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

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 22 May 15 - 07:09 AM

I've finished my play with the alarm for now. The (hacked - Visonic don't publish it) description of the protocol wasn't as complete as I'd expected but it contained enough for my needs. I'm not entirely happy with my use of XPL but it was the easiest route for me to take as my existing programs work with that without modification to code.

(My main server just passes this text format around to other stand alone components that interface between it and hardware, eg. my new alarm program is a sort of Visonic to/from XPL component. I just "invent" a schema and add an entry to one database table like:

schemaid: "visonic.jf", description: "Visonic Alarm interface", address type: "ac", nodisplay: "address,unit", action:"update".

And in another say tell it that commands are "Arm Home", "Arm Away" and "Disarm".

And that's it. The server then knows enough to work with it.).

Here is a snapshot of my simple PC based control panel which communicates with the server. I'd maybe like to separate security items out to a new tab but it works as is. I can see event changes eg. an alarm motion sensor is tripped and I see the current status of the alarm panel (eg. is it armed) and the sensors (door open, tamper alert, battery low, etc.).

I can also use this data in my scripts so if say the front room sensor was tripped when the alarm system is in armed state, I could turn the lights on in there and tell the camera to start emailing pictures. As it stands I can also arm/disarm the panel from there but I'm not sure I want that..

I've got one outside light to change (I thought a bulkhead would be right but it didn't really work and have a 10W flood to go there instead). After that, maybe I do have a big clear out and take a break. I still owe Pip for some of the stuff I'm supposed to be paying for (in the rush to get things done, I got ahead of my own finances) and maybe, while there are not really many lights, etc. here, maybe as a bit of a home project, I've had enough for a while.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 May 15 - 10:08 PM

City:
Exciting times, Michelle!

Not wanting a reprise of yesterday, I dealt with a few details/emails and phoned a woman about a screen door. She had not put a measurement! We had a nice chat and then she phoned back and said it was my size so I headed for Lancaster, Ontario - about an hour. Well, except for construction! So I phoned from the first service centre and told her I would not make it before she had to leave. She said she would leave it out back and if I liked it I could leave the $20 in the "red mail box by the back door".

No longer in a rush, I had a talk with a nice young woman in the Ontario Tourism part of the centre, telling her about Bancroft and the Gemboree, adding to her knowledge of the area. Picked up a few pieces of info. Then on to Lancaster and an ATM and bought rope, went to the address where Fern's husband was cutting the blooms off the rhubarb. He helped put the door on the roof and left me alone to tie it on - my way - commenting that "you have moved a few things". It is a ratty old wood door but interesting and will do the job.   

Then back to Quebec and the mill where I unloaded and sorted, watered plants - the bucket I left on the front step was full of water- and looked for clock works - I have a bunch and plan to make a couple clocks but needed to know the size hole I needed to make before firing. Finally found them after looking through everything several times - right there!

Loaded the kiln then discovered I had neglected to put handles on the 4 teapots! Also had forgotten to load them into kiln or I would have discovered it sooner! So I wrapped them in wet towels to re-dampen them so I can put on handles tomorrow. There will be enough pots for a second bisque firing. I redeemed myself by throwing some salad bowl sized bowls and a couple mid sized. Finished before 6, started the kiln, and came back to city to watch Big Bang x3 tonight! and delete emails, etc. Well pleased with a productive day.

A beautiful day, too.

R just phoned. He is running out of gas somewhere in the Laurentians! With any luck he will make it to Lachute - AND get something to eat! He went north on a road instead of south! He is towing a Subaru Outback someone gave him. Hope it is worth it! I thought he was doing that this morning - but best laid plans...

Yesterday, two of his guys dismantled a 10x13 garden shed - the one we bought for $100 and a mug! It cost $340 in labour to take it apart and is now ensconced on a flatbed trailer to be towed to Bancroft by a gas-guzzling flat bed truck (de-clutter the wallet) - loaded with a fridge and K cabinets, sofa, love seat, and... whatever will fit - when R has time to make the trip. In other words- moving clutter from the mill to beaver haven! HMMMMMM???? It's rather nice with only 3 lawn chairs, 2 TV tables and a bed!

Good news - R has found gas and is on his way. I am SO glad I do not have to go fetch gas for him - wandering around the Laurentians in the dark is NOT my idea of anything to do.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 May 15 - 05:37 PM

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Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 May 15 - 11:46 AM

The adoption agent is coming within the next month for the first of three home study visits. This time is just paperwork so the house isn't her focus but it still needs to be super clean in my opinion. I am beginning that process today. Talk about motivating. Clutter will be picked up or tossed in fast order in all lived in rooms and then a deep cleaning will take place a week before she arrives and then minimally again the day before she gets here. Things are moving way faster with this adoption and we are so excited!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 May 15 - 01:08 PM

City:
Glitches galore. Maybe lists are a good way to de-clutter - R came to pick me up without changing clothes and a bit before the mtng ended; did not come back for 30 minutes. He thought the meeting would go on but it had ended 5 min after he left. He took time to close the upstairs window - a task as he had to go up a ladder through the attic hole, etc! That is a project for the future.   One thing and another we were late getting going and arrived at 12:10, the last hour being challenging. Bed felt good - I guess since I was asleep in no time. A checklist by the door would be a good idea. Verbal does not make it! And we forgot to pick the lovely rhubarb.

We do have cold running water in the bathroom and a functioning toilet!!!! The nice faucet we had bought second hand leaked as badly as the one he took out. When I go back, I will take a new one we have at the mill. I should be able to install it. I've done this before.

My volunteer day went well, interesting conversations with various people. The meeting went well but my auditory processing was in the sub-basement. I told the secretary I was looking forward to the minutes to find out what happened.

Today, after a good bf, I took R to his vehicle and did some groceries, unloaded car and loaded the washing machine - which is now ready to go into dryer. I am still reveling in feeling good energy. Now, having left the portable wheel at Beaver Haven and it is late to go to the mill, I wonder what I can do today. If I sit too long, I feel wretched and joints start to ache. ....

Our brief summer is over and the weather is cool and windy, and dusty. But blue sky and sunshine is nice.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 May 15 - 02:38 PM

Art Gallery:

Thank you, dear friend, for your concern. I did see a notice on line and pulled plugs on everything before leaving to go to dinner. All that rumbling and all we got was a rain storm on Selby Hill - about 10 min. I suspect our little house would be gone long since if it were not in a protected area. But tornados are peculiar. I once sat on a porch chatting with someone while the rain poured down. The next day - five miles away there were large trees snapped off like toothpicks and a barn without a roof. We do have tornados!

The house now has cold running water. I am doing my volunteer stint and R is working on - I don't know what. He said he wanted to get a lot done today. Maybe hot water. There is a leak in the hot water lines - somewhere - so he plans to put in totally new lines - plastic so they don't break when they freeze, he says.

Supper last night with our friends in Lake St. Peter. We took the chicken and pie and they gave us a nice pot of oregano which is already planted in front of the house. It did not rain at our house or at our friends.

Ranger: I think I will try some interesting uses of that Honey Amber. The Gallery Gift shop has a bunch of my pots: dark clay with transparent turquoise glaze -their choice. I am tired of looking at them! Time for something new.

Back to Montreal tonight after the volunteers meeting. NO back roads! Hope to get there before 11.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 May 15 - 10:53 PM

I had to change the lawnmower oil (it had been forever since it was last changed) and then fix the handle (a knob popped off and it was coming apart). But I finished the front, though there may be spots I missed. I left the streetlight side of the yard till last. Now a chicken is roasting, to use for meals this week. I dropped on a handful of garden herbs and things I pulled by accident (a few small onions came out with handfuls of grass).

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 May 15 - 07:25 PM

The thing about high winds and tornadoes is that while they may lift and remove your personal clutter, they're bound to leave someone else's behind in its place. In no particular order. Or structure. Thanks, #. We're still under a week or more of "spring weather" here ourselves, and it seems to stretch in long strands of storms from Texas to Ontario and Quebec.

Getting back to alternate day fasting, finally. The stress of the end of the semester is finished, making it easier to work on other things. Summers on campus are sometimes a bit surreal, there are few people around and it's peaceful. Hot and peaceful.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 18 May 15 - 06:59 PM

The tornado warning was reduced to severe thunderstorm warning by Environment Canada. Sorry to sound the alarm. Thank you very much, Susan. BM

PS Sorry for any inconvenience.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 18 May 15 - 06:40 PM

Thanks, Susan. It'll likely end up being a bad wind storm or hail, but better safe than sorry. I'll try Robin's email.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 May 15 - 06:28 PM

DP was last active on FB 4 hours ago so is unlikely to see the warning there. If u have fone for local contacts, suggest you try that, BM.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 May 15 - 06:25 PM

Done, Guest.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 18 May 15 - 06:17 PM

Would anyone who is in touch with Dorothy on Facebook please let her know about this. Thank you. BM

The place they have there has no basement.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 18 May 15 - 06:12 PM

Dorothy:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/tornado-warning-expands-to-bancroft-hastings-highlands-1.3078359

BM

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 18 May 15 - 05:58 PM

Dorothy, there has been a tornado warning issued for your area. Get to a news channel on radio, internet or TV. Soonest. BM

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: ranger1
Date: 18 May 15 - 04:28 PM

I love brown and earth-tone pottery, Dorothy. One of my absolute favorite mugs is a reddish-brown glaze with a dark-colored animal figure (a goat based on a rock painting from Arches National Park in Utah) on it by Ann Schunior. While everyone else was exclaiming over the blue mugs, I was going for the brown ones. The mugs with the African animal motifs are perfect with that particular color glaze, reminds me of the photos I've seen of plains animals in silhouette against African sunsets.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 18 May 15 - 03:44 PM

Beaver Haven:
Still pecking away at removing dirt from against the sills. The east one seems fairly solid. I actually managed to get down on my knees to work --- AND get up again! More than once! The more I work the body, the better it works.

R is pessimistic about the beaver. It has not repaired the dam so it "must have moved on".

A wonderful wind blowing through as the rumbling of a potential storm has been going on for near an hour.

While I would like the water to run at least minimally, I am hoping he will be able to take a break to visit some friends today.

I managed to organize the storage area yesterday and have poles for screened tent ready to re-construct next time I come. The mosquitoes and black flies are becoming abundant.

Saturday we missed out on an auction but found a "Storage Surplus" - sale of odds and sods. When I walked in, the first thing I saw was a set of four goblets - "I made those!?" Told the guy in charge; asked for a deal. He gave them to me. The woman for whom I made them was a good friend who died a few years ago. This man had helped her husband move and had a great deal of my friend's unsold arts- crocheting and photos as well as some of her collection of pottery. He was selling the stuff for Bob. So we had a nice chat.

We also bought a beautiful large salad bowl - a small chip on the outside of the rim but lovely brush work - by a nearby potter. I recognized the brush work. A potter's work is personal. I was delighted to get these goblets back. They have a beautiful (to me) honey amber glaze that I could not sell in the 80s but Heather and I liked it. Maybe I will try again; It looks rather like the dark clay is dipped in honey. Could not sell shades of brown back then no matter how beautiful I thought it was.

Today we went to the hardware store and while R was deciding what would do the job I had a great talk with a campground owner who offered free canoeing and kayaking! Also a long discussion on his township council and its failings. And who to talk to to get things done correctly, etc. And he offered me a kiln.

The rumbling has stopped; no rain yet. I must remember to unplug things if we leave, or a storm comes while we are here.

R seems to be happy - working away and solving problems, with no one telling him what to do or how! Mumbling to himself the whole time! Guess I shall go dig some more.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 18 May 15 - 11:12 AM

Beaver Haven!:

LONG trip on Friday. R was not ready until 2 pm and traffic was already built up so we took an alternate route out of town - an extra half hour but got onto a highway rather than a parking lot. R slept for a while so I stayed on the highway until he woke up - he prefers secondary roads. We sure got it! Ended up on a dirt road that I wondered if ever.... Finally came out to a paved road. We have now SEEN that part of Ontario! Went through Merrickville- an old town making the most of its gorgeous stone buildings and position on the Rideau Canal - a destination to which we will return when we have more time and it is not a holiday weekend.

Stopped for supper in Perth about 7 pm. (Had we taken the highway, we would have been here by 7 pm!) I was really hungry and we had a mediocre meal but OK. At 8 we were back on the road - DARK and RAINY and trafficky. This would have been fine on the highway but on the secondary road, the headlights of oncoming traffic - lots of it - made it impossible to see the road at times. I discovered that even on the little travelled last lap, headlights of the vehicle behind made life a misery - I would slow down until they were forced to pass! When someone was in front of me, I stayed WAY behind so they would not suffer my lights. Arrived about 10:30, exhausted but happy to be here,

So, We spent a day just being here, visited the Art Gallery where R become involved in a lengthy discussion of something esoteric. I went elsewhere - library, coffee shop for 3 Morning Glory muffins and hoped it would soon end. My auditory processing disorder makes it impossible for me to participate; I really have little idea what people are saying.

Not a great deal practical was accomplished other than grocer shopping, and we went to the open mike about 20 minutes out of town where I connected with a few people I knew before and sang my song. I found out it was strictly "over 50" and not happening again until September. Good to be able to talk with people who know things as the sound system was so bad even R could not understand. "Now I know what you are dealing with all the time."

Sunday, R worked diligently on the water system and I worked on clearing soil away from the house. I can only work in half hour to one hour segments with rests in between but feel better for doing it and my right knee seems to be the better for being active. He got the pump working then found numerous leaks. About 9:30, he thought he heard fireworks but when we drove into town there was NO ONE there. Someone must have done their own somewhere nearby. So back home to hit mosquitoes - the doors were open all day and the "wonderful" screen door kept falling down.- an early night.

So after a nice BF, we are back to our tasks. We do have running water but leaks need to be addressed. We also have some flowers of some sorts coming up - and tons of couch grass and other weeds.

Warm muggy day - the sort when "that's not rain, that's the excess humidity falling!"

SRS: Glad to hear bedstraw is good for something! It is probably in this "cleaver's combo."

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 May 15 - 10:44 PM

This evening it took about 90 minutes to heat and scrape out eight feet of old grout. It's hot work with the hair dryer blowing against the wall to warm the grout compound, but that does make it a lot easier to remove. I'll go over the area this evening with bleach and tomorrow see about re-grouting the area. I didn't take a "before" photo, but I could stand to do this in the kitchen and master bathroom also, so have other opportunities.

The garden is soaked, we had several inches of rain last night, but I pulled a few weeds and spread a bag of wood mulch over one bed. I've pulled the grass from around a bunch of self-seeded basil seedlings to get my hedge started for the year. The onions aren't very big - they do better with less water.

I cleared out the laundry room a bit because I'm tired of having to move laundry baskets every time I want to turn on the dryer. I have to keep a small trash receptacle up there (to keep Zeke out of the trash) but with that and the baskets, it was awkward. It looks better now.

We have less chance of rain the next couple of days (20%) so perhaps it will dry enough to mow. I'm continually having to figure out how to get that done with the lawn literally growing too tall overnight. Mid to late week we're in the 60% chance every day. El Nino at work.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 May 15 - 05:02 PM

I have assayed the tasks around the house to make it look good for company in a few weeks time. Bathrooms and kitchen are at the top of the list, and I think spending time heating and removing old caulking compound in the bathroom at the back of the counter top will give a fresh look (after I clean off the mildew behind each faucet fixture). A trip to Goodwill netted me a couple of attractive soap dishes, a shower caddy (to keep Zeke from eating my bars of soap!) and a couple of decorative vases.

The kitchen counter caulk needs replacing also, and today I also picked up a couple inexpensive oval plates to use for stuff (soap bottles, sponges, scrubber pad) beside the sink. There were old plastic produce trays in use before. 58 cents well spent. :)

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 May 15 - 12:40 AM

A nice surprise this evening, one of the items on eBay sold already. That probably means I asked too little, but since I wasn't sure if it would sell at all, this is a good compromise. :)

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

Dorothy, I looked up "lymphatic congestion" and landed on an herbal treatment involving a plant I grew up calling "Bedstraw." Galium sp. There are a variety of them, one that grows in my yard every spring. Interesting. It's tall and happy with all of the rain we've had this year.

It's raining today. Again. Heavy rains predicted for the weekend. It looks like a great opportunity to work in the house some more.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 May 15 - 11:40 AM

City:
Waiting for R - the story of my life! I could write a book! All ready for trip to Bancroft except putting food in cooler - which will serve as fridge until an electric one arrives. No truck this week means no fridge... I've lived without before. Only hoping for running water this month! But we have the stream!

Trip to mill yesterday: managed to find a place to get the oil changed quickly and no fuss; usual garage is booked until next week and I just did not plan ahead. Too much else on my mind.

Also trimmed lids and garlic pots - hoping some of the lids will fit! Got creative putting air slots in pots. Watered indoor plants really well and closed some of the drapes to cut down on heat. Caught Geri as I was leaving, to wish her a safe journey this week also.

Then back to city to watch Big Bang, have supper, do a load of laundry. About 10 pm, I was suddenly nauseous and dizzy. Made it to the bed; lying down I was able to assess the situation. Asked R to bring me a cup of warm water with a tiny bit of apple cider vinegar. I felt the malaise leave. Must have eaten something. Totally fine this morning. ACV is definitely good for food poisoning and the like. I took a small bottle with me when I went to Mexico years ago.

I guess I have said it before but my level of feeling good has increased so much since starting the herbal for lymphatic congestion that I am elated. Instead of wanting to go sit down ALL the time, I look around for what else to do. Just need to put the laundered sheets back on the bed when they are dry and hope for R to come soon. The traffic will be very nasty later in the day for this big long weekend.

I was afraid we would have to stop at Lowe's to pay the bill as my bank would not add it on line. I phoned the local store and got through eventually to a nice man who told me the secret formula; so that bill is paid and we can take back roads. R really needs this break and I need to be "home".

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

This evening I took about 45 minutes (until it was too dark to see safely) and mowed more of the back yard. I have about 3/4 of it left, but this at least gives shorter turf around the back porch, a path to the back, and a route to the compost and the clothesline area. Like there'll be dry weather for hanging out laundry any time soon. . .

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 May 15 - 12:49 PM

I just spent another hour further un-making the former sleeping attic that was a housemate's space for awhile-- cleaning up the hidden parts of her mess-- and organizing my MOVING BOXES to make room for more boxes as they accumulate. UCKY!!! But one more trip up there on a cool day will finish whipping the boxes into shape. I COULD have stayed up there longer.... but you know, my back was sore, and I have a walking date or this evening to see how far I can get!

I cleaned up a spilled pile of bulb-starter mix, first, and I brought down the accumulated linens from up there to wash and put away. Biscuit was kind enough to "bless" the space for me just before I stopped-- another time I'll watch her cues to knock off, more closely.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 May 15 - 12:04 PM

LOL, POST office

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 May 15 - 12:03 PM

DP, "delighted" would have been way beyond my hopes. Just letting me know it arrived would have been.... at the other end of the spectrum. But thanking someone ELSE for it was not on my list of anticipated outcomes! ;-) Next time SUSAN goes to the pot office!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 14 May 15 - 10:39 AM

City:
Ah, Susan! It is hard to give up dear things and it certainly helps if the recipient is delighted. Many years ago, the phrase:" If you don't expect anything, you won't be disappointed!" came to me in a "flash of light". Still not easy!

The pendulum, SRS, is working with one's inner self to determine the need. It is not a ouiji board! It has saved me money as I only take what I need, not what the company "recommends", or more than rda if that is what body needs. It is part of how I have been able to heal myself over these last few years. R laughs his head off; he is a "scientist". I don't use it around him. But I once had cause to use it in front of a PhD non-believer and I saw his mouth open in astonishment as he saw it change direction. He could see how steady I was holding the string. Each of us draw our own lines. Scientists tell us vitamin C does not work - Works for me - gangbusters. Some do not believe in herbs. Their loss.

Years ago in Ontario, I planted oregano and it took over the world! What I have here is too well behaved.

Off to the mill to pick up things I want to take to Ontario. R's truck is indisposed so we will not take anything big; just what fits in my little Scion. Maybe I can trim yesterday's pots and do more sorting while there. R is desperate to get away - to "Beaver Haven", he dubbed it this morning.

Beautiful Day!

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 May 15 - 09:07 AM

I spent some session time last night discharging on the feelings associated with saying goodbye to loved items, because that's what I'm doing with my share of the furniture this 3-family house holds, for the items I know will not fit in Ohio. These feelings came up when one item I gave was not received with the appreciation I had anticipated, so I was checking my expectations.)

I had an interesting sponraneous result this AM.

I didn't wake up eager to purge stuff-- I hope that's coming soon.

I woke up wanting to walk.

Just sayin'.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: ranger1
Date: 14 May 15 - 06:37 AM

Got out of work a few hours early yesterday and put the time to good use: trip to the dump (I only go when my 30 gallon barrel is full, about every three months. I compost almost all organic material and recycle everything I can), trip to the recycling trailer, trip to the bottle redemption center, swept the kitchen, made dinner, and walked the dog (and took lots of photos at the same time). I meant to go to the laundromat and do the dishes, but by the time Bandit and I got back from our walk it was 7:45 and I'd run out of steam. I have all the laundry loaded in the car, so maybe I'll just stop by on my way home and get everything started and then go home and get the dog.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 May 15 - 10:22 PM

I will forego the pendulum, but thank you for the information on Glucosamine Sulfate.

Moved a few ornamental bowls from a kitchen cupboard to the plant area of the sun room where they can do useful service in attractively keeping water from draining out of pots onto the window sill below. Evicted a couple of items from the eBay area to the Goodwill bin.

I have a couple of pieces of software to install, and there is some eBay research to do this evening, then an early night to get to work early tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 13 May 15 - 08:34 PM

City:
SRS: I have been using Natural Factors "Flex-able Glucosamine Sulfate Jumbo" 500 capsules of 500 mg for about $20CAD. I order most of my supplements on line; it is generally cheaper for good quality. I use plain GS and separate Natural Factors MSM as I often do not need both. MSM is good for pain as I found after my fall last year. I use the pendulum to determine daily need - sometimes more than recommended, sometimes less, according to what I have been doing and/or eating.

I still have not done the vacuuming. We went to a movie last night at McGill U, sponsored by "Whole person care". Le Herisson (the hedgehog) was in French with English subtitles; subtitles are great for me due to my auditory processing disorder - I rarely understand any dialogue. The movie maintained the spirit of The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery, one of the top novels we have read. It was flawlessly produced. I skipped the discussion part as I did not want to have the strength of feeling dissipated.

Today, having morning life invaded by bro, I took R to his truck and continued on to the mill, stopped at thrift shop and picked up some useful pieces of clothing for each of us, trimmed and threw for almost 4 hours, then lunch with Geri whom I found in the thrift shop looking for a book and jacket for impending trip. After lunch/supper, I went back to the mill and found a possibly suitable spare jacket and a couple books, dropped them at her house and came back to the city. Happy with my day's accomplishments.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 May 15 - 02:05 PM

It was drizzling as I mowed the front, where I finished. I got a little bit done in the back and had tipped the mower to scrape out all of the caked on grass underneath when the rain started in earnest.

Now for more work in the house. I've relocated some cookbooks, tossed a couple I will never look at, and am considering what needs to go in the cupboard over the dishwasher. I feel another purge-the-cupboards episode coming on.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 May 15 - 12:44 PM

Just listed on eBay a pair of new shoes that my son refused to wear for graduation and now has outgrown. There are a couple of more items to list later, but I think I've waited about as long as I can for the lawn to drip dry from yesterday. I'll mow now before the next storm arrives in a couple of hours. After I finish my cup of tea.

I'm investigating Glucosamine products to see if I can fend off what feels like a bit of arthritis in my hip. Do any of you have any experience with it? There are a few varieties, in particular, if you've given it any thought. Dorothy, you're always reading those labels - what do you know about it?

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 May 15 - 09:33 PM

I finished listing the last of the doll house furniture that came from a friend's estate. It's tedious to measure every item, but that's the best way to sell this stuff to collectors. There are some also general household items listed and a couple of more things to put up tonight, once I research them.

Dorothy, the oregano harvested today is a tiny amount of what I need to move out of the way in the kitchen garden, it's taking over. So I'm harvesting it now and I'll dig some later and move it around. It makes a terrific ground cover.

Over the winter I bought some high volume SD cards for the good camera and I need to take a lot more photos of the comings and goings in the garden. I have a book in mind.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 12 May 15 - 05:29 PM

City"
I do get chuckles here, as well as reminders! "An armload of oregano"! Today I went into the back yard and there are signs of life in the oregano and the sage and the one remaining lavender! The grass had gotten a bit high and I took the reel mower to most of it, pruned some dead wood and enjoyed the leaping of the four clematis on their new-last-year metal trellises! The Manitoba maple has become a monster and shades the sunny garden way too much. The rhubarb has mostly succumbed but hopes of the tree removal - with all R has on his plate ... SLIM to none!

The Solomon Seal, which he risked poison ivy to get for me by the sideo f the road somewhere in Ontario a few years ago, has become a two foot diameter clump. Very handsome and some will eventually go back to Ontario. The shade garden is again overrun with lily of the valley - indestructible! After it blooms, I shall pull a bunch. Day lilies, astilbe and hosta are in too much sun - the only vacant spot I could find for them last fall - to save their lives. Thriving!

The other day, I weeded the thriving flower bed at the mill - so wonderful that most everything survived - protected from the north wind by a concrete wall, things are blooming like mad. An elegant row of dwarf purple iris were delightful.

My latest herbal remedies are working gangbusters. Last night after a busy day - driving to the mill, stopped at a thrift shop and found a chair for Geri, took it to her. She was delighted so we moved chairs - one went out the door and two changed places. A cup of tea and then we went for lunch. Finally I made it to the mill and the mugs were still too damp so I threw a few small plates, trimmed a few mugs, pulled handles, trimmed lids and, in the end, left the rest to dry more. I was hoping to fire this week but - next week after I get back from Ontario.

Driving back to the city, I determined that I was not sitting all evening and since we never get to bed before midnight anyway, I was going to the Wheel Club for Hillbilly night. R came along and it was a wonderful break, good to see the people. I spent the eve "hiding from my fan club" as I told Jeanie when she came to see if I wanted to sing "my song". This one man, very nice, can be very insistent but my voice was great on Sunday and went strange again on Monday.

I am really getting desperate to find a second song - that is right for me. "The Frozen Logger" is my one and only! Nothing else seems quite right for me - esp for this venue which is strictly country prior to 1966! Since I play no instrument, I often end up a cappella - elsewhere, not the Wheel Club - "just give me a G". So many terrific musicians! Resolved: go more often now that I am feeling better.

Out front, I cut back a whole bunch of lilac shoots to clear the deck for other plants. It is blooming but not prolifically although it is two stories high. Resolved: cut it WAY back after the bloom.

Put the shop vac together this afternoon and am prepared to use it about 6 pm- then leave so the dust can settle elsewhere than my lungs; we are off to a movie! I even found something different to wear.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 May 15 - 02:16 PM

This morning I was on an eBay roll, but I waited too long to approach the yard - hoping for dryer turf (my next door neighbor was smart and mowed despite the soggy conditions) it is now drizzling. If it doesn't do much I might mow this evening. I harvested a big armful of oregano that is now rinsed and resting on a large tray I keep for this use. I may pick some more (I have several large trays for drying herbs, and I have clear counter and table tops let them sit on). A couple of weeks ago I mailed a bunch of dried herbs to a friend so I'm rebuilding my supply.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 May 15 - 12:26 PM

I'm forever farting bubbles, pretty bubbles in the air.

~S~

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

Farting bubbles!!!! LOL!!!!

I am prepping for an upcoming quilting retreat. I am doing my best to not overpack!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: ranger1
Date: 12 May 15 - 11:41 AM

SRS - sorry, can't help giggling over your misfortune. I hope Cinnamon gave him a severe and disapproving look.

Oh, and 200!

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 May 15 - 11:33 AM

I always thrive from an increase in activity in the spring, but this year has been so wet I've been stuck indoors. I'm hoping by this afternoon it will be dry enough that I can mow, at least out front. The back is a huge job that will be mowed in stages.

eBay listings going up today. The first one went live last night. I may make a run down to the village recycle bins this afternoon because there is more cardboard here than I need.

Zeke the chocolate lab found and devoured a brand new bar of olive oil soap in my shower. The rat spent the night out in the garage because I didn't want to hear him salivating from an upset stomach. He'll probably be farting bubbles today. I need to find some kind of soap holder to suspend from the towel rack in each shower to prevent this. Last month he ate a new bar from the back bathroom. He just hops into the tub and grabs it. Grrrrr.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 May 15 - 09:52 AM

Closet declut:

5 sundresses bought before surgery to stay as cool as was then possible-- straps too long now to cover bra straps now that I have a better bustline due to newer bras with better fit. Hardi is shortening these straps and then we will shorten them to shell length cuz I have one I already shortened and lovelovelove that one. All my cotton knit shells are too big and stained. I can pitch them even for housewear and have pretty AND cool summer tops YAY!

A recent insight thanks to sessions post-surgery: BEFORE the surgery, after thyroid treatment began, I lost about 20 pounds, spontaneously. About twice what I usually lose during vacay's increased activity level. I now lose at about that rate every time I go to Ohio. This means that I can look forward to an annual drop during my extended fall visit, of about 30 pounds just by increased activity plus a Leptin reset. It also means that with a modest increase in activity in PA, I should be able to continue a steady, slower loss. And SS will pay me to do it!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 May 15 - 03:52 PM

Busy at home day. Jeremiah doesn't have school today so it's nice to not be running back and forth to town. He does, however, have a baseball game later IF the rain holds off.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 May 15 - 02:30 PM

Whew! It's orful hot up in the former housemate quarters which was the former summer master bedroom which was the former MudDorm! It sure doesn't look or feel like any of THOSE iterations any more!!! Ah but we have all the pictures.

Hardi took it over as part of his home gym, long ago. His heavy bag and boxing gloves are up there along with his Nordic Track ski-er and my Cardioglide with resistance cables (and Hardi's painting equipt.).

I took down my favorite curtains to wash and pack, with a coordinating antique quilt. I found and secured all the loose curtain rods. I set up a trash box for my next workday up there. I moved stuff away from the center of the room towards the walls, making a row of stuff I can sit to sort. A lot of it is $$ papers-- we used to have a household administration dept up there til I took the table to Ohio on the first trip!

There's about one box of stuff to gather, pack, and label. A few items to bring down to put away. About one small trash barrel's worth of trash. A bag of clothes to pack for Ohio. A clothing rack to allocate. A Band sign to foto and preserve. A print from Sorcha to allocate.

While I was up there with Faulkner keeping me company I was struck by the realization of how many Catters, friends, family, and parishioners I've survived. Eerie!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 May 15 - 01:14 AM

No, but since it is a greeting card holiday and my kids weren't here to do anything special with, or just for a visit, I pampered myself with an apple pie. My son did call and I spoke to my daughter yesterday, but we're in different towns/states these days.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 11 May 15 - 12:30 AM

"today since it was Mother's Day I made a small apple pie."




Just curious on this. is it a US tradition?


For apples btw. Pip stews some of our own apples and puts it in the freezer. It later gets turned in to crumbles, pies, etc.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 May 15 - 11:45 PM

Totally sodden day here today. The thunder has finally moved far enough away that we don't hear it now, but come Tuesday heavy weather is moving back in. We had several inches of rain today.

I cleared out a cupboard over the dishwasher, reorganizing some of the bottles (vitamins, OTC medications, cold remedies, fiber capsules, hand lotion, tubes of various ointments, poison ivy treatments, etc.) and making room above for storage. Not sure what will go there yet, but i needed to clear out old bottles, toss lots of empty Rx bottles, and more.

I've made stuff for lunch this week and today since it was Mother's Day I made a small apple pie. I also made a batch of pumpkin and rice flour dog treats. Most of the evening was on my feet but it paid off. Now to soak my feet and trim my nails. Relaxing before bed.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 May 15 - 08:24 PM

Yes! Maeve knows! We are hoping to add more little ones to our family. :) It takes time and we are at the beginning again....but the decision on our part has been made. :)

Today, however, we didn't do anything towards our goal. Today, Pete and Jeremiah spoiled me rotten and I mean ROTTEN. :) I loved every second of it! LOL Pete made my all time favorite breakfast of Eggs Benedict complete with asparagus from our garden which we ate on the porch surrounded by a beautiful bowl of purple pansies from Pete and a yellow lily from Jeremiah. Then we took a short trip to JoAnn Fabrics for a few things I need for an upcoming quilting retreat, a ride in the country, a stop for a little ice cream and then we picked up some Chinese food and had dinner on the porch. It was a BAD day for healthy eating but I thoroughly enjoyed it. :)

I did do a few chores...swept the porch, did some laundry, straightened up a little bit but mostly I enjoyed my family. I hope that all the moms here also had a wonderful day with their families.

Much love to you all!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 May 15 - 11:52 AM

I think Maeve has hinted more the direction I thought you might be going with a home study. Good luck with that - you'll sail through.

We've had a non-stop thunderstorm over us for about the last 12 hours, and it is heating up into tornado watches this morning. This is the Gulf of Mexico moisture being pulled toward the Rockies for that huge storm the weather service predicted for the weekend. I hoped it might mean activity further north or west - places that are still hurting for water. We are saturated.

Today I'll finish the comforter that last night I worked on to tidy the binding around the outer edge. Now the knotting with yarn and maybe I can put this in the mail next week. Meanwhile, I'm sure we're under flash flood warnings and though (knock wood) I've never had water in the house, this kind of weather is the sort that might make it happen. I need to be ready to move furniture out of the lowest level in the den.

Subject: RE: Declutter (x-hoarders), Fitness Apr-June 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 May 15 - 10:16 AM

The task of this week is to finish clearing out the attic stuff in the way of setting up my moving supplies up there. Yesterday I went thru the saved newsprint yesterday and have a large, flat box to store the newer papers as they arrive, and when that's full I'll stop saving it till I notice the level going down (as I use it now a little at a time). The full boxful should be plenty for the eventual Big Move.

Other packing materials often come my way-- such as bubble wrap-- an I'll designate a box to catch that kind of stuff. I decided NO PACKING PEANUTS. Yeah they're great for packing. They suck at unpacking!

Then I'll stack the remaining boxes by size, leaving room for more of each size to join them as they come along.

After that it'll be to hot to excavate my archived files, but I can start on clearing out more of my upstairs office stuff-- passing along items that go with jobs I no longer hold, and finishing emptying the long shelf in there that goes to Ohio in August.

~S~