Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Nov 14 - 11:20 PM

So you don't want to hear how I forgot to get the Russet potatoes ready to boil then mash and I forgot to make cranberry sauce (my daughter came down much earlier than I expected, and we talked)? I simmered some small red potatoes, smashed them slightly, then sauteed them in butter. No gravy either. with no mashed taters. The bird was good, sweet potatoes, but the rolls were hard on the bottom and I need to remember not to try to bake them in the roaster. Maybe the pan size was the problem.

Cold weather is supposed to wallop us tomorrow.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Nov 14 - 10:45 PM

The only place I found open on Thanksgiving on my foraging trip (from the hotel I buggered off to for one night) was Walmart. Pringles & sweet tea (entirely too sweet) for T-giving dinner. Came home Friday and woke up Saturday morning to about 38° in the house and, after a McDonald's breakfast, came home and got a fire going in the fireplace. The power came back on sometime - maybe close to noon-ish.

I ♥ electricity.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 30 Nov 14 - 10:13 PM

Was without power from 8:30 Wednesday night until sometime before I got home fromthe Press Room session on Friday. Had Thanksgiving with friends a couple towns away on Saturday because she was without power until mid-afternoon on Thursday.

I'm with the Co-op so I'm always prepared for an extended power outage -- batteries, jugs of water, everything charged up, woodstove ready even though I haven't used it for three years (clean chimney, plenty of firewood, kindling, newspaper). We lose power if a butterfly slams into a pole. This time the heavy wet concrete disguised as snow not only shut down the Deerfield substation, but there was at least one downed tree resting on the wires just down the road.

Nothing was open on Thanksgiving around here, (even businesses that said they'd be open) so I couldn't get ice or dry firewood (mine was stored outside and i didn't know how much effort would go into lighting a fire) and my only option for breakfast and coffee was McDonald's. (And my laptop couldn't tap into their Wi-Fi from the parking lot and I didn't feel like going back in.)

Found even dryer wood inside the stove, so built the fire, touched it off, and it caught right away and was pushing out heat within 5 minutes. Actually, the house was too warm on Thursday. Spent the day shoveling the heavy wet white concrete off the deck and schlepping firewood. Got quite a workout. Finished a book during the rest periods.

Got ice Friday morning. And a lovely breakfast at Good 'n Plenty. Cashed my small paycheck (only worked one day this week) so I could pay for the plowing, and called my hairstylist to see if she had power and I could come over and get my hair washed. Noted on my way home that Jeri's driveway was empty and had no tire tracks so I figured she'd found refuge at a motel with wi-fi, heat, and hot water. And electrical outlets for recharging. That was confirmed when she stopped over a bit later.

Schlepped more firewood and stuffed the stove before I left early for the Press Room session and a light repast (pizza) beforehand.

Wonderful session. Place was packed with loud strangers, but they shut up and listened when we started playing. I went out and schmoozed and explained a bit of the history to three or four groups who really were enjoying the music and the experience. We had a couple guests (Melissa from Cape Breton and Doug from Seattle) plus a few people we haven't seen for awhile came out of the woodwork. Sang the Thanksgiving Round and the birthday set (to the Halleluyah Chorus plus "Why Were You Born So Beautiful") twice. Really great session!

Spent Wednesday and today sorting papers and throwing stuff away. Did Thanksgiving with friends yesterday. Will pick up my computer (!!!) tomorrow.

I'm wiped. Will take a it to recover from the past few days. And it's the extension of the past couple month's rollercoaster. I can't make up my mind if I'm depressed or hanging in there. Or barely hanging in there. That's the problem: so many things have been hanging. And the the first anniversary of Tom's death and another funeral. Fetal position and sucking my thumb looks pretty enticing... And now it's almost Christmas and I have to get my posterior into gear.

And I need to charge this tablet...

Linn

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Nov 14 - 07:01 PM

City:

HAH! two 40 inch shelves makes a terrific addition to the storage space! And realizing the drawer under the stove is no longer rat haven and is no longer full of junk, I claimed it for the pans sitting on the counter. Using a sharp drill bit and pliers, I reamed out the holes and hammered the supports into place they will be securely held by the fact that the shelf fits very tightly. The counter is as clear as it will get. I still have a tiny bit of cabinet space with things much better organized. The dishes are not yet washed.

I started on the drawers in the LR but it is daunting. I shall pick away at it as energy permits. May need more boxes from Tuesday recycling.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Rumncoke
Date: 30 Nov 14 - 02:57 PM

Scroggling around in the kitchen - it means dragging out things from under things until you find the edges of the room, and there was the large measuring jug which I have not seen for ages - underneath the ironing board.

I can't imagine what on earth - oh - I was using it for warm water when pressing one of my kilts - ages ago. I remember now I've found it by accident.

Ah well - I found lots of other bits and pieces which can now be sorted back into their proper places or disposed of. I never have the right sized lid for pans. Over the years pans must have been altered to different diameters, as I seem to have so many, but never the one I need. If I had enough space to put the pans one by one, rather than stacking them, then perhaps I could match them up, eventually, by a process of elimination. There is something to be said for colourful cookware as an aid for finding lids.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Nov 14 - 02:35 PM

City - still:
Shredded paper makes good fire starter - if one has a wood stove!

Drove to library yesterday and the Market and grocery store. I feel more able physically but still lack energy to get doing - at least re pottery. My brain is working on finding the way forward - wanting to do some different sorts of decor on pots. It has me a bit stymied as I need to be at the mill where all the clay and decor materials are but do not have the energy to go. Not knowing which way to go, I do not move? Spent a lot of time last night scrolling through clay sites on FB.

We agreed that this LR arrangement is best we can do right now. Monologue - mainly - about my being fed up with housing. Re-discussion of how this and that do not work - electric baseboard heat, lights, convenience outlets... R is so caught up with all the other crises in his business life that he does not even remember the why's of this house dysfunction. Finally I asked about the two shelves for the K and he clutched at that and ran out before BF to get that board cut.

Came back an hour later having gone to Home Depot and had two cut there. I offered to do that weeks ago. We got one in place followed by long circular discussion about whether I wanted two or 3 shelves. Do ALL men always know what the other person needs regardless?   We had BF and he ran off to deal with what REALLY needed to be done today. I put stuff on the one shelf and re-arranged things in other cabinets. Got most of stuff off counter! One more shelf - we need those things that hold it up; the ones I have won't fit in the holes and none of the half dozen drills we own between us are here. I suggested he needs a portable tool shed. We never have the tool he needs - except for MY hammer which I guard ferociously, along with a precious screw driver and my pruning shears.

The gloomy weather helps nothing. I gave up about 1 and sat down for a lunch break and emails and this. Now I think I will go see if I can find a way to enlarge those holes to get the other shelf in place and, hence, be able to free up other spaces. It has been good to move stuff around, re-organize and find - "Oh, forgot we had that..."

Maybe I can work on drawers in LR also. Of course, right now I think "Maybe I can throw a few pots today!" R will be really late tonight. I have time...

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Nov 14 - 12:28 PM

More declutter work yesterday and the desk is looking good - lots of faux wood in view on several surfaces. I have to work in the yard today because another arctic front is coming through tonight and by tomorrow it'll be miserably cold.

I have a list of seven textbooks that my son isn't interested in keeping (the one he wants is the motherlode of expensive textbooks, but it is important to his field, so is one he should keep). They'll be listed this week on half.com to be in place in time for the next semester's textbook purchasers. Half is a company owned by eBay so my same account information is good and I don't need to set up anything like PayPal, etc. I see that some collector books are listed there also, but I suspect this isn't the best place to sell them because they're mixed in with the less expensive copies, making the high prices seem ridiculous. (I just found one that I got for the normal retail price but that is prized by collectors, yet is listed low by sellers who don't know what it is. I bought a low-cost first edition with a dust jacket to send to a friend who probably doesn't have a copy).

Out to the yard in advance of the Arctic blast.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Nov 14 - 11:52 AM

My office doesn't seem that much clearer this morning when I look for progress. At best the paper is less dense. I can see some wood on the desktop over my file cabinets and I've organized some things into the bookshelves.

The kitchen is where more progress is visible, now that much of the canning is finished (there is the possibility of one more batch as several bowls and a box of tomatoes ripen slowly).

I pulled up Consumer Reports buying guide (via my university library) and saved the PDF of the vacuum cleaner section, then had a conversation via text with my son about my short wish list for xmas this year. Susie has a Shark upright bagless vacuum that does wonders on pet hair. I have a larger Hoover with hose and attachments for all other vacuuming, but it is a struggle to keep up with pet hair and one can go through a lot of bags. My son points out that bagged cleaners are considered better on pet hair, but my point is that if I have a bagless I'm likely to use it more often because I don't have to fool with the blankety blank bag. I think the point got through, and he asked me about a model that appeared in the daily deal page at Amazon. Not rated well for pet hair, but there is a smaller and less expensive one that is, so I sent him that model number. Just because the kid is now pulling down a good salary it's no reason for overkill. I already have two vacuums, I'll be donating or selling one soon, so less is indeed more.

It's a lovely day so I'll mow and mulch leaves, trim the dead cannas, and in general do one of the last mows of the year. I'll probably have to mulch again, but this will take care of the grass in the yard. If I'm really organized I'll get out the holiday lights for the smallest Italian stone pine.

There is lots trash for Monday after all of this tossing and shredding. December is my bulky waste month (once a quarter) so if I played my cards right I'd have Antonio take a problem tree out and pile it at the curb. Alas, no cash for that. Maybe in March.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Nov 14 - 03:23 AM

I spent a quiet day clearing my kitchen counters, clearing several work surfaces in my office, and watching NetFlix while I worked. This evening I catalogued some textbooks to list on www.half.com.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Nov 14 - 06:40 PM

City:
Plan A was not satisfactory. Plan B is OK. For now. Found a cabinet space for hats and gloves. No place at all for hanging coats. Cleared space to some drawers that might help with R's interminable papers. Maybe I will get a rush of energy and clear or organize my desk drawers.

No movie but right now there are 3 fire trucks down the side street and I saw a fire fighter coming out of a house. Cold night, but that is when fires mostly happen.

No word from R so I guess we are not going to the cafe tonight. Nope. I called and he is an hour out of town. I really do not feel like going outside anyway. Am becoming a real wimp. Warmer on sunday. However, I just got an email that a package of supplements was delivered at the mill this afternoon. Serious consideration ended with deciding it will survive and I will not phone the next door neighbour to rescue it. I had it sent there because I thought I would be there. I did discover that "Canada 411" enabled me to find his phone number even though I did not know last name or exact address. Now I do and put it in my phone. There are 134 people listed on that section of the highway in Godmanchester. Neat!

The alarms are working nicely - remind me to take supplements and eat a meal. Darn. Missed one. Time for supper.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Nov 14 - 11:16 AM

City:
Sprinkling of snow this am. And right chilly. R put up a quilt on doorway between "Studio" and "BR" before he took off for the day. (I am still being careful about getting up on chairs to reach high places.) The love seat is prob taken; I waited to consult with R to see if he would pick it up. I just cleared a space for it and was preparing to rearrange the LR. Oh well.

In addition to feeling unwell for the last year and a half, I had also done nothing here due to expectation of reno. Still up in the air and I hate putting energy out for naught but I need a more civil looking and feeling living space. OK - I am going to try again - put the TV in front of something I do not need to get into daily - the antique sewing machine! and re-arrange the chairs to face it. Oh, no new TV yesterday; R was totally busy from 8 am -9 pm when he ate a large meal as he had had nothing all day. Then I woke him about 10:15 for bed.

My city life often centers around parking! Not moving car because I have a good spot; moving it because it will soon be illegal, etc! Today the parking on side street is only good until 3:30 as, apparently, a movie will be using the street. That is what comes with living in a picturesque area? Happens a few times a year. So, I shall wait until then to go anywhere. Then struggle to find parking when I return. Going to the country is up in the air, depending on what R needs to do. The weather is an iffy factor.

FB seems to be totally a mess - for me- this morning. I tried to get in and got weirdness. I'll try again later. I really need to get across to friends that email works better for me than messaging on FB. That is often, more and more, the only reason I open it.

Time to go do things.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 10:22 PM

We did not have the traditional Thanksgiving dinner here today. Instead we had Beanie Weenies with Mac & Cheese....the same thing that my Nana was having at her house and my aunt was having at her house...both of them alone. Tomorrow we shall have the traditional dinner. Jeremiah is WAY excited about the turkey! Today he played, went sledding and had fun with one of his Daddy's guitars (if you are on FB, there are photos and a video of him playing the guitar and singing a song he made up called The Chicken Nugget Blues).

Michelle

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 05:05 PM

city:
Never made it to the library. It took me a lot of resets to get the cell phone alarms correct and so I could hear them. Working now. spent most of aft on FB. Spaghetti squash in oven and I just over cooked a couple pieces of red meat. I will have one with the yummy roasted cauliflower w blue cheese and maybe a little squash with spaghetti sauce. R will have whatever when he eventually gets home. Yesterday's red lentil soup was a success- onion, curry, cumin.

Cold out 30F so a walk did not seem appealing in any case. I still puzzle over the LR. R refuses to move his non-furniture antiques elsewhere so there is no room for real furniture. There is a really nice love seat on craigslist/free and I know where I could put it but it depends on R having time to fetch it... Not worried about bugs in that part of city.

SRS: My pectin is specifically a supplement, 100% pure. Not in a box. I find it easy to put on a spoon with some stewed apples. I eat my salads with NO dressing - part of my "eating disorder" - includes most condiments.

I actually am having a day of feeling like me! My balance, agility, mind, aches are all improved. But to pot, I have to cover the door to keep the heat in the potting room. Not ready to get up on a chair to do that. I'll ask R - make myself a reminder.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: mg
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 02:24 PM

Thanks..sotting in mcdonalds having a jalepeno burger..will see family saturday. Decluttered my car thks month..big exercise machine with irrepaceable cable missing goes next. Must be mobile in caze i have to move quickly. Finding lots of dna matches, mostly from mother,s side.    Happy thanksgiving..

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 01:51 PM

Good job, Charmion! It is a good feeling when you can fix those things yourself. Not just because you save money and always wonder if they did the job that needed doing or embellished to charge a higher fee, but also because there is a feeling of competence and accomplishment.

Dorothy, you can use pectin in salad dressing as a thickener, so maybe one delicious way to get it regularly is homemade dressing (Italian comes to mind) and thicken with a box of SureJell or the powder you have there. My canning guru says not to use last year's boxes of pectin for jelly, to always use fresh on general principle, but don't throw away the old boxes, make salad dressing.

I slept late today, starting leisurely to a frenzy of work this afternoon. The bread machine is running for my rolls, the bird will come out of the brine in an hour or two and into the oven, and in the meantime I'll be cleaning, setting the table, and planning the other dishes (mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and steamed broccoli because people in my family always like something healthy and green at the meal also). I was thinking about making a pumpkin pie but Susie came down and borrowed the last of my powdered cloves. I have whole cloves, I suppose I could grind them myself if I need them.

Have a great day all, whether it is a national holiday or not, and stay warm and safe. Michelle, you're in the really magical years of re-learning about the holidays through the eyes of a child. We probably don't need to wish you any more magic than you have there already. Linn, enjoy your meal out with friends, Andrea, we haven't heard from you in a while, fill us in on your activities one of these days. How is the house? Susan, in all of your comings and goings I hope you're back home for the holidays. And Mary Garvey, we don't hear from you often, you've decluttered so much more than any of us, but I hope you have a charming musical gathering of friends and food today.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 12:18 PM

City:
Congratulations, Charmion. There is no end to what one woman can do if she chooses to believe. And is determined in the face of incompetent service people.

Today is good. I woke up this morning thinking about how to make myself feel better - a schedule for sticking to taking those supplements that help AND set alarms on my cell phone to remind me! R left before BF so I went for a hot bath - and was able to get out of the tub reasonably for the first time in a couple years? Then my BF and remembered to add in apple pectin; also good for aches of arthritis but has to be taken with food because I bought the powder and it is not tasty so I hide it in something - today some of my stewed apples.

I have finished the emails, BF, read a while/finished book, made a schedule, set alarms on phone. I doubt I shall see a new TV as R had a meeting at 8 am. I sit here looking at the room for further improvement. I have not had to go to bed to recover from bath so, having given myself a 3 hour recovery time, I am going to walk over to the library and the closest grocery. And move the car to the Friday side of the street.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Charmion
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 10:48 AM

I fixed the furnace! By myself!

Well, not the furnace per se, but both its peripherals, the condensate pump and the humidifier. Watson the cat likes to rip the condensate pump apart -- he can't resist the slurping noise it makes, or the smell of water -- so I have become adept at putting it back to rights. But then the furnace technician came and messed with the wire mesh cage I erected around the pump to keep Watson off it, and the cellar floor was flooded again.

I called the service company and they offered the same technician in two weeks. Bugger that, I said, and got out the wire cutters and screwdriver again.

Cut my thumb and tore a hole in my shirt (that wire mesh is fierce stuff), but I got the thing working again. Yay me! And it's still working -- slurping away under Watson's gaze from the lid of the freezer.

Encouraged, I set about fixing the humidifier -- flushing the hoses, clearing the drip pan, replacing the water pad and wick. Of course, the installer promised that the consumable parts are available at Home Depot and they're not ...

Next challenge: the twitchy smoke alarm that goes off at three o'clock of a Sunday afternoon when there's NOTHING HAPPENING in the house!

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 03:31 AM

I fixed the hot water shutoff valve today and proceeded to cook several things that were needing preparation. Five pints of tomatoes that have ripened are now diced and in pint jars, I made a batch of beans that is now frozen in small (~ 12 oz) jars to take for lunches. The few things I fixed were to use up ingredients in the fridge so I could clear out space.

The kitchen is generally okay for a room that is going to get a huge workout tomorrow. Since I started this plan to work on the house on weekends I've made progress. Tomorrow's cooking will be with the stove and faucet I replaced, and in past weeks some light fixtures were replaced, I've built a fence thing in the garage to keep Zeke from running out when I open the big door, and I finally sold that chandelier. After a couple of weeks of keeping the ant bait supplied I've just about killed off the worst of the buggers. Maybe over the holiday break I can contemplate one of the larger projects like floor tile and paint in a bathroom.

Turkey is in the brine, and I'm headed to bed. Have a great day tomorrow, those of you doing Thanksgiving. Sometimes there isn't much time for the computer when you're stage managing a feast.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 09:17 PM

City:
The LR looks a great deal better and cleaner. The tree looks cute and Christmasy. I was exhausted on Monday and got very little done. Went shopping again on Tuesday but ran out of energy by noon. Bought another set of those neat glass storage bowls. Only now I have no place to put them; still waiting for the two shelves in the K. The counter is a bit cluttered as I have really run out of places to put things. Now, we need to take bets on whether or not R will remember to get to Canadian Tire tomorrow morning in time to get a deal on a new TV - one that does not take up so much space and is movable without hernia. Well see.

Two new books from the library are NEW and the odour is sickening. One is airing out and the other I read a little at a time so it does not get me too sick. Probably need to de-tox again tomorrow. Other than that, laundry is done, dishes mostly washed, messages and phone calls taken care of. And I hate ending a sentence with a preposition! Hope everyone who is celebrating Thanksgiving has a good one.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 08:02 PM

Well, it's not the UPS and I don't think it's the outlet, which seems to work okay when I plug a lamp into it. Might be a bad power supply. It's just such a coincidence with all the other wonkiness going on. Stressful.

Enjoyed today's snow by not going out in it. I don't think I got enough to plow. Hope not. Really don't need a forty buck bill right now. Talked to Jeri earlier. Sounds like she (6 miles up the road) got a bit more. Spent the day sorting papers, throwing out a lot and organizing the rest into folders in the file cabinet. Still have more, but of an entirely different sort, including the odd stuff that Tom kept in his file basket.

Also got some laundry done, mixed up a batch of margaritas for the fridge, and made a batch of spaghetti with meatballs. In trying to keep elderly pain in the butt cat Sabine from getting hurt (she likes to sit on the stove, shove her head in my food, and stand between me and the sink when I'm trying to do something) I managed to lightly scald MY hand draining the pasta. Not bad at all, the pain's long gone.

And I found a hard copy (a bit outdated) of my address list, too, so I can think about writing out Christmas cards.

Linn

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 02:32 PM

Multi-tasking today as I finish the sink, clean the kitchen, and get ready to start cooking. I'm thinking that defrosting the freezer might be a good activity this evening so I know exactly what I have (I need to dig out some frozen cranberries, which got me started thinking about the defrost exercise).

The Invisible Fence folks have declined to replace the collar unit after all - why am I not surprised - yesterday I got a voice mail saying I overtightened it, breaking a post. But it was in use for years on one of their collars that is meant for the unit so it isn't overtightened. I'm going to call back and make my case. They offer a warranty and it is very expensive so I think they need to honor it. Period.

I have two bumps on my head from the under-the-sink antics yesterday. I discovered them this morning and wondered what was up, then remembered banging my head a couple of times. At least now the area under the sink is totally cleared out and I've decluttered some of the products that I've had for years and never use. I hopefully won't have to tuck myself into that space again any time soon. The shut-off valve that needs work is easily in reach.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 10:03 AM

Right, Stilly. And the battery has already been replaced once, so a whole new unit may be the best option around.

The office is closed today and we're waiting for snow... So I'm "lounging" here in bed with drying hair, a stack of magazines to read down, and a cat asleep between my knees, but I'll get a bunch of stuff done around the house later.

The prediction for today is the first real snowfall of the season...3 to 5 inches. Sigh. I rather hope it's on the scant side of that prediction. I'm still in total denial about winter. (Not hard when it was 60 degrees F. day before yesterday.)

Linn

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 12:45 AM

I spent the day working on the kitchen sink faucet. Two trips to the plumbing supply across town led me to pronounced the faucet dead. A third trip back to return the items I'd purchased, then swung by Lowe's to buy a faucet with the supply hoses attached.

The lines were difficult to remove, I had to lie there with my head on bottom of the sink cupboard floor crap and use a wrench to tap the finger-tighten thingies holding the old faucet to the sink. I finally wrestled it out and put the new faucet in. All of this took about 8 hours of running around, thinking, rounding up stuff, clearing out the cupboard, etc. And now the water shut off for the hot water is leaking out the stem - probably needs a new washer. I'm waiting till it's light tomorrow and then I'll turn off the house water at the curb and work on that one. Thank goodness for YouTube. For now the cold water is on to the faucet, the hot water valve is off until it is repaired.

My hair is clean, I've washed my glasses and put away most of the gear used today. The turkey is thawing in a tub of water, to go in the fridge overnight and back in the tub tomorrow if it isn't ready yet. And brine on Wednesday night. Let the staging of the holiday meal begin . . .

Linn, sounds like your UPS might need a new battery. They can be purchased and replaced, though as UPS units are improved, you may want to compare the price of a new one vs repairing the old.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Rumncoke
Date: 25 Nov 14 - 05:38 PM

The central heating has been coming on more frequently now - enough to heat up the radiators to a heat useful enough to dry off the washing. The conservatory is now too cold and damp for complete drying of clothes. I've had to bring the washing into the house and hang it for some time to dry it in the past few weeks.

The outside temperatures have been dropping and today was quite fresh. I've been putting on an extra layer for some time, but I think that stockings or long socks will be required before long, in order to be comfortable.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: GUEST, Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Nov 14 - 12:21 PM

Well, I think one problem is solved and I MAY have an explanation for some of the others.

I tried charging my phone from the outlet where I charge my iPad -- and it not only charged, but when I checked it and unplugged it so I could take it to work, the phone then actually turned on.

So now my UPS -- or perhaps where the UPS is plugged in -- is suspect. Of course, I can't follow through and verify one way or the other right now because I'm at work, but there's a chance the outlet (which is also where the printer HAD been plugged in) may need to have the breaker reset. At least it's something that needs to be tried.

At least I know there's no problem with my cell. So check one thing off the list...

Linn

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Nov 14 - 09:16 AM

I really and truly feel in electronics hell this morning. I charged my cell phone last night and this morning it won't turn on.

Yesterday when my "new" (to me) laptop was delivered and I was getting the short course, we discovered that there's something wrong with my HP6400 printer -- it won't turn on. It was fine until I unplugged it from the computer (which is still in the shop). We tried plugging it in to another outlet, this time on the UPS. Still no go. Power light is on on the UPS...and that's where I charged the cell. Is this some sort of weird coincidence? That's where the computer had been plugged in when it, all of a sudden, couldn't turn on.

Also on the electrical note is my two bathroom outlets, after being "out" (the little lights on them, at least) came back on day before yesterday for no apparent reason. I left a message for my electrician who had been flummoxed as to why they were out.

I thought back in the middle of September that all the household repairs, etc. were taken care of and I was in decent shape. Now I'm totally up in the air.

Yesterday when the weather was in the 60s (!!!) I got the stakes around the turnaround and reflector stakes at the head of the driveway so my plow guy won't destroy my hosta bed. I just found out tomorrow we're supposed to get 4-6" of snow... I still have a couple planters on the deck that haven't been winterized, and stuff that's closer down the hill to the cellar door, but not yet actually IN the cellar. And I have to go to work...

I think I'm more stressed right now than I've ever been. I'm sure that's been the cause of my gastric distress of the past couple weeks.

Despite my life being up in the air, I hope I can get Sandy's day organized...

Linn

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Nov 14 - 10:11 AM

This plan to work on the house on weekends to push back the blues seems to gradually be working. I woke this morning to the feeling that I'd accomplished something this weekend. I didn't realize how much it bugged me that it was hard to park the car in the garage without having to always do the dog ride bit. I avoided parking inside, but this is the time of year when it is desirable (to say nothing of avoiding theft or vandalism).

The ant population seems to be subsiding. I swept up a few thousands of bodies that decided to die on the bathroom floor and the bait seems to have taken care of a lot of them in the wall. I spritzed diatomaceous earth along the baseboards in the closets last night and that repels them very well. I need to figure out how to get rid of the source of the rest of them, so I'll keep my eyes open for more opportunities to put down the bait. It took a week of keeping the bait on surfaces in both bathrooms but that seems to have turned the tide.

Now to take apart the kitchen sink faucet and stop by the plumbing supply place to see if they have that cartridge. That will be a HUGE deal if I can finally fix this faucet (without calling a plumber!) I'll even get out the Limeaway and clean it up so it looks like new. :)

Susie and I didn't do a lot, but we made contact this weekend. I picked up the kits for her so she can do her dogs' shots, and I took up an appliance light bulb that I pulled out of my old oven before the stove was hauled off. I put it in her fridge so I figure she'll think of me every time she opens the fridge now that she can see what is in there!

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Nov 14 - 11:01 PM

I spent a couple of hours in the garage and finished erecting a bit of fence adjacent to the gate from the dog stall. At one point in time there was a lot of stuff stacked in the space where I built the fence - the dogs couldn't get through there. And over time I moved stuff and Poppy kept knocking things over other (in her frantic goal to chase mice) and I finally just let the dogs into the garage because they ran around the gate through that gap. The girls are trained to not run out the front of the garage - but when Zeke arrived he didn't have the same training and has never caught on - the best I can do is turn it into a game so he races to my vehicle, hops in, and rides back into the garage. Now the dogs can't get around the gate.

The wind is gusting heavily so it was good to work indoors (I'll be picking up branches and raking leaves this week). I have a coffee cake in the oven now, several jars of tomato sauce cooling, and in a little while I have some more cooking and stuff to put in the freezer. The only day I'm planning to work this week is tomorrow, but that may change if we don't have enough bodies to keep the department open.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Nov 14 - 10:43 PM

City:
Trees: Saw cut ones for $20. No live ones. Bought a Norfolk Island Pine about 3 feet high for $20 and hope I can keep it alive this time. I think I bought last year's on a COLD day, along with a couple other plants - all died. Today was mild. I even bought a small string of LED lights for it. R was really pleased.

Yesterday's endeavour was still in progress when R came home for supper about 6:30. He pitched in and finished cleaning up the remainder of Igor's nesting. I believe several boxes of tissues were under the love seat and antique table! I put on protective mask before disturbing any dust. Dusted, swept, R took down the once off-white drapes in the bay window, removed the love seat today and the exer-cycle ( I gave up on the style of it). Drapes are washed and ready to go back up. We went out for supper so the dust could settle. To be continued.

Today I went to the mill to receive my fifth (pottery) wheel, bought a while ago. I met the vendor at the new auction "palace". WOW, what a great addition to the town. After getting the wheel into the mill, I drove back to the city - took almost 5 hours as I took my time and stopped in various stores, picking up a number of useful items, including slippers with good soles so I don't slip again this winter.

A few more items will be leaving the LR as R has time but, for now, it feels lighter!

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Nov 14 - 02:33 PM

Trees are very expensive here. The nearby garden center/nursery sells them for anything from $100 to about $250. If I get a tree I go over on xmas eve and ask if they have anything I can have for $10 since it will be on the curb in two days, and they always let me have one. I usually end up with a $200 tree but it isn't up for even a week before it's out and my sinuses clear up again. I don't have a truck to bring home a tree now.

I had a list for this weekend but the house has had other ideas. I worked on the faucet off and on yesterday and am now back with the original setup so I can have water (and I keep mopping up my counters). I'm going to return a new faucet (oops - got one for a three hole sink but mine has four holes) and maybe try another new one, but most likely go to a plumbing supply house tomorrow with the cartridge and see if they have a replacement. Thing is, this cartridge is going to end up costing about 1/2 of what a new faucet will cost. If I can keep this one going for a while that;s good, but if it is too much bother, I'll shop again for a new inexpensive faucet.

I decided to look around the house for more ant activity and have found it in two closets used for storage. I've put ant bait and spritzed some diatomacious earth for now, but this evening I'll take the vacuum in, move boxes, vacuum and spritz more DE along with the bait and see if I can't remove that scourge from the house. I may have to spend $3 more to buy another bottle of ant bait. :)

I steam juiced 2 batches of tomatoes last night. One batch is going to be canned sauce, another batch (with less than perfect tomatoes that were trimmed before putting in the juicer) was put in the freezer. I have a gallon of tomato juice that I'll just drink now instead of canning or freezing.

The gate thing in the garage is my next project. I have been invited to Susie's house for the birthday party of her 1-year-old grandson but I may make only a brief appearance. We didn't have much luck doing our weekend activity because it was a rainy (yesterday) and now busy day today. But that is good - so maybe we'll do something next weekend and skip this one entirely.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Rumncoke
Date: 22 Nov 14 - 07:22 PM

The new computer is now acquiring the old files, and programs. It is slow though - when starting out it sits spinning its wheel for far too long for my liking. Once it gets going it is just about OK - just about.

I have a Christmas tree in a pot, only a small one, and in about four weeks I'll be bringing it into the conservatory and brushing it off, then thinking about where to put it for the twelve days of Christmas.

I decorate the tree on Christmas eve and take it down the day after Twelfth night. It seems such a shame that the full Christmas period is not celebrated these days - but it gets pushed earlier and earlier each year.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Nov 14 - 05:29 PM

City:
Back by noon from our eve at the cafe - good music - and night at the mill. The hose that brought water near to living space split and the pump was running - how long? - forming a lake/very large puddle about where we park. But that was the only casualty. During the winter, water will have to come in buckets from the far end of building. I am NOT carrying! Toilet room has heat but flush will be by bucket - I am NOT carrying! I turned on a bit of heat in the studio; all was well. It is to get warmer for a few days and then COLD again. We need to consolidate work area in studio so there is less area to heat. Next time.

Have been on internet most of aft; ordered new supply of supplements from BC. Some "research" phone call pointed out to me that, for these, I do not shop locally! I think they were trying to pedal alarm systems really; the guy was calling from PA. He was VERY good.

Christmas trees: Have not, in years, priced any, never mind live ones! I have my eye out for a Norfolk Island Pine again this year since last year's did not survive.

I did bring the "Christmas box" back to the city in hopes I can find room for a small tree in a slightly more civilized LR but it certainly is a daunting proposition. I am still waiting for those two shelves for the K; R said last night that they are ready to be cut. I need a super big rush of energy and a few miracles. Where is Mary Poppins when we need her!? This is SO ridiculous: a toilet, toilet seat under a chair, two bags of Quikrete, a large shop vac, useless picture frames, antique butter churn, useless antique coal stove, antique water pump, an extra portable heater/AC unit, an uncomfortable but cute, love seat that is totally in the way of the lovely antique table ---AND MORE! Oh yeah, and the gorgeous Victorian buffet suitable for a LARGE DR which is still taped shut from the move because it does not belong here at all. No wonder, I just sit here in despair and focus on the computer. And R so busy moving machinery and dealing with other crises that all I ask is that I get two shelves. Then get rid of this love seat. Seems as though the harder I try to move toward sort of nice, the worse things get.

Well, that rant -- here I go to try again. See how much can be done before I dissolve again.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 22 Nov 14 - 04:26 PM

some on the property i housesit could be dug up and used for potted trees and then replanted. they are too close to the house. i don't know that i have ever bought a chirstmas tree but in seattle i lived right by a tree lot and it was christmas magic.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Nov 14 - 03:41 PM

I helped to unload firewood today, went to a meeting, stopped at our favorite Agway store where the owner had a box of clothes for Jeremiah and 2 boxes of fabric for me! Also, we picked out our Christmas tree today! It's likely it won't go up until after Thanksgiving but it's the perfect tree for our house and we got it for a heck of a deal!

I wonder how much live trees go for where everyone is living?

Maggie? Linn? Mary? Dorothy? Anyone else?

XOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Nov 14 - 03:19 PM

It'll feel so good to get rid of those monitors and use the space in some other way!

Rabies shots were free- for teachers, police, military. I told them I was with the university, but the library, not teaching. "Good enough!" and the shots were free (usually $11 ea, so I saved $33). Nice!

Getting ready to move some lumber around in the garage for that gate thing, and later to make tomato sauce since so many tomatoes are all getting ripe right now. I have so much stuff in my fridge, I need to make room to defrost the turkey.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Nov 14 - 10:22 AM

No headache, Stilly. Great Bay Sailor knows how to set the sound system so the usual pain and the headache are avoided for the first time that I 'be been at RiRa.

Found out last night that my desktop transfer is complete with no data loss. May get it back today after Steve reformats the external hard drive and sets up Time Machine so it will actually work this time. I think the last time failed because the computer was too old for the new drive. It never backed up completely, wouldn't restart, and interfered with the computer itself. If not today, then Monday.

Monday I get the laptop and may swap out the old big monitor on my old G4 (OS9.2) for a flat screen that was given to me.

Then I'll have TWO big, clunky monitors to take to Goodwill...

Linn

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Nov 14 - 02:29 AM

A full batch of green tomato relish finished - I now have (in pint jars) 11 quarts of relish. It'll be a good gift for people this year because this is definitely a lifetime supply if I kept it all myself.

The eBay chandelier purchaser posted remarks and has rewired the fixture and says it is lovely. Great! I thought it was gorgeous also, but I don't really have a chandelier kind of house.

I zapped a bunch of ants outside today, but the drizzle has started and they seem to have fled the scene of the bait. I put a couple of spots in the corner of the living room and no one has responded so I think the ants in the chimney were clobbered from the other side that backs up against the master bath. If they're back next year I won't ignore them for so long, I'll zap them when they first start swarming.

I'm wired after all of that cooking, but I will call it quits and head to bed, maybe read a bit.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Nov 14 - 06:58 PM

Mary, here are a few links that should help:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/windows-xp-mode

http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7

The dead eggplant, okra, tomatoes, peppers from the big garden are now in the compost. There are a couple of pobalo plants still standing near the kitchen door. I cut the basil and dropped it in place so it will seed itself in the spring. The bench cushions have been brought in for the season. If I'd had time I should have put up the holiday lights on this warm afternoon, but it will have to wait.

Good news on the dog front: I called Invisible Fence to order new batteries. I have one collar that I trade off between Cinnamon and Poppy and this is enough to keep them away from the fence. I wanted to know if they had any used collar units ($125), but they didn't. We discussed prices - new they're $350 with a full warranty, or I can get a 1 year warranty for $130 less, and I was thinking about that. I mentioned that I knew the full warranty wasn't everything they claimed, because I was told a couple of years ago that they wouldn't replace a unit the dogs broke - they would only replace those that failed electronically. She said that was wrong, if the dogs broke it they would replace it. I dug it out, she looked up my account, and I'm going to mail this to her to replace and use that on Zeke to train and then wear. Whew! I'll train Zeke over the holiday break.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 21 Nov 14 - 06:11 PM

could you elaborate on using a windows xp emulator on windows 7 laptop? someone else said i should do this..could i screw it up?

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Nov 14 - 05:26 PM

Rats can carry diseases, it isn't a good idea to make a pet of a wild one. If either of the guys get sick, be sure to mention the rat to the doctor.

Dog droppings policed, compost bin emptied, all commingled in the compost heap that has been topped by part of the dead garden plants. Out now to trim more tomato vines and dump them before dark. It's nice now, but will be cool and very rainy tomorrow, so tomorrow after all of the dog stuff I'll work on the project in the garage (connecting up the dog stall gate with the wall so the dogs can't just wander into the entire garage).

Tonight also will be canning relish. I've set everything up to work on. Also, I'm going to be starting some sewing projects soon. I got one of those Amazon Fire TV Stick's when they were half-price on pre-order. I am going to use it with a small LED television that I can move around the house. I like to watch movies while I sew, and I can stream NetFlix or Amazon prime through this and not have to set up a cable or computer to do it. I could have used the laptop connected to the television, but that involves multiple plugs, cables, and space on the tabletop. For $20, I figure it's a good way to set up a comfy work space.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 Nov 14 - 03:00 PM

Beautifully sunny - and cold 23F - in Montreal. No word from Vanessa re heat in studio. We will be going down tonight for the cafe; hope nothing has frozen. R needs to turn on heat in that distant toilet room and freeze-proof the laundry area. Always a bit late; I suspect he was born late?

Yesterday I spent the entire morning foraging: food, MSM, a floor sponge mop and extra head as I have given up trying to find the correct heads for the handles we have... Got back and put car in legal today spot and sorted groceries into places.Then bf as I had dashed out to move car to legal parking and decided to do errands while out. Then lunch; I find I have to catch up so I ate the left over F. toast, still yummy. Then had to finish the current novel which I did before 5 and then walked to the library and returned it and came back with 5 - of which 2 turn out to be too far out for my taste. R came home early and SICK. A friend was having a b-day party nearby but he fell asleep until after 7 and I suggested no one would thank him for coming in that condition, so we stayed home, watched Big Bang, Suzuki, the Doc Zone and the news. And on computer.

I had trouble sleeping and after two trips to can, I decided a hot bath was in order so I went upstairs to do that. It was dark when I went up and still dark when I came down. Eventually I went to sleep and was content to stay in bed when he jumped up and dashed away about 7:30. Got up at 11 and had the toast bf, put the bedding and more into machine and now in dryer. R came home for lunch and we talked about the issue of going to the mill. Looks as though we are going together at 6ish. UNLESS he gets a trailer loaded.... "And the only reason I'm hanging around is to find out what the heck is going to happen next..." But I do get tired of waiting at times.

Good news for me is that I am better able to negotiate getting in and out of the bath tub. I am also increasingly able to do things with my arms; I have to tell myself "I can!" and usually am able to move in directions as not before. I need to strengthen the muscles by doing things.

Although we thought Igor had left, he came back and finally we caught him about a week ago in the live trap. He had managed to remove an apple and an avocado from the trap and had gone back in for the other apple which was further in. R took him to the office and bro got so excited that they were feeding him and gave him water and admired him. He was a handsome fellow. Poor guy died yesterday and we feel badly. I would have preferred he be released and live out his days in his natural habitat near the canal. Even if he was killed by a predator, it would be better than dying in a cage. I have requested the trap back to be stored in the back shed in case... It is lovely not having a rat, even a handsome one.

Reminded that I do have yarn, hooks and needles at the mill; I keep meaning to start some small project, hats or scarves to sell at the Market. Maybe I can find the yarn in the morning.

I take delight in Susan's progress. And everyone else's also.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Nov 14 - 02:54 PM

A box just arrived from my sister with things my mother collected in the time she lived in Japan after WWII. I've been thinking about gifts this year since my daughter went to Japan last summer so this is perfect timing. I'm sure there is something in there that she'll appreciate.

More green tomato relish this afternoon after the dishwasher finishes. I've loaded it with a case + of pint jars. A friend on facebook mentioned using her relish to make tartar sauce - I've asked for that recipe. I love good tartar sauce but so much of what you buy has a weird flavor. I'll use relish as gifts this year and include the recipe if it's one I like.

Took the day off from work to do a lot of this stuff. I've been in the garden and found a place outside next to the side door where the ants are still very active (they swarm over my compost container). I put an old piece of ceramic tile down in the path and loaded it up with the liquid borax ant bait. This should nail the population in the wall near the kitchen. The trail of ants to the bait in the bathrooms are almost gone and this morning I find that a new bait in the living room next to the chimney isn't getting any attention. I think the ants in the master bath have been coming in through a wall up against the other side of the chimney.

Linn, I'm sorry the aftermath of such a great evening is a headache. (I'd love to have been in that audience!) I wonder if you were dehydrated? In cooler weather I have to remember to drink a certain amount of water and try to remember to drink a glass of water at bedtime. I know, it might mean a trip to the loo during the night, but generally it helps with the electrolyte level and such. Alcohol and caffeine will work against you unless you add extra water.

Susie and I are going to work on dog things this weekend. I told her about giving my dogs their shots, and she's going to do the same thing. The woman who her dogs used to belong to used to give them shots herself. Tomorrow is a shot clinic at the local feed store so we will head down there to get the rabies shots for all of our animals. The rabies vaccine isn't sold OTC, that has to be given by a vet, but it is $11 per animal at these clinics.

It is warm and overcast today but supposed to be cold and rainy tomorrow, so anything outdoors has to be finished soon. It's nice to have a couple of long weekends to take care of stuff around here.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Nov 14 - 11:00 AM

... and the LR is now open, non-green-light-filled enough to see the bag I unloaded from the van ydy, full of Blue Songbook arranging waiting to be done this winter in the pretty-pretty room! A comfy chair to pull up for a friend, and room for all we enjoy doing, with space to get at and behind every piece of furniture for cleaning myself or with help!!! And the tree is up!

~S~

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Nov 14 - 10:45 AM

The surplus chair brought in for MIL use the week before I went go Ohio is going back out again, abt two weeks since returning. Not bad for juggling with gallbladder issues!
;-)

Ran the cords thru the newly installed bookcase, redecorated my favorite pretty study cgair, added a lamp, and put away a few more travel items us odds n ends Amber n Justin had uncovered. One gem was a bottle of brand-name Synthroid in the most easy-to-split dose for future dosage adjustments.   

In a bit, I hope to take delivery of the cheap notebook charger fed ex is bringing-- was so sick when I left Ohio I never even thought about packing it!

~S~

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Nov 14 - 06:22 PM

Not getting my "new" laptop til Monday... My computer is still in the shop -- contents of old hard drive being transferred to "new" computer that I bought last February. Plans for backup computer arrangement went pear-shaped so I'll deal with that later. A friend is rescuing the old drive for free, so I can't really get impatient when he has paying jobs to work on. But I'm going nut zooid without a computer. The iPad is great, but I have no access to data, etc. I've got a lot of backup material on DVD or flash drives which I can transfer to the laptop so I'll be back in business again, more or less.

No bit of fun goes unpunished, it seems. Got to bed too late last night and woke up too early. Felt initially okay, considering, and got some stuff in the house put away in anticipation of my up the hill neighbor coming down to help me with some cleaning. But just couldn't deal with the major schleppage to the cellar. Called Izo to tell her I was feeling less than optimal so maybe we should reschedule. Turns out she hadn't gotten to bed til 4 am because she was cleaning HER house... We got together, though, and I gave her some clothes I de-accessioned. Did an errand, then went home and took a nap and ended up feeling worse after the nap. Not sure what I got into.

The fun was last night. First went to a talk at the Portsmouth Athenaeum by the author of "Mortal Sea: Fishing In The Age of Sail" ( he's a very engaging speaker), then crossed Market Square to RiRa to see Great Bay Sailor. Sat with friends who were already there and was surprised when the band invited me up to sing. Sang "Bridget Flynn" with some really nice accompaniment, then returned to my Guinness. And a bit later Jim started playing "Fisher Row" and very nicely insisted I return to the stage to sing it...and he really did some nice guitar work behind it! Stayed longer than I'd intended to, but there were a lot of friends in the audience and, of course, the music was really good. GBS has managed a miracle in taming the wild acoustics of that pub. I've been avoiding it because the sound bouncing around (it's a former bank building) is painful and good for an instant headache that sticks even after I've escaped. But Jim and Steve have figured it out and keep the volume comparatively low and restrained. Sounds good!

I have an early appointment to get the oil changed in the car tomorrow. Then a pretty busy day. Hope I feel less like doggy doo after a good night's sleep.

Linn

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Nov 14 - 01:17 PM

Gallbladder ultrasound was ydy. It was fun-- seeing the whole contents of the ab cavity plus kidneys. While she scanned the tech and I had a hoot talking abt how church really works. I love answering church questions.

Ydy was also The Return of Amber and Justin, the housecleaning couple we must have known well in a parallel universe. We took apart my Supercloset (I got pix first), because I needed its bookshelf in the LR against the first wallful of birds Hardy has painted out for me while I was in Ohio. It replaced a desk I loved so much, which had to go because i just couldn't find a place for it in Ohio. It (and a headboard-sized shelf that'll fit on top) went to a friend of theirs they've been digging out. Perfect craft table for her.

To replace it for my continuing studies, I brought down a small folding tv stand thingie you've probably seen on tv. Tilt top, slides under chair. Adjustable height, in clean white. The bookshelf happily swallowed up all my winter books. The whole end of the room glows, cuz Amber cleans when no one is looking. ;-)

I also packed up the still-clean linens I use to dress the main floor for company. Thet went into the clear zip bag a comforter had come in and were easily stowed where I'll see them daily and can quickly deploy them (guest towels, etc).

The comforter that came in it is what I picked out for Hardi to replace a pretty but green roll up shade he'd made for the bay window. Matches paint. The green one goes to Ohio where it will solve several issues and fit without alterations.

In Supercloset will now go a shoe rack. Half the clothes, shoes, and handbags that had been in the shelf are now packed for Ohio. The LR is very close to winterized/done.

Amber and Justin are now scheduled to be here twice a month except during Advent and Lent. When I'm here I'm on Boss Amber's team. When I'm in Ohio they will help nicen up the place for Hardi and keep up witj dog hair.

Yay!

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Nov 14 - 02:07 AM

I made a batch of green tomato relish tonight, about half of the recipe because that is all that will fit in the pot I wanted to cook it in, and fills as many jars as fill the pot for processing, and creates enough tomato/pepper/onion slurry to drain in the over-the-sink drainer thing I have. Eight and a half pints.

The house smells wonderful. The dogs are in now, and Zeke stole a tomato off of the counter. I thought I'd fix him so I lined up some jalapeno peppers along the edge. One was missing after a few minutes, but apparently he bit it and dropped it and the pit bull ate it. Poor girl was slobbering up a storm. I gave her some milk to help ease the burn. I guess someone learned a lesson about hot peppers this evening, just one the one who was the target. :-/ (This is too good to post just here, so it's going on facebook also).

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Rumncoke
Date: 19 Nov 14 - 05:05 PM

We are close to the sea so the weather tends to be mild.
Made another run to the dump this morning and it was pleasant enough to go in a cotton kilt with tee shirt and sandals, not needing even a waistcoat or hat to keep in the heat.

I have hats to finish - knitted and crochet ones in imitation of the Outlander costume item.

Another knitting machine to go back to its owner, needs a good scrub tomorrow morning and then down to the workshop by one pm. Then one more - perhaps for the weekend.

I must finish at least one woollen kilt for the winter, two would be better, and another long cloak, also in wool - nothing is as warm, but I think I'll go for a half circle shape rather than anything heavier.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Nov 14 - 12:49 PM

City:

Managed to get warm in bed. Did not want to get out of that nest this morning! Poor R was out about 6 am having forgotten to "close the basement windows at VSP". When he returned about 9, I had managed to drag myself, necessarily, out of bed and made french toast with the marked down, and fairly dry, cranberry bread, accompanied by all natural cranberry/maple sausage which was delicious. The F toast was good too.

Then R dashed away and back and away and B came to collect some of his tools to help with one of the weather induced crises at VSP. I sorted out the K while until chaos settled and then went upstairs and taped the crack around one door to balcony with duct tape and brought down a small heater, sorted out the extension cord someone had bunched up and -AHHHH! warmth - pointed at my feet/legs!

Then I could sit down and delete emails and get here. Want to write email to gallery committee and check a couple websites then back to some odds and sods in K. And put a quilt across the doorway between "BR" and pottery area to keep the heat in one place. Emailed Vanessa to leave some heat on in studio if she gets there. Down to 28F and due to drop lots further on Friday. We need to get down there! But I DO have my snow tires on.

Wanting to get things done. Onward...

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Nov 14 - 11:51 AM

I wonder if that is something I could buy on a disk and send? I don't see it.

I like WinDVD, I bought a copy on sale at Amazon that I have to install soon (I can burn BluRay DVDs but I can't play them in my computer). Here is a page with information about the topic that was posted earlier this year.

For the weekend, I'm going to assemble the scrap wood in my garage and see about constructing the final bit of fence I need to keep the dogs confined to their stall area in the garage. I'm pretty sure I have enough scrap 2x4s and cross member parts to build something that I can anchor to the exposed studs and joists (my garage isn't finished, you can see the studs and mdf, which is actually very handy for attaching things to the walls and hanging things from the ceiling).

Also this weekend, my faucet in the kitchen is leaking a lot, and I think there is a cartridge that can be replaced. If it isn't too cold I'll turn off the water (the shutoff is at the bottom of the front yard near the street) and disassemble it and find a match for the cartridge. It was supposed to be replaced free (a lifetime warranty) but I've never been able to convince Home Depot that this is the case with this faucet. A project good to have finished before the marathon cooking/cleaning that happens in the kitchen around Thanksgiving.

SRS