Declutter & Accountability - January 2012

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jan 12 - 12:53 PM

It's been overcast here in the mornings, then clearing off and in the 40s, but the radio just said we're supposed to have a bunch of snow in the mtns. with rain here in the valley.

We got up late this morning. Last night was quiet, but kind of wild. A bunch of sheriff's cars pulled up next door, very quietly, no lights, the officers slipping out and silently walking about the house. It was eerie. The neighbour's dogs never barked, no loud voices, cars or anything. One of our bedroom windows, the one by the head of the bed, faces their driveway, so I was a bit anxious. I was up and down, couldn't settle until about 3a. Have no idea what it was all about as the neighbours are all still here, their cars, dogs and all.

Anyway, not sure we'll get much done, today. I am still hoping for the new faucet. We need to clean up the kitchen. I told Rog it'd be a lot better to do that *after* installing the faucet.:-) I am also going to get his help in putting the clean clothes away, plus I have a couple more loads to do.

SRS, that's funny about the dogs. We finally convinced Luna to use Merlee's brand-new bed, bought it just before he passed. She wouldn't have a thing to do with it so we put it away. She doesn't seem to like soft things, but she is so hairy the covers I put on the couch were constantly needing to be changed. With the bed, I can take its cover off, wash it, and it's much better than before.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jan 12 - 01:35 PM

Took some photos for eBay yesterday - I have another roadside-rescue chandelier to post - but I got smart today and hung it up and photographed it at a good angle. I hadn't screwed the top on so it was looking a little lopsided, so now that I've done that I'll reshoot some of my close shots (on a blue background - I don't like having much, if any, of the house showing in photos of items.) With a ruler, etc. Dave Letterman did a funny piece about photos with coins in them for scale (after that very small frog was discovered in New Guinea and photographed on a Roosevelt dime).

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 21 Jan 12 - 05:17 PM

Geologists at least used to always put their pickax in the picture for scale. mg

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jan 12 - 06:28 PM

Three cheers for Roger! This morning, he did the dishes and then, may I have a drum-roll please, he put in the new faucet! But wait, there's more!I've been asking him for weeks to put some cardboard in the front of the radiator of the car until we can get the heater back flushed. He did that this afternoon.

I folded three loads of laundry and put them away and have three loads more to go in the washer and dryer. I cleaned off the top of my desk and now have five different pictures of my three gorgeous grandsons smiling at me as I dictate this.

Morgan asked to come over about noon, which he did. We just goofed off for a while then he started telling us again how his laptop start button wouldn't work so he was unable to use it for games or to go online for schoolwork and that kind of thing. Wound up Roger took him over to their house where they picked up our ladder the kids had borrowed and never brought back and my pie plates and Morgan's laptop.

Papa is now Morgan's hero.:-) He figured out why the button wasn't working and, while it isn't perfect, he did get it so that Morgan can turn it on and off and we downloaded one of his favourite games for him, Wizard 101. That kid had such a happy smile on his face. We sent him home at four smiling to beat the band.

I've promised Roger tomorrow off. I'm going to work on clearing the jewellery desk again and a few other little things here and there, but today feels very productive and I think I'll just relax.

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jan 12 - 06:57 PM

Good day all around! I went with my nextdoor neighbor to get a new router, and we made a point of getting one that is easy to add a guest to. There is a button (push it at the point where it asks for the password or for the user to push the button), but there is also a device (a USB flash drive) that can be plugged into someone else's computer and use her wireless internet.

Now she's up and running full speed. The modem and the router were each slowly fading in and out. Ought to last another 2 or 3 years now.

Laundry from last night needs folding and I need to run another load. And I need to do some grocery shopping so I'll do that now before it's completely dark. Tonight is more eBay listings.

SRS

Subject: Mini-meals by Alarm
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jan 12 - 12:22 PM

When I developed the mini-meal strategies particular to our family economy, I didn't know at the time that our household would soon include a diabetic. But because we had that already in place, his diabetic learning curve was a crazy-short one.

Now I'm the one benefiting from what he then learned-- that sometimes WHEN we eat is more important than WHAT we eat, and to set an alarm.

For some folks the internal "I'm hungry" signal never goes off, or has been habitually overridden by other demands to the point where one doesn't even notice it. So for awhile, my ACOA body and brain had to go thru a phase of "Eat as soon as you feel hungry."

Now that this process has run its course, I'm taking on Hardi's structure of eating by the demands of an alarm. The new personal rule is, "eat as soon after the alarm as you can finish what you are doing," in (or course) the smallest reasonable quantity.

I seem to be thinking more clearly with the reduced meds, too, what a coinkydink! ;~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Jan 12 - 12:33 PM

I've been having fun checking out organizing and gardening ideas on Pinterest. If you haven't check it out yet, you should! FUN! A visual billboard of all things that make you happy! If you need an invite, let me know and I'll send one your way (will need your email addy).

www.pinterest.com

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Jan 12 - 02:06 PM

I've been working up a storm in my *office* which really has become nothing more than a storage area for stuff I don't use for often anymore.

The plan...I think I wrote this before....is to divide that room in half so Jeremiah can use half of it for a play room and I can use the other half to store my stuff (mostly bookshelves and crafting goodies these days) and set up a beading station where I can both bead (already have the desk planned so little fingers stay out) and where I can see him. I'll put photos up when it's closer to being done but the process has been started in a big way.

I'm off to look over some paint samples as I intend to paint at least half the room later this week. Half of the room has no windows, this is where I will be setting up my gear. I don't want the baby playing in a windowless area...that would just be sad. In any case, there is a Berber carpet in that room...off white...brown flecks. I think I'm going to go with a classic sand color...I think that will work well. Besides, the walls are going to be covered with his artwork anyway (on paper...we hope!) so it will be plenty colorful. I'm also going to search for a bean bag chair. I am not big on television but PBS has some really great kid shows...he loves Sesame Street and Word World so I'm thinking of putting an old television & VCR/DVD player in there as well. I have a collection of Disney movies that I recently picked up at the thrift shop as well as some educational DVDs that were given to Jeremiah from family at Christmas time. I'm thinking morning playtime will be in the playroom and then later in the day will be time spent in the kitchen or living room while we make dinner and hang out with Daddy. We'll see.

I have an all day appointment at the onocology clinic on Tuesday so won't get anything done then but the rest of the week is looking free so I might just get this all done before the month after all!!!

Also upcoming is a major freezer clean out. Stewie is going to the butcher on Wednesday and there's going to be a whole lotta beef coming our way in a few weeks....have to make room!

I cleaned out the fridge late last night but still have a pile of dishes to tend to from that event. Later tonight I'll do them. I'm hoping to catch a nap today as I went to bed at 4:30am and was up 3 hours later (to stay) with the baby.

It's funny how you kind of get use to not having enough sleep. I'd like a nap but could really do without one as well if I were to be busy. Sitting in this chair isn't going to help with that so I'll catch you whirly birds later.

Love to all!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jan 12 - 02:36 PM

Made the last push to get the brass and copper chandelier listed on eBay. It seems a lot of items don't sell there because the listing only has one ugly photo of the item in the auction. I put up a lot of photos and described it as thoroughly as possible. Gave a starting price and a buy-it-now price. Almost everything I list sells, I think think the photos are the reason why. I always include the statement "These photos are of the chandelier up for auction so should be considered as part of the description." I think that helps.

There's still a lot to do around here, but that was my big hurdle for the weekend. Next comes a dog walk, minus Poppy, who is once again limping. I've realized that Cinnamon is really confused right now as to who is in charge when there is a new dog in the pack - I need to reinforce that I am the pack leader, that she shouldn't clobber Poppy when Poppy interacts with Zeke. She doesn't need to do any correcting, that is my job (and basically, Poppy tells Zeke to back off if he gets to rough at play and Cinnamon should accept that).

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jan 12 - 04:41 PM

Michelle, there is a really neat blackboard paint you can get to put on a portion of the wall where little fingers can write on it. My daughter did that for Morgan and he loved it.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jan 12 - 11:09 PM

Per sched/plan: 45 minutes ai chi and backhab (second half). Delivered adjustable step-up platform, now stowed.

Office org. plan now sketched!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jan 12 - 10:56 AM

Meditation and qi gong this morning. Off to a good start.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jan 12 - 01:34 PM

Heckuva week coming up: I have a dog that needs attention because of an injury that I'd like to help heal without an expensive trip to the vet. The jury is still out as to whether this will work. Moonglow gets her tonsils out tommorrow and her roommates are in and out, so I'll spend the day there. Oy. I hope I can convince her to come back down here for a few days and get a bit more consistent attention from her Dad and me. We have jobs and days off available, not classes and a rigid schedule in the student job market. There are also a couple of work-related appointments.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jan 12 - 02:10 PM

I hope all goes well for MoonGlow and that she will let you take care of her (In my experience, no one takes care of you like your mama!!!). Get some popsicles or fruit bars to keep on hand for her sore throat!

XOXOXOOXOXOX   <-----Hugs for MoonGlow

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jan 12 - 02:21 PM

Same here for {{{{Moonglow.}}}}

SRS, nothing your vet will recommend will hold a candle to AMERIGEL. It is safe for pets and I have friends who swear by it for their pets' wounds. It's the only thing which worked on my leg last year and is all natural ingredients.

Good luck to you for this week!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jan 12 - 03:15 PM

We swear by Bag Balm in this house for both critters and people!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Jan 12 - 05:59 PM

Fri. Jan. 20
No pool-- furniture shopping, with breath!!!
About an hour total walking (short sitting as needed).

===

Sun. Jan. 22 Pool workout
Sunday evening ROM/relax
45 minutes total:
Ai Chi-- upper body and core ROM x 10 reps
BackHab-- second half of workout (crossovers, sideways, lunges, ROM hips, hi-knee, etc)
Demo'd platform (6" side steps)

Shower stretches

===

Mon. Jan. 23 pool workout

10 min slo ski warmup.
15 min 150-178 JOG HR 80s-- inner thighs very tired.
15 min intervals 178-186 BPM. HR 95-100; 85-95-100; 85-95-100 (3 sets w new pulse oximeter)
5 min Ai Chi upper body and core ROM x 10 reps
10 minutes hot tub stretches/warm up after cold pool

No step-ups-- time short

===

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jan 12 - 06:08 PM

Yes, Michelle, Bag Balm is great, unless you're allergic to lanolin.:-)Smith College recommends it to all of their swimmers, too.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jan 12 - 08:47 PM

I took Cinnamon for a quick walk around the block this evening, and have some shopping to do for Moonglow (soft foods) and a quick trip down to see Susie.

Thanks for the recommendation, Kat, I looked at the list of places that sell their products and I'll take a look. I've been using a cleanser the vet gave me in a little bottle and charged a lot for - I looked it up online (and probably mentioned it last summer) and since it isn't an Rx ordered a gallon for $10. It cost $12 to ship it, but $22 it still way less than what I'd pay for it 4 ounces at a time!

You know those annoying adds that we've been seeing on Mudcat? I clicked one, figuring to give a few cents into Max's piggybank, and it was actually a useful video - who knew. Of course, they want to sign you up to tell you how to eat healthy, but the discussion, once you got past the sales pitch, was sound. Talking about the problems of sugar and carbs and such. It's one of the "five foods you shouldn't eat" ads in full color.

I finished most of the things I was taking care of for work today. This evening I will send in a couple of print orders electronically so I can pick them up later in the week. I'll take my laptop with me tomorrow, and one of my dogs. I'll empty email and I'll let Poppy sleep in the truck. I'm keeping them from rough housing while she has this injury.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jan 12 - 11:39 PM

Good deal, SRS. It si expensive for a tube of it, but it only take a minuscule amount to be effective, consistently, and you do not have to cover the wound as they advise, just rub it in really well.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jan 12 - 12:02 AM

Kat, I passed by a CVS this evening on my way back from visiting Susie, but it was closed. I'll print out a page of the products so I'm sure I'm looking at the right stuff and swing by Walgreens or CVS tomorrow.

Susie is about ready to head to rehab. Her immediate medical needs are under control, now she needs to learn to walk and get back to her old self. She'll have to wear a padded helmet for a while. She has crappy insurance (the night before the accident she said she was going to change in the next open season - but that will be late in 2012) and finding someplace that will take it, that is the hard part. We're hoping that since the plan has the proviso that if they can't find anyone that takes their plan they'll pay out of the plan will work. It may have been good in the last place she lived, but it isn't widely accepted here.

Off to hold my girl's hand tomorrow, deliver soft foods requested, and probably watch her sleep much of the day. :-)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Jan 12 - 07:57 AM

Stomach bug here. ICK. Pete had it for 3 days, it hit me yesterday but I must say I'm feeling much better this morning. That's a good thing as I'm off to the oncology clinic to have my port flushed and about 8 tubes of blood taken. A friend is going along today so I plan to enjoy the ride down, friendly chit chat with my favorite nurses and an enjoyable ride back home with a lunch in there somewhere.

Have a great day everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jan 12 - 12:46 PM

SRS, I'd be surprised if you find it at any of the usual places like Walgreens. Maybe in a metro area, but here we have to special order it from a medical supply store. Good luck, regardless, with that and taking care of your daughter.

Meditation and qi gong (2 different sets - 20-30 minutes each)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Jan 12 - 02:53 PM

PT per schedule. Added reps to leg weights and added resistance to upper body stuff. The pool and the PT are starting to synergize.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Jan 12 - 09:47 PM

My port was flushing just fine but wouldn't give a blood return so they put some kind of disolving med into my chest and after an hour, the blood return worked just fine.

When I got home, the doctor already had an email waiting for me. My thyroid is WAY OUT of whack. It should be 0.27-4.2.

My is 20.15.

Um Houston, we have a problem.

So...today instead of beating myself up for being so tired lately, I'm giving in to it and am going to rest. My body has been screaming I'M TIRED for weeks now. I just thought I hit a lazy streak or something. Guess not.

Good night.

XOXOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Jan 12 - 10:26 PM

SRS: my son accessed CBC in Washington. MAybe if you go to www,cbc.ca Then put The Nature of Things in the "search box" . MAYBE it will let you in. There are so many excellent programs. Last week it was about the teen brain.

On fourth day of no choc and no cookies. Having a wandering blood sugar issue. Taking chromium to regulate. Eating frequent small meals. Listening carefully to what my body wants/needs. Feel better in most ways, otherwise. Intrigued by it.

Great music Friday night. And again this week. Cold on weekend but the cabin was cosy. Visited friends in northern NYS all day Saturday. Had a wonderful time, admiring her raccoons - to be released in the spring. We hope to attend release day. Came back to city on Sunday aft to a cold house (38F). If R had not needed the car, I would have gone back to the country. Wrapped up in quilt with heating pad. Electric blanket is on to-buy list.

Got a Turbo Hub from neighbour and arranged for an account but could not et it functioning. More calls to Bell, which I detest more each time. I need to call the neighbour and talk to him - tomorrow. Tech support could not help. Customer service is an oxymoron. I could write a novella about this Bell experience.

Up to 40F today. Big thaw. Messy but at least the house got warm and sidewalks clear. I walked to library - 6 in, 6 out.

Long talk with #1 son yesterday re tech stuff. I want to go dancing certain nights; the good TV shows are on those nights. Bottom line: they are available the next day on line. So I can have both! Next week - dancing! Our TV is old! I am watching Craigslist for a newer model.

Too tired tonight to read back over other posts. I'll try to start there tomorrow morning. Hope everyone is doing OK.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jan 12 - 12:00 AM

Michelle, your thyroid needs to be your friend. Take care, get things adjusted if you need to. It can make a huge difference in your energy and your weight. (Do you suppose the chemo clobbered your thyroid? I'm asking - I don't know - but I wouldn't be surprised).

Dorothy, I'll give it a try later. My plate is full, I'm not watching anything for the moment (but I do like those Canadian science programs!)

My lovely daughter is doing fine. After the anesthesia wore off the really sore throat came along and she didn't have much volume when she tried speaking for a while. She's allergic (hives) to the main pain killer originally prescribed, so I picked up another one (a patch) for her this afternoon. It doesn't give the spikes of no pain like the pills or liquid, but it lasts for 3 days and keeps the pain at a moderated level for a prolonged period. When I left this evening she was able to enjoy a bowl of noodle soup.

The surgeon took out tonsils and adenoids. This is why she has such a swollen uvula and a sore throat, but she will feel so much better without those items contributing to poor sleep.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Jan 12 - 11:33 AM

Meditation and one hour of qi gong

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jan 12 - 03:54 PM

Brrrr but it's a damp cold couple of days. We need the rain, no arguing about that, but it has been a fairly steady drench, no gentle drizzle that lets you continue to do a few activities outside.

Indoor stuff, and if my thermostatic plugs come today (they respond to the temperature and power on and off, so I don't need to go change the oil radiator or fuss that a light is always on) I'll set one up in the greenhouse and get some seeds started.

Choosing my next electric company today (after I do the math).

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Jan 12 - 10:51 PM

Family Day at the Salvation Army = Fun day of great shopping and awesome steals and deals!!!

Bonus? I went to 2 different shops!!!!


YAY!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Jan 12 - 11:17 PM

Well, sticking to something does pan out. My brother's classical piano pieces which I put up on Soundclick last Sunday have apparently been getting looked at. The one I first put on FB and Twitter has climbed to #121 on a chart of 41,000+ songs and #37 in a sub-genre of 14,000+!! So...I have some more work to do...upload more sound files and enter the descriptions,etc. I am happy to do it when I see numbers like those. It's been a bit of a trial to get him to really believe in the power of the internet and how it all works. He is willing to learn, but a nice demonstration like this really helps!

After qi gong this morning, I dusted the pictures and knick-knacks in the hallway and part of the LR, plus the walls and a few things on a shelf in the bathroom. I've lost more to do, but it's a start. Every morning as I do my qi gong, the morning sun shines right through the big picture window right onto the bookshelves and tv stand facing me, so I see all of the dust! It's getting to me.:-)

More dusting, music uploading, and juicing tomorrow morning after seeing Morgan off to school with Rog as he goes to work.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 12:17 AM

Oops...I should add that Family Day means all clothes (except those with blue tags), shoes, books and linens are half price. VCR tapes are a quarter...found some great sing along videos for the baby!!!!

I'm off to bed.

Night all.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 06:45 AM

Pool ydy per schedule.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 01:26 PM

The sun has come out after 5-7 inches of rain in the last two days. I threw the ball for Zeke in the back, enjoying the sun on my back. Gotta soak up some Vitamin D today.

Tackling financial things today - changed my electric company again. I find that if I do it each year I get a better rate. This time I shopped according to how they run bill-pay since some of these companies will only give you their lowest rates if you autopay electronically out of your checking account. No, I don't think so.

Moonglow is holding her own in the sore throat department. I suspect it will take until the end of the weekend before it begins to let up. Susie will move to rehab today and we'll explore the possibility of taking Zeke down to see her when we know we can do it without his jumping on her.

Crossing off items on my copious "things to do" list. Lots more to go.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 03:27 PM

I can not see how low-sugar chocolate could be anything but helpful for a blood sugar situation, but every person's metabolism is different. I mix baking chocolate with coconut oil, ground flaxseed, stevia, a bit of cream cheese, cinnamon and sometimes a few nuts. Works for me. Fats will stabilize many peoples' blood sugar problems. I find if I eat bacon especially mine will drop (basically too high but I still get horrible symtpoms of what is called hypoglycemia, but in my case is not hypo) and my weight will drop. mg

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 03:36 PM

That sounds wonderful, Mary! Give us a recipe (portions) for that concoction?

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 04:26 PM

mg: you do come up with interesting thoughts. Now, on day 6 of no choc, I am having daily bs swings. I think I read somewhere that it helps regulate bs but I have been eating too much – 50-100gm – and it is such an addiction that I am really trying hard. I have done without before without this problem. But I have also cut out all cookies so my diet these few days has only the sugar made from the little carbs I ingest. Today I ate a fruit pie from – AGHHH – McD's which was in the frig a month or two. (I had to nuke it under a damp paper towel!). That settled things down. But now it is time to eat again. I think I'll do the stewed apples and cranberries. granola and yogurt.

We are out of plain yogurt and veggies and bread and….. I have not had the car at all this week but R's truck should be done by tomorrow, Then I will need to do a big shopping. May have a chance to use car tonight MAYBE.

Fat, as in bacon, inhibits the production of insulin. I played with that once and found that too much sugar gave me a headache in one part of head (front or back but I don't remember which) and too little caused a headache in the other part. Hypoglylcemic most of my life, I had been doing better – ALWAYS have food available! Only this week has been strange – juggling to make sure the correct balance of foods is ingested. But with an eye toward low caloric intake.

I still feel better though tired in aft, but not falling asleep as I was most afternoons recently. I actually did not realize how poorly I was feeling, too many days but not all. Saw something on line about buckwheat helping bs. Thinking about trying a "cookie" made of buckwheat, choc, cranberries, honey something else? Ground sunflower seeds or chickpea flour, a binder of some sort ….

Walked to library yesterday and day before. House is above 60 currently. Monday and Tuesday were thawing days. Wet but nice. Now it is a moderate 20F and overcast again. We have finally reduced the mouse pop by four. That might be it! I cleaned the counters thoroughly to see if there is any mouse sign tomorrow. An Amarylis is sending up two healthy stalks!

This week has been a support R week through a couple crises. Hope one is done today and the other has to conclude this phase tomorrow by 5 pm. Sometimes deadlines are good! So I am hanging out to feed him when he gets a chance to stop in..

The most amazing thing happened yesterday. Bro called to tell me what was going on, i.e. where R was and his phone was not with him and blither, blither, blither. Totally unnecessary. We had had a go-round on Tuesday when I let him have it about how stressed R is "and YOU are the cause." So he tells me "R was here this aft and he was not stressed at all." 64 years and he does not have a clue about R! R had come home about 3 pm for a bite and was so stressed he was shaking. He sat here wanting very much not to leave. Oblivious? Self centred? I just got him off the phone asap. It does no good to talk with him.

To the country tomorrow for music on Fri and Sat, see friends, and maybe get the internet connected at the cabin. Peace and quiet, in any case, in a warm and beautiful place.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 04:55 PM

I just nuke a square of baking chocolate, add about a tablespoon of pure coconut oil, about 2 teaspons maybe of cream cheese (otherwise mixture is very runny), a little shake of stevia, a little vanilla, a big pinch of cinnamon (supposed to be good for regulating blood sugar)..grind some flax seeds well and add about a tablespoon or two (if you are not used to flax seeds start sparingly). Could add some chopped nuts, dried fruits etc. Just stir and eat. Not overly delicisou but gives a chocolate fix and is quick and easy. I have read our hearts especially love the stearic acid in chocolate and our thyroids love the medium fat chains in coconut oil (which has very healing properties).

I think if six days without chocolate is making you not feeling well, your body is saying give me some chocolate..just not mixed with sugar etc. mg

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 09:49 PM

I've been using ground flax seed - it goes through you in a hurry if you get too much, and it causes gas. I usually mix a tablespoon or two into the dry ingredients when I make bread.

Long day tomorrow, but I start my work day late, so maybe I'll get a dog walk in or a little gardening if it warms up early. I'm eating a low-carb diet now (again) and need to get the exercise also so it pays off.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 11:07 PM

Coconut oil

So I checked out coconut oil because I had a strong idea it was not a good thing. This article extolls its virtues. I am not totally convinced but may try a little to see how it tastes.

I am very aware of the ways my body reacts to things, often in seconds. I am finding this situation interesting, perhaps a challenge to make changes. I am wanting to go more toward veggie, knowing I will never go there completely because I have not been able to maintain this body on strictly non-animal protein.

So, I am going to to keep on trying to find a good way to be healthy and hopefully lose some weight. Then I shall certainly feel better.

The Nature of Things tonight was about animal minds and how well they think, solve problems, etc. Fascinating to see a small octopus "try on" some shells and then, have ascertained that they fit and provided protection, it picked them up and took them along. That both clutters their life and gives them safety. It was a kind of cute little guy!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 11:16 PM

Coconut and Macadamia nut oil are the two new organic health food superstars that folks are talking about in the organic news I hear. Out is Canola, in are these two. And butter. And the ever-reliable olive oil, as long as it really is olive oil. There is a lot of artificial and mixed stuff out there now.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 11:42 PM

I don't remember the name of the company, but several years ago when I was going to an acupuncturist, he had me using pressed coconut oil, virgin organic if I remember correctly, on toast in the morning. It was delicious and it felt good. I don't know why I stopped using it. Now I'm doing so much of the fruit and vegetable juice extraction I probably won't go back to using it except on rare occasions, though mg, your mixture sounds quite good.

This morning I kept getting sidetracked. Morgan called about 745a to say he was calling in sick, no need to take him to school as he had a cold. Just after meditation, when I was just getting into qi gong, my daughter back east called needing help with her resume. Got that done and e-mailed off for her, went back to the qi gong and lo and behold got another couple of phone calls, one from Morgan trying to figure out a password for a game that we had set up for my computer for him to play. Once we got that sorted out, I gave up and started doing my work for the day.

Worked on my brother's music this morning. a second piece of his is climbing the charts, too. I called to tell him and invited him over for lunch, but before he came, I finally found time to finish my qi gong and throw the ball for Luna.

The rest of the day, I did more work on my brother stuff, rested a bit as I didn't sleep very well last night, too excited, and that was about it.

Tomorrow I have hand therapy and Coumadin clinic, plus Roger has the day off, so will do some usual shopping and run errands.

Seeyasoon,

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 02:59 PM

Busy day, things are getting done, but I'll be going full-tilt until late this evening. I'll get a quick nap in the middle of the day to tide me over.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 07:11 PM

I spent today in the emergency room with my nana. And late this afternoon, I helped her get settled into a nursing home.

*Sigh*


:/

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 07:16 PM

Oh, Michelle. {{{hugs}}}} to you and your nana

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 07:26 PM

Office shelves UP!!! Desk CLEAR! Shelf-loading has begun.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 07:47 PM

Michelle, is this a temporary stay or a move that was inevitable?

I'll be visiting Susie in a rehab hospital - I imagine it has a bit of the look of a nursing home. I haven't been down yet, her son told me where she is this afternoon and I was already scheduled for some activities for afternoon and evening. I'll see her tomorrow.

Must get my camera and start snapping - I usually wait till after the talk, but tonight I'll photograph folks before (in some ways it is better - they aren't eating) so I can get out a bit early.

One eBay item has lots of looks and followers, no bids. Ends tomorrow or Sunday morning, but anyway, I need to get more up so I have several at any given time. Must start converting some of this stuff into space and cash.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 11:57 PM

We left this morning, went to the vet's for dry cat food, specialised, prescription, no less. Good thing they gave us a rebate to send in for $15 because it was an outrageous price. It will last the two of them for a month or more, but I mean to do some looking for something not so high. There's a speciality pet shop which carries some kind that I think it was Dr. Weil recommends. Anyway, they are spoiled kitties.:-)

Then to coumadin clinic where we had to up the dose because of all of the leafy greens I am now juicing. Hand therapy after was very helpful..we are making progress. Then to the shoe store to see if I could find some off-the-shelf shoes as the orthotic ones are really causing pain these days. I don't want to spend a bunch more for more of them, so I ordered some special arch supports for Birks and will try them in my old Birks, first. Plus I see the osteopath on Monday; she will help.

We came home, ate lunch, and didn't do much of anything else the rest of the day!

I did do some qi gong this evening, while sitting here watching netflix. And, I lost another pound according to the scales this morning.

Tomorrow, I hope to finish the dusting.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jan 12 - 01:09 AM

Your shoes sound better than mine were this evening - a favorite pair of slip on Clark clogs (rubber sole, blue leather upper) literally fell apart, both shoes, as I wore them this evening. I thought they felt really loose and looked down to see the uppers split from the soles on the sides! They're in the trash now. They were 3 or 4 years old, I didn't wear them that often, so they weren't worn out. They dried out or something.

Susie is in a rehab hospital now so I'll go see her tomorrow.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Accountability - January 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jan 12 - 10:20 PM

Went to dinner with friends - went to the rehab hospital to see Susie. Got some stuff listed on eBay, did some laundry. Nothing exciting.

SRS