Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015

Subject: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Apr 15 - 11:31 AM

Here is the last thread (minus a bunch because of the crash).

I've added "hoarders" into the thread title to catch the eye of a few who may feel they don't have a simple job of removing clutter - those who may feel they have to empty a warehouse-worth of stuff stored in their (or relatives) homes. Our declutter work is generally on a smaller scale, and may only be baby steps for those folks, but perhaps it will inspire the first steps toward recovery.

We've heard from a few new folks, and there are probably many other lurkers who get vicarious pleasure from the large and small successes people record here.

It's the time of year for me when my attention turns to my yard. I have a bunch of stuff that has piled up in the sunroom (things to sell on eBay) that I need to get to periodically. Rainy day work. And there is the garage and the greenhouse. I can park my vehicle in my garage, with room to move around, but when I was parking a truck in the garage it was a tight squeeze. I need to clear out some of the stuff I never use. Same with the greenhouse - I have way more of some things than I'll ever use.

So here's a fresh start, spring cleaning (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere) and time to toss out the clutter along with the winter buildup of dust and dog hair.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 01 Apr 15 - 12:46 PM

This should be an easy enough chore to get things rolling
and kick start the right frame of mind.....

but.....

Freeing up hard drive space of all the accumulated recorded TV series and movies.
on the various PVRs in our house,
that'll we'll never get round to watching...

I've let go of about 50 or 60 hours worth, but mrs punkfolkrocker refuses to budge on her recordings,
even though she has far less time than me for TV watching....!!!???

.. and it's mostly TV of her choice that 'needs' to be recorded...

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: fat B****rd
Date: 01 Apr 15 - 02:34 PM

Whilst nowhere near as busy as some of our fellow posters I have nevertheless disposed sensibly, usually, of much of the assorted clutter accrued by myself and my late and much missed wife, Ann, over twenty something years. A load of bedding which really was superfluous to the local BHF shop. They arrange to collect stuff and actually turn up, after a warning phone call, when they say they will. As the weather has improved a bit (for Scotland) I have finally started to clear out my shed. Ann was adamant that I needed at least three of everything and so, I must have at least 40 screwdrivers of various heads and a huge selection of screws and nails. As I have lots of wood and several projects these last will come in useful. It doesn't do me any credit but, I found an electric hand saw that I didn't know I had!
No complaints, unless you include arthritis, so must get on that treadmill to-morrow.
Take care everybody
Charlie fB

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 01 Apr 15 - 03:30 PM

I have a bit more space now - so I am setting up knitting machines to fill it up - I think I need to do a bit more work on the mental attitude before starting to clear out the rooms again.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 01 Apr 15 - 03:35 PM

Oh - thought it is the first - so I brushed the stairs. At least there are some small victories even with the knitting going on.

There is a brush on the shelves at the top of the stairs to facilitate the process.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Apr 15 - 05:02 PM

I really do need to shift some of the eBay stuff out of here. The process is to photograph (in a way so there is a neutral background - I don't want to show off my house or have my arm in the middle of the photo holding up the item), figure out the packing, then list it. It piles up on the table where I do most of the photography and weighing/packing, so I have to clear the table yet keep things nearby so they don't escape back into the house.

There are thunderstorms threatening to pass this way - I will be annoyed if hail declutters my yard of the lovely daffodils that are just now in full bloom.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 01 Apr 15 - 06:03 PM

I have a SERIOUS "big time hoarded" that moved into my home while her son cleaned her home. Her home stuff is NASTY !

The "visit" of only three-days is turning into three months. My small home is turning into a collection of unmade beds. drying clothes in doorways, dozens upon a hundred more pairs of shoes....paper files from 25 years ago....(the shredder broke and her hands are bloody).

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

There is blessed lesson to be learned.....to make room .... 27 years of PC Towers and CRT monitors....
Will be dumped....HD' s and 5.25 with also 3.5 be salvaged.

To have a functioning office again ....will be a "re-birth"

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Apr 15 - 07:24 PM

Treadmill & recumbent bike today. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: fat B****rd
Date: 02 Apr 15 - 01:35 AM

Treadmill and gardening to-day !!. I got a dressy-up do in June and must get into my glad rags.
Charlie

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Apr 15 - 04:29 AM

Ontario:
Up at the crack of dawn yesterday - well, about 6:30! - I was exhausted by 9 pm. Checked emails drove to town, got certified check at bank and also a short visit with friend not seen in 15 years, , tea at Tim Horton's, sat in park and had a piece of bread with almond butter, went to lawyer, signed papers, getting to know you conversation with lawyer whose 5 year old son has Tay-Sachs, "come back later for key.

Looked for shop vac with hepa filter to no avail. shopped in two thrift shops and got some needful items, then later at another one - nice toaster oven for new house and 3 small glass bowls - I use them a great deal and they break. Young friend helped me to car and we had a chat. Stopped in at A Place fort the Arts and interviewed the volunteer on duty about it, got a membership. Stopped at Art Gallery and chatted with friend on duty there.

Back to Lawyer's - key and copy of deed!!!! Stopped for haircut, library card!!, stopped in to another thrift shop (furniture mostly) and chatted with volunteer about getting people to bring stuff there instead of sending things to dump. She needs a better sign; I will think about that - tomorrow.

Went to house, key did not work. Back to bank (vendor), "talk to lawyer or realtor', to realtor office, the woman on duty tried to contact my agent/friend, lawyer called to say she had no other key, bank has no other key, "Come back later". Stopped at cop shop for info re protocol of changing vehicles registrations and driver's license to Ontario. Went to get new headlight and talked about getting van repaired and safetied for registration in Ontario - "By May, please" (it is still surrounded by snow after sitting in the yard all winter!), also car safetied. This is going to be expensive and somewhat stressful but I have six months.

No word re key! Went back to house, nope, key does not work. But Kathy had said she had kept a key but where is Kathy! Saw a neighbour out in yard so went to introduce myself. "Hi, I'm Dorothy..." No name was forthcoming but he told me how terrible "that house" is; then told me how terrible his own was when he bought it....OK!

Back to library to ask if anyone knew if Craftsman (restaurant) is open yet. Long chat with friend, then Bev phoned, "not yet" also asking info re carpet store "that used to be..." - "gone";. I was hoping to look for flooring for K and bath. Guess that will have to come from Montreal. Also asked about locksmith - in case...

Went to Chinese R for plate of stir fried veggies and started back. Stopped by side of road and happened to see a deer run across the highway, missing a car by about 15 feet! Tried once more to reach Kathy, left message that I would bring a crow bar tomorrow.

Pulled into driveway, having driven fairly slowly, wary of deer on the move. R phoned and we caught up. Then he phoned again; he is de-cluttering that building very happily!!   Then I dragged my weary self into the house realizing I had left my jacket somewhere on this beautiful sunny and warmish day. Kathy phoned and, apologetic, and promised to leave key in the office lock box, "the code is..." so I can get it in the morning - freezing rain is predicted! Followed by rain. A great day to unload the car!

Dragged myself back out to car for computer, which I had taken along in case I had down time! Had conversation with host friends for a few minutes and called it "a day".

What did I de-clutter? A great series of small tasks, things on to-do list and more. Plenty of exercise and moderate food intake.    Most of all, I did not get in a flap over the key; just kept getting things done and enjoyed being in touch with my home town.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Apr 15 - 11:25 AM

Those of you who are adding off-site storage to your decluttering efforts, how is that working out?

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Donuel
Date: 02 Apr 15 - 11:37 AM

Great weather for special garbage pick ups or to post a link to one of the free recycling websites.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Apr 15 - 09:52 PM

We are just entering the best season for garage sales here in North Texas. There will be the perfect combination of pent-up supply and nice weather. Tomorrow is a good time to start swinging down neighborhood streets if there is a small sign on the corner. Treasures await - but the same policy needs to apply for new purchases - unless I find a missing part of something I already own, I usually discard something if a new item comes into the house.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: pattyClink
Date: 03 Apr 15 - 08:56 AM

Feeling overwhelmed with lots of priorities to deal with. I had to wait to do taxes until some forms arrived and now it's time to do some complex stuff and no Turbotax does not help. I really wish tax time didn't arrive at the same time as nice weather and yardwork and pollen and painting projects!

Off-site storage is working out great for me, I laid out planks along the perimeter in a U and another 'aisle' up the middle. Took a bunch of stuff over and it's all easy to find and deal with.

I'm a little freaked out about Mudcat right now.   A week ago I posted to a thoughtful little thread that skarpi had participated in, came back the next day and found it all erased. Yet on St. Pat's I checked in to find some vile garbage posted as a St. Pat's thread, and it remained and remained. Etc. I used to see this as a refuge from the world's insanity, but now I find I don't trust it and it seems like the Red Queen is in control. It really gives one pause.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Apr 15 - 09:44 AM

That's the ticket - make that space work for you, not against you.

Not all of the moderators read all of the threads, especially in the music section, so if you see a problem, send a PM to a mod. And the thing about disappearing posts is most likely the gremlin in the works and it happens to all of us. You hit send and it doesn't go. The trick is to always select and copy the text to your clipboard before hitting send, so you can reopen the thread in a new browser window and paste it again if it vanished the first time.

Tomorrow is a day in the garden, and if Sunday is rainy as predicted, it is for cleaning and eBay. And sewing. I need to declutter my list of things to do.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 03 Apr 15 - 11:14 AM

Ontario:
Sitting in the Art Gallery of Bancroft on Good Friday. Reminded that this is the Bible Belt. There could be 3 bowling lanes down the main street! This will give me an opportunity to de-clutter the computer! One person has come in, another volunteer checking to see if anything needed to be done before tonight's opening.

Earlier this am, I measured the rooms, windows, doors at the house. recovering from, well from something. I really was at a loss for what to do next even though I had been planning for 6 weeks, I thought. The reality hit me and being elated is exhausting. But now - I even took a small rake to the emerging flower bed, I think. Snow season is evolving to mud season.

Yesterday I visited my friend in the Grove and 6 of her grands and the mom of soon to be 4 of them. The oldest(5) is a serious young man and we had some talks. I carefully explained to him that it is not his place to answer for cousin Julie and how it is not good for people to have others answer for them, and how annoyed I get when someone does it to me. This comes under the category of trying to de-clutter the world of at least one over-bearing male! He listens well - then makes up his own mind! I shall enjoy watching him grow - as I did his dad. I am SO back where I belong - home again.

It is wonderful not to be sitting in that chair in Montreal, to be out and about, talking with folks, renewing friendships, making new ones, walking around in, relatively, clean air! I was really floundering yesterday but looked at flooring, went to one solar dealer - and will not go back; anyone who is asked to repeat them self several times and still does not speak clearly, I do not deal with. He was kind of snotty, too.

Spent the later evening looking on line for flooring and will go look at some tomorrow on way to Montreal. The closest BIG stores are about 90 minutes away! Wonderful! I am not being picky about flooring; I am being frugal - whatever is cheapest and will do a proper job, and is reasonably OK to look at.

I am delighted that the modem works at the house so I can bring it back and forth from the mill in the computer bag. I think I will cancel the phone based one in the city and save about $40/month!!!

Saw two windows on Kijiji and emailed R about them but they are gone already. I will put an alert on for windows. This is about de-cluttering the house of blank wall space and letting the trees look in!

I am better physically (and, obviously, mentally) than I have been in over two years, at least. But I must continue to replenish the minerals as well as continue the MSM and glucosamine in order to maintain. I ate 3 plain sour cream donuts yesterday; they used to make me feel good but not now. I am wondering if sugar also inhibits the absorption of minerals - I really felt it last night. The handful of pills I took with BF(mostly good quality minerals) was rather daunting and, though I know none are bad for me, I am mindful of needing/wanting to get more from foods and less from supplements. There will be good organic food available locally this summer. NEED freezer.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 09:17 AM

Sugar is just destructive, the realisation has ben slow coming but it weems to be dawning now - Humans are not designed to cope with it - in the worst cases you eventually get blindnes, nerve destruction and gangrene, but the insidious weight gain, painful joints and lack of energy can feel just miserable.

I try to avoid carbs and feel so much better when I do.

We are at my son's home at the moment looking after the two older boys, 3 and 5 years old. The new grandson was born yesterday, and is in N-ICU for close observation for a few days.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 12:04 PM

That was Rumncoke. I hope that grandson soon goes home healthy and hardy!

I agree about the sugar, and it is addictive. There has been a lot of bite-sized candy in the office in a small jar lately - we need to shift our snacking to something more healthy.

So much to do it's difficult to settle on a starting place. I've just finished my cuppa tea so it's out to the yard via the laundry room to put in the sheets that will this afternoon dry on the clothesline. The duvet cover will go in for a wash and line airing and then back over the down comforter and into the closet for the warm season. I turned on the air conditioning for a couple of days during the week, but am now back to the big system set to heat if we have cool mornings. The smaller unit in the office and front of the house is on cool, but set so that it won't go on unless the house is over 80 degrees, so there isn't much activity with either of them right now. Spring and fall are the lowest electric bills because these don't run much in either setting.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 06:43 PM

Ah - sorry I did not realise that the little tablet thing had not got my details for here. We have been up at the crack of dawn with their two boys.

The baby is still in N-ICU but seems a bit brighter, more responsive and has now been fed properly rather than through a tube. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief to learn that.

Although he is several weeks premature he was over 7lb when born - he would have been a bruiser if he'd been allowed to go full term, but that was not possible due to his mother's state. Hopefully her condition will now improve.

We have come back home as it is now just a matter of wait and see how things go with them.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 08:45 PM

Spent time cleaning in our bedroom (still have mountains of clothes to go through) and then time making Easter baskets for tomorrow.

:) Happy Easter Everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 10:33 PM

Jeremiah is unaware that he was adopted and we feel that now is the time to share that with him. He is old enough to understand and formulate questions. I have seen several adoption story books that parents can use to help ease into the conversation or to explain how an adoption happens but none of them that I have seen fit our situation so I decided to write his story for him. I have a blank book and have added illustrations to make it completely his story. It took some effort and tears to make the story straight forward and concise but on the second draft, I got the flow right and both Pete and I are happy with the results. We are ready for the questions and are feeling good about sharing this with him. I'm a little nervous but that's to be expected. I only want for him to know that he was loved by his birth parents and he is loved, and will forever be loved by us.

Wish us luck!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 11:24 PM

What a brave and difficult, yet rewarding, thing to do. It can wrench his world around. Writing his story may be exactly the best way to do it. Be sure he also knows your story, and how precious he was to you and how afraid you were that you might not get to keep him because of your cancer, how hard you fought to do that right and well. And beautifully.

Rum, my son was in the NICU for 2 weeks, born full term (38-weeks) but with premature lungs. I expressed milk that they gave via stomach tube until they let him out of the isolet so I could finally handle him and nurse properly. For two weeks any time people touched him it was painful, and they'd had him sedated so he wouldn't fight the equipment. Nursing was something that we both enjoyed very much, finally getting the contact. It took a couple of weeks after we brought him home that he didn't scream bloody murder at being handled for small things like changing diapers.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: maeve
Date: 05 Apr 15 - 04:18 AM

Michelle- Blessings to you, to Pete, and precious Jeremiah as you take another loving step together.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Apr 15 - 11:54 AM

:) Thanks Stilly and Maeve! :)

We will not be sharing my cancer story with Jeremiah until he is MUCH older. He is only 5 and we think the most important things for him to know at this stage is that he has another set of parents who loved him but couldn't care for him and that we chose him because he is special and we loved him from the minute we saw him. :)

When he is older, we will share more. We want him to have a firm grasp on what it means to be adopted before he goes to kindergarten and children start asking him why he is a different color than we are. So far, he hasn't ever questioned this with us. I don't want a stranger or another child to blindside him or cause confusion for him.

Ever the protective mama bear,

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: maeve
Date: 05 Apr 15 - 12:25 PM

Wise parents indeed.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Apr 15 - 05:12 PM

Rain arrived overnight last night, I was hoping the forecast meant overnight into Monday. Oh, well. I do have plenty to keep me busy in the house. This cool and overcast day seems like the perfect occasion to make a loaf of bread and a pot of soup.

I was going to shop and deliver some donation items today, but instead I'll load them in the car and drop off after work tomorrow. And shop on the way home.

The closet needed a small rescue this week, after the wire links holding up cords that support shelves stretched open at the top of a stacking zipper enclosure. This plastic case hangs from my closet rod. The shelves pancaked into the bottom of the plastic enclosure, but I had a couple of small carabiners that came to the rescue to pull it all upright again. I probably ought to see if I really need or still wear all of those sweaters. I think a couple of them at this point are way too large.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Apr 15 - 10:32 AM

We've stepped back through the spring door into a late-winter look here. The rainy weather on Sunday was enough to keep me in my chair working on a lap quilt/comforter for my son. The one for my daughter comes next. It's a simple thing, a cover fabric (a woven flannel) with non-woven batting and then a cotton backing trimmed with bias tape. It's interesting how when you start working it looks like it's independent parts, but then you reach a point where it feels like a garment or an object, not a disparate collection of pieces. Now I need to knot the cover so the batting stays put.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Apr 15 - 03:14 PM

City:
last few days: flooring purchased, backer board purchased o replace really dreadful panelling in LR, laundry done, dishes washed, long drive back to city from Ontario, long Sunday as we went to pick up the Clay Play trailer and had a flat tire/no spare, in the middle of no where with nothing open, etc! Eventually got sorted and got it to the mill, did a few things and came back to city - plumb wore out and happy to have celery soup in frig!

Almost an hour on phone with once-adopted daughter yesterday during which I told her about her first year; no one ever had. Revelation after revelation. Today I contacted a therapist, with whom I am acquainted, who specializes in RAD; have appointment to phone her tomorrow.

Hour on phone with friend Amy resulted in a list of 3 do-do items for me. Her life is changing and mutual support occurred; I sent her link to a mudcat thread last week - where someone was leaving an abusive relationship. She found it really helpful; did not realize there were so many people in or have been in her boat. She has lived very isolated for most of 25 years.

Waiting for a phone back from Lowes so cannot use the phone for #3 - see if the thrift shop has a bed and can deliver so I can go back to the new house without R who is still too busy. I need to be there of Market on Saturday. Time to call Lowes back; cannot wait.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 06 Apr 15 - 06:41 PM

Little grandson is out of intensive care and is with his mum on a specialist ward. All continuing to go well he should be passed fit by Thursday. He wants to be held all the time, which isn't all that surprising really, but he has now begun to stretch out and look around.

Back home I found the restricted access to the kitchen annoying - a stack of tool boxes is in the way, but the lack of washing up needing to be done was quite a shock. I can wash things in an empty sink now.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: fat B****rd
Date: 07 Apr 15 - 01:01 PM

That's great news Rumncoke. I hope good progress continues.
Here in (quite often lately) sunny Dunfermline, I have been taking full advantage of the good weather and cut grass, pulled up weeds and dug out congested potential vegetable patches. There isn't too much left to de-clutter but lately I have sent my elder step-daughter a couple of Ann's Pashminas and given my grand-daughter some sheets. If I tell you she's a student the need will be self explanatory!. Finally I can get into mu shed without moving all my garden machines out but there ill always be room for improvement. Part of the fun for me is making out huge lists of "Thingstodo" so you can see I am having a full and interesting life. :-)
With all the gardening going on the gym has not figured too much lately but it'll always be there.
Take care everybody and best regards to you all (especially the Rumncoke family.
Charlie

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Apr 15 - 03:27 PM

I spent time in the garden this morning before heading to work. When I trim my pine trees I leave the branches on the ground under the tree until they dry out and then I pull the needles and leave them there on the ground, so this morning I scraped off the needles. The limbs will be chipped for mulch. The more needles on the ground under the trees the less grass in that area, and I like the idea of less grass and the look of pine needles.

I also planted a few of my tomato bedding plants in the beds I started digging last weekend. There is a lot more work to do, but it is finally started.

Housework is lower on my "to-do" list than garden work, so I don't have anything to report there right now!

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Apr 15 - 05:21 PM

City:
Great news about the grandson! Of course he wants to be held all the time! PTSD affects infants also. He will need all the loving you all can give him.

Best laid plans and all that; With my list made up for things to do at the mill, today was the sentencing for the perp who attacked R and friend in 2010. So off we went to the courthouse - late and not knowing what room... Oh, but not today, tomorrow! But while we are here - he had not yet filled out victim impact statement nor had I as we had not been informed... Or did he not notice the letter... Four hours later, after two trips to the parking meter and two to the cafe... De-clutter my life??? Well, he is rather nice at times... De-cluttered our wallets!

Found a therapist, known to me, who specializes in RAD, phoned her yesterday and made appointment to call today - done! She will email me some possible therapists near daughter. Also gave me name of person at "post adoption services" down there. I can help pay for therapy if d is willing to have it and I believe she will be. At 50, she could still have some real life if she can get free of some of the RAD and fetal alcohol symptoms for which she has never had appropriate therapy.

Lark and I agree that RAD is the very worst thing that can happen to a child. Cancer only kills them; RAD does brain damage that precludes the ability to have a normal life. D told me she is afraid to leave the house because she no longer wants to inflict her unpredictable behaviours on anyone - or deal with consequences thereof. Alive but no life. Like much of what is referred to as "mental illness" she has struggled to control her behaviours and is now worn out by it.   

Sorted out delivery from Lowes for Saturday, 18th, so we do not need to worry about R's truck or renting one - major de-clutter! Too late to phone thrift shops today!

Box of pottery mailed from Malone, NYS was sent back here after I was told by "customer Service at USPS that it would not be and she would get it sent to my name at the correct address for son. 6 of 12 items broken to smithereens! It must have been dropped or thrown quite a distance. And it cost me $50 in postage for the return - twice what it cost me to mail it from Malone. Back to the wheel! Not the kind of de-cluttering we need!!

The new memory for computer arrived today but now I am going to veg out for a while and rebuild my energy before I try that installation. Two sets of feelings - re assault and re daughter have me at edge of tearful. When the sentencing is done, we will know what we are dealing with or, hopefully, not going to have to deal with for a while yet. If he is not sentenced to more jail time, we join the ranks of those who live with the knowledge that a violent, unpredictable person may have us on their list.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: ranger1
Date: 07 Apr 15 - 05:54 PM

Started decluttering the yard of a winter's worth of doggie poo. My landlady waived the no pets policy for me, so I try to be a good tenant. Now that there are large enough bare patches in the yard, I'll try to get in some yard work after work. We had a lot of large branches come down off the big white pines in the front and they'll need to be hauled out to the back edge of the field soon. I also promised my landlady I'd clean out the brushy things that have popped up in her flower gardens. One of the gardens is now bare, but the other is still under six to ten inches of snow. I don't garden, but I'll make it easier for her to get out there.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Apr 15 - 08:31 PM

Treadmill and recumbent bike plus major grocery shopping, hauling stuff into the house through some deep mud and putting it all away. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 15 - 01:14 AM

That mud after snow and ice - it's pernicious, isn't it? I think it is more than our imaginations, there are molecular things that happen to align the particles of dirt into more viscous mud after it has frozen.

Tons to do this week and I'm taking it one day at a time. This day is over. I may have to buy rolls instead of making my own for an office potluck tomorrow. There just isn't enough time in the day for it.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Apr 15 - 12:18 PM

Treadmill, recumbent bike and very stretchy, yummy yoga today.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: ranger1
Date: 08 Apr 15 - 02:46 PM

Maggie - up here it has to do with frost going out of the ground. So you've got thawing on the ground as well as in it.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Apr 15 - 12:12 AM

I just spoke to my sister, who tells me that everything bloomed a month early in Seattle, and that there is only 22% of the typical snowpack in the Cascades this year. Not so bad as California (with 6%) but still pretty bad. Maybe these long slow emergences from winter will help during the rest of the year for some folks.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 09 Apr 15 - 06:52 AM

Here on the South coast of England snow is rare. We had a light sprinkling one morning and it was gone in an hour. That was winter over with.

I am now seeing blossom on the trees and daffodils are beginning to fade a little after putting on a really fine show this year.

It is time to start washing windows and curtains.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Apr 15 - 02:44 PM

City:
Tuesday was back to court and the sentencing left us limp. In four months this sociopath will be out of jail and we will live looking over our shoulders for fear of what damage he might do next.

Trying to recover from that, I phoned my son; what started out as a good conversation deteriorated into tearing strips off me for ancient errors.

I don't remember yesterday but I can say that things are up to snuff. This morning I cleaned up tracked in dirt, careful negotiated the still deep snow to the compost, pruned the plants on the sunny side of the yard. Something I remember planting last fall at the sunniest end is coming up; maybe hosta or ???? The shady side still has several inches of snow.

Went for a few groceries. Got through to the very nice social worker in PA seeking help for dghtr. Very positive possibilities. She may even be able to help with finding birth parents if she wishes to do that. "Post Adoption Services" fifty years later!

Planning logistics of trip to Bancroft, ON tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Apr 15 - 05:42 PM

Dorothy, I'm sorry that the sentence is so short. I wonder if someone can meet him at the door in four months with more charges that weren't filed this time.

Thunderstorms predicted for tonight. I bought a few bedding plants on the way home and I'll put them under a potting table by the side door to keep them from being clobbered if it hails. I also have some 4" pots with dirt that I'll put seeds in and then move them out of the way so rain or hail doesn't splash seeds around or out. All of this of course will fill my garden. I'm still drawing down produce (frozen and canned) from last year and have plenty of empty jars for canning and pickles when the time comes.

I need to finish some sewing and some eBay work, but what I really need to do tonight is finish some freelance editing so I can start dropping the finished articles into the design software tomorrow. I predict an evening of working at the computer with the TV going in the background.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Apr 15 - 08:40 PM

City:
SRS: Sentences in Canada not nearly as severe as the USA. In this case, it was 5.5 years but time served leaves not much. We are in recovery.

Phone call at 8 am from friend in PA needing support consultation.

Almost two hours on phone with dghtr, sharing experiences of our lives. An email came in from SW saying she has found the adoption record. "Ask your dghtr to phone me." Dghtr was soon caught between fear of disappointment, and excitement. She will phone tomorrow and email me if it it worth my phoning her for update. I should prob phone in any case.

Then veg out to relax.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Apr 15 - 02:32 AM

A neighbor walked past the house this evening, and as we talked in the driveway it started to rain, so we ducked into the house. This gave me a moment to view it through another's eyes, and to my dismay every flat surface had stuff on it. Clearing the debris from this week will top my weekend to-do list.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Apr 15 - 10:15 AM

I made inroads on the counter tops this morning while I waited for my cuppa tea to brew. At least it can serve as a landing pad for anything I bring into the house this evening.

I woke up mulling over how to drop a document into InDesign . . . a sure sign that I've worked on this task long enough to finish it soon. Looking forward to the weekend.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Apr 15 - 10:18 PM

Freelance work this weekend when I can fit it in, and mowing for sure tomorrow. The forecast keeps shifting, but for now it looks like rain on Sunday, tomorrow is just cloudy. Tornadoes have hit other parts of the country this week, but we'll see a fair share of tornado watch/warnings as spring progresses.

The flat surfaces are high on the list also. So far only one counter is clear, the rest have stuff that needs filing or putting away in some fashion.

The dogs need baths, but I'm not sure when that will happen.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Apr 15 - 10:30 PM

Wait. There are flat clear surfaces that hold stuff up? Not in this house...LOL. Seriously...I need to be finding surface space too!

Michelle

---

The mudelves wish you a very happy birthday, Michelle!

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 11 Apr 15 - 05:30 PM

If all continues to go well newest grandson and his mum will be released from hospital tomorrow, much to everyone's relief.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Apr 15 - 06:29 PM

You crack me up, Michelle!

Rum, when babies come home from the hospital it has been my experience that houses kind of explode with clutter. Tons of new baby stuff enters the scene and every waking minute seems to be dedicated to baby care instead of house care for a while.

My ex came by today and left half of a large filet of fresh salmon. Mmmm! My gas grill needs work so I think I'll break out the small charcoal one and have a fabulous dinner after mowing and before sewing. In order to finish some craft work I have a setup on Saturday evenings when there are four hours of television programming that I tend to watch. A small television is on the dining room table just beyond the sewing machine. Last week I did the long seams on a comforter, this week I'll finish trimming up some of the edges then work on knotting the cover and backing together. I have another comforter to make as well, so I forsee another few weeks of this arrangement.

Dorothy, I hope your plans for coming and going and moving are falling into place.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Apr 15 - 08:24 PM

Thanks Mud Elves!!!! XOXOXOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Apr 15 - 12:43 AM

I didn't get to do much sewing, but I did do a fair amount of grilling. Since I had coals ready after I finished the salmon I then put on some beef and a chicken breast so I'll have the meat for various meals this week. I like to take my lunch to work and often will take the fixings for fajitas, etc. Warm up the filling, have a couple of tortillas, and take some frozen guacamole that will thaw by lunchtime. Meat cooked over coals is the best flavor and makes lunch a treat. Fried rice also, with a little bit of grilled meat and some good diced veggies with the rice, it heats up well for lunch. There will be fresh green onions from the garden in that rice.

The kitchen is looking better, with a few flat surfaces that are no longer covered with stuff.

Today was pretty good. The front yard looks great and the stone front of the house is a mellow background for the green lawn and vividly beautiful iris blooms. I used the chipper to chop up a bunch of small limbs so now I have a bag of chips for the veggie garden. I will also mulch with some bags of oak leaves after I spread, water, and run the mower over them to reduce the chance they'll all blow away.