BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Apr 11 - 09:55 AM

SRS, sounds as if you just avoided a sticky "triangulation" situation. Good for you. I was alarmed when you said you might hear gunshots. If there is real concern in that respect, maybe a call to authorities? But, then again, that requires a lot of involvement on your part. Good luck.

We're still working out new meds and their effects, plus I've had a bout of too rapid heart beat, so things have been slow here since Monday. Hope to have it all sorted by the weekend. Did get my new BiPap machine and it is wonderful to sleep with it on.

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Apr 11 - 01:23 PM

This morning I seem to have clobbered myself with dusty allergens. I had a box full of small limbs trimmed from my rosemary bush. It was sufficiently dried out so I used gloves and twisted and gently knocked the needles/leaves off of each twig. I should have worn a dust mask as well. I'll sift and get the dust out of the herb before I package it, and those stages won't be so dusty. I have to get more herbs this week also, while they are growing robustly but haven't put on flowers yet.

I packed up my neighbors' items with the printouts from eBay showing idential items and their recent valuations, so if they decide to sell them, I can help, but I won't do it for just one or the other of them. Too dicey.

I've been reading the procrastination book again, and the part that seems most telling is the discussion of perfectionism. I think there is a big portion of that to work on - if it can't be perfect, getting around to doing the job is difficult - it's easy to postpone. Getting to the point of understanding that "pretty good is close enough" (my words) is a way to move forward with the de-clutter or finishing projects started and abandoned. That book was in the exhibit at the reception I photographed yesterday, one of many faculty books and creative projects finished in 2010. I'll have to see what I can finish in 2011.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 13 Apr 11 - 02:44 PM

Thanks for the advice about the tree. I wasn't going to plant it out until after the build, but I could heel it in somewhere. I haven't been in the garden today as I have been out most of the time.

However - I went into Berwick en route to taking more boxes and paper to the tip, and I decided to get some lunch in a place called Cafe Curio. It is run by an American lady chef from Florida, and is furnished with random odd old tables and chairs, and lots of curios. It also sells a small amount of antiques. Well, the goats cheese and walnut salad with raspberry dressing (which included locally grown blue potatoes in the salad) was superb...and I managed to get a little desk-style table for my landing book area. It's the size of a toddler's table, with a hinged lid, is limed oak, and has been fitted out for a pipe-smoker. Result!

(Just need to rest my shoulder a reast now, as that has flared up again. Seeing my masseuse tomorrow, anyway).

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Apr 11 - 09:00 PM

Back from walking the dog - Susie wasn't home yet so we didn't get to meet Zeke, but Cinnamon insisted on heading straight for the front walk at their house as we walked up the street. She has clearly imprinted on him as a friend.

I scored some important park documents from Fort Worth Parks and Community Services today, very helpful plans and studies that we can adapt for our village. Had a good talk with the woman who is a planner for the department. They don't create any clutter though, she downloaded them onto my flash drive. :)

Lovely evening. I need to finish shopping I started earlier, but then I'll putter here. Does anyone else do this--I need gas and I decided a long time ago that I'll treat my personal vehicle like we did in the Forest Service - have it ready to go at the end of the day. If I need to make a trip, i.e., head up to my daughter's house late at night for some reason, I don't want to have to go get gas, or worse, forget I needed it and run out on the way. I always want enough gas in the tank so I can make that round trip if I need to.

In the design planning department today, Nate Berkus had a great tip for a patio "makeover" that answers the question to one section of the yard where I don't want to pave it but I don't like having patchy grass there. The answer was broken concrete and gravel. Looks great, and it would be perfect for the corner between the patio and the gate that the dogs tear up.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Apr 11 - 11:11 PM

Well, goodness. Seems after one night on the BiPap, I have more energy, even though I was still up to the bathroom several times. I worked at my desk until about 1030a, thought I'd go lie down for a short nap as I have been doing. Got there and realised I was wide awake, NOT tired, and decided it would be nice to work outside. So I went out and swept the front steps and sidewalk leading to the drive-way. Had to do it in small increments, but it is extraordinary that I even felt like doing it. I also actually watered my perennials and some shrubs and trees. Usually I wouldn't do that at all without Roger's help; the ground is uneven and treacherous for me and I have to drag my O2 line around, but it worked today. I did it!

I did have to take a short nap about 2p, but was able to say "yes" to Morgan coming over about 4p and staying for supper. He's so funny. We let him fry eggs over here, with supervision, so that's what he always wants for dinner.:-)

This morning's work included some high stress gathering of info for a financial assistance app. for one of the hospitals. I feel appalled at the personal info (copies of Soc. Sec. card, Driver's License, bank statements, etc., etc.) they demand and, because of the anti-immigration health care brouhaha, can demand, legally, to prove one is an American citizen. And that is with insurance and us being in their system for over eight years. Unreal. At least I am almost done with it.

Here's to another night of good sleep...I'd forgotten the wonders of it.

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 01:15 AM

I'm so glad you're finally able to sleep well, Kat! It is a wonder, I suppose, if you haven't had that luxury for a while. I've been remembering bits of dreams lately, I usually don't, but I heard a detailed description of what to do if you want to recall your dreams. I find this interesting (she said to stay still, when you wake, and think about it for a few minutes, then write it down if that is what you want to do.) Anyway, my main goal is to get to bed earlier than I do.

When I took out the trash this evening my neighbor was out watering, so I walked the watches across the street. I had tucked in the research sheets, and I told him that I thought he probably expected them to be worth more than I'd found, so he ought to think about it. If he wants to sell them later, next time they do a garage sale, that would be a good time. They'd get more on eBay, but the good thing (for me) is that they would have to be in accord on this.

Dishes finished, chamomile tea drunk. Good night, good night, good night!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 09:13 AM

6:00am Yoga!!!! What a beautiful way to start the day!!!! My body is most happy!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 11:25 AM

Thanks, SRS! Despite being awake from 3-4a, I must've still slept well. Had enough energy to put me first with meditation and 25 minutes of qi gong. I have missed both so much!

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 01:05 PM

I'm glad you're feeling better kat.

Yesterday I installed one of the bedheads as a fence, and started a border in front of it where the flags were. Unlike my herb bed, the soil under the flags and the sand beneath was horrible clay/flint subsoil. I had some clay from where I dug steps, two bags of something called topsoil, but more like compost, and some of the mushroom compost, mixed with the sand. I transplanted hyacinths and crocuses, which had been growing in tight clumps where I plan to put veggies, to this new space.

Went inside and had a bath and then toasted cheese (my shopping had given me a taste for this with a sample of rarebit on hot cross bun). And that led to a bout of migraine aura, a disturbed night, and a day feeling vaguely nauseous and heady, cancelling a friend's visit which needs me to drive, and more sleep. Fortunately I no longer get the full half head hammering and sickness, but it's bit of a downer. While fully acknowledging it to be trivial compared to what some of you are dealing with.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 01:11 PM

It's all relative, Penny. Sorry you had such trouble. Thanks for your comment. I continue to feel better. After paying bills, I went outside and did ten "laps" on the sidewalk, back and forth (about 18 steps total each lap, not much, but a start) and did ten up/downs on one stair.

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 11:58 PM

Apple Employees did a very nice video for the "It Gets Better" campaign. I wonder if my workplace would ever be interested in something like this?

I went for a walk with my new friends Susie and Zeke, and then headed to a city council meeting tonight. I'll be working on park stuff for the next several months, at the very least.

I'm thinking about pulling my various writing enterprises under one umbrella. Decluttering the web. Working up a web site and setting up a web hosting arrangement. I have blogs and photos here and there, maybe I should set up an account at about.me (like Max has done - but they're all so professional and showy) or simply set up a blog for my "polymath" interests (not as broad as Max, perhaps, but just as varied). I think I want a literary reference, but not too abstract. So many of the commonplace names that would describe my interests are taken. Maybe Seneca Doane's Garden (reference to the liberal thinker in one of my favorite novels, Babbitt,) or something like that? I'm so impressed with all of Max's interests, it's rather intimidating, but if I pulled all of my stuff together, and had different categories for each, it would make it a lot easier.

I hear thunder. Better send this and shut down the machinery.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 01:18 AM

Well, the storm missed us. Not a drop of rain. I had one more thing I wanted to add, and Penny's post reminds me of it. Kat, I bet that if Morgan likes to make fried eggs, he'd love making either grilled cheese sandwiches or French toast. Both are great comfort foods, and if he can cook eggs, sandwiches, and eggy bread, the kid is set!

I spread just a little butter on the outside of the slices of bread then layer in the cheese for my sandwiches. Surely spreading butter and slicing cheese are kid-friendly. Same with breaking open and beating an egg. Just a thought!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 01:35 AM

You bet, SRS! He's done toasted cheese sandwiches with Rog and one of these days we'll have to do French toast, too. Have to get real maple syrup first though.:-)

Those were both great links, thanks! Hadn't seen Max's. It's great, so simple and clean looking. I know I need to do more with my website. I had decided it was too busy with all of my stuff on there, so I took the jewellery off and a couple of other pages. I hardly ever do anything with it. I'll have to do some thinking on it while I work through the rest of the health stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 12:55 PM

Van merch starting to arrive. Cot yet to come, but gear lockers here, so re-pack and re-config of van under way. Hope cot comes in time for April 30 trip heating up-- a one-nighter just became a 4-nighter.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 02:33 PM

During the previous trial of the increased Toprol dosage (last summer vacay), we established a way of quantifying the exercise that is possible while taking it. That is a handy nomenclature now that I am back up to that dosage.

Basically, one "set" (a unit just like tennis or weights), is the amount of exertion that one can stand while very short of breath (as in Perceived Exertion Scale lingo), and when one is no longer able to talk but not yet dead-- a 7 or 8 on that PE scale. The set is as long as the day's state of fitness allows, and is therefore not time specific.

The set ends when one must sit or lie down to recover breath, muscle effectiveness, and pain level to a level that one can start the next set. The pace of the set is governed by aerobic factors-- one does not want to pass out but does want to stress the heart enough for building that muscle, and/or lung function.

The number of reps (like weights) is governed by recovery time needed and soreness, to avoid over-stressing the muscles faster than they can hel from the "training stress."

So these are ways of defining and quantifying-- and reporting on-- activity levels. Later today I will also get a pedometer to count the number of steps, but for now, it's 3 reps of these sets, a long rest, and probably another 3 reps before bed.

The idea is that in training, one increases the number of reps before increasing the intensity of the sets (duration or pace).

Vacation-level is usually 2 reps per day at the start of vacay and more like a total of 10 by the end of the vacay (CAMPING), which is calculated to produce a fitness result. The hard part has always been maintaining ANY of that during the ensuing year. This year, due to all the efforts involved in working on that attic room, and keep also an upstairs-office schedule, I held onto a whole lot more if it. My lower back muscles are always the first to go and the worst to hurt. I'll be changing pain management/meds for that, this year.

Today I got the van ready to reload the scooter and also be able to switch back to sleeper mode when that new cot arrives for my trip on the 30th. The rest of the week will be porch-restoration-- a lot of crap got dumped there during the winter, which will afford many steps and bends, but also comfortable seating to rest up between sets.

We all have to start (or restart) somewhere. I'm picking up where I left off, TBTG, about last November. I guess I could say I took the winter off, while I dealt with being way too damn cold every damn day.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 03:02 PM

Remember I mentioned on Wednesday about the broken concrete and gravel patio design I'd seen on Nate Berkus? I'd been thinking about how to get the concrete chunks - buy faux stones at Home Depot, or even mix my own concrete in a lumber mold, then break it up? Providence answered this puzzle in the form of my next door neighbors, who are having a patio extension put in the back of their house. This morning I heard jack hammers breaking up the previous patio. They'll pour an entire new slab, so I called and asked if I could have some of the chunks. I have about 12 - 15 of them in a neat stack beside the driveway. I still need to scrape up the grass and prepare the area, and then I'll have to buy some gravel. Might as well get it in bulk, it would be less expensive than buying it by the bag.

Busy weekend, hardly any time off, because I photograph a meeting tonight then a ceremony on Sunday. I'll clean up the house some before I leave today so it looks nice when I come it. A treat for myself.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 04:10 PM

The fridge is gone! Long live the fridge!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 12:27 AM

Back from a photo shoot and some nice mingling with friends. No chocolate, as tempting as some of those brownies in the reception are.

Tomorrow is supposed to be nice so I'm making a push to plant a bunch of stuff in the garden. I moved the chicken wire fence along the back edge so it is now just inside the raised beds next to the planks. This means I can use my weed trimmer to knock all of the grass down along the outside of the edging planks (or use my vinegar spray to kill it and keep it from growing under and into the garden). If I can keep the weeds out early it might help later on.

We'll see how much I can get done in the house after dark tomorrow, but this time of year the garden holds all of the charm.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 03:49 AM

Leaky roof fixed, and cracks in the annexe wall filled up. The builder (Ali - not Asian, however, I suspect he's an Alistair) who is doing the rebuild came round for copies of some of the paperwork. He has been talking to the excise people, and depending on how the job is interpreted, it might be tax-free...or only 5% anyway, with the building being listed. Whatever they decide, he was told it would not be the full 20%. I suspect the plumber and electrician's work will be subject to that, but we'll see.

Got 4 more boxes of packing paper to the tip today. 2 more to go, and also the ones in the annexe and shed that still need unpacking. Shoulder permiting, I may have a go at some more today.

Popped the crab apple into the garden yesterday. The soil is very good, so we'll see how it does. It did look like it might be trying to put out new feeder roots when I took it out of the pot. It was quite pot-bound. There's not a lot else that I can do in the garden, really, given that it'll be hidden under building material before long.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 04:24 AM

I had a friend round yesterday, and he managed to dig the hole for the water tank down a bit to the flint layer, which he says will need a mattock. The exercise produced enough clay soil to build up the new bed.
The hole is in the lowest part of the gsrden where water pooled after running off the flagged part, and is still damp, after the driest March and April, so the bees who use the clay to build their nests can still quarry from it.
It was intended to use this just as a rainwater reservoir for watering, with a cover over it - I picked up a round table top from someone at the dump - but looking at the garden, it seems to want a little stream down the side between the new bed and the hole, so I'm looking at the possibility of a solar pump, if I can get one which will manage the lift and the distance. Not sure where I will put the panels, though.
SRS, that was lucky with the slabs. I have a different problem. I've lifted a number, and there are more to come. Some have been broken, but most are complete, and I don't know what to do with them. I have had an idea of building dry stone walls round some of the beds with broken slabs, but I can't quite bring myself to break the whole ones! And the builders' merchants send back any that arrive there broken. I might make a seat out of the whole ones, two stacks with a board across the top.

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 12:10 PM

Laundry under way, work in the yard coming up. I'll have to take some photos today.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 02:18 PM

It's hot out there (not like summer, but it's still hot). Must pace myself, drink lots of water. In the house to bake bread and brew ice tea, then back out again.

A goal in the garden is to use up some of these bags of things that are sitting around the yard. That one objective will give a tidier look inside the garage and out. I love how wonderful and easy to reach my garage workbench is now. There are bags over there that need using also, though. Concrete (to put in a martin house), thinset, and grout. I'd love to finish all of those jobs this summer!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 05:46 PM

Something is working...me! Yesterday, we ran errands, I went to coumadin clinic and got a new CT scan; then, after lunch, I went with Rog to the grocery store...first time since Nov. or Dec. Did a whole hour. I never did take a nap which is really unusual.

Today, for the first time, we went to Morgan's soccer game. We weren't sure exactly which field to go to, so caught a ride on one of the go carts they had for that purpose, BUT when it was over, I was able to walk all the way out to the curbside so Rog could get the car and pick me up. Another new thing for me. The kids were so cute. It was a blast to watch them try so hard to make goals etc. It's really good for him.

We stopped and bought amendments for the Korean fir and Roger has begun the hole for it. We're about to go out and do some more. I hope we get it done, today, but Rog has been a trooper, so I am not going to push it.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 08:19 PM

Apri 15th: 6:00am Yoga

YUM!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 09:02 PM

Yesterday when I handled the oregano to spread it out I wasn't wearing gloves, so my hands are very sore today. I was still sensitive from the chocolate episode and wasn't paying attention and the herb nailed me. It has been gloves all day today. I finished a lot of the digging I wanted to do and I planted six tomato plants. I still have more to do but I stopped to take the dogs for a walk and I'll take a motrin and kick back for the evening. I can do some of this tomorrow morning.

I took photos, if I get any into the computer tonight I'll send a view of the tomatoes. I spread them out; main obstacle to space out there will be the volunteers. I'll keep a few and move or pull the rest. I didn't last year, and it was a jungle.

One load of laundry is finished. Another to go, maybe run it tomorrow and hang it on the line. Today seemed pretty clear, but I didn't hang it out because we had so much smoke from the fires this week, I didn't want a wind shift and everything to smell like barbecue.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Apr 11 - 12:06 AM

It doesn't look like a lot, but I extended this vegetable garden several feet today and planted six Super Fantastic tomato plants. Five show up here.

April 2011 - the beginning.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 17 Apr 11 - 07:02 AM

Did a bit of light gardening this morning. Planted out lettuces and sowed spring onion (scallions?) and carrot in the bed the cat has no abandoned. Sowed beans peas and sunflower in a tray in the greenhouse, where I found one tomato plant has totally lost the contents of its stem near the soil. In faint hope I have poked it down so the first axil is under the earth in case it is up to making some new roots. I have cut back mint and lemon balm and put in a second parsley plant.

Now I'm off to a garden centre in search of more tomato and a corsican mint.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Apr 11 - 10:40 AM

That looks great, SRS. Can't wait to see it when they've really grown.

My ex called yesterday to see if we wanted a baby apricot tree. Do we! Yes, about 2 feet tall, we will put it near where Rog's grape vine flourishes each year. I love apricots!

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Apr 11 - 11:36 AM

Vaccummed, laundry is going and I've got things to put away from my out of town trip.

A nearby town is having a community wide yard sale and someone has graciously given me permission to set up under their carport!!! That means I'll be busy gathering and pricing things this week. I have a ton of summer baby clothes that are ready to go and I plan to take at least an hour each day this week to pull things from each room that we no longer use. I've got 2 weeksto pull it all together.

Going out for my (belated) birthday party today! :)

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Apr 11 - 02:00 PM

Fingers are stiff and sore today, partly from allergic sensitivity breakout, partly from work in garden. This is so annoying!

I set my seed starter flats out on the bench in the sun and watered thoroughly, so I can pull plants from there for the garden in the next few days. They were in the house too long so some stuff has withered, but most is okay. I need to pace myself to get things planted and get enough mulch for the yard. Lots of meetings at work this week to plan around.

Good luck with the carport sale, Michelle! Those are always a lot of work, but are a great way to unload unneeded stuff, especially if there is the momentum of a bunch of sales going at once. (And again - happy birthday!)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Apr 11 - 04:29 PM

3 sets as described upthread. Copy to doctor.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Apr 11 - 04:30 PM

Have a fun b-day party, Michelle!

It is done! The Korean fir is planted. It looks so brave and stalwart. Rog did a great job and just in time by the looks of the roots. We'd bought, the last one, from Home depot, at Christmas. The roots has been sheared off and encased in rotten, clayey soil with a binding gunny sack type material around it. The roots were very short; we were both surprised it has done as well as it has. we cleaned all of that off, filled the hole with compost, stood it up in the hole, then put good gardening soil over it, packing it down with our feet. It sits up a little bit, so will be able to breath, plus this is such a dry climate, I feel it will be all right. We cleaned up a few small things in the yard and I watered the perennials and shrubs and redbud tree which is blooming!

Put all of our clean clothes away and did a bit more pick around the house. Called our house cleaner friend and she's going to come do a heavy-duty floor cleaning once per month for us. She does great work and is so kind.

Morgan came over and raked out the dirt from the hole, spreading it over the grass and finding beetles in the dirt which came from the root ball. Quite interesting to him.:-)

I've been averaging 1-2 books per week, requested from paperbackswap.com, so that helps to declutter. We now also have three full boxes and a garbage bag full for the pet charity center. More books and stuff to be added this week.

I am feeling so much better, my mental health is much improved, too. I may actually finish getting Prairie Child formatted for Amazon, soon! Then I can get cracking on editing On Garfield Creek, etc., etc.

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Apr 11 - 07:34 PM

Bought pedometer. Having trouble calculating/calibrating and finding a good spot to wear it, but I estimated steps for common household chores in this too-big house, to see how to adjust calculations and averages.

Porch cleanup began today, about 2 weeks later than my appt auto-reminder prompted me-- it's been too cold to do much, and some stuff kept freezing to the floor. But today I cleared the seating area to have a base to work from.

Hardi took some shelves out of a shelf, for me. It's contents had spilled, but now with this done I have a good week's worth of slow 'n' easy stuff to do out there, and it is now warm enough to stay thawed. The fridge pickup of Friday means we can move the grill back to its scenic spot too, which we can GET at now that I can get to that corner of spilled water jugs (they'd cracked and leaked), to get them up onto that shelf, where they will now FIT. (Good thing we had 'em, too, since we had a power outage last week and I used 3 to wash dishes.)

There is a pile of Adrian's wood scraps on the porch, to corral-- and the box the gear lockers came in is just the right size. Then that'll go out to the storage shed that is no longer inaccessible except by tractor.

I hope to start setting up mock boondocker camp this week, and am making a campsite post to identify my parking-spacefull of stuff I need to leave at camp when I leave to go off to meetings-- at a regular campground, the electric post serves that purpose, but no hook-up, no post, so.... I have a pole I can insert into a gallon jug full of water-- carry it empty/lightweight and fill it for a weighted base. (Just have to cut the hole for the pole.)


I also made an extra trip up the stairs to get parts to fill a new gigbag with the more-portable gig-gear I've been gathering. The new cot carry-bag made a GREAT mic-stand bag (which is why I ordered it), with no modification needed, YAY! The 'harp stand, music stand, cords, etc. will all fit in there, and more. The mic stand makes the bag stay extended instead of collapsing when I throw it over my shoulder. Mic bag over the shoulder, 'harp in one hand with folding stool strapped on, amp in the other hand-- GOGOGO!

~Susan-in-SUNSHINE

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Apr 11 - 11:13 PM

Pedometer, 4 hours: 990

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Apr 11 - 11:49 PM

I took the dogs for a walk this evening, but we found Susie preparing to head over to her son's house. Cinnamon wanted to walk to the end of their front walk and wait for Zeke - there was Susie, after all! But we headed out and I have to say that even when we can't get together this meeting up with another dog walker has been good for us.

I had a photo shoot today, so I didn't do much yard stuff. I was afraid I'd get going on something and forget to leave on time. So I've only managed work in the house this evening. I think there must be a dead mouse under the dishwasher. There are a few droppings under the sink, so tomorrow I'll pull it out and look. I ran it with vinegar, but I bet that the smell will be back tomorrow. I have to call a plumber for a couple of other things - the washer ran over again and I know the drain is no longer frozen. Darn. Plumbers aren't cheap. I'll have to look up who it was I called last year.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Apr 11 - 11:42 AM

Interesting article The Seven Stones of Simpler LIving.

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Apr 11 - 01:54 PM

Floors swept, laundry in progress, dishes done, baby clothes gone through, nursery straightened up, fridge half cleaned out, baby just about awake from his nap. I may have to take a trip to town in a bit too.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Apr 11 - 07:13 PM

Plumber has been and gone, and the problems are solved. I'm kind of drowsy today because I've been taking benedryl again. That sting from 10 days ago hasn't cleared up, it has gotten worse and is now a very itchy red rash around the distinct sting spot. I'll see my doctor tomorrow. Darn.

I hated running all of that water today so he could see if the line was still blocked. I'm working on a series of gray water collection points (one below the kitchen window, one beside the master bathroom window) in order to use gray water in the garden. I'm looking at tanks that will have a hose outlet and screens and mosquito dunks so I don't end up with bugs or critters in them. Just as well - I am certain that I use more than enough water in the house every day that would keep my garden happy. I'll post photos as I do the work, but I'll keep these things enough out of sight that I don't hear complaints from the city. It's not like I'm using sewage - the most that will be in this water is shampoo, soap, or dishsoap (I'll use the dish rinse water, probably not the washing water).

I've been walking the dogs almost every evening for the last couple of weeks, and it feels good, though sometimes I have to make myself head out. I always enjoy it once I'm out there.

When is that garage sale of your's, Michelle? We're in prime garage sale season right now -- it is so hot down here later on that I try to make it a little easier for folks - I usually fill an ice chest with a variety of cans of pop or bottles of water and sell them for fifty cents each. You really need the liquid down here for making the rounds on sale days.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Apr 11 - 10:55 PM

Pedometer 2500

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Apr 11 - 11:07 PM

Tonight during our dog walk my new friend described their situation more. Her husband has prostate cancer that moved into his bones. He's responding to chemo, but she is having a difficulty getting him to eat. We discussed different types of foods, and she concluded that if she could find a pasta machine she'd make her own pasta because he loves that and fresh is so much better. Somehow her machine got left behind in their move.

I have two of them, one that was a gift, and one I bought at a garage sale (it was unused), and it they sold with it a lasagna blade that I had been looking for. It was easier to buy the entire thing rather than guess if that blade would fit my machine (as I recall, the entire set cost me $5.) So I took one of them up to her after I got home.

I had Poppy wearing a pack, and she was getting pretty hot, but that pack had water bottles so I gave the dogs a drink in a cup I keep in with them. I'm making an effort to drink more water now and eat more produce (I go in cycles with this). If I'm going to lose weight, this is the best time of year to do it. It's fortunate that the walks are so good for the dogs at the same time. It'll be too hot for evening walking after a while, so we'll have to switch, but that's okay. I really enjoy having someone to talk to. The dogs just walked along companionably and I'm sure a few more of these and Poppy will stop yipping at Zeke when we first meet each evening.

All of that said, I need to turn my hand to working in the house. It seems to have piled up again. Some newspaper is now in the pickup to recycle, and I need to sort magazines and donate them somewhere. And with all of the extra bills this month, selling a few things on eBay would be a good idea.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 02:56 AM

Wow! that's a lot of activity!

You all seem to be "springing forward"!

Well I spent Sunday unpacking the boxes that were in the sheds out onto the yard, and sorting between tools/garden and camping gear. Unfortunately, what started out in the larger of the sheds as a fairly organised "tools one side - garden the other" arrangement has disintegrated into a free for all mess. However, the camping gear shed IS fairly organised.
I also dragged the rest of that type of stuff out of the annexe, which has made room for my bike to go in when the covered area is demolished. I will have to invest in a cover for it, as I will be unable to keep it in there later on.

I met up with Ian's cousin and her family yesterday. They are holidaying in the area (I live in a tourist zone). We went to walk round the gardens of Paxton House, just over the border in Scotland. Unfortunately, when we went to watch the children playing putting on the lawn, it turned into midge central. I now have bites on both eyelids! I didn't think they'd got me until later in the evening. Bring on the antihistamine!

I also put a lot of Freya's toys down into the annexe, and that's freed up space in the hall. Today's task (not easy on what is promising to be a lovely day again) is to sort out the bedrooms, which are fast becoming a dumping ground.

That only leaves the "I" word....and I don't somehow think I'll go THAT far!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 11:16 AM

My garage looks so much better and I can find things now that stuff isn't all seeking the lowest level and covering all surfaces. I still have to do a big shift of lumber, but that will come probably next weekend, if not one of these weeknights.

I have laundry drying, but need to leave in a couple of minutes to the appointment to get my sting looked at. I have some pants in the dryer I'd like to wear - they're Capri style and don't rub on this bite. I guess I'll wear a long pair to the doctor then come home an change and head to work. Decisions, decisions!

I've been drying oregano, and it is about to the point where I can pile it up more and let it finish drying in loose stacks. As I pick it up the countertops and tabletops are cleared. It'll look good again in a day or two.

Off to see the doctor!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 04:03 PM

Yesterday, despite not much sleep the night before because of a bloody nose, I did my sidewalk/stair laps and a few things around the house.

Today, better sleep. Hold the presses! I actually have done the dishes. Don't remember when I last did them! Also went out and did double my sidewalk/stair laps. I have sore muscles, but it's that good sore from knowing you are actually doing enough to build your muscles. I continue to lose more water weight.

Also got out my lap dulcimer, yesterday, and practised, again, for the first time in I don't know when. Sure does feel good.

Still working on formatting PC for Amazon...making progress. Dare I say publication by end of the month? That or first week or two in May.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: GUEST,kmg
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 04:07 PM

I think laundromats are the best place to take magazines, a few handfuls at a time. They entertain and perhaps inform the people there and the good ones get taken home. I think taking to a doctor's office is iffy because so many have been taken into bathrooms..but that does not seem to be so bad in a laundromat setting. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 04:37 PM

Just cleaned out the frig! And my son's part-time new job just turned into full-time with a free apt.! Things are looking up!

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 05:32 PM

The nurse practitioner says that while the sting was one event, the stinger probably had a bacteria that grew in place for a few days, then started spreading out. Overnight it spread an inch further down my leg, so I really want this to respond to the treatment. I kept my foot up today (that spot is warmer then the rest of the skin) and put heat on it to help circulation. I got a shot for the itch and an antibiotic for the infection. And I'll pamper that leg to help this go away. My brother once got a spider bite that had to be lanced and drained - twice - so I know how these things can go if they really take hold.

Good timing on the A/C work - it is getting close to warm enough to turn it on soon. I have ceiling fans running now. I was given a thermostat for xmas that I've been meaning to install. I've kept a few notes and have decided where it needs to go and how it needs to be programmed, now I just need to install it.

This place is messy. After my walk I'll spend time picking up. If I can corral some of the paper it'll look a lot better.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 07:38 PM

Pedometer so far today 2400 steps, and this is with a few hours to go that I plan to spend mostly sitting with my feet up-- bad swelling in the legs due to all-day sitting to go to H'burg renewal of ord. vows. This is Holy Week, and so far it's a typical week's schedule for Holy Week-- a few chores spread into a week of driving to and attending services, with some walking involved during each service.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 09:51 PM

I spent about an hour and a half at the YMCA...running around after Jeremiah, chatting with other mommies and playing, later running errands, lunch with a friend and more playtime. Date to go to Zumba set for Friday! I can't wait to try it out!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Apr 11 - 12:03 AM

Midnight: Dishes are done, pills sorted for the week, table cleared and downstairs floors swept.

Time for bed.

Sweet dreams everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Spring Declutter & Exercise, April 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Apr 11 - 12:06 AM

Weeded the garden after the thunderstorm came through, and washed some dishes. Didn't accomplish much; headed to bed, I think a good night's sleep will have me perkier tomorrow. I'll use a hot compress on the sting before I call it a night.

I turned on the smaller air conditioner unit for a little while this evening to dry out the house. The storm left a humid reminder with us.

SRS