Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Mar 13 - 02:31 PM

Dishes and laundry(clothing) is done...might throw in a couple of rugs before the day is over.

I spent most of the morning planning a bus (day) trip for a group of friends. I sent in the final details and am waiting to hear from the company about the cost per person. I am really excited about it! :)

Next on the list is to write a few letters to some potential sponsors for our Relay For Life team and thank you notes to friends and family who did something special to help Jeremiah celebrate his birthday!

It's snowing fast and furious here...small flakes but coming down sideways in the strong winds that are going on.

I am thankful that Pete has a job where he can work from home on days like this. It's good to have all of us at home. Jeremiah was up 3 times last night. The first time he just needed Mama to rub his back for a minute. The second time he was crying I went into his room and he said, "Mommy say a prayer." I did and he went right back to sleep. Around 4am he cried again and Pete got up with him. Jeremiah was UP. Pete stayed up with him, took him outside to *help* with morning chores and then for a walk in the woods to get rid of some energy. Both of my guys are now sound asleep. :) The animals are curled up on the couch or by the fire and sleeping too. Only Mags (my Bernese Mtn dog) and I are awake. She is sitting 4 feet from the front porch loving the snow!

I hope the rest of you can stay in if you are in the path of this storm.

My heart is happy.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Mar 13 - 04:25 PM

Hm..... where am I? Oh yes, diocesan Anti-Racism ministry tasks got very hot this week so I've been busier than a one-armed paperhanger on that, while also expediting some financial matters related to my recent medical cost over-runs. In my spare time I am working my way thru alterations that need tweaking with my trusty little sewing kit, and clearing the decks for ramped-up PT plans (a coming period of needful ouchies).

I also inserted the next round of alts into a garment bag that is ready to load up when Sirina calls to say that the flannel blouse is ready, which I left with her when I picked up the first round of alts she had done. These next alts are items I had done myself by hand (poorly) in case I needed SOMETHING to put on for a formal occasion.

But in FB fotos I am told I am faboo, in my sewing as well as hers.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Mar 13 - 05:29 PM

Yesterday I took apart the system of extension cords and thermal plugs (to turn on the circuit to the heater if the room got below 40 degrees) and put the oil heaters away for the year. I finished the yard work for this week - it will now be at least weekly until October. Unless it's really hot and dry in the summer.

Mailed a box from an eBay sale, and I'm afraid my guy who won a bid last week is going to be a deadbeat. He has purchased and paid for other things since, so I wonder if he somehow doesn't know that he bought this? I'll send one last note tomorrow, and tell him I really hate leaving negative feedback.

Aches and pains and allergy symptoms this morning after all of the weekend yard work. I'll call my friend Antonio and see if he can come help dig up the gardens or I'll never get it all done - my job is taking more than 40 hours per week right now, not leaving a lot of garden time.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Mar 13 - 06:14 PM

I feel as if I haven't gotten anything done today, but, doing a quick assessment, I guess I have.

Some physical hauling-type chores this morning, plus getting Tom dressed and his feet and knees medicated before the visiting nurse arrived between 11 & 12:00. Tom's physical therapist was due at 1:00. Got some banana bread baked and while PT was going on (Tom said it was a good workout) I decluttered an email account.

After everyone left, I made lunch and then intended to head out to do some errands before it starts to snow again (later tonight and all day tomorrow).

Car said, uh uh. I hadn't driven it since we got home from the hospital just before midnight on Friday. I was frozen deep in a coupla three inches of ice. Stuck kitty litter fore and aft all the tires, tried backing, tried forward in 1st...nada. Littered everything once more and tried again. No go. A friend came over to schedule some plumbing, gave me a look like "Girl driver..." and tried. Vindicated. He couldn't get it out of the ice either.

So I called a neighbor with a truck and a length of chain and he got me right out.

So I picked up Tom's prescription, got some groceries and white wine and picked up some miscellaneous stuff at the drug store to help make Tom's life a little more pain free and help his foot heal.

Got everything into the house. Paid some bills. Updated Tom's meds list (that I pass out like candy every time he's at the doctor, Urgent Care, ER, hospital).

I'm wiped and it's way too late for a nap. As a matter of fact, it's time to put dinner in. Thank goodness I got something really simple for supper!

Oh, and last night before Tom went to bed I took down notes on his reminiscences on the different music crowds in Boston in the '60s, when he first met various people, stuff like that. Should have gotten the notes transcribed today, but didn't. Mañana...if we have power.

Linn

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Mar 13 - 07:46 PM

Oh, yeah...AND I signed up for six weekly 1-1/2 hour classes on "Powerful Tools for Caregivers"...how to reduce stress, better communicate, balance my life, increase my ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources.

First one is April 9th.

Looking forward to them.

Linn

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Mar 13 - 10:26 PM

Linn,

   I'm glad that you see that you really ARE doing so much!!! I think Caregivers have the hardest job in the world. <3

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Mar 13 - 10:42 PM

I first read that an thought "power tools for caregivers" and figured you'd build furniture for therapeutic reasons or go ahead and build a few ramps around the house. :)

At the grocery store this week I seem to have zeroed in on produce - this evening I picked up more fruit and salad fixings. Nice weather and I feel like eating healthy is a good sign.

This evening I lowered the boom on the no-pay eBay guy. He bought a similar model, newer DVR than the one I had listed on Friday, after bidding on mine on Wednesday. I told him to get in touch with me so I can relist it if he doesn't want it, or I'll leave negative feedback and I really don't want to do that. It can come back to bite you later. If he communicates that I would at least leave neutral feedback.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Mar 13 - 09:48 AM

Linn! sounds like the workshop could be very interesting - even if it is not about chain saws...

I am realizing that just plain living takes time. I think I will get out to the studio by 9 but first.... IT will soon be 10 but that gives me plenty of time to wear myself out today.

Yesterday turned out to be a no energy day so I gave in to it and read an entire novel of 673 pages, finishing at midnight. Charlotte Vale Allen, one of my fav authors. I found an old book of hers, which I had not seen before, at the library on Sat and ....   

I never went back to the city yesterday. R said not to bother; he is so busy. So I took a detox bath last eve and today I woke up feeling energy flowing. It's snowing and beautiful. I may be snowed in! One more quick message to someone special and off to work I go!

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Mar 13 - 01:10 PM

Another item sold on eBay - I ran a pair of new with tags slacks (I found at the thrift store) with just a description for two weeks. Then I took the fabric blend out of the title and put "slim not skinny - flattering!" and they sold. The books I put up aren't getting much attention, I put up a couple at one price with free shipping and I put up on at a low auction price with shipping calculated to see what people prefer. Evidently they don't favor these books - they're getting closer to the box that will carry them down to Half Price Books.

When I left the house this morning the washer was set ready to run in several hours. I like the time delay - I can run it in the middle of the night in the summer when they prefer you to run appliances instead of during peak cooling times. In this instance I have a few things to hang to dry and I didn't want them sitting in the washer all day getting creases to have to iron out later. About half of my dress wardrobe for work has to hang dry, but I didn't get the laundry done in the evening so it could dry overnight.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Mar 13 - 09:24 PM

General chores done today and a FANTASTIC (very active..think puddles of sweat on the yoga mat) yoga.

The teacher came to me after class to say that she thought I was doing very well and she said, "You have an AMAZING three-legged dog!" For those of you who are unsure of what that is, look here:

Three Legged Down Dog

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Mar 13 - 09:25 PM

PS. That is NOT me. I surely wish my belly was that small but alas, it is not. I rocked 3 legged down dog anyway!!! YAY ME!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Mar 13 - 11:24 PM

Managed to get all the pots trimmed and they are happily drying. Well, I am happy they are drying on the baker's rack near the heater. I should be able to fire them tomorrow afternoon. With any luck I will have enough energy to throw some more in the morning, for the next round. I did a little organizing in the studio and spent time thinking about what the next lot needs to be.

Managed to get rid of about 8 inches of papers, reducing quantity to two boxes or less. Another box still in the city.

Almost no internet today and no phone signal most of day. Probably due to:

Snowed all day, about 8-10 inches, and it was above freezing so the snow is heavy. Sure was beautiful. The snow fairy came by and said it was too heavy for his machine. I am hoping it will melt but it is to be freezing for the next couple days. And meant to snow more also, about an inch on Weds and Thurs. But it was only supposed to be about 3 inches today. I have sufficient food and the wood stove. Guess I could just stay here. The choice is to call another neighbour who has bigger equipment. R is so busy in the city there is no reason for me to be there.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Mar 13 - 12:46 PM

Too damned much of my time is being taken up by cleaning up after snow! I just rescheduled some household tasks (plumbing and blind installation) with a friend for Friday instead of this afternoon. I. Just. Can't. Do. ANYTHING. Else. Physical. Today. (Like cleaning off the windowsills, moving the table and the stuff under the table and the chair behind the table, and getting into weird positions to shut off the water, etc.)

I brought the car down to the house to unload the blinds and then take the other two bags of trash up to the road. I think I'll be leaving my car in the spot up the hill for the time being. My plow guy is coming over later to rearrange some snow that he can't do with a plow. But there's not a lot of maneuvering space for my car plus it's mud under the snow. Had to do some fancy backing and filling to turn the car around (and avoid hitting a tree during the process) so I could drive out via the turnaround. The lower bank side of the straight shot is really soft and I don't feel like driving continually over the corner of my hosta bed even if it's covered in a foot of snow.

Tom definitely won't be able to get safely in and out on Friday to attempt the Press Room session again. Not sure about getting him to a doctor's appointment next week. We'll just have to see how the weather (and the driveway) progresses.

Linn

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Mar 13 - 02:23 PM

Internet on and off. Has been difficult at the cabin for a couple days. Weather maybe. So I am trying to pre-write so I can post when it comes back. Get about 3 minutes and then... POOF!

This morning was a shovel some snow and bring in stove wood, wrote a comment of appreciation on line to an author, James Lee Burke, did a couple other posts and read a report on rabies in Ontario – 3 cases last year, then it was lunch time.

Now, tired of waiting for it to come back. Posted to our local group which has been fighting the wind turbine issue in our beautiful woods and environmentally fragile pavement barren. Great news: the provincial govt is permitting our region to increase setbacks and protect the woods and the environment. Someone suggested a party with leftover funds – we had a lawyer involved. I suggested a donation to hospital or other local service. We are very happy.

Now, to pottery. Maybe when I return…

I have returned and again internet went on for about 2 minutes and then poof. Maybe by the time I write this it will be back or ... not.

I only managed to prepare 8 largish chunks of clay and then came in to look at lists and decide what really need to be made. Try to make a comprehensive list by weight so I can just say - "OK, I feel like doing..." or "a few of .... would be good". I feel I am gradually getting more organized although I view this as something to be fun doing rather than a CHORE, it is best to make what might sell so I can afford to keep doing!

The sun is shining! and the temp is over 40. I won't make it to the library today but maybe by tomorrow it will melt enough, she says hopefully! OR, the landlord will come by to see how the sap is flowing? OR I can phone the guy down the road with a big plow. It's OK because I don't have to go anywhere.

I'll start that list and see if I can post this later.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Mar 13 - 06:12 PM

Guess I am not making pots today but I sorted a few files and threw away more paper - keeping me warm! The folks came to empty yesterday's snow from the sap buckets and I negotiated with a lad with a four wheel drive truck to drive in to my car and out again so now I have a trail to get out - tomorrow.

Snowing again!

I am practicing a bit of brush work, planning test glazes for tomorrow's glaze firing. Will go out later and load bisque firing and give it low heat for a few hours to ensure no explosions! I feel good about progress - both physical and mental.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 01:33 AM

Busy day, and it included staking a claim on my job at work. It's all because people don't have an idea of my full job description. They were discussing stuff that has been set up new in recent months without asking me. I'm fine with their initiative, but with no meaningful title in my dept, they didn't know that I not only post in various social media, I'm as close to in charge of it as anyone. Now they know.

So in an unrelated thought I'll close with a description of my water glass in the bathroom. It used to be beside my bed. For years I took a fresh glass of water to my bedside table every night. One night I woke to the delicate "sip sip sip sip" of the cat on my bedside table enjoying a drink.

The cats are gone but my water glass still sits beside the sink with a cover on top.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 09:08 AM

SRS, my cat used to sneak a sip of my tea mug-- I put a lot of milk in my tea? She wasn't licking up the bottom of what I'd left-- no--- she'd go for it warm and half full!

~S~

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 09:09 AM

PS-- dipping it up with her paw!

~S~

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 10:42 PM

I'm impressed that I got all of that to show up - I was in bed and writing on my phone with a stylus. I didn't connect it up very well, but I'd been brushing my teeth and paused to think about my water glass, and why it was in there. :)

One of my credit card companies called this morning - someone had gotten my credit card number and made an Internet purchase. That account is now closed, a new card is on its way. I'll have to change all of the payment information for my regular bills, and redo the PayPal linkage. Today I had a brake job done on the pickup, front and back, and paid for it out of savings. I'll give the cards a rest for a few days, see what else crops up. And run a free check on my cards and file a report - which means I can put a lock on all of my credit - no one can open a new account without a delay and my being notified.

Long day tomorrow, but after that, I'll have a weekend in which I can start planting my garden. I had a friend come dig it up today and he'll finish in the morning. It's worth it to pay to have it done, I'd never have the time myself.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Mar 13 - 12:22 PM

The dogs and I went out for a walk around the neighborhood last night - which probably contributed to the allergies I'm suffering from today. Throat soother tea is on the menu for sipping during the day.

The garden is ready to go! Looks like we might get rain overnight, so I'll pick up beneficial nematodes tomorrow and have them ready to spread around. There is still an effect from those I put out last year, we didn't see many cutworms (just one one end of the garden, so I'll soak that area more).

I have the kitchen cleared up, ready to run a load of dishes.

Tomorrow I'll relist the eBay item that didn't get paid for. I suspect he thought he was hitting the watch button and didn't realize he bid on it. At any rate, that should close tomorrow and I can relist it. The sun room is looking better every time I ship a box. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Mar 13 - 08:16 PM

From the Cafe , while listening to great music!

Bisque did not blow up! Yesterday: unloaded kiln. Pots all waxed and ready to glaze. Test tiles with numerous glaze combinations and the already glazed pots loaded and fired. Then I gave out. I sorted out a bunch of old garden mags to give away. Some others I could not bear to part with. I'll give them to Ad tonight for his wife/garden club folks.

Young lad with huge snowblower cleared the drive to the sugar shack and then the one where my car is. So I was able to go off last night to do some groceries and replenish the book supply at the library.

Today: Opened kiln for a peek. Top shelf looked good! Then turned up heat in studio and went back in house. With a great rush of energy from somewhere, I cleaned the kitchen floor, vacuumed the whole cabin, and cleaned two big shelves in lower cupboard that were covered with mouse sign. That sort of sticky drawer liner stuff was full of it so I put them in the bathtub, then decided to let them dry and take them to the city to launder. Then I decided plain white paper, I have a roll, would be better. Yahoo! The cupboard is clean and arranged more effectively! Also cleaned all the nick knacks and the shelf around the wood stove platform. And rolled the portable washing machine that made a lake the last time I used it, out onto the front porch.

With any luck, it and that big kiln might get out of here this weekend, now that R has his driver's license back!!

Unloaded a fine kiln load of pots, different glaze from any of current work. Not a single Blooper! All packed and ready for Sunday. Then I tried to convince my body to make some test glazes and glaze the new bisque ware. It said, NO! So I studied the test tiles and realized that I really did need to mark them BEFORE firing. I figured out some and very pleased with a few new combinations and the 3 new glazes I tested - a good cobalt blue and a slightly unique cobalt blue with specks. Need to work on pricing materials to see which glazes are more costly. Such fun to see how glazes interact, under or over each other.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Mar 13 - 12:21 AM

Long day, winding down.

If it doesn't rain tonight, I'll plant the garden this weekend. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Mar 13 - 09:09 PM

I'm under the weather. I did some shopping, I picked up my nematodes and a flat of plants. The plants are in for the night, as is the pickup, because there is supposed to be more stormy stuff coming through. It's a quiet evening. My eBay relist isn't until after four full days since I filed a non-payment report (eBay rules). That time comes pretty late tonight, but I'm not going to stay up late.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Mar 13 - 11:03 PM

I hope you're feeling better soon Maggie. :( Sweet dreams.

XOXOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 10:07 AM

Thanks! I had a chill last night at one point that is nothing like I'd have with allergies, so I suspect this is a cold. Darn. Must drink lots of water to wash these germs through.

Re my eBay case, if the sale doesn't go through you can't post feedback, it only comes into play if he has more than one unpaid item and seller has limited bidding to positive feedback and no more than two unpaid items.

I'm relisted and I'll do a couple of more things this morning, then I'm viewing a training video for a project at work. I'm not up to much else today. I'll pace my pills (12 hour decongestant, taking extra zinc - no point in paying the high price of Zircam, that's just zinc).

On the positive side about this cold, if I'd come home from the nursery yesterday and planted everything it would have gotten a frost last night or tonight. I didn't feel like exerting myself, and I saved my garden in the process. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 12:05 PM

As you know, we've been working on potty training. Jeremiah is awesome about telling me when he has to pee! Today he walked over to me and said, "I have to go poopy on the potty." Daddy took him into the bathroom...nothing. They were in there for about 15 minutes and came out. Nada. Ten minutes late Jeremiah tells me he has to go poopy on the potty. I took him in and SUCCESS!!!! WOOO HOOOO!!!!! I am SO proud of him!!!!! He had a special surprise for his big day and we will have smaller surprises for him for the next week or so as he goes on the potty.....loads of positive reinforcements!!!! :) I am most happy!!!

This morning Pete made breakfast...applesauce pancakes with maple syrup from our very own maple trees and our own bacon! Talk about DELICIOUS!!! I could have very easily eaten until I exploded but instead, I had one medium sized pancake with a measured amount of maple syrup and only 2 slices of bacon. YAY ME! Truth be told, that was plenty. I am not hungry. My mouth would have loved to munch on it all day though.

I hope you are feeling better as the day passes Stilly.

Have a great day everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 12:14 PM

Darn, my remark got eaten by the remarks gremlin.

Congratulations on the potty training - it's such a huge step to leave behind the diapers or pullups!

Your bacon and maple syrup sounds wonderful, but I doubt I could taste them right now. That would be a tragedy!

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 12:33 AM

Juggling the stuffy nose and cough with the need to sleep. I found the jar of Vicks, so I'll try Michelle's trick of smearing it on feet under socks. It can't hurt!

Kat, I see you adding onto a couple of other threads - are you using the Dragon software now, or are you going to go back to using it? Since it is something that you've suggested in the thread for Art's computer, I wonder when you use it how much time you spend touching the keyboard to offer up corrections or to initiate the program?

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 08:25 AM

I woke up with a sore-ish throat, I think caused by post-nasal drip. If that's indicative of anything, I'm sure planning on heading it off at the pass! (Vicks on the soles of the feet...I've heard about that before.)

Anybody know anything about VoiceOver on a desktop Mac (not iPad or laptop)? It may be a godsend for Tom, but the tutorial I found uses commands tapped into the touchpad, which a desktop computer doesn't have.

Linn

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 12:43 PM

Daily chores today and planning ahead for a busy week and the holiday weekend. I go for a tumor marker check up on Thursday. It had been scheduled for about a week and a half ago but we had some ice so I canceled that appointment. When I called to reschedule, I figured I'd have to wait a month of more because my oncologist has written on my chart that I am to see ONLY him...and he's booked like crazy. I was lucky to only have to wait a week and a half. The downside? I have to have labs done at 8:45am for a 9:15am appointment. We have to leave here at 6:30AM to get there on time! The upside to that is that I will be going to my favorite quilt shop afterwards...it's down in that area and is the perfect little something to look forward to after having a very large, thick fish hook of a needle sunk into my chest. HOORAY for Lidacaine!!

Anyway, I've started a split rail quilt (sews up fairly fast) and I want to have the quilt top finished so I can take it with me on Thursday to pick out borders and a backing. The colors I'm using are called Morris Apprentice....jewel tones mixed with some dark tannish browns and grays to give some depth...I think it's going to be lovely!

Jeremiah is rocking the potty training!!! No accidents in 2 days now! HOORAY!!!

Have a great day everybody!!!

Michelle

PS. How's that cold Stilly?
PSS. I have never used any voice recognition software so I'm sorry to be of no help in that arena.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 01:28 PM

How do you put on the Vicks? I tried rubbing some on my feet (on top) and my feet were freezing - I had to get rid of the socks to warm up.

Tired of sneezing. I've used the neti pot a couple of times a day and gargle with salt water. There is a sore spot in my throat that feels better when I drink warm water. Herbal tea tastes good.

I've managed to get a few things put away, though I haven't taken on very ambitious projects. I filed some papers, swept some dust, hung up some clothes. The big chore - I need to drive to the post office. It's only a mile, but I'll go with a wad of tissues in my pocket.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 03:32 PM

I coat my feet in Vick's, put on cotton socks and go to bed.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: MAG
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 04:23 PM

Happy spring, everybody.

My condolences to friends points east who are having nasty weather.

House a pit, car a pit, especially after spending a weekend in the woods w/ 100 kindred spirits.

Last fall got a drop spreader to do preemergent weed suppressant; it works crappily, so ended up getting a hand sprinkler just 'cause I got to get the stuff out while it works. (i.e., in time to suppress weed seed germination)

fertilizer stinks, dozens of hyaconths just great. starting seeds. hot mat in the garage not working 'cause the friend who STARTED cutting down a tree snagged the power line into the garage. Most of tree still there, of course.

got out thte reel mower, first cutback of the grass.

not getting to the gym nearly enough; blaming it on the knees. truth is, elliptical trainer is exactly what the knees need.

o well ...

be well, all.

positively dizzy w/ spring fever.

love, MA

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 12:04 AM

Don't you just love that kind of "help?" Power lines a casualty in a good deed - arrgh!

Doctor appointment in the morning, to see if I have an ear infection or sinus infection. Must declutter myself of some noxious germs. I've been drinking a lot of water, trying to get the decongestant to work as well as possible. It has helped this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 07:19 PM

Mailed another eBay parcel, have watchers on a couple, relisted one. I have seven reviews that count toward the 10 that are needed to put the little grid back up that shows good practices all around. I went back to look at one buyer to learn that he hasn't posted feedback since 2008.

Feeling better, I'm holding off on using an antibiotic for another day or two hoping I don't have to, but they did give me a steroid shot that helps clear out some of the sinus pressure and drainage. I can feel it working already.

Tonight is down to 37 in the forecast, and after that, my bedding plants are going out beside the door until they get planted. This garden is so close I can almost taste it! :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 07:25 PM

Well, our bath tub plumbing leak is a lot more complicated than I thought. Tom, of course, can no longer do the plumbing he used to be able to do. When just replacing the washers didn't work, a friend who had been helping found it to be out of his comfort zone. I called in another local acquaintance who recently retired from doing all the fix-it stuff around Sears. He took a good look this morning...and passed. (His dad was a master plumber and he'd worked as his dad's helper, so he knows his way around plumbing.) But he called back with a recommendation of a local plumber whom I now have to call.

Probably the whole faucet and shower head need to be replaced...and that will mean the tub surround as well.

Well, ya gotta do what ya gotta do...

Linn

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 08:33 PM

Still over a foot of snow in the city back yard! Tiny front garden might be clear soon and I can clean out the trash people drop as they wait for the bus. Maybe plant some more primrose. I bought 3 a couple weeks ago for indoors but the mouse ate them. I forgot! On the plus side, the gorgeous red amaryllis from last year has two huge blossoms - in spite of having had only one leaf for months. I shall have to give it some TLC during the summer. It deserves several gold stars for this performance.

R's truck developed a wobble and he did not bring the trailer to the cabin so, once again, we did not move that $%^&* kiln. Now we have notice that we need to vacate the cabin by 30 June. So R is planning temporary quarters at the saw mill. I spent a good chunk of today on line looking for something cheap enough and suitable, to buy. Nada.

But great concert Saturday night. Did not sell even one pot on sunday but the owner of the fabric store suggested we do a special show at his store in the summer! He has 1000 people on his email list so "I dwell in possibilities..."

Still working toward some more new glazes. Monday was mainly a day of rest. I came back to the city in time to go folk dancing. A great evening, the best since I have been in Montreal - good dances and enough energy to stay until 10 pm. The dances energize me. A bit stiff today, proving that IFD is good for the body.

Did not get to pottery supply house today but tomorrow - with a shortened list. Today: in addition to hours on internet, I did groceries, made choc covered candied ginger and almonds (separate), went to library and signed up for on line so I can renew books when I am snowed in! finished going through the overdue ceramics books so I can return them tomorrow.

Found I have accumulated over 1000 clayart emails so I started going through and deleting. There are many I want to save to file so I will have a better idea of titles for files after I finish the deleting. So much good info from incredibly seasoned potters and interesting people, too.

Those of you who are mowing lawns! And planting gardens! Things here are still frozen to the ground!

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 08:38 PM

I have had a busy day: Dishes, 3 loads of laundry, washed throw rugs, cooked 3 meals, played with Jeremiah on and off all day, swept the floors, sewed together half of my quilt top, drove 80 miles (don't ask), went to the last of a progressively difficult yoga class...it kicked my butt! In the standing forward fold poses that were held for a LONG ass time, I was literally dripping sweat onto the floor as it poured off my head.

I feel great but soooo tired.

Bed soon.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 11:09 PM

I feel much better this evening. I tackled the sink and have the dishwasher running. That's about all I'm going to attempt.

This afternoon I was at the post office and then pulled across the road to get gas. A boy, perhaps 10, walked up and asked if I had a couple of dollars. I'd seen a man who looked like a gang-banger walking from the direction of this gas station to the post office a few minutes earlier, and I realized that the mother was slowly "cleaning" the car windows and every time a new vehicle pulled in she sent one of her two little boys over to panhandle. The father was out of sight at the post office because he would screw up the scene.

I reported this inside, and they said something to her. As I was putting the nozzle back at my truck the woman approached me and was angry denied that they were panhandling, that I had told her son he shouldn't be panhandling. I called her bluff and told her (as she walked back to her car) that child protective services frowned on parents putting their children in harm's way by having them approach strangers. She was still doing it when I left, but I called back to the gas station and told them what she did and that she was still sending the boys out but trying to keep the cars between the boys and the windows of the station. It's not just illegal, it's this kind of parents that can really screw up their kids. The story is they "ran out of gas" just at the gas station. How convenient.

Oh, well.

Dorothy, did I miss news about the cabin earlier, or did this just happen? You've enjoyed that place so much, I hope you find something suitable to move to.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 11:24 AM

Everybody wants to come today at the same time.

Oil delivery is around noonish, so I had to call the plumber so he wouldn't block the driveway. He just came and checked out the problem. Was going to be back to fix it on Friday, but I remembered (Tom remembered) Tom has a doctor's appointment, so the plumber will be here on Monday morning. Visiting nurse called right after I found out what time the oil delivery was coming. She's coming between 11:30 and 12:30, but I told her not to block the driveway.

In my spare time (after getting Tom's knees and feet medicated, him dressed, and breakfast made) I gathered some more documents to be submitted for an assistance application and made an appointment to have our taxes done -- including getting the form so Tom doesn't have go along with me and I can sign for him.

Whew!

I had a day yesterday where I just couldn't relax and read; couldn't concentrate -- so I got a lot of archival paper shuffling done. I know I made great inroads, but, alas, it doesn't SHOW. I'm also a little closer today at getting the jelly cupboard ready to move.

The mud in the driveway (the turnaround, at least) is looking a lot better.

I've got enough stuff yet to do today, though, that I'm glad it's leftovers for dinner.

Linn

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 01:54 PM

Feeling much better, but the cough is still here. I'm drinking herbal tea and water and staying hydrated to help the decongestant clear out the sinuses.

I was going to ask Salvation Army to pick up this mattress in the hall (yes, still in the hall) but I didn't get to it on the weekend. I'll have to schedule it for next week. They won't come right away, they have zones they work. But soon I'll have it out of the way.

My bedding plants are now outside, the worst of the cold weather has passed for the season, I hope.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: MAG
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 04:35 PM

I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner, but I can move the hot mat into the little room off the kitchen. Crammed w/ cleaning equipment, but plenty of room for a hot mat.

d-uh!

would use the table, but Scamper the cat would have fun w/ it. When I took him in, her destroyed my entire african violet collection. No other cat had ever touched it. Also had to stop putting planes in my bay window. I love him, but he changed my life.

(Now I have raised beds, and I must cover them with mesh. But then any neighborhoodcat would require it.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: MAG
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 05:06 PM

Oh, and if you haven't watched the Jim Carrey "Cold dead hands" video on its own thread here, you must -- it's a must --

even gun owners (sane ones) will like it -- unless you love Reagan and/or Charleton Heston

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 09:49 PM

Haven't watched it yet. I'll take a look.

This evening I decided I was tired of the tangle of covers that my bed has become over the past few days. Extra pillows to prop me up, a towel to help keep me from sliding, an extra robe, whatnot. It's all in the laundry and the bed is made up fresh. A sure sign of feeling better!

The kitchen is still tidy - if I run the dishwasher and then make a point of hand washing each small batch of dishes it will look good for a while.

Design work tonight.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 01:09 AM

Sitting in the ER with Jeremiah.....high hopes of leaving by 3am. : (

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 04:13 AM

4:12am Everyone is home. Jeremiah is doing ok and is sleeping. Pete and I are having something for dinner and going to bed.

What. A. Day.


Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 09:23 AM

Oh dear! What's up with our little guy?

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 01:05 PM

I've been in a crazy fog all week and not sleeping well either (maybe it's trying the aggressive new PT regimen? I now have a copy of my bloodwork-- quick AM van ride. I AM teetering back into anemia AND my thyroid numbers are worse than last time, but I DID sit outside on my ramp stool to brush the doggeh, catch a little air (and a snowflake) in breezy/bright full-spectrum light, and try a new stretching position to stretch the adhesions. (Left the itchy doggeh's shedding, dandruffy fur for the birdehs.)

I need to cross reference the anemia numbers with recent labs-- get out the ole Life Binder, flip it open to the lab-work tab, and grab a pencil to add CBC numbers to the thyroid chart I'd made for the new doc not long ago. The thyroid numbers alone are such that I can up my meds a wee tad for the next few days' doses AND feel better by Monday to have a GOOD talk with the doc about the anemia clues/possible Dx's.

~S~

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 01:44 PM

Successfully navigated through yesterday. Whew!

Tom was up (THAT was a surprise!), in his wheelchair and had coffee started when I came downstairs at 8 a.m. Sort of threw my rhythm off, but got the computer booted and Tom his coffee. (I set it up the night before because he can no longer do that. He could hit the ON button this morning, but couldn't pour his coffee or see well enough to put half and half in it.)

While checking email and getting the cinnamon rolls ready to put in the oven, I moved a few more things from around (and inside) the jelly cupboard. So it wasn't one of the things I accomplished before breakfast, but I got it moved (and de-cobwebbed) and dealt with the stuff around it, etc. right AFTER breakfast.

I uncovered a vast amount of stuff to either take to the Nottingham library sale in May or just plain throw out. It's actually the first piece in attacking this whole room and selling, donating or throwing out just about everything in here. Or at least opening up enough space to store the stuff to be sold until that happens. Having stuff all over the place is a real pain.

Now I have to move some of that stuff back so Tom can get his wheelchair closer to the computer (like INTO this room!) so I can read him email, Mudcat, Facebook, etcet etcet.

Some of the stuff I uncovered needs to be collated into my archives (the binders) that is a continuous project.

Should bag some stuff up right now to take to Goodwill tomorrow on the way home from Tom's doctor's appointment.

But then again, what I'd really like to do right now is take a nap...sigh. (Not going to happen, I think.)

Linn

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 02:00 PM

Jeremiah picked a pill up from the ground and ate it, asking me after the fact, "Mommy, what am I chewing?" I tried to scoop out any remains but it was just itty bits of a dissolved pill.

A fast call to Poison Control confirmed we needed to get him to the ER. They kept him under observation for 6 hours...constant EKG, heart monitor and blood pressure cuff that checked his blood pressure every 20 minutes or so....that was very painful for him

Absolutely nerve wracking and horrible to be witness to. I know it could have been far worse and I'm very relieved to tell you that we were all home around 4am or so.

He slept until 1:45pm and I expect he'll be doing a lot more sleeping.

Michelle