My knee is feeling better so I'm making sure to wear good shoes and walk on a smooth street (I injured it when I stepped in a hole. Sounds silly, doesn't it?) I'll build up the length of the walks as the knee can tolerate it. We're in slightly cooler weather now, so I'm glad to be able to get out again.

Use the momentum of energy that comes with the cooler season to charge ahead! Kat I clicked on your photo link and it offered several albums. Is this place the one with the interesting bluffs in the first album? It looks kind of like an eroded moonscape? Enjoy that ride, and take the camera again!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 11:16 AM

Water zone DONE, set up; going to get more today.

Also on the docket is a trip for 2 2/4's to shore up the porch roof trying to commit suicide all over my neatly stored items below.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 11:28 AM

2 2/4s sounds like a dance, Susan. You're talking about 2x4s? That brings up the image of construction. Careful, dancing on the saggy roof!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 01:17 PM

Okay, I made sure to cover my ass on eBay - I posted one last revision, but it is simply a link back to the conversation on British Blades that identifies the knife down to the manufacturer in a town in India. It is a pretty knife, it does look exotic, and someone could buy this because it is a pretty knife, or to use as an example of a knockoff and not be so much out of pocket. I'm not selling the Hope Diamond here. :)

To keep up with the eBay stuff I've been looking around for something else to sell. I have tons of textiles from the Connecticut house. Maybe some antique blankets. It's approaching that time of year.

Lovely cool morning out. Michelle, the embroidery on the t-shirt I'm wearing today is teal. I realized that my best teal garment is a sweater, but it isn't sweater weather here yet!

I've been growing okra for my neighbor to use, and have enjoyed watching these plants grow and produce. I'll do it again next year. I haven't cooked any myself, but I enjoyed the cooked (fried) okra she brought over last week so I'm going to give it a try myself later. I asked her yesterday more about how they cook it. She's headed out of town for a few days so I'll have a lot extra, and will probably give it to another neighbor. They produce maybe a dozen pods a day now, and if you eat it once or twice a week that adds up to a lot of okra, even if it does shrink a bit when you cook it.

I'm thinking ahead to the weekend. I can use evenings for tile work, but I know I'll be lured outside during the day. I do have to mow, to start with. Also, I have one garden bed to finish building, one to finish weeding, and I have to pull out some of the non-producing stuff in the raised beds. I think I'll start working on that soil for next spring now. I need to raise the beds a bit in my kitchen door garden. I need to angle a couple of the beds differently on the other side of the drive, and make a couple of them a little wider. One of these years I'll have my act together enough to grow potatoes. Maybe that year is coming up.

I have to go get one of those boxes I didn't throw out and put my garlic in it. It's dried enough now to store in a dark closet. (It's in the dark laundry room now).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 01:23 PM

2 2x4's, yes.

A-framed into props and toenailed, just like the DIY boys demo on the teevee. Braced all around in nice triangles, to hold till the landlord comes in with proper 4x4's, and then I'll take back our lumber cuz we can allus use it helsewhere.

We didn't go for the full restoration of height, because the beam that is coming down is made of layers not all flexing the same way-- somebuddy is gonna have to get up there-- not on a ladder to puzzle it back into place-- but a scaffold-- it's really a high ceiling out there as those who have been here will recall. Just enough to keep it from coming down any further and falling on me or my stored stuff.

But if and when they 4x4 it, I'll be able to set up a dog-fence out there, too, because it never did have nailing surfaces where the porch meets the soft antique brick of the house. The 4x4 will close one end and if I can't afford a 4x4 then I'll just use these 2x4's for the other end.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 06:36 PM

My son is working on a hard disk problem on his new computer. I offered what I knew about the software he asked about, suggested another solution with other software he also has (if the corrupt sector is his boot section, he can try booting with the OS disk and it might offer to repair, etc.) and to check the Windows site. We've had a number of computer issues to solve, though this is the first system failure, and though it would be nice as Mom to wave a wand and make it work, it's good for him to sort this out, and what timing. A long weekend for tinkering.

Our bulky waste pickup is the week of Sept 13 so I've started trimming some limbs that grew into the way during the summer. I'll mow this weekend, then start piling the branches on the lawn down at the curb. I went out and trimmed during a break this afternoon. I decided it was time when I was hearing car doors slam on the street but couldn't see through this multi-stem tree's drooping branches. I figure if I can't see the street, people in the street can't see the house if someone is trying to break in. (The Sheriff was parked across the street and must have wondered at the nosy neighbor pruning her tree so she can see out.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 09:48 PM

Picked up a GREAT FC item today, a beautifully sculpted head and bust (female). Full size. My DIL had been looking for a "model" for pix of the jewelry she makes. This is perfect, only needs a paint touch-up. Classic lines, and some palette-knife action has left her a tad rough and abstract, PERFECT to set off any style beadwork, metal work, etc. Maybe even unisex-- depends what scarf sh/he wears.

Heavy, but we deliver!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 11:31 PM

There is a diagnosis for what we all have. Thanks, Linn (BatGoddess). Picked it up on facebook.

Started clearing up the kitchen, made a small pizza for dinner, and since the oven was on, I have a large sweet potato baking. I'll put it in the fridge and slice off a couple of disks at a time to reheat with meals. I love it plain.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 11:59 PM

That actress looked too young!

We spent the morning running around. Dropped off two boxes and a bag of clothes at Goodwill, then went round the front to shop. I found several tops, plus a really neat cotton cardigan and two pair of pants which fit without any hemming up needed. Grand total, after I take two things back, will be about twenty bucks and that also includes a neat, longish lightweight denim vest.

We then went to the health food store where I found hand sanitizer sans the alcohol and it smells good, too!

On to the grocery store where we really stocked up as we were down to eating up old stuff we'd been avoiding for whatever reasons.:-) Came home, Rog packed it all in and put it away after which I gave him a fashion show, trying on the new clothes. Did two loads of laundry including the clothes I am keeping. Rog has been gathering up parts, tools, etc. for tomorrow's trip. Alice, thanks, the weather should be perfect. Rog was up there earlier this week and asaid it was really nice. We will be about 10,000 feet in elevation, so the shade might be cool and there may be an afternoon sprinkle, but no anticipation of anything dire.

I am charging the camera batteries, now. I feel badly for the dog as there is no room for him to go, but my dau. will come keep him company. I told Morgan we'd be gone part of tomorrow and he said, "So, I'll be watching your house for you?":-) Wish we could take him, but he's too much of a live wire for that long in confined spaces, for us, that is.

Seeyasoon,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: ragdall
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 02:35 AM

maeve, Thanks for pointing out the problem with my link. I changed it: The ladder is painted.

SRS, I've never seen the AAADD piece acted out before. That was well done and describes my days perfectly. I hope that your son will be able to fix the computer problem quickly and enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Susan, the porch roof project sounds major. I hope that the 4x4's will be supplied soon.

Kat, great job shopping at the Goodwill! You did very well for under $20. Enjoy your trip.

The birds hadn't been flocking to the little pond that I'd lined with the bottom of the grandchildren's discarded swimming pool, I think it's too slippery? Today I noticed a small bird sitting on top of the large rock in the middle of the pond and trying to reach down to drink. That inspired me to gather a number of golf ball to orange sized smooth rocks, rinse them well with the hose and arrange them in the bottom of the pool like a stream bed. Soon there were several birds hopping from rock to rock in the pond.   

When I was rinsing rocks the weeds growing in the spaces between sidewalk slabs caught my attention. I decided it was a good time to dig them out before they freeze and again become obstacles for my snow shovel. That led to going around the outside perimeter of the sidewalk slab area with a lawn edger. My intention after that was to get out the 24 foot ladder and clean the eaves troughs but strong winds, followed by a thunderstorm then intermittent rain, forced me inside for the rest of the day. I stripped the beds and did 4 loads of laundry. I'm not sure where the rest of the day went because I haven't listed enough activity here to take up the time.

I phoned my daughter in law and made arrangements to go see them and their new house, Sunday. It will take us about two hours to get there, if my old car makes it that far. Saturday I hope to get up into the attic to look for the boxes of books from my classroom library that I hope my son will appreciate having in his classroom. Also will dig up some of my small Rowan trees, a small Dogwood bush, four Maltese Cross plants and some mallow and Forget-me-nots which are perennials in this climate, and get them ready for travel to his garden.

The Sunday weather prediction is for showers. I think that I can fit all but the 8 foot long horizontal ladder inside the station wagon. I'll try to find a tarp to cover that when I tie it on the roof rack. Otherwise it could be covered in mud when we get there.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: ragdall
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 04:08 AM

rags, are you able to eat flour? Is it just handling it that bothers you?

SRS, Sorry, I forgot to answer this. Yes and yes. I have no problem with eating items which contain wheat. Handling it bothers my hands.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 06:31 AM

guess I am going to have to knuckle down and join this thread properly...

Been too lazy or depressed to do anything much in the evenings and weekends but surf the net.

Had a possible heart scare last week. Getting it checked now. I must lose weight, I must get myself fit. And I must clear up the junk around the flat.

So I started clearing spare room yesterday evening until my feet were screaming with cramps. I never had toe cramps until last few weeks. God they are horrible. Woke up 5:30 this am and worked for another hour or so. Almost done getting my craft stuff sorted. Today I will tackle ironing and take the caravan stuff back to the caravan. Will also contact Nuffield Health club re Weight watchers and using pool, spa, equipment and exercise programmes.

WeighWatchers should provide me with a specific diet to follow, though I am very interested in the Montignac or GI diet.


sigh....

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 11:49 AM

Thanks, rags. Every hint at possible cause/effect relationship are helpful.

Virginia, you're back in the right place. I suspect all of us have some amount of weight to lose, and clutter seems to be an American way of life. I know I've commented here before that one of the reasons I find the CSI: Wherever programs so surreal is that they can walk into immaculate houses, find a pen on the floor, and decide that is a clue. Need I say more?

Take baby steps if that is what will keep you working. Don't try to tackle the entire house at once. One trick that has worked for several of us is to work on the smallest room first, and go from there. It might be the laundry room or a bathroom (don't be fooled by the size of a closet - the function is so different and the density of the contents so much higher that I wouldn't start with one of those).

I decided that since my income has dropped (no more child support) that I need to make a few simple changes to start with. And since I'm working on losing weight, I'm making a point of trying to eliminate most of the snack food and use fruit and veggies as snacks between meals. Sometimes just warming up a few bites of last night's dinner as a small meal (more small meals instead of three big ones) is enough to keep me comfortable during the day.

I cleaned the fridge last week (it looks so good!) and I got rid of some of the things that were either past their shelf dates or seemed to have been open long enough that they no longer tasted right. I'll buy smaller jars, etc. I won't be here by myself all of the time, my son will be back for a month over the holidays and possibly next summer, so I'll get these habits going now and see what I can do to incorporate another person in later without going back full-tilt to a cupboard full of snacks, etc. Get him to eat more fruit snacks, etc.

Now, out to the yard to mow and stack branches.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: ragdall
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 02:47 PM

Tam, Have you been getting enough calcium? I've found that increasing calcium intake seems to prevent cramps. Also flexing the toe end of the foot up toward the leg seems to stop a cramp. (Not easy to do when fighting a cramp, I know.)

SRS, I love your observation about CSI!
I was worried that I'd have trouble surviving without the child support, but figured out that the "child" was costing me far more than the child support was covering. A senior teen consumes a great deal of food and snacks in a day. When he left for college and the support money stopped, I was actually better off financially. If you are still having to support him at college, though, it must be a strain.

I've become convinced that being overweight and amassing clutter are interrelated. If I can get rid of the clutter, I'll lose some weight. If I'm wrong, at least the house will be tidier, right?

I'm going to try to get out on the ladder and clean at least part of the eaves troughs between thunderstorms. I also need to dig along the carport, reset the plastic wall covering sheets (Coroplast) into the ground and screw them into the facing board at the top. I'm afraid there might be tree roots down there that are lifting it up. If so I hope they are small enough for me to cut with loppers. I'm no good at kneeling anymore to saw them in the ground.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 03:42 PM

I have now lost 6 and a half stone! I feel great, my gym instructor even commented on it yesterday!

My exercise classes have been cut down now due to my new job but I am intending on walking the 6 miles home 3 times a week and getting to the gym on the other days.

New job is going really well. I had an appraisal on Friday and the trainer and manager said I was clearly above average and they are please with me. It gave me a huge confidence boost. I've got loads of revision to do this week on mortgage regulations for an exam at the end of the week but I passed the last 2 with flying colours so I'll be putting the work in to get the grades as the better my final mark at the end of the training the higher the pay!

Harry starts in the nursery class of the local primary school on Thursday so I've got to sew in his name tags into his uniform.