BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011

Subject: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Apr 11 - 12:03 AM

Here we are in April. I'm spending more and more time in my garden, but as I (still) work my way through the Procrastinator's Guide to Getting Things Done, I am getting better at organizing my small lists and working through them in a day.

This is the previous thread.

I'm working my way through a sore-hand rough spot because I ate some chocolate last weekend. It looks like that is indeed the culprit, and no amount of lotion or cream is going to help, it just has to work it's way out of my system. So I'll be sure to have gloves handy.

An item is running on eBay; no bids, only viewers so far. I have a couple of more things to list and hope to pick up the pace there this month.

Let's all pace ourselves to do what we can, and find beauty in the small things that are well-used and already exist in each of our spheres. This article came my way this week and does a very nice job of examinging the beauty in ordinary useful things. It's called "Wabi-Sabi."

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Apr 11 - 11:06 AM

Lovely day today, so much to do, but I'm approaching it cautiously. I'm wearing gloves to hold some ointment on my hands for a while - the progress of the allergic reaction seems to be about a week of dry cracking hands, then they heal back to a low level of occasional irritation. So though the steroidal cream doesn't necessarily make it heal quickly, it does help keep it from getting a lot worse (and it has been a lot worse).

Today I'm hearing about a snowstorm in New England. We're short of spring rain here in Texas. I suspect all of us are going to be going about our regular business while accomodating odd weather. I know that I'm doing what I can to keep my footprint small, and make it smaller.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Apr 11 - 11:30 AM

Twin bunk beds coming out of the van today-- not kid-weight ones but heavy, welded adult-ready items for hunters if they fit up the attic-room stairs. Or thru a window. Mattresses first to unpile van down to the rigid frames and then tape measure/fun.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: GUEST,VaTam
Date: 01 Apr 11 - 11:34 AM

Kitchen Installation Man had first visit last night. Waiting for the estimate.

Cringe... Hope it is not too painful.

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 01 Apr 11 - 12:37 PM

I managed to get hold of some French tarragon at last! I forgot to bring some with me when I moved. Bought some rainbow chard and sweet pea seeds too. I'm not exactly sure where i am going to put them yet.

we have very high winds at the moment, and my neighbour has informed me that some of the mortar has come out of the wall my bathroom's built onto, and the bit he repaired has cracks coming in it. Looks like the sooner I get work started, the better! still waiting for one price to come in. the builder is bringing the quarryman round on Tuesday to see what colour stone is needed.
The house is filling up with clutter at the moment, so I must make an effort to get sorting again.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Apr 11 - 01:10 PM

I should practiced getting up early for a few days before the Yoga Challenge. Guess who didn't make it to class today? ARG. I have been busy though and will do some of my own yoga later this afternoon and post that to the virtual challenge (for those of us who can't get to class!). Tomorrow is a new day and I'll try again!

Yesterday while I was sweeping in the living room, I had moved a fan near the pellet stove and inadvertantly knocked over the gate in front of the hot part of the stove. BANG. It crumbled. Great. Jeremiah is interested in the pellet stove, especially when it's on so we have had to keep a very close eye on him. With that gate broken though, that's a problem. We decided to get a play yard and set it up in the living room. It takes up a LOT of space but conversely, it gives him a LOT of space to play, crawl, walk, etc. and keep him from crawling too close to the stove. He doesn't quite grasp the concept of NO and HOT just yet. He'll look at me when I say NO but he doesn't always follow through and so we decided this was the best possible safety measure we could take. Soon it will be warm enough that there will be no need for the pellet stove (say, maybe 2 or 3 weeks) and then the play yard will be moved outside, under a maple tree...near the picnic table, his slide and swing. It's been fun assembling it!
    Laundry and dishes are going. I think I'm making meatloaf (90% lean beef), mashed potatoes (for us that means potatoes with skim milk...(no butter), peas for my honey (I'd rather eat dirt), and a salad. Lots of fresh fruit for snacking if we want something later on.
    For those of you who like to plan ahead, there have been numerous articles about the price of food and clothing about to seriously spike by June. Chocolate is going up by 9% per our local news. Man. I don't eat much chocolate but 9%? Holy Milky Way Batman!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: maire-aine
Date: 01 Apr 11 - 06:17 PM

I'm going to have to replace my tarragon and my rosemary plants; neither one made it thru the winter. My winter heath plants are blooming like crazy, but I still have leaves to rake out of their flower bed. It's supposed to warm up next week, so I'll finally be able to do some spring clean-up outside.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 01:57 AM

My rosemary took quite a hit with the cold this winter - and this is Texas! I cut out two completely, leaving one next to the herb garden. It looks stressed, but is alive. I'll trim the rest of the dead twigs. The one by the street and the one in the back have some cold damage, but took the weather better.

Dinner went well, though there is a sink full of dishes for tomorrwo morning. We came in and set up my web cam. I look tired tonight. :-/ Need to work on the background if I'm going to use this thing much. There is a cover over it right now.

Moonglow may be by tomorrow, so I'll hand over the great ostrich feathers. I hope she can use them, and finds them to be a treasure trove. They look fabulous.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 03:00 AM

I did some work in the grden yesterday. My mint, the stuff that i nurtured so carefully for years on the chalk hillcreep soil at my last place, need to be uprooted from a large part of my herb bed. Later I will sink barriers to contain it. The rosemary died (but I can collect one from my old garden) as did the thyme, two plants, one older one new. The sage has done very well, but I'm going to transplant it to the area near the bird feeder, to keep the pigeons from trampling the ground there. I will probably put the rosemary there as well, as the lavender there is doing well.

Men came to reduce the height of the neighbourhood privet hedge yesterday, so I will be getting more sunlight on the veg patch.

I lifted some more flags from the paved area, over last year's mouse nest, and it was interesting to see where the runs went, and the toilet area. There was no trace of a nursery space, or bedding, so that may lie somewhere else. This area, outside what will be my study window, is to be a rockery. The previous owner had left a selection of what appear to be very large geology specimens, and I have some of my own, so it will be a rockery which does not look like a natural outcrop, unlike my last. I have a few plants for it already, but it will be fun to get new stuff in.

I potted up my dwarf peach into an old wooden tub from my dad's garden. This had lost its base, but I had found a pizza tray in Morrison's, reduced because it was bent, which fitted well. The peach did not move well, as all the compost surrounding its roots dropped off as soon as I lifted it from the pot, so i hope it survives the move well.

I've collected some timber from an old neighbour, as i was taking stuff for the dump from my old flat, and then did not dump it as I can use it to surround raised beds. She has offered me the bed heads as well. This will be helpful in extending the border on the shady side, where I am going to move bulbs from the veg area.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 01:19 PM

Not sure what a bed head is - and I haven't heard the gardening term "rockery" for years, but that's what we used to call the rocky walls in the back yard where flowers grew between the rocks.

Your tree will actually grow better if you bare root it to plant it. Be sure to use some twigs or other degradable material to stake the roots out away from the center, and don't plant it too deep. You need to be able to see the root swell or the tree will not grow as well - the dirt smothers it. Dirt Doctor instructions.

Moonglow is headed down for the afternoon. It'll be expensive, but fun. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 02:28 PM

Need a chuckle?

We're headed out shopping. My daughter thinks she could become a fan dancer with all of the ostrich plumes in that box.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 02:48 PM

The bunkbeds flunked both the attic stairway and the attic window test, and then flunked the van test-- I had so hoped I might use one for boondocking.

They will be going to Hardi's "classroom" at the church where he sleeps when icy roads threaten safe Sunday AM travel to the church, where he has had a mattress on the floor for years. (Because there are two frames this also means I can finally go with him, and sleep there, too.)

When we eventually leave the area (unless a really worthy need presents itself sooner), they will be added to the parish's annual yard sale where local needy families furnish their homes.

This means that my next boondocking setup will hopefully include a 5-man Cabela cot that will allow me to boondock indoors in friendly churches, like my

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 04:41 PM

Speaking of yard sales, I went to one today....Score!!!!   Lots of summer clothes for the baby, 2 sets of water shoes for current size and next size up (for kayaking and fishing of course), jammies, short sets, 2 baking racks for my in house baker (Hi Love), 2 toys (Tonka truck and a Fisher Price camera) and a set of 3 small nesting casserole dishes in the old fashioned Pyrex style...white with tourquoise farmers and animals...LOVE IT!!! Also, 2 very pretty single serving glass bowls...YAY!!!!

Yoga: 1 hour

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 05:53 PM

Over here a rockery is a bed, usually sloping, with rocks outcropping on it in a supposed imitation of natural rocks on a hillside, and with plants of the alpine persuasion in soil pockets between them.

At the last place, there was a Victorian period one at the back of the garden, no longer useful as it was overshadowed by lime trees, and one of my neighbours used some of the stone for what she called a rockery, which was lumps of stone scattered about on a flower bed, the stone including lumps of concrete and breezeblock...

Mine was made of rows of rocks put together to look like layers outcropping from the ground. she asked why I used so much stone, and I said it was because I was a geologist. It was also because my rockery was near the front of the property, and knowing the cost of stone in the garden centres, I wanted it to look as if it would be difficult to run off with.

A bedhead could also be called a headboard, the bit that sticks up behind the pillows, but would have been a part of the structure holding up the springy bit under the mattress, whereas a headboard could be just fixed to the wall.

I kept the soil level on the peach at the same level it was in the pot, and had the roots spread out well. If I had known it was going to lose contact with its compost, I'd have bought some mycorrhiza to put with it, but too late now.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 06:23 PM

I didn't make the switch from raised beds (gardens) to head board. Another example of why English can confound its own native speakers. :)

Moonglow and I went to Sprint store, looked at phones while we had a printout of the online phones at hand. Store had a sale on the one she wanted, $30. I went out to my truck, pushed *2 and spoke with customer service to ask what this same phone would cost if I ordered it online. The difference is it came out free online but we still pay for activation ($18). No rebates to mail, etc.

We had to go online for our Victoria's Secret purchase, they didn't have her size on the one she liked in the store. I'll never do that again - they gouge on shipping. It was $9 to put a few ounces of fabric in an envelope. I sent out an annoyed Tweet - let's see if they're watching their Twitter mentions.

Nice evening, so I need to go find something to do outside. There are bags of compost in the truck to tote to the back yard, to start with, and I need to mow. I need to water so I can weed, since it is tinder dry around here.

I'll work on the house after dark.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 11:47 PM

I went into the garage looking for a brass splitter attachment for the back yard faucet so I can run a couple of hoses off of it. As I looked I found a couple of other things I'd been looking for - you know how it goes - before long I was over on the other side of the room straightening a shelf and moving the flower pots from several locations into the one.

That did need to be done, but wasn't what I'd set out to do. And when I looked at my various bird feeders and thought "I should put up hooks and hang these up," it was yet another departure, but I didn't let myself pass from that to the next task. I got a few cup hooks then hung up my feeders from the rafters. I think this is the effect of the procrastinators book - I made myself finish something that seemed like a good idea that was reasonable to do in that time. Otherwise, I'd have had the same thought again a few more times before doing something about it. I finished the pots and the faucet also.

The house needs attention now--it's a mess. I need another little list, I think.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 05:09 AM

I have exactly the same problem with bags of compost - I need to take the barrow the long way round the terrace of houses, and another row of homes, and across the green space behind to get to my back garden. Two bags compost for the potatoes, and four bags topsoil to build up beds, mixed with local clay and mushroom compost. Alternatively, I could use a suitcase trolley to take them one at a time through the house, but I'm not sure it's strong enough. I can move some of my own soil around a bit. I'm going to dig a deep hole to put the old cold water tank in to collect rain from the flagstones. (I don't have a downpipe for a water butt). And dig out a bit of the raised part of the garden to put in a step. Not today, though.

Didn't click on the conflict between bed, mattress etc, and bed, soil! Sorry!

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 06:28 AM

I miss having a garden to sit out in. So I am going to attempt making indoor gardens. I need some sage wisdom on window plants and maybe ideas of how to filter out heat of sun without obscuring window.

I have east facing windows in lounge and kitchen. It gets super hot in them and full bright sunshine from sunrise to 10.30 - 11.00am.

The window wells are about 6.5 inches deep. In the kitchen I hope to put in 2 glass shelves to hold plants. In the lounge the plan is for a long narrow hall table with shelves beneath, like this.

In the kitchen window, I think I shall have to apply some frosted window film as there will be no room to use roller blind with glass shelves in. This is not so much a problem for me since the neighbors on the other side of fence have put up an ugly breeze (cinder) block shed and have blocked view of trees and bushes in their garden.

The lounge window presents more of a problem. It is floor to ceiling and about 9.5 feet wide. I was thinking since I do not want to permanently obscure the bottom half of window (where the plants will be) I might put a light linen roman or roller blind in at the halfway point where top and bottom panes meet. Table can be moved out to accommodate the blind.

Still it gets hot in these windows, especially the lounge as we would not leave the drapes open and everything on show while we are at work. So the proper plant selection is crucial to this project.

I am not very keen on succulents. I would like some herbs in kitchen. and something that flowers (for colour and interest) but is not fragrant.

Any ideas?

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 11:42 AM

VT, if the big window is so hot that way, could you put some kind of awning on the outside to partially shade the window? Or perhaps make your own awning with 60/40 cloth so filtered light comes in? You must have quite a cooling bill in summer with those windows- so filtering it might be a good starting place. Once you control the light, then you can make more choices when it comes to the plants.

Penny, I snag bags of lawn waste at the curb - I figure the first bags of the season are from winter cleanup and before anyone does any fertilizing - so I get the cut up leaves and a mix of grass and those bags go into the wheelbarrow and I take them to my compost at the back of the yard. I can't imagine how much more difficult to have to carry it all through the house!

I pulled the bedding off the bed this morning and turned it and flipped the mattress over. I hadn't done that for a long time. The bedding will wash then hang on the line so it will be a completely fresh-smelling start to sleep here. I wish the answer was so easy for Kat - take care and sleep well, sweetheart!

Last night I pampered my feet with a soak in hot water and Epsom salts, and had a bright idea. I am to the time of year when I start catching my dish rise water in a tub and take it out to pour on the garden, so I added a little liquid fertilizer to my tub of Epsom after I finished with it and poured it in the garden. :)

I have a little list to work through today - actually, I should make it my morning list, and from there, go to an afternoon list.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 05:08 PM

Bags moved - the suitcase trolley was up to the job. Also willow bed edging, and trellis for the bramble up the fence. I may have lost one of the tomato plants I bought yesterday, as the stem had partly broken. I have sellotaped it, and await results! (It worked with a snail nibbled sunflower once.)

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 05:29 PM

Yoga: 1 Hour = Very Happy Body

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: maire-aine
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 06:40 PM

I went outside yesterday and did some raking around the herb garden. The daffodils are up about 3 inches. Looks like most of my perennials made it thru the winter.

It's been cold and rainy today, and it's supposed to continue like that for the next few days. Finished reading another silly mystery story this afternoon.

M

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 07:05 PM

My list was short, just four items, and I staggered computer work with chores around the house, but I just crossed off the last item. I have plenty more to do around here, but I can look at the day with a feeling of accomplishment.

Laundry finished, all dried on the line. My bedding will smell so good! I didn't mow, but I got the yard ready for some work (built up and watered the new compost, and now have the hose back out of the way, etc.) I have tons of pots that I can fill with dirt and put seeds or bedding plants into. I think my next move is to drop off recycling then swing by Home Depot for a few bags of dirt and humus.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 08:20 PM

The keyboard on my laptop got fried so while I await the one my son is sending, I took the one off my office puder (since it's on a terminal slow-down now) and hooked it up to the lappie, to sort hundreds of pix snapped during my trip with the nice monitor it has-- this desktop monitor is still too dark. But with one more sorting I'll have several montages' worth to put together which I CAN do with this monitor, so I guess I am making progress but..... it sure didn't feel like fun.

The centerpiece of my trip was set at a retreat center I love dearly and stayed at, all alone (heaven!) several years ago for 2 weeks. I took a whole LOT of pix there so I can always rekindle those memories, including the room I stayed in this time and last time. Quiet, still, self-sufficient (physically) uncluttered loveliness. Awaiting my next return and this time I'll know which room to request!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 11:30 PM

I picked up the top soil, dropped off recycling, and after walking the dogs, drove slowly around the route we walked to prod then pick up several of the black bags of lawn clippings. Some seemed to be mixed contents. One had holly leaves (ouch!) Now I have a half-dozen bags to add to the compost. Once it is all broken down each bag will probably amount to a shovel-full of compost.

Maryanne, send some of your rain down here, if you have some extra. Our slight chance of rain, forecast for tomorrow, has since evaporated. Looks like a high water bill and resourceful use of gray water this summer.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 01:01 AM

Happy Dance! I just set up and after several attempts, had a video chat conversation with my son in Tucson.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: GUEST,VaTam
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 03:42 AM

I am in a first floor flat. Don't think the lease holders (owners of the building and grounds) or the neighbours on the ground floor would appreciate me putting even a temp awning on the building.
No cooling in England's 1970's apratment buildings. We just keep the drapes shut to block the morning light and heat. If (and this is rare) it gets sweltering inside, we open windows and pull the floor fan out of storage.

This is why I am thinking a roman blind of light gauzy muslim may be the best option.

Has anyone had any luck growing hot house tomatoes? I mean do they taste as good as the grown in the garden variety? I was also thinking I would like to dedicate one end of the window to climbing sweet peas, by putting a window box on the floor and a simple trellis of cane. Is this a silly idea?

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 05:59 AM

Thanks, SRS!

My experience is sweet peas take lots and lots of sunshine.

In Wyoming, our LR window was huge and faced west with no sun blockage of trees or anything. It got sweltering and would have burned my houseplants, but I went to the home builder supply store and bought a film which you put right on the window using water and a squeegee. It's dead easy to use and REALLY cuts down on the heat and UV rays of the sun. click here to get an idea of what I am talking about. You can buy set sizes, but I found it cheaper and easier to buy it in rolls which I then cut to fit.

As to other plants, I'd take a nice long *stroll* through Logee's to see what they may recommend. They are in New England, so more likely to be closer, conditions-wise, to where you are than to someone like me and they really know their plants PLUS they sell Guy Wolff's pots!

I have done absolutely nothing, but Rog and I have talked a lot. That Wabi-Sabi article was great, SRS. I have a lot of the elements and have been practising it for many years except for the clutter part. That's next as I clear out and get ready to live life differently!

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 11:40 AM

The Wabi-Sabi link came from a yurt in Maine, Kat. And I'm sure recuperating after a slight meltdown is still considered "work."

I understand about your windows, now, VTam - and Kat has a good idea. A couple of years ago the entire library where I work (six floors, lots of windows) was treated with a UV film to help on heating and cooling costs and building exposure to fading sun rays.

Our chance of rain was completely removed from yesterday's forecast for the week, but overnight I was awakened by a flash of light and realized we had a thunderstorm overhead. There was at least 1 1/2" of water in the dog dish on the porch (my informal rain gauge). And I picked up an entire newspaper, scattered all over the front and side and next door neighbor's yard. I know where it came from - last night I didn't put my trash out because it was so windy, I can keep it for a few more days because I don't have much. But up the street when I was picking up bags of grass I saw a trash bag with newspapers sitting there open. I'm sure those papers are now all over the neighborhood.

By tomorrow last night's rain will have soaked in enough to let me do some good gardening, so I'm going to spend all of today and then some on work for work, and take time tomorrow to garden in the morning. It's quite chilly out there right now - the storm must have been at the dry line of a cold front moving in.

Today would be my mother's 89th birthday. I'll have to think of something special to do to celebrate it. Maybe I'll sort some of her sewing notions this evening, and keep the ones that are in good shape here for use. She loved to sew.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 04:46 PM

Part of decluttering means the timely use of food so I don't have to throw out the old, so I try to make a steady job of drawing down stuff in the freezer. Today I organized the shelves a little. It didn't take long during lunch (I went in looking for something to thaw for dinner and ended up rearranging all frozen produce on one shelf, flour, grains, pasta on another, meat on another, etc.) And I pulled out a package of frozen mashed bananas that is now in the oven as part of a loaf of banana nut bread for this week.

Re: the tripping hazard box in the living room, I have three watchers, no bids, on my copier that is listed on eBay. I should probably have split it into two auctions, the copier in one, the cartridge in another, but I wanted it all out of here without the fuss of packing up both items before listing.

The kitchen is looking good and over the weekend I was able to clear out some of the mess in the dining room. It's cool again for a couple of days so in the bedroom I won't be putting away the heavier bedding just yet. I washed some of the blankets yesterday in preparation of that.

Back to my little list.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 05:24 PM

Oops! Do be careful about cutting out UV rays from your home. They are essential to good health. In building a low cost housing project for environmentally sensitive people, it was found that low E glass could not be used. It made the prospective tenants feel sick. It certainly would not be good for plants on the long term.

SRS: I take it epsom salt does not harm plants? I was wondering about that.

VT might be interested in the very small container tomato, Tiny Tim, which grows to about 15 inches. It can be grown in a 6 inch pot. I often put plants on some sort of twirly thing so they can be easily rotated - inexpensive ones are available at yard sales, etc and they really help.

We have had a busy few days. Met with the owners of the house we are renting on Friday and then finalized it on sunday - two trips to the country. Sunday afternoon, after Quaker meeting and business meeting, we spent time in the family's sugar shack as they boiled down the maple sap for syrup. The place was so full of steam we could hardly see each other. Robin partook of the snow cooled syrup - like taffy. I do not cope with that much sugar. Sugaring off is a family event; there were a number of relatives and friends involved. I had a nice chat with a grandmother (86 and very spry) while the rest did various chores, including putting 2 foot long pieces of wood into the firebox. A very pleasant time.

After we signed lease and chatted for a while, and dropped a carload of stuff in the house, and talked about what furniture where and how the pottery studio needed to be arranged, then explored a couple roads nearby and had pizza in town, we came home tired and happy. We move formally on 15th and will spend that weekend. A fav musician is having a CD launch in the town on 16th so we will be very happy to be in the area and not have to drive home on Friday night after the cafe then come back on Saturday...

I continue to triage things to take down - a carload this Friday, then another on Sunday when we go to the local Historical Society event. Must order tickets!

This way we have a place of peace AND we empty the shed in the backyard so it can be taken down before tomato planting time.

The house is tiny - perfect. Plenty of room for us and guests, including the loft in the garage which can be a rough summer accommodation. Totally in the trees so shade plants across the front and no garden. Well, I wonder about some container tomatoes in a wheelbarrow so they can be moved from sunlight to sunlight but we will only be there 2-3 days/week. Need to see where the sun is.

This will be a great organizational exercise! And a great community with so many dear people already. I think I will take the bike too; much nicer than the city.

In the meantime, the city house work is up to snuff.    Raining today, melting the snow! We will be able to open the gate soon and even see what is coming up in the back yard!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 07:04 PM

Can you make it a brother=free zone? mg

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 07:55 PM

mg: ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No doubt about it. In fact, bro knows nothing about it, yet! We are so looking forward to the peace and quiet. Turn off cell phone - "We're trying to run a business here!! What good is a cell phone if you don't answer it????" What a silly man! It is a convenience only if one does not allow it to be an inconvenience! It was off all day Sunday into Monday morning!!! YAY!

A place of healing. Quiet, maybe some nice music but the wind in the trees is best and the birds and the rustle of little critters - as long as they are outside! I doubt the landowners have missed a trick - a heater in the crawl space for the water and sewer. Screens for all the windows, a screened porch. All the luxuries! I would love to see R cluster all the necessary work into 3 or 4 days and ... less and less! Until we only go into the city .... less and less! If we do not dream, no dreams will come true.

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 07:57 PM

Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) are a good source of magnesium for plants. It isn't a true "salt," in the way table salt or potassium chloride works.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 08:27 PM

SRS: Thank you! That makes the bath water useful twice.

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 09:06 PM

You wouldn't want to keep piling it on - after a while, it can build up where it isn't doing any more good. But every so often, or spread it around.

I found a dog in the yard today, and after walking up to a neighbor's to see if it was their new dog, the owner drove by and picked him up and introduced herself. They live a couple of blocks up, and have a weak back fence.

So, this evening I walked my dogs with Susie and her chocolate lab Zeke this evening. My dogs were such monsters - Cinnamon loves other dogs and snaps at Poppy if she barks or snarls, and Cinnamon really wanted to meet Zeke, but Poppy wanted to snap at him. They were a tangle. So I think I'll be taking the dogs on separate walks for a while, just to work with them individually. Poppy earlier, then Cinnamon, and Cinnamon and I will meet up with Zeke at the same time tomorrow. And the day after, Cinnamon goes early and then to see if Poppy can control herself to meet Zeke. She'd at least be easier to handle by herself. Zeke has some great training, my two have a few tricks and can usually do a decent walk. I'll see if I can get them to follow Zeke's example, and I'm glad to have someone to walk the dogs with. It'll make me get out more. Familiarity will help with the dogs.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 09:50 PM

SRS: sounds like a great plan! Interesting how some dogs, like some people, are just more social. I had one a few years ago that could get the nasty dogs to be friendly, a great therapy dog!

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Apr 11 - 11:00 AM

Lots of piddly little stuff on the list today, but if I get some of it finished, I'll be happy.

Dorothy, are you renting the country place as your exclusive place to do your pottery, or is this partly a place to move out extra furniture, or is it mainly a place to escape the pressures of *family, or all of the above? You're not moving full-time out to this place, just using it for a few days a week? And how far is the drive?

SRS


*the brother

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Apr 11 - 04:53 PM

RE country place:
We are hoping to spend two or more days a week there, during which we may do pottery, go hear music, visit with friends, walk in the woods, find a stream to sit by, read, rest, enjoy. It is just about an hour from town which is quite an easy drive. The city house needs a great deal of work done on it and it will not happen soon; we need a great deal of peace. I am a country person; R is a wilderness person.

It will be lovely to have a place where I am not going to fall through the K floor! Where everything works. The garden - tomatoes and whatever - will be in the sunny city back yard. In the country we will have room for some of our nice pieces of furniture and room for company, even overnight! More civilized living!

How much time we spend will depend on how much R can carve out. I have escaped bro to the extent that we could have a civil phone conversation today. But I would not have him in the country, a place of peace. R can turn off his phone in the country and escape the incessant calls. We will share the country with our chosen friends.

Last Saturday was largely taken up with buying a pottery kiln, perusing the flea market at the church where we bought it - and two lawn chairs, then two movies - Win Win which was good and Incendie - excellent but very heavy.

My letter to the editor about raccoon care was featured with a pic of two beautiful raccoons and a small pic of me. The newspaper did a wonderful job. We are thrilled. One of my rehabber friends had it posted on FB by about 9 am this morning with a "Well done, D" and other raccoon folks are also pleased. I gave two websites for helpful info. The rehabber in Kentucky was delighted that I offered her site. The paper did not give my email address which I hoped would give people an opportunity to ask questions, and for help. I emailed questioning this but no response yet. Still need to have it translated, hopefully this week. R said he could do it with fine tuning by someone Quebecois for nuances.

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Apr 11 - 07:32 PM

Good work on the article, Dorothy! If the sites that link to your article were to post your email, I suspect anyone looking for you would find you that way, even if the paper doesn't list it directly.

Dog walking has suddenly become a regular thing, time-wise, at least for a little while. I'll take Poppy out for a few minutes on her own, then come back for Cinnamon. I may take them both for our meet-up, but I need to work individually with both dogs to get them to pay more attention to me and not to other dogs and to cats, the great aggravation of their lives.

Today I found my favorite variety of tomatoes today while I was at the feed store picking up dog food. Two chores out of the way. It's still a little early to plant the tomatoes in the ground and they were quite root bound in 2" pots. I transplanted them into larger pots with good dirt and I'll bring them in if it looks like it will get cool at night. I'll plant them in the garden in a couple of weeks.

Tonight I'll relist the eBay items separately. I tried selling the copier and the cartridge as one, and though a few folks watched, none bought. So I'll offer them separately and combine them to ship if someone buys both.

Off to walk the dogs.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Apr 11 - 08:58 PM

It's so nice to have someone to talk to while out walking the dogs. Good for me, and good for them. And good for the neighbor (Susie) who has only been here a couple of months. I decided this evening instead of leaving Poppy home to walk them a bit first so they wouldn't be fresh out of the yard excited when they saw Zeke. Turns out they live in a house with a paint job (on top, over the bricks) similar to ours. Easy to spot it on the block from her description.

We won't manage a walk every day, but if I can get Poppy acclimated to Zeke, then I think she'll settle down around other dogs also. She was much better tonight than last night, though she did vocalize a bit when they first came out of their door. Cinnamon just wagged her entire body at him. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: maire-aine
Date: 05 Apr 11 - 09:49 PM

Not much going on for the last couple days. But tomorrow I have an interview for a part-time bookkeeper job. More to add a little structure to my life, although a little extra money wouldn't hurt. Haven't been on a job interview in nearly 40 years. If I get it, fine; if I don't, that's fine too.

M

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 04:01 AM

I was once told by an old guy in my last village to put Epsom salts on a rose that I had transplanted, and which was a bit sickly.

As the wind appears to be dropping, and I shouldn't get blown to bits, I think I may go de-clutter the front flowerbed this morning. The box hedge I put in will have to come out, as it has been totally windblasted and windburned. Looks awful now. Also, the masses of little in-situ bulbs that came up (don't know what they are) have stayed "blind", so they are coming out. At the moment they make it look like long grass is taking over! There are also a lot of celandines. Very pretty, but the style of house does not lend itself to au-naturel planting at the front (the back's another matter!) I have 4 Aquelegias to put in, and some annual seeds for either there, or the back.

The poor house is getting ignored at the moment! I need to finish my rag jacket for next week too, so at the moment there's still fabric everywhere.

The builder and the quarryman turned up yesterday afternoon, so I should have the second costing in soon, and then I can finally make a decision about starting the rebuild of the kitchen/bathroom.
I REALLY must contact the archaeologists today....

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 12:34 PM

Additional work travel planned looks like it will require/support continuing to fit out the minivan as a mini-camper ("boondocker"). I have found a lot of good boondocking organizing resources online.... the next goal after I get those bed-frames out of it is the addition of the perfect cot-- they make them now in several styles for folks my size, and I need to measure every 1/2 of space once the van is empty to pick one. I just can;t sleep on the floor anymore. (Well I can but it's too hard to get up at night.... ewww, 'nuff said.)

The big motivator is that on the most recent trip I had to choose between bringing "sleepage" and mobility scooter-- never again! I missed not one but TWO fabulous museums that were right on the path and topic of the trip... and I have tentage to hold just about anything outside the van at my campsite, so..... will be planning space under the cot for those, in cases, too.

And everything modular-- so it can transfer to any other van we buy when this one craps out.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 12:36 PM

PS so a task as soon as a warm day coincides with Hardi's day off will be to set up a whole mock camp here at home to measure and explore storage and set-up options-- customize whatever needs it, etc.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 01:55 PM

Dorothy, your country house sounds idyllic...it's been way too long since my Rog and I have been able to live in such a way. If we wind up moving in the next year or so, you have inspired me to look for something along those lines. Thank you for your indefatigable sharing of all you have gone through to bring it about.

I finally had Morgan over for about thirty minutes, yesterday. First time in several weeks. Got his song recorded for the Mudcat CD and have done laundry each day this week. Not much able to do anything else. More doc's appts. on Thurs and Friday which should move me along. Feels as though the colds are finally giving up and we are all healthier!

I have ceased to believe Colorado is known as the Sunshine State; there is no such thing, any more. It continues to be yellow-tinged overcast ugly with no moisture. Plants are trying in blooming, etc., but we really need something to blow through here and actually set Spring in motion!

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 04:14 PM

According to this week's email from Kovels, the antique dealers "bible", my home is now all the rage:

The "undecorating style" has arrived just in time for collectors who have always known that casual combinations of wonderful things create a room that is comfortable, interesting, and tells a lot about the owner. "Perfectly matched" is out. "Expensive" when "cheap" is available is out. Even an unmade bed is OK. The rules are: be clever, use your own guidelines, and watch what you spend since lavish is now considered poor taste. "Undecorate: The No Rules Approach to Interior Design," by Christine Lemieux, is a new book on the style. And once a style is named, it is "official." (from a March 20 article in The Wall Street Journal)

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 04:50 PM

Well, well, I surprise myself. This now feels like a red-letter day. I thought Morgan would be here by now, so was up doing stuff waiting for him. Haven't heard from him, yet, but I picked up a bunch of junk in the house, freshened up three bouquets of flowers I received for my b-day, and went out on the front step, moved some small pots, then scooched the christmas fir tree over a bit so I could sit beside it without blocking the front door. I hope we get it planted this weekend. This is the first time in about two months I have done some real, independent activity besides laundry.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 06:10 PM

Kat, your posts sound so up! I am glad you have some good energy!
Whose autobiography was called: Been Down So Long, It Looks Like Up To Me!
That's life- "up one day, the next I'm down, half an inch of water and I think I'm gonna drown, that's the way the world goes round"?
Or the punch line from the Arkansas hard luck story: "The only reason I'm hanging around is to find out what the heck is gonna happen next."

I was pondering the ebb and flow of my own energy and .... causes are myriad and complex, yes?

Right now, I have that eagle site (see thread) on the right side of screen - large eagle head looking at me! Can work on the other side. It is so amazing to sit here in downtown Montreal watching - LIVE - an eagle in Iowa! I muted the sound. Eagles are truly vicious looking.

Positive comments from other raccoon folks on my piece in the paper. And, giving bro credit, he phoned yesterday just to congratulate me. Even our fav reporter sent an email noting that very few pieces get published!

Susan: I posted links on FB: Eagles, my article and an interesting one about "groupons". The latter might be of interest to others; an interesting woman writer. K's 4:14 post reminded me of it. I may learn to do clickies someday but not today. So, if you have time/energy and inclination....

Will be readying another car load to go to the country on Friday and another for Sunday when we go to the local Historical Society event. R is so excited about the pottery, we are looking at another kiln and negotiating for a second wheel.   

We will BE THERE for the weekend of 15th - for the cafe on Friday, CD launch on Saturday, sleep in on Sunday - or be so happy to be in the country and go for a walk or work on the studio or even wedge some clay and make a pot - if it is warm enough. Maybe someone will stop by for a cup of tea! Maybe we can stay over 'til Monday morning.

The yard is half cleared of snow and half still has about a foot. Autumn Joy sedum and some other plants are showing signs of life!

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 06:39 PM

Just as I was going to start supper, the visible egg started cracking and the eaglet was trying so hard! Then parent sat on top of it and all I could see was a tiny head and an eye. Parent is being careful to keep it under - warm and safe. I'd better go cook.