Declutter & Fitness November 2011

Subject: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Nov 11 - 11:15 AM

Here's the Oct. 2011 thread.

When we left off, Susan had just put in a new stovetop and remarked that it made the rest of the kitchen look dirty. Alas, she has trod the slippery slope one encounters when comparing new and old appliances in the same room. The remedy can be expensive. And Penny was wondering why there are rat traps in London and not out in the sticks. Makes me glad I'm not in London to find out, considering the history of flu and black death and such . . .

I have a large garage sale on Nov. 5 that should help remove a lot of extra stuff from around here. I don't expect to make a lot of money, but I'll visit with neighbors, hang out with Susie, and hopefully see usable but unneeded items adopted into good homes. Everything I'm working on right now is leading up to that, but it will be a variety of things around the house that will result in access to items that need to be moved outside for the sale. I'll be tidying the garden (so the yard doesn't scare buyers away) and I'll be moving things that I don't want to sell (because people will ask).

My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, but for a while it is a truncated holiday because one family member is away at college. We make our occasions when we can so my official family meal with be sometime in mid-December when he's back in town during the winter break. After the sale I'll work on setting up for that meal. And all of this time I hope to be making progress on the low-carb diet I've started again.

This evening I'll start sorting the names for the Secret Santa game. That's a lot of fun - doesn't take too long, but it does require attention to detail. I'll launch that project then watch it unfold on its own.

That's enough to keep me busy. How about everyone else?

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Nov 11 - 12:23 PM

To nudge this back to the top, I'm happy to report that I found a lot of okra, sweet banana peppers, poblano peppers, jalapeno peppers, and eggplant ready in the garden. The tomatoes are big and green and beautiful.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 01 Nov 11 - 02:35 PM

Ah, there are plenty of snap traps, and poisonous baits, out here in the sticks. Just not the humane sort. So where are the London people releasing their captives? Out here there are plenty of places not close to homes or farmyards.
If London fails, I'll get one off the internet.
Had a good walk today, and then an hour clearing things in the garden, and bringing the last potatoes in. Don't want to have enything out there that might attract the thing. A robin came and rummaged around where I had scraped out the gaps in the patio slabs, and tipped out the potato compost.I put it some insect rich fatty food on the bird feeder - but nothing on the ground, of course. The woodmouse appeared, too. I've noticed them around together before, and I wondered if the little trill the robin was giving was alerting it.
Weight has been stable for several days now. Irritating.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Nov 11 - 04:53 PM

PT today big miulestone

PTist and I had agreed I would do a real quick run thru all the equipment and toys they have in the "dry clinic," to start planning the move from all-aquatic PT to mixed aquatic/dry and later maybe all-dry. Which machines and toys would work with my body's limitations, and how strong would I be with gravity?

And I had a ball! A lot more worked than I had thought might.

The goal today was no post-PT pain (plus afterwards I had an aftn gig), so that tomorrow's aquatics would not start from today's leftover pain. Tmrw then will be back to harder work in the pool and continued dry-work planning. They are printing me pix of the dry clinic stuff I did, to take to Chicago next week-- because the friend putting me up ALSO goes to PT and I can work out with her THERE, YAY!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: MAG
Date: 01 Nov 11 - 04:57 PM

I have discovered some kind of critter has tunneled under my new garage ( had to cut away a bunch of brambles, and only now is that side of the garage visible ...) I am putting a snap trsp under an orange crate. I don't know what it could be besides some kind of rat. I don't think ground squirrels tunnel underneath concrete structures. Wish me luck. (sigh.)

Don't worry too much about the plateaus, folks; as I have preached before, your body wants to hold on to that weight; it likes stability -- sooner or later it will let go and you will drop some. It's the overall average weight loss that tells you something. Don't give up if you're on a plateau!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 01 Nov 11 - 05:02 PM

check out nutria. They love to tunnel under driveways etc. THere are tons here where I live. mg

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Nov 11 - 06:13 PM

Heck, Mary, maybe she has a beaver! ;-D

Good news that you're able to expand the PT activities, Susan. I suspect that will both give more variety (and keep it more interesting) plus there may be days when you want exercise but don't feel like going through the bother of getting wet. In cold weather no matter how warm the pool, swimming may not be appealing. It's nice to have options.

I have over an hour of sun still, so I'm going to go mow the back yard, or at least, part of it. That's my big exercise for today.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Nov 11 - 10:44 PM

Lawn has been mowed. The tender blades that are in the turf, front and back, tend to lean over when the mower passes, so I kind of mowed and kind of combed the turf. Odd, but after so much drought, the fact that grass is coming back is a good thing.

I've announced the closure of the Secret Santa gift exchange name collection. I thought a month might be a long time, but names trickled in every couple of days. Now I have printouts and I'll match up players (I also have last year's printout to refer to, to avoid repeats) and set that game in motion this week. I know now that Liz and Khat, who did this before, had the catbird seat as they watched the tease and hint threads grow. It is kind of lonely because you can't deal yourself in for a gift, but it's like planting a seed, to see people join this game, and that is the reward. Not all of them have family to do the holidays with; for others, it is commingled with children and grandchildren and the joy of sharing music with an international group of friends. If any of you want to participate let me know. It isn't a high dollar gift, it really is simply the prospect of receiving the gift that makes this such a great game for some people. I always keep myself (and a couple of volunteers) as emergency backup gift senders.

This declutter group is such a natural source of interesting gifts that I'm giving you a head's up about assignment phase of the Secret Santa game. Michelle, if you joined, I suspect that anyone drawing your name would include a gift of music perfect for a child Jeremiah's age. Kat, if someone knows how much time Morgan spends with you, I suspect that a suitable gift for a precocious elementary school child would be included. Susan, I know that the person who sent a gift last year was charmed with the idea of choosing a gift for Hardi. Alice, any of your little pieces of art would be a treasure for the recipient, on any continent, and they'd love to send something comparable. So, no obligation to join, but if you're interested, you're very welcome to join.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 05:29 AM

The plateau has started to drop again. I've been recording weight as stones and pounds, UK style, which my spreadsheet can't cope with, so I've been ignoring the decimals the scales add to the pounds. But this morning, my weight dropped, briefly, below the next big number - didn't stay there, but only went up to the old number plus zero decimals - it had been .8 for ages. So I've adjusted the spreadsheet to put in the pounds separately so I can see these little milestones.
What now gets me is how big 4 and a half pounds of fat looks in a pile on the worktop, and how little I've shrunk visually or with regard to my clothes!
I've just washed a nice jacket I made years ago from a pattern in a magazine, with a corduroy body and arms knitted in a soft yarn with angora, ready to take to Oxfam. I think it's UK size 14 (smaller than US 14) and there is no way I'm ever going to be that size again. Busts don't reduce well, do they? I'll have to look out the matching hat. I always end up making matching hats, because the patterns always list too much yarn - this can be pretty expensive with the sort of yarns I like - and I don't like to risk not having enough. I'm not a quick enough worker to take advantage of knitting shops putting by reserves.
It's interesting how I've dropped down again after a large helping of bubble and squeak. It was mostly vegetables, and wasn't fried but cooked in my Remoska with a small amount of fat, but it was large, and in the evening!
Today is the official health walk, which will be slower than I have been going on my own, but more sociable.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 10:10 AM

Good news that you're able to expand the PT activities, Susan. I suspect that will both give more variety (and keep it more interesting) plus there may be days when you want exercise but don't feel like going through the bother of getting wet. In cold weather no matter how warm the pool, swimming may not be appealing. It's nice to have options.

Getting wet is not the issue. Getting dry enough without freezing, to get clothes on, is the issue. Meeting the issue takes a few bucks-- hopefully just a few (we will hit thrift shops first).

So we've been planning:

Friday, we will make a shopping trip for footwear that can get me from wet pool locker room to dry car thru snow/slush-- current PTist is a great encourager of problem-solving to help me meet goal of not letting SAD keep me from pool this winter. I have seen the shoes I want-- fleece-lined rubber clogs with a thick enough sole to get the short distance to car without socks. My metabolism (because of increased muscle thru PT) is just about ready to get back to the temps of the pool/locker room I hope to use, while our fitness center w/warm pool/hot tub rebuilds.

My terrycloth all-cotton robe finally died-- TBTG because it was too heavy to tote!-- so now I can also get a synthetic lightweight one to lounge in with a book, as I dry off. I know that locker room well-- hopefully the roomy sauna is still extant.

These are the kinds of resources I have seen work so well for the ladies who were able to get them, and TBTG I now almost can, too.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 10:21 AM

I usually find when my weight is low the bust is considerably smaller. If that's what you're wondering about and you really like the jacket, I'd keep it.

Fat has been getting a bad rap for years. Fat doesn't make you fat, carbs make you fat. If you're on a diet with high protein and low carbs but put in too many carbs with the fat you'll gain weight (bad news for potato chips and California/onion dip).

I got in my walk this morning, but made the mistake of wearing a pair of slip-on shoes. When Poppy started pulling and twisting to see a cat I couldn't straighten her out because she kept stepping in my shoe, giving me no leverage. We must have been a sight out there struggling in the street. I always wear tie-shoes, and this is a reminder why I need to keep it up.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 03:15 PM

I'd heard that about carbs, being needed for the glycogen which is needed to enable cells to form the fat stores. The bubble and squeak, of course, is heavily doped with potato!
An hours' walk today. And an afternoon sewing a bag from a skirt, which is not very calory burning!
I'll have a rethink about the jacket - but it's not only the bust, the shape of the armhole doesn't feel right. At any rate, both jacket and hat have been washed ready either for the shop or for storage.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 05:21 PM

http://www.electric-bikes.com/bikes/options.html#Disabilities%20call%20for%20different%20designs

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 10:18 PM

Some months ago I stopped drinking carbonated sodas and for a while my fingernails became very strong, but they're more brittle again, so I made a cup of a hot spice herbal tea and after pre-mixing plain gelatin in a little cold water, I mixed it into my tea. It tasted the same and wasn't thick, and hopefully it will strengthen my nails if I drink this every so often.

Garage sale is Saturday, I'll get the permit tomorrow, and I'm going to take Friday off to get ready for it. I haven't given it the time it needs in the evenings after work but before dark, so I'll spend a day toting stuff out of harm's way or moving things to the right location. It's supposed to be rainy and cool for a day but warm up by Saturday. Fingers crossed.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 12:18 AM

Qi gong, today, plus swept the hallway, bathroom, LR and near the kitchen.:-)

ALSO, finished and pushed the "publish" button at BookBrewer, so, soon, WindWords will be available as an ebook! Finally!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 12:23 AM

Had a faboo chat tonight with an old HS galpal who will be putting me up and giving informed support when I visit sis next week. (Guess what SHE needs-- help decluttering, LOL,while we talk over old times and old friends as we've kept up with them respectively!) We were a great team in HS and then we lost touch till, one day in our early 20's, we happened to pass each other crossing the same street in Boston at noon rush hour. It was faboo in HS, it was faboo in Boston, it was faboo all over again tonight.

And between us, we came up with a GREAT approach to dealing with "toxic people," who I have always preferred to think of as people who are trying to get close enough to show you where they hurt, by hurting you to show what the hurt was-- because these are the kinds of hurts that occurred before the person had words. And so for them, to show it is to act it out.


What popped out spontaneously as we discussed a mutual friend we both care about dearly was this:

"Oh I'm sure I AM an idiot, but here's the thing-- I may not be exactly the same KIND of idiot you are so sure that I am."

"Oh yeah? So what kinda idiot are YOU?"

"Well, I may be the kind of idiot who might actually be able to help you with [xxxxxx]."


And this led to an insight-- going back over years of misunderstandings... which is that people who have been fooled into living without hope cannot tolerate having their hopelessness challenged... unless you stick with them to the very end no matter how ugly they get trying to show you what hurts and where. Another friend of mine here in Ministryland says, to hopeless people, exactly this: "I will never, ever go away. I'll be right here waiting for you." (Acourse she has about five/ten years on me, so maybe I'll get to that place someday, too.)

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 09:22 AM

Congratulations, Kat!

You're a better person than me, Susan. I've had to bail on a couple of those toxic relationships - they can literally make you sick.

Long day at work today to compensate for taking the day off tomorrow, and I got an early start. I'll be glad to get back to standard time (Sunday) because I'll be able to walk the dogs in the light before work. People come flying down the street in the morning, probably thinking they're out there all by themselves. We don't have sidewalks so must walk in the street.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 11:59 AM

Kat, here's an interesting article about voice recognition software: SmartPlanet.com. Just so you know how it works!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 12:39 PM

That's fascinating! Thanks!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: ClaireBear
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 02:35 PM

Well, I'm afraid my bedroom beautification plans have been set back somewhat by the fairly significant housefire we experienced Monday.

But what a decluttering opportunity THAT's turning out to be!

Making lemonade here...

Cheers,
Claire

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 05:11 PM

Here is something else you might want to read before doing your holiday shopping this year. Reflections on the various offerings and development activity going on at Amazon right now.

I made a batch of chicken soup early in the week and it has been wonderful to warm up a mug of it for a quick snack. It also works perfectly to add a packet of gelatin to this, so now I have a couple of ways to help the nails a bit. If I played guitar I'd be tearing out my hair over the softness of my nails.

This afternoon I paid for the garage sale permit - we're official now!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 05:46 PM

I meant also to say I'm sorry to hear about the fire. Is this going to be a complete rebuild on the site, do you think?

Did clutter in the house contribute to the fire or reaching it or putting it out? This is something for all of us to think about.

I hope that when you sort through the remains of that day that you'll find you have plenty of usable things (avoiding costly replacement) and can function fairly normally during this time of upheaval.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: ClaireBear
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 06:32 PM

Hell yes, I think clutter contributed...not to the fire's original ignition, but certainly to its spread. The lesson is to keep floors and pathways clear, and not to stack anything on chairs (even unusable chairs, as mine were). Oh, and eliminate stacks of papers, piled high on desks...

Thank goodness there was one room in the house -- mine -- where stuff was put away and more or less tidy. I hate to even think about what it would have been like had it still looked as it did before last month's major cleanup. Never again!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 07:32 PM

Claire...are you out of a house or are there liveable parts? Sorry to hear of this!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: ClaireBear
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 08:12 PM

Thanks, Kat! We are out of our house for sure, but my soon-to-be ex is moving into our little motor home, and I am going to rent space for Martin and me from someone else in our intentional community for awhile, until the house can be fixed or replaced. We are all OK...the universe is taking care of us. Blessings abound.

Cheers,
Claire

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 08:27 PM

What a time of year for this, though - it makes the holidays rough enough to be going through a divorce - to have the house a disaster, that is adding insult to injury! Be sure to stay in touch and vent occasionally if you need to.

I took the dogs for walks tonight - independent of each other. The one left behind each time was bereft, the one who got to go was happy as can be. I need to do this more often, like doing things one-on-one with the kids - they like it and act better than when they're together. And I got two walks. I may simply take one dog in the morning before breakfast and take the other in the afternoon before dinner. On occasion.

Taking tomorrow off to finish preparation for the garage sale. Susie brought by some commercial store racks from her son's warehouse so the garments will look good out there. I need to work on the rest.

Tonight I'm going to finish a print document then I'm going to work on some grout in a spot where I've been meaning to move a bookcase. I'll take the bookcase apart also and move it to nearby where it will go, and in a couple of days I'll set it up properly. This allows the large CRT TV to come out of my room.

A neighbor told me that last week her husband had his leg amputated mid-thigh. He'd had unmanageable circulation problems and gotten gangrene again. He's in rehab right now. I need to have her come down to lunch or dinner.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: MAG
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 08:32 PM

me also sorry about fire, CB -- thoughts wafting your way --

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 03:44 PM

Well. We're back. I hope no one else tried the housefire approach to decluttering - it makes a terrible stink.

I've been rescuing produce from the garden since we had an unexpected hard freeze last night. After nothing producing in the heat all summer, we had only about six weeks and then this frost (about 3 weeks early) hit. I've pulled all of the green tomatoes to see if they'll ripen (they can't be used for canning now), I've pulled peppers, eggplant, picked the last of the okra. I have a squash that hadn't hardened off yet that I'll leave on the ground attached to the vine and hope it does that on it's own even if most of the leaves are wilted.

Gotta head out to the driveway to keep moving stuff out of the way for this garage sale.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 08:28 PM

Purchased, used: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyieXntUyjg

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Jeri
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 08:49 PM

Bitchfest--tune out now.

Last Saturday we got a foot of snow. I got behind on things and Halloween in my town got moved to Sunday-- THIS Sunday, the day-after-tomorrow Sunday. Had an MRI of my brain which isn't quite right (as if I didn't expect that), I got friggin' political polsters and pre-recorded candidates calling me all the time, so I unplugged the phone, which meant when the hospital called to schedule me to see the neurologist, they got ignored. "Anonymous" is going to hack stuff tomorrow, which might be fun to see, if I don't have to actually WATCH Fox news. My GERD has been nasty, so the 800mg of ibuprofen I just took for my &#*%ing migraine is probably going to require me to eat a handful of antacids, but HEY-- we got our BS section back and I can declutter my attitude.

Hope I didn't get any on ya.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 09:31 PM

Jeri, we've seen worse - sounds like it has been one of those kinds of weeks, eh? I wouldn't consider watching FOX news - but I don't watch any evening news here anymore because it so rarely actually contains news. And because of that I didn't see the local weather report. The one that said it was going to freeze overnight (way early for around here). Fried my garden. I picked buckets of tomatoes and peppers and eggplant today to rescue produce from their limp, flaccid plants.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 05 Nov 11 - 04:40 AM

The weight's back on the plateau. More exercise required, I think.

I've had a series of bad nights, waking up in the small hours with a rash round my knees and elbows. I tried anti-itch creams, emollient baths to no avail, and got up for a couple of hours until it got quiet. Booked myself in to the doctor, thinking it was some sort of ecxema, and took photos to show what it was like, since it wouldn't be visible in the surgery. Then I recognised it as urticaria, triggered by the warmth of the duvet, looked it up, and found I could treat it with Benadryl, and there was no possibility of working out what actually started the bout. I had a good night last night. Last time I had it it was brought on by sunlight (on a day when there was a major, and unexpected, solar flare!)

Sorry to hear about your fire, Claire.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Nov 11 - 11:47 AM

(((ClaireBear)))

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Nov 11 - 11:59 AM

Ooops forgot to say--

CardioGlider baseline (last night) 1 set of 10 reps

Today: 2 10's

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Nov 11 - 05:26 PM

First day of garage sale is completed, stuff tucked away in garage. We've thought of things we forgot, so will bring out and try tomorrow at noon.

The garage looks much better without so much stuff. Right now the set up tables were carried in and left so they can be carried out tomorrow (stuff still in place). After tomorrow my truck will be inside again and lots of room all around.

Do I want to shower, dress up, and head to a party? Or do I want to go take a nap? That is the question!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Nov 11 - 09:22 PM

CardioGlider as aerobic: baseline 1 x 20

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Nov 11 - 07:23 AM

Today's the day for lawn-ironing.

The driveway and contiguous grass around this ole wreck of a country house has had a hard Fall, with the constant rain it was not built to withstand. Between runoff issues caused by road construction and the gas workers' stripping of a hill across the road, on the one hand, and the fence no linger extant marking the safe-driving zones in the farm driveway, on the other-- the housemate has gifted us with a bunch of new ruts that will seriously impede Hardi's little John Deere snowplowing, which is not far off now.

Hardi and I ourselves, in past years, have caused a rut or two to form in the Mud Season that more usually comes in the spring thaw; I used to walk those ruts out in my mud boots, happily squishing the edges of the ruts back together like a clay zipper. In later years I got really good at picking the right day-- the clayey mud has to be just dry enough but not too dry, like a good batch of bread to knead-- and ironing out these ruts by driving at the correct angles, over them, to zip them back up.

The housemate and her visiting guests-- before I finally got the driveway margins and the grass marked... to guide them to steer on the dryest side of the driveway where the ruts in the gravel part of the driveway had gotten deepened and enlarged-- finally reamed us quite a few new ruts. Too many for this ole gimp to walk 'em out! So today I will pull all the markers up out of the sucking, almost-dry mud where I rammed 'em in, and use the van to iron the driveway.


In the spring, some of the ruts which will by then be smoothed but still visibly-lower than the surrounding grass (and thus ripe for puddles making wet ruts again), will be filled with peat moss and used kitty litter. And the grass-- really prairie grass we mow as if it were suburban grass-- will grow right thru and over the scars. And I have a better system now for temporary No Driving markings for the next Mud Season-- no more ramming posts by hand, nope-- plastic milk gallons full of water, with poly rope running thru the handles, because now the housemate knows roughly where it is OK to drive. The shorter jug-markers will be plenty of reminder easily moved and recycled at the end of Mud Season. And we always have dozens of full water gallons, set aside for emergency use, to deploy in this manner.

When the lawn is dry, it's fine to drive/park anywhere in it, and we often do. That is one reason Hardi needs it ironed out before plowing can be done-- in the winter we park on the grass up by the road when a bad snowfall is expected, so he can get out quick to emergency calls. We line up all the cars in front of the house and then once he has plowed the rest of the driveway, that front area is relatively free of snow because it's all fallen on the cars and we drive it away!

There will be a lot of walking today in pulling out the markers!

====

In prep for winter freeze-in, I have been converting some of the PT exercises I most need to continue, into home versions. I had to get pretty creative, but I think I have them all covered now. "Kicks" (there are 4 different ones) are the simplest in deep water and hardest for me on land, for now, but I think I have all 4 Kicks worked into an easy home routine now so I can keep up the good work begun, even if I don't get out much this winter.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Nov 11 - 10:49 AM

Just checking in to say we made progress yesterday, and we'll open for a few hours today. I made the bold move of posting my link to the Craig's List ad on the Dirt Doctor thread I maintain, and called the radio show and said where the find the link if someone is interested in these rain barrels. They're big and I'd like the extra ones to go away. I'll edit out that link this evening and take down the Craig's List ad.

I did go to my evening event - it was fun - like a sonnet version of a song circle. There was a "book" of 100 poems and we went around the circle reading them. I looked at all of us crammed into their tiny little living room - realizing that I have about twice the space in my living room and I really need to get this house to the point where I am comfortable having people in (my circle of friends come over, but others, like co-workers, who I don't want to explain away the unfinished projects to).

Out to the garage. People will be here in a couple of hours.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: ClaireBear
Date: 06 Nov 11 - 11:16 AM

Going into the house this morning with my wusband (that's easier to say than soon-to-be-ex, don'tcha think?) for awhile to tag stuff for discarding, stuff for saving. Will be good to get it over with.

C

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Nov 11 - 11:52 AM

"wusband" as in "wasbeen"....I like it! Good energy and strength to you, Claire.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: ClaireBear
Date: 06 Nov 11 - 12:25 PM

Thanks, Kat! It's feeling hard today; I can use the boost!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Nov 11 - 04:51 PM

I'll be boxing stuff for Goodwill that didn't sell. It isn't going to hang around for another garage sale but any of this might be well received in the thrift store.

Claire, work out some little rituals to pamper yourself while you're going through this. Find a favorite bath salt and have a good soak in the evening or find a favorite tea and cookie for a mellow coffee break, whatever. Small things can help a lot when you're working on such a big job.

Hoping for rain tonight - what is left of the garden can use it.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 09:33 AM

No rain, and one of the first things I must do is donate this mattress and box spring so I can bring in the newer one. To save time I may load it in my pickup and take it somewhere, but I'll wait till the thread of rain is gone.

The kitchen was a very active and messy place this weekend but I finally got dishes washed, laundry in, and now I must turn my attention to some stuff in the house. Will report as progress is made.

Claire, how do insurance companies work over there? Will they work with you as you decide to rescue contents then renovate or rebuild, as you see fit? Do you have a time limit?

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 09:55 AM

Yesterday I went for a much longer walk than usual, and today my weight was well below the plateau, to which it had returned. Today all I've been able to manage has been to the village (5 mins) because of waiting for a return phone call. Fume fume (see thread on solicitors).
I'm working on a lacy scarf with yarn from my stash. I've made a picture of the village orchard on Saturday night, when the approach to the firework display was lit with pumpkin lanterns, to print out for Oxfam. I've read part of the paper. It is now getting darkish outside, so the walk will probably not happen.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 10:50 AM

Here is the picture of the orchard.


November 5th orchard.

More piccies to come.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 11:59 AM

Interesting! It looks like a watercolor after you've posterized it.

Back on a more normal schedule now that the garage sale preparations and event are over. And back to a diet calculated to help me lose some weight. It was catch-as-catch can for a couple of days food-wise.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 12:15 PM

That was the general idea - there were a lot of steps to it, not just one button press. The software is called Fo2Pix PhotoArtmaster Classic, which was a cut down cheap version. There was a more extensive version I didn't know about, called Gold, but the company went bankrupt, and I can't get it. (There are downloads, but the sites look a bit iffy.)

The program produces effects from the photo, which can be tweaked, and added locally or all over - I picked out the pumpkins in a brighter version, for instance, and added some imitation pen effects as well. I had also brightened the original photo, and then darkened the sky again in another programme. Did something useful while waiting for the dratted solicitor.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 03:17 PM

Good final aquatic PT before I leave for Chicago tomorrow or Wednesday-- able to do all functions I could not do when we started. Tmrw it's Tina and me in the dry clinic for upper body planning and to set the plan for what I'll do while gone and where we will plan pick up when I return, see doc, get new Rx, etc.

Anti-winter-sludge planning is also going well.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 05:04 PM

I've put some more "artistically" modified photos up.

My artwork!

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 08:34 PM

Ooooh - that Cornwall view is almost surreal!

It's pouring rain outside - lovely soaking rain.

I need to research where to donate my mattress and box spring that is still in the hall, and I need to organize my big freezer. Things have been stuffed in all summer and fall and it's getting a bit jumbled.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 11:58 AM

Here are the first photos of my garden, shortly after I took possession.

What I found in my garden

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 12:03 PM

Went through all my folders with electricity bills, bank statements, insurance documents etc etc. Honestly, to run a house nowadays you rally need a full-time secretary. Chucked out all the obsolete bits of paper, and began to shred them. Alas! The shredder is busted, it clogged and burnt out. Have just got home with a new one. The cats had wee-weed on our computer monitor, big purple blobs over the toolbar. Got a new monitor today, ex-display model. Now my husband announces that the vacuum cleaner isn't picking up the dirt. Help! We have House Gremlins!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 12:19 PM

Oh my goodness, what a sequence deserving of an animated cartoon!

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 01:20 PM

Eliza, sounds like it's time to declutter a couple of cats or establish a safe area (a room they won't destroy with a door that stays closed) for when you're away! As to the vacuum, I took mine in for repair one time because it wasn't sucking dirt through the hose. They fixed it but the hose still didn't work - I pulled the fitting off of the hose and found a paper clip had snagged a bunch of cat hair and it was blocked! Be sure to check the various points of intake before you pronounce it dead, and don't forget to change the bag.

Penny, were those photos taken in 2005, or like you said, did your camera add that to all of them?

Susan, have a safe and stress-free (yes, I know - sometimes difficult to accomplish) trip.

This morning I called the Salvation Army to arrange pickup of some large stuff (the box spring, etc.) and a box of leftover garage sale things. He asked what in particular and all I could tell him was "useful and attractive household items that Nate Berkus fans will enjoy finding when they do the thrift store thing to decorate their houses." It worked. That's later this week, and then I'll bring in the new bed pieces.

I finished the last of the chicken soup for lunch today, again dissolving a packet of gelatin and mixing the hot soup into it. I've added this to my routine once a day to strengthen my nails. I've also figured out another culprit in the dermatitis on my hands. I seem to be reacting to the shampoo I was using. I switched to back baby shampoo (I used it a while ago, and should have kept using it) and they're clearing up again. This is such a silly seeming process, figuring out what I am apparently allergic or sensitive to.

I've been walking the dogs each morning, good for all of us. I will probably walk them separately this evening - that seems to make an impression on them (like children with parents, they like the one-on-one time together).

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 04:05 PM

Stilly, good idea, I might try and dismantle the vacuum cleaner tube, I've had cat's hair stuck in it in the past. Thank you for that! Penny, I smiled, because it does sound like the storyboard for a daft cartoon. Cats will now be banned from the study and not allowed to wee on expensive items. Honestly, when I've caught them actually having a quick wee on something, they always have a GRIN on their faces.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 05:10 PM

That camera resets every time it's turned off, and I forgot to turn the date stamping off. It was October 2009.

I will do some updated shots to show how things are changing.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 10:52 PM

Just the usual around the house stuff this evening.

I finished paying this month's bills and am trying really hard not to spend on anything but the essentials - a big goal is to declutter one credit card of a balance. :)

The sun room is going to be filling up with things drying (herbs) and ripening (tomatoes). Some of the items that have been in the freezer for a while (beans, pasta) are now in storage containers on shelves in the kitchen. It's looking and smelling more like a season for cooking around here.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Nov 11 - 12:29 PM

Amazing the improvement in my dermatitis when I stopped with the shampoo. Who knew?

This is the kind of weather that has me bundle up and work on things that will make the house more hospitable during the winter. I don't have to fool with wood for the fireplace, I have that blocked off with insulating material. I should finish a plank to go over it so the pink isn't in sight. I could make it a bookcase of some sort that stands there, if I move the television from the hearth.

A couple of times a day I'm cutting up peppers, seeding and slicing and freezing. I want the tub of peppers out of the fridge soon. I'll also cook some more eggplant. This is why I cleared the freezer yesterday, to keep like things together. Lots of eggplant and okra in there so far, now I'm adding the fresh crop of peppers.

If it's cool here some of you must be getting some serious snow. How's it looking?

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Nov 11 - 06:14 PM

REcovering from terrific weekend at the NYS Wildlife Rehab Conference. R & I DID manage to leave at 9 am on Friday for the trip to Lake George. Got off track for a bit - I LOST the highway. R loved the byway but I was destination/time-oriented and had a fit. Arrived in time for a good lunch, especially after deciding we did not need to go to anything until 3pm. After that, it was a marathon of classes and meals with rehab friends. Lots of learning and good conversation.

It culminated in a Sunday afternoon visit to a rehab facility and then a leisurely trip up Lake Champlain - on the west side for awhile, then across a ferry to the east, then through the islands back to NYS, a trip we would like to do in daylight! Across the border at a totally obscure spot and to the cabin for the night - a good way to decompress!

Brought R into the city on Monday morning and turned around and went back to do a glaze firing. Tomorrow I will go down to check it out and get another started - she says hopefully. I was going today but I wanted to contact a woman about a craft fair and needed to be by the phone. There was a cancellation so she was glad to have me. I've been told it is a good one and it is only a couple miles from the cabin. I cannot keep making pots without selling some! It is on 19th and only one day. I need to keep my eye out for more possibilities.

We still have only part of the electric working so the rooms in which I would like to do some sorting and clearing do not have enough light for me to function well. But the dishes and laundry are done, black beans in the slow cooker for - whatever, I cooked a batch of fresh Quebec cranberries and I am caught up with distilled water. I did not have the energy to cook a meal last night but will do that shortly - lots of veggies and some fish. Picked the last jalapeno this morning and took down the fabric patio tent, All the tomato plants are pulled and the stakes put away til next year. Also put clothes umbrella back up; it was displaced by the tent but I used it as it leaned against the wall - not totally good.

Now, on to the cooking. Keep well everyone.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Nov 11 - 10:49 PM

Dorothy reminds me I need to pick up some fresh cranberries for a dessert called New England Cranberry Duff - it's kind of a cranberry upside down cake (without much cake).

The garage is positively airy now since Susie brought the van from work and loaded up the table, racks, and boxes this evening. I'll pack up more of the stuff I didn't sell for the Salvation Army to pick up along with the mattress on Friday. One big box, I told them.

On exercise and accountability, I am walking almost every day and I've pampered myself more as I figured out what is causing the latest dermatitis. This includes adding a packet of gelatin to a drink every day, no more carbonated drinks, remembering my vitamins, getting to bed earlier, etc. Now I hope my system pays me back by letting go of the extra pounds as I work on that as well! So far I see little evidence of getting past the first 10 pounds. :-/

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 09:22 AM

Thought it was about time I dropped by.
It has certainly been an eventful November so far for several people! Claire, I hope you are coping ok! Susan, I hope you are enjoying your new exercise regime.

I have a weigh-in tonight, but have managed to shed 7lb since early September, due to a couple of small gains a few weeks ago, and staying the same last week. I'm not expecting a loss this week, as I was sitting around all weekend at a festival, and eating a bit more at times.

The plasterer only has a few bits to finish off in the new bit. The joiner has made the stairs, and is building a couple of small cupboards on the landing, as I write. All the tiles are bought, and a lot of them are sitting in the rear of my car! There is a good chance that the kitchen will be delivered next week, and the unit carcases fitted. It's just a matter of juggling tradesmens' times and availability.

Oh, and I have taken up tribal belly dancing.....

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: ClaireBear
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 10:46 AM

Andrea! You go, girl! (re the tribal dancing) That's terrific -- and a great way to improve muscle tone, too. My hostess is, or has been anyway, a tribal dancer, and I've been meaning to ask her to start teaching me.

I'm getting by. Beginning to tire of sleeping on a neighbor's couch, but soon, we should be able to boot the current tenant our of her "cottage" (a shed with a loft, really, but cottage sounds over so much more homely) so that Martin and I can have our own four walls and a door to close.

Weight loss plateaus are tiresome, too, but I think I'm sinking beneath one at last so will hope to lose a bit more before the onset of the Ancient Butter Festival this year.

The packers-up, cleaners, and throwers-out sent by the insurance comany are dealing with my things while I am at work. That is almost as hard as the fire, because they just don't understand that there are some things -- like the dining room table that was my mother's and her mother's before her -- that you can't just go out and replace at a department store. And oh, all the carefully collected CDs -- probably perfectly good CDs -- that they will throw out, just because they were in a room that the adjustor "totalled" -- and that I can never replace! It's heartbreaking. But whatever comes back at the end of the process will be like Christmas, I suppose. It's a great lesson in letting go.

Claire

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 11:05 AM

Claire, why aren't you taking time off and supervising that work? The insurance company should NEVER be left in charge of something like that. You're the customer and need to tell them to back off. At least move the things out of the totaled room that you want before they get to it.

I tested a countertop electric saucepan yesterday - it works very well - but the house still smells like bacon today. Clearly this needs to be used near the vent or the house will be victim to cooking smells.

I have a box to pack this evening and I'll be ready for the Salvation Army some time tomorrow. I have an envelope with half of the proceeds from the big things at the garage sale to give my friend today. It's not a lot, but it's better than going in the dumpster!

Laundry and dishes await, and as soon as I get the last of this stuff out of the garage I must address improving the gate into the dog area, and add another house - Zeke is staying for a week over Thanksgiving.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: ClaireBear
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 11:24 AM

Stilly, I don't have the kind of job where time off is easy to take.

I did work at home one day this week so I could walk one of the cleaners through the house, and at that point I showed him everything I could remember that I wanted kept, which he noted. My wuzband says, though, that that person hasn't been back, and that the other cleaners don't know (or maybe don't care) what's on the list. Plus, of course, I keep remembering other little treasures that aren't on the list but are probably fine, under all the muck and ash. My wuzband is attempting to find and secure them as I call him with info, but I know there's a ton of stuff I'll miss.

At the end of the day I think it may be better to "let go and let God" (or the universe, or the forces of chaos, or whatever) take care of this for me. It's just too much for me to handle right now.

C

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 01:42 PM

ClaireBear, I admire your ability to let go...in the end the most important thing is that you are all here, alive and well. That said, I know I could not handle not being there making sure every little thing was found and saved, but I've also been known to be a tad attached to my things, which isn't all bad, but might be easier not to be, at times. If that makes sense.:-) I will give thanks that those special things which need to stay with you are found and kept.

I know the shock and enormity of losing everything kept Night Owl from even starting to go through the ashes, etc. for awhile and different insurance companies. Hers fought every step of the way,demanding receipts etc. for lost items, even from years ago and of course, said receipts went up in smoke. I know you've read her threads about it, so I won't go on. Keeping you and Martin in my thoughts and thanks givings.

SRS, you asked about the snow, etc. We haven't had any in the valley, but I did take a few last of the posies type pix which can be found HERE. There's also a new silly one of Luna HERE, and a Halloween picture of Morgan HERE.

Haven't been doing much but just keeping up with the usual, but Rog and I did get the floors swept and mopped, again, and did our sheets on the bed. Today has seen a spurt of energy..I've surprised myself by doing the dishes, three loads of washing, plus folded and put away clothes from the past two weeks. (We've been pulling them out of the baskets.) I've also ticked off 8 things off of a list of about 12...phone calls, packing up mailing stuff, and a few other more unusual things. Feels really good to check off each thing as I get it done.

Scales say I've lost 1.2 lbs this week. I've been doing mostly stretching, qi gong and a bit of tai chi.

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 10:24 PM

I've been out of town helping my family. The story is almost unbelievable but I am far too tired to share it right now. Jeremiah and I were gone for about a week and a half, spending lots of time at both the hospital and in a hospice house. My uncle died early Saturday morning from cancer (multiple myeloma, bone cancer and renal failure). The service was yesterday. Today was a 5 hour drive home. My car is still full. It can wait. For now, I'm most happy to be home and to have been a part of something so achingly sad and beautiful that I'm not sure I have the words for it.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Tinker
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 10:53 PM

Finally have dependable internet back. The hot spot was intermittent and slower than I was used to...

Claire (((hugs))) .... sometimes the universe just smacks us and takes charge whether we are ready or not.

The last few days I've been helping a friend from work who is loosing her home do to damage from Irene. There is no FEMA money for mold and mildew remediation from this storm and her crawl space and first floor aren't salvageable. Loosing her garden was as hard as the house so we have been digging up plants and moving them into my yard. We filled the van on Saturday and I have gotten that load of plants all settled into to the yard as of today. I've cleared the driveway herb beds and the firepit area is cleared and replanted. The muscles are complaining after days of digging, but it is definitely looking good.
I have mixed feelings.... she is so thankful, and I feel selfish ...

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Nov 11 - 12:19 AM

Michelle, it's hard enough to do all of that on your own - with a toddler along, you are pulled in many directions, but I bet there were times when just the two of you were together, maybe at bath-time or bedtime when he was your whole world, and I hope that helped.

Tinker, I was in a similar situation with my friend whose home was foreclosed. He moved to an apartment, but I worked with him so he didn't just pitch everything and regret some of that later. A lot he didn't want but it still had value and today I gave him an envelope of cash from the garage sale. I have other things stored (for him it's cooking stuff instead of garden stuff) that we were afraid might get buried in his storage locker, that he might need sooner than most of the rest of the items. Sometimes safekeeping is the best we can do to help people.

This evening I made a small batch of eggplant Parmesan. Mmmmm - it's so good! I fixed some with sauce and cheeses and froze in personal-sized pyrex dishes, and I froze a few of the plain breaded and fried slices. I'll cook some more tomorrow.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 11 Nov 11 - 03:42 AM

I've dropped below my plateau, so I've lost at least 5 pounds since I started three and a half weeks ago.
Yesterday I spent an hour and a half in the garden tidying. I found a cache of snails' eggs, and have spread them out on the slabs for any passing creature which might fancy them. The robin turned up, but didn't look at that area.
I baited the rat trap with dried liver the day before, and it has gone, so there was more to get the thing used to the environment. It looks as though it's gone again today, so tonight the door goes in to catch it. The dried liver came form the pet shop. I wanted something really cheap as bait, not "real" meat, bacon or fish, as advised. I was gob-smacked by some of the stuff on sale, never having looked in that area before. Lots of items made from hide, knots, strips and so on for chewing, but also pigs snouts and bulls' pizzles! The latter were remarkably small, and I would imagine were from calves. If really what they were advertised as. Anyway, the liver I could get for 32p (normally sold by the kilo, but I only got a few pieces.)
Hopefully, it's off to the woods tomorrow with the cage in a plastic bag, and the permanent absence of large rodent.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 11 Nov 11 - 10:29 AM

Make sure your woods are quite a long way off, Penny. Somebody once told me that for a mouse you need a good mile or so. They have a habit of finding their way back!

2lbs weight loss at the weigh in, but I have no idea how! That's me up to 9 now. Apparently that was my 5% too.
I have been buying lots of English apples in various stores today, and have managed to get hold of some Tentation in Marks and Spencer, grown in Ruth's boyfriend's family orchards, down in Herefordshire. I also got some Russet (they won't be around much longer) and some Meridian, which is a new one to me. I also got some Chivers Delight a week or so ago in the local store. That's what I snack on, mainly.

The kitchen, interior doors, and the plumbers are all arriving on Monday. A stack of skirting and architrave came today. It's going to get manic!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Nov 11 - 10:32 AM

PT exercises i the motel 3 x 10

Big mistake-- pushed one exercise to get all reps in and now a muscle the driving will stress hurts like hell, all cramped up.

&&^&*()(o)*_(&)*(

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Nov 11 - 11:26 AM

If it hurts, stop!

Haven't heard of those apples, Andrea. Russetts over here are potatoes.

Waiting on the Salvation Army and I finished packing a box of good things that I don't need from garage sale that they can also take. And then I'll be able to move around my sun room again.

I found a receipt I've been looking for to finish my purchasing paperwork for the office. Left in a safe place, but I'd forgotten which safe place until I came across it. Good thing I still have some pocket folders from when the kids were in school - bright red for procurement card receipts and reconciliation sheets shouldn't go astray.

Have call in to electrician to set an appointment to install an outdoor plug on the garage and a light outside the door. That will be nice! And another small backyard improvement I have in mind for this weekend is to take a few concrete blocks (flat ones) and build a little path into the lawn area beside the patio, fill around them with gravel to bring it all level. This way I can roll the barbecue grill from under the eaves without the wheels wobbling so much and it will be level. That's a quick job for a big improvement.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 11 Nov 11 - 12:03 PM

Russet apples have a matt brownish surface rather than a shiny coloured one.

The woods I am considering are over two miles from me and at least one from other homes, with plenty of interest to a rural rat to distract it from returning. Hopefully. Not easy round here, but much more so than in London, where these cages are easier to get. Horrible thought, maybe the usual purchasers keep snakes!

No gardening today, apart from setting the trap. Walked to the war memorial for eleven, and taught swimming this afternoon.

There was a female name on the memorial. It turned out to be that of a ten year old girl who died when a bomb hit her home during the Battle of Britain. BY and large, this village got away lightly in WWI. It's not one of those with long lists, including many from the same families. There are only about eight names.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Nov 11 - 04:59 PM

I don't get the holiday off, but I'm working at home today so it is much as usual. Salvation Army got the stuff, the electricians put up my new light and plug (looks great!) and now I can start rearranging stuff in the hall and sun room again. There's a lot to go to recycling to begin with.

This weekend I need to start cutting the vegetables damaged by last week's frost. Some are still producing, most aren't. I can start shaping and clearing and getting ready for winter plantings, and I'll put more broccoli and some cauliflower in near the house. Also garlic cloves and I'll plant onions by seed.

More reports later. Penny, let me know how your trap works. You actually set it up without the gate to habituate the rat to getting food there first? Good idea.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Nov 11 - 07:55 PM

Success! I talked a friend in Arizona through setting up a Google+ account (we started out talking on cell phones but were able to switch to our computers). It took a few steps and installing Google Voice, but now she's set and can talk to family through a method she should be able to remember how to operate.

Laundry and other household chores await. My exciting Friday night. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Nov 11 - 08:55 PM

Re: PT/pain

Myt PT gives these guidelines: If you are doing a prescribed exercise it may hurt, and it may hurt more, later. If it causes sudden/severe pain where there had been no symptoms, red light (stop). If it's an area that is part of the injury being rehabbed, watch the traffic lights. Yellow light: if symptoms appear but then lessen and go away, with the work, cautiously keep working. If they persist or worsen, stop.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Nov 11 - 09:41 PM

We have russet apples in Quebec. I prefer Macs and a variety of tart red apples, or Granny Smith.

After the cranberries were cooked, I thought it would be nice to add some to just plain cooked apples. Makes a nice dessert or fruit for breakfast. I usually just do us each a small bowl of apples but the cranberries add zest.

New idea for breakfast: I mixed the black beans with salsa and put them through the blender and decided they could be a good egg substitute. Mid East flat bread with BB, guacamole, plain yogurt. Yum.

Found local craft fair that has an opening - next Saturday. Hope to sell some pots. I am told this is a good one and I am lucky to get in - there was a cancellation! Did a glaze firing yesterday and another bisque today. Hope to find the energy to make another batch of pots for the dark blue/white glaze. Have done mostly pale yellow with green decoration so far.

Had a nice visit with the folks at the goat farm on my way down today. One daughter (18) - very overweight - fell in the spring and did serious damage to her leg. After a couple surgeries, she is in a wheel chair. I took her some self-hardening clay to try out some sculpting. She can do that on a tray or the low counter in the kitchen. The 20 year old is caught in that "what do I want to do with my life" phase; Art or nursing? We talked about that and the environmental problems - "Everyone in the valley is getting cancer; we think it is the chemicals from the apple orchards." This is, of course, highly likely. So glad I have met this family.

Sitting in the cafe, listening to good music this evening. R hasn't made it; still working. Maybe he can take a break on Sunday afternoon to hear the Roads Scholars, doing a concert closer to the city.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 12 Nov 11 - 03:12 AM

Well, it's the right time of year to be selling, Dorothy! At least a lot of people are actually looking to buy something. I'm meeting my daughter at one in Durham tomorrow.

I think today will be a quiet day, and I will do some tidying up, as far as I can. All hell breaks out on Monday, as I can see there being plumbers, joiners and the plasterer all trying to work round each other. I hope Ali hasn't asked the electrician to come too!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Nov 11 - 09:58 AM

I've meant to do the light and plug thing for ages, so even though it is a tiny fix compared to the remodel you're doing, Andrea, it's so nice to look out and see that little change. You'll be in heaven with the new rooms and the upgraded kitchen!

Taking care of some paperwork, filing, and drinking tea this morning. We walked the dogs and planned the weekend out - Zeke may come down tomorrow so he's not underfoot when they do a family memorial for Susie's late husband. She has been baking pies and assembling lasagna for the event. These memorials are simultaneously sad and happy but also cathartic, and I think after the years of cancer and the many months of experimental chemo she is much calmer and at peace with things.

It's a lovely overcast fall day. So many things to do - I'll have to see what I feel like after I finish my cuppa tea.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Nov 11 - 01:11 PM

Packed the pickup with stuff to drop off - recycling everything except the newspaper is going to the Humane Society. I removed most of the slick ads that they have to toss. After this I'm beginning to see patches of floor in the sun room and the dining area in the kitchen looks better.

I still need to load up the huge TV in my bedroom. I found and ordered a reconditioned 26" LED TV from New Egg - a Visio. I can live with reconditioned for this, I think - it's about $100 less than the new set (that is sold out) at Sam's Club. I'm going to put this one on the wall in the kitchen and move the 19" that is there now onto the bedroom bedside table. This frees several square feet of floor space after I get that monster out of there.

Looks like it is becoming a day for fall cleaning and major donations. I also got exercise walking the dogs, so it is a well-rounded declutter and accountability day.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Nov 11 - 11:13 PM

TV and other stuff dropped off at Goodwill. The guy there said that if they work they keep them in the store and sell them, otherwise they go to the recycle center. I told him it works perfectly, but it's just too big for my house at this point. I hope someone who has a converter box enjoys this set. I'm looking forward to a more streamlined operation in a few days.

More paper recycled, breakfast table cleared. Dishes finished, laundry finished. Sleeping in tomorrow (no early dog walk).

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 13 Nov 11 - 03:46 AM

Felt a bit low yesterday so didn't do much.

It turned out that I had set the trap wrong, so the bait was gone without the gate coming down. I reset it correctly - the instructions on the box are pretty poor, no piccies, but I have a friend who has one and knows. During the day it tripped three times with nothing inside. The last time, well after dark, I just left it. This morning, it looks as if the bait has gone, which is very odd - the wires are very close together, and the bait was jammed into the plate which trips the gate firmly.

I'm going to put tape round the trip mechanism. Calling it a mechanism is a bit of an exaggeration - a thick wire connected to a plate inside the cage has a 90 degree bend and rests gently against a long matching wire which holds up the gate. Too gently. So I think if I put masking tape around the two wires where they touch, it should make it a little less susceptible to a passing breeze, while still being sensitive enough to something tugging at the meat.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 13 Nov 11 - 04:13 AM

Plus, the second time I went out to reset, I came in and spotted my camping lamp was perching on an insecure surface, so I moved it to somewhere I thought more stable, whereupon it fell on the floor, and now doesn't work.

So I've spent £18 on a trap which doesn't work and need to buy a new lamp - we get power cuts in winter at times. All for one rat.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Nov 11 - 10:12 AM

Oh, Penny! It's one of those weekends, eh? The fall may have broken the bulb so check that before you replace the whole thing. I also have a camping lantern, a Coleman one that I use around the house every so often, not just when the power goes off. Sometimes I forget to take the laundry off the line before dark, for example. :)

I was going to sleep late this morning, but I woke at 6:30 anyway and decided to get started. I've been clearing space in my sun room by starting with the small refrigerator in there that didn't sell in the garage sale. I hadn't had time to clean it and I'm sure the mildew on the gasket was off-putting, but now it looks fine and is plugged in to see how well it works. Maybe I can keep my gardening things and seeds in there.

I wiped down and packed up a bluetooth phone I bought when I switched my house phone to a cell phone. Some of you may remember that I was going to put the cell phone next to this base and have a few wireless phones around the house tuned to it. That didn't work, and I never use this one, so it's going in eBay. I have all of the packing materials and the box, so I staged it for photos this morning, and I have a number of other items to list.

I'm hoping to keep being productive here, but Susie is doing a reception at her house today (and a memorial - the pastor from their church in Houston is flying up with a friend and will be there this afternoon, so she's pulling out all the stops to have the house looking good and the food ready). Yesterday I was up there a couple of times helping out, and won't be surprised if a "help!" call comes in at some point. Her house is so pretty - she is a retired art teacher, so she not only has a great decorating eye, she has made a lot of the things on the walls and tabletops. Don't we all wish for the day we can use our own art to decorate our homes? Reminds me that I could at least mount some of my photos on the walls here.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Nov 11 - 12:31 PM

My absolutely wonderful husband let me catch up on some much needed rest yesterday. I took a good 5 hour nap after Weight Watchers. I'm up 3.5 pounds but that's better than I thought it would be. I spent the last 2 weeks at the hospital and at hospice with my family while my uncle was dying. I can honestly say that I am sick of fast food, junk food, etc. It was simple, mindless (very) and fast....all of which we needed.

So...I'm home now and have been busy. The car has been emptied, everything put away, half the dishes are done, the floor has been swept, carpet vacuumed (THANK YOU PETE FOR PUTTING THE NEW BELT IN), toys have been picked up, mail sorted, table somewhat found, laundry is going, we had a date last night...found a FANTASTIC new sitter who I am most comfortable with (she has a 4 year old and Jeremiah loves playing with him) and I am glad to be here.
    I'll be putting a pot roast in the crock pot relatively soon.

Lots of things went wrong last week, stretching my incredibly small family to the limits. We circled the wagons and have gotten through the middle of things and now for the after effects. It's going to take a while.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Nov 11 - 02:15 PM

Michelle, good luck with all of the ongoing family stuff. It isn't easy.

I've spent time today on things that needed doing, but now I have to turn to stuff that must be done. It's easy to get sucked into facebook and such, but I've done a good job of making my computer time brief.

I will add before I get up that I heard an interesting discussion on The People's Pharmacy yesterday (program 835) called "Ancient Moves for Joint Relief." It spelled out why Yoga and some of these other routine's (like Kat's qi gong or tai chi) work the way they do. Fascinating. For the next few weeks you can stream this program free.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 03:37 AM

I now think that what has been taking the bait is the mouse. Yesterday the bait was twice moved to the side and part way through the wires (but it was too big) without tripping the trap. The gap is big enough for the mouse to get through. Yesterday it could have tripped the trap and then escaped.

The lamp is LED bulbs, so it is more likely to be a connection - but all the places it might be are sealed so I can't get in to check. I've another, cheaper, with more LEDs, otherwise identical, but got at Lidl. I can't get a replacement there, though, until they have it in again.

I've a list of broken things I don't really want to spend out on until money comes in. The lamp, a battery recharger (the sort that also works on alkali batteries) and my pedal exerciser. Nuisancy things.

On the good side, I have now lost six pounds. Though I can't see any effect, some trousers are feeling a bit more comfortable, and one pair is affecting teenage suspension.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 10:26 AM

Today I have some yardage for eBay, left from an estate. No luck offering some nice back issues of magazines to a company that sells them - they answered saying that they operate with economies of scale that require they purchase lots of 200 or more. I'll try listing a few for .99 plus shipping and see if that has takers - that's what this company charges for most of their back issues of this magazine.

I made a lot of progress in the house this weekend. I keep thinking I'll be dealing with fall weather, cooler, headed toward winter, but it's very warm today so at lunch I may go out and cut down some of the okra. There is a cage thing that is left from the garage sale - I thought it was a kennel but it isn't, and it has only 4 tall sides, no top or bottom. I'll set it up with fence posts and start a new compost pile in it. This is an experiment to see if I can keep the dogs out of the kitchen veggie trimmings. I'm tired of the bin I've been using, it's always a big job to empty it.

Penny, there are some LED flashlights for sale over here for very low prices. I have a very bright one (~15 lights together) that was all of about $4. If you can't get any of those there maybe I can send you a couple.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 01:30 PM

SRS, we have a cage thing like that. Bought it from Drs. Foster & Smith, online. It actually is for penning critters. Obviously, they have to be unable to push it over or climb out, but it's worked well for small dogs, cats on grass whilst being watched,closely etc. We even put a wire top on it, and attached it to the house in WY, so the cats could go through a cat flap in the garage, right into the "cat house" on the grass. They loved it.

Still just getting small, steady things done around here. It's a weird time...still seems strange not having Morgan almost daily.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 02:19 PM

This is four panels of wire but there are hinges only on three corners so I'll have to fasten the fourth corner to make it work and keep the dogs out. I'll probably use some kind of clamps.

Yesterday I staged and photographed some things for eBay and this evening I'll get started listing more of them, but I'm heading up to Susie's for dinner tonight - she has a lot of leftover lasagna. Some of it is frozen and the rest is for dinner. Mmmm!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 02:31 PM

We have a large pen like this....I think it has 8 panels and is 4 feet high. We always used it for puppies or for our tiny silky terrier. In warm weather, it works nice for chicks too (with a piece of plywood over top) until they are big enough to be with the grown hens.


I'm overhauling the kitchen today and have laundry going.

At the moment, the baby is down for a nap and I think I'm going to spend some time creating some beadwork. It's something new I've started and I'm really enjoying it. People seem to like what I'm making and a few people have already asked me if they could purchase some of my work. I'll be applying for a business license at the beginning on next month and then we'll get things underway. A little extra income never hurt anyone! Today I am making a bracelet for my aunt...a combination of her favorite color and my uncle's favorite color. I'll be sending it out with a haiku that I wrote just for her.   I know it won't take the hurt away but maybe it will help her feel a little closer to him. That's my hope, anyway.

I'm also working on an emergency basket to keep in the car for the upcoming cold weather. Anybody else do that? What do you keep in yours?

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 04:05 PM

Ours came with two carabiner(sp) clips on the open side.

Michelle, we don't pack much here unless we're going out of town, but in WY here were a few things:

candles
matches
space blankets
small cans to hold lighted candles
coffee can to pee in (one family I knew had to use the mom's purse. It was during a blizzard)
drinking water

Other things I could think of include,

can opener
plenty of non-perishable foods
multi-purpose tool
scissors,
sharp knife
sandbag or two
tarpaulin
rope
chains if you need them for traction
flares
flashlight and spare batteries
warm coats, bedding, extra clothing of everything, esp. socks

I'm sure there's more:-)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 07:49 PM

Almost forgot, very important: shovel!

About 50 minutes qi gong this evening.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 02:40 AM

It's just constantly grey and damp here at the moment, and about 10C.
The carcases have started to go into the kitchen, and the cooker has been unpacked, and moved into there. The plumbers fitted the bath and the shower tray yesterday, too. The plasterer has nearly finished upstairs, and has the utility and hall area to finish off downstairs.
I am off this morning to sort out floor coverings, as we want those in before we move the white goods in. It could be a couple of weeks before the fitters do it.

The family are definitely coming for Christmas, so I have to get bedroom furniture sorted too!
7.35am, I'm still in bed and I can hear the plasterer getting ready to start work. better get up and do something useful!

Good luck with the trap, Penny! Congrats on the weight loss! I have a mouse in one of my sheds (we had an eyeball to eyeball meeting) but he can stay there. He's got enough on his plate dodging the cat!

Michelle, it's lovely you are home after your whirlwind of the last couple of weeks. I agree, there is only so much junk one can eat, but it does serve a purpose at the time.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 03:37 AM

Thanks for the offer of flashlight, SRS. We do have those over here, too. I'm looking for the lantern type of thing that will stand and illuminate reading and so on. Yesterday's search showed that all the thiings of that sort hereabouts are either windup rechargeables or lead acid rechargeables. 90 seconds is a long time for 20 minutes light. And both sorts need frequent recharging and use to maintain the battery. That doesn't fit the way I use them, and I've already lost two by failing to keep tabs on the battery state. The broken one used ordinary batteries, and that's what I'm looking for. I'll be in another area today, so will try there.

I'm quite happy about the mouse, but it does rather spoil the rat catching attempt if it runs off with the bait. Last night the trap tripped, but again it is empty. The mouse clears up the spilt bird seed, and seems to have a relationship with the robin in that it appears when the bird is about.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 12:39 PM

Hand crank (dymo) rechargeable lantern.

I have several items ready to go on eBay, photos taken, shipping worked out, just need to post them.

I have a bruise on the bottom of my right foot that is annoying; I may have to skip dog walking a couple of mornings and let it clear up without reinjuring it.

Running errands today, I'll keep the number of steps brief. And I need to look into stretching exercises in case this is something like they described on the People's Pharmacy last weekend. Did anyone else here that or go visit the link?

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 03:40 PM

Today I worked on our budget and paid quite a few bills. I also ran errands (garbage tags, post office, bank) in town, did a little bit of grocery shopping and now the baby is down for a nap. The gas companies have started doing something major at the well pad nearest our home. The pad itself has been there for a little over 2 years with not much activity but recently they paved a path (think 3 dirt roads now paved) directly to their well pad. I'm thinking they are going to set up shop there for awhile. Joy. (Not).

I stopped taking Ambien about a month ago and am sleeping just fine..HOORAY. The past few nights, however, I've been having dreams that are disturbing....ok, horrifying on many levels....and someone suggested that it's the Ambien working it's way out of my system, a withdrawal of sorts. Anyone ever hear of that or experience it?

And today, Jeremiah said Mama for the first time!! He has said it before in a string of babble but today he was looking for my direct attention.

My heart melted into a puddle on the spot. :)

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 09:06 PM

"Mama!" = Falling in love all over again, eh? :-D

The rest of the week is rather busy. I'll come up for air every so often. I have overlapping meetings to plan for the same group, so I need to be careful not to confuse arrangements for the two. The second one is close to my Mudcat heart - we have Jed Marum coming to perform for the library's holiday meeting! How many years has it taken for them to listen to my suggestions? I've only gotten a couple of other friends or acquaintances in over the years.

Necessary shopping today, dog food, Rx, resulting in the cook's tour of town. I think I may be going to my daughter's college home for Thanksgiving - that will be a first - so I may reserve my big cooking plans for a couple of weeks until my son is home and she can come down and we can have everyone together at one time.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Nov 11 - 10:09 AM

50 minutes of qi gong, yesterday morning. Sleep lab last night, so probably won't get much done, today; they kicked me out at 6am!

Michelle, meant to send my condolences on the loss of your uncle. Having a young one around at such a time may be trying, but such an affirmation of the continuity of life. And, now "Mama!" What fun!

Nice to see everyone plugging away.

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: ClaireBear
Date: 16 Nov 11 - 12:59 PM

No progress on anything external 'cause I'm still sleeping on a neighbor's couch (thank you, Daja!), but inside, where it most counts right now, I'm decluttering a little more each day.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Nov 11 - 01:30 PM

You've taken a radical approach to managing a divorce, Claire, that is certain! It takes a while to get over either of these events, let alone pile them atop each other.

Looking forward to some changes in the kitchen soon. Will report later.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: ClaireBear
Date: 16 Nov 11 - 01:34 PM

Kinda seemed as good a time as any, as we no longer had nearly as much property to split up...

I am making overly light of it of course, but homestly I felt the universe was sending me a clear message (been getting a lot of those lately) to get on with what I already knew I'd need to tackle, and I'd better pay attention.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Nov 11 - 02:38 PM

I'll bet you'll be glad you did pay attention and please know, though you may make light of it, we have pretty big shoulders (and experience using/offering them), collectively, and are here to help as we are each able.

{{{{{Claire & Martin}}}}}

BTW, Morgan asked me if you guys were going to "come over, again.":-)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Nov 11 - 12:25 AM

This evening the UPS guy delivered the 26" Vizio that I'd ordered (from NewEgg: reconditioned, $100 less than the lowest retail I could find) and it is PERFECT! I moved the holder on the wall over 16" to the next stud (it needs the wood to support it, no drywall is going to hold up 13 or so pounds). This is large enough to glance at from the kitchen counter or from the dining area table.

On that counter this evening I breaded and cooked 2 large chicken breasts (cut into strips) and an eggplant that had grown below my frozen garden (under the frost damage). I made two Pyrex pans of chicken and eggplant Parmesan (foil lined dishes, so they will slip out after freezing and go into plastic bags, until time to bake them in the original Pyrex pans). They'll be perfect later this winter. I also had some of it for dinner tonight, so this effort contributed to at least three dinners. :)

The 19" LED television that was in the kitchen will go in the bedroom, where on a night stand it is plenty big enough. There are still two CRT televisions in the house, but for now they'll stay put.

The Government reports of sales figures for last month were reported today, and they said that the purchase of various appliances and small electronics was up 001.5%. Last month I spent $10 on a radio for the greenhouse. Who knew that one purchase would affect government reports, eh? I wonder what we'll hear about November? Here I am fueling growth in the economy all by myself. The cash for the TV came from the garage sale. It's a wash, but the feds don't need to know that. I have several things on eBay now that will go to my xmas spending. That's probably part of the underground economy. :-)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Nov 11 - 10:07 AM

I had to rearrange the wire rack shelves when I put up the larger television, and I may move things some more.

Today I'll need to spend a little time rearranging the dog kennel. We are going to have Zeke here for the week and I want there to be several well-defined sleep areas for them (since there are only 2 dog houses, the whole space has to be inviting for sleep). I change the hay in there every few weeks and this time I'll rearrange the plastic dog houses.

Thanksgiving is still up in the air. We may be going up to my daughter's house this year - the adventure of Thanksgiving as cooked by college students.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Nov 11 - 05:18 PM

Bit of a rant here: Why is it that when you decide that a task that needs to be done for someone else needs to be researched and done correctly, and when you get all of the right forms and do it the way they say that want you to do it, that they find all sorts of things wrong and missing? Aarrgggghhhh!!! I'm not clairvoyant. I didn't get the time to go work on the kennel area, I had to finish this and then leave the house early to deliver it.

Feeling fall-like today. I'm going to a lecture tonight and I'll dress in layers so if it's over-warm in the crowded hall I don't suffocate after going indoors from a 50^o day.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Nov 11 - 11:07 PM

Okay, me again. Mostly just to raise it to the top.

I ate chocolate this evening. A very nice Cherry Garcia ice cream on a stick (after a talk by Ben and Jerry themselves!), so I'll be careful to wear gloves and avoid irritants and see if I can put chocolate occasionally back into the diet. I really don't want to be allergic to it. :-/

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 12:39 AM

So you went to a lecture by Ben & Jerry? How kewl is that?! Good luck with chocolate. I told a doc I didn't think I could live without a tiny bit each day. He said he couldn't either and would not ask it of me.:-) Of course, if there were an allergy all bets'd be off.

I surprised myself and cleared off my library table which is used for jewellery making in the old office. It had become a catch-all for all kinds of stuff, so I put most of it away. I can now sit down and create, if the mood hits.

This weekend I am going to pack up at least one shelf of swapbooks which just haven't moved; I think they are too popular, so quite easy to get. They came from my daughter via her office swap. I'll donate them to the animal rescue store.

We have errands to run tomorrow morning, then a guy is coming over to look at our son's Blazer; probably going to buy it, which is good as he is without a running vehicle on the eastern slope. He'll use the cash from this sale for a down payment on something over there.

I thought Morgan and parents were going to be gone for Tksgiving, but now Morgan is telling me they may not go, so maybe we'll get together. We'll see. He has the entire week off next week. That's a first for any school system I've been in. He'll be over here a bit to visit and maybe make a surprise post to his b-day thread.:-)

Not much else. The sleep study Tuesday night went well, except I didn't get much good sleep. I'm almost caught up, now. Turns out the mask I have is too big (I'd asked for a smaller one last Spring only to be told the "small" I had was it.) Surprise, surprise, there is a "petite" size which is winging its way to me, now, and should improve my sleep and CO2 levels a bunch. I am almost down to normal range for CO2, so that is really good news.

My weight had been up and down as the docs messed with meds, but I seem to have stopped that with a losing streak...down about six pounds over the past 3-4 weeks. Yes!

Saw a PDF proof of the e-book version of WindWords, last night, and verified it was correct, so...any day now, I'll get my file copy and they will finally be sending it out to retailers. And, thanks to SRS's help, I have a picture for the cover of Prairie Child. I may tweak it just a bit more, but it passed muster of a couple of folks whom I trust (after Maggie did her magic) and I think it will be okay for an ebook. Maggie, I have been unable to find the original.

And, now t'bed!

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 05:29 AM

We've exchanged contracts on Dad's house, so I went and ordered a new car, a Skoda Fabia, due in March after being specially built with my extras near Prague.
My own sale has been glitched, since the solicitors have changed and moved my business to Ashford which is about 50 miles away. I haven't heard anything since a phone call telling me the buyers had raised queries.
I'm watching a tree surgeon trimming a tree which is near death and has been since I moved here. He seems to be working alone on a rope, gradually removing side branches. No, there's someone else below now. I have a few photos. They've done a lot of trimming back at the last place. All the trees I liked to look out at from my bedroom have been reduced to poles. Another good reason not to be there.
I have caterpillars in my new place, on the top floor. A couple appeared on my bedroom walls a few weeks ago, about a quarter of an inch long, dark brown and furry. Then three or four, about half an inch, the other side of the house, trapped in the bath, followed by one on the bathroom windowsill, and another smaller one on the basin. This morning another half inch one legging it across my bedroom floor. I don't know what they are eating. In the bathroom are plants, an African violet, a Christmas cactus, another succulent, and an
Aloe vera. There was what appeared to be frass under the cactus the other day, but I can't see any on the plant. I would expect them to have been much closer together, not spread out across two rooms. I haven't see any on the landing or in the other rooms.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 10:14 AM

The thread quieted and almost fell of the page, but now this morning here is a burst of activity - houses selling, trees trimming, cars being built and books and jewelry on the horizon. Kat, that was a real fast job on that photo, just to show you what was possible. I have some work I'm finishing for Bobert this weekend and I'll take time and make that fence look a little more like the rest of it, and see about making the contrast a little better.

I have been hunting for my good pruning shears (the variety we used to call "loppers" when I worked for the Forest Service). I fear they may have disappeared or been buried during the garage sale adventure. If they don't turn up I'll use a saw and take out the dead okra so I can put in some more broccoli and a couple of cabbage plants. And I need to dig the beds where later my Irish potatoes will go.

Last week my electrician didn't put on the new thermostat, he said that's something the furnace and A/C folks would do, but I have instructions for it and will give it a try this weekend. It's time to turn on the heat and this is the part of the year I need the programming to operate.

Claire, how long do you think it will take to work pulling items from the house? Is anyone offering deadlines, or is it your call? How is the weather there now?

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 11:53 AM

It's a beautiful early winter day here...bright blue skies, fluffy clouds and a dusting of twinkly snow. I love days like this!!!!

I've been busy putting away groceries, rearranging a few cupboards, cleaned everything off the top of our fridge and decided to use it for appliance storage (Nesco Cooker, Ninja, Iced Tea Maker, Mixer, etc. I put the things I use most in easily reachable places and am liking it. :) I am using the cupboard where I had some of these appliances stored for canned items. I also rearranged the contents of one of the jelly cupboards in the kitchen which should make finding things a LOT easier. I have a ton of dishes to do but that wait until the baby takes a nap. He likes to *help* when I load the dishwasher and we both end up frustrated. It's just easier to do it when he is napping or otherwise occupied. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: ClaireBear
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 12:46 PM

Yesterday while I was at work, my neighbor and her (adult) children built me a tent platform and erected my tent. It's not furnished yet, but it will be soon, which means I'll have someplace private to go when I can no longer stand the level of conviviality that's prevalent in my neighbors' house. I'm fairly reclusive by nature, so it's been really hard having noplace to go other than their one-room house.

Good thing I had practice with tent living last winter, when I had a choice! That will make it easier this year.

I went to the motor home this morning (that's where my soon-to-be-ex will be sleeping, once he gets heat for it...yeah, he's a wimp) and pulled out some bedding and -- yay! -- some surviving stuffed animals for Martin (OK, for me too); most of his (and mine) were thrown out by the cleaning crew due to smoke damage, which made both of us really sad. One of my lamented stuffed critters (Terry Bear) was given to me by my grandmother when I was about 2. Sniff.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 01:54 PM

Claire, how about photos? Have you found and rescued any of those? As for the toys, I think you'll find that the ones you have now can serve as mnemonic devices for remembering the previous toys.

I listed more on eBay - lots of watchers but no bids yet on stuff listed a few days ago.

We haven't heard from Susan for a while - take it easy in all of that family stuff - keep yourself intact for when you go home to your own family!

Looking forward to a productive weekend here.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: ClaireBear
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 02:15 PM

I'm lucky; most of my photos were in one closed box on a very low shelf in my room, so they didn't get smoke damaged. They're being stored, with everything else, until the house is restored to wholeness.

I only wish I were a more prolific photographer -- not much memorable was in there! I can never be bothered to take photos.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 02:16 PM

Plastering done, kitchen carcases nearly all fitted, all upstairs architraves and skirtings fitted, new boiler in (but not running yet). Upstairs cupboards to be finished yet, worktops to be fitted, decorating still to do, utility to be fitted. Loos and basins to be fitted, plus most radiators. Electrician hopefully coming on Monday, along with plumber and joiners.

The floorings are ordered and being fitted on 7th December. At some point, the outside space and the garden gate need to be sorted.

Once I can get stuff into the kitchen cupboards, I think there may be more de-cluttering needed! For once, I can't wait!

In one way or another, I think we've been a fairly active bunch!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 02:55 PM

Be nice to get the loos back in!

Maggie, thanks! Another Mudder thought it might be interesting to see how it looks in sepia tone, too. I can do that here, just to see if I like it or not. I'll let you know, okay?

I got a lot of walking in this morning. We went to the health food store, Goodwill, ReStore, and Sally Army stores. All to no avail, though we did get a maybe Christmas present for Morgan (drum set with USB connector!)

This afternoon we are dealing with our son's car sale (hope it goes through)and probably a bit of laundry, etc.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 03:15 PM

I've seen too much sepia tone over the years - many years ago my boss told us (those developing print projects) that he didn't want to see any more sepia, so we always had to made a good case for using it. I'd be tempted to save that as a gif or keep it as a png and try hand coloring it, make it look like the old post cards. Blue sky, green or gold grass, etc. Enlarge it great big and use a small brush to stay in the lines. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 03:21 PM

Oh! That sounds very interesting!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 06:21 PM

The surreal effect of the colors would distract from the lower contrast on the image, and it could be quite lovely. Use your artist's eye - and maybe let Morgan give you a hand. You'd need to figure the transparency level so the photo shows through, or maybe do several layers, one per color, so you can adjust them at will.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 08:56 PM

I got a LOT done today and I have to say, it feels SOOOO GOOD!!!

XOXOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: freda underhill
Date: 18 Nov 11 - 10:27 PM

ClaireBear - I'm very sorry to hear about the house fire, the sudden changes to your life, and the wusband. But pleased to hear about the good things that you saved, the tent and your courage in managing it all.

I should come to this thread more, particularly since I have created a chaotic environment here since travelling. I came home, travelled a bit more (to Tasmania) and then started pulling things apart with the idea of putting it all back together again, differently. ..

I had a beautiful dark wooden box in the living room which I decided to replace with an low, small table. I sold the box, and a large cabinet, to a friend. Out of the box came quilts, summer clothes, shawls and sewing projects (half finished).

I've managed to reorganise all the box contents into other storage - but the cabinet was full of CDs DVDs and books, and they are still all over my table and books are in piles on the floor. I had decided I use the CDs more when I canm see them (hence selling the cabinet) but..

I've bought some wooden CD containers, and have put two together (like bookshelves, but CD sized) but need to put two more together. Each one contains 150 CDs and 20 DVDs. I'll have two for my American CDs, one each for Australian and UK ones. Books - I'll have to plan them next.

I have the third shelf on the floor now, screwdriver and bits and pieces all waiting for me to finish it....

thanks for the inspiration everyone

freda

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Nov 11 - 12:26 AM

Freda, word of warming: I had to not only put my CDs where they were in sight, with my aging eyes and bifocal glasses I also had to put a good lamp next to the shelves so I can read the spines on all of my great CDs.

Tonight I revised one of my eBay items. I noticed that someone put up another used phone like the one I have, but they asked $5 less. Except when you look at my shipping versus theirs, they are gouging by charging $5 more to ship, so they aren't really asking any less. I said as much in a new paragraph in my auction. Stinky business, hiding the price difference, the least I could do is point it out.

Good meeting this evening, the photos I need to process soon, but probably not until Monday. I'm going to enjoy the weekend, I hope.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Nov 11 - 11:05 AM

Good luck on the ebay and relaxing weekend, SRS.

I have a program I can do that in, but it only saves proprietary format, so I'd have to print, scan, then save to jpeg. I don't remember half of what I ever knew to do in Photoshop, but will play around and see what I can come up with...I vaguely recall doing layers a few year ago.:-) Tks for ideas!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Nov 11 - 11:57 AM

Kat, there are lots of videos if you go to the Adobe tutorials, and there are lots of print answers if you go to the help pages.

Nice surprise this morning when I stepped on the scale. Down about three pounds. I haven't weighed myself for a while, because daily weighing can get a bit depressing if no change registers.

I've moved all of my houseplants into the sun room and cleaned them (plucked dry African violet leaves, etc) and need to see if I can't encourage my christmas cactus to bloom this year. I thought I saw some little buds, but they're not there now. I think they bloomed in January last year. Anyway, moving them clears up the counter of my kitchen queen (aka Hoosier kitchen) and I want that empty so I can use it as a staging area for whatever kind of holiday meal happens this week.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Nov 11 - 11:14 PM

Productive day. I mowed the front yard and paused in the mowing to pull all of my soaker hoses from the foundation and garden in the side and front yard. I left two hoses for watering vegetables. I was able to use the mower to knock down the tall grass at the edges, but I'll have to find and order a fuel line for my line trimmer. For now it looks okay.

Banana bread is in the oven, ready to mail on Monday to my son. This will be part of a care package for over the Thanksgiving break. He's not coming home, he has plans to play "Skyrim," a new Elder Scrolls game that is in a series he loves. I'll mail a Priority package on Monday that will arrive hopefully on Wednesday. There is no food service on campus, but since he has been there for over a year he knows how to ride a bus to restaurants, or to pick up fast food nearby. And bread for in his room. We get him for almost a month over the holiday break and I'm looking forward to that.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Nov 11 - 12:41 AM

Thanks, Maggie. I'll take a look at some of those tutorials. The banana bread sounds delicious. I remember when my older sister was in college they weren't allowed to have any kind of food or cooking appliances at all in their rooms, except for a popcorn popper. The old-fashioned kind that had a base with a metal coil, it was electric, and a metal pot that sat on top for the popcorn, and of course it had a lid. She used it to cook all kinds of things besides popcorn including soup.

We invited Morgan over this morning to give him his birthday present, a Mudcat T-shirt. We had a lot of fun. I found an online 3-D animation program for him using Legos which he was just starting to learn when it was time for him to go home. it looks like a lot of fun. While Roger went to buy us lunch, Morgan decided it would be a nice way to say thank you to Papa if he were to take out the trash. so that is one weekend chore Rog won't have to do. while we were working on the computer we listened to the This Is Us – Sky CD. It's the first time Morgan really has listened to it closely. He really enjoyed it and had a quiet smile at the end when he heard himself.

I boxed up of about 30 books from the paperback swap shelf, with Roger's help. I deleted them from my paperback swap account and we will donate those to one of the pet rescue places.

In between doing all that and having to run out to a remote live shot for the television station, Roger also changed the thermostat in our car this afternoon. it was chilly work as it has been overcast and no higher than about 49° today. It's supposed to get down to 32° tonight.

Tomorrow we'll go buy more birdseed and a few other things. There are the floors and dishes to clean and clothes to fold and put away. Just the usual. We will be also sorting out various sound devices on my computer including the microphone. At the moment I have to turn it on manually each time I want to use it and turn down the volume of everything else. But Roger knows what to do and has promised to make it a priority. I told him I'm putting it in writing here LOL!

Hope you all have had a good weekend and haven't had to be too busy unless it was a fun busy. Take care,

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Nov 11 - 12:45 PM

I've been designing a personal start page to live on my computer. I really like most of the iGoogle page, but the bookmark application is seriously flawed and no one is repairing it. It keeps losing my bookmarks on my home page (different that bookmarks you save in the browser at the top of the page, these live at Google and can be reached from any computer when I log on). I'll set the browsers to open the page I made and the iGoogle page at the same time.

Washer is running, some kitchen chores finished, and rain has threatened but it never comes. I suspect that as soon as I go out to do something in the yard the storm will start. :-/

Looks like a good week to take an extra day or two off, if I can get everything out of the way tomorrow. That's a tall order, but I'm motivated!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Nov 11 - 07:26 PM

I've used that newly-designed page some, it's working well. I had one with just simple links in a table but this one is more visually appealing. I moved those links over and added a couple of other things to it, changed the fonts, etc.

This afternoon I decided to finally wire my new programmable thermostat on my heat pump. It went well, but there is one wire left over. Darn. I don't need the furnace on tonight so I'll leave the power off and call the furnace folks in the morning for their advice. They may well say to double it up with another line, but I may have to pay for a service call for them to look at it for sure.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Nov 11 - 07:35 PM

Andrea! You are getting there!!
Claire: we who have been there, walk with you.

I am having lots of tired eye syndrome and only can stay on computer for short times. So I am missing a great deal both here and on my raccoon sites, and elsewhere.

The Craft Fair on Saturday was OK but disappointing. I had hoped for more but we really did not get the people where I was that they had on the main floor. However, something is better than nothing. It was a great deal of work getting ready and now I need more places to peddle pots. I did have some nice chats with people and some interest in lessons and doing something in a school.

So I am going to focus on mugs for a couple venues - trying out shapes and colours and sizes. This has required getting over the "I HATE making mugs!" syndrome and viewing mug-making as a sort of meditation. I am looking forward to it now.

Just had a visit from "bro". He blithered on and on and I finally ascertained that he had been doing something on R's cell and "I'll give it to you when I get this straight". R got out of the vehicle in front of the house and "Isn't he here" . Well I guess you upset him and he went for a walk. "Well, I...................." Basically, he was meant to meet R about 1 pm to get some specific, need daylight, things done and showed up about 5, by which time R had come home for lunch - and it is dark. So he blithers on about what he was doing and has to do and I keep saying "I don't need to hear this." And finally, "You smell of petroleum products and its making me sick!!" So he left R's phone with me. I put it to charge and expect R will show up after he decompresses. Meanwhile important things did not get done and bro acts as tho he did a day's work when all he did was totally mess up R's day. All gone.

In Quaker meeting this morning, this surfaced: How many fragilities each of us has; how difficult it is to recognize, accept, respond, if necessary, in a neutral or positive manner to those fragilities of others when we are dealing with our own - some of which we may not even have recognized or accepted and have trouble dealing with in ourselves.

And this arose out of my early morning fury and despair that, once again, he did not wash before getting into bed, in spite of 2 and a half years of my reciting about my environmental problems and my fear of getting sicker and ongoing attempts to stay healthy, to be healthy. His work environments are filled with dusts, sawdust, machinery, things that exude odours which get on his clothes... So I tried once again when he was having lunch to calmly and clearly ...

He came home last night about midnight and then went out to a birthday party. I was snoring at the time so he did not awaken me. If he could have let me know in advance, I would have liked to go, partly because he gave P a picture I found at a yard sale - an architects rendition of an ice palace in Montreal a hundred years ago. P, a retired professor of architecture, was delighted. Well, at least it is one less piece of clutter here!

OK, so I focussed on pottery and now I guess I will continue to do so for another couple weeks. Then I will give up on waiting for R's input and focus on getting the cabin the rest of the way organized. The public areas are just fine but the other two rooms and books onto shelves, pictures onto walls, more room for clothing to be organized for winter. Repair the lovely little chest of drawers for the BR. And more organization of tools and pottery stuff in the studio. Getting the traffic flow (of pots) as efficient as possible.

The city house is so discouraging, I just come and go and ignore the chaos. The dishes and clothes get washed, meals made - at least breakfast tog. most days, the plants fed and watered and not much else. I feel faced with another winter of not feeling I want any company in here and certainly not for a meal.

Dance 2/week until the winter break; the more I dance the better I feel.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Nov 11 - 07:38 PM

SRS: look at the directions again! My son did mine in about ten minutes. Your computer expertise boggles my mind. Surely you can do a thermostat.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Nov 11 - 09:22 PM

Dorothy, It's a simple matter of labeling the wires (sticky labels were provided) as you take them off of the original wall plate, then lining them up with those spots on the new plate. But there is an extra wire leftover and an extra hole that asks for a different wire that I don't have. So I will have the furnace guys tell me where the W2 wire goes.

Made an interesting dinner tonight - took a can of stewed tomatoes, cut up a 1/4 pound link of smoked sausage and warmed it in a skillet, boiled a small amount of pasta, sprinkled in some cheese, a little wine, and stirred it all together. Kind of a bulky tomato soup. It was pretty good - but I'd do the cheese differently next time. I mixed it in early and should have mixed it in after it was hot. This is my Atkins approach - low glycemic index stuff (the pasta is whole wheat) and hoping to take another 3 pounds off next month.

All of the laundry is finished. I'm going to run the dishwasher in a while, when I finish baking, and leave it at that. Another loaf of banana bread is in the oven and will go in the box and be mailed tomorrow morning. I was going to wait to get the new box spring and mattress but the rain held off so I did pick it up (from my ex's garage). I had two loaves of banana bread made yesterday and I gave one to him as a thanks for driving over to help unload these into the daughter/guest bedroom.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Nov 11 - 12:07 AM

A small note: eBay is such an odd place at times to do business. I've had a discussion going with a woman today who offered a low-ball bid on an auction that had a lot of followers but didn't sell. I've relisted rather than take her snotty offer, and my research and price are sound. At the same time I was able to assure a woman in Australia that the eBay shipping calculation on a package she wants is way lower than the shipping wizard gave her. So she's really happy that she bought the item, while the other one has offered a rather churlish demeanor. I choose to take energy from my happy bidder than let the snotty one ruin my day. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 21 Nov 11 - 04:03 AM

I'm down another pound this morning! I do weigh every day, because if I don't, I'll get out of the habit. I've been on a plateau for several days, but not worrying about it. It does that, then jumps down. So long as it doesn't go up again, I'm happy. Quite surprised today, in fact, because I ate biggish meals over the weekend, and an extra one yesterday because I felt very hungry in the evening.

I've been recluttering. Since the money is coming in at last, I took the opportunity of a promotion day at John Lewis to buy a new Freeview decoder/recorder. I have got so fed up with the software on the old one. Every so-called "upgrade" reduces the faciilities it offers me. So the loss of a favourites list means I have to scroll through drivel and dirt channels I don't want in the house, and the timing system seizes things up and now chops off the final punchline of programmes. And every week it pushes adverts for its pay-to-view sports channels ontot the hard drive and the screen. I don't like the assumption that the default watcher is male, and wants a) sport, and b) porn, with the on-line documentation pointing out that this will not show up on bank statements as what it is. It isn't moral. So the new system will not be tied up with a company like this. I'm not sure what to do with the old one. Is it moral to sell it, when it is encouraging men to keep secret from their families what they are watching? Answer - no. More money written off. I can't even give it away to charity.

The only good thing that has come out of it is that while scrolling through the shopping channels, which, hitherto, I had regarded with some scorn, I came across a version of the Remoska I needed to replace. It was a) cheaper than the recently much increased price at the original source, and b) had improved features. If I had wiped it off the choices, I would not have made that saving. So I can set it off against the loss on the decoder.

But then there's the extra decoder I had to buy while it wan't working properly to balance against it, as well. Oh well.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Nov 11 - 04:36 AM

Well so far I only have a single joiner here. I have no idea if/when the plumber and electrician will be coming. Nothing was 100% promised, and the plumber could be on a call-out to somebody's leak/busted boiler. Getting the electrician to commit to come is even harder. My builder said on Thursday that he had been told they would probably come today. Ah well, it's only 9.30!

I'm getting a little frustrated now because I can see the thing coming together at last, and it seems to have slowed again. The place is a huge dusty mess, and I am in the mood to get it right for the festive season (and my guests). I will need to shampoo carpets, and at the moment I can't even SEE the machine under the piles of stuff in the corner of the dining room. I would at least vac, but there's not much floor on view, partly due to the boxes of tiles stacked up in the living room doorway. My body has forgotten what it's like not to have to sashay its way round piles of whatever!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Nov 11 - 09:01 AM

Here we all are waiting for service or repair folks. It's too early to call my heating guy, but after 8 or 9 I'll try. Andrea, I'm sure your place will be so worth the wait when they all finished! This reminds me that I haven't seen new photos of my sister's new basement. They dug through concrete in specific places and put in new lower footers and support members then dug out all of rest of the concrete and lowered the dirt and poured a new floor. This was meant initially because she had to put in a new sewer line, but it also worked to get rid of the squeak in the floor above and to give six more inches headspace in the basement.

A care package full of banana bread is packed and ready for the post office this morning, and I'll drop it off on my way to an appointment.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Nov 11 - 02:25 PM

Box delivered, shopping done (had to pick up the Martinelli Sparkling Cider for the holidays!), back at the house just as the rain is starting.

Any luck on more workmen straggling in, Andrea?

Disappointing about the craft show, Dorothy. Have you sold any of your work on Etsy? Several of our declutter folks use it.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Nov 11 - 04:44 PM

I spent most of today in my kitchen taking care of little piles of things that are here and there and driving me crazy. I also cleaned the top cabinet doors, the jelly cupboards and did some dusting. I sorted out papers, threw out a ton of stuff (recipes I've been clipping but never, ever look at afterwards), cleaned up toys in the living room and did a few loads of laundry.

Jeremiah and I made a few Thanksgiving cards today...our first real craft project and we both loved it!!! YAY!!!

I've been slacking big time in the department of weight loss and I feel lousy about that. Today I restarted my WW at Week 1.

I'm also working on my Thanksgiving menu. We decided to keep it small and basic this year. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, squash, corn, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie for Pete and apple pie for my mom. I have a recipe for pumpkin fluff that would be 0 points if I used Fat Free Cool Whip. Since I don't like that, I'll be using the Lite Cool Whip. Lots of flavor, not all the fat, etc.

I'm not crazy about stuffing so my meal won't really be terribly unhealthy. I'm a mashed potato nut but since my mom makes them from scratch (she does the stuffing too), she uses skim milk and very little butter at my request (thanks Mom!!).

How about the rest of you...any plans for Thanksgiving?

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 21 Nov 11 - 06:38 PM

Cookie reset.
No more guys came. The joiner said he quite liked working on his own like that. He won't be here till tomorrow afternoon, but he said his work partner, Neil, might be here in the morning. No news from the plumber or the sparks. I just keep telling myself it won't be for much longer. The tradesmen are all giving me very old fashioned looks when I tell them the floor coverings are coming on 7th.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 Nov 11 - 07:01 PM

SRS: Etsy??? I have heard of it! But I am not yet geared to the concept of selling on line. It is totally daunting right now. I have, however, designed and produced business cards - french on one side, english on the other - which look OK. And today I sold 14 mugs to a coffee shop for cash. I am happy to wholesale, having long since learned about the high costs of craft shows, including the many hours of sitting rather than producing. So, having decided to make mugs with an attitude of meditation/mindfulness. They were long ago determined to be a loss leader as they are so time consuming; I have time and if the shop can sell them.... I look forward to playing with shapes and colours while sticking to the size needed for those pre-packaged individual servings - 8 oz and a litle leeway.

Some other good things may come out of the Fair: individual lessons, and a better kiln which the woman at the next both is wanting to sell - cheaply. Called her earlier but no response; will try again soon.

Having determined the cycle of start to finish takes seven days (if I push it), I hope to start a new batch on Wednesday - Tuesday is dancing! Weather report indicates I may need to go to country right after dancing to avoid nasty roads on Weds. Weather just below freezing most of this week. I need to consolidate materials in the studio which need to be kept from freezing -   Get them into one small area that can be easily heated.

R came in for lunch about 3 and brought a guest. We shared the ample meal with a francophone from the seniors residence around the corner. He was looking for help moving some of his worldly goods so I guess we will be doing that. After R left, he asked to use the phone -----for over an hour then asked I could give him some bread for his supper. All OK except that I could not communicate with him and I felt a bit invaded but mostly because of his fragrance - some after shave or something that was quite sickening to me. Otherwise he was fairly OK. I do hope he does not make a habit of coming back and "panhandling". I really cannot afford it. And I am terribly uncomfortable about not being able to communicate clearly.

Dancing tonight - if I feel up to it by 7:30. I feel more like bedtime!

Oh yeah! The resident mouse! Still with us. Nothing entices it into the trap - none of the suggestions I have tried. We caught a lesser mouse in the garbage a few days ago== "Quick R, take the garbage out!" He was loathe to exile the little guy! One down but .... still have the smart one. I actually felt it run along my arm in bed one morning! We store food carefully but I do tend to leave it little bits on the floor. We have some affection for this critter but I won't be buying it any African violets!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 12:13 AM

I just finished painting letters that spell out H~O~P~E in a bright yellow. Over Thanksgiving weekend I am going to plant my favorite spring bulbs and create a HOPE Garden. :) The letters should be dry by Friday or Saturday.

I will be planting dark purple crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, and grape hyacinths. Nice brightly colored flowers to look forward to!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 12:58 AM

Dorothy, Alice and Katlaughing have beautiful Etsy shops. It's a place where crafts folks can sell directly to the public without some of the fuss of eBay.

Susan we haven't forgotten you. It must be difficult, the work you're doing. Keep your head up and try to remember to do your own exercises while you're helping your sister.

My son has been hard to reach on the phone (he has a time of day that is okay for calls, but I never remember and call too early.) We chatted on facebook this evening - happily, he is spending Thanksgiving at a friend's house! I knew he'd eventually meet people who would take him home for the holiday. :) I suggested he take one of the banana bread loaves as on offering to the household - I don't know if he'll do that, but tomorrow I'll write again and suggest he take something. I'm kind of glad that he has such a soft spot for my banana bread that he doesn't want to share it.

It's raining and thundering out, but I haven't heard any hail. I'll leave the truck out and hope we don't have an early-hours hailstone assault. Putting the truck in the garage involves bringing dogs into the house (so Zeke doesn't charge out of the garage door). That sounds like it should be easy, doesn't it? :-/

I made a batch of tortillas tonight, trying out the new griddle. There were some cool spots, but I'll fine-tune it next time. I ate two, the rest are in the freezer.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 05:03 AM

I know an artist locally who planted a mass of golden daffodils to spell "HOST" at an installation in Scotland. This autumn he's planted "yellow" in blue bulbs, and vice-versa.

10 am. Not a tradesman in sight, although yesterday's joiner will be here this afternoon (I think) - he's fitting a couple of doors a few miles away this morning. I daren't go anywhere in case somebody turns up.

No WW for me this week, as I am off to Newcastle on Thursday to see "Time Gentlemen Please" - English trad meets street dance, from what I've seen.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: freda underhill
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 05:36 AM

Thanks SRS for the advice re placing CDs in a well lit spot. I had a great day yesterday putting together another CD storage unit and then putting CDs in it. Already the space here is much improved, another 120 CDs neatly stored.

That led me on to a spurt of sorting out documents = bills, letters, newsletters.

Lilyfestre and mouldy, the flower beds sound wonderful!


freda

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 12:06 PM

I've paid out a lot of cash this month to repair type people, but it has resulted in several improvements. Several years ago I had the electrician put a plug on my front porch and move one in the hall - every time I use those there is a little endorphin spike because I'm reminded of some change I had made that really needed to be done and made things easier. It will be the same with the thermostat and the plug for the greenhouse. So many things in our lives have stories - the work I did in this house when I moved in (I turned the original garage into two rooms and a hall and built a new one in the back yard - though I don't live in a historic district or structure like Andrea so I had to simply meet code). Those stories, when someone asks the question, can result in some great conversations.

Freda, I have yet to solve the problem of carrying CDs all around the house. I have some in my office, I have some in my bedroom, I have most of them in my living room. If I'm looking for a specific disc I sometimes have to hunt around in all of those places. :-/

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 12:17 PM

We keep a small flashlight near the CD collection and the stereo as well. I like the look of the black equipment but it's miserable to see sometimes!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 01:07 PM

Night Owl and I both use CD changers like THIS ONE. It works well as a storage container and, with speaker placement, can be heard anywhere in our small house. I love that it keeps them dust free and I don't have to handle them. When you enter the information about each one you can categorize them so that when you want to you can program it to play only certain ones for as long as you like, etc. it's really neat. I have to get a new manual for it. I have forgotten how to erase programming and start over and would like to alphabetize them which I did not do at first. I'm pretty sure they also have them with the capacity to hold 600 CDs.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 01:23 PM

Kat, if you find the manual, let me know - I could use a copy. I bought one at a garage sale and need to know something of the programming before I start setting it up. I need to run speaker wires and use the A/B setup on my receiver to run music out to the garage or to other parts of the house.

Michelle, I also have to use a flashlight to see the buttons on some of my black electronics.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Bettynh
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 01:36 PM

That manual is here (scroll down to User Manual)


The complete list is here

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 02:58 PM

Betty, THANK YOU!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 04:00 PM

I'd swear I looked for this a while back and couldn't find it. Thank you! I'll have to see if this is my exact model, but it looks like this site will have the exact one.

An eBay package was handed over to my postal carrier and is now hurtling on it's way to Australia, and I need to list more.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: freda underhill
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 07:56 PM

That CD changer looks good - I've never seen one in Australia. Am putting together the next CD shelf today!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 08:10 PM

They are really neat, freda. I found mine on eBay.

Here's a just for fun video from Kovel's antiques. I thought it would be fun for those of us who may have inherited odd bits of silver/serving ware and might be thinking of using some of them for the holidays: Click Here.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 09:06 PM

Silly me- I use kitchen shears to cut grapes, and the cake breaker looks like something to pick up fish or use with spaghetti . . . in some way or other.

Finished shopping, I think. I have avoided the worst of the rush. I have been in consultation with my daughter about staging the holiday dinner - knowing what you need to start early, what can cool, what needs to come out and be served immediately, and if she has enough cooking things to do all of this. She didn't want to disclose her plans, and said she thought they had plenty of cooking devices. Then I got a text inquiring about a convection oven that I bought in case one of the kids would need it (found for $5 at a garage sale, it hadn't been used much at all). I'll take that up with me. After 33 years of cooking Thanksgiving dinners (the first I remember cooking was in 1979 for friends at our apartment in New York City) I can't just turn it off. It's funny - I've thought of myself as still trying to get the hang of it the way my mother did it, and time has flown, and this many years have passed and now my daughter is starting to cook Thanksgiving dinner. Wow.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 23 Nov 11 - 06:34 AM

STILL no workmen. I wasn't expecting the joiners today, anyway. The builder is chasing up the electrician and the plumber. They are starting to hold things up. The floorings come in 2 weeks.
I can't nip out anywhere in case one or other of the tradesmen turns up, and it isn't that pleasant sitting amidst all this mess. Not only that, some of the interior ironwork fell down in my old stove yesterday afternoon, and I can't quite get it back properly. I may need Ernie, and at the moment there is no way his little rotund body is going to be able to comfortably work in front of the stove. So if the weather gets colder, so do I, at the back of the house.
Now, if the plumber was to come and get the central heating on....

Grumpy old woman mode engaged. Writing Christmas cards out for something to do. 63 done so far...

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Nov 11 - 09:56 AM

Andrea, it's a little chilly here also. I have my new thermostat but I don't have it completely programmed. I think I'll have to take the batteries out and start over. I was taking my time and I think I have to work through the program from beginning to end all at once. You need to perhaps start leaning on these guys a little, suggesting that they can make or break your holiday season by making heat and a place to cook available. And repay them with baked goods - creates lots of goodwill and may move the job along faster. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Nov 11 - 07:44 PM

Today was lovely so I dug up weeds in the garden (the soil was perfect after rain yesterday) in about a 2 square yard area. The way to get through all of it is not to see the whole area as something I'll never finish, but give myself the task to dig up a certain spot and then stop. So I dug it up, toted the weeds to the compost, planted some more broccoli and some cabbage bedding plants in a different more active bed, and called it a day. The okra was trimmed down to the living parts, as were the eggplant, and I may get a few more veggies out of those if the next freeze holds off. Sometimes it isn't until mid-December or later before it gets cold enough to kill it all.

I'll go cut some chard for dinner, and I have a very quiet evening and tomorrow morning since I'm not doing any more than baking rolls. It seems so strange. I picked up a turkey breast to cook on Friday - I must have leftovers even if I create them separate from the meal.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Nov 11 - 11:40 PM

Went to the country yesterday to avoid predicted precipitation today. Missed folk dancing but got some work done in the studio. Did detox bath and early to bed. Today - six inches of lovely white stuff. Threw about 35 mugs and did some other tasks. Came back to city by 7:30 but took the main roads as the back one was nasty.

Definitely need to consolidate clay and glazes to save on heating. The space is huge and most of it does not need heating. Still cogitating on the how of it.

Sure was nice to wake up in the trees - decorated with white stuff. One of the perks of the trip is crossing the St. Lawrence River. In the summer, I was impressed by the tree-lined shores. Even though it is built up on both sides, each shore was completely green. Imagine how beautiful it was when the French arrived in the 1500's - and thought they had found China! Hence, Lachine (la Chine). The Lachine rapids were too much for their ships. Later led to the building of the Lachine Canal - now the historic Lachine Canal with a bike/walking path and parkland on both sides!

Will go back down tomorrow to trim and put handles on the mugs so they can dry, get fired and be ready to go to the shop end of next week. Incredible bluesman Bat Taylor, in concert Sat night!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 24 Nov 11 - 03:53 AM

I got the builder onto them (they are sub-contracted to him), and things are now starting to happen. The joiners arrived today and said that apparently the plumber was waiting for them to fit the counter tops and sinks, so that he could plumb the taps and wastes in, along with doing some of the other jobs that are pending. This would have been resolved earlier, but the joiner who was working in the kitchen had been dragged temporarily onto another job to do some barrowing of concrete (they had to do the same for this job when my floor went in, because of the awkward access).

Anyway, I daresay I will see the plumber by early next week, if not, perhaps, tomorrow. I don't know why the electrician wasn't answering his phone. We were praying he hadn't hurt his back again, as the last time, he was laid up for 6 months. The one joiner, who came for a few hours yesterday afternoon, said he couldn't understand it, as the guy was the most rerliable electrician he had worked with.

Anyway, the builder said that his mother in law lived next but one to him, and he'd find out what was going on. later that evening I received a message telling me he would be coming on Saturday. It's a good job I hadn't anything planned for the first half of the weekend!

The job has got to the fiddly stage where all the different trades are having to juggle around each other, and their other job commitments. It will all suddenly drop into place.

Meanwhile, Happy Thanksgiving to all you Stateside people!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Nov 11 - 12:52 PM

Strangely quiet day here at the empty nest. :-| Dinner rolls are kneaded, shaped, and now rising. That's it for my dinner preparations.

I worked in the garden a little, walked the dogs, and am puttering around the house till it's time to change and drive up.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: GUEST,Folkie
Date: 24 Nov 11 - 03:43 PM

Stilly River Sage I know this is'nt the thread for this link but the last time I put any links up for Transatlantic Sessions 5 I was called all kind of names but I know you defended me ...thanks
so here are new links:-

http://www.network54.com/Forum/672272/message/1322166789/New+Links

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Nov 11 - 11:55 PM

Thanks - Did you try posting them in that thread again? I haven't looked (it's Thanksgiving here- I've been away, and I'm about to head to bed, but I'll look in the morning).

Thanksgiving went well; turkeys are always a challenge and the cook was less happy with the bird than everyone else was. I guess this is the way to get insight into one's own past thanksgiving dinners - I always grumble about the bird coming out too late or too early or too dry or not cooked enough- but the guests all seem to enjoy it and eat around anything that isn't up to par! ;)

I am exhausted. I'll check in tomorrow, see how Andrea's house is going, etc.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: GUEST,Folkie
Date: 25 Nov 11 - 05:29 AM

No I will NEVER post to that thread because of the way I was treated and the names called (they called me a racist.....which I am not) Thanks again for your support and I hope you have a great Thankgiving and enjoy the Transatlantic Sessions 5 (I promise there are no hidden Viruses on the links and it isn't a Torrent file that that stupid guy BTNG thinks it is....they are just links to MP4 files....that you watch on your TV)
If you want more of the series just ask and I will find more links

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Nov 11 - 09:58 AM

Folkie, out of curiosity, do you have any decluttering or exercise issues? Sometimes people wander into these threads and the see people rebuilding houses, clearing estates, selling art, moving things on eBay, and they stick around for a while. On your first topic, maybe we would benefit from a thread that simply discusses download options in this day and age and people can spell out the different types they use.

This morning it is calm and fairly warm, but I think rain and chill is headed here by evening. I need to finish some more digging in the garden, and I have a confession. The dark blue jeans I was wearing to my daughter's thanksgiving dinner last night were the same ones I wore the day before while digging. I hadn't gotten anything on me and they looked best with the colorful dressy blouse I paired with them for dinner. But as I was seated at the table I reached down to scratch my ankle and realized there was a bit of straw or something in the folded cuff of my pants and without thinking, I folded it down and back up - and looked to see what looked like the contents of a coal scuttle dumped onto the beige carpet! It was a pattern around my foot of dirt particles picked up in the yard. So embarrassing! They told me the carpet had seen much worse (I've seen it much worse!) but still! After a few minutes I stepped onto the porch and tipped the contents of the other cuff.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 25 Nov 11 - 12:57 PM

I'm just collecting together details for some items to put on ebay - and now have to put them on hold till tomorrow because of a free listings option. But I don't think I'm eligible as I have no history. I have a telscope eyepiece from I don't know where, and ancient ammeter (or similar), a pocket microscope with a history, and a box of wooden blocks originally for teaching density.

I saw the microscope, a neat design, on a fleamarket stall, and picked it up to look at. The stall holder was deep in a conversation with a friend. I took it out of the box and opened it up, putting the slide in place. The stall holder took no notice and continued her private chat. At some point, the slide snapped. I tried to catch her eye, but the conversation continued. I waited. No change. I moved about. No change. I replaced everything and put the box down. Nothing. Then I started to move away, to be accused of all sorts of bad behaviour. Naturally I bought it, and have replaced the slide. But I don't go near that stall any more.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Nov 11 - 01:52 PM

Penny, you can list them today and set them to start tomorrow, but they charge ten cents apiece on auctions to do that. Would that fit the criteria? Most low listings are free anyway. Starting an auction high can sometimes make it harder to sell, as will putting a reserve price on. Sometimes it's what you have to do, though, so free listings are good in that instance.

Three things sold this week. Don't add up to a lot, but they move more objects out of the sun room.

I'm playing old movies today and cooking, making a few leftovers that I didn't bring home yesterday. :) Mashed sweet potatoes and a turkey breast. I'll make mashed Irish potatoes over the weekend and make lefse to freeze.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Nov 11 - 07:47 PM

Pleasant surprise this evening! I came to see how my eBay stuff was coming along and two items I'd listed with "Buy it now" prices sold.

I have been saying I'll finish some tile for a couple of weeks now, and today I mixed up a small batch of the Versabond (thinset) adhesive and did most of the tiles in the front hall along one side and in the back of a closet. And I got out the wet saw to cut a few more so I could use all of the adhesive before it hardened. That is the messiest, nosiest, most tedious part of it, the saw, but now it's out I'll finish up this weekend.

I had a text from my son, he's at the home of the person who fed him yesterday until tomorrow, and they had turkey and bread pudding. (I asked if they did a turkey or ham meal or something more southwestern.) Since bread pudding isn't typically a Thanksgiving dessert, I wonder if perhaps the friend asked him what his favorite dessert is? He loves that stuff. That was very nice of them!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 26 Nov 11 - 05:48 AM

The builder has been this morning, and told me the electrician is working in the village. What time I'll get him remains to be seen. Apparently the workforce has has the stupid error virus this week, and he said he could have happily sacked them all! Even John, one of the joiners, and extremely reliable, let his van run out of diesel!

So...the sparky should be here some time today, (and maybe tomorrow, if he doesn't get finished). The plumbers are definitely coming next week (not sure when) and the joiners are going to be here from Monday, until they are no longer needed.

He said he wasn't sure if he'd get the yard done before the holiday, but I always felt that was something that could be delayed - if last year's snow is repeated, there will be no chance! However, he said the inside will be done. How much time I'll get to clean and de-clutter the rest of the place is not known.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Nov 11 - 10:46 AM

Most of my tomatoes that were green when the frost hit a few weeks ago are now ripe or ripening, so I'm going to make my tomato and eggplant sauce soon. I'll blanch them and put them in the fridge as they get completely ripe and then I'll do the slow simmered sauce. I have to pick some of my basil sprigs before the next frost (possibly Monday or Tuesday) to use in the sauce. I can't can this because the tomatoes were hit by frost (some shift in the chemistry, apparently) so I'll get a bunch of 1/2 pint restaurant take-out containers from my ex (who fed my son all summer and a lot of that was Chinese take out). Those freeze beautifully.

Yesterday was a glut of movies. I had them running in the background while I worked. It was a nice and productive day.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Nov 11 - 11:24 AM

Back from Chicago, to find we may shortly be losing a housemate we've really loved having here-- her family has suddenly grown and, perhaps, outgrown the space available here; we'll be sad if she needs to move on. (A ministry intern may be the next housemate, at least for part of the week.)

My sister (not in remission but legally disabled) has a superb plan to move to California to help our brother care for our mom who has been thru the C-Diff mill of late and who has thus (temporarily we hope) lost her independence. My MIL has reminded me that I can take a train to CA, which will be helpful for a number of "pending events," 'nuff said.

Our landlord is doing some long-deferred maintenance, TBTG, and the new cooktop's downdraft was successfully installed while I was gone.

I used my boondocking cot for one of my stops (in-house this time), which was FAB-- the best sleep I got the whole time. One HS friend who put me up (we had so much fun re-connecting) had dream guest space-- her townhome has two master bedrooms/ensuite loo's. Mine had also a comfy reading chair/lamp and space to spread out/unpack. The place had such a neat layout, too-- not long and narrow as most townhomes of its vintage seem to be. She's planning a remodel to sell or lease it and has a great plan a la HGTV.

At my MIL's she and I enjoyed a LOT of chickflicks. She has quite a quirky DVD collection!!!

This was probably the best trip I've ever done in terms of seamlessly stepping back into homelife on my return. On the long drive back I marathioned into one day's drive, I stopped at all our fave takeout joints (ethnic all), and brought home the bacon with the last of the travel cash I'd kept squirreled away.

I owe a lot of the several renewed strengths to PT, GPS, and other initials including TBTG. This has permitted me to put some great "rule of life" materials to use, beginning with Advent weekend.... which will keep me busy along with work stuff this season.

And the sun is shining over a snowless landscape!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Nov 11 - 11:55 AM

Susan, sounds like a great trip, all things considered!

It's getting cool and overcast out - sooner than the weatherman predicted for today. An eBay box is packed and the note on the mailbox (I missed the mail carrier yesterday and had to drive over to drop off a package meant to mail on Friday). I'll scoot out and get that tile cut now before it's too cold to comfortably use the wet saw.

Susie and Zeke came down this morning and we went for a walk. She got back to town and picked him up here at about 10pm last night, then she was here at 8am and Zeke ran through the house over to the iron gate on the back door and my dogs outside just grinned (Cinnamon the pit bull has a big happy nose-wrinkle smile) and wagged like they hadn't seen each other in ages. :) I've been getting a walk every day, but it's longer when there are two of us walking the dogs.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 26 Nov 11 - 12:04 PM

Lovely name for a dog, Stilly, 'Cinnamon'. Here in UK that breed is banned, which is so daft, as they can be gentle, loving and smart. It's their owners who (in UK) used to train them to be vicious and aggressive for illegal dog-fighting. They even beat and kicked them to make them 'tough' (ie dangerous) I've seen many pit-bulls in USA on TV (particularly with Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer) and it's obvious they're just as darling as any type of dog. I'd like to hear more about Cinnamon!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 26 Nov 11 - 03:17 PM

I've had one bid on my spin dryer, and another watcher as well on it, and one watcher on my antique ammeter. And I've got my eyes on some autoharps. (Only one required, of course.) I lost out on a knitting machine on Friday at the end, but I dare say another of the model will turn up. Outgoings will not be balanced by incomings...

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Nov 11 - 04:30 PM

I've cut all of the tile small bits and curved sections (free-hand on the wet saw gets kind of messy, but I did that and also used a trimmer to pinch off bits). I'll save the sticking them down for a little later.

I have to get some more stuff listed on eBay today - this is the time of year when people shop more and you never know what they're going to buy. I'm glad I ignored the woman with the low-ball bid and the snotty reply to my polite refusal. I got more than twice what she was offering. I need to make a recycle run - I'm overwhelmed with cardboard right now, and I don't need it for shipping.

Turkey sandwich and a bowl of warmed up sweet potatoes for lunch - mmmm!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 26 Nov 11 - 04:58 PM

No electrician - again!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Nov 11 - 06:22 PM

Andrea, you're officially in a "hurry up and wait" mode on that house. Maybe once any of them gets there you need to bolt the door and not let them out till they finish.

I decided my next big thing on eBay will be a chandelier. It's a pretty multi-colored copper and brass one. No prisms, but it should be easier to pack and ship. I left a lot of stuff at the recycle bins and the center of my sunroom is now clear and wide. All the better for packing up this fixture.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Nov 11 - 12:18 AM

Recently, we've done a few things around here. Roger planted the little apricot tree that my ex gave us this summer. And most of the junk that was around in the driveway and the backyard was cleaned up, tossed, or put away for the winter.

I decided today I was tired of having a bachelor's kitchen and decided to reclaim some of it to encourage myself to do more of the cooking. It finally dawned on me, all of these years Roger's been doing most of the cooking mostly because I was unable to, but in the process he's really reverted to his bachelor type ways around the kitchen. It's not his fault he does try, it's just old habits I think.

This morning, Morgan came over and started on illustrations for a story I made up for him when he was little, which we are turning into a book. He had found my artist's sketchbook from a metalsmithing class I took and asked to sketch in it a few days ago. He did a few imitative pieces, a few of his own designs and also used tracing paper over some of mine. He was really tickled to find we bought him his own sketchbook and was eager to use it this morning.

While he was doing that, I cleaned out both of the food cupboards with a little bit of help from him and, later, Rog. I found too much stuff that was past the use-by date and had to be tossed, but I moved everything down, to the first two shelves, that I might need to get hold of…that's one thing that's really been bugging me: feeling inspired than going out to the kitchen and either not being able to find what I need, or not being able to reach what I need, safely. In the process I was also able to de-clutter the counterspace a bit.

I have also decided I have to find some way to hold myself accountable for doing qi gong at least 4 to 5 times per week. The old "accountability" part of these threads going back what, to three years now? :-)

Accordingly, I've asked Roger to help me keep track, encourage, and check on me, but I am also putting myself on public notice here with you my friends. I don't want or need any one castigating me or anything like that. I think just the thought that I have put myself on notice here will encourage me in doing what I have set for a goal. I will promise to post each time I have done so. Kind of a getting back to the basics for me.

SRS, now you've had your first big adventure at a child's Thanksgiving dinner! I know what you mean about leftovers though. It doesn't matter daughter's or not, Roger always fixes the turkey and potatoes and I fix whole cranberries. They were gone this year so we had a nice time with my brother who came over. He actually was very pleasant this time didn't get into negativity and really enjoyed the movie that we watched on Netflix that I knew he would like. It's called The Curiosity of Chance and is really quite charming in my opinion.

Andrea, I can't wait to see the transformation once you have cracked your whip and the fellows all hop to it and get your house done! I know it's really the builder who needs to crack the whip, but I like the vision of you doing it. It's going to be so lovely, I am sure.

Dorothy, I would absolutely love to see photos of your pottery and your mugs if you ever get a chance to post any online. And I love reading about your visits out the country. Sounds so healing an almost magical, even in the winter time.

The voice-recognition program seems to be getting better, or I am getting more used to its peculiarities. :-) I have not proofread all of this, but I don't think there are any glaring errors. If there are it's the program's fault, ha-ha!

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Nov 11 - 01:05 AM

Kat, you certainly post more detail when you use the voice recognition software - it's nice to see inside your cupboards, etc. I always feel so virtuous when I get rid of all of the old cans and containers - and have an idea of what is there to be used. I used to tape up a list of the various types of frozen meat in the freezer. I lose track of pork chops or how many and what types of sausages if I don't, so I should go back to that. (I do keep a list on each heat pump of when I change the filters and their condition - and completely forgot they were there till I found the heater guy who came to do the thermostat chuckling about some of my notes.)

Per your request, we'll politely inquire about your exercise routine if we don't see anything for a while.

I was more an contortionist than an exerciser this evening: I finished "buttering" and placing the tile in three halls. Two here, 15 there, a half-dozen in another spot. They are finally all finished. About time!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 27 Nov 11 - 03:51 AM

The spin dryer is now up to a good price. The autoharps are getting a bit expensive.

I'm wondering about putting some kitchen worktops up, but they don't seem to move all that fast.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: freda underhill
Date: 27 Nov 11 - 04:05 AM

My home is now back to it's pre-travelling condition - organised, uncluttered, looks good. I have four new CD racks full of CDs, books are organised, and I'm so pleased (tho there are a few things that were shoved inside a wicker basket that need to be examined at some point). It took an awful lot of non-procrastination to get here.

Tonight I'm listening to music and doing some hand sewing, tomorrow I start a new, short term job for three months. 5 days a week (how will I cope with that again?) thanks SRS, kat and everyone for this thread and the inspiration.

freda

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 27 Nov 11 - 01:24 PM

The problem is that the electrician and plumber aren't part of the builder's workforce. They are independents, and have other clients too. It doesn't help when the electrician doesn't answer his phone, every time the builder tries to get hold of him! I can understand if he didn't have time to get to me, but he could have let Ali know! The plumber can't get the boiler going until he's done all his wiring.

Ali has forwarded my moaning text messages to him. He's getting frustrated too, because it makes a liar out of him, when he has told me that the electrician is coming - and he doesn't.

All I want is to be able to start and get stuff back into cupboards, and then I will be able to see where I'm going from there, and what needs to be done to clean and clear.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Nov 11 - 03:44 PM

Forgot to mention-- sis is decluttering/downsizing for her move, so I am managing it from here, via FreeCycle, and have already found a perfect recipient for her approval! I can verify the safety aspects of it all, from here.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: GUEST,Lilyfestre
Date: 27 Nov 11 - 04:20 PM

So glad to hear that everybody is taking steps forward, that always feels great! SRS....can you post photos of your tile job? I can't wait to see!!!

And Kat...I love that you are so much a part of Morgan's life and that you encourage him to be creative and follow his own talents!!!

Andrea...I don't blame you for being frustrated with your electrician. We've had that happen every once in awhile and it gets old really fast. Is your builder contracted with these particular electricians, if not..I'd be making phone calls to a few other companies that might be interested enough in the job to actually show up!

DP....I would love to see photos of your pottery too...I LOVE pottery and would have everything here that way if it was feasible!!! I'm especially fond of bowls. My mom pokes fun at me as I seem to have a thing for B words: Bowls, blankets, beads, books and bags!! What can I say? I love them all!!!

Thanksgiving here was small but lovely. We had a traditional Thanksgiving with turkey, stuffing, etc and then played cards afterwards. It was a healthy meal too with the exception of the pumpkin pie which has a cup of heavy cream in it. I enjoyed cooking this year and it seems I'm enjoying cooking more in general too. At the moment, I have turkey broth cooling in the fridge after cleaning the meat from the bones and bowling the bones for a few hours. Veggies are all chopped, cleaned and ready to go in the soup once the broth cools and I can skim off the fat.

I have a sitter all lined up on Wednesday to go to yoga which I am really looking forward to!!!

I did do some shopping on Black Friday although I didn't go out in the middle of the night as I had intended. For whatever reason, I got sick in the early morning hours on Friday. I was worried that I had done something wrong with the Thanksgiving meal and that others were also going to be sick but that wasn't the case. Not sure why I got sick but it passed and I went shopping later in the day. I think that was a better option anyway as the crowds weren't bad, parking was easy and lines were really short. YAY. The biggest deal for me was at JCPenneys where I purchased new clothes for Pete...not as a gift but rather because he just needs some!! I spent $131.00 and saved $171.00 YAY!!! I also picked up several frames at a craft store as they were 60% off and the majority of my family will be receiving photos as gifts this year (family photos). I also indulged in quite a few stings of beads, spacers, tools and storage! The deals for those were just too good to pass up!!!
   
I am happy to say that my hips, knees and feet are in much better shape than they were last year at this time as are my energy levels. We were all in bed early last night (that means 10:00 around here) but around 1:30am, the dog started to HOWL...waking us all up and scaring the baby half to death. So...Jeremiah and I were UP last night until 5:30 this morning. I managed to do some picking up while he played and have been productive today as well.

I've started reading a new book on decluttering as I'm looking for a bit of inspiration....watching Hoarders inspires me more than just about anything else so far!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Nov 11 - 11:25 PM

Thank you, Michelle. I have seen the importance of what I call benign neglect when it comes to letting children play and create on their own in a safe way, of course. My daughter once told me she counts on me to give him the artistic creative background that she knows is so important. That sure made me feel good. Would you like a donation of beads? I have some that I'm not using and I know I need to go back in the jewellery room and go through them. If you're interested in a "grab bag" please let me know. I know choosing beads can be a very personal thing, so no worries if you'd prefer not.

Andrea, I've got my fingers crossed for you. May all the workmen report to your doorway post-haste and finish up now!

SRS, using the voice-recognition program really saves the pain in the hands especially my right hand and wrist. I foolishly threw the ball for 30 min. straight for the dog about a week and a half ago, without support for my wrist. I've been paying for it for the past week or so. I get to see my girlfriend osteopath on Tuesday and it is feeling better. This program really does help.

Also thank you, for understanding about the accountability re' exercise.

Roger did the Thanksgiving dishes today, while I worked on printing out four 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper which spelled out

"INDY 500,
1,372 miles that'a way"

with a big arrow pointing east. I made two sets of these and taped them on some real estate sales type signs which each had iron posts to push into the ground. I didn't want to do that because it would have to be outside our fence and I knew some kids or whoever might pull them out and destroy them. So, Roger and Morgan took the two signs taped together, so that each side had an arrow pointing to the east, with the message, and taped them up high at the top of the pickets of our fence at the end of the driveway. That way the signs are visible from both directions.

Since July, a major road about a half a mile from us has been closed with the majority of the traffic being routed down our little two-lane, old street with no sidewalks. The traffic has increased, it seems tenfold, and when the drivers reach our part of the street, it's a straight stretch, so a lot of them gun their engines and go hell-bent for leather. Sitting on the front steps and yelling at them to slow down takes up too much time and is counterproductive as well as could be dangerous. The county has brought out an electronic speed counter and set it up a couple of times. That slowed the folks down for a little while, then they got used to it and didn't pay any attention. When I told the traffic guy my idea about the sign, he laughed and said something about maybe using humor would get across to some of these folks in a better way. I hope so. They do all seem to think they are running a race, i.e. the Indy 500! The project is supposed to be done by November 30, but I don't see any evidence of that yet.

That's about it for the night. I've lost 7 pounds over the past month. Gained a pound after Thanksgiving, but I think it was just water weight. It's gone again, yippie!

The only thing I've noticed about the VOC is it really slows me down, but I guess I better just be happy without speed typing. Good thing I didn't try to do NaNoWriMo this year with it; it would've taken me forever to get 50,000 words, well, that is if I'd ever gone back to proofread! :-)

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 01:26 AM

I'll report more tomorrow - I looked in a couple of times today but I seem to be checking things on Mudcat often enough that I seem to be hovering here. It's good to see more variety in postings.

I finished the grout in one main hall, a few touch-up spots, and started on the second main hall. I used up a bag of grout and stopped there. I have another bag in the garage I'll bring in this week.

This evening I was sorting those playbills that I want to finally take to work this week as a donation for my taxes. I've done some online pricing as I box them up. Very interesting, and some quite high priced.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 05:47 AM

I have now lost another pound. That makes 3 in four days, which is not likely. So, either I have a set of duff scales, or a tapeworm which pushes what it ingests into a parallel dimension.

I have failed to buy a knitting frame on an ebay auction, but found a buy it now one for less!

I have watchers on my odd items, including a set of 8 wooden cubes, refugees from a school lab where they must have been used to test density! I did not expect these to attract any attention. No-one interested in the really good item, a pocket microscope.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 06:35 AM

Well, the electrician has been laid up in bed all weekend with a cold, so Ali must have seen his partner's van in the village. He is coming tomorrow. The joiners went last week to build a flat-pack wardrobe which turned out to be a full Ikea bedroom. They will be here later today, or tomorrow for sure. The tiling should start tomorrow too.

And surprise of surprises - the plumber's here! He is fitting valves to shut off all unconnected pipes, and may be able to get the boiler fired up by using an extension cable...if he does, I will be able to (carefully) get a bath! However, even if he doesn't, once the sparky has done his bit, all will come together. He has, however, got a LOT of work to do!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 09:46 AM

Andrea, getting things done in the right order is important, so be seen to hover as you keep an eye that no shortcuts are taken. They aren't the best practice you're looking for.

The ironic thing about my floors is that once they're finished they'll vanish. Front door hall (you can see where I ran out of grout last night) and bathroom hall. It's difficult to see the color but it's a dark green with gray and brown, making it look like a weathered greenish stone. I need to go over both of these areas with a sponge mop a couple of more times to get that film from the grout off. That goofy rounded step has vertical cut tile and that will be one of the last things I grout as I go over the edges and side of that step. I hadn't placed the cut tiles on the left side of the front door hall because I hadn't finished the fancy cuts (freehand and taking out notches or making curved edges).

I worked through several pair of vinyl gloves because grout is pretty hard on the skin. My body is feeling the ache of odd kneeling and scrubbing positions.

It's really cold this morning (froze the rest of the garden this time) so I need to once again think about finding a pair of bicycle or aviator goggles. My eyes tear up in the cold. I've talked about this before, but now that I have someone to walk with I don't want to keep bailing because the weather is cold. Watery eyes are such a nuisance so I need to do something.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 11:44 PM

qi gong this morning, thirty minutes, all standing, no using the chair...glad about that!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 11:51 PM

I have a big pot of my tomato and eggplant sauce simmering right now (Lidia's of Italy has the recipe - simmered summer sauce I think she calls it.) These tomatoes were pulled off the vine after our frost so I can't can them, I'll have to freeze this sauce. I'll cool it overnight in the fridge and pick up some plastic freezer containers tomorrow. I hoped to get some of the take out containers from my ex, but he recycled the last batch.

The big event at work we're preparing for is the Friends of the Library meeting on Friday. I got them to book Jed Marum this year, and I hope he knocks their socks off! :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 11:58 PM

R managed to get to the cafe with me on Friday - first time in a while. Saturday, we took a car load of tires to a special recycling in the township and visited the goat farm so R could see the barn and he got to talk with the husband/contractor about buildings and such. We got an old freezer arranged as a place to store clay and glazes through the freezing weather - with a lightbulb for heat. But we put it outside and I think we need to put it inside - next time he is down. The weather is not too bad yet.

Then went to concert on Saturday night. Sunday he slept in - much needed. I made cran/apple sauce with the last of maple syrup - yummie. I loaded greenware in kiln and put it on low overnight to finish drying. Came back to city and he phoned about a truck - from list I collected on Kujiji Friday. Off we went to see the one he had chosen - THEN he tells me it is an hour and a half from Montreal! It's an adventure! Up toward Quebec City - interminably! Then off the highway for 10 km - oops - 10 km in the OTHER direction. Then ten km down an obscure -- "Is this road dirt?" "No, I think it is paved!" Good thing we had made a pit stop at a McDonald's and had a bite to eat.

I waited in the car, working on computer, while he inspected truck - until ----I needed the facility! Realized as I walked toward house that there were two women on the other side of that picture window. And entered a beautifully, creatively renovated old quebec house. So we chatted. One woman spoke English fluently; the other worked at it. We had wonderful conversation and eventually the men came in and we talked more and they looked at my slide show of "our" raccoons and listened to my son's music. There was a marvellous "violin" on the wall - created out of pieces of wood gleaned from the forest, and seaweed. Trudi said she will send me pics of her other work. I would love a guitar for my son; I think he and his wife would accept that into their very minimalist home. Their home is a terrific example of non-cluttered.

We arrived home at 9 pm and had an early night! Today, I bought a small kiln, with furniture, in new condition for a very low price, and took it down to the country. This helped the seller de-clutter! I managed to get it out of the car onto the top of rolling counter - by using wood to lever and slide it. There it shall stay until I have help. Did a bisque firing and came back. 35 mugs did not fill the kiln - 50 would, so now I know. Tomorrow I will go do the glazing and firing.

I do not have any pics of my pottery other than two very old ones on FB page (open to the public). Now that I have figured out how to download from my phone, maybe I shall take some.

I need to get R to put the large kiln we bought onto his website for sale. I really did not want one that big but the stubborn Scot bought it anyhow. It is definitely CLUTTER! I need it out of the studio.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: freda underhill
Date: 29 Nov 11 - 06:32 AM

Last night and tonight - met friends to walk around Sydney Harbour (not ALL the way round) - what a lovely way to get some excercise!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: GUEST,Lilyfestre
Date: 29 Nov 11 - 10:06 AM

Kat,

I would love any beads that you are wanting to get rid of!! YAY!!! I'll send you a PM when I get my own computer back...which may be in a week or so.

I did a lot of dishes yesterday, finished making the turkey soup (had to wait for all the fat to be cold enough to skim off) and did some vacuuming....which really means spending a bit of time picking up toys and shoes first. By the time Pete got home, Jeremiah had his toys all out again (which I expected). It's amazing how even with a good deal of his toys tucked away in my office, he can STILL make our living room look like Toys R Us has exploded in there!!

I did some budgeting this morning and plan on working out some new menu items for the next trip to the grocery store.

SRS...I really like that you will ask Kat how her activity is going if she isn't posting for a bit...would you do that for me too please? I'm not doing so hot in that department lately.

My check ups with the oncologist have been spread out a little further apart now and I'm finding myself feeling a bit anxious and wondering about every little twinge. I know that's normal and to be expected but it sure is annoying. I have about 3 more weeks until my next check up. I wish it was today. :/

It's hunting season here in PA and folks are out driving VERY SLOWLY along our road. It's a rainy, windy day which means many of them will be hunting from their trucks...illegal....but it happens quite a bit. Pete already had to chase 3 folks off our land early this morning.

Have a great day everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Nov 11 - 10:09 AM

Dorothy, you have such adventures of an artistic sort! That household sounds like a wonderful discovery. Freda, we forget it's summer there and you probably had a wonderful warm stroll. We're into cold weather finally, and dry, so my sinuses are protesting. I need to get more humidity into the house.

This morning as I waited for the kettle to boil I decided to take a few minutes and trim freeze damage in the garden. All of the summer crops are gone, and once pruned down to soil level the winter garden is revealed - beautiful blue-green broccoli and cabbage, along with various hardy herbs and my bay tree that is finally growing. Asparagus doesn't seem inclined to die back yet (it's closest to the house and the heat pump, which probably generates some heat outside also). It's lovely out there - I'll take time at lunch to haul the cuttings back to the compost and reveal the tidy garden area to those walking by in the street. A good vegetable garden isn't just produce, it is also very pretty!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Nov 11 - 10:21 AM

Michelle - We cross-posted. I missed whatever happened to your computer? I hope you get it back with all of your data in place!

I need to get myself out to exercise also - the cold air makes my eyes water (we talked about this last year - I need goggles). I have to walk when the days are warmer and find a pair of Rx goggles.

Next month is probably one of the most difficult for not gaining weight. If we can encourage each other to be very careful about the snacks so we don't lose ground, that might be the best thing we can do for each other. Maybe we need a "three bite rule" or something (is there some strategy out there already that any of you knows of?) so no one feels deprived, but so we're not doing measurable harm to our good health and weight loss intentions. And we need to keep getting exercise despite the weather. I have VCR tapes I should burn to DVD and use indoors when the weather is yucky. Does everyone have something like that to help? Michelle, if you put in Sesame Street songs and dance with Jeremiah you'll be ahead of the game and he will love it. I have several tapes of songs I taped from the program so we could dance to the tapes.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Nov 11 - 11:18 AM

qi gong - thirty minutes, followed by meditation, now classical music...lovely

Since I go out only one or twice per week, there won't be so much temptation, food-wise for me, as for those of you who are out and about with jobs, etc. (I had to smile when I read your "three-bite rule" SRS. I've used that since Morgan was little to get him to eat his food. He'd take two bites, then want to go play, etc....still "chomping at the bit" sometimes...so I still occasionally use the three bite rule...he takes three more bites and then is excused. They can be as big or little as he wants.) It's what we bring in I have to watch for. We don't go in for anything in a big way, so it will be not eating all of the potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie, up in too short of a time for me.:-)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 29 Nov 11 - 12:10 PM

Well, the pound I thought had gone yesterday was back this morning... I did think three in fours days was a bit unlikely.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Nov 11 - 04:27 PM

I'm between-prescriptions for PT.

In the interim I am doing two things: noting what I can do now that I could not do before PT (they have a chart used for this), and increasing my volunteer activities (very carefully).

In that latter regard I stopped by a local NP to register with their vol. coord., and noted how the layout of the place would be "handleable" with (and without) mobility aids. I also spent some time thinking and feeling my way thru, "How might this vol. job affect me emotionally?"

And I was glad I had, because there is enough stress right now. But it still added up to a good vol. opp., so I am looking forward to it as an all-weather, no-pressure, FUN, non-verbal thing in line with past volunteering I have done. (winwinwinwinWIN!)

As to the new can-do's: administering flea meds from a position I could not here-to-fore maintain without pain. I also know which muscles I used, how they flexed differently than before, how much stronger they were, and what else it means I should try to do. Handy to know, because I see doc tmrw for new PT scrip possibilities. I think that I can now move to 2x/week dry/wet PT with the new vol. job to putter with.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Nov 11 - 05:52 PM

Designing a document for Friday and I just researched how to install new fonts. I've been meaning to do this for a while.

It looks chilly outside, though it is almost 60. I need to move around more to both get exercise and to stay warm, but that means stopping what I'm doing to do something else. (I did in fact just get up, put the kettle on for a cup of tea, and while it heated I went out to the greenhouse and took the branches of basil off of the drying line). The dogs are going to get a bath when my work day is finished, so they smell sweeter for the nights they spend indoors. That's less exercise and more a way to bend in odd directions).

Two things to finish, and then on to dog washing. Pot roast defrosting so I can make it tonight with carrots and potatoes as a break from the turkey (to pace myself). Lunch today was turkey fajita burritos. (I wrapped the mix, folded in the ends, and fried the tortillas till crisp.)

I'm thinking about holiday gifts to make for people. I am hoping my daughter will come over (my son also, if he will) on xmas eve to help cook her Abuela's empanadillas as a gift for her dad. Last year we did that and he had enough to freeze for later. This year the gift will be broader - I'll teach the kids to make these and we can all give them to their dad. Abuela died a year ago next week, so we need to carry on with the foods she always fixed for them.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Nov 11 - 08:22 PM

SRS, what a neat thing to do with your kids. My dad passed away on this day in 2004. Maybe on Sunday morning, I'll surprise Roger and make baking powder biscuits from scratch in memory of my dad. He would do that on a Sunday morning quite often and Rog loves it when I make them.

Probably most of you have already heard over on Facebook, but I forgot to mention here that my book, WindWords of Wyoming, first published in 2004, is now officially available as an e-book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and soon, Google books and Kobo books. Seems like it took forever but really the folks at BookBrewer did a great job and once they told me they'd sent it out it only took a couple or three days for it to become available on the websites. I'm looking forward to finishing up with Prairie Child now so it will be an e-book first, then I'll have them go ahead and do the PDF for an actual paper copy which will then become available. I'll probably do the same thing with WindWords.

Had a wonderful osteopath Dick manipulation (LOL, I have to leave that typo by the voice recognition software, too funny!) Anyway, I had a really good session with my friend, the osteopathic physician. She did a lot of very healing good work on my hands and forearms especially. She pronounced my right wrist sprained and popped a few things back into place.

I managed to clear off a pile of paper from my desk yesterday and have done a couple of loads of laundry, paid some bills, and was on the phone, off and on, for about two hours, today, making sure certain reports and papers were fielded to the right people. I feel for anyone who cannot stay on top of things when it comes to their own healthcare.

One thing about doing the qi gong every morning in the living room is I notice all of the dust, ugh, and all of the pet hair, ugh. More motivation, i.e I have energy to clean after qi gong!

My goal this week is to do the qi gong in the morning Monday through Friday. So far so good. Might have to do it a different part of the day on Friday due to morning appointments but so far it feels great. Just knowing I'm reporting to you all really helps me to feel motivated. Thank you.

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Nov 11 - 10:50 PM

I had a small (1.5 lb) pot roast in the freezer that is now dinner for the next couple of evenings. This week the kitchen is clearing out as I continue the garden harvest wrap-up. The sauce yesterday dispatched a bunch of tomatoes and small eggplants off the counters. I have to cut up a bunch of green bell and jalapeno peppers next and who knows, I might hear an echo in there. :)

The dogs got baths tonight, and are happily curled up on the futon in the front room. Last winter was so bad that they had to stay in the house for about a week and this was their place to hang out, so they're determined to head for it in cold weather now. They are clean, the next move is to put a couple of extra heavy sheets over the top and keep the dog hair off of the mattress and pad themselves. They're both getting older, so I think there will be more time in the house anyway (Cinnamon is at least 7 1/2, and Poppy is a little younger than that.) I have to also address a bookcase in there, one I built years ago that is now full of (gulp!) old VCR tapes. I haven't looked at them in ages, but I need to convert them to DVD still.

Kat, aside from the occasional "Dick manipulation," when you speak into that Dragon software, do you have to tell it periods and commas? How much punctuation do you need to spell out?

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 07:58 AM

The joiners have been working since yesterday. No plumber, but the electricians have got lights working, and should be back tomorow. The main one said he may come on saturday to lay the new cable from the box at the front of the house (and put a new box in). Meanwhile, the tiles are on behind where the showers will be. They need grouting, but the plumber should be able to get things in.

Slowly, it's coming together. One week from now, I have the flooring being fitted. That should be interesting.

I'm getting very frustrated at not really being able to get on and do anything, and I bet it will show on the scales tomorrow evening. At least I have my belly dance class tonight, but having to hang around here during the days is not doing me any good!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 09:49 AM

Andrea, is there anything you can do to prepare for moving into the new area? When you unloaded cupboards and drawers and such did you sort out what was moved or will you have to declutter as you put it back? Maybe now is when you can sort out what won't go in the cupboards? (This is akin to stuffing everything in boxes when you have to move then sorting it out when you get to the new house and giving away or doing a garage sale for the stuff you really didn't want to keep.) Just a thought.

I'm zeroing in on clear kitchen counters - on the peninsula there are more ripening tomatoes in a bowl and peppers didn't get cut up yet, but other surfaces are just about perfect. I'm also clearing my big dining room table and aiming to take boxes of paper to the library this week to donate to Special Collections. I've made slips of cardboard and dated them from 1958 forward and filing these things. I looked up one randomly and find that it is priced at about $75 on eBay. I have dozens of these things. I'll need to keep a lot of records to document why I'm claiming a tax deduction for this stuff.

The next bag of grout awaits my attention, and that's also this week. Busy days here!

Kat, when you do qi gong do you have a DVD or tape you use to follow, or have you worked out a routine via classes that you do now? Is it silent or do you use music?

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 12:19 PM

My morning started off with a whiz bang when Morgan came through the door at about 7:15 AM. We knew he was coming as he needed a ride to school, but it's always so nice when he hasn't started out rushed at home and is feeling so happy. He had some toast and fruit smoothie with me then he decided he would write some songs on the keyboard. Isn't very intrigued with the movie Amadeus which we've been working our way through. he's got so many questions about the times, actions, and characters, that we have several "stop and discuss" moments, so it's taken some time for us to watch it.

This morning, he decided that for each song he played that I really liked, he would earn a little bit of money from the can we keep change in. He'd placed something, then ask if I thought it was worth $.20-$.30, etc. I think you mean about a dollars worth in the 10 to 15 min. he was doing it. :-)

After Roger and he left, I went into my sanctum and gave thanks and meditated. After that, I did about 30 min. of qi gong.

SRS, I use a videotape, actually two DVDs, I alternate them. They are both from Lee Holden who has been on PBS for years, during fund-raising, when they give his DVDs as gifts for donations. The three DVDs that I have of his, all have music which I really like, it's very unobtrusive. On two of them, you can choose whether to hear just the music or have the music and his voice instruction together. I like hearing his explanations of how each movement effects the body and his gentle reminders to deep breathe and blow it out. I also incorporate a little tai chi I learned years ago. The DVDs I have are: Qi Gong For Beginners, Qi Gong for Seniors, and Qi Gong for Weight Loss. That last one is quite vigorous and a bit much for me at the moment. They are all good, in my opinion. The one for seniors includes his mother sitting on a chair to demonstrate how it can be done thus.


SRS, I do have to tell Dragon Naturally Speaking punctuation I want, but I have not explored the program completely. I think it may have an auto punctuation function. I've noticed sometimes it doesn't capitalize the first letter of a new sentence, but if you write a word or it writes a word for you and you want it capitalized all you have to do is say "cap that" and it will do it.

The main thing I've noticed is it works much better if I slow down and enunciate. The only complaint I have about the software at all really is I have been unable to watch the tutorials as the program tells me I'm missing some component. I've downloaded several times, the component that is, and went round and round with their help people and it was still never dealt with to my satisfaction. But I'm the type that just jumps in and mucks around and figures things out as I do it, so it suits me. There is a neat function if it just can't get a word that you're speaking: all you have to do is say "spell that" and a box opens up with choices of what it thinks you said which you can choose from or you can spell it in the box and train it, at that point, to how you say the word so that it gets it next time. All in all, I think it is well worth the money spent.

Andrea, it's good to hear that at least some things are getting done. It must be terribly frustrating to have to be there all day and basically twiddle your thumbs. Soon though I'll bet you'll be extremely busy and it will feel so good.

See you all later,
kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 12:56 PM

How To Avoid Holiday Weight Gain from the Huffington Post. Some helpful tips there, and not just for over the holidays.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 01:08 PM

I think the best way not to gain holiday weight is to not listen to people who do not understand your particular metabolism..and there is lots of unhelpful advice..if you have metabolic syndrome/insulin resistance..and if you are overweight with weight kept in the middle you most likely are...you need to work with it. They will always tell you you can have anything you want, just small amounts. Small amounts will trigger your insulin rush if they are high-carb, so you will want more and more. If you don't have this problem, (a) you probably are not overweight and (b) you can eat carb treats in small portions.

So best to eat a good meal in advance of a party and if you have insulin resistance, go with the meats, cheeses, vegetables, dark chocolates, nuts, vegetables, etc. Even a small amount of high-fat ice cream is better than cookies. I would avoid everything with white flour period at events, and bring your own treats if you are worried...mg

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 06:39 PM

I was just preparing to walk the dogs when the phone rang - a friend is flying from Michigan to DFW to Seattle, and there are 2 hours in DFW. I've racked my brains and finally found a place where I can pick up a couple of personal pizzas and drinks and take them out there so we can talk at the airport and not have her miss her flight. Nice! I was going to do grout, but that can wait another day.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: GUEST,LilyFestre
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 10:37 PM

Lots of walking here today....sure wish I'd worn my pedometer so I'd know just how far I went!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness November 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 01:23 AM

December 2011 thread.

Go for it, Michelle! If you can feel it you probably got in plenty of steps, even if they weren't measured.

SRS