Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)

Subject: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 11:43 AM

Well here we are. A couple of years into the enterprise of clearing out our houses, and for some of us, the associated de-cluttering of our lives. My long-term goal is to have a nicer looking space and less stuff in it. I don't want my heirs to roll their eyes and roll up their sleeves and toss it all in a dumpster or sell it all for pennies on the dollar to an agent who handles messy estates. I'm well on my way to that goal.

From now until early autumn is a sort of triple witching hour for me. Without going into specifics, I am nearing the end of one source of income, and a few months after that, will finish paying on a loan. That results in a wash, but in the interim, there will be more programmed outflow than income, so I'm going to spend time this spring and summer bridging that gap with eBay and an austerity plan. This results in de-cluttering with a bottom line. More motivation.

I wish I hadn't pulled muscles in my back last weekend--everything I would like to do this week toward that end seems to be on hold, and I re-injured some this morning when I stupidly stretched and lifted a bag of leaves at my neighbor's house. Not very heavy, but enough to re-injure the same muscles. I need to start some basic exercises to stretch and strengthen the abdomen and lower back to avoid this again. I have an exercise tape that focuses on this in particular that I'll start using.

How is spring looking for the rest of you? Those who are moving, getting ready to sell, to rebuild, and to plant will no doubt have a lot to report, if you have the time to pause and report. I hope you will, I look forward to reading those. And for those who are moving incrementally as they continue to find balance and better health, I hope the energy of the longer and warmer days will help you in your work.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 11:44 AM

Here is the March 2010 thread.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 01:33 PM

And here, still talking to myself apparently, is my last gardening de-clutter spelled out in my blog: Garden injuries feature this time. Watch your back!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: mouldy
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 04:20 AM

I dug out a lot of rampant mint from half of a border yesterday. I'm debating whether or not to do the rest today.

Selby Game fair starts today, and I might go this morning before it gets too busy and boggy underfoot. It's a field sports/country pursuits type of thing with dogs doing flyball, birds of prey, show jumping etc. There are often nice food stands in the marquees...

I am still waiting to hear from the person I bought a table from on Ebay the other day. It's an 80 mile or so round trip to get it, and I am wanting to go pick it up!

Take care with your back, my girl!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 12:24 PM

Send us a link to the sale so we can see it!

My back is still sore--yesterday morning I reinjured it be impulsively reaching out to catch a very light bag that was falling off of my wheelbarrow. The sack was less than nothing, but here I am with a pillow jammed behind me in my computer chair, sucking down the motrin.

No luck on the schools (there is one last one to report, but since we don't have an email from them and can't get to the site to logon, I think that is a "no"), we'll be sending him to a Tier 1 state university instead. Not a bad outcome, all things considered! We did start very late and didn't have an array of test scores to choose from, etc. If he wants, he can apply to transfer to schools like that later. But on his own, if he wants. We know the ropes now, but it will be kid driven. I have retired from the field, and I even went to bed early last night to just read, not mull over the results. Part of my de-clutter this weekend will be to pack up all of that stuff and put it away in the small file we set up for it.

I'm just so bummed at this injured back. It makes everything more difficult until those muscles stop spasming any time I make an odd (or not so odd) move.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 04:58 PM

Shipped an eBay item just now, dropped off household recycling, and next I need to fold a couch-full of laundry. My son had the day off from school, but I didn't. (A woman at the post office just now remarked "I'm surprised they're open today." My answer: "This is a religious holiday, not a federal holiday. There is a big difference." So many people assume their religions should be universal. Oh, well.

I have a large item to move out next--the grizzly bear skin rug that my great uncle picked up about 100 years ago. That makes it worthless to some (those who only want fresh skins) and valuable to others (those who want to look at the way it was mounted, the carved ivory or bone teeth in the mouth, the way it was mounted and such). I need to connect with the ones who find it valuable. Selling this would make a lot of room in my sun room and free up the chair it is rolled and stacked on (from the days when I had cats and they could have damaged it by peeing or puking nearby). So many things are easier without cats, though I do stop and scratch other people's cats behind the ears when we meet.

So, I'm kind of talking to myself on this thread so far. I hope it's simply because the rest of you are so busy you haven't stopped to post, while I'm forced to take it easy for a few more days.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: maeve
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 05:20 PM

Kind of busy here, Maggie. Sorry your back is hurting. Hope you feel better soon!

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 05:44 PM

Looks like we'll be flying to Arizona next weekend (not tomorrow) to do a tour on campus for the Honors College. A lot to set up between now and then.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: mouldy
Date: 03 Apr 10 - 07:54 AM

I drove 37 miles to pick up the table... which turned out to be pine, so I refused it. I am now waiting for a refund via paypal. The table was described as oak, and it certainly looked dark enough on the photo, but I know pine when I see it. To be honest, the lad selling it was a bit clueless, or pretended to be.

So I detoured via Ikea and got a narrow extending table to use as a small desk in the study, plus a basic square table to use as a coffee table in there. I've just spent this morning putting the tables together, and now I am off to bottom out my bedroom - again!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 03 Apr 10 - 08:01 AM

I pulled box of upholstery remnant squares out of wardrobe. Going to make one sweet dreams doll, packed with lavender for friend and prep rest for putting on my wild woman patchwork coat.

Must get a roll of quilt batting to make it warm.

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Apr 10 - 10:06 AM

I should be doing something, but to be honest, I'm knackered and have a cake to bake...

Enjoy the long weekend chaps... I intend spending Monday asleep, if allowed.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Apr 10 - 08:55 PM

Busy day running around, and my back is much better. I had time and opportunity to go dig in the garden, but held myself back one more day. No need to rush it or I'll never get out there.

I need to do a little shopping this evening, and then I'll list stuff on eBay. And do laundry. And fix a healthy dinner. For those who are looking for inspiration to lose weight, even though I didn't include the accountability line in this thread, take a look at this: Jamie Oliver's TED Prize Wish: Teach Every Child About Food.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: mouldy
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 07:11 AM

Still waiting for the refund for the table. I can feel a very negative feedback coming on!

Got to empty the middle of the kitchen out today ready for the plasterer tomorrow. Gives me something to do on an Easter Day when I am not seeing my family (quick moan over). I might even do the ironing, seeing it still appears to be at a manageable level. I may also get on my knees and scrub the kitchen floor while I can get at it. A slightly futile exercise, given the work going on tomorrow, but it will get it back to the beginning again.

I was thinking of getting in the garden later, but I got so cold in church this morning that, despite changing into thermal trousers and putting my sheepskin slippers on, my feet are still frozen. It's a biting breeze out there!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 01:44 PM

Andrea,

He severely misrepresented the table. Stick to your guns on this. There are channels. And if you make it clear to him as long as he does the refund in a timely fashion then you won't post bad feedback, that should help. But be sure to "damn with faint praise" in the actual text. Under good feedback say something like "refund obtained. Table represented as oak was actually pine." Is that under 80 characters?

I have some stuff to list this weekend but I'll set it up to start running later in the week. I'm not sure exactly what days we'll be absent for this college trip.

Still have to fold laundry, change bedding, etc. It's overcast out, warm, feels like rain, but we actually didn't get the rain that was predicted a couple of days ago. A little blue. So much to do, so little money to do it with. So typical. :-/

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 03:01 PM

I posted to my help thread that Colin and Rog did some major decluttering of my caravan so he and his kitties can sleep there for a few nights. It actually was a huge boost for us as it will be so much easier to muck it out now that he has started it. Lots and lots of empty boxes plus stuff that could live in the shed. I've kind of been swamped. I am getting some stuff done and exercising a little bit, but not enough to post about. Sorry I didn't get an accountability thread done. Please feel free to start one or just post here as in previous months.

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: maire-aine
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 09:01 PM

Hi, everybody. I'm back from Ireland, but I haven't caught up on anything yet. I'm about to climb into bed; it was a long flight back.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: April 2010 De-clutter (Spring Cleaning!)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 09:02 PM

You could add "and accountability" to the thread title (assuming you can cram in more letters than we can) and that will take care of it. I did get a good walk in with the dogs yesterday.

I ready your comment about his decluttering in the other thread. And I'm glad he has a place for his cats--having pets is sometimes enough to keep you sane when you're by yourself, but if he's having difficulties having backup pet care is good.

Finished laundry and dishes, and despite good gardening weather, took another day off from hauling dirt. The back is better, but not ready yet.

Teaching son some cooking this evening. I'll do mac and cheese. Homemade is so much healthier than from a box. It'll probably be one of those 10 recipes, and we'll work on some veggie and fruit dishes as well.

SRS

Subject: RE: April 2010 De-clutter(SpringCleaning!Acct'ability)
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 09:29 PM

I had to get a little *creative* in adding it to the title.:-)

I played badminton with Morgan for about thirty minutes today. Not full-out running to get the birdie, but still some good movement and he loved it.

Subject: RE: April 2010 De-clutter(SpringCleaning!Acct'ability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 11:01 PM

You could put "Apr '10 De-Clutter" in there as save a little space.

Badminton counts! My spell check just announced that the game isn't "badmitten" but that is what I've called it all of my life.

The macaroni and cheese was very good. Beside it was a bowl of steamed broccoli and a half each of a large chilled ripe and very good mango. Not bad for healthy choices. Homemade macaroni has to be healthier, even if it's full of carbs, than the store bought stuff.

SRS

Subject: RE: April 2010 De-clutter(SpringCleaning!Acct'ability)
From: mouldy
Date: 05 Apr 10 - 03:32 AM

I'm going to give the guy until after the Easter holiday to cough up.

Emptied the middle of the kitchen yesterday (ie table, chairs and associated pile up of junk), thoroughly scrubbed floor, and then received a call saying that the plasterer wasn't coming until at least Tuesday, as he has an outside job to finish while the weather is fine. He got delayed with it, due to a batch of lumpy raw material that had to be replaced.

However, it is somewhat rainy this morning, so I don't know how much he'll actually get done, and I am half expecting a call, unless he decides he's having a day off (it is a public holiday, after all).

Andrea

Subject: RE: April 2010 De-clutter(SpringCleaning!Acct'ability)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Apr 10 - 04:18 AM

Is it just me or do the BS threads tend to be leaning toward end of world stuff?

Swarms of illegal aliens, legal immigrants, lemmings and carpenter ants and one lone rat.

BS section should perhaps be called Madcat.org

Subject: RE: April 2010 De-clutter(SpringCleaning!Acct'ability)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Apr 10 - 04:18 AM

oops... I meant to say, good thing we have these declutter threads to sort things out.

Subject: RE: April 2010 De-clutter(SpringCleaning!Acct'ability)
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 05 Apr 10 - 09:33 AM

New light fitting fitted in our bedroom and the twins room. Paul is making the light for Harry's room as he wants an areoplane!

Last lot of fat clothes is all bagged up for the charity shop tomorrow. My wardrobe is so empty but will be filled up again next weekend after my shopping trip with my friend (after I've been to my spinning class!)

Even with the long weekend and lots of chocolate I've still done 2 spinning classes and a body pump class. Going to start regular running now the weather is starting to get better.

I've got to make room in the display cabinet for the beautiful blown osterich egg Paul engraved for me for easter instead of getting me chocolate, I'll post some pics on my facebook page in the next couple of days, it's gorgeous!

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Apr 10 - 06:41 PM

Sounds like a nice alternative from the calories, all things considered!

De-cluttered my credit card, setting up a trip to school for my son soon. Won't post particulars online for the usual reasons. But it will be nice. We'll stay with a friend.

Picked up a cat hair in my toe this afternoon--I'm sure I'm not the only one that has happened to, get the hair at just the right angle and it can actually poke you like a splinter. I think it's finally out. This several weeks after the cat has gone. I'm sure we'll have these kinds of reminders for a while yet.

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Apr 10 - 07:01 PM

I continue to work slowly at house chores as my energy and physical pain will allow. Today I did the dishes, one load of laundry, cleaned off the kitchen table (which was covered), swept the living room and went to town for a few groceries.

Spring as hit north central PA and I'm enjoying watching the flowers come up that we planted last fall. I'm also anxious to get out and play in the dirt!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 12:21 AM

I didn't get my sleepy Monday - cleaned the front room carpet (very slowly) instead... trying to track down a musty smell which was originally blamed on the cat but turned out to be an errant piece of cheese under the sofa. Still, the carpet is done and will last another 3 months before needing to be done again. Decluttered a few things to the garbage - old soft toys that were decidedly fragrant but unwashable. I was without ruth and even threw out a dragon toy (mind you, it has bad memories associated with the giver so it was no real hardship). Made a vain attempt at sorting some threads and fabric into sensible boxes, with another for patterns/magazines until I realised it's a lost cause... still, at least some of it is organised.

Today I shall be slobbing on the sofa (after a trip to the bank) and quilting the old fashioned way... if I can find the needles from where I tidied them yesterday!

LTS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Eiseley
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 12:43 AM

What a wonderful skein---a combination of threads! I haven't read every word, but this is a great idea. I hope you don't mind my jumping in.

As a librarian I have to overcome the hoarding instinct regarding books. But lately I've been paring down and giving away as many as I can. I figure I have a whole library that feels kind of like my own collection, so if I have a book at work, it's almost like owning it. I'm trying to keep only the books I know I'll reread (Jane Austen, Loren Eiseley, etc) or my children may enjoy. I remember wandering my house as a girl and picking up an old favorite. I want my boys to do the same.

It's hard, though, because there's always the temptation to add more tomes. I've been trying to stay away from used book sales and bookstores because even though I know there will be treasures there, it isn't worth packing them around, unless . . .

So, the stacks slowly erode away and there is a bit more space on the shelves. How do you know when the minimum number has been achieved?

Eiseley

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 12:54 AM

Do you have room so all of your books are on the shelf, and none are stacked on top of the books on the shelf? Can you put anything else on the shelves, like collectible objects? Then you've probably reduced the collection sufficiently. But why would you want to? I kind of like the idea that when my kids need a classic or an interesting modern author, chances are good I might have it on the shelf. And can find it. (Several years ago I bought some $1 and $2 clearance copies of various Norton and Heath anthologies, so I have tons of scholarship stuff, or great doorstops, whichever is needed).

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: GUEST,Wys cookie broken
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 09:42 AM

Hi all.

I had a very productive and blessed Lent (BS-free) on so many fronts that I am not sure I even care to list them, but last night I removed the last bits of a bad LR pile that had not made sense till some other things beyond my control resolved. Then they did, and within 24 hours, POOF! Vacuum-ready.

I'll study up on all the progress the rest of y'all have made when I can, but honestly except for this thread and the Name Game/Misread threads, I didn't miss the BS section atall! And I have some new prof. responsibilities that will occupy the amount of sitting time I have been given to work with, plus the resumption of Dog World duties, and pool routines, so.... see ya in PMs!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: GUEST,Wys cookie broken
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 11:02 AM

The next DW task due is getting and cutting two 16' cattle panels to make a set of movable folding dividers that link together with snaps. A portable dog yard wherever we go, or a DW section divider for mud season, or an airlock for the smaller kennel when mud season lands them out there for several days and they need an airlock for me to get in and out and a divider to separate them at feeding time......

Shore is purdy out there tho, mud and all. Balmy breezes, gotta love it. Settin' chairs cropping up everywhichwhere, anchored in mud so they don;pt fall over in the breeze.

Heck, another year or three and I may get the hang oif this fresh-air-daily thing! I cannot WAIT to brush out all that wind=ter fur shedding, OUTSIDE, for my itchy doggies.

Mudboots rule! And to think of the many times I have almost thrown them out! These are old-- they date back 20 years to volunteer farm-mgmt days, so they have many good memories in those treads. AND altho I missed the pool for the last 3 months, I have enough lower-body muscles left to walk in the heavy farm-boots. Not too much more decrepit than when we finished the DW-shell last fall.

I bought two chiming clocks to remind me to EAT, so I gotta go! Fun needs FUEL!

~S~

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 11:32 AM

Backslide, I bought a few little containers of malted milk Easter Eggs, but only used one as a snack. The rest are for my son to inhale.

I can list eBay stuff today and throughout the week, I'd put it off so I didn't have to pay to postpone listings, and they'll be set to end after I'm back from the university visit. I want to keep that activity going. I mailed several things in the last couple of weeks and added some welcome cash to the PayPal account.

Lots to do to get ready to go. Mow the lawn, set up radios and lights on timers. I hate to think the house looks empty or untended, it makes it more vulnerable to burglars, so I have things set up to go on and off.

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: maire-aine
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 12:31 PM

I've finished the laundry (last load is in now). Went to the bank yesterday & got the figures for the ATM withdrawals I made (in $ v Euros), so I could balance my checkbook. Paid all of the bills that came while I was gone. I've been getting up early, but I'm ready for bed by 9pm. Will post pictures in a few days.

I did a fair amount of walking while I was gone, but also spent a lot of time on the bus, so I doubt that I walked off much weight. Especially when you figure how much I ate. My feet were a little swollen, but that's getting better.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 01:09 PM

Looking forward to the photos! I'm debating about how much camera gear I can take with me on my next trip. And the laptop. This stuff gets heavy. I may have to pack it all in the rolling pack.

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: mouldy
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 01:47 PM

Having (sort of) de-cluttered the bookshelves the other week, book #4 out of 5 that I ordered from a second hand book site arrived today...I just like books!
It being Tuesday, and there being no plasterer in evidence (probably rain stopped play yesterday) Eleanor, Freya and I went out to East Riddlesden Hall near Keighley. It's a 17th century house. I bought yet another hand made bowl from the National Trust shop... I like bowls too!

I hope to get some gardening done tomorrow, but I have Freya in the morning - and, hopefully, a plasterer! Also, the table guy has been in touch and is getting ready to credit my payment back. He was waiting for mine to clear on his paypal.

Feeling a bit happier now. Determined to get the house on sale the last half of June, or thereabouts.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Apr 10 - 04:17 PM

This thread doesn't fall off the page often, but I had to go back to the three day filter to find it. I hope it's just because we're too busy to report.

I won't be able to make much forward progress until next week, but I'll check in to see how everyone else is doing. I did go pull some weeds out in the front garden today--the iris are just opening now, and there are some clumps of grass that are easiest to pull right now.

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Eiseley
Date: 07 Apr 10 - 07:02 PM

I just spent about 2 hours down the basement cleaning and taking out piles and boxes of junk. Now about 1/8 of the area is tidy.

The rest will be harder because it is all Keith's old stuff---tools and detritus and memorabilia, but mostly tools. Why have I been letting him keep his junk down there? Partly he has nowhere else to put it. But that really isn't my problem unless I let it be. So, in the spirit of accountability, I'll let HIM be accountable for it. After all, do I see a dime of child support? NO!

So, if he doesn't want it (after four years of not even touching it), maybe I'll also be posting things on E-bay. Or maybe I'll just give it away---less work, that.

Eiseley

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 10 - 02:04 AM

Donate, take photos and document, and get a tax deduction. Not quite as easy as just giving away, but a lot more satisfactory at tax time.

Finished mowing the front (accountability exercise-wise), finished domestic chores, and finished cutting up a couple of big limbs out in the back yard. They're shoved down in the big Rubbermaid trashcan at the curb. I've put out that can filled with branches 3 weeks in a row now. Pacing the work means I don't end up with branches that I have to mow around until I finally get them out of the way. These came off of multi-stemmed small trees (or big shrubs) and now my mowing area will be easier. In the back in particular, now that plant looks interestingly gnarly, not just spread out all over that space. And again, mowing under it will be much easier.

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Apr 10 - 02:11 AM

Eisley - you could just 'dispose of it'... I have removed many an unused item and the owner hasn't been any the wiser for it, even years after the fact (although there was one sticky moment when we stayed in a friend's house and he admired the teamaker - it used to be ours but we never used it so I gave it to the friends)!

Not much done, just a bit of re-cluttering... more fabric. I cannot resist Christmas fabrics. Oh deary me... Now I have 3 quilts at the planning stage, a gown and a waistcoat to cut, 2 quilts cut ready to sew and one quilt sewn, partially quilted. And that doesn't even touch the cross stitch pieces waiting to be finished! I could sew all day, every day from now til next Christmas and not be finished!

Recluttered the bookshelves again too with 3 new purchases.. I think I may have things a bit confused this month...

LTS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: mouldy
Date: 08 Apr 10 - 04:07 AM

Got a bit of gardening done yesterday afternoon (some weeds dug, and some seeds in). Today it is blue clear sky, and I am off to get stuff from the garden centre shortly - need more potato sacks and the compost to put therein.

The ceilings were plastered yesterday. As I write, Peter is starting to hang paper in the kitchen. Tomorrow will be a painting day, and by tomorrow night, I may have my little bedroom and the kitchen both back to full action. I've decided to move Freya's travel cot into there to take some of the clutter out of the front spare room.

Spring must be in the air, because I am suddenly feeling more positive again! I just wish Peter would get on and board out some more of the loft so that I can empty more junk into it!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: maire-aine
Date: 08 Apr 10 - 12:21 PM

I got the first group of Ireland pictures posted on Facebook. The link is Ireland 2010, part 1 , and you don't have to belong to FB to see them. But if you're already on FB, send me a friend request if you wish.

These are from the start thru Killarney. Hope you like 'em.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 01:40 AM

Got a gift, was going to post about it, but I think I'll wait till I'm back in Texas to tell that story. Had a brainstorm today, is all I'll say now, and I hope it works out in an interesting way.

I picked up a new small (fits in my handbag) camera for myself in time for this trip, my other small one is old enough that I'm not able to do some of the things I require of it. And the irony of technology, the new one will cost the same and do much more, or do much more and cost much less.

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 04:31 AM

Kitchen cleaned and tidied, kitchen floor swet and washed, washing drying on the line outside. Front room hoovered and dusted and all before 9am!!

I'm doing well at maintaining my weight and haven't put anything on or lost anything now for 3 weeks despite the chocolate! Tomorrow is spinning class in the morning and then a girlie day with Alison shopping for new thin person clothes! Sunday is another spinning class and I might go for a run in the evening if the weather is still nice.

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: maeve
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 06:44 AM

I sorted through a mound of clothing and household linen pulled from the cinders. Most went to the rubbish due to extensive fire damage. A few have been washed and await a final judgment as to their condition. Most are too large or have some damage so I'll need to find time to take them in/repair the burned/torn places.

As Jacqui can verify, there's no end of the soot and cinders that travel in with fire treasure.

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: mouldy
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 11:10 AM

Just finished another bout of digging. It turned out not to be as hard as I had anticipated. Decided to leave the rose bushes in, and just do mixed veg/flowers around them. So now there are brussels sprouts next to the newly planted delphiniums!

Back a bit stiff now.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 05:57 PM

owwww! Caravan cushions almost done with new covers. Hands are hurting from all the hand sewing.

4 loads of wash and hung outside on beautiful sunny day

Dishes done twice with lick and promise to counter tops, but I did bleach the sink to remove tea stains.

Some junk taken to recycle centre.

BT tech came and fixed the phone line. The fault was in box across the road so we paid nothing. YAY!

My back is killing me now but it is due to the work I did today and not the kidney pain I had yesterday. Am on antibiotic for cystitis but seems to be working really quickly as is the copious glasses of cranberry drink. Using and ice pack is helping.

Just had a shower and will crawling (very soon) between clean sheets dried on line in the sun today. Yummy fresh smelling 300 thread count cotton sheets. Must take codydramol first.

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Apr 10 - 12:12 AM

Whoa, now you're hopping on the thread, just as I'm ready to scram for a few days. I'll check in, I'll have the laptop with me.

Bags are almost ready, gotta get the son set and then to bed. We head out early. I've finished some baking and using up stuff I didn't want to leave in the fridge (made a huge batch of guacamole).

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 10 Apr 10 - 04:07 PM

Veggie patch in the garden was weeded and some seedlings transplanted as they were getting too big for the pots in the greenhouse.

I had an excellent day shopping (I never thought I would hear myself actually say that!) for new clothes. It's much more pleasant going to regular clothes shops and knowing my size is on the pegs. The tax rebate has been spent but it was all worth it.

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 11:08 AM

We're in Tucson for a couple of days, no de-cluttering, just trying not to clutter our luggage so it is difficult to pack and return home. I have a few things to deliver, so if I can avoid loading much here, that is a good thing. Today will visit the Desert Museum, and tomorrow is the big day, the tour and orientation on campus. I think we'll get a verdict after that. He has a full scholarship, something that is highly prized. But he also has free will. We will see how it goes.

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 11:35 AM

Yesterday I went for a hike in the woods, went to yoga class and walked a mile. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 02:33 PM

The caravan for folk festival

cushions covered and now in the van. they look pretty good even if roughly done. sleeping bags and pillows also there.

2 side window curtains are just now finished except adding the heading tape for the hooks. need to make the big back window curtain.

we managed to disengage the little (between the benches built in) chest of drawers. it is now in the spare room to get several coats of white paint before being returned.

floor measured for buying new carpet tiles.

leisure battery arrives this week, will soon shop for solar trickle charger, some cooking gear (saucepans, frying pan, and such) some towels, toilet chemical, full calor propane bottle.


had a relapse of chills and UTI related pain yesterday. I hadn't had enough fluid, bit better today but back still hurts from the work.