BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability

Subject: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 01:28 PM

I just read through some good entries on the last thread, and realized we're at the next stage, and the last for this year. Penny, good job on that gutter!

Today I heard from a friend that she's adding on to her home--a few years ago she put a room on the back, but this addition is going over the top on one end. I can only imagine the noise and dust. (But I love that kind of work!)

This week has been a real emotional roller coaster, probably for the entire family, not just me. As we get ready to send my son to college, and as the older one starts looking for a graduate school, it looks like both of them may well be out of state next year or the year after. And here I am with an incomplete remodel myself (distracted by a burglary, but time to finish the work). So I need to work on my mid-range and long term plans now. That, for me, is the way to avoid depression. Like some of the rest of you, I'm not living in the place that I had planned to live in when I was young, and though I'm accustomed to it now and moving back to my home state would be difficult (very expensive), it is still something I want to consider. So I need to get organized here after we get the work done for the kids. People will still come home for the summer or holidays, and they will see both of us (their father lives a couple of miles away).

This sheds new light on the process of finishing the house and moving the clutter out in a way the benefits the bottom line. Either as a tax deduction or by selling, I need to streamline and finish up all of this.

Nothing new, life goes on.

On the accountability front, I have managed to keep off the weight I lost in the last couple of months, and my goal is to get back to my old weight that I was at for several years after the kids were born. 1996. I think I still have those jeans. :) I have about 25 - 30 pounds to go.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 03:33 PM

Brrrrr but it has gotten cold and rainy outside this afternoon. I think it's time to pull the turkey carcass from last week out of the freezer and make that pot of turkey soup! The freezer is fully stocked now, so there will be a gradual de-clutter in the coming months.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 05:40 PM

It has been a beautiful day here-- sunny and temps in the 40s (comfortable with a jacket)-- so I spent as much time out and about as possible. It is supposed to start raining tomorrow and turn to snow by evening, so I guess this was the last of our beautiful autumn. Bought 2 bags of rock-salt while I was out. The last of the laundry just finished in the dryer.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 07:17 PM

Go, SRS, go!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 08:19 PM

25 to 30 pounds? YOU GO GIRL!!!!

Yoga: 1 hour

Healthy lunch out with a friend and got to meet her new puppy!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 10:16 PM

That seems like a lot to me; I'd never been this heavy before without being pregnant. Getting off of the HRT that had too much testosterone in it seems to have made a difference in at least being able to lose the weight.

Tonight's hot turkey sandwiches were much better than a couple of days ago. The big difference is the bread. I used homemade bread both times, but last time I'd made it a couple of days earlier and it just didn't have the fresh flavor that these relatively mild sandwiches need. Turkey and gravy are fairly subtle, and they need a good bread to really support the enterprise. We have some dessert for later; fruit and some bread pudding (low low sugar--I use Splenda and just a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar for flavor). I wasn't planning to make this now, but I had a half-dozen eggs freeze again in the fridge, and I decided to use some of them for something, and I had some old bread around. . . Eggs look so strange when you peel them frozen.

It's downright cold and nasty outside right now. We may be getting a hard freeze and snow flurries later in the week.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 11:28 PM

I am supposed to make a new piece of jewellery to show the therapist on Friday. I managed to get the table emptied and got some beads out to play with colours. Found some stones which need to be soaked in sea salt water, cleaned up and cared for. The old wire I used long before I knew better had rusted for some reason, so I removed it all from those chips and they will clean up well.

Morgan cleaned up his corner on Sunday and took out some largish toys he no longer needs or plays with so his corner looks a lot neater. Roger took out an extra office chair we no longer needed. I have some things by the front door for my son next time he comes over. He's also going to take my granddad's four volume dictionary set from the late 1800s. They are up high where I cannot get to them and I don't think I'll want to anyway. They are neat and special, but I like passing some of these things on now when they kids can enjoy them for a long time.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 01:06 AM

Here's an article that came out in a system-wide newsletter (for the University of Texas employees at all of the campuses. Sometimes they have some downright strange recipes, but this discussion is just a clear reminder of how to avoid some of the pitfalls. One of the important things it says is if you are dieting, don't try to diet right now, just work on maintaining the weight you're at. That's what I've been doing; it's the only way to survive this season, I think!

Healthy Holiday Tip of the Month.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Penny S.
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 04:27 AM

You really are making me hungry for turkey sandwiches. And I'm going to my sister's for Christmas this year, so won't have any cold turkey of my own. I shall have to buy some at the deli! And make some stuffing solely for use in sarnies.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Penny S.
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 04:48 AM

In contrast to SRS's link, Delia Smith's Christmas recipes last night really slathered on the cream, and butter. I could not believe how rich her bread sauce was. (And fiddly - no wonder I caught an elderly couple who should have known better buying a packet in the supermarket.) I'm not sure about fat free fake cream as a topping, though - I'd rather skip a topping at all.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 07:25 AM

During this time of year at Weight Watchers, the leaders ask us to think about where we want to be in January.

Are you ok with maintaining your weight?

Are you ok with gaining weight and if so, how much (set a goal, keep an eye on things and if you go over that point, then do something about it)?

Do you want to lose weight over the holiday season?

Of course I would love to lose weight over the holidays and I've taken some new measures to help ensure that that does happen but I'd be pretty happy with maintaining my weight too.

I'm feeling MUCH better than I have in about 3 weeks and so I went back to yoga last night. My stomach muscles are a bit sore but it felt SO good to stretch out.

I also found a tracker I like....it's completely anal but right now, when I really need to keep an eye on myself, it's a good thing!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 10:40 AM

I know the pitfalls of the holiday season, so my biggest goal is to stay away from sugar. That's an addictive force, and hard to get off of. If exposed to calories (like the staff luncheon today) I'll go with savory and get the calories in cheese or spicy meats, not in candy or cookies. And if I can simply stay at this plateau for a couple of more weeks, that's okay also. It lets the metabolism stop reacting from the diet--after a while on a diet you don't lose much because your metabolism acts like you've met a famine.

It's snowing this morning, actually a mix of snow and rain at this point. It's harder to get exercise in this weather--the dogs will go for walks, but my eyes tear up something awful in the cold air. I need some kind of Rx safety goggles to keep the cold air out. I can go walk around a mall, but they're getting crowded and difficult to park in.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 11:06 AM

I guess the lexapro was the cause of a 4 lb weight gain, recently. I've been off of it now for over a week and have finally started to lose, again. Since it is just Rog and I at home, we keep the holiday temptations out of the house. I have a chocolate treat every night already in the form of the 1 point Weight Watchers "giant fudge bar" and that takes care of my sweet tooth. Rog is really good about what he puts in the mashed potatoes and careful about draining the fat off of the turkey. We stuff celery with cream cheese which has a few chopped green olives mixed in and that makes a delicious snack without costing hardly any points. If I make a pie, it will be pumpkin with no fat evap. milk and an olive-oil pastry with no fat cool whip on top. The only other thing I eat for holiday dinner is cranberries made whole with brown sugar. I'll eat a little bit each day, a little on the sour side and I love them!:-) So, I hope I can keep losing.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 11:19 AM

I've done far too much baking but luckily I haven't been eating it all! Exercise classes have been going well and I am just hoping to maintain my weight over the festive season. Paul is taking me out for a posh meal on Friday so the diet will no doubt be going out of the window for the evening.

Done a fair bit of walking on top of my classes and the pace is quicker with it being colder now.

Xmas dinner is at the inlaws and we will be having goose and probably far too much sweet stuff but I've baked most of it so probably won't want to eat it. I get round my sweet tooth by baking, it gives me satifaction and everyone else likes to eat it! Still putting together our Yule menu.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 11:36 AM

I'd rather not eat a topping than eat those low and no-fat things. They usually taste awful, and just remind you of what you're really missing. This can set up a dangerous fixation . . . :)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 01:56 PM

I never liked actually whipping up cream, anyway, so the lazy bit is all this palette has known forever, it seems like, plus it does take time for your taste buds to get used to the low-fat, no-fat.

I got this in my email, today, from Lee Holden whose qi gong videos I use. It makes good sense, to me:

As we begin the holiday season, we wanted to encourage you to continue your wellness practice with some of Lee Holden's favorite stress-busters:

Breathe: If you can do only one thing, breathe deeply. It is the best way to relax your body and mind. Focus on exhaling all the way out for five deep breaths, and feel the tension leave your body. You can do this anywhere, anytime. When you exhale all the way out, you automatically breathe more deeply and signal your body to relax.

Eating: During the holidays, it is almost impossible to avoid eating too much. Lee's advice: chew slowly. Chew completely. By doing this, your body will absorb more nutrients. You'll also be more in tune with your body and eat less. A recent study showed that people who chewed 20 times or more per bite ate 1,000 fewer calories per day than those who ate quickly. Also, try eating a light protein snack before those temptation-filled holiday parties; you'll enjoy the tasty snacks more if you are able to savor them!
   
Sleep Tip: Before going to sleep, massage your feet. Just use your thumbs to massage along the bottoms of your feet, over the arches, near the toes, or anywhere else for several minutes. It's also great if you can get someone to do this for you. According to Chinese medicine, there are pressure points here that encourage restful sleep by clearing mental tension so you can "let go" for deep, refreshing rest. Then, enjoy sweet dreams!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 03:03 PM

A new footrest up in Office World has restored the last missing piece of my longstanding, "must-do" work routine-- there MUST be a let-go chair, couch, or whatever where I take a break, or get my head low and let a brainstorm occur. This footrest is set before a rocker-recliner with arms just right to sit as long as I like with legs UP, letting ankles drain, hips unclench, back undulate to rock, neck let loose..... Best-- I already had it and was not using it where it was, it's multipurpose, and I can maneuver it as close as my sore knees need, by myself, no matter how sore I am. Faulkner approves-- it puts my hand right on top of his forehead. :~)

The multi-use-- sans quilt padding the top, it's a shower seat for the right-next-door-loo-- the one I put a 10 foot shower-head hose on a few years ago for dog baths. The one where all my girly-girl jams and jellies are. The one down the hall from my silky nighties. The world where my office is now the center of all that, and the good work I am once again doing on a daily basis in an office that calls me and serves me-- from which blessings have already begun to flow into me, thru me, and beyond me. WITH MY COLORS everywhere.

F is relaxing into all this as well-- knows his "go sit" spot, knows the signs of when I am just walking around and when I am wrapping up work and getting ready to go back downstairs; I really ought to teach that dog to haul the food trash down, too.

The new storage unit I added the last few days is all stocked now, with healthy teas and calories so that I don't get so cold/hungry up there that I come back down and eat too much. The apple in the rocker-recliner was just right.

Heads up to usual/potential visitors-- the upper part of the house is no longer an allergy-free area. Sorry! :~) They can bring an air purifier! :~) (Those are cheaper now.)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 03:56 PM

Whew. Today I did the grocery shopping and then attempted to get through the Christmas stuff. I built the tree (my husband and I will light it and decorate it together tonight...it's something we have been looking forward to doing together). The tree is MUCH larger than I remembered so I had to do some rearranging of the living room...no biggie. And then I started going through the big plastic totes to see just what it is we have and what I want to put out. In the process of this goes the usual sweeping behind and under things that don't get swept out as often and removing all other *stuff* on surfaces and a really good dusting before putting out the Christmas gear. I'm not putting out EVERYTHING as there is just too much and some of it just doesn't interest me anymore. The first thing I put out though, after the tree was built, is my nativity set. The creche is hand carved and was brought back from Germany with my Nana. I absolutely love it. There are also hand carved figurines to go with it but I use different figurines that my mom has collected for me over the years. There are a few handmade things that my other nana made that I have put out too. The older I get, the more I love those things that relate back to my family. :)
    And oh yeah....I made a big pot of vegetable soup too....no canned or frozen veggies...just lots of chopping!!! Soon I'll be off to yoga. If I hadn't promised a friend that I'd be there, I think I'd be inclined to stay home and dig through more of these totes!
   
Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 04:58 PM

Cleaned the oven this morning-- de-cluttered all the grease & spatters from the Thanksgiving turkey. The self-cleaning timer doesn't work any more (too expensive to fix), so I have to do it with spray-on oven cleaner.

Went down to the wholesale market and bought 2 pounds of pecans for holiday baking. They had just scooped out a batch of cinnamon roasted pecans, and they smelled SOOO good, I bought a tiny bag.

Great recipe for nuts below (they'll be gifts for neighbors):

SWEDISH NUTS

4 C whole pecans (large size)
1 C sugar
2 egg whites, stiffly beaten
dash of salt
½ C butter

Toast nuts in slow oven (325°) until light brown, approx. 10 minutes.

Fold sugar and salt into egg whites & beat until it peaks.

Fold nuts into the meringue.

Melt butter into a large shallow pan (about 2" high, so you can stir the nuts).

Spread nut mixture over butter.

Bake at 325° for 30 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes. Bake until nuts are coated and butter is used up.

Break into eating pieces (most break during baking & stirring).

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 06:37 PM

I decluttered a few BEADS whilst making a necklace for Lloyd's wife. I was finally able to sit in the old office and not feel like running out the front door from being "caged." It was difficult to come up with a design as I know nothing about her except he thinks she is prettiest in pink, so I hope she likes it. I will post a better picture when I can. HI assignment for me was to bring him a new piece of jewellery to show him, so I said, "yer on, what's your wife's fav. colour?" Only took me a week and a half to work up going in there.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 10:14 AM

Gorgeous! (jealous)

===

Some of the littlest declutty tasks have the hugest impact. I found myself reclaiming some space here ydy that has LONG been wasted and junked up, for necessitites that might have seemed, earlier, like luxuries. And I already HAD the hardware that needed to go in those spots!


Left in the wake of a mere hour from me and Hardi are:
<> a lovely, well-lit and decorated ("staged") upper hallway with functional refrigeration when needed for upstairs dining,
<> a private space to hang nighties for my special man's choice and presentation to me, and
<> two really handy but private places for certain needed unmentionables.
<> A floor long devoid of smelly (cat-peed) carpet is now colorfully area-rug'ed, around a newly-discovered mitred flooring detail that had been invisible in that dark "storage" hall.
<> Seasonal window parts are stored out of the WAY but accessible in a "useless" closet-- when you open what looks to be a copious storage closet it turns out to be a narrow cosmetic cover for the top of a stairwell, but with a decent shelf at the top.


And I did MOST of it myself. I have one rug and one light left to toss there, and then it will be a bright solar-nightlight glow from the window centered on the peak of the roof when Hardi pulls in each evening after a long day.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 11:18 AM

Yesterday I put the Christmas tree up (still needs to be lit and decorated) and set up my nativities. Tabletops were cleared, dusted and redecorated, furniture was moved, floors were swept. This morning I hauled in the plastic totes filled with Christmas gear that have been patiently waiting on the porch since Sunday. There are 9 or 10 of them. I've gone through most of them and have come to the conclusion that I need to just get rid of a lot of it. Sure, there are some family treasures or little tacky momentoes that are well loved and will stay but holy mother of hoarding….if I put all the lights up and put out every single Christmas decoration that I have been storing, it would put Roseanne Barr to shame. Seriously!

I've sorted out the things I want out for this year, put the things that I like but am not using in another tote and have designated on very large, long tote for stuff that will either make it's way to the annual yard sale or to Sally's Boutique.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 11:43 AM

Just managed to get all of the dishes done which have piled up since Thanksgiving...better living through chemistry!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 12:55 PM

Beautiful selection of beads, Kat. I meant to ask how that was going. I like the small/large combination, and the other colors accent the pink very nicely.

Getting some ordering (via Amazon through the Mudcat link) for gifts; I haven't done much big shopping, and I don't know how much there will end up being, because I haven't seen the kids' lists and discussed division of items with their dad yet.

I had to pick most of the peppers from the remaining plants in the garden; we were very close to a hard freeze last night. I will look around later and see what I missed. It didn't quite freeze but it will soon. I'll go cut up the peppers and freeze them while they're fresh.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Penny S.
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 01:22 PM

Nice necklace, Kat. What are the blue beads? I've just done one for my sister using rose quartz and small garnets, with some silver tubes and garnet coloured bugles.

I used to be able to get some little metal tubes (5mm X less than 1 mm) for jewellery, but the local shops which did them have stopped, even the large ones, and the very specialist ones in London.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 01:56 PM

Penny, have you checked online at FireMountain? They do ship internationally. Garnets would be beautiful with rose quartz! I didn't have any round garnet beads..my supplies are so low...I wasn't sure I'd have enough of anything to make something likeable.:-)

Thanks for your comments, all. The beads which look blue are just the glass green ones which, when turned a certain way, have hints of a deep purple in them which, with my stupid camera, come out looking blue.:->

Now I am off to the eye doc. I think I have pinkeye of all things!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 03:38 PM

Hi Kat!!! The necklace is really pretty!!! Do you ever work with Jasper? Do you ever make malas?

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 07:06 PM

Thanks! What colour/kind of JASPER? I work with any kind of stone which suits the person and their colour preferences. I've never made malas; depending on how many beads were wanted, 108, 27, 21 or 19, I would think any but the shorter ones would get a bit heavy if made of stone, unless one used small stones, maybe, i.e. 6mm. I've only ever had wooden ones, myself.

Thanks, again, folks. It's not pink eye. Yeah!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 08:12 AM

And that is the question...what kind of jasper? LOL There are so many variations and I love most of them. From the link you put up, I especially like the Rain Forest Jasper. I have made malas for myself but never could get my hands on the jasper I liked!!! I'll PM you later with some questions and maybe we can do some business!!!!

I am feeling kinda icky today. My left side hurts when I cough, sneeze, yawn, etc. I think I may have really pulled something from where I had hernia surgery a few years back. I'm going to take it easy today. Very easy. If I still have this pain on Monday I'm going to have to go to the Dr. (who I like very much as a person but HATE that it's anything medical).

Ouchie & Kinda Scarey

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: MAG
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 10:11 AM

I sorted my earrings ...

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 10:18 AM

The home pharmacy is shaping up nicely-- not in the loo because that's too humid for most pharmaceuticals. Chairside, where we usually are sitting when we realize we need them. Three large cosmetic or "dop kit" bags-- one each for daily grooming/meds and a shared one under my control for stocking and dispensing "acute" care OTC meds. These toss into a travel bag with a snap, or go into a large space-bag-type knockoff for camping. All differently colored; the acute bag is distinctively patterned for quick finding, and has all the drugs that don't fit (or belong) in the camping first-aid kit kids and day-guests can access.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 11:59 AM

Michelle, I think you should call your doctor today, this morning. It is my understanding that pneumonia can hurt that way. You don't want to wait over the weekend with something like that. If the underlying pain is unrelated, you're lucky, but if not, you don't want to waste time looking into it.

Busy day today. Went to a breakfast at school for the Advanced Placement students, and this afternoon and evening we have special events at work. And a busy Saturday after that, plus possibly a house guest. I've been clearing up in the front room, so that we can use it for a sitting area or a guest room, because I might end up needing two guest rooms because Moonglow and her boyfriend may also spend the night. It's nice to have them all!

As to the beads and glass and gems, there are some beautiful beads from glass that should be included in jewelry making; I'd prefer glass and semi-precious over the kinds of materials that people give their lives for, or that people fight wars over. I like garnets, peridote, jade, the various colors of minerals that are plentiful, reasonably priced, and don't have blood on them. That leaves plenty to work with!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: GUEST,Penny S.(elsewhere)
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 12:18 PM

I've been topping up my stocks of semi-precious from flea markets, where Victorian glass is now quite beyind reach. That's where the garnets, and some opaque amber have come from. Also, one of the charity shops was selling stretchy bracelets at a ridiculously low price, in rose quartz, haematite, and other things. I've also a malachite necklace, which, on second glance, is too good to be broken up and re-used. I do apply a test to what I buy, as I won't re-work something made with a good element of design in it. It isn't respectful.

I won't use lapis, now I've found out where it comes from, though I have a necklace myself which came out some time ago.

Thanks for the link, Kat, I'll try it out.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: GUEST,Penny S.(elsewhere)
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 12:23 PM

More, I had the gardener in this morning to dig up three shrubs which I'm moving to the old flats garden - they are sitting in the back of my car - my back is still moaning a little. He found a dead tree as well, and got that ready to take away. Things are moving on.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 02:45 PM

Good catch, SRS. Michelle, I agree with her. A call to your doc before the weekend starts is an excellent idea. Pleurisy can also cause pain and it is NOT fun.:-)

SRS, I agree...I use glass, ceramic, semi-precious, etc. and there are SO many.

Penny, it sounds as if you really have things shaping up! I have a couple of old ethnic pieces made with lapis. I could never take them apart, either, as I, too, consider it disrespectful. Lapis is one of my fav. stones. I do try to make sure of where it comes from (there are places in North and South America which have it), but I don't think I could ever not use it, though I do use it sparingly.

Lloyd LIKED the necklace. He showed it off to his office mgr. and she agreed with him that it was "just Anne" which, I found out, is his wife's name. Turns out she is blond and loves pastel colours. Thanks to the stonepeople for guiding me on that one!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 06:09 PM

Hi Guys,

   Thanks for the concern. The pain, however, is located in my lower left abdomen and had subsided substantially since this morning. I really did do A LOT of tugging, pushing, pulling and lifting so I think I just pulled something. No trouble breathing or lung issues of any kind. I dug out the Dr.'s phone number this morning and asked hubby what he thought (I was thinking like you....it's Friday....do I want to wait and see until Monday) and he thought it best to ride it out and take it easy (so easy he didn't even want me packing his lunch). I have been keeping a steady supply of Advil going and I'm feeling better.
    My mom came over today and we decorated half the tree. Hubby and I will finish the tree either tonight or tomorrow...whenever the mood strikes. Mom and I could have easily finished today but he expressed the desire to help decorate too...and who am I to take that away? I don't mind the tree being half done until he has some free time!
    I'm off to put my feet up.

Happy Friday!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 06:45 PM

Oh great, it's her appendix instead. . . if you start running a fever, or throwing up, go get checked out.

I don't know the story on the lapis. My aunt had a beautiful ring with three ancient lapis scarabs from Egypt. It wasn't until she had it cleaned that she was able to get a good look at it and see the heiroglyphs underneath (they were an ancient seal to press in wax or clay that came in threes).

I'm at work to get photos of an event this evening, and then race home and see about getting my son set up for the SAT tomorrow and to fill out more of his paperwork for college applications. Tomorrow night I may have three overnight guests, so I have to scramble to get things picked up during the day. I've put up some lights outside, but nothing inside yet. I suppose I should do the mantle at least. I have lots of nutcrackers that I put out some years, and last year I put every piece of shiny crystal (glassware, not rocks) up and put shiny glass balls in the bowls and glasses. I have some uplights on them and it was stunning! I need to dust and wash the glass if I'm going to do that again.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 07:33 PM

LOL SRS....you crack me up. I can hear the sarcasm from here!!! :)

I love shiny glass balls in crystal bowls!! Very pretty!!!

I don't know the story about lapis either....would love to hear about it though!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 07:44 PM

I am assuming, maybe wrongly, that Penny wouldn't use it because most lapis has come from Afghanistan for thousands of years.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 01:15 AM

In our little community, we look at the clues that come through and sometimes read between the lines. So while someone on this list saying "go see your doctor" isn't a medical prescription, I hope it is nice to know that there is a group of folks out there who care!

SAT tomorrow, and a birthday party, at different ends of the day. And this day needs to end.

Who is going to tell us the story of Lapis Lazuli? I suppose one of us could Google or Wiki it, but what I guess we're all waiting for the story to unfold. ;)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 12:55 PM

The deaths and funerals have continued, and a sore shoulder from over-zealous Dog Worlding and a new (thicker) pillow have combined to put a real monkey wrench in my usual "stewardship of orderly householding"-- the laundry (incl funeral wear) is really piling up. But at least it's CLEAN laundry!

OK, so it's on my couch in big boxes the chickens had come in, because the laundry baskets are ALSO all full from the LAST round of funerals, but I have enough shoulder-recovery to pull out one item at a time to wear it, and the tree we never put away is lit and rotating prettily beside me, and I am SURE this laundry-slide will stop once I wear all the stuff in the boxes and re-wash it. It FEELS like serious backsliding, but.... it doesn't have to be..... right?

COFFEE. Hardi bought COFFEE. The extra bedtime meds from last night WILL wear off, AND love the occasional coffee indulgence. Now what was that rule.... oh yeah, crap, I have to eat first. OK, OK, maybe there's some Italian sausage left in the freezer. Or there's always chicken! :~) Hm, the turkey roaster's still sitting on the kitchen floor....... NOT a spare laundry tub!!! :~) I wonder how many chix it will hold?

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 02:25 PM

SRS wrote, "In our little community, we look at the clues that come through and sometimes read between the lines. So while someone on this list saying "go see your doctor" isn't a medical prescription, I hope it is nice to know that there is a group of folks out there who care!"

ABSOLUTELY!!!! :)

I'm feeling much better today after totally babying my sore spot yesterday. I was up and out of the house by 7:30, got my grocery shopping finished and went to a nearby town for Dicken's Day. Lots of walking up and down the main street and side streets as well. There is one vendor who comes every year...she does wire wrapping and generally has a great selection of jasper (my favorite)....this year I got an ocean jasper pendant and a silver bracelet....the bracelet is made up of wavy silver pieces and gold balls in between each piece...it really makes my wedding jewelry seem to sparkle and pop (visually!). :) I also got a small hand carved rooster for our nativity (family joke) and a beautiful wreath with red berries, pine cones and a gold edged dark red ribbon to put on my Nana's grave. It was lovely outside and started to gently snow just about the same time as we were finished wandering. Currently it's snowing fairly hard and I think I'm going to stay in for the rest of the day in front of the Christmas tree and fire. I have weekend coffee (we save the really good stuff for the weekends) and some fresh hot cocoa too...and I'm pretty sure I smell popcorn drifting in from the kitchen.....

Hope you are all having a wonderful day!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 02:43 PM

Went to the farmers' market this morning, to get a bunch of mistletoe. There's one vender who gets it from TX, I think. Can't have Yule without mistletoe!

One of the nearby restaurants just went smoke-free, so I went there for lunch (just a salad). They'll be my first choice, until the state legislature gets it's act together and bans smoking entirely. The big debate is about whether the ban will apply to the casinos or not. Arghh. It's so frustrating to keep waiting.

I understand about the clean laundry. Half the time I just keep it in the basket, until I need the basket. It doesn't matter to me if the socks & t-shirts are wrinkled.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 02:48 PM

:~) Me either, except that it's my most reliable early-warning sign that nothing ELSE is getting done and that my life is outta control. It's all a little outta my grasp not only because of the funerals but because a higher priority than "beauty and order" of late has been new habits around Office Time.

A good MudBud may be able to help me sort out an office-time tech roadblock this coming week. That would allow the completion of the transition from office-LR to office-upstairs.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 04:38 PM

If any of the rest of you need mistletoe, let me know. I have it in several trees in the yard and it's across the street in the woods. Yes, it us UP in the trees, but you can usually knock some down without too much strain.

I think that stacked up, unfolded laundry must be a universal household SOS. When we're dressing in garments we pluck from the clean pile on the couch in the living room, we know it's time to buckle down and get some work done.

Test is over, and he decided he wasn't doing any better, so he voided it. We have the previous one, and we have to finish applications. Tomorrow.

There's a birthday party tonight, and I'm so swamped that I'm not planning to attend for long. I have to find the printout about what to bring and do what I can.

The truck looks like some fluid is running low--a light came on for a while today. I've been aware of a small drip for a few weeks. I'll pull out the owner's manual and see where all of the dip sticks are and see what is leaking and then figure out where to take it for a repair. Or keep filling it up. . .

The garden needs a big cleanup. My house needs a big cleanup. The dogs need a long walk. Lots of things in need. Oy.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 05:08 PM

:~) Thank God for drycleaners, then, because that's the clothing of last/dressiest resort, here, for workwear, and there's plenty of THAT still left in Supercloset.

Tho I wish often (and more often lately as the 2 pairs wear out) I had bought that 3rd pair of wash-n-wear trousers, dagnabbit.

Hardi and I replanned my time for the evening (no drive to Sat. service). So the stuff on the couch is starting to move (onehandedly) and there's a load in the washer, of nice warm fuzzy off-work stuff.

That is the category that tends to slide, because it's also the "what to wear" at hospital bedsides, as I learned years ago-- the stuff one may end up sitting in all night. The stuff that looks "nice" but feels "pajammy."

These little bnoundaries tend to slip at times like this-- last night we dined "out" at our favorite come as you are restaurant, and I was in actual jammies and barn boots! :~) Hey, ya do whatcha gotta do.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 05:13 PM

The laundry around here is done. The only things I have sitting in a basket are shirts I need to finish tucking away for the winter....mostly short sleeved shirts, some shorts....you get the idea. However...I am currently sitting at my kitchen table looking over at the counter top.....I have groceries that need to be put away and since I was busy running around this morning, I didn't get the dishes done. I need to do that now. I hate dishes in the sink. BLAH.

    I have a new friend coming over for lunch this week. Last week I went to her house and she took me on a tour so I suppose I'll do the same with her. She's just going to have to understand that there are 2 rooms here that are currently a disaster...both of which tend to be rooms in my husband's care...one is his office and I figure it's HIS office and if he want's it cluttered and chaotic, that's his business. The other is the mudroom. This room is a classic mudroom with shelving for food, 2 freezers, dog kennels for when we have company (although this friend is anxious to meet the dogs...she's a trainer) and a deep sink for washing garden veggies, cats or other small critters. ;) Anyway, I'm wanting the house to be presentable. My office is currently Christmas gift wrapping central and it's in pretty decent shape. Then there's the nursery...that's up and ready to go....maybe could use a once over with a dust cloth....no more than 5 minutes worth of work there and then there's our bedroom. That too is in decent shape, could use a dusting and run through with the vacuum...no big deal. I could spend hours in our very large closet but I'm not going to, at least not right now. I'd like to wait until my husband is willing to spend 30 minutes or so to go through the large amount of clothes he no longer wears so I can get it OUT OF THIS HOUSE!!! That will affect the rest of what I can do in there. He's a busy guy working lots of hours so I'm not going to push the issue. Christmas break is coming up and after he's had a week to relax and do what he wants to do, maybe I'll ask him about it. :)

And now, it's off to find the counters! I could have had the dishes done and groceries put away in the time I've been sitting here gabbing!!! But you know what? It's a dark, cold, snowy day and I'm sitting by the fire enjoying the hell out of just being right here, relaxing!   :)

Tschuss!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 06:28 PM

I haven't done an awful lot lately, although I did lose another pound last week.

I like the WW bars too, Kat, but one is never enough!
I caught a bit of a stomach bug mid week (thanks Freya) but luckily I was only off it for a day or so.
HOWEVER, I got 2 dough figures ordered for Christmas painted and sprayed last week, and I have got decorations out of the loft and wrapped presents. I also baked the cake(s).
I decided to do stockings (ski socks) with daft stuff in for the "kids", and sat on the floor this evening to wrap the fiddly bits. I have now pulled my lower back! It should be okay after a night of ibuprofen, deep heat balm and a hot water bottle!

Now I'll fess up that I have bitten the bullet and I take delivery of a Wii Fit plus on Monday. I have now to make sure I USE it! However, I also feel that a concerted effort to clear the clutter that's building again might be of more use! At least someone knocked on the door this morning and asked if he could have the remaining old radiator on the yard for scrap (oh yes please!) so that's another bit gone.

Oh and I went to my first carol service of the year yesterday afternoon - in the magnificent York Minster.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 06:33 PM

Hey Andrea,

   Once you get your Wii and have had time to use it, would you please share about it here? I've been looking at them too...look like lots of fun but they are so expensive!!! I'll be interested to know if you think it's worth the $$$!

Michelle

PS. Which WW bars do you like best?

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 06:53 PM

I can't even think about all the things I COULD do around here. I brought up some old ornaments from the basement, and threw away the broken/discolored ones. MIGHT put up the tree tomorrow. I may have enough ornaments to do an all-white/silver/crystal tree, but then I'll want to get a small tree to hold some of my multi-colored favorites. I think I'll need some new lights, too.

We need to have 3-day weekends in December, because Sat/Sun are just not enough. There are 2 events on Sunday (carol concert directed by my nextdoor neighbor) and fundraiser at the Belle Isle Conservatory (that I've already paid for), and I can't be in 2 places at once. "Oy" is right.

Maryanne