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

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Jun 15 - 09:05 AM

Diatomaceous Earth is SO GREAT. It will work on less - cleaned carpets and upholstery if you use a flour sifter to apply. It will look a fright the day or two you want to leave it in place. It goes deeply into the nap of the rug or fabric and keeps working even after vacuuming. It will add some dust but if it's fud grade won't hurt you or the pets. Great also in washed pet bedding. Our one heavy application has not needed a repeat. Just warn folks a dry cleaning product has been applied or visitors will assume you were flinging a flour sack around a bit too freely!

Here the battle will be the yard. No hatchlings yet so the nematode trick is timely.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 29 Jun 15 - 02:45 PM

An organic approach to fleas is to spray beneficial nematodes around the yard outside the house (to stop the egg stage in the soil) - this is best accomplished after a heavy rain (or heavy watering) and done at dawn or dusk if it is hot weather during the day. The nematodes get into the soil and go to work, but spreading them in sunshine and heat kills them before they get into the soil. Find them refrigerated at a local gardening or feed store.

In the house, a dusting of food grade Diatomaceous earth (there is a pool variety but it isn't meant to be used anywhere else because of impurities). You may have DE for your wildlife - that can be used. The feed store may have a can with a long narrow tube (like the tube that comes on the can of WD-40, but much longer) that is for puffing DE around the area.

If you have carpets, there are a couple of options. You can work DE into the carpets if they are wall-to-wall, but the thing to do first is a steam cleaning with the water as hot as you can manage to kill eggs.

There is a product you can get from the vet called Revolution that is a liquid put on the skin between the shoulder blades once a month. It prevents heartworms, fleas, and repels ticks. The vet version is expensive, but you can buy it without an RX from the UK for about 1/3 to 1/4 of the US cost. The UK version is called Stronghold and is for dogs and cats. http://www.vetmeds4pets.co.uk/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=20 Cats are all one size box.

Since you have a dog, it would be good to put it on her also. The UK brand comes in the same weight classes (but in kilos, not pounds). The teal box of Revolution that my dogs get is from dogs 40 - 85 pounds, and the teal box of Stronghold is the same weight class. I get it from Vet Meds 4 Pets (http://www.vetmeds4pets.co.uk/catalog/) and their shipping to the US is reasonable - under $5. All pets should have a heartworm test before getting this product, it won't kill worms in place, it is meant to be used in healthy animals and keep them healthy.

Good luck! And congratulations on Jeremiah running his own closet!

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: ranger1
Date: 29 Jun 15 - 02:21 PM

Michelle - check and see what your vet has for area spray. I think the one most vets carry is called Siphotrol Plus. I've had pretty good luck with it. I think you can get it online for cheaper than what your vet may charge.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Jun 15 - 12:41 PM

Progress is happening in my kitchen!!! A few years ago, we were given a microwave that hung on the wall, over the stove. It died last year and so it was just hanging there. Over time, the weight of it began to pull away from the wall taking 4 of the cupboards with it. The cupboard doors no longer stayed shut on their own as they leaned forward so much. Pete did a temporary fix of using boards to prop the cupboards up but even then, there was a tiny leaning...enough that the doors would swing open. Not ideal but it worked and make things sturdy and safe. Yesterday we emptied the cupboards, took the microwave down and he secured the cupboards to the wall where they belong...no leaning! I cleaned the empty shelves and did some rearranging of canned goods now that the cupboards are sturdy enough to hold a heavy load. I did some sorting of dishes and cups (how many coffee cups do two people NEED?) and kept the ones we use daily and a few extra for company but the rest has already been deposited at the Salvation Army along with a few bags of books and clothes that Jeremiah has outgrown. I have one more cupboard to clean out today. It was my herb cupboard but a mouse has been in there so I am dumping everything, bleaching it out and using that cupboard for something new. :) I feel like I am moving into a new house....I love to organize (why don't I remember that about myself more often?)!!!! In addition, Jeremiah's clothes have been stored in the bathroom above the washer and dryer for almost his whole life....he is old enough now that he likes to pick out his own clothes. In anticipation of the upcoming school year, we are moving all his clothing upstairs where he can get himself dressed in the morning. What I have for his school clothing is already folded into sets which will make for an easy grab and go once school starts. His summer gear is just shorts and t-shirts which he can mix and match as he pleases. And today? Today he carried his own freshly washed and folded clothing up to his bedroom by himself! HOORAY!!!! He is quite the helper these days! The other day he actually got angry because I put the silverware away which is *HIS* job!!! LOL

Question: What products have you successfully used to take care of fleas on furniture? Our cats have fleas. ARG. We treated the with Frontline but I have a few flea bites on me that must have come from my chair since we don't have carpeting. It's not a huge problem just yet but I'd like to take care of it RIGHT NOW. We don't want to use a fogger but just something for the furniture.

Thanks!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 29 Jun 15 - 12:13 PM

Beaver Haven:

I am not saying a word- wondering when R will say it's time to leave. Neither of us want to leave , but he will "have to". A crisis in Montreal came to a head on Saturday. I think he turned off his phone. The crisis did not go away and he still cannot sleep well... My best suggestion is to let it all go and we can live in our little house on my pension. Email them - NOT my circus, not my monkeys.

Well, we had our lovely afternoon at Egan Chutes and a terrific open Mike at A Place for the Arts. Saturday was the Farm Market (sold two pieces) and a potter friend visiting told us that a wood fired kiln was being unloaded that morning at Madonna House, a Catholic retreat centre up the road an hour. So R went up to that and then started looking at the museum - then the first phone call came and spoiled the day.

He picked me up at the market and were looking for lunch when he saw an antique shop he had not been in. I went in and visited with my friend, the owner, for a bit then sat in the car and read. Then we went to Canadian Tire and bought a dolly suitable for moving boxes of pots - on sale! Then ... By the time we got home, lunch-less, it was time to drive to the Grove for the Strawberry Supper. Nice to see the folks there - the little boy I have know since he was 2, with his four children! And the 92 year old former reeve and his wife looking pretty healthy. And my friend with the antique shop asked if $150 would be OK for the Limoges luncheon set; I asked if they would not prefer to sell it first but she was adamant about giving me a cheque - next time I see them.

I was at the car for something, after we got home, when a passing car stopped and the driver was so excited. "I have seen you 3 times this week and you are my next door neighbour!" She had been at the Open House, and at Maynooth on Saturday aft when we stopped to chat with friends in front of their art gallery - there were 3 other persons and a dog sitting on the sidewalk visiting-- and she was one of them. Now she caught me! R came outside and we talked about her lack of water and he told her we would come up in the am.   

We did and he spent about 3 hours getting her water and the cellar lights activated, Then she took us to lunch at our fav restaurant, giving R an opp to update the owner, a township councillor, on the open house (he was working) and Sue a chance to meet Jim and Ramona and another segment of the community. She does not get here very much. We got home about 4, delighted with our neighbour - we think mostly alike on mostly everything!

R finally got around to working on our sinking house problem. I stayed out of the way and put on protective mask lest I inhale any dust; read and computered as signal finally came through with clearing weather. I also went out for more ice for cooler and some snacks for supper - cabbage rolls and samosas.

After cutting a hole about 5 feet by 15 inches along the back edge of house, it appears the concrete foundation, such as it is, has sunk - due to being in a swamp! He is not seeing this as much of a problem and thinks we can put down flooring in the LR, bathroom and K but may need to so something dif in the BRs. Not nearly as bad as we thought it might be!


The hole also revealed a water pipe; we need to figure out how to protect it in the winter - better than it was. But now we know where it is!

So, I have sorted out papers and know where the next needful ones are - for the hippie van which we hope will be ready sometime this week so I can register it and bring it home. Paid bills on line. Mostly organized to leave when the word is given. The dragonflies have been out in full force, gobbling black flies! I LOVE dragonflies!

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jun 15 - 06:52 PM

Over the course of several months I have visited several Goodwill stores in town and picked up the expensive acrylic storage jars with a metal hinge and clasp. A couple of them need gaskets, and I'll eventually find those. Many were intact, and none of them cost more than $3, about 10% of the cost at the Container Store in town. I freeze grains, beans, etc. for a while before I put them into storage jars to keep at room temperature.

Today's visit to Goodwill was to drop off only. A large bag that I finished filling with some ancient tent, tarp, and camping sleep pad stuff from the garage. A lot of this is going to go straight to the fiber recyclers, but some of it is simply items that were mismatched here, outgrown clothes, etc.

After sweeping the back patio the concrete was hosed down and outdoor patio furniture is due to be rearranged and a couple of pieces are coming out of the garage.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST,MA, library
Date: 28 Jun 15 - 06:29 PM

When I was growing up in South Jersey there were quarries all over the place (builders in north Jersey ...). They were very bad about the holes they left: big hazard. At some point they had to start saving the arable soil and sculpt the big holes that were left. Created at least one nice recreational lake, fed by a natural spring.

Try to at least make sure they won't leave a big mess.

sugar/borax solution is still attracting tons of ants.

I keep acquiring more and more plastic tubs to store stuff in. I seems like such a good solution, but I am running out of space in the garage to stack them ...

now that I have a lot of greens transplanted into my big raised beds, something is chewing the bejeesus out of them.

snarl.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 28 Jun 15 - 12:01 PM

The first batch of canned diced tomatoes is resting beside the stovetop. A bag of old cloth items that are going to be recycled is filling up. Old favorite but not-wearable-in-public t-shirts, old sheets, mangled jersey garden gloves (there are a gazillion in the house, no need to keep the decrepit ones) and various things that have been hiding in plain sight are examined for their eBay potential then going in the the donate bin, the recycle bag, or the trash.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jun 15 - 12:13 PM

♫ I've got a little list ♫ that is growing. All of the usual suspects are on it - plumbing repairs, painting, flooring decisions and tile shopping. Gardening, gardening, gardening. eBay sales, and organizing the eBay work space. ♫

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jun 15 - 10:51 AM

We went to a downtown-wide jazz festival last night. Somewhat to my disbelief, I was able to walk to every venue we wanted to visit. Part of the reason was that I have made sure to know my limits and NOT PUSH PAST THEM. How that played out ydy was that, knowing how far I went earlier this week before sitting to rest for 90 seconds-- and noting the absence of the free trolley shuttle-- we opted to eliminate a potential 'one last venue,' and instead opted for a longer stay at another venue. For us it was better to have gone the long way around between venues in favor of more-open way thru crowds-- a series of short walks in place of one too long walk.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 27 Jun 15 - 09:27 AM

This morning after letting the dogs out I went back to bed and had the strangest dream of walking through a house I was convinced had belonged to a great aunt and went on the market for a steal. I didn't know how much it cost when I bought it and seemed to have a spouse who didn't care either, and when I finally actually walked through it the house was the size of a barn with rooms running into each other like a huge complex attic. This seemed to be a mashup of a couple of other odd building dreams I've had in the past - there were aspects of the rooms that were familiar and I remember from other dreams I wouldn't have thought of again. To my dreaming self it seemed like a fascinating project that would result in an elegant space (but without level floors) and lots of great furniture finds dug out and restored. To my waking self it was an insane project. I think this must be cast as a low-level nightmare.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST,A. library
Date: 26 Jun 15 - 04:18 PM

(I'll get the 'puter hooked up soon; i really will ...)

solution seems to be working great; small dishes, one large one where they are just swarming. adding some water every day.

our heat wave here in Portland continues unabated, along with our less-than usual drought. continuing to deep water every day. (in eastern WA., where I used to live, these temperatures were normal. and 0 humidity.)

at least w/ the heat, I am staying indoors and getting picked up, a bit. can't-have-anyone-over syndrome is in full swing.

:)

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Jun 15 - 11:56 AM

Beaver Haven:
Lots got done over the last while. Suffice it to say, I left Montreal with laundry and dishes done and anything I would have liked gone - not mine to do. We were going to bring the truck and trailer holding the garden shed but, after much prep, R realized the plug from trailer does not fit truck. So we came in my car, via some secondary roads which only added an hour. Arrived in time for the Weds night concert - terrific Celtic music on a beautiful evening. Got some food at Foodland and nuked it there so we could eat in the car near the stage.   

Yesterday, we went to see the quarry site and talk with Louis re the proposed quarry. Our friend, Gary, mechanic for the company, went with us - in Louis pick-up truck which was so big that when I went to get out I had trouble getting my feet to the ground and R had to help! L said he keeps steps in the back for his mother! I have never seen the likes of it.

R is convinced it will not impact us but I am concerned for others - mainly re noise - and for the impact on the habitat/environment. Louis is very convincing in a very gentle way. Smart man. The open house last night drew a huge number - parking was hard to find and it took 15 minutes for the line to move into the building, I never figured out why. Rather than a meeting where people could ask questions - as many wanted - it was about a dozen "stations" staffed by the experts so people could look at maps and charts and ask questions individually.

MY brain quit but R was busy for 3 hours, talking and listening. I connected with a number of people, including the daughter of a recently deceased artist friend. She was as hot about the quarry when she left as when she arrived. Others were still dubious. And my friend Mary is too upset to talk about it today. Cross-the-road neighbour has property up for sale.

This morning, I slipped out, breakfastless, at 8:15 and spent two hours at Service Ontario. I managed to get a health card and registration for the car. YAY! My turn took 30 minutes and I felt for all those who were waiting! But in the previous hour, only 8 people had been served. Poor young woman deserves gold stars for sitting there all day dealing with these things.

Now for lunch and a trip to Egan Chutes. R is working on the house a bit. Tonight is open mike and tomorrow I will be at the Farm Market - so this is a play afternoon!

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 10:31 PM

Having a full-fledged office at home should help your husband feel like it was simply downsizing, which it sounds like it is. Saving money by closing a commercial office but having a functional one at home, where he can work. I would be lost without my office at home, and I have an employers office I go to as well.

Things I have a difficult time letting go of are bookshelves and dressers. They do so many things, and can be repurposed. But there are some small shelf things at my house that haven't done anything useful for years, no matter how I think about using them, and they probably should go.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 08:59 PM

Well - having a rush of blood to the brain - I have got rid of a drinks cooler cabinet and a chest of drawers, and plan to move fabric up into the loft to make shelf space.

There is a rail for clothes, which is spare, and things my daughter left behind to sort out too.
Another, larger set of drawers might go - I need to empty one bedroom almost completely for my husband to make into an office as his business is going under. Not looking forward to him being at home all day, but there is no work for his little company.

My magnum opus of writing down all the songs I sing is nearing completion - but it has been so for the last year or more and keeps on growing. I have already had to take apart the book I made and add in more pages, remake it with a larger cover and a stronger thread - actually it is fishing line, as the original cotton could not take the strain.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 05:17 PM

Today in between antiracism activism details, I made progress on digging out from home stuff left pending during various family and parochial crises.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 08:07 AM

You took a cat nap. :)

Over the years I have culled lots of magazines and am still probably keeping too many since much of the material is available online now. Rather than find the recipe in my paper copy of Martha Stewart Living I look it up online.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 12:28 AM

We have always been encouraged to take water bottles with us. There is a kitchen in the building and I suppose people could get a drink there if needed. I always take 2 bottles for drinking and one frozen to keep them cold.

We didn't get to the pool today but instead sorted out tons of magazines (dusted covers and sorted by type of magazine), found a better place to store them, did some dusting and major cleaning of my work area in the living room. It looks pretty darn good and is MUCH more organized.

I also had a nap today. I didn't plan on that but Mabel curled up on my chest and started to purr....that was it for me.

She is SO cute and has such a playful personality.....we have all enjoyed her today so very much!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jun 15 - 09:59 PM

The recipe is a simple syrup - dissolving alone might mean your supply crystallizes sooner, or isn't the right consistency. You are in charge of that experiment!

That's a great solution for the cat - the new buyer got all of the toads, birds, lizards, and whatever that live there. Why not a cat?

The studio where I take dance classes has ceiling fans, and even with AC it doesn't take long into the class before someone flips the switch. There is also a water cooler that is an important part of making it through the hour.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST,MA, library
Date: 24 Jun 15 - 06:13 PM

Acme, I got that recipe from you much earlier in this thread -- do i really have to boil it? thought i just stirred and set out.

I thought my cat Scamp needed a friend, he was so clingy -- unmitigated disaster. having to share me almost ruined his personality, and he still wakes up from sleeping on my lap snarling --

other cat ran away when i moved, rather than come with -- fortunately i k now the guy who bought my house, and he has adopted. you know how cats are w/ "their" house.

yes, Scamp is still very possessive.

got about half the greens transplanted and will keep the rest in the house until it cools off, or rains.

happy June, all.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Jun 15 - 10:14 AM

Mabel, the new kitten, is doing quite well. She is exploring two rooms of the house for now. The cats are slowly introducing themselves and Maggie has tried to make friends but the kitten is afraid of her (to be fair, Mags is 120 pounds of woof). Jeremiah is in love with Mabel. She snuggled in his lap last night while he sang "Soft Kitty" to her. LOL It was beyond sweet. :) Today Mabel is jumping, climbing, sniffing and following me around. It's all good! I was up 3 times during the night and each time I found her curled up on my sewing basket. I stopped to love on her and she purred and purred. I may be a bit in love with her myself!

Zumba was better this week as they had the AC on. It still was hard for me and my leg muscles were crying within 10 minutes but I pressed on. I do adaptations when I get too tired and then dive back in to do the best I can for as long as I can. There are women there of all shapes and sizes and abilities....I really like that about the class. Like last week, I came home and collapsed in my chair for about 2 hours, I was feeling a little dizzy and nauseous.    I made dinner before class so all that had to happen was some warming up. Pete kindly heated dinner up for Jeremiah and himself and let me just chill out. No dinner for me...ugh...just couldn't do it. I'm pretty sure that this week and last I had a touch of heat exhaustion. Oh well...it's worth it to me and it passes within 2 hours or so. I'm proud of myself for doing something that is challenging and have started a photo album to show (hopeful) changes in my appearance over time. I think it will be interesting to look at a year from now.

It looks like it's going to be a beautiful day so after our basic chores are done and we've had some lunch, I think we may go swimming. :)

Enjoy your day!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 24 Jun 15 - 08:54 AM

Drawing down the canning jars on pantry shelves and containers from the freezer during the fall, winter, and spring have concluded. Now is the season of fresh produce and beginning to freeze and soon some small batches of canning. So far this hasn't been a very good gardening year, but the growing season is long and fingers are crossed. There is no gain or loss in the household math, the only difference is where the jars live and whether they are empty or full.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jun 15 - 11:03 PM

Maryanne, I missed what you're trying to eradicate? Ants? Roaches? There is a recipe for ants (the commercial product is Terro) simple syrup - 1 cup water, 2 cups sugar, 2 Tablespoons borax (and don't overdo or they ignore it). Don't let the syrup boil much or the liquid is too robust and ants walk across it, can't sip and take it back to the colony. And a question about your knee - are you drinking enough water? I wonder if retained water as the year gets warmer might be more noticeable after surgery?

Good luck with the new kitten, Michelle. I usually find that a new and younger animal entering the home energizes the older ones. It's good for them. (Did you ever read any of the James Herriot vet books? I remember a particular essay about introducing a young pet into the home and having an older dog that seemed to be fading decide to get up and eat.)

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Jun 15 - 09:05 PM

Decluttered our Saturday Night Service today.

A persistent problem made more difficult as all Band members have aged is moving all our stuff out back for the Lawn Mass in the summer, and back in again after the service. We solicited volunteers, but in this aging parish there are few who can do much on a regular basis. So a change has been coming, and in the end it was quite simple.

It started with my permanently damaged spine prompting me to try playing standing up. I mocked up a stand at home that seemed promising and tried it last week in the parish house. What go tme was how sore I was each week after 3 hous of sitting in a bad chair and then being opinned behind he autoharo stand by all the equipment surroiunding me. It was vey weird playing and singnig while standing butby the end of the servivce i was woring pretty well.

So what I decided is that since my main instrument is y voice, all I REALLY need to move outdoors when there are volunteers to set us up is my tiny amp, a music stand, a mic stand, a folding stool to perch on while singing, and the ability to move from there to a chair in the congregation during the long parts with no music.

With that in mind I arranged all my gear modularly to be able to move it as little as necessary. I took back the use of a folding screen to screen it all off in a corner of the parish house, where we will hold the service those weeks that there are no volunteers available to help with law setup and teardown.

Then to facilitate orderly teardown (for which there are usually 5+ eager volunteers who want to work too fast for us to supervise effectively), I took pix of each of our arrayed stuff-- what goes where and how it goes-- for ease of access and minimal use of space (because it is space we share with community groups).

I'll print the pix in B/W to tape over each station, slap some color-coded tape on each person's batch of stuff, color code the signage-- and Bob's your uncle.

Then there are the binders that house the ministry I coordinate of "We Remember 260 Black Lives," which will be moving to the deep window wells set above our stuff. (One piece of display art is already attached to my screen.) The binders we play from are spilling out of a large plastic bar/food service cart, and I have my eye out for a bookcase for those.

All this will guide our in-the-church stowage once he cool weather is back, too. I'm keeping that 4-panel screen for my own ministry display use, and Hardi is planning to fix is one broken panel (and perhaps add one to make an odd number) for better accordian-standing solidity.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST,MA, at library
Date: 23 Jun 15 - 04:40 PM

the borax and sugar barely made a dent. will try again, in much larger quantities.

the ones displaced from before have tried to renest in my mailbox, in my potted lemon tree (outside) ...

put everything in the freezer that had been there a year or more in the turkey pan, intending to see if anything was still any good. has now sat for 3 days. (sigh) probably no good anyway. need a deep freeze.

knee replacement still giving me problems ( swelling, inflammation, pain, stiffness) so have joined a chronic pain and chronic anxiety therapy group. really a bummer this time of year. barely got my greens seedlings in; expecting 100 degrees+ this weeken d, so didn't dare wait any longer. deep watering NOW.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jun 15 - 10:37 AM

Yesterday I emptied one bookcase and after moving a dresser about 8 feet down the hall, I moved the bookcase to that spot, dusted it, went through the books, got rid of a few and reorganized it...putting them all away. Floors were swept and then Jeremiah and I organized his books also putting a few of those in the give away pile.

Today we got a new kitten. A neighbor found a pregnant mama cat in her driveway about 2 months ago and we decided to take one of the kittens....a little calico kitten with longish fur, and mostly black. I just got home with her about 15 minutes ago and am letting her get acclimated to where her kitty box and food are (in the bathroom). The door is shut and the light on....now to meet the other cats...I expect some hissing and showing of who's boss from the adult cats and kisses from my big dog who loves kitties. :)

Zumba tonight. Mercy me. I'm going to try it again!

Have a great day everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 22 Jun 15 - 09:48 AM

It is a buggy time of year, with a number of them making their way into the house. Bt is for outside ants, Diatomaceous earth will have to knock down the indoor population. Also, a bowl with an inch of apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap was covered with plastic wrap held in place by a rubber band. A few holes pierced in the plastic has created a fruit fly trap.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 21 Jun 15 - 11:00 AM

Yesterday I applied Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products to any containers that might hold enough water to spawn mosquitoes (declutter mosquitoes!) They have been a problem this year. Mosquitoes have gone from merely being a nuisance to the spreaders of serious illness, so keeping them away is important. The next step is to sprinkle granulated garlic around the house, also to repel them.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Jun 15 - 01:21 PM

Down 2.2 pounds this week. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Jun 15 - 04:06 PM

The Library! Left modem at Beaver! What an inconvenience! I have spent time in Tim Horton's parking lots using their wifi and the Little Green Library. Gathering info re proposed quarry and trying t get it so R can read it at home. My letter to editor was published somewhere a few days ago. Someone messaged me that they had sent it to "all their members" . I d on't remember her but she was "glad to have you back in the area"! Someone sent me a link to a professionally done web site "No Place for a Quarry" WOW!

I had a phone call early this am from one of the perpetrators, a dear friend but the environment takes precedence for me. He was very sweet, as as always, and I told him his "consultants" are totally culpable, explaining how the "notice" was inflammatory. He was disappointed that I did not come directly to him but I had not felt comfortable doing that after my long absence. After the call I realized that other people have acted as though I was still part of the community so he is probably correct. When he first told me who it was, I automatically exclaimed, "One of my favourite people!" And amazed myself by closing with "I still love you, Louis!" Prob amazed him also. Basically, I was apprehensive about trying to talk with him about this and causing a contretemps.   I said we would be there for the Open House and he asked that we meet him for a tour the next day. And would I please write something after the meeting. I am stricken by the power of (my) pen?

Any how, laundry and dishes are done, I got a bunch of books out of the house and down to storage at the mill. Collected a bunch of small boxes, that my supplements come in, to take to my antique shop friends - great for packing the small pieces of china they sell on Ebay. Talked to the folks at a garage near the mill about what is wrong with my car - clutch slipping, we agreed. I would have had it repaired next week but a mid-week holiday (St. Jean Baptiste Day) would make it iffy and they assured me it would be OK for a "few weeks" so after the next trip to Bancroft.

Watering plants, weeded flower bed at mill, trimmed grass at house, cleaned kiln shelves, washed bad glaze off the unfired pots, thought about what to do next. Need to make teapots. My friend in B-corft reports they had fun shopping in my boxes in the shed! And a pic indicates they bought two teapots and a couple mugs! I guess I need to learn not to hate making teapots. Maybe if I do a bunch?? OK, heading in that direction.... YEsterday was too hot but today is fine....

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Jun 15 - 02:31 PM

Today I worked in the living room. I had Jeremiah sort out some of the toys he no longer plays with and he did a good job helping. We spent the rest of the day planning a Father's Day surprise for Pete! We are both very excited and looking forward to celebrating the awesome dad that Pete is! <3

Michelle

PS. Anyone else celebrating Father's Day? Traditions?

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 19 Jun 15 - 09:58 AM

With company coming the kitchen is the first room to put in order. Clean the sinks, wash the dishes, clean out the refrigerator. Comfortable beds and a clean kitchen are essential, everything else is a luxury.

^*^

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jun 15 - 01:14 PM

I found out the other day that my limits had changed due to the walking I have been doing. They were out of the scooters which I really prefer, because using them frees me up to walk in FUN places with my HUSBAND. But by the grace of God I got those *&^*^ groceries, tho it was really too soon because I was in a lot of pain that night and the next day-- the last cross-store jaunt through the huge store was a few too many!

I also prefer the scooter in large stores, because standing time is never going to be good for my back. With the scooter I can take my time looking at stuff and not just grab stuff.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 18 Jun 15 - 01:28 AM

That's good news, Michelle! Congratulations!

People are making sizable fortunes on offering decluttering advise. Mudcat ought to package tips from these threads and make a mint. :)

^*^

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Jun 15 - 10:52 PM

I thought for sure that I would be paying for my Zumba activity today but I felt FABULOUS this morning!!!! I spent the day swimming with Jeremiah. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST,#
Date: 17 Jun 15 - 10:17 PM

http://blog.storage.com/storage/the-best-decluttering-tips/

I found that on Facebook. I guess many of you have seen it, but there might be something useful in the link for those who haven't.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Jun 15 - 10:54 PM

I went to my first Zumba class today! I did my best, sweated like a maniac and got my ass handed to me on a silver platter. I was sore before I left the building...tomorrow is going to be a SLOW day. It was fun but whoa.....it was a tough class for me. I did it though and am pretty proud of myself for giving it my best!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jun 15 - 09:31 AM

I'm sure they didn't have Tami in mind, but Tropcial Storm Bill is headed onshore in the Texas Gulf even as I type. It's raining this morning, 80% chance of rain today and 100% overnight and tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jun 15 - 12:34 AM

What big changes in the kitchen, Michelle? I love the possibility of making changes in the kitchen!

I'm doing a lot of running this week, taking care of Susie's dogs then coming home and being mugged by my three who want to smell the others on me. I took Zeke with me to do some running this afternoon (buy dog food - the feed store welcomes well-behaved dogs on leashes) and when I stopped by his old house, where the girls now live, he raced through and out the back to the pool. Once I had him in the water, he was in heaven and I threw a toy for him for about 15 minutes.

This evening I worked on laying out my hoses and sprinklers, and one side of the driveway is okay but the other is still a wet muddle with more work to do over there. I haven't laid out the front and the other side yet. That's coming up this week, but we may have a tropical system washing through, possibly drenching us in the next couple of days.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Jun 15 - 11:02 PM

Puttering in the kitchen today, made some BIG changes that I've been wanting to do. Took Jeremiah to a sports camp today which he loved but it runs until 8:30pm. I picked him up, went right home to a very hot, hungry, crabby man. The little man followed suit. Crab apples...both of them. They are both now sleeping. THANK GOODNESS FOR THAT. I'm off to do up some dishes.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Jun 15 - 10:36 PM

Beaver Haven:
I am thinking of a number of two drawer units with plywood on top and then a mattress to provide good storage space here. Will be watching for suitable objects.

Long day at the Art Gallery today, after a morning stop-in visit with a friend. Our tech support at the Gallery, I had t phone her for help later in the morning when teh internet refused to connect. She stopped by between other work and fixed it. I suggested at the afternoon committee meeting that we could be getting our service through her; positive response. Chat with volunteer coordinator in the am and I started putting together a kit for her to take to the Market on Saturday to increase public awareness of the Gallery. Also brought this up at the aft. mtng with positive response and help offered. AS I am going back to the city tomorrow, a friend will continue the process; we agreed to a container so this can become an on-going project at other community events. Isla will do a geat job!

Long chat tonight with that friend who wants some pots; will leave the shed unlocked; she can lock it when she is through.

I love being here! Walking back to my car at Foodland tonight, someone walked past, "There's Dorothy Parshall". The other folks who had gotten out of the same car stopped and the told me why I recognized them - Antique store in Maynooth. Brief chat.

Time to phone R and hit the sack.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: ranger1
Date: 15 Jun 15 - 07:19 PM

Not enough room for that in my cottage, Susan. I'm just going to continue to save money until I can afford a better futon frame. For now, I'm fine.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Jun 15 - 06:34 PM

Number 10 cans under plywood can get a mattress off the floor in a pinch, and create under-bed space. One at each corner plus one right in the middle, and mandarin oranges from those big cans freeze well.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: ranger1
Date: 15 Jun 15 - 04:51 PM

Not really any room under the futon, especially since I'm still sleeping on the floor at the moment. Believe me, I tried when I first got it.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jun 15 - 03:32 PM

I'm trying to visualize some of this, and I know you have a futon, but have you tried a plastic zippered under bed storage system? I have at least one in each bedroom, and it's where the extra blankets are stored. In summer I pull off all but a thin thermal blanket and put the washed and folded regular blankets into the bag. If could could fit something like this under (or behind) the futon, this might give you room for something else in that trunk. For example, I got tired of all of the bins of dog food sitting in view next to the door, so I pulled out one of my antique trunks large enough to fit both and store them inside. Now that trunk looks interesting next to the back door, but it actually is doing an important job.

I'm sure WalMart and K-Mart and Target and Sears and all have these kinds of storage bags.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: ranger1
Date: 15 Jun 15 - 03:15 PM

Bought a second eight-cube storage unit a couple of weeks ago. I took everything out of the first one, flipped it on its side, and stacked the second one on top of it (they're modular, so they have hardware to attach them together). Bought several more of the cloth drawers made for these units and cleaned out a bureau drawer by sorting socks and underwear into a couple of the new cloth drawers, allowing me to utilize the bureau drawer for larger items that have been stored in a plastic tote on the floor. And I still have an empty row of cubes to put things in, as well as more display space for cherished objects still stored in boxes.

Next Monday, the new heating system is being installed, a heat pump, and the inside unit will be attached to the upper wall above the old Monitor heater that is being removed (hopefully sooner rather than later). I have a trunk that will go in the heater's spot and will store my spare bedding in that instead of stacked on top of the bureau. In the space vacated by the trunk, I will put the hamper that fits nowhere else in the cottage (and maybe another small bookcase or CD storage unit).

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jun 15 - 01:36 AM

Finished some small health and safety projects here. Changed out lightbulb on the back porch (the one triggered via motion detector, so I like to have that working) and putting up a grab bar in the master bathroom. Not as large or as long as the one I put in the hall bathroom, but one to grip on the climb into and out of the shower. It's time to have those in place.

Several loads of laundry finished, and more fabric into the bag being taken for recycling soon. Getting ready for the next round of guests - mudcatters arriving next weekend. Means I'll be running the vaccum again. I spoke to my son this evening - he has lived in an apartment in Seattle for nearly 10 months, and when I mentioned vacuuming the dog hair here he told me that he has only vacuumed his apartment twice - each time when he was expecting guests. I told him he should have guests more often. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Jun 15 - 10:22 PM

Dancing next county over Sunday nights is now part of my step program. The pedometer didn't register them right, but my muscles know the truth!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 14 Jun 15 - 10:02 PM

Beaver Haven:

did not get much done after the Farm MArket yesterday - mainly bitsy errands, food shopping, lunch! Could not live without a brownie after luch so I drove in to town (5 minutes) and the shop was closed!!!! But, being it is next to the Art Gallery, I was going to pop in there and realized Sara would be busy closing. As I walked back to car, I was summoned plaintively, desperately! She could not find her key! Did I have one???? So I fetched key from car and we locked up.

Sold nothing at the market but had good visits and bought a corkscrew willow for out near the pond. I tried to plant it today and could not get shovel through the matted vegetation. The fork would go in but would not lift anything out. I'll try to find a different spot tomorrow. By the time it occurred to me to try elsewhere, it had started to rain again.

I put chick peas into crock pot last night and turned it off about 2:30 am. Went to make humous this morning but the blender was missing rubber gasket! Off to hardware where they had replacements! And also some heavy duty velcro, the stick-on sort. MAde humous, used the velcro to put up the fabric screen door. Nice to have the air - warmer outside again! and the light!!! And more view. Washed a few windows. Cleaned up dishes and sink area.

Checked FB to see if any messages or crises. A friend in NYS was in a state near hysteria. I phoned a mutual and left message. When I managed to get through to mutual, she had phoned the other and calmed her down and offered reasonable solutions. In the meantime, I had phoned R to see if we could lend her the little travel trailer - take it to her in NYS as she cannot cross the border - messaged the poor woman and suggested she needed to calm down and tell FB friends just what they can do to help. She had been quite incoherent. Hopefully, we have her sorted out and the mutual, who knows her much better, thanked me for the heads up. Concern for her bi-polar problem. FB is good for something. phoned R back to tell him it was under control.

Also got a message on FB from a nearby friend wanting a teapot and mugs. I will arrange a way for her to see what I have if she cannot get into town before I leave for city. She lives in the far boonies. In the morning, I shall dig through boxes and set out stuff in store room. I have only seen her for a nano-second in last 15 years. Will visit after the black fly season!

Check FB one more time for messages and then read until sleepy-time.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jun 15 - 12:34 PM

Thanks, Michelle! I'm expecting the video to show me doing the steps, but not necessarily in sync with everybody else. But I think we all had a few wobbles up there. :)

This is one of those days when I have a lot to do, but it feels like enough at the moment to drink a cuppa tea and enjoy the fact that my washer is doing all of the work on the laundry, I don't have to wash it by hand or take it out somewhere. I vacuumed everything last week before my company arrived - and a week later the drifts of dog hair are piled up as deeply as ever. I've been brushing them but am barely keeping up. With Poppy I pull out clumps by hand, she's a shedding mess as she blows her coat.

gnu over on the Mother of All BS thread announced that he listed something like 47 items on the local version of eBay. An impressive output of energy, and perhaps I can do a fraction of that this evening.

SRS