Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Dec 14 - 01:14 AM

I need to dig up the garden for onions and potatoes. Onion seeds can go in now, potatoes will be planted in January.

More cleaning and filing this evening, and I recharged a few electronic items. I also ripped (into my computer) the dance music from the instructor at my class. She has two disks with numbered files on the disk, but on the face of each the names are printed. So I've edited the files so the numbers are now names and loaded them into my mp3 player. I can practice wearing the player and scroll through to the piece for the dance step she associates with it.

Some laundry done, and a lot of stuff to do tomorrow. Lots to do this weekend.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Dec 14 - 11:35 PM

I've been planning my first garden at a house I (we) own, and I'm sure enough of my landscape planning now that I invested $50 in help getting the the digging started for the first section of the childrens' cottage-garden-within-the property. Just forward of the spot shown below in front of the kitchen windows, in the center of that half of the front yard, is getting prepped for the tall plants that will anchor that whole min-garden. A 24" circle to extend later as time, digging power, and money permit. My list of perennials for that spot will be set by the time planting season returns.

I won't be able to SEE that at our Ohio house til late January, but I'll know it's ready for spring to come!

~S~

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: ranger1
Date: 12 Dec 14 - 07:39 PM

I'll get plenty of support. I've been friends with most of the members of the trail running club that puts on the races for a long time, and they've been trying to get me out there with them for a couple of years now. Heck, I'm already getting "woohoos!" from them since I announced I'd done it. Jason's cousin's wife may run it with me, too.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 14 - 07:17 PM

No snow here, but I'm doing something similar with the dance lessons I'm taking now. Good for you, and I agree, the gym isn't an inspiring place and I would also have trouble making myself attend.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: ranger1
Date: 12 Dec 14 - 06:23 PM

In a momentary fit of insanity, I registered for a 3.5 mile snowshoe race at the end of January. I can walk it if I need to, but I'd rather not keep the race volunteers sitting around in the cold any longer than they have to (I know what it's like, I've been one of those volunteers in the past!). I have six weeks to get in shape. Oh, dear (insert diety of your choice here), what have I done?!

I did it because now I HAVE to get out and get active. I've been getting fat, lazy, and sedentary and I needed to do something about it. I could join a gym, but I'm not really the gym type, and I don't see myself ever actually going. I'd have good intentions, but...

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 14 - 05:28 PM

I did a lunchtime commando raid on the local Dillard's outlet to find a couple of separates to use for interviews. Last summer I had a jacket and slacks that were good, but a friend pointed out that this is winter and a linen jacket doesn't look right. I suppose she has a point. I found a lovely wool-blend charcoal gray 2-button jacket, black slacks (I'll have to take in the waist a little) and a neutral ivory sweater. I was trying on 12s and 10s - though I think they are roomier than years ago when a 10 or 12 was standardized differently. Whatever the number attached, I want it to look good.

I have a 3 makeup dance classes for this month (because the studio is closed next week and through to the New Year) so I'm going to make up one of them tomorrow morning. It'll be a repeat of Wednesdays class, but I can use the refresher. I picked up a package of CDs and the lesson plans so I can use the music for each step and move she teaches to practice. I'll do a the other two in January.

eBay this weekend, and wrapping and preparing to ship some stuff. Also sewing. And decorating. And it's time to start baking cookies and fancy breads. Busy busy busy . . .

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 12 Dec 14 - 02:11 PM

City:
BF with R, then detox bath. I was sitting here recovering/reading when R phoned to ask where my car was! He was driving around looking for it! At that moment, the BIG truck which was parked in front of the house - moving stuff in or out of next door, I never figured out which - started up and the pollution from the exhaust came right in through whatever cracks it could. I scurried upstairs but it was also full of pollution, the BR was stinky from building materials. By the time R arrived, I was in the K which seemed safe.

First there was the discussion of "How did it get in" and something about air pressure and if it comes in how does it go out.... (The flippin' house is OLD and drafty; it needs new windows!) I was dumbfounded; brain does not work at all when diesel fumes hit it. I knew the air cleaner would deal with it soon.

The came the "we need a real snow shovel" discussion as he was going to use that tiny one. He left and I noted he did not take the car key. I booted up and went out with broom to clean car. The little shovel would have been better but he took that with him. There was a frozen mass of 10-12 inches of snow - not ice, just hardened snow. I had almost finished when R showed up with TWO! snow shovels. WOW! He listened to me. The space behind my car was clear as someone had pulled out while I was cleaning! SO I suggested he merely clean behind my car and back it into the more clear space. I guarded against anyone pulling in there while he accomplished the maneuver. So, with finesse and some luck, I can probably get out.

Then he took off to "Get things done" and I came in and washed dishes, warmed a cup of tea and deleted emails. Now, maybe I will finish novel. Last night I talked on phone with friend in NYS for an hour - dumb me! I called her just after 7 pm and missed two episodes of Big Bang.

I don't know how much effect the de-tox baths have had - one each morning the last several days - but I continue to feel better and have cut back on the MSM, Glucosamine and Zyflamend as the pendulum indicates. The pectin is good still and I am eating more apples, fewer cookies (almost none).

The Paleo diet is not going to be strictly followed. I am not giving up cheese or my one piece of toast but added in a lot of root veggies, reducing rice, legumes, grains. I like it. Buckwheat is not a grain! It is a fruit! I use buckwheat flour for pancakes or crepes about once a week. And we have porridge on occasion.

I guess clearing snow constituted recovery from hot bath! Now for a nibble, finish book, and trim pots. There has been no discussion about going to the cafe tonight... Short of that, I am not giving up my parking space to go anywhere!

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Dec 14 - 01:22 PM

Have I mentioned that I'm already sick of winter? And we really haven't had any truly wintrish weather. As long as you don't count the 5 inches of wet white concrete the day before Thanksgiving which brought down trees, branches, power lines, etc. and left me without power for 2+ days. We've had fog, rain, freezing rain, sleet, and even a little bit of snow for over a week. Seriously dreary. Then yesterday it started spitting snow in between the rain. Went to the session in Dover driving carefully as the temperature hovered around freezing. Didn't prove to be slippery, but ya never know... Roads just wet on the way home except for the stretch past Swain's Lake and Mendum's pond where the road was white, but the driving wasn't bad.

This morning there was less than an inch accumulated and I didn't have to clean off the car, just push that slop off the deck.

Was going to get together with my up the hill neighbor, but got stuff done while waiting for her -- made chicken vindaloo, cleaned up the kitchen, brought some stuff in from the car, started a bread pudding. She called an hour after she was going to be here. She'd worked on a project through the night until her youngest needed to get up for school. Then slept a bit, then talked to me. She called (an hour late) to ask what we had planned as she didn't remember. Doesn't look like we'll get together today. She was going to help me get the two computer monitors to Goodwill. Eventually...

Trying to figure out if I even want to dig out more Christmas stuff than I already have (a vase full of artificial anthuriums and a Christmas plaid napkin). Should get a spray of greens just for tradition and the fact I like to have evergreens and their scent in the house in December. Maybe I'll stop at the hardware store on the way to The Press Room and get a swag or something and a bag of sand so nobody (especially me) kills themselves on my deck and steps.

Oh, threw out a mess o' papers this morning. Looking forward to the time when it seems to make a difference.

Sigh. Should go and finish the bread pudding and write out some more Christmas cards.

Linn

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 14 - 12:44 AM

I'm glad we don't have much of that kind of snow down here. Everything is a lot harder to do when you need to chip your way in and out of the house first.

Another evening of stuffy nose - something to do with allergies, I suspect. My zyrtec isn't enough, it's another decongestant at bedtime again. One Sudafed this time since the Rx one seems to keep me awake. Two Sudafeds and I buzz so dose is very important.

Busy next few days coming up. Will report later.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Dec 14 - 06:08 PM

City: I DID it. Made pots for over 2 hours. Had a nice supper and now watching news and - yep - on the computer. Current novel calls to me but I can use computer while watching TV. I want to finish the book tonight.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Dec 14 - 01:44 PM

City: 14,000 homes in Quebec without power. We, thankfully, are not one but the mill could be. I shall have to contact someone.

R left before BF. It took a lot of shoveling and 3 men to get him out and another vehicle as well. I demanded the return of the little snow shovel. If he leaves with it, I shall never see it again and I am tired of buying new ones. So when he came to return it, I gave him books to drop at library - due today. I AM NOT GOING OUT THERE!

Detox bath, BF, was falling asleep over book so went to bed and, sure enough, in about 15 min I was able to get up and make a snack - apple and cheese, then news and now trying to get back off computer as that is what I do while watching TV. I have been frustrated at not being able to sign change.org petitions so, after going though FAQs, I decided o re-sign up. The email just came in so I shall see if this works. THEN going up to pot. After I shovel front steps.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Dec 14 - 11:27 PM

City:
As of today, I am aware that it is possible to spend an entire day on the internet. I did take a de-tox bath early this morning, thinking I would feel good by 2 pm. I did but I had been trying to get out of FB since about noon and never did succeed. I stopped for lunch and read for a while, watched the early news, Big Bang, The Republic of Doyle (the very last of it!!!!) and now the late news, but basically I have been on line since about 10:30 am. I am fascinated by having done it. Oh I did make two important phone calls and checked the weather. The latter convinced me that I cannot travel to Ontario this weekend and I am bereaved. I posted on FB: "quel drag" - the friend I stay with; it was nice to see that they were looking forward to my visit; so was I. And one friend noted she had been thinking about me being "homesick" ; so right. Hope I make it during the February thaw! So, although I felt a slight urge to go upstairs and pot, I think the internet was my grieving time. I think the only way is to not go there at all - tomorrow! I did do a few minutes of clay work before bath. Plan to make a bunch of small pieces to use as test tiles in Jan

Second day of heavy wet snow - must be about 8 inches. The removal machines rattle the windows! Trees will be falling all over the area. Power may go off in some areas. But the west coast rains look more dangerous. It was, however, highly amusing to watch the high waters and wind and see wind surfers out on the water!! I loved watching them on Whidbey. They were not mentioned at all even though they appeared several times!

The laundry and dishes are done. Not much cooking as there is enough cooked food in the frig for another day or so. Cooked veggies/Arabian spices for lunch to add to curry/Lentil/rice, with a little Gorgonzola.

I found "flattened chicken" and bought one with Indian spices. Quite yummy. With roasted cauliflower and curry/lentils/rice. R just came home for supper (second time) so that is what he is having, after a small salad. Then he will prob fall asleep - with any luck! Hope all our friends in snowy or flooding places are safe and warm.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Dec 14 - 03:51 PM

I'm working in an office next to a construction zone, so I'm glad I was able to find of box of foam ear plugs in the stuff my son brought back from college. We usually have dispensers in our library for those who want to study in silence, but have run completely out.

Nose to the grindstone, working on tweaking the first chapter of a book to see if the look is what we want. I need to walk around a little to stay awake.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Dec 14 - 08:18 PM

Progress on the book today, and I ended up providing a photo for a library newsletter after being assured that they wouldn't need any of my photos because they have a student taking their photos now. Heh.

I'm thinking about taking a day off to get some stuff done around the house that needs doing during the week. Phone calls, trip to the post office, etc. I was in both of the kid's rooms yesterday and there is a need for attention, especially if there is a possibility of an overnight guest or two during the holiday break. A friend may be coming to town and I'd like to be ready ahead of time.

Yesterday after work I drove up to the library back door and took that small television to the e-waste bin. I moved it using a library cart that had a dry-erase marker on it so I made a note on the side of the set that it still works. Now there is a small table in my room that can be relocated for some other useful occupation.

We have rain in the forecast - this year is back to typical weather, just cold and overcast, not the successive ice storms we had last December at this time. I'm assuming the rest of you are experiencing the usual cold weather? How is it going in your necks of the woods?

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Dec 14 - 02:09 PM

Awww. I hope Jeremiah is feeling better!

There is a faculty staff reception on campus this afternoon and I was *that* close to wearing a dress to work, but while I've reached the point where I can put on many of the clothes that I want to wear again, I'm not far enough along so they looks the way I want. The waist is higher in that dress right now because there is still extra weight hiking it up. Patience is required. And exercise.

Didn't get much done last night except find some books to order for the holidays. I found used volumes for durability and price (new copies are quite expensive of this particular cookbook that I'm giving to all of my family since we all drool over my copy).

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Dec 14 - 10:56 PM

Jeremiah has to be at school an hour earlier these days which means a jolt to our morning schedule. No matter...we did fine with it. Then it was off to our favorite butcher, even though they are out of the way, it was worth the extra time. A trip home to pick up a gate that we had used to surround the wood and pellet stoves when Jeremiah was little and then delivered it to a dear friend who has twins that are 18 months old...she will put it to good use. We had a nice visit and then it was time to head home and pick up Jeremiah from school. When I arrived, he didn't look right to me and sure enough, he wasn't feeling well. He just finished up the last of his meds for walking pneumonia yesterday and had been complaining about belly pain. His color was off, his face was pink (not normal for him) and he was quiet (REALLY not normal for him). I asked him if he wanted to go home and snuggle for a bit but he asked if we could go to the doctor. Yep...my 4 year old was uncomfortable to ask to go to the doctor so I made a call and they got us in today. We had a 3 hour wait before the appointment so we went to visit my mom, hung out, helped decorate the tree, had snacks, rested and went to the doctor. We have a new medication to try and when we go back for a recheck on the walking pneumonia, he'll recheck Jeremiah's abdomen and if things aren't better, we are headed for xrays. A 30 mile drive home in the dark, unloaded groceries, tended the fire, Pete walked in the door so I made some dinner and phew...here I am. A busy day.

Jeremiah is sleeping peacefully and I hope he stays that way all night long...poor little guy still has some chest rattling going on (Dr. says this is normal....antibiotics will stay in his system for another week and should clear things up)....he's just tuckered out.

There is a storm pending for this area beginning tomorrow....the weather folks can't say for sure what is happening as it's a coastal storm and will depend which way it blows....BUT...I am hoping for a big storm and keeping both my guys at home.

I have fixings for a big pot of chili as well as a pot roast for the crock pot...I love to cook ahead in anticipation of a big storm. Pete has ribs thawing as he loves to BBQ in blizzards. Any way you look at it, we're going to be set with lots of good eats no matter which way the storm blows or if the power goes. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Dec 14 - 08:47 PM

Great idea DP. I'm gonna steal it as soon as I can!

~S~

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Dec 14 - 04:27 PM

City:
Susan gave me an idea re planting bulbs. Ground is frozen so I will use the soil I bought last spring and pot them, put them in the unheated part of the building until ???? Then bring them into warmth.

Not at all a good idea to have cell phone close against body - from what I am reading. When mine is in my pocket, I have other items between it and my body to reduce the danger. I must say, however, that I am not much concerned about cancer because of my age. Even if something takes hold, it grows much more slowly as one get older. And I really am not going to concern myself with it. in any case.

I like the idea of something that records movements. I once had a pedometer but now I have a box for it and ... If I see one - maybe the dollar store. My alarms on cell have been helpful. I am feeling so much better, I know I need to move more.

Detoxed on Friday. Spent most of the aft in recovery. Phoned R about 5:45 and he was ready to go with me to cafe, and mill. So I loaded car and picked him up. Good music. Mill was cool but we turned up heat and I warmed the bed. Slept in and had BF then set off to visit our former neighbours, with a stop at the new auction "palace" - in a beautifully renovated building. Had a wonderful aft at our friends gathering. Stopped at auction house on way back but it was over. They had failed to advertise well and few arrived. Back at mill, I went to store for some salad makings and we had big salads for supper. I had made lentil soup but the salads were sufficient. I washed the accumulation of dishes. Read and bed.

Dragged myself up about 7:45 and we quickly got ready to go to Christmas Farmers' Market. R helped me carry stuff in, went and fetched me some food for the day, wandered around visiting, then went to auction. It was fun day with lots of visits and sold some pots. R came back to help reload and we went back to mill for soup and small salads, then back to city. HE bought some stuff at auction; admits un-needed; admits it is a disease.

I developed a sore throat/ear ache during the Market and was some concerned but this morning realized it was from the dust generated by 25-30 vendors plus perfumed soaps, etc. After a late BF and washed all previous dishes, I did a de-tox bath and am still in recovery. Spent the entire bath time on phone with my 88 year old friend in PA who actually sounded better than she has in a while! She has discovered the joys of a bread maker and is better able to make her annual stollen as she does not have to knead it! She bakes it in her oven. I wondered if I could use it to wedge my clay! I spent a few minutes on clay work while waiting for tub to fill. Thinking about what for supper.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Dec 14 - 03:19 PM

Bizzy bizzy peeples!

A volunteer stepped forward to help with a FB group I mod on ending racism, freeing me up to be here for a few minutes, YAY.

This AM I planted the second winter-bulb kit of 4 I bought last week. Good news was I also fouind the leftover potting soil.

I also am making progress on a whole new food program (limiting gluten among other things), which meant making starches ahead of time to combine quickly for mealtime on the jump. So today it was a pot each of grits, oats, and brown rice. When lunch rolled around I had no excuse not to stop and eat. AND it was yummy-- I used up some leftover cornbread stuffing and diluted its overly sage-y flavor by cutting it with the fresh rice.

~S~

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 14 - 09:41 AM

Last night I looked around and decided it was time to move out the last cathode ray tube in the house. The television under consideration is a small (13") flat screen one with a DVD player on the front. I never use it, and I imagine the range of disks it can play is inadequate to what is out there now. It is in the sunroom awaiting my decision where to take it - there is am e-waste recycle bin at work, but I could drop it at the Goodwill. No point in accumulating donation slips any more, I won't have enough mortgage interest to let me do itemized deductions this year. I could drive to the back door of the library to take it in. I think that's what I'll do, though I'll check with Moonglow first to see if there is some project she could use it for.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 14 - 09:51 PM

Susie didn't make it over and I instead spent the afternoon making a batch of turkey soup and a loaf of bread then clearing old stuff from the fridge.

I made a short cooking video for the kids this morning that is uploading as an unlisted item. I realized one I put up was private and they'd never been able to see it, so now I have four for them. I used the Canon EOS60 this time; the rest of them were done with the smaller Nikon I gave to Moonglow back in August. I have to focus this manually for some reason (so far - there is probably something I'm missing in the setup) so I had to do it a couple of times.

I was pulling out canned goods for the village food drive and found expired cans in the pantry. The contents are for the compost and the cans will be recycled. With my home canned tomatoes here the store-bought cans should have been donated somewhere ages ago. And while I was looking at the pantry setup I realized I can do one more thing to use the last bit of space in the closet I put shelves in last year. If I have a wheeled cart I can stack things on it and roll it into the cavity when I'm not in there pulling out other things. The other possibility is a set of wire shelves on wheels. I have one the right size in my window with plants - I'll look around for another one to put coasters on. It would be perfect for cases of canned goods or empty jars.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 14 - 01:33 PM

This morning I decided to try out the big camera (in contrast to the compact Nikon that I gave to my daughter for her birthday, so don't actually have a small camera any more) to shoot a short kitchen video. They're shot from one position using a tripod, no fuss. I put these up on YouTube for my kids but I don't publicize the links.

Susie is coming over soon and we'll find some chore that needs doing here and for 30 minutes work on it, then go up to her house. The last couple of weeks were about getting her ready for a court case, which is almost over, so I think this afternoon I'll suggest that we dismantle and move to the curb a huge television that takes a lot of space in her garage. It was left behind by the previous owner because he was too lazy to take it apart and take it to the curb. If we could move it intact we could put a sign on it that it works, but someone could really hurt themselves moving a device this size. It's bulky waste pickup this week, so it's perfect time to discard it.

Yesterday my sauce was made and half of my laundry was washed. I didn't do some of the shopping I intended because I realized the store I wanted to go to was too close to the mall (huge December traffic jams). I'll wait till tomorrow and finish my shopping near work where there are no malls.

I need to set up my sewing projects tonight and work on them in the evenings this week.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Dec 14 - 10:15 PM

I enjoyed an unexpected day at home with my boys today. This morning we found our long driveway and road to be coated with ice. That means no one goes anywhere. :) HOORAY! I cooked, did some cleaning, ordered the perfect Christmas gift for my mom, organized my sewing room some....it's just been a nice day all around.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Dec 14 - 08:03 PM

I heard about a survey recently that a huge percentage of smart phone owners have their phone on or next to the bed. I think it wouldn't be a huge leap to have someone figure out how to wear a belt or arm band and collect that information. But that's just speculation, doesn't have anything to do with other devices out there, really.

Finished some of my running around. I was going to run by Aldi to buy ground cloves, but they are too close to the mall, and on the weekend, that would be a traffic jam for sure. I stopped by a local small store (Save A Lot) and they don't have ground, only whole, and jars of pie spice. I'll try again tomorrow. I'm going to bake pumpkin bread and ship it to my siblings again this year - it's delicious and a lot less expensive than the local fruitcake.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Dec 14 - 06:26 PM

Maybe but I don't think it would tie into their food plan, track how many hours and movements during sleep as well as actual time slept, etc.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Dec 14 - 12:28 PM

I suspect that if people carry their smartphones in their back pockets there is probably an app that does something similar.

Long list of things to do today, starting with simmering a batch of spaghetti sauce to use of more of the tomatoes from this fall that have ripened, combined with a couple of bags of last year's cherry and grape tomatoes.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Dec 14 - 11:54 PM

I have this little gizmo called an Active Link. It's Weight Watcher's brand of a FitBit. Anyway, it tracks my movements and activities (as well as my sleep patterns) and sets a challenge based totally on my own week long base line. I'm happy to say that I've been meeting the challenges at 100 percent and then some on a daily basis.

I thought it was a silly thing at first but it really does motivate me. I find myself checking it to see where I am in the day. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Dec 14 - 08:12 PM

Tami, if I open the doors to my children's rooms there are many instances of "another pile" of stuff to sort. Sigh indeed!

Tedious parsing of stupid MS Word formatting in several chapters today. I had done most of the editing but now as I approach completion of placing in InDesign, I realize that the writers had let Word do the numbering of examples, and InDesign doesn't pay attention to those - not reliably, at any rate.

This weekend it will be sewing, other crafts, eBay listings, yard stuff (though I haven't heard from any co-workers so far), and errands. I need to vacuum a whole bunch of ants that have accumulated since the ant bait was out a couple of weeks ago.

My daughter has some music to use for practicing during the week between dance classes. This weekend she said she'll share some via dropbox so I can burn a CD. We have a few other things to exchange as well, a couple of costume parts and the zils I gave her last year. It was an old pair that needs new elastic, an easy procedure.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: ranger1
Date: 05 Dec 14 - 02:25 PM

Started on the boxes and other assorted stuff that had been shoved under the table. I swear it breeds when I'm not looking! The pile of stuff by the door waiting to ogo elsewhere is growing. I'll need to decide where it's going and distribute it accordingly. Unfortunately, I found another pile of paper clutter that needs going through. Sigh.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Dec 14 - 12:34 PM

Friday at last, but it's a long day since I have an evening event to attend. The number of craft and holiday projects awaiting construction is growing, and will be featured in my weekend "to-do" list.

I've sent an invitation to various co-workers about stuff in my yard that they might want to come dig up. Things that have spread or overgrown or have seeded themselves. Tomorrow morning I may have company, or not, depending on if any of my gardener friends decide to come over and take up my offer to dig for transplant some of these plants. I'm a couple of pounds down since I last stepped on the scale, helped in large part by the yard work last weekend. If I can get some serious digging and weeding done tomorrow, that'll keep me going in the right direction. I'm so close to 160 I can almost taste it. :) 150 is the target, 145 is what used to be "ideal," we'll see if it still is once I try on a few things in the closet. I have a couple of little black dresses I'd really like to be able to wear again.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Dec 14 - 12:18 PM

City:
Hah! Looking at this reminds me that today is my son's birthday - 55! I woke up this am realizing how much life my dad missed. He died at 58. He so wanted to spend time with "little boy": "When I retire, little boy and I will go on trips..." I never told him I was pregnant; it would have been more to miss. I have outlived my dad by almost 20 years, have had 30 more years of my sons than he had of his kids, grandkids and, now, great grands.

I feel - either very tired, or somewhat "depressed". I got up about 9:30, not wanting to but to make BF for R. I found him different clothes for today, washed the dishes and ate BF while reading. I am failing to understand WHY I am so tired, never mind what to do about it.

If I am going to sit here wanting to go back to bed- a de-tox bath...

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Dec 14 - 06:27 PM

City:
A low energy day. I managed to trim yesterday's bowls and am pleased with them but did not make any more. The spirit is willing, I think, but the body just does not move. Interesting posts on FB and a great deal of sadness over recent killings. I think the latter affect me a great deal. It feels as though things have gotten worse; this is distressing when one's children and grandchildren have brown skin. Yes, definitely getting me down.

Congrat's to Michelle for clearing those trucks to a more useful place. I am delighted this week that our Dragon Fly friends worked together to do likewise with 14 assorted vehicles that have been sinking into the ground in the beautiful Ontario bush for MANY years. A great step forward - major event- and a move that we might be able to build upon for better community relations. It took several people cooperating to accomplish this so - yes we can, she says hopefully. R & I would kind of like to be more a part of that community but hold back - being supportive but watching hopefully for the community of dear people to become.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Dec 14 - 12:28 AM

Sounds like we have great kitchen tables all around. I've managed to keep mine clear since Thanksgiving, when everything got moved so I could use it as a staging area.

I rewired a lamp this evening. My dad had several of these torchiere lamps at his house and I think a couple of them may have come from there. I had a couple myself (tall, flat black, simple design, up to 500 watt, but I only use 300 these days). Anyway, he had also purchased replacement switches I'd forgotten about until I stumbled over them last week when looking for tools for plumbing (same cupboard, different shelf). So this evening I fixed one that was on its way out and has been unused for years. Back in service.

I went to the first dance class tonight. Talk about patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time - there are lots of simultaneous moves that require either extreme concentration or extreme familiarity so they can be done without thought.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Dec 14 - 08:23 PM

We decluttered the yard of 2 pick up trucks that no longer work....made an awesome sale/deal with a young man who hauled them off to the salvage yard.

My kitchen is looking better than ever these days and the living room isn't too bad either! :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Rumncoke
Date: 03 Dec 14 - 07:57 PM

I heard today that the new grandchild - due next April, is apparently another boy, the third, and my daughter in law so wants a girl.

Unfortunately my husband and all his male relatives seem to produce more male than female offspring, so they could end up with an awful lot of boys before a girl child is conceived.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 03 Dec 14 - 07:13 PM

City:
YAY, Ranger1
We are still reveling in the new LR arrangement. I am still waiting for the new TV that will connect with the computer and we can watch movies - as if R ever has time.

Threw 11 mid sized pots and one flop in two hours. Shoulders were starting to feel it. They moved about 25 pounds of clay. I guess I should have used mask as I am smelling clay dust. Will use nasal wash the next time I get up. All the discussion on clayart about how to sit/stand at wheel worked; After the first pot, I thought it might help if I were higher so I put a 50 pound box of clay on my chair, raising it 6-8 inches and it DID help! I think it reduced stress on shoulders. Tomorrow I may stick to smaller pots.

Ordered new batch of homeopathic remedy from pharmacy. It seems to have helped my healing a great deal. Now Lee tells me to take it 1/w or if I feel like I need it. I have also cut back on some other supplements as the healing has been taking effect.

Now nasal spray, check pots and watch Big Bang. Then.... maybe some FB. Trying to remember my son's b-day is Friday! I think I will send him a message now as I seem to remember b-days before the fact but forget them on the correct day. Maybe I can set an alarm? I really like the ones on my phone; they are good reminders and the ring is actually delightful.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: ranger1
Date: 03 Dec 14 - 03:53 PM

OMG! I think I just found my kitchen table!!! And several dollars' worth of laundry quarters that I'd forgotten I had under the all the cultch that had gathered on the table. And the needle threader, embroidery hoop and magnet board that went walkabout a while ago. The cat will be pleased that I cleared off her solarium.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Dec 14 - 03:19 PM

Hey Rumncoke I have a similar bag that also sometimes nests inside a larger 'dress' bag. Within that small bag is a microbag that zips and holds ID, visa, coupla bucks n change. (Slips inside bra.)

TBTG for a superb doc. All gallbladder Q's covered in one staccato foner = no copay. My week's worth of college level self ed on all aspects were great prep and now I can inplement natural treatments while tracking down a great surgeon who had no involvement in the 2012 surgery-- and the complications from which I'm still recovering.   

That was a hard study, plus done in crunch mode-- I need another nap!!!

~S~

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 03 Dec 14 - 01:24 PM

City:
Hmmm! I once lost a credit card just after getting gas. It never showed up in the car or pockets or being misused. Went to credit card heaven and I had to wait for a new one. Now anything I need to go shopping is in a small wallet in my pocket. No "handbag", back pack or whatever accompanies me. I get out of the car with what is in my pockets, including a plastic bag in case I need it and reusable shopping bags if I know I will need them. STILL I left my wallet in that gas station in Ontario this fall! We need to do these things once in a while as a sort of wake up call to be more careful?

Monday turned into a hot bath and not much else got done. I made up for it yesterday by driving down to the mill so I could stop worrying about the studio heat level. Turned out Vanessa had been there and left the heat turned up. whew! Frozen clay is a LOT of extra work. She had done some work so I loaded it into the the kiln and realized a lot more is needed so I shall have to make pots so V can have a kiln load sooner! I told her I need encouragement so she emailed me this morning. I also need to find a you-tube on making handles as hers need to be much better.

Had a good talk with her (retired homeopathic physician) Dad about homeopathy, visited with Geri at the restaurant, headed back to the city thinking about things needing to be done, and contemplating her ideas on glazing. As I was getting off the highway, I suddenly realized that turning right would take me to Fabricville where I could get the twist pins to hold the chair arm covers in place- YAY! So nice. Then, realized I was almost out of cash as I paid and YAY! There was an appropriate bank right there!

Then stopped at a BIG, and upscale, grocery and did a leisurely shopping tour, buying some interesting things and feeling really good about it. A misunderstanding with a staff spoiled it and rather than leaving annoyed, and not finding a manager, I chatted with another staff, explaining that I did not want her to lose her job but this young woman needs better training on how to treat customers. "Not the first time" said the nice young woman and assured me she would deal with it. I felt much better.

Energy was starting to flag but the cell phone people had suggested I go to where I got the bluetooth (Best Buy, which was en route) and maybe they could get these things to pair. Nice man was also having difficulty but as he had almost given up, I found the place in the phone and he took it on. It "found" everything in the store and finally found the bluetooth and connected!!! Triple YAY! I have been trying for months. Then I went home feeling I had had a VERY GOOD DAY!

Soup supper and Big Bang, then rest of eve on computer until 11:30 (fighting to stay awake) when R came home VERY hungry. Bed was about 1 am with alarm set for 6:30! R went off to work and I stayed in bed. Cosy, because I also remembered to collect a king size quilt that was at the mill. For some reason, the covers have been migrating to R's side. With this quilt hanging down to the floor on 3 sides, nothing moved! Another YAY!

I stayed in bed until near 10 and am now BF'ed, supplements are organized for next 12 days, emails checked for anything special. Time to go make pots.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Rumncoke
Date: 03 Dec 14 - 09:33 AM

I have made myself a bag I can put around my waist which is large enough to carry the most essential things - pen, glasses case a cheap pocket watch thing which also tells me the date and has an alarm plus a stopwatch - inside is a open pocket and a zippered pocket, on the outside a pocket made from what was a purely decorative bow, fastened with a strap and button.

I have lost far fewer things since I started to use that, and life is less exasperating.

There is also a 'going out' backpack with cards and money, bus pass, supermarket coupons in a tiny handbag inside it, a folding shopping bag, hairbrush, glasses for driving, keys in one front pocket, bank books in the other, in cold weather it holds a hat, scarf and gloves, and in Summer sun protection lotion, often it holds the latest project, notebook, anything which it would be annoying not to have. It is almost always in the same place, or in two other places, but no more - no use organising a place to put things and it not having a place to be waiting to be used.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Rumncoke
Date: 03 Dec 14 - 06:35 AM

I was given a load of patterns and information for machine knitting at the weekend. I went through it and found that a lot of it was copied.

The former owner said that she'd been in a club which folded - presumably the person with the printer left.

I have heard so many people bemoaning the way their work is pirated, shortly before they go and do something other than waste their time on producing patterns for knitting.

I should just dump it all in the recycling bin - but much it is things which people are looking for - because it is no longer available to buy from the writers. It's a bit of a dilemma really.

I have threatened to start publishing, several times, and never have done, as I know that people will copy anything good as a favour for their friends, of course, not out of malice or wishing to destroy what they obviously value, but that is what they do.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Dec 14 - 03:43 PM

Ah - well, I've done that also. Set things on a shelf that I designated for something then promptly forgot about.

I missed your earlier posts, Susan. Must have been during one of these head-down-finish-the-job-for-work episodes this month.

Had to stop the book work to do another thing - grrrrr!

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Dec 14 - 12:55 PM

Not shorts weather, Stilly! ;)
I had 11 or 12 pockets on at the time, I put it somewhere safe, and it's not in any of them, because the safe place was not ON me. I had a hat wander off on Friday. I have a theory they're hanging around together somewhere. By Saturday, I was cold, tired, and even more stupid than usual. I think I'll go frisk the car (again).

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Dec 14 - 12:14 PM

Don't worry, Jeri, you'll find it next year when you pull out that particular garment you hid it in. :)

Today I called my Internet provider to get a credit applied to my bill (worked) and asked about the ads they have been mailing about a new faster Internet service. Turns out the old "legacy" service, that I had cost $10 more a month and was half the new speed of the new one. So I switched to the new speed and my bill will go down by $10. I can't take advantage of the introductory offer they were advertising, but this will do. Even next month when that new service goes up by $5, I'll still be ahead by $5. Now I need to go ahead and put a solid state C: drive in my computer and speed it up on this end.

Yesterday I was looking at the solid state drives on Amazon - sales come along for a few hours at a time. I searched other places as well and there always seems to be some kind of a sale going. I've researched the changeout and am convinced it is pretty easy. I'll make a list of specs and watch for sales and when the right one at the right price comes along, I'll pounce. It's too easy to make a mistake if you shop those sales without knowing very well what it is you really want. The tyranny of all of these holiday short-term sales.

As far as the fitness end of things, my recent exercise is mowing (both front and back yards this weekend) and stair climbing. I'm doing the alternate day fasting still but haven't lost much weight as the holidays approach. I'll be content to not gain weight, keeping in mind that I have a 10-15 pound loss goal to get to my ideal weight. I think exercise is probably the way to finally reach that point.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Dec 14 - 11:58 AM

Hardi put up the shoe rack mentioned HERE a few days ago. Designed to hold 18 pairs, it now contains the 6-10 pairs I kept here and hanging bags, scarves, etc. as planned.

It's the metal kind that is meant to hang from a door and have the shoes stowed facing the door. Who wants to see all soles! Because we installed it onto a cleat mounted on the side wall of the closet, it left room to stow the shoes facing out-- my heels are a max of kitten heel height. I'll add one just like it in Ohio when we get there, to hold the shoes that are going there. As for the shoes here now that I don't love so much-- and seldom wear in this climate-- when we move, they can go back into the thrift shop.

BIG change, for me-- a little ukulele now hangs from the bookshelf that came out of Supercloset, now that the big belly that blocked guitars, etc. was surgically deleted (Sept. 2012). It is a heck of a lot easier to transport than my many-piece autoharp setup! Toting THAT has been like toting a drum kit! It even has a pickup and onboard tuner.

~S~

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Jeri
Date: 01 Dec 14 - 05:09 PM

Power outages and freezing houses make you stupid. MY theory, anyway.
I came home from the hardware store on Saturday (for wood), built the fire and I remember thinking I should put the credit card in my pocked someplace safe. I did, and (you know how this works) it's quite safe from ME.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Dec 14 - 04:42 PM

When Zeke came to live with me a friend suggested that to help him understand what were his toys that I create a toy bin for him. I have a large brass pot near the door that he jams his head into every time he enters the house - he's looking for anything in there to play with.

I'm taking a breather from work where I am formatting a book, line by line - all of the author chapters have different Word formatting. I'm forcing it to the exact same line spacing now. Paragraph by paragraph. I can use the "paintbrush" tool for a few at a time, but there are tables and figures and bold subheads and things that need to be formatted differently so there is no global way to do it. Ugg.

SRS

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: ranger1
Date: 01 Dec 14 - 11:23 AM

Had an organizing fit yesterday and condensed three boxes full of paper clutter down to half a box. Dog toys are collected into a box and not spread out over the whole house. Dog is a bit disconcerted...but he had fun poking in the box last night. Old home-made printer stand that was built for dot matrix printer with the connected paper has been repurposed into a bookcase and placed in the open space created by getting rid of the boxes filled with paper clutter and reorganizing the rest of the pile o' stuff in the middle of the floor. Books too tall for the shelves of the other bookcases have been removed from the top of the bookcase and put on the new shelf. Also put a wooden crate on the top of the new shelf and put my cook books and home repair books in it. Put a reading lamp on the top of the bookcase where the pile of books was and that space now looks really nice. Just need to take care of a couple more boxes and that pile in the middle of the floor will be gone. Then I can start on the pile in the corner.

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Dec 14 - 09:49 AM

On Thanksgiving Day I ate leftover spaghetti and meatballs warmed up on the woodstove. Really glad I'd had leftover pasta and sauce...not to mention the woodstove!

Linn

Subject: RE: Nov-Dec 2014 Declutter & Fitness
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 Dec 14 - 09:41 AM

City:

Reveling in my newly organized K, I spent most of the eve on the phone with a couple lengthy catch-up calls. One was a lengthy - about 10 minutes - conversation with a friend's husband, probably the longest we have ever had. That seemed special. It was half time in the football game; "You timed it well!" I never found out where wife was!

R called in the middle of one and reported on progress - about 9:15. I moved on - to FB and watching the 10 pm news. He came home about 11 (local news) and presented me with a new toaster oven! The one here is OLD and functional but the one at the mill has lost top element so the new one is happily ensconced in my cleaner K and the old one I shall clean up today and take to the mill. I have "Joe" to thank for this as R bumped into him in Canadian Tire and, as they talked, Joe noticed a DEAL and picked one up, causing R, who never would have noticed, to remember that I had been looking for one. "Thank Joe for me!"

I gave R a tour of the re-arranged cabinets - those are the treats you like (cans of things I would not touch) and here are soups; so when I am away... He managed to complete what he set out to do yesterday so it was a good day all round.

Today: he dashed away to a bf meeting but I managed to get him to have his hot choc, a piece of zuke bread and a pear, with his vitamins before he left. He came home last night coughing badly. The building in which he was working is toxic and very old and full of machinery - airborne particulate is my diagnosis and "Take the Pau d'Arco to prevent infection!" Sent him off with a bottle of chewable C.

I am gearing up for the day. It was a late night and early morning so I am not moving very fast- at all?