Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 04:24 PM

I went out to lunch with a lovely group of people from the nursing home where my nana is staying. I made a new friend named Iris who had lots of things to talk about. She has a twinkle in her eye and doesn't mince words about anything. I kinda like that!

While we were at the restaurant there was a terrible car accident on the highway below between a gas truck (outfitted pickup) and a mid sized car. We watched as 2 helicopters came, 3 ambulances, some fire department folks and there may have been a third helicopter as well. It was reported to us that one person had died. As the clean up and rescue vehicles were in the area, we were trapped at the restaurant as no cars or trucks were allowed in or out unless they were rescue vehicles. It made for a relaxing lunch for the 15 of us as no one felt rushed and the conversation flowed freely. It's interesting what you learn. I love hearing the stories of this area that they have to share.

I went to Lowe's later in the day and picked up two wardrobes and plan on getting our closet in order this weekend. I'll use the wardrobes for storage of out of season clothes and the bottom will be stacked with totes holding various organized sizes of clothing for Jeremiah that people have given us. And hopefully I'll get the shoes in order too. I have too many and am going to donate most of them. I wear the same shoes over and over so why have so many? Of course I'll keep a few extras for dressing up...maybe 4 of those will stay.

I also am on a mission to get my paperwork all in order and it's darn near close. I have some filing to do and a new binder to make to hold all the day care receipts and daily reports about what Jeremiah did during the day as well as his artwork.

I signed up for the April Challenge at yoga for next month..dropped off a check for that and also a stop at the drug store. Time to sit and relax a little bit before I start dinner.

Love to all,

Michelle


I've been on the go all day

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 12:07 PM

I found the gold mine!!!

The eyes had it all along.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 11:47 AM

Work today but tomorrow off, so my weeds will have to wait one more day.

Allergies trying to fill in the gap where the cold and sinus infection vacated. Benedryl overnight does help. And brushing my hair to remove any pollen I picked up during the day. Changing the pillow case often helps avoid a build-up also. With everything getting started so early it tells me this might be a heckuva year for allergies.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Penny S.
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 11:07 AM

Did some gardening this afternoon, digging up some comfrey (unfortunately leaving some roots behind), and pulling up some hairy bittercress and a few other weeds to be put in a pot of water to rot down before composting. Hung out the washing in the sunshine.

Penny

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 09:42 PM

Nice long dog walk, though the girls seemed to be trying to pull in front more than usual. I may have to rearrange the dog order again, see what happens.

Warmer and more humid today, and people are telling me their tomatoes are growing even though by the calendar it is very early (in the past I've had to replace plants put in too early, they seem to end up stunted). But I may pick up a few just to give them an early shot.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 09:24 PM

I'm so glad I took the week off from scheduled workouts, post-PT, because I have been busier than a 1-armed paperhanger catching up on work and household chores. The pain cycle of PT allowed these to pile up, never mind the amount of time I was gone DOING it. PT is a funny thing. You do it because something hurts, and it heals you... while hurting you in the process. Not so much IN the workouts, for me, but if you do it right it starts to really hurt about 1-1/2 hours afterwards; this wears off just in time for the next PT visit. (Otherwise you have wasted your money and not worked hard enough.)

I do not regret that at all, tho the dry-clinic part of it seriously knocked my hard-won personal schedule for a loop. But now I can get back to my more established routines, and got caught up this week while also stocking the new exercise room for the time I have allotted to it starting Monday.

Up There I need to vacuum and decorate, which will begin Monday.

===

Tomorrow I depart for a business trip up into the snow belt of NY, where I will be going once per month for various networking stuff. I have a person to stay over with, this first time, and lots of open time on this trip to reconnoiter; so I will also go see the most logical KOA for boondocking as well as the town where another kind host has offered boondocking space or a guest room (for the colder months).

In case the vibe at the guest quarters this trip is not great, I am also prepared to boondock it if preferable. It is odd to be setting up for this with no major prep, but the Boondocker is still all equipped for these fun or work-related getaways and just needs a good vacuuming the first time I set up the inside here before the next trip.

But all the equipment is already in there, including a change of clothes for unexpected business opportunities, and sleepovers all over the Diocese.

I love having offers of places to stay... but I also like the alone-time boondocking permits. That van is surprisingly warm even down to 35-40 degrees without electricity, or colder with electric blanket.

I found a great stuff sack for a twin, down comforter no longer needed in the house, which has been the one item I wished I'd had on board many a time when staying in the van or in a home. I did use it once and WOW was it worth toting it up the awful stairs where I often stay in H'burg!!! There's just no beating that superlight, burrow-in or toss-half-off comforter. With the stuff sack it is no bulkier than a sleeping bag and much more flexibly-usable! (Also in the stuff sack is a flannel sheet to add or substitute as needed.)

~Susan

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 03:36 PM

This reminds me that I have to get going on my park project in the village. It has languished since last summer.

Not sure what is going on allergy-wise today. I suspect the opportunistic pollen is assaulting my tender sinuses and there is nothing the antibiotic can do about it. I'll stick with the allergy regimen for now.

Laundry under way, kitchen still clean. I need to reorganize the fridge a bit, after I was able to finally get some produce last weekend. I am enjoying sauteed zucchini and more. Two and a half weeks to clear up the cold and infection and I finally feel like eating veggies - probably because I can taste them now.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Penny S.
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 02:53 PM

Well, that was easier than I thought. Talk about charging in where I am not entirely in possession of all the information. He isn't quite what I expected, turned up on my doorstep whe I arrived back with my friend who decided to defend me. But we finished off with us having the responsibility for managing the patch - Hmm, and them not ripping out the "scrub". Someone who has taken on a lot more than he thought because others have fallen away after things started. Then having pressure put on him when he tries to do some of what he thinks needs doing.

Penny

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 12:13 AM

Michelle, this sounds like a wonderful opportunity. We've seen you grow so very much through this whole process, the opportunity to inspire others can't be passed up! If you want a reminder, look back at the pink book. The early days were filled with a mix of fear and petulance, and as you got a grip on the whole thing, you became a Cancer Fighting Goddess. And a Mom. What a story!

I got in a good workout today - I finished the last 1/3 of the back yard and then mowed the front. My neighbor did one part next to her yard a couple of days ago, so I did 2/3 of the front. (I had mixed up a bottle of vinegar and orange oil to spray those weeds - when I walked out, they were all gone, mowed!) My yard is a rough cut, lots of weeds, but I can now go out with the weed popper and get rid of some of the worst roots and basel whorls out there in the turf. (Weed popper and many other tools courtesy my friend who lost his house to foreclosure.) I put up some LED lights to hang from the top of the green house today (also bought from my friend) as I worked on other things out there. Last year I accidentally bought some of those "icicle" LED strings, but they look good hanging from a high ceiling in the greenhouse - they'll make it look enchanted if I have them on at night if I have people over and we're on the patio or in the yard. Or in the greenhouse. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 10:55 PM

Something very cool happened today that I forgot to mention. Here it a copy of it from Facebook and the really wonderful responses I've received:

Michelle Lawrence
I am SO EXCITED to have been asked to speak about Survivorship at the Danville Relay For Life event!!!!! Yvonne Lantz-Acker, are you on a team for this???
Like · · Unfollow Post · about an hour ago
Jessica Strange, Kayla Poirier, Cindy Grand and 19 others like this.

David Pearson You go girl!
about an hour ago · Unlike · 1

Yvonne Lantz-Acker I am not on a team but I would love to come hear you speak!!!! I think this is great ! When is it and what time do you think you will be speaking? At the survivor/ luminary walk??? Exciting !!!! You will do great at it !!!!
about an hour ago · Unlike · 1
Michelle Lawrence I don't have all the details just yet but will be sure to post them as they arrive!!! I had my port flushed today and Kathy (one of the nurses) asked me.....what an honor!!! Out of all the people they see at the clinic, they thought of me!!! *Beaming*
about an hour ago · Like · 1

Yvonne Lantz-Acker You should be grinning ear to ear. It is fabulous and you are a great person to speak :) you went through a lot and did not become bitter and I am SURE you helped others get through it as well. Soak it all up. This is your moment girl! Keep inspiring others so proud of you. Excited for you too !!!!!
about an hour ago · Unlike · 1

Michelle Gandolfi Flak woooo whooo! that doesn't surprise me in just the small time that i've known you i can tell how wonderful you are!
about an hour ago · Unlike · 1

Melissa West McCarthy I don't think any of us that know you are surprised that they chose you! Your strength and sweetness, your unfailing energy to spread the word about awareness, the fact that you are WINNING THE WAR, your compassion for others....goodness -...
See More
58 minutes ago · Unlike · 3

Janice Biscoe Congrats Michelle, you will do the cause proud!
57 minutes ago · Unlike · 2

Jill Olin Parks Congratulations...GO MICHELLE!! I spoke at my first Relay during the Summer of 2008 -- it was one of the best experiences I have ever had...enjoy!!!
8 minutes ago · Unlike · 1

Michelle Smith Congratulations Michelle! You are worthy of the honor. You handled everything so well and have used the experience to help others. I'm so proud of you. Keep up the amazing work. :-)

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 10:19 PM

OUT and out, all day. Started a scootering blog. Acted as ally to Black uni yoots getting some BS in town. Started a new clergyspouse network on SKYPE.

Typical day, no time to give details.

~S~

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 09:18 PM

I spent today driving to the hospital to have my port flushed and a bunch of blood work done. I was supposed to have a mammogram too but my port was being fussy so I had to have the tubing left hanging out of my chest while a dissolving agent did it's thing which takes an hour. This overlapped with my mammogram appointment..can't very well get squished with a 2 inch needle sticking out of my chest! Oh well, that can be rescheduled.

A friend went along with me today and that was nice. She showed me how to make a swirly scarf that seem to be so much in style...fun and easy. And it was nice to have something to knit while I waited...kept me focused on something besides what was going on with my body.

Now we wait. I'm praying for low numbers, a drop in numbers or even if the last number was maintained....anything but rising numbers which indicate tumor activity.

And oh yeah..I did a load of laundry this morning among all the other normal morning chores.

I'm beat.

Sweet dreams everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 05:48 PM

Kat: Moon Farm sounds wonderful!
Michelle: There is a great del about our alleged health care that is terrifically frustrating!
Penny: Community!!!

Our committee goes to the regional govt this week to find out what we can do most effectively about these turbines. May have lawyer also. The area on which this scumball wants to place wind turbines is covered in this ?:
Is the MRC aware that the area in which the developer is looking to build the windmill turbines is adjacent to a reserve for the sandstone pavement barrens? Studies are currently being made to expand that reserve to protect more of this barren,, one of only 20 in the world and the largest one in Quebec.

The barren is home to a number of at risk species such as frogs and salamanders, and is part of the migratory route for large birds such as snow geese which come down to feed on the wetland which is an integral part of the barren. It is also home to a variety of at risk trees and flora.

In an article, The Sandstone Pavement Pine Barren of Northeastern New York: A Legacy of Fire and Ice, by David Franzi of SUNY, Plattsburgh, Franzi states, "The barren are marginal ecosystems in delicate balance with existing hydrogeologic and climatic conditions and vulnerable to extinction by natural processes or human activities. With fewer than 20 known sites worldwide, they are considered to be globally rare."
(http://serc.carleton.edu/vignettes/collection/25562.html)

This study, and others, gives us good reason to be concerned, not only for the barrens, also known locally as "The Rock", but especially for the water table which supplies our area and which could be severely damaged by drilling and other changes in the terrain.

Why I am upset!

The court case which had me distraught all last week is postponed until 21 March! That does not feel like a reprieve but more like a prolongation of the torment. All I want is for that man to be in jail for a few years so we can feel safe. Keeping in mind that I do not like the idea of anyone being in jail - unless they are truly dangerous.

Beautiful weekend, and Monday, in the country. Sugaring off has started and our landlord presented us with a still hot can of syrup on Saturday! There are buckets on trees all through the woods and around the cabin. It is fun to have people all over the place, gathering the sap. vehicles in and out, waving to neighbours - and making sure I am clothed as the cabin is a gold fish bowl! This would not be great year round but for a few weeks...

Almost up to 60 on Monday and we fear a short season. But I got spring fever and opened up the garage/studio to let the warm air in! Took out and organized all the stuff that was sitting in the hallway until the weather was better. Cleaned out the screened porch so my pottery is visible on the nice shelves out there and the remaining wood pile is tidy. Set up the distiller in the garage so the noise and heat are out of the house and I can run it whenever needed. Just need to take a bucket of water out. Good system. Also hung a fav LARGE Photo on the LR wall. The internet is working well!

Sunday we looked at an industrial property that interests R. After a good lunch at a cafe run by a verbose, but delightful Persian, we had a great visit with a friend on the beautiful, tumbling river.

Did two loads of laundry last night and all is caught up! Cleaned off most of the city kitchen counter and re-organized it. Much better! Now to the store and the library.

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 04:33 PM

My hands aren't quite ready for jewellery making just yet, SRS, but getting there. I did meditation this morning with about half of qi gong. I ate too much sodium on our anniversary, careful as I was, restaurants use so much it's really hard to keep it down. I figure I did about four times or more of what I usually do and, I didn't drink enough water, so the past two days have been a bit miserable for me. Haven't done much but sleep and groan.:-) Feeling much better today and have Morgan here for a few hours. We will have him the rest of the week. Rog is working at getting Wed and Thurs. off in addition to his usual Fri. We're planning to take Morgan to a really neat place he doesn't know about.

Years ago, a couple who owned a farm began adopting children from several different countries. Each time they did, they built a child-sized replica of that child's traditional housing from their country of origin. Over the years, they added all kinds of animals including llamas, ponies, ducks, hens, rabbits, etc. which the children can pet, respectfully. So, school groups and individuals can visit. My kids had loads of fun there. They adding a Viking ship which I know Morgan will love climbing on. It's called the "Moon Farm" so I gave him a hint about where we are going..."to the Moon!" He's excited.

I hope to get a few things done still, this week. Get our tax stuff ready and sent out to my girlfriend who does them for us. Rog has to put a new fuel filter on the car and the floors have to done. They are filthy with fine dust tracked in, esp. by the dog who needs a bath. Not sure how we're going to accomplish that...might have to get her some natural sedation pills. She is not comfortable about water other than for drinking.

Kid just went home, so it's time for some more lie-down for me as well as more water.

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 04:26 PM

Finished mowing the back yard and clearing things out of the greenhouse (put away to keep out of the winter weather). We're back in the gardening business!

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 01:34 PM

How's the garden coming along, Andrea? Alice, are you still buried under snow? Maryann, how is your garden plot looking? Are you doing any more remodeling? Rags, how is the work in the attic? Kat, are you making any more jewelry these days?

In other words, refreshing the thread. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 02:22 AM

I've mowed about 2/3 of the back yard, and stopped when the mower ran out of gas. I wanted it to because I have to turn it over to remove and sharpen the blade.

I've ordered new batteries for the dog's Invisible Fence collars. The neighbor told me that they're going right up to the fence now - I saw it today blatantly. They were being good about their boundaries, even without their collars, but with Zeke back there, they have followed him beyond their boundaries without the reinforcement of the collars. So they'll get a shock in a day or two first time one of them goes across the line they both know by heart. I have to switch the one collar between two dogs, because one device was pulled apart in a wrestling match, but I think I'll be able to buy a used one from the same folks for considerably less than new. It's really surprising to see them so boldly go where they weren't allowed for years. The last batteries were exhausted a couple of months ago.

I've just started reading an article on High Fructose Corn Syrup that you might want to look at. Not to preach to the choir - I think we're all aware of this stuff. But it might be useful to pass on.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 02:51 PM

I am a vacuuming, laundry doing, budget organizing, bill paying, phone call making, setting up speakers for a meeting busy mommy machine!!!

Big score of the day, clearing up a misunderstanding that has been ongoing for weeks. YAY!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 01:28 PM

Day off and it is going to reach 80 outside. The oaks in the area are fully-tassled now and that causes some allergy problems. I'll be taking benedryl at bedtime to boost my daily zyrtec.

Report to follow!

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 12:32 AM

I'm sorry to read about your friend, Susan. Ovarian cancer is such a damned secretive assault on a woman. Michelle is such a fount of information now I hope she'll be able to help.

Today was a wonderful day here. I fixed breakfast for my son, one he hasn't had in a long time, then I went down to the rehab facility and spent a couple of hours visiting with Susie.

She told a story that should make you smile: You may recall that 2 weeks prior to the accident she had cataract surgery and a cornea transplant. When the accident happened we stressed to the ICU folks that just because the eye health wasn't "life threatening" that it was incredibly important to her well-being once she recovered. They built her drops, ointment, everything, into their treatment schedule. As did the rehab hospital.

Last week she saw her eye doctor, 10 weeks since the surgery, and he was rather anxious to see her. He was so relieved and amazed at how far she has come back. "He told me he was afraid that they would wheel in a vegetable version of me, and he was so happy to see I am so much better." Her eye is doing excellently (he'd also feared what that kind of accident could do to the delicate surgery site he had worked on). I think they had quite a long visit, much more than when you visit a specialist to recheck after surgery. :)

Shopping, then back home to start a marathon of cooking for five of us. Chicken strips for my son, but I found a great piece of sockeye salmon at my high end grocery so brought that in also. Pan fried some potatoes to go with them, and used the last of the garden broccoli. My daughter held up a rather rangy long stalk with small florets, she asked what this was. Without missing a beat I told her that was my organic free range broccoli, not be cramped like in commercial growing operations. :) We finished with a small cake from that same store, one that they examined, picked apart (some like frosting, others don't) and ate all of except one square inch. That was the cook's reward. :)

Nice to be offline and off the grid for a while (though there were times when all three young people were sitting there hunched over devices all running on my house WiFi setup. I told them if they didn't come up for air I'd turn off the router.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 09:37 PM

Susan,

   Please give Barbara my contact info and let her know that I'd be happy to talk to her anytime.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 06:50 PM

I've kept the dishes done, washed as they were used, not accumulating in the sink or dish water.

I'm on that deal too, for an annual Lenten variation from using the dishwasher. It does make a nice drying rack tho, since the sink counter is full of non-fracked-up (NFU) water most of the time. I also found a tiny drainer (Lowe's, $4) to sit on top of one of the bigger jugs, to catch the clean teacup between uses.

Today's Outdoor Exercise module was Lawn Ironing and a bit of re-plumbing the dog kennel. Not plumb as in water lines, but plumb as in plumb-bob. Ironing the lawn involves walking out the deep mud ruts as they dry, so we don't break our necks walking in the grass in a few weeks. Sometimes it's done on foot-- my heels make a great lawn roller at this weight-- and sometimes with the van for its extra weight and stamina. Today, both. I was a good girl and followed PT instrux not to overdo-- took a camp chair along to sit in and lean on for the kennel task Hardi was helping with.

An earlier trip Out was to remove the colorful shoelaces from my scooter's handlebars. On these I'd listed all the great scootering days of last season; as they accumulated they made nice streamers to keep the scooter visible in traffic. They were gathered up today and sent towards my exercise room, where they will decorate my step-in boot weights and my hand weights, etc. I'll accumulate a fresh set of laces this season and each year they will make a nice memory-aid. Kinda like when peeps used knots in cords to commemorate tribal history, organize a calendar, or accumulate weather data.

I now have boot weights of 2 and 5 pounds. I have lead shot I can add to increase them s l o w l y . I need to make one more pair for now for leg extensions, but need the boots and need to check my PT chart for the weight I have been pulling on the clinic's cable machine.

Hardi has assembled/provided some stuff I needed for Up There and most of it is up there for a decor-a-thon.


Sad news-- a good friend and all-around Nice-nik informed me today that her hernia op of Thursday had revealed an ovarian cancer she had not known about. :~( (Barbara, if anyone cares to pray.) Time for all the love she has put out into the universe to roll back over her. Notes via PM can be printed for me to give her. I already have her enrolled in email prayer supports.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 01:29 AM

Good to hear he is home, safe and sound, SRS.

Morgan came over this morning. We had breakfast, as usual, then went to the hardware store for a new rake and doormat. Morgan earned a little bit of cash for helping to clear up and put things away, plus he helped Papa install a grab bar outside the back-door, so I can get down those steps, safely. (They are crumbling and need to be replaced.)We also ran a few other errands. The rake is really neat, very large and designed to prevent leaf build-up. Morgan used ti for a bit in front and never had to clear it.

I think he will be over tomorrow morning whilst we do our usual cleaning, then he will go home as Rog and I have plans for a quiet, just us, luncheon out for our anniversary.

Don't forget to set your clocks ahead, tonight/this morning!

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 12:19 AM

Been to the airport to declutter the passenger compartment of an incoming plane of one handsome 20-year-old. We'll have a birthday dinner tomorrow (it was last Wednesday).

I've kept the dishes done, washed as they were used, not accumulating in the sink or dish water. It's largely self-defense - I don't find things moved, broken, whatever, because a large Labrador retriever decided to clean the dishes! It's bad enough he licks out a skillet every so often.

More rain forecast for tomorrow, but I'd be indoors anyway, getting ready for dinner and the birthday cake. The garden is soaking up this good rain and taking care of itself for a few more days.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Mar 12 - 05:01 PM

The first set of step-ins is done-- just an ounce or two shy of the 5-pound ankle weights I've been waving around in the air at PT. They were black and pink to start, got blacker with the tape job, and I need to add the decorative laces and celebration charms. As soon as I try these out, I will have heavier ones to make for leg extensions with the next cheap set of booties at Sallie Ann's. We got about 12 bricks of various weights, for about 7 bucks total.

YAY!

The comparable retail item only goes up to 1-1/2 pounds each leg, and is 20-80 bucks. We're hardcore here!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Mar 12 - 10:51 AM

SRS yes, and it is a lot of fun to toss them. When they are small enough to think we are stronger, they grow up "knowing" we always CAN toss them.

Phase II room progress continues with a knockoff of the old Chicago mob's "concrete overshoes." I hate cuff-style ankle weights, so we're making me a set of step-in hightops, with a range of attached weights. They will all have pretty pink ribbon laces.

Three faboo DVDs I ordered arrived yesterday; as we dined Up There we reviewed them on the portable DVD player. The player's story s a hoot-- I got it cheap off Ebay to use poolside, then decided I no longer needed it and set it in the Porch Sale bin. It didn't sell. Then Hardi needed one so I hauled it back out, but then he didn't use it. So then I took it back for an exercise DVD I'd gotten that I did not yet have enough muscle to use, and again the player sat. Now I finally have the muscles and the player and the right DVDs all in one place. TBTG it didn't sell the one weekend it sat out on public view!

The DVD set has sound exercise physiology coaching and is age-approrpriate: http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-3-Pack-Aerobics-Strength-Flexibility/dp/B0000UQQTO I'm using the flex one first.

It goes well with the KidFit series I ave on the DVR with Dr. Bounce, to inspire playtime applications of basic but fun stretches and warmups: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1250560/

~Susan

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Mar 12 - 09:57 AM

Think of what we all could accomplish if we could "toss Clydsdales" every so often. :)

Tour was kind of crowded, but it went off without a hitch. We scared people into getting there early. Next big appointment - pickup son at airport this evening.

Cold blustery day here, so it looks like work in the house. 100% chance of rain today (I see the storms approaching on the weather radar) and 80% tomorrow. A good time to work on eBay stuff, methinks! Or, I shudder, get my taxes out of the way.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 10:30 AM

I was able to Skype with ALL the Califournians last night-- so cool to see mom, and to see them all reacting to "OMG the technology" and "OMG she isn't who we thought she was all these years." Nice also to get their congrats for my PT grad, by visual. I will next Skype with them from the new exercise room as soon as it's set up-- #1 son left them now Skype-able. Great that sis will be able now to Skype with hometown peeps she so recently left.

As I take the week off from the Hurt Locker, I find a lot of PT insights bubbling up. This AM's cold hard light makes it clear that I dare not stop the progress, tho slowing it don to less-pain-than-PT is def. necessary because I have stuff to DO. But another way of looking at "what was achieved" is to acknowledge that now-- I am only as weak as most women on the day they make their New Year's resolution. How far do I WANT to go? I WANT to be able to toss Clydesdales and to hang from monkey bars-- I want to be able to support my own weight, and I am not there quite yet. :~) I'm just strong enough now to START that little journey.

To explore with doctor (the 21st) is bloodwork and echocardiogram sched for Monday, and the physiology of arthritis. Not how to protect and live with it muscularly-- I know quite a bit about that-- but the PT said something I did not understand, and thus the DO can eddicate me.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Penny S.
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 03:58 AM

It's a little man, actually, and I have yet to meet him. He has problems with our chair, who is a woman who rubs people up the wrong way a bit herself! But has been definitely dealt with undemocratically in this case.

I didn't sleep at all well last night, and spent about two hours fully awake, rading, and sipping camomile and lavender tea. I don't think this was to do with the impending fracas, as I didn't find myself thinking about it at all. (I am slightly bothered as other times this has happened I have found out afterwards that someone in the family has a problem - not scientifically explicable, but enough to merit attention. Mind you, last night I watched physicist Brian Cox explaining how when any one electron is persuaded to change energy level, every other electron in the universe has to change too, instantaneously, because of Pauli's exclusion principle, and I'm supposed to believe that. He presented no evidence.)

And this morning, 1.2 lbs are back on. Dur. I don't believe I ate 1.2 lbs of stuff yesterday.

I have to find out how to fit three bags of soup in the freezer, which I know to be full. The local shop had some reduced prepared vegetables, and I had some onions with the juices from some Aberdeen Angus burgers last weekend which needed to be used up. I slow cook the veggies, and then use a stick blender to break up the chunks. The nice thing about bags is that I can freeze them flattish, so they don't take up much room. I'll bring a variety of previous soups up to the small kitchen ice box part of the fridge, which should do it.

Back to my letter - intimidating hint that I was involved in the successful campaign to prevent a local council in London from putting a multiplex on a site with abundant wildlife. He He.

Penny

Penny

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 02:07 AM

My little man is sick. Or teething. Or both. At any rate, it's 2:00am and he's up. He was weepy and clingy and now he's sitting next to Pete (who is blissfully sleeping). Jeremiah isn't eating much and has a temp of 102.4. This morning it was slightly lower. He's had some water and a tiny bit of his bottle and I've had a luke warm wash cloth on his head.

There's more but I'm beat. Gonna try to get the wee one back in his bed.

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 11:59 PM

Penny, you have met the "big fish in a tiny pond." Remind her that the other fish still have a voice, and I wish you great success!

I'm wrapping up a day of computing (processing photos for work, etc.) and am looking forward to a great tour of iconic Western art tomorrow evening. I have to hand over a disk of photos to a friend whose retirement was officially last week and who wants shots of a couple of events (including her reception). It sometimes seems so silly to be so busy and the only thing really moving is my fingers as I type file names and my right thumb and two fingers as I work the track ball. Not a great over-all workout.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 11:52 PM

Good for you, Penny. I hope you can get them to stop.

I did the dishes, cleaned off the counters, folded and put away another load of laundry and took care of some of the papers I'd kept out to transfer, etc. I hope I don't surprise Rog too much...dishes twice in one week!LOL! Maybe I will tell him it is an early anniversary present. Thirty-two years coming up in a few days...unbelievable.:-)

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Penny S.
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 06:35 PM

I have now got a crusade locally.

Our village is organised with local residents' associations, under a village association, both of which we belong to. The idea when the village was built was for everyone to get involved in running the place, but this has fallen by the wayside, and the committees are made up of the willing, unelected.

On the corner of my neighbourhood there is a small wooded area, and one committee at village level has got it in mind to cut it back, rip out the understory, and open up that part of our bit to traffic noise and lights, and intrusion by walkers cutting across it. They were supposed to have a site meeting with our Chairman, and this was minuted at the meeting setting it up, but they then held the meeting without notifying her, and have told her that she has no input into the decisions.

So I'm drafting a letter, and getting ready to post notices and talk to neighbours and the local wildlife trust to get them involved.

We're dealing with the sort of little person who says "this is what I want" and ignores anyone else.

At least it's my choice to get involved this time. Ho hum. a busy time looms.

Penny

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 06:02 PM

I've mentioned before, I'll keep it brief - a friend and I were discussing symptoms I had - she told me of her sister's problem of symptoms not taken seriously by her doctor. By the time she switched and was treated, her uterine cancer was advanced. My friend's story sent me directly to my ob/gyn, and within the month 2 surgeries and a clear margin were the result. My friend's sister died a few months later. It makes you want to dope slap the doctor who continually dismissed his patients reports. And get him OUT of the business.

Casserole in the oven, the house smells wonderful!

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 05:53 PM

DP,

   Misinformation about ovarian cancer abounds. There is no diagnostic test. A pap smear is not a test for ovarian cancer. Because of such information, many women, including your friend, die for no reason. It disturbs me greatly.

I am sorry for your loss.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 05:28 PM

Went through that large basket of papers this afternoon. Lots of copies of things I've written over the years including letters to my mom when we first moved to New England. Fun to read. Also found some, precious to me, artwork I'd forgotten about from a couple of girlfriends. I have a stack to be filed, a stack to dictate into the computer and a stack of metaphysical teaching materials to use with Morgan. The basket had been sitting, stuffed, on the old office floor for probably a year. It feels good to have gone through it.

Also put away two loads of clothes, folded one more and have another in the dryer.

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 05:12 PM

The exit interview included a strength eval to quantify my progress on their numerical scale. The bottom line is, I now have the strength of a typical woman my age, and then some, in some muscles.

The bigger thing I think is the chart I drew up to finally get my arms around the craziness of the church year as it attrits my strength, time, and general wellbeing-- now a chart of opportunities to plan ahead, let the year flow as I flow in response to it, and go from strength to strength. I am organizing it into mind/body/spirit categories under a Maslow's hierarchy of need adaptation I use with other folks. I expect next to have the life coach I thought I needed to do that chart with me, plop into view as a peer.

TBTG and to all the support here. Next phase is stretches and strength training at home, continued pool aerobics, and that Y gym with a monthly trainer-tuneup in those specific months when accountability needs to be hands-on-- and now I actually can predict which months those ARE.

~S~

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 04:40 PM

As for life in general: I am putting time into emails helping to organize our country committee to stop the windmills from being placed on the ecologically sensitive pavement barrens as well as an area with many residences, on a migratory bird landing route. Having a meeting of committee on Sat. Went to council mtng on Monday and a helpful lawyer, found by R, attended and talked with us after.

I stayed in country Mon as R was coming back for council mtng. And Tuesday also, when I had tea with neighbour to talk about our project, then took a walk in the woods with two neighbour women - 10 inches of crusty snow was good exercise! The sugaring off started. The sugar bush was a beehive of activity as holes were drilled and spiles and buckets placed. The sap flows on warm days with cold nights. Bet they will have the fire going on Sunday. This has been a good week for temperatures.

Here in the city, we have been waiting for R to be called to testify in the case against the man who assaulted him on 4 August 2010. Each day has has been, "tomorrow". Now it will be next week. It is a bit torturous as we want it over but with a good result - the scary man still in jail. We are both terrified of the idea of life with him loose. This drains a lot of energy. The legal system allows the perpetrator to act as his own lawyer so R is faced with being questioned by the man who attacked him. Can you imagine a rape victim having to face being questioned by her rapist? I am close to a basket case myself from the whole thing. R seems to be able to function OK. Lots happening in his business.

Another hour on the phone with Bell today - got satisfaction re the weeks I was without internet service in the country and also for the recently received bill for services I neither requested nor received! I wonder what Bell will do next.

Chores all under control.

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 04:35 PM

Congratulations on finishing physical therapy! A hot tub sounds lovely right about now. My sister had her back porch remodeled a year ago and tells us about going out on a winter night an enjoying a soak on the porch. :)

I thought the Rx wasn't working, but the nurse tells me I may be feeling the weather change on my poor abused sinuses, that the antibiotic should do the trick, but if I don't feel better by Monday, to call back. I understand how the weeks ticked by for Michelle with her cold, and mine is nothing approaching the mayhem hers caused.

I'm going to make a favorite pork/tomato/eggplant casserole this evening, and I had to put the meat to thaw up in a cupboard since the dogs were in for a while. Poor dears, they didn't want to stay in the garage during a thunder storm. :-( They've gotten so spoiled. Counter-level food is at extreme risk with Zeke in the house.

That knitting machine sounds interesting. Have you always used one? I've seen those things working in craft shops. I suppose in this day and age you can program in a pattern and have it work unattended? Does it increase or decrease stitches for graduated things like sleeves or torsos of sweaters?

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 04:04 PM

Michelle: A friend of mine in PA told me there was a simple blood test for ovarian so I believed her. I hope you realize that I was totally furious about the way my dear friend was treated - NOT treated! She was so sweet and kind and always good natured. I am afraid that part of the problem was that she was not willing to TELL the doctors strongly enough. But they added insult to injury by giving her a chemo treatment and that was so awful she basically told her kids, "I'm out of here" And left forthwith. Reason #.... for why I have such contempt, in general, for "alleged health care practitioners".

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Penny S.
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 02:21 PM

It turned out I had only knitted half the yarn - the whole lot made less than half a scarf. Lovely fabric though. Unpicked and replanning proceeding.

Penny

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 12:17 PM

meditation and qi gong this morning

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 09:17 AM

I graduate from 6-7 months of PT today around noon, with hot tub/spa celebration to follow.

Cards, PMs, pix of you toasting the grad-- any or all greatly appreciated-- to be displayed on a memory/motivation wall adjoining the next planned phase.

Donations to defray spa costs gratefully accepted. Help to set up the Pink Room for the next phase is also welcome (it's actually more blue).

~Susan

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Penny S.
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 08:31 AM

Yesterday I had to go to the village centre three times (it's a three minute walk each way). 1. Usual walk to buy paper, drop into Oxfam, where I tried on a couple of items but didn't buy, and the Chinese to buy a special fried rice for lunch. 2. Walk to retrace steps to see if I could find my wristwatch, which had disappeared from my wrist, leaving only a depression in my skin. 2. Walk to village to give out notices about lost man's cheap Russian watch set on the wrong date and my phone number. While doing a last check in Oxfam, another customer spotted it in the bottom of a basket of greetings cards. Hooray.

I had a delivery of a knitting not-quite-a-machine from an ebay seller. It's a Simpleframe, see the fourth picture down on this page, Knitting machines , and I've already done half a scarf on it.

I've had a bid on my chair (and a serious enquiry from someone in a concierge'd building in Wapping, which I have agreed to deliver to, if she wins. I'm trying to get my mind round that sort of address and my old (I called it vintage, and the photos were honest) chair. Odd).

I have, today, hit a major target on my weight offensive, I am now at the same number of pounds over the next number down of stones. As, for example, I am now x stones 11 instead of y stones 11. Since when I started I did not take account of the fractions of a pound, this may not be a whole stone lost yet, but it's pretty near. 14 pounds down. Next target is a whole number BMI. I am cunningly using closely spaced targets from different measures, but which look like a major one. Of course, if, like Americans, I used only pounds, I could do it in tens instead of 14s. So I do it as well.)

I must not buy chocolates to celebrate.

Penny

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Mar 12 - 11:53 PM

Drinking lots of water, finished day two of the antibiotic for the sinus infection. Another week to go, but it is more or less subsiding, with a remnant cough and clearing in the morning.

Not getting a lot done around here except that I have made myself wash the dishes each time I use so so I don't have them building up in the sink. The kitchen looks good.

Tomorrow I'll call the new rehab place and ask about taking Zeke to see Susie, and I may have to give him a bath a couple of hours beforehand. When the dogs come out of the garage (there is a dog door) they usually have bits of hay on them and smell like sweet hay and dog, not a bad thing, but others down at rehab may not appreciate it. I have a very large bale of hay on the opposite corner of the garage from the dog stall and have been pulling from it to mulch my garden. I noticed this morning a "dog nest" alongside it, where one of them has made that spot his or her own and loosened more hay to make a comfy spot.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Mar 12 - 09:25 PM

Finders keepers on the change, or after all of that clearing, it can pay for a pizza for dinner, so you don't have to cook!

Kat, keep in mind the faux-Latin saying Illegitimi non carborundum. Take stock, not stalk, and move forward. Did you know that was a sort of punchline in one of Margaret Atwood's novels? (The Handmaid's Tale)

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Mar 12 - 08:12 PM

It was gloomy, windy and cold here, today, until this evening. Blah day. Meditated, then did mostly nothing but throw the ball for the dog, add a piano piece to soundclick for my brother, then watch a couple of episodes of a BBC thing on netflix. Took a good nap. About 430p I couldn't take the inaction any more. I wish I'd taken a Before picture...I cleaned out and off Roger's computer desk/shelves thingie in the kitchen, his Grand Central. Found $15+ in change, tons of little bits/parts for his work, and a lot of out of date papers. It still looks cluttered, but it's an organised, clean clutter. It's also a surprise!

I also bagged up the basket of paper for recycling which sits on a shelf under the library table I use for a desk in the DR.

Tomorrow I will get back on track with entering my next book, etc.

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Mar 12 - 08:05 PM

Dishes are done. Table is cleared. Laundry is going. Dinner is in the oven. Toys are picked up. Pill containers filled. Baby is sleeping. Ahhhh. A minute of quiet.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Mar 12 - 04:09 PM

Walked and played in the park with Jeremiah.

Walked around the outside of the nursing home with my family.

Walked the track at the university 3x. I wanted to do one more but my wee one had had enough. He was in the stroller for most of the walk but he did go about 1/4 mile before he got tired!! :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Mar 12 - 09:05 AM

SO busy this week-- last week of PT with both pool and dry clinic, plus Lentifications, plus social, plus fam/CA, plus... oh yes and decluttering. More later. Massive changes happening here.

~S~