Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 May 10 - 01:35 PM

Here's the new thread.

Mary, if you're half-way through a massive de-cluttering, my hat's off to you! AND you planted the garden? You're Wonder Woman!

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Maryrrf
Date: 01 May 10 - 11:20 AM

Haven't posted recently but I have done a massive decluttering and I'm still only about halfway through. I've hauled twelve bags to the dump/recycling, and seven bags of donations. It feels great! Also I'm finding stuff I had completely forgotten about - including a Dustbuster that was buried under some old suitcases in the closet. Also got the garden planted. I've taken a week off from work for spring cleaning and gardening.

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 May 10 - 07:38 AM

The party was really nice! She had all kinds of food there (cheese, grapes, crackers, cookies, tortilla pinwheels, sushi, wine, beer, etc.) and I think there must have been at leat 35-40 people there. I got to see people I haven't seen in a month or so, lots of hugs and catching up, 2 people gave me their numbers and told me to CALL so we can get together to do something. And the yoga....I was able to do just about everything.....it felt absolutely amazing!!!!
   
I'm coming over for strawberries!!!!!! :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountabil
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 11:20 PM

Michele, how did the party go? Was that part of the yoga today? (I read your other thread for part of the story).

I've made a little progress on the garden, finishing the third main bed and starting the next hump of dirt, by putting layers of newspaper down on the existing turf before piling the dirt and humus (no point in digging it up, it'll be 12 inches under). I picked another pint of strawberries today. And they're mine - all mine!

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 10:12 PM

Yoga. One solid hour of absolute bliss.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 08:36 PM

Hardi relocated an item for me that will serve as a temp potting shelf, until it becomes dry storage for extra camp chairs.

SRS, our chair stick is for a kitteh that's half-feral and wants to be Lap Cat. She is nice but she needs to remain on the upholstered arms of the recliners. She takes gentle momcat swats pretty well to learn what is OK and what is not.

Faulkner refuses to sit on the chairs that smell of us, but he does curl up chairside with the new seating config. With the old config he just milled around, fretting. This one makes US relax, so he does too. Now Sadie would jump-=- but she is not invited to this zone. She has another one! :~)

F earned the cushy dogbed that is in the brick shed/small kennel. I need to take it out anyhow to make room for the dirt I will mix next. Great shed, flex use-- 6' head clearance, dry as a bone, easy chair inside already for me (dog-s-'haired).

~S~

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountabil
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 07:42 PM

That sounds nice, a sitting area. Mine isn't too easy to use because you so often have a dog (Poppy) wanting to sit in your lap. You have to carry a small stick--you don't need to touch her with it then, but she just knows if you have a stick it means you'll poke it at her if she tries to jump or climb.

That said, I'm sure I mentioned rescuing a wrought iron bench that I need to strip, paint, and put some kind of seating on. And it would look great in the back yard, though I wouldn't mind having seating on the front porch, also.

I just finished working with a scan of a great pizza dough recipe I found last year in Martha Stewart Living. You can search for it as "Bianco's Pizza Dough" or you can send me a PM with your email and I'll attach it. I put the images into a Word document. I abandoned my old pizza dough recipe after making this one a couple of times. It is really superior. I often times just use olive oil, fresh herbs, and sprinkle some garlic and Parmesan or other cheese and it's wonderful without being a full-fledged pizza. Foccacia or however it is spelled.

Picked up some bags of dirt, and I need to go mix and spread. It still looks like rain but hasn't hit yet. I'll go to my favorite little nursery after my haircut tomorrow (it's out of the way except for when I'm at work or this haircutters shop). I want to have the soil ready when I have the plants. I need to be careful not to get carried away, since tomorrow is payday. :)

Guess it's time for a new thread soon.

Oh--before I forget--that sneaky Linn put something in the mail and had the presence of mind to not mention it, so this disk of Tom's shanty recording from the 1980s was a complete surprise today. Thank you!

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 05:55 PM

The garden consult went VERY well, and the new sitting area in the porch has already paid for itself, with dividends. And I knocked off (I think) before getting more tired than I wished to.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 03:08 PM

I've been reading the May Martha Stewart Living and yesterday discovered her discussion of good neutral paints, muted tones of various colors. And there is some discussion of the ceiling in one set of colors. I've been thinking for some time that the wood paneling in my living room, while beautiful, competes with everything made of wood in the room. I've been thinking about making the plunge and painting it, but that is a permanent move, so it needs to be a good job and a good choice. Something to think about.

Looks like thunderstorms heading this direction. I mowed the entire yard this week, and the garden is the next part to get more attention. A good soak will make weeding easy in the established bed that need planting. In the new beds I need to get some more soil in place, so I can finish planting this weekend. Better make a run now.

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 02:21 PM

My white lounge carpet is covered in red, purple and burgundy string and fluff. I started cutting the squares to make my wild woman mojo coat.   I am afraid the floor is going to have to stay that way because now I have to pack for 3 days in Rochester Kent for the Sweeps Festival.


Must pack for rain and cold and wind. It's not going to be very nice.

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 02:11 PM

Chairs done. Recliners for 3 in place, with "side tables," and camp chairs for more yet to add.

Dog-chain to accompany hoomins, done.

Final sorting of items to relocate on/from porch, done. Filthy items set to soak. Garden supply area set to go out to kennel "potting" shed.

Off to consult on dirt with Earthbox donors, and buy enough for the veggie seedlings to grab hold during hardening.

Great to see so many other folks also coming to life, with results sprouting all over.

===

Thank y'alls for the PMs about cardiac issues, friends. Today I talked with my trainer-- we will research some cardiac-rehab info to check our cpnsensus on how much is too much, but agreed to keep working on all this for now at a slow pace, and keep the naps if needed. I'm still betting on my Secret Garden. :~) (LIFE)

~S~

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 11:13 AM

What actually got done ydy was the ag panel got dragged into DW and propped/tied in place. The dogs do not know I am not done, but I do. I had forgotten how heavy is the heavier gauge I bought. o.m.GOD..... I had the muscles, but what I didn't have was STAMINA.... not sore at all, just wiped out.

The back porch-- I did move a lot of really heavy stuff to make room for the chairs and I did put together a side table I had nabbed. I had to sit to catch my breath after every item, so I did, and when I got to the part that needed help, I stopped till there was help (today). The chairs will move today, in a little bit.

How I FELT as I did all this was happy-to-be-moving and a little surprised at how tiring it was.

But what it COST was three knocked-out-sleeping chair naps as the rest of the day and evening unfolded, then I slept a solid 9 hours (7 is more usual), and I am ready to go back to bed now even after wakeup time.

Tdy we go for a consult on Earthboxes so we can buy the right dirt, next week, in bulk. It's a pretty day for buying dirt, and if we get it in indiv. bags I can fill and plant a box a day and leave it all in the van, so I can drive to the planting area. I think tdy's purchase will be a bale of peat, some vermiculite, and a SMALL bag of dirt. I can always get a coupla larger bags when the seedlings warrrant. So far they have only earned sm. potfulls of dirt.

~S~

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountabil
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 11:10 AM

I have more energy with the change in my daily Rx, and while I probably am losing weight again, I haven't stepped on the scale. It takes me a while to get around to that point--I don't want to see the bad news until it isn't so bad! ;-)

Liz, do you know what the problem is, why you feel so bad? Is this something you are slowly getting better from, or are you waiting for more tests? I hope you are able to get back to your old self soon!

My hair cutter on Wed didn't end up with the shorter cut I wanted, so I'm going in tomorrow morning for another try. I found a photo and emailed it. I was late to my appointment on Wednesday and we didn't have time to discuss the remaining changes to the style before she had another customer waiting. I think we'll get it this time. Funny, as my kids' hair gets longer, mine gets shorter. But I could sit on mine, it was so long, when I was their age.

Lots to do around here. When I settle on what I will take on, I'll report back. I find myself sorting out things for a garage sale, so I suppose that should happen soon, before it gets too hot.

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 09:51 AM

Oh dear Liz, hope you are feeling better soon.....I'm bringing much chocolatey goodness (which is probably way over your points allowence...ho hum..) tomorrow!

I seem to recovered ok from the asthmas attack and did a morning workout dvd this morning. I've also....baked 2 loaves of bread, 2 chocolate ginger bread cakes, double chocolate brownies, a spiced sausage meat lattice and a sage and onion sausage meat pie. Need to sit down for a while now!

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 12:13 AM

I had a good day's eating yesterday - only slipped a couple of times with an extra slice of bread and a few bits of chocolate over my points allowance... pretty good compared with previous weeks.

Also managed 3 days of work this week, another first this year, but judging by the pounding head and the sparkly lights at the corner of my vision, I'm doomed to spend at least part of today in a darkened room with a bucket...

Ho hum...

LTS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Apr 10 - 11:10 AM

Today sun meets free-time meets need for fresh air.

Picked up another ag panel ydy to put a divider in Dog World, so a poop-free sitting zone can be created for doggies to enjoy with us when invited-- within the fence but beyond the poop. (Song title?)

Also ready for order is the back porch that has been catching items planned for a nice, shaded, dry sitting area. We have been using it for about a month while I have cleared the corner of it that needs to hold our chairs. This is for Hardi and I and friends, including the furry ones on chains, LOL. House is rented-- not gonna screen that porch/build doors, etc.

The third area I may get to is under a favorite tree that offers a different view of the surrounding countryside. There are 6 rusty, white iron chairs waiting to come out of retirement and go out there, and a table to fix as a side table for it-- a former kids' picnic table, round with a little umbrella. Fabric for that is shot and toddler-age style, so I plan to spray-paint it to look like a drinks-umbrella.

This is all WAY too much for one day but I shall make a start and by the time Hardi gets home he can help me finish and "set a bit" with me, in one of these 3 zones.

Our friend Ed sez he has a month to go to get outta rehab and container-garden with me. I may take him a seedling or two to mind on his windowsill.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: mouldy
Date: 29 Apr 10 - 09:44 AM

"The best laid plans of mice and men", etc...

Plan A - Spend today emptying a lot of what is stacked in the hallway (mainly potential boot fair fodder) into the relatively empty garage. Get other stuff off the landing and either up the loft or slung into spare bedrooms for sorting. Do packing and any "toiletry work" needed. I am off to Iceland for the Eurogathering early tomorrow and will be back, geology permitting, on Weds afternoon.
Peter wants to start work again on Thursday.

Plan B (currently in operation) - Spend three quarters of the day supervising and chasing around a now walking Freya, before I eventually get her to sleep about 2pm. Try to do some packing (manage half of it), leave garden and seedlings in a safe state, fill pond again, take cat to cattery, visit cash machine, empty hall etc, fill new iPod with music for the trip, make sure fridge is clear of stuff that will go off, de-fuzz relevant areas, shower, finish packing...and forget the early night I could do with!

But I lost another half pound last week!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 11:16 PM

.... we're looking for a nice, adult, calm dog. Am I nuts?

No, just do not settle for anything else. Then when you get one with the right brain, be sure to encourage the calmness with good reinforcement. Do not reinforce excited behavior even if it looks to you like fun-- to a dog it is usually nerves, not fun. A happy dog is more usually a beaming dog paying attention to YOU
Ask the shelters to let you try any dogs surrendered due to a death or illness-- those dogs usually take awhile to bond and then bond tight and calm, grateful for a new bond. (You also can start by fostering and then keep The One when you find it.)

If you find Enid let me know-- she's on her way here.

====

I DID deliver that big ass memo this evening, and I DID advance not just one other project but 3 or 4. Many carefully-tended sprouts bloomed this evening, and I was deft, TBTG, in the harvesting.

~Susan
~S~

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 10:08 PM

Adopt an older dog (4 or 5 yrs) from the shelter. You should be able to determine the level of calmness that is established in the animal.

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 08:47 PM

Oh, you are all so inspiring! I'm still racing to catch up with myself after 5 days away - I've been back since Sunday but feel as if I haven't stopped running.
Tomorrow will be the ultimate de-cluttering- I have a strong young man coming to move me out of my last storage space (so I don't have to pay the May rent for it!!). That means I'll have to deal with all my teaching materials, family photos, costume boxes, my kids' book boxes, odds and ends of furniture, camping equipment, a couple of bedsteads- oof I'm getting tired thinking of it!

My dear husband will stay away from the chaos and instead will build me my raised bed boxes so I can FINALLY start my garden! That's assuming he feels ok- he's been a bit under the weather lately.

And, we're looking for a nice, adult, calm dog. Am I nuts?

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Eiseley
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 04:33 PM

They're delivering a new piano tomorrow so I am hurrying to move the potatoes (yes, it's Idaho) from the back porch and otherwise make it a straightish shot from the back alley, down the steps, through the garden, up the threshold, through the laundry/Ben's room, around the corner where the potatoes won't be anymore, across the linoleum and into the piano nook.

This will work! (I hope).

Eiseley

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 04:30 PM

I was at work for a while this morning, pulling together material for some articles I'll be writing. But the drive over, with the sun just at the level it was, clobbered me and I've been feeling a little like I'm coming down with the migraine aura all day. A nap helped. Other than this setback today, I've been feeling a returning energy level with the shift in the HRT formula.

It's absolutely beautiful weather this week. My garden is making headway, still early days, but it is beginning to look like a spot to grow plants again.

I did have one big de-clutter this week. Yesterday I was driving my usual route back from dropping my son at school, and I was first in line at a big light. There on the pavement just in front of me was the same piece of 4' x 8' MDF plywood that had been there for at least one, maybe two days that I've been through the intersection. Fell off a truck, no doubt. I took the moment to put my truck in park, catch the eye of the guy next to me to not start until I was out of the way (it was a red light, and was not a fast one, but still. . .). The only problem with that successful maneuver to haul that out of the road was that I didn't have gloves on and an came away with splinters and lots of little nicks from pulling it several yards. Ouch!

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 11:13 AM

With a long major push yesterday and a short major push today (in my highly functional home office), I declutted two huge "work" thingies toward someone ELSE's in-basket. On one project, a report for possible hand-delivery tonight where I hope for an opening to advance another project a few inches (an hour's Hardi-ride away). On another, a completed task that can and will sit till the recipient tags me as "it."

Declutted sched with a welcome date-change on a container-gardening consult with the Earthboxes' donor.

Declutted ALL scheds ydy with a change in Hotmail appt. notifications.

Missed pool last night due to gastric, uh, DISTRESS, and made up the activity in chores instead.

Seedling 'houses opened ydy.

~S~

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 09:45 AM

I'm only laughing at the being harsh and disciplined with the material stash....it'll never happen, you're too much like me in that respect. I've got bags of wool and material I can't bring myself to throw out as they may well come in useful in the future!

Well done Liz on getting back on track with the eating plan. The Yoga will help too. I bet you feel much better for sleeping longer and with lessened chest pains. Looking forward to catching up with you over the weekend.....I'll pack the gin!!

I did a 4 mile walk last night, an hours body pump class followed by an hours step aerobics......and an asthma attack! I needed 2 nebulisers but I'm ok now just a bit breathless and tired. No exercise classes for me for a week :-(

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 07:32 AM

Right... I have to start doing something positive....

Weight has crept up... still under what I was 2 years ago, but I need to make sure it doesn't go any further. The major problem this year has been lack of mobility - getting out of breath going up stairs whereas last year I was going up Hadrian's Wall and not getting so winded! Anyway... I'm working 3 days a week, walking to and from the station where possible and will start up on the yoga again next month... I'm off all medications again (other than chocolate and the occasional asprin) so hopefully the sleep pattern will return to something resembling normal. I'm already sleeping longer without waking and the chest pains have lessened considerably. I'm going back to the 'eating plan' which was quite successful last year when I kept to it. Butter, bread and biscuits have crept back into my life since out stint singing at the Ritz at Christmas. They're out or at least reduced...

Then there's the decluttering. I have to get my fabric stash under control and back in its drawer. This means emptying out the furniture and removing the computer for a day! That's my task for May. I can disguise it as 'looking for a ground fabric to go with the jelly roll quilts I'm going to spend a weekend making soon'.... but it's going to be difficult. I just cannot bring myself to throw fabric away, no matter how small the scraps! I must be harsh and disciplined.

Alright, you can all stop laughing now, especially you Catherine Jayne!!!

In the meantime... just being at work for 2 consecutive days is a major goal achieved - but tomorrow will tell... third time is the charm!

LTS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 10:00 PM

These days I'm trying to finish up projects, like getting my garden shaped the way I want and planted, and finishing moving an old pile of dirt from the back yard to complete that garden.

This afternoon I moved about a $12 worth of dirt (if I'd bought the bags that filled the four wheelbarrows full that I moved). Small savings, but I made a discovery. The dogs were helping, and it seems they like to eat those white grubs. The ones that become Junebugs later on. They also eat Junebugs, so I guess this isn't a surprise.

I turned in some work from the weekend freelance work, and I think if I get other offers like that, I might "charge" the full price for the work but ask to donate the time instead and simply have them write a letter acknowledging that amount of work. I'd have to see what all is required for taxes, but I think this might be as useful for taking away tax indebtedness than earning extra cash and contributing to my tax load.

Dinner is almost ready (late, as usual) and The Good Wife is about to start. A new episode (five new coming up in the next few weeks).

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 05:27 PM

Sure signs of spring:

<> Two companionable dogs sunning themselves on bare black dirt(they dug it), emulating cows on the hill beyond

<> Seeds are sprouting in mini-greenhouses, just as promised

<> I'm cold from too much "'net" time in drafty home office

~S~

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 02:41 PM

if you missed it, so did I!*bg*
lazing about is what it feels like! thanks just the same, Sins.:-)

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: maire-aine
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 02:18 PM

lying-in (?) "the state attending and consequent to childbirth"--did I miss something?

The cement truck just arrived, so they're pouring it now.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 12:51 PM

A loaf of bread? A jug of wine? Chocolate?
Enjoy your lying in, kitty.
M

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 10:47 AM

Nothing much will be happening here for awhile. Gotta keep my feet up a few days,,,doc's orders,,,oh the life...a willing servant to bring me whatever I want...a laptop and thee!**bg**

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: maire-aine
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 10:11 AM

I'm slowly pulling things together and getting some work done. The construction crew arrived this morning, to tear out my driveway and repave it. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather today & tomorrow. The repair shop brought my lawnmower back, so I can finally cut the grass; gotta stop for gas today. Now if it would just warm up a little bit.

I've gotta stay home today, so I'll catch up on laundry. The diningroom table and the coffee table in the livingroom are both cleared off. I've got some seedlings started under a grow-light in the diningroom, but it's too cold to put them outside.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 05:01 PM

Good work, Cat!

WYSI, PM your mail particulars. I'm sure I have something around here that will suit. :)

You never know, though. I sent Allison a couple of old dish towels (tea towels). ;-D

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 03:23 PM

The knees are holding up pretty good thank you SRS. It's amazing what the surgeon has done. I still have regular check ups. One pin in my left leg is a bit loose and will need to be removed but there is a bit of a waiting list to have that done. I wear supports on my knees which give me a bit of extra support when exercising and running and losing weight has helped lots too. I feel so much better I can't tell you how much.

I have registered my interest in the London Moonwalk for next year so I will get an email just before the registration date is released. It's 26.2 miles power walked over night, I can't wait. I'm running in the 5km race for life in Hyde Park in July raising money for Cancer Research. The Moonwalk raises money for Breast Cancer Research. Fingers crossed I will be fit enough to hopefully run in the London Marathon in 2012 raising money for Help for Heroes.

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 11:26 AM

Hey, SRS-- put me down for a book when you get a chance. My vision issues have got a prescription (at last) that lets me read actual books printed on paper for the first time in 10 years!

~S~

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 11:11 AM

Catherine, how are your knees holding up? I'm impressed, to go from crutches a few years ago to running marathons! You go, girl!

It's so tempting to play hooky today, the yard is as inviting as it has ever been, but we're at the end of the semester and have lots of things to document and report.

I see that Michelle's book is due to arrive in her post office box today. I found a copy of Mama Makes Up Her Mind and sent that (after it sat on my dining room table, probably kind of like Mama's table, for a while). If any of you remember hearing Bailey White commentaries on All Things Considered, you'll remember her almost elderly-sounding gentle witty southern drawl and her great stories about Mama. I'm not having luck getting her audio to load from the NPR site, and apparently if you follow links you have to enter the date and year of the recording and find the title on the page. Maybe I need to switch browsers. Here is more about her. The embodiment of the place in which she grew up and still lives, and an inspiration to us all.

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 08:30 AM

Morning workout was done, feel a bit achey so probably didn't stretch enough. Yesterday I did a spinning class, 4 mile walk, then another 5 miles with Paul and the kids. Paul brought the weights in from the workshop for me so I can do some toning at home as well as the gym.

I planted carrots and spinach with Harry yesterday. The sprouts are coming up well as are the leeks, broccoli and cauliflower.

I'm watching the Walk the Walk website to see when the dates for next years London moonwalk are released so I can register early. Maybe one day I'll do the London Marathon but I've got alot of training to do if I do!

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 11:50 PM

Susan, that's one heckuva act to follow.

Kat, I read your post and decided "okay, if there's a clean kitchen in Colorado, there will be a clean kitchen in Texas also." I went in and washed the dishes before coming back to write this. I'll appreciate it in the morning.

I've been digging up the oldest compost pile and sifting it through my homemade compost sieve. Comes out real nice. I dumped three wheelbarrows full of it in the new raised garden area in the front, and I planted three of the tomatoes in one of those beds this evening. I'll sift and plant more tomorrow, but I still need to also move some earth for a couple of the incomplete raised beds. I'm using piles of dirt and compost that I've been meaning to use for a while. I have to go ahead and use the local stuff and not just run to the Home Depot and buy a few bags.

The laundry is finished and one load was dried on the clothes line. I put my son's clothes and the bath towels in the dryer this time, but next time I'll probably line dry then tumble for a few minutes to soften them up. The sheets line dried and they always smell so wonderful that way.

I did some freelance work this afternoon and I'm working on that more this evening. It takes longer to do the computer processing part of images than it takes to shoot the event, in my experience, and I have two events from the last three days that I have to process. I send shots to the local newspaper, and it dawned on me this afternoon as I was working in the garden when I got home (you can think about so many things when you're out puttering in the garden!) that I must be showing up online quite a bit now because they always give me a by-line on each photo. I tried sending them the line "Courtesy the UTA Library" but they want a photographer listed in the credit.

It feels like I got a lot accomplished this weekend. Part of that is that I shifted my HRT back to the compounded estrogen/testosterone formula I was using before my insurance company discontinued their online compounding. They said "there is a perfectly good pill available." Well, there isn't. I tried it for a while and it wasn't good, and it took a while to wean from it when they said last fall they couldn't sell it any more ("Oops! Our bad!") But the answer for the last few months (estrogen only) was weight gain and lack of energy. So, since last weekend I'm back on my old compound, and paying out of my pocket. I realized that I can save money by picking up 3 months at a time, and the insurance would have made me pay $25 a month for the pills. This way I pay $20 over that ($95 for 3 months) and get what I want, and I can already feel the difference. It's worth the few dollars more.

I'll try to make it an early evening. I feel like I'll sleep like a log. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 10:14 PM

It was a very, VERY bad winter for me in many ways I have not shared at Mudcat. From the excessive number of fall funerals till the present, I have lost quite a bit of ground that had been hard enough to win to begin with.

Ah well, TBTG I still HAVE the muscles-- they just need to be brought back online and I know from past layoffs that it will only take about half as long as it feels like it will.

This time, tho, there are other slippages bringing me nearer to early death than I would prefer to be; I wake each AM grateful for another one, TBTG, and hope I have many, many more-- but am also ready in case I do not.


So! To Hardi's excellent weight-room program for me (which we log there on paper), has been added all this month 3 days per week in the pool. Today that 1/2 hour of no-fun became "Oh we are getting back to work now," so I hurt all over, but in a GOOD way (except for Arthur's visits).

NOW it is program-workout worth logging-- 30 minutes ski/slow jog punctuated by 5 minutes fast jog, with a view to increasing the total SOON from 35 to 40 to 45 to 60, plus the 1/4 hour of Ai Chi stretches that keep range of motion (ROM) improving-- or at least not deteriorating as my geezer pals remind me! :~)

This week's FC includes a wonderfully thick, vinylized, folding camp mattress-- it will replace a thinner, not-folding one in the Boondocker's van-sleeping kit (as soon as it dries and is de-mildewed.)

After it dries and is sun-cured, what's a good mildewcide I can put into it and leave in it? It's cotton-poly fabric on one side, and about 4" of foam with car-upholstery type vinyl back and sides. Need a non-allergenic aroma to leave in it-- lemon juice maybe?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 05:48 PM

What fun, Andrea!

Eisely, what a wise grandma!

We changed our sheets, last night, so today I did our regular laundry plus extra bedding. And, put it ALL away for a change. Our bedroom was really looking badly with clean clothes strewn every which way.

I swept the hallway into the LR, into the DR/Kitchen while Rog wielded the dustpan. Morgan came over and, after we got done walking at the park and watching him play on the swing sets, etc., he vacuumed the bathroom, then mopped it and the hallway. He also helped me scrub the bathroom sink and commode. He loves the way I do the sink. I read, years ago, about a blind woman who cleaned using her bare feet and hands, in order to *feel* the clenaliness. From then on, I have poured Ajax cleaning powder on my sink and faucets, then used my hands to scrub, though I will use a cloth, too. It's hard on the hands, but it is also very satisfying. Morgan loves it because it's messy! Rog also did the litter boxes and went to get a few things at the store. We both shared in getting the dishes done, though they are all his to put away IF he wants "Sarah - the cleaning girl" to wash up during the week. She's a picky broad, demanding empty drainers before washing so much as a spoon!

Anyway, my house is looking much nicer, though it is still in the "needs work" mode and probably always will be...still it's home.:-)

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: mouldy
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 05:32 PM

Having dented the plastic at a health and healing fair yesterday, I decided that today I would spend the morning at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden at Harlow Carr, near Harrogate, and perhaps track down a couple of unusual plants, have lunch, and go home to do some gardening/sorting out kind of stuff. That was what I intended when I set out at 9.15 this morning.

Well, I got to the turn off near Harrogate, and found I had got the chance to go to the Harrogate Spring Flower Show instead - never been before... I WOULD have been done by lunchtime, but I wanted to buy a specific rhubarb (Fenton's Special - merely for the name - it's my daughter's married name) and I had to wait until the display was dismantled at the end of the show. So, in the end, I got a blacksmith-made candlestick, a new hose attachment, a tablecloth, 2 lavenders, a Jerusalem artichoke, a Lemon Verbena, some pond plants, a chilli plant, 3 ferns, sore feet, aching back, AND a big pot of rhubarb!

Will somebody PLEASE padlock my purse!

Andrea

Andrea

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Eiseley
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 02:23 PM

About Iris and remembering what color they are when they stop blooming:

My grandmother would write the color with a pen or a stick on the underside of the green leaves. When the flowers finished blooming, the name of the color would be etched into the leaf and she could move them later.

I still remember and wish I had a particularly beautiful deep peach one.

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 12:35 PM

That sounds wonderful! I've been moving more dirt this morning, and have been trying to be efficient, but I'm shaping this thing an the design is evolving as I see how it looks with each new load of dirt. The end result will hopefully be a bed I can reach into from the lower paths, but I'll have to put a lot of mulch down so after a rain or watering I don't sink down into it.

The cut iris in the kitchen have been very pretty, but they do smell like cat pee, so is not likely to be repeated. Until next year when I forget again. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Old Vermin
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 07:26 AM

Shrubs cut back and brambles removed. Washed volcanic dust from cars' windows, again.

About thirty years ago, there was a called Mr Marshall who gardened on the same allotment site where I worked pretty hard at it, keeping going and moving fast. He, by contrast and being aged over eighty, moved very slowly and precisely.

One day, just for a laugh in his absence, I tried imitating his way. So much more got done with so much less fatigue.

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 07:23 AM

All laundry done

All curtains and two extra cushions for caravan done

Currently copying some CDs so we can keep a collection of music in car
soon to clean bathroom and master bedroom - it's cloudy out today

I will do some ironing today and some mid upcoming week when I have time off booked for Andie's deathiversary.

I hope to start laying out my wild woman coat project too and get in some instrument practice and maybe learn a couple more songs.

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 02:13 AM

The door is green and will be repainted in that colour if I can find the right shade.

Today is the AGM at church so nothing will be done on the decluttering front today. I did actually sit down yesterday and do some mending - I feel virtuous and justified...

LTS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 11:44 PM

My garden isn't completed, but tomorrow I'll be able to put plants in one side of it. I'll have to water with a sprinkler till I finish and can re-position my soaker hoses.

The house is still looking pretty good, but that's because I haven't been in it all day. :)

As far as accountability, I've put in a couple of heavy days of yard work and mowing. The calories burned are off the chart. And the dogs and I went for a nice walk this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 02:26 PM

Virginia, you got my number! I've been outside all day so far, and expect that to continue.

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 01:49 PM

48 peat pellets seeded and mini-greenhoused. Joint effort. Next-- the mower deck-- joint effort.

This is all 2 weeks behind.... hurry hurry but relax, relax, FUNFUNFUN

Paradigm: Farmer (not gardener).

~S~

Subject: RE: Apr '10 De-clutter(SpringCleaning! Accountability)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 12:23 PM

you think I am going to clean house when it is this beautiful outside?



HaHaHahahahahahahahahahahahah!


as if!