Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013

Subject: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 201
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Feb 13 - 10:38 PM

Here we go again! Hopefully the spring cleaning energy will help clear out a lot of the clutter that you've targeted over the four years or so that we've been running these threads.

While you're at it, put in a CD of Mucatter music. And dance around the house as you work.

Last thread

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Feb 13 - 11:40 PM

Tidying up this evening as I prepare for a busy tomorrow. But the weekend is mine, and I hope to tackle both the garden and more on the eBay table in the sun room. There are several items listed now, and a couple have bids.

I stopped by the used bookstore yesterday and left a bag of materials there - didn't get much for them, and I bought something while I was there, but the volume of materials that left with me was less than what I took in. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Mar 13 - 08:19 AM

My seamstress called-- I will get my 2 closets worth of stuff back next week. In prep I have cleared a shelf by bagging up the last of the current too-huge-giveaways to make room for the tees/knit tops that have been occupying the hangers the altered clothes had been on.

The newly-altered stuff will go up to our attic (old MudDorm) which will be easily transformed into a photo studio so the newly-fitting things can be combined into outfits and documented as they make their way to events, and then their respective closets. This will solve the problem of the disappearing legs in my photos-- we will set up a makeshift platform so I am elevated from the camera by a few feet. It will also make a change from the dark, cluttered interiors of the preceding set of "look how loose this is on me" pix-- it's all white up there. And those stairs are great for glutes.

~S~

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Mar 13 - 12:14 PM

I picked up a new *sticky* mat yesterday so today the at home yoga will commence during Jeremiah's nap time.

I spent 7 hours grocery shopping yesterday. My niece took care of Jeremiah so I could really do some heavy shopping. Things were getting sparse around here in certain categories. Pete brought everything in on the sled and I put it all away last night.

Today I vacuumed the rugs, swept the hall and kitchen, did some dusting and my next item to is get my sewing table back in order. I haven't been in the mood to quilt lately but that is changing and I want my space ready! I have dishes to do too....that goes without saying. I swear they multiply if I don't do them at night before bed.

I am signed up for a Zumba class and vinyasa flow yoga/Surya Namaskar class for this month as out of the house activities. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Mar 13 - 05:25 PM

I take a look in my sewing room every so often - a wistful glance as I realize I don't have much time for it now. Just occasional mending or reinforcing a loose button.

Informal poll: how many of you wear socks with your loafers? I wear socks with tie-shoes and boots, but not with loafers or sandals. It has come up as topic of conversation at work.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Mar 13 - 05:50 PM

I wear socks with tie shoes and boots but not usually with loafers. I do wear trouser socks with my black flats though. :) Sandals and socks? Um no.

I completed the dishes and spent 35 minutes or so rolling around on my back and doing some luxurious stretches on my new mat. It's not the same as at the studio but it was nice, I feel good and am looking forward to doing more and more. I imagine my more strenuous workouts will be at the studio where I can hear my teachers voice at the edge of my being. At home, I hear the fan, the fire, I have a furry yoga partner who wants to join in, I'm listening to hear Jeremiah waking from his nap....perhaps it will just take a little time to settle into it at home. Besides, the video is new to me and it's hard to drop into your practice if you have to be paying attention to the video for visual cues rather than audio cues. My practice is always 98% eyes closed. It will come.

In the meantime, I have a pork roast (with veggies) in the crock pot and my home is beginning to smell AMAZING. Mmmmmmmmm.

Namaste Ya'll

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 Mar 13 - 06:18 PM

Socks with whatever! Even my dancing shoes since others do also. If I want to be a little more couth, I have knee highs. Even in the summer, I usually wear socks with sandals, unless they are a bit dressy. The last time I did dressy... The funeral, but wore slacks so - socks. Comfy feet are far more important to me.

"waltz into Spring" Was on the internet trying to find a pace to waltz in Montreal. I'll try again. I do miss the wonderful waltz group in PA. But a 9 hr drive is a bit far....

As for "spring"... Light snow falling, no sign of soil anywhere. But lots of raccoon tracks and they ate all the food so I refilled this aft. Saw the sun for a minute this morning. Spring may yet appear.

Saw smoke coming from the sugar shack down the road and, after a while, decided to check. Certainly the sap is not running yet? I walked down and there were a couple vehicles there. They have a tube set-up so this warm spell could have started the sap running! Maybe our property owners will be around on the weekend to start setting up! A longer season this year would be good for the Quebec economy - and New England.

Left the city house with chores done, including that table mess! No energy by the time I got to cabin so the pile of dishes I left, still awaits me. So does the glazing I had intended to do today. Late getting out here - after 2 as I had to go off route to get NAC, which I think/hope is causing increased feeling of wellness.

The trauma of my troubled friend kept me awake last night, trying to think of what to do, what to say, what not to say, who else might be able to help. Just messaged a woman who was a teacher in her (Quaker) high school. Her brothers seem to have given up. I do believe Reactive Attachment Disorder is the very worst thing that can happen to a child. It does not go away without very specific therapy.

Terrific music in St. Isidore last night and R managed to make it, and also enjoyed it muchly.

Now, off to NamasThe. Hopes for a return of energy tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Mar 13 - 10:17 PM

My boss has a reason for always wearing socks, she has a prosthetic leg, from the knee down. But she has been bugging me and I think this is something that she doesn't need to make a stand on. When I wear socks with some shoes they creep down into the shoe, and I have a toe that is kind of funny-shaped and socks in some shoes really rub it. I wore socks in loafers one day last week and that toe hurt for the rest of the week. I don't like knee-high stockings because they don't stay put.

Fort Worth in the news this week. Van Cliburn died on Wednesday, and Nancy Lee Bass, mother of the rich and famous entrepreneurial Bass brothers, died. The Bass Hall in downtown Fort Worth was named for the senior Bass couple, at the urging of Van Cliburn. We have a famous western art museum in town, the Amon Carter (named after a famous collector who was the publisher of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram who directed his daughter, Ruth Carter Stevenson, to build a museum suitable for this collection. She died in mid-January, and I suspect she was in the mix with the other two. But all things considered, it's great to be in a town that ends up in the news because of all of it's support of the arts. :) I think I met several members of the Bass family at the Fort Worth Zoo when they had fundraisers. The family are big supporters of the zoo, and I was on the park board for 6 years.

I'll report on progress over the weekend - there is so much to do, and I suppose I'll act according to whim and what looks like it needs doing the most. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Mar 13 - 09:57 AM

Looking at a Coldwater Creek ad this morning I admired the attractive slacks and flats the model is wearing. Sans socks or stockings. I may have to look for more examples like that to keep around the office. I do pick my battles, I don't think this one is worth compromising my working relationship, but I think she should just give it up.

I'm not getting many long weekends these days, I have to be at work on Monday morning, so I need to get the most productivity out of these two days as I can. It looks like tomorrow will be warmer, so I'll do the inside stuff today and the garden stuff tomorrow.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: ranger1
Date: 02 Mar 13 - 10:03 AM

Well, you could always paint a pair of socks on, lol. I don't wear loafers, but I'd probably wear socks with them if I did. It seems like an odd thing for a supervisor to get hung up on, though.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: GUEST,Bizibod
Date: 02 Mar 13 - 12:44 PM

Socks with everything bar flip-flops and rubber sandals !( Both of which can successfully scrubbed to make sweet again.)
I have very hot feet which makes for unpleasantly sweaty shoes and clammy feet if I ditch the socks- I have tried !

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Mar 13 - 02:44 PM

I think Florida, California, Texas, southern and warmer states in general inspire a different style of footwear and wearing shoes. In Seattle I'd be wearing shoes and socks much of the time. In this random photo 3 of 4 loafers-wearers aren't wearing stockings or socks (scroll down).

I have a small Chippendale-style serpentine-front desk that I use for a few important papers, spare automobile key, stamps and envelopes, greeting cards, postcards, etc. Inside the drop front was piled up with stuff. I've sorted it, put a stack to shred (old checkbooks), and now have more donation items. I keep the last couple of pairs of glasses as spares, but there is one that I can now donate to one of those glasses recycle bins.

Since the dogs don't recognize weekends as days when one sleeps late they got me up at the usual time. I think a short nap is in order, the on to the rest of the day.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Mar 13 - 06:53 PM

I think sock wearing is mostly a matter of climate.

The only shoes I wear are comfortable, casual flats, generally shoes with an athletic-style rubber sole. These range from white leather "sneaker" style (both slip on and lace up) to leather or suede slip ons or Mary Jane style. But all with a heavier sole -- I have a few "dressy" type flats with thin leather soles. I wear stockings with them...or not. Just not socks.

I don't keep socks that slide down...the aggravation isn't worth it. I need my feet to be comfortable. Mostly black, but I've got lobster socks and pirate socks and moose socks and cat socks and flamingo socks and yesterday, in honor of St. David's Day, I wore black socks with the Welsh dragon on them. I have fun with socks. Yes, I do have some solid colored ones, too.

But I don't wear them in the summer. Here in New England, it's too hot in the summer to wear socks. So I put a dash of Gold Bond in the shoes and go barefoot in the shoes. I'd never consider wearing socks with sandals, no matter how casual. Sandals are designed to expose the feet to the air.

Linn

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Mar 13 - 10:39 PM

Today I was honored to spend the morning and afternoon with a single mom family of 7 mentally and physically challenged children. I was the go between for a secret Santa kind of situation that had been delayed since the youngest was life flighted on Christmas day. Today was the day we delivered gifts and I was asked to take photos of the gathering. What a gift (to me). The kids were incredible as was their mom.

When I arrived home, I received a message that a good family friend had OD'd on pain meds and pain patches and was on life support. He died this evening at age 35.

Two extremes for this heart today.....loads of tears.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Mar 13 - 11:31 PM

Socks! The family edict was: NEVER wear your shoes without socks! That fits into the category of some other family edicts! I have worn sandals through all but the worst snowy parts of winter in Quebec and Ontario - with socks, so I guess it's habituated! My feet no longer like the feel of shoes without socks except in high summer. Walking in the woods in sandals without socks is not recommended.

Instead of the glazing I had put off 'til today, I did a number on the LR. R delivered that two drawer object - about 36w x 18d x 18 high. It is now happily ensconced under the front window, covered with a lovely red Guatamalan fabric. A line of books against the window sill, and a couple tidy piles of more books, the two shallow drawers excellent for papers and magazines. Two sides of the LR beautifully decluttered! And I hung a lovely blue and purple round stained glass piece (about 2 feet diameter) on the very strong curtain rod holder. It is between the windows in front of the cream drapes with enough light getting through to be effective - but not blocking any view. The room is so much nicer!

However, the boxes of papers to be sorted are now in the spare room! BUT, during lunch, about 2 pm, the thought occurred to me: Do I really need those papers? Anything that is info can be found on the internet. Resolved: Go through them quickly and sort out only what is personally important and use the rest for fire starter. A pile has already gone there!

The sugar bush across the road is in production! So R cleared the back shed so the property owners can get the trailer out. It is such fun to watch. They put in spiles and use buckets and family and friends come round to gather and feed the fire, and socialize.

Great music again last night. R went to the city this morning so a quiet time for my decluttering. He had also brought a clear plastic container so I put the pending mending in it and did some clearing around the dining table. Then I decluttered my bank account.

Farmer's Market tomorrow. R will stay in the city but folks are always ready to help me with the carrying.

Temp still hovers around freezing and overcast. Might get sun on Tuesday.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 01:03 AM

I'm so sorry, Michelle. Those pain patches are serious business, the rules are strict, and they're for anyone who can't tolerate the regular Rx pain killers. Moonglow (my daughter) had them after her tonsils were removed - and it was something so serious that she destroyed those she didn't use. I am so sorry for your loss. Your friend's pain must have been deep, so deep, to take such a step.

There was an auto accident this afternoon on my way home from shopping. Bam! and a suburban in the lane to my left tried to move into the turn lane to his left without enough announcement - a woman in that lane hit him and he sideswiped the SUV in front of me. So there I was, untouched, seeing it all. On a busy boulevard. I put on my blinkers and got out. "Are you okay?" - I asked the people in the vehicle that caused it and got hit. They were. Next vehicle up - "Are you okay?" - They were. And to the red truck that was cut off by the maneuver and hit the first vehicle, I slapped at the passenger side window to get her attention - "Are you okay?" - down came the window, and she was okay. I called 911 and reported it. The operator asked if anyone was hurt - I told him not, that it was a sideswipe, not a T-bone, and that they were all out of their vehicles. Tow truck would be needed, and an officer was on the way. I realized that as I spoke I named the vehicles by their role - the operator asked what vehicles were involved. I told him the red truck hit the one beside me - and my wording at first was that the red truck was at fault - but I realized very quickly that she didn't have time to respond when the bronze Suburban turned suddenly into her lane. She hit him because he moved into her space (she was probably in his blind spot when he made the move.) I handed each of the vehicle drivers (three total) my card, and after speaking to police but before I drove off I told the woman in the red truck that I did see what happened. She was shocked, but okay, but she'll need my report to clear her. I expect to hear from attorneys and insurance companies via my work address, since that was the card I had with me.

Watching the last of the Lord of the Rings movies tonight. Enjoying the Shakespearean aspects of Tolkien's story.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 02:21 AM

So glad you weren't part of the accident Maggie.

XOXOX

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 10:06 AM

Oh, Michelle...how fortunate we are, I guess, that we can absorb such highs and lows in such a short period of time. Really glad, Maggie, that you managed to avoid being an impacted part of the accident -- and an observant and responsible person to check the people in the vehicles were okay and to call and report the accident.

I've just cleared snow from the deck and car and path to the house so I'm all set to go get Tom in a few minutes.

I'd also had a chance this morning to do a few more housekeeping tasks that it's nice to have done before Tom comes home.

Believe it or not, in the past couple days I've again refined the pile of financial papers, thrown out stuff that was unnecessary and organized the rest. I also eliminated a lot of clutter on Tom's side of the table (the better to extricate some of those said financial papers; sigh). AND I've put at least one sweater in a pile for Goodwill (or, more likely, to a friend who will find homes for them) and made a promise to go through ALL of my sweaters (again) and be a bit more ruthless (and realistic -- a size 3X WHITE crew neck sweater is never going to make me look less than fatter than I actually am) this time.

And with Tom home, I can attack a few more areas and make some headway.

Linn

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 12:47 PM

Tiny sale on eBay yesterday, going to list some more low-ball items, just to move them out. I'd like to build up to some real money there, but I also try to add to my feedback score. Last week I heard about a friend of a friend who is a retired physician who had one client whose extremely rich family paid for her to live in his home and get more care than if she was in an nursing home. She was a hard-core smoker and alcoholic, the best he could do was try to keep her from harming herself too much. She was addicted to shopping and had a whole second bedroom at his house filled with clothes. She died last year (kidney failure) and the family, that had washed their hands of her, wanted nothing to do with all of that stuff. The physician has been laundering and listing items on eBay since then and is now a "power seller" he has moved so much stuff.

Pretty weather, so I'll be in the yard this afternoon, and take the dogs for a walk into the woods across the road (I'll keep up these walks there until the poison ivy leafs out).

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 01:05 PM

I sold some baby clothes yesterday. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 05:29 PM

We took another bag of too-huge clothes to a freecycle recipient yesterday and stopped on the way home for Indian delicacies that fed us all day today as well-- they oversauce so I just add chicken.

The bag of gone-clothes leaves me an empty shelf for nighties and that makes room for blouses due back from alterations this week.

~S~

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 06:20 PM

Weeding and shoveling decaying leaves from the curb out front is finished. I'll take the push mower out in a minute and mow one small patch of weed grass that is ahead of everything else.

I found my notes for the china pattern I'm going to list again on eBay - I didn't want to have to recreate them from a year ago. I figure I'm more likely to sell estate stuff if I give the provenance.

Tomorrow is supposed to be overcast and warm, so I'm going to work a half-day then get some running around done for the yard work.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 08:37 PM

I was a little stiff today from yesterday's activity so I kept walking around the Market, sat down, got up, walked around, socialized, and sold 4 small pots. Good thing it was a fun day. A woman from the summer market to whom I sold some clay, brought four small pieces for me to fire and glaze for her. I need to get to work and get a kiln load ready to bisque! Fortunately she is in no hurry. Another market in 3 weeks! MAYBE I can get that glazing done - even tomorrow?

I got up early enough to bring in a fresh pile of stove wood to dry by the stove, load the car and be at the Market in good time. So nice not to rush.

Staying at cabin tonight. Came home and took another HOT bath. Will have an early night and try to get to the studio before I lose energy.

No response to my carefully written note to troubled friend. Now there is another one! I am considering sending each the other's posts, as in - you ain't the only one with major problems! Must be the weather? What do you mean I cannot solve all the world's problems?

I've only observed a collision once. Had to go to court and testify. It was quite clear cut and I had a safe ring-side seat- about 50 ft away.

Still reveling in my tidy LR! So cheery! Now I am going to read a novel and sleep. And wish every one well with special thoughts for Kat.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 11:32 AM

We got our new washing machine late yesterday afternoon. Pete had it home and hooked up after dinner (say 7sih) so I did a few loads of laundry then and it has been going nonstop since I got up this morning. Potty training has also commenced. I wanted to start earlier but without a washing machine, it just wasn't going to work for me. So this morning I was lifting Jeremiah from the changing table to the potty, got him settled and went to lay a towel over the side of the tub so it wasn't such a cold place for me to sit while he tried out the potty and my back locked up in pain. Lower back, both sides. I couldn't stand up. I waited all bent over while I took a few slow deep breaths and eventually stood up and went to get the phone. Something clearly is wrong and I wanted to be able to call for help if necessary. It's now a few hours later and my back still hurts even if I'm just sitting. I've stretched, taken Advil and have a HOT corn bag between the chair and my back. I had high hopes of getting the dishes done, doing some cooking and baking and of course, getting caught up with the laundry. We shall see. Right now I'm thinking lifting of any kind is a bad idea. I will continue to life Jeremiah to change his pants if needed, of course....but holy YOUCH. I have no idea what I did but I hope to never do it again...I'm hurting.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 01:25 PM

Our neighbor whose wife recently passed showed us the pile of cards he'd received, that he has not yet opened-- just too painful, and not yet a comfort. I also have a pile of cards, from my surgery and nursing home days... and another from when my mom passed last year.

I did look at each of these at the time they arrived, and then I saved them for a "rainy day." So now it's time to unpack that last round of nursing home stuff. The cards have been calling me.... it took me a long time to decide what to do with them.

So I wrote a-pager on the computer, thanking the sender and giving an update on how I am doing (they're still praying, and cards still arrive, TBTG!). It includes a thumbnail Hardi had taken of me waving from the ramp.

I found some nice prayer/note cards up in my office, and got them (and their envelopes) organized... I pre-folded all the 1-pagers... I decided I did not like what I had written and did them over... I put all this in the container that HAD held the cards, right by the front door.

So now, I keep all the wonderful get-well cards I'd received, out at the head of the ramp, in a weather-resistant container. As I enjoy the precious fresh air (even when it's COLD), I review one card when I finish each set of ramp-laps. As I look at each card again, I am motivated to keep this recovery phase up-- and most important, to remember that it is God who is doing the healing.

Then that one card comes in; I write the thank-you note, enclose the 1-pager, address the envelope, add the address to my parish directory if it's not in there, and discard the envelope. The card goes in the stairwell to go up to my office where I have pinboards of the good thoughts people send me.

Up in the office sits the box of cards from when my mom passed. I suspect that, about the time my first birthday without her rolls around, I will have finished the set of cards that are out on the ramp. I can then start going thru the condolence cards again, and keep up that habit of the notes. (I have always been SO BAD about notes!!!)

I love the circularity of it all.... the day before she died I called her about the Dx that sparked the surgery she had known I would eventually do. As I move forward with LIFE I often hear her egging me on.

I am beginning a major downsizing process so that when Hardi retires (he hain't set a date and it's years off), we can move smoothly into the little teensy house of my dreams that I will be able to care for myself. That house will have such a tiny office that by then, I will not have the pinboards-full of cards-- but photos of the pinboards as they evolved-- snapping a fresh one every time I take down stuff to make room for new memories.

~S~

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 01:33 PM

I have every single card and note that was sent to me while I was in the hospital and going through treatment. They are tied together in a stack with a beautiful ribbon. I keep them in our bedroom where they are safe from little hands and in a spot where I can see them. Always a lovely reminder of the love and prayers from friends and family. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 03:17 PM

Oops. Just sitting here thinking: I don't feel like going to pot but I want to go do something. Went out and could not get going. Simultaneous thought: just want to be in the LR on book or computer so I can look out at the trees. The "oops" came when I realized there is a light snow falling. Just cold enough for it to be snow.

Skype not working very well - very frustrating 10 minutes trying to communicate with friend in Maryland. MAybe tonight in the city. Maybe I better get on my horse and go to the city before the snow gets worse.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 04:12 PM

I finished a listing for the china and put it up at a very low price. I'll give this a couple of tries, and if nothing happens, I'll donate it to the Goodwill or Salvation Army. Perhaps something to go out of the house along with that mattress, that is a bit of a fixture in the front all right now.

Laundry finished, folded, hung up or put away. Ran a load in the dishwasher this morning, so a clear kitchen will greet me this afternoon. My gift to myself. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 09:35 PM

I have decided to list the last big piece of that china (a covered tureen) for a ridiculously low price to attract attention to the pattern. It'll probably get more than a single bid, but it might get people looking at the rest. I'm keeping a few pieces, but I'll either sell the bulk of it in the next couple of weeks or I'll donate it. I have several other items that will get the same treatment, since I find the deductions more useful than the trickle of cash through eBay on some of this.

It was in the 80s today and I wasn't able to get home in time to enjoy it. The rest of the week is down in the 50s and 60s, seasonal. Darn.

Set the clock BACK on Saturday night. Yes, it's that time of year. You lose an hour's sleep and it takes ages to get used to it.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 09:55 PM

At least 50% of the trip back to the city (it is only 30 miles) was similar to driving on a skating rink. Guess the weekend's snow had melted and frozen. Slid right into a T junction, just making it around the corner without sliding into the next corn field. More glad than usual to see the bridge. City was still OK.

Arrived in time to have supper with R at "the Bistro" - last time I'm going there. I had to keep my coat on and the food is the pits.

Too cold in the house to do anything but wrap up. But the kitchen sink is clean! I gave up on it 3 years ago. Decided there is a special place in hell for whoever invented the material out of which is is made. R informs me that, in my absence, his bro came in to cook them some food. He cleaned the sink! Best thing he has ever done. I will try to keep it that way but not going to wreck my shoulder doing it. Glad I washed the dishes before I left on Fri.!

Guess the only thing I accomplished today was getting back safely! Could be worse.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 10:41 PM

I ended up only getting more laundry done. Pete was lucky to get the dinner he did tonight because it required time on my feet and my back continues to hurt. I made Shepard's Pie but instead of traditional mashed potatoes, I left the skins on...just couldn't bear to stand and peel all those potatoes. It came out just fine. He works hard and comes home hungry....I hate to just feed him soup.

He put some Ben Gay on....that stuff sure does get hot....not sure it's doing much good. We'll see.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: mg
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 01:37 AM

I would absoloutely recommend not lifting Jeremy unless his life is in danger...he can be given a little stool to climb up on a bed for changing, or pullups can be used, stretch time between changes..he can stand on something for changes and cleaning..perhaps persuaded by a lollipop or something....i am sure an occupational therapist could give suggestions...he is old enough to cooperate in this and can be told that mommy has a sore back...mg

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 09:17 AM

Michelle, somehow I missed your earlier description of your back injury. I did the same thing when Moonglow was two years old - I had taken the changing table down and so had a pad on the floor for changes. I made the mistake of bending to pick her up then rising with her in my hands - and I got that same painful lockup you describe. I lay where I was for a few minutes then crawled to the phone - and when my husband got home we loaded up for a trip to the emergency room. We hadn't been in town long and didn't have a regular doctor. I commented that I hated going to the emergency room for this, and they'd just put me on muscle relaxants and he'd have to stay home to watch a toddler. There was a minor emergency clinic near the house, so we tried there.

THAT WAS THE BEST CHOICE WE COULD HAVE MADE. All caps for emphasis. It was staffed with Osteopaths. If you can find a DO go see him/her. I was in that exam room and he said that he didn't get much opportunity to use some of the DO skills and had me lie on my side. He pushed on my hip and pulled on my shoulder and I felt at distinct "pop!" and then I turned on the other side and he pulled and pushed again "pop! pop!" and it was back in place. My lower back was still tender feeling, but I was home on motrin, not on high-power painkillers until it popped back into place by itself. It's like a medical doctor with a chiropractor touch.

I suppose a substitute for a DO would be a chiropractor, but I don't go to them so I can't make any recommendations.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 09:57 AM

I have been working on leadership development with a ministry colleague who I sorely hope can take over one of my bigger volunteer hats-- and the AM email brought GREAT news of his initiative!!!

Most of the relevant files are in order to turn over. I am going to mentally prep the rest of the "stuff" but not do the hands-on work till he agrees, but I see daylight!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 10:57 AM

My back is still quite sore this morning so I have a steady stream of Advil going and heat. Pete put some Ben Gay on last night but it didn't do much so I am not using it again today. I'm taking it easy...feet up, etc. I am doing laundry (so loving my new washing machine) and tending to Jeremiah as needed. I'm not a fan of having the TV on for him but today it is on...PBS...all educational kid's programs. Dinosaur Train. Sesame Street. Sid the Science Kid. Word World. He has never been plopped in front of the television so he doesn't just sit and watch now either.....he's playing with his cars, trucks and cat inbetween captivating bits on the television. I'll be calling the doctor tomorrow if I don't find some relief soon.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 11:31 AM

PS. Sneezing is a bitch!!! )P(*^&&%#^%$#&)(*&$^%$#%$#(&*)(

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 02:02 PM

Perhaps Sesame Street will teach him to read while you're battling this sore back! Moonglow was 18 months old when they helped her crack the code. :)

Headache all day, for some reason. I'll try a cup of tea, maybe a little extra caffeine will help.

I deculttered a few jars of jelly from summer of 2011. I have a lot still from 2012, so figured now was a good time to give samples of the previous season of mustang grape jelly. Co-workers happy to take it home (and promise to return my jelly jars). Since I've decided that this will be another year of donations to Salvation Army/Goodwill, I need to make a concerted effort to identify items. Photograph, create a document describing and pricing and place a copy of the photo on the document, print, and file in "Income Tax Related" file.

I'm drawing down the freezer contents with dishes that use frozen onions, green bell pepper, 8 oz containers of Lidia's summer simmered sauce with tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, onions, and a lot of basil, etc. This helps both the pocketbook and making room for stuff once the garden gets going this summer. I have bags of cherry tomatoes that I'll have to thaw and turn into spaghetti sauce.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 03:03 PM

Maggie,

   How did you freeze your cherry tomatoes? Whole? Never thought about doing that but certainly always have an over abundance of them! I'd love to hear more!

My back is feeling better! Not 100% but MUCH better. I got all the dishes done (except for a few pots that are soaking), the third load of laundry is in the washing machine, Jeremiah dumped a calendar that sits on my piano with 365 separate pages of quilts and blocks to work on (Mama was NOT happy about that). Jeremiah has his toys picked up and is just about ready to go down for a nap. For whatever reason, the reaching motion is what hurts so I am skipping the floors today. I found a great site for organizing meals and think I am going to spend some time this afternoon seeing what I can do...instead of a week at a time, I'm interested in the month at a time....points labeled, of course.

If you are in the path of the upcoming predicted snow storm, stay safe and warm! It is supposed to pass just south of here....you never know! Our power company just called with a message to prepare for a power outage!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 06:53 PM

Yes, I froze them whole. Gave them a quick wash then put them on a flat low-sided baking sheet. Rolled the frozen tomato marbles into zip lock bags. When I thaw them I'll wear gloves and squirt each one out of it's skin and use the pulp, seeds and all, or run them through the Villaware food mill and separate out the skin and seeds from the juice and sauce. Just removing the skin and cooking it down till its thick is good for sauce and I don't care if the seeds are there or not.

Heading out to a dinner tonight. Taking a friend from work, and other co-workers will be there. Nothing unusual, but I'm actually dressing up a bit for this. Makes it a bit more fussy. It'll be good to get home, kick off the suit and shoes and shrug into the flannel bathrobe and kick back for a little while. Perhaps we do formal uncomfortable things sometimes just to remind ourselves of how comfortable we can be the rest of the time. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 07:58 PM

Thanks! I'm going to give that a try this summer! We have a food mill....love it!

What's everybody doing for dinners these days? I'm always interested in finding something new and different. Last night I made Shepard's Pie which is an all time favorite stand by comfort food in this house! Tonight I am making smothered chicken breasts (sweet peppers, mushrooms, garlic and an itty bitty amount of cheese), roasted Brussels sprouts (fine mist of olive oil, sea salt and lime juice) and baked potatoes.

Have fun at your dinner Maggie. I have so few occasions to get dressed up that I actually enjoy getting dressed up very much. :)

No yoga tonight...I think that would be pushing the limits of my back in a big way...better to rest tonight and catch a class tomorrow. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Mar 13 - 12:15 AM

I've been using zucchini for a meal that I think I invented but probably is from so many recipes I've read over the years, and on top of making lots of marinara sauces. I cut the zucchini in irregular chunks (smallish) and saute them in olive oil with a little pepper. Meanwhile, I defrost an Italian sausage (I always have a supply in the freezer, they go so well in so many things), peel off the membrane, and cut it up into small bite-sized pieces as it cooks. When it's nearly done I add a generous handful of frozen onions and at least as much or more diced frozen bell pepper (both from the garden - I cut these up before freezing) and let them saute with the sausage. I press a garlic clove into it then open a jar of my home-grown diced tomatoes and pour it in, juice and all and let it simmer down a little, then add the zucchini.

Simultaneously I have a pot of boiling water and cook up a cup of pasta (I found some wonderful tortellini at Aldi last week - my new favorite pasta for this is the one with mushrooms). I add that cooked pasta to the simmering mix. I also have a bag of salad sized shrimp in the freezer and I put a big handful in a bowl and let water dribble over it to thaw. The last two things into the pan are the cooked thawed shrimp and a few generous pinches of shredded Romano cheese.

It's not soupy, but the tomatoes make a nice sauce, the cheese is just enough to bind it and give a little sharp accent (I might use a quarter cup at the most). It's mostly vegetables with a small amount of pasta and good protein. If I have a small can of mushrooms I sometimes add them. A big bowl of this and a glass of wine and it's a good one-bowl meal.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Mar 13 - 11:52 AM

SRS: Good tip about the cherry tomatoes! We were overrun with them last year - volunteers from the heritage ones of the year before! The plants overran the city yard before I realized it and produced like mad until frost.

Yesterday - 3 loads of laundry, two grocery runs to dif stores and way too much time on internet. Went to upstairs studio to turn on heat, watered plants and checked on clay. Darn.

And now it is midday and I need to make a run back up to the vitamin store because I left the NAC in the country and feel the lack of it. Above freezing, just, and no snow on the roads. That is the good news. I HATE driving up there. That's why I usually order on line but I blew it this time. OK, here I go.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Mar 13 - 08:05 PM

Have photographed and worked out the packing for the tureen. I'll pop that on eBay tonight and then find a box for the rest of this. There isn't much interest, even at very low prices. I should perhaps also list it in the crafts materials area for broken crockery for mosaic projects.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 09:42 AM

We're cooking now for two-- households that is. I learned a lot about food gifting when we were on the receiving end, and our neighbor who lost his wife last month has 4 hungry uni student sons who come home regularly to check in... few of whom can cook. YET. :~}
Last night, whole grain mac n cheese w Greek meatballs, spaghetti squash nests w red sweet pepper and garlic, plus bag of apples. Working on next week's item... has to freeze well in case we pick the wrong night to deliver it. Gave to consult the freezer. All the sons are weight lifters...

~S~

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 10:10 AM

That sounds like a lot of cooking, Susan!

I survived that trip "up there", and stopped at Home Depot on way back, gifting myself with yellow primrose for the city kitchen and a prayer plant and a bi-colour ficus for the big country planter. Will keep the ficus in its pot and lower it into the centre of the planter. Took the NAC and made cauliflower soup. I say that as though there was cause and effect. I believe so. I do feel better this morning.

I had to hurry in the vitamin shop as it was full of fragrance. I just bought the first NAC I saw and got out. That store does not usually bother me so this indicates a need to detox. That is part of what the NAC does for me.

Off to library and mini grocery - grapefruit and avocados.

I thickened the soup with buckwheat flour which gave it a definite colour! and flavour. It was nice. Also a half teaspoon of "Arabian spices" from the Iraq family cookbook. Next time, I will thicken with chick pea flour and try 3/4 teaspoon spice.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 10:11 AM

There are lots of cooking tips on YouTube - I put short videos up for my kids. You might prepare a dish and then find a video that demonstrates how to make it and post the link (or a bitly version so it isn't difficult to type in) with the contributed dish so the sons get some instruction along with the donation.

Busy day today, but at least the kitchen has stayed looking good all week. I have the peninsula staked out for my eBay photos for a while. I don't want anything else in the house to show, just the background, so I use felt behind closeups or my denim-blue sheet, artfully wrinkled, as the backup.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 11:54 AM

SRS, nope on video hints-- these are hands-on people who need to go as slow as their grief will allow. :~) (This is not my first rodeo with young men or indeed adult men who need to take care of themselves.)

DP: That sounds like a lot of cooking, Susan!

Oh, I'm too wily (old) to wear myself out cooking menu-style-- like the dinner for last night, for example:

One night I had a taste for mac and cheese so I made a diabetic-style batch. It got kinda big because I boiled "too much" pasta. The cheese sauce-- roux and shredded cheddar. The next day the neighbor lady died so I got out the frozen meatballs THAT day and set them in a small crockpot to thaw and soak up canned, diced tomaters. And went on with my ramp laps in between her visitation, funeral/etc.

The next day I flavored the meatballs, and packed them up on top of loaf pans half full of the mac n cheese, in each pan 2 large servings, which I thought would feed the dad after the company went home. We took 'em up the road that night, but the sons were just leaving to go back to school and had crammed all the food gifts of that week into their freezers-- one knew how, I learned.

So their dad asked if we could hold that mac in our freezer, so we did.

Then last week I made us some spag squash and had an idea for the next time. I grabbed one while doing our shopping the other day, plus an an extra bag of the variety of apples that had been so popular up-road. With Hardi's schedule, we decided last night was the best night to take it up there, so we thawed it the night before and it went into the fridge yesterday AM.

By then we had learned via FB that not one but TWO of the sons had come home on spring break, and I thought adding a veg would be a good idea.... so I made the squash (nuked and then easily garnished and packed). I then called the house, got the one of the sons I barely know, and said his dad and my husband had made an arrangement to bring up supper-- did they have plans, or did they want it that night? "Uh, YEAH!"

So I said we'd stick it in their oven about 5. We went up there fivish and did that-- made sure they were on a good temp in the oven, unloaded those apples, and spent a very few minutes with their dad while he awaited the sons' return from weight-lifting. He gave me back the last pan we'd sent-- chicken and onion hash had been in that one. (They'd helped us out by eating up the overflow when a batch for Hardi got WAY too big for MY fridge-- that was when Hardi had made the arrangement that "it might be time to thaw that mac now.")


So really-- I am just making a little extra of one dish, on some nights, and saving them to pack up to make up a complete dinnerful when needed, or weekly if the young men are not visiting, so their dad gets time with his priest and a full belly instead of the TV dinners we heard he's been "enjoying." And me, I get to increase the amount of time I can stand up, and run my own damn kitchen for a change!

I found some twice-baked taters in the fridge. They were meant to be feta-cheese-bakes but I didn't have enough feta to make the taste as strong as we like.... but if I add a cheddar cheese sauce and rebake, they will not taste too foreign, and go along with.... probably Hardi will grill them a few steaks or pork chops (teach how).

An upcoming meal will be sloppy joes as done in a dutch oven. O....M....G!!!! Starting with a hothothot dutch oven, it's:
<> Ground beef and onions, etc. make the bottom layer, cooked, with sauce added.
<> Next layer, shredded cheese. A good amount.
<> Top layer, bisquick dough (we prefer another brand tho).

The dough soaks the cheese up into it. To serve, just plunge in a metal spoon and turn the result over onto a plate. And repeat as needed. When it is gone, the pot is still hot enough to bake an "apple pancake"-- swill it out with water heated on the fire, then put in a flat round of more bisquick dough, cube up an apple or two, add cinnamon, mmmmm. Good conversation while it cooks and gets up that apple smell.

Did you know apples can be roasted over a fire, just like hot dogs?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 12:40 PM

Oh, Susan! These sounds like things I used to do - when I was cooking for the masses. Living alone for MANY years, I have gotten totally out of the habit. So, you wake me up to the woman I used to be! I cook more now than I did before R. The last real baking I did was for moveon.org bake sales - in 2008! That inspired my to great heights - baklava, cookies, jalapeno corn bread. We raised lots of money.

Have done library and groceries. Now on the noon news and, after this, lunch - chicken, from Monday's supper, on lettuce with a bit of salsa.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 03:32 PM

The first thing I need to determine is whether the Dad is in shape yet to remember to thaw anything for supper when he starts his day.

~S~

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 05:25 PM

Happiness is getting some pots thrown - finally. Just 8 small ones and prepared balls for the next lot. 90 minutes more work than I have done in a while. Then about 20 min on the cycle while watching TV. A good day.