'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: MAG
Date: 19 Aug 15 - 01:13 PM

now i feel justifies being lazy -- redone root canal and crown -

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 18 Aug 15 - 11:59 PM

That sounds like it will be a lovely bench. And gives me ideas about a couple of antique headboards that aren't being used for anything but collecting dust.

Dog sitting for a few days will keep me busy. I'm also keeping an eye on the level of her pool, there is a leak that needs repairing as soon as she gets home. We are due for rain over the next several days, that ought to help keep the level where it belongs.

A friend was visiting over the weekend and by way of illustration of the stuff I brought from a great aunt's estate, I opened one of the antique trunks - and discovered some glassware I didn't realize was still packed away in there. I'll have to empty those pieces, wash them, and add them to the china and crystal cupboard. More dust collectors!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Aug 15 - 07:48 AM

We scored a gorgeous free white headboard last night to incorporate in the garden in Ohio (we leave there in a few days). Not to make a garden 'bed' but as a back for a bench. Gorgeous flowing line to the top edge. For the eventual side garden 'room' under an arbor.

Hardi found the long lost printer cables here just in time to get a flyer out for my Sept. Celebration Circle here (song, story, and solidarity).Big Yay. Goes with new Wifi here YAY. And signal extender to facilitate MUCH better laptop locay-- YAY YAY.

Have seen another great neighbor reno/layout maximizer with ideas already perking for adaptation here. The older subdivision has millions of same-layout houses, half of them customized beautifully by now, inside and outside. Love evening walks to enjoy details, ideas. No one steals em outright-- inspirations tho are appreciated.

Packlist ready for mid-Sept return.

I have a new secret plan for adding 400+ sq feet to the 1000 sq ft house-- SO EFFICIENTLY AND AFFORDABLY that no one will believe it till I mock it up in cheap tarpage. (Ssssssh!) I'll do that next trip, and take pix.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Aug 15 - 12:05 AM

He sounds like a big boy all organized and ready for the school year!

Today the toe area of the sole of my favorite pair of leather loafers blew out. I don't think anyone resoles shoes any more - I might call around and ask, but these weren't that expensive. I do like them, though.

Dorothy, the lame brains in my village city hall have decided to fog an extensive part of the village to kill mosquitoes. Never mind it doesn't work, they're going to endanger a lot of stuff, kill beneficial insects, make sensitive people sick, all to get mosquitoes that 1) aren't out that time of night, 2) are probably in the back yard and the trucks will spray the front yards and 3) can kill bees, fish, and cats. That's the part about synthetic pyrethroids that needs to be really emphasized, I suppose, to get people to empty the standing water in their yards and deal with the issues house by house.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Aug 15 - 09:13 PM

Today Jeremiah and I overhauled his bedroom, gathered up clothes that no longer fit, did some rearranging, etc....took us about 4 hours. Then we went downstairs and dumped out 2 sets of plastic drawer stands (6 drawers in total), sorted everything out and put things together in a much more organized fashion. That took us the rest of the day but the crayons are with the crayons, Legos are with the Legos, Lincoln Logs are with Lincoln Logs....you get the idea. His bedroom looks amazing!

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 17 Aug 15 - 08:51 PM

Beaver:

Sort of a day of rest. Too tired this morning to hurry and DO things. spent day at Art Gallery and came up with two things to add to meeting agenda; the meeting lasted until 5:45. Fortunately less than 20 people visited during the day and no sales - not sure my brain could have managed one, but people are usually helpful. The building smelled terrible/toxic but it was too hot not to have the AC on. The pollution did not help my state of health; I came home totally exhausted, had a light supper and now, not even 9 pm, I am ready for lights out. Still hope to have painting energy in the am. The house was too hot to even think about doing anything when I go home.

Phone R. Sleep! cool now and beautiful. Absolutely silent, except for tinnitus.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Aug 15 - 09:38 PM

Beaver:

Plumb wore out, in spite of nice supper at Halibut and short chat with Saidie (waitressing on this busy day). I did manage to paint half the BR, a great improvement over muddy green. Tomorrow at the Art Gallery followed by volunteers meeting. Might be able to get a bit done between 6 pm and exhaustion! Would like LR and BR painted before I leave on Tuesday.

Trip to Thrift Warehouse netted a beautiful 24 inch cutting board suitable to be a counter top on a 24 inch cabinet, and a set of those wheels for under a heavy appliance.

Bedtime!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Aug 15 - 03:54 PM

I've trimmed (using the weed whacker) in the garden today, but it's hot, so I'm not doing much else out there. Clean and fill the bird baths, and done.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Aug 15 - 02:43 PM

Beaver:

To think in alternatives is important! I spent a couple hours this morning taking nails out of boards and stacking them in a corner of the deck for possible use, moved the indoor woodpile outside - using some of those boards - was getting the interior ready to paint! But, now the sun was onto the deck. That's where I mix the paint. But wait! I can do that inside on the crummy, to be painted floors! So I moved the "backer board from where I want to paint into an "out of the way for now" spot. And stopped for lunch.

Having trouble getting started again so I did some online banking and took not of financial condition, checked some FB and now, here. Will do emails and then go to Thrift Warehouse - the dar has AC! Maybe then I shall feel like doing the painting. The spirit wants it done but the body is dragging.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Aug 15 - 09:28 PM

Beaver Haven:

I cannot imagine doing ANYTHING in 99 degree heat, never mind 108! Good thing I live in the north! We had a high of 76 and that is TOO HOT! for me. So, painting interior walls is slated for tomorrow morning before is gets too hot. Hopefully some other tasks can also be accomplished.

This morning, I woke up to a down pour and hit "snooze" repeatedly. It finally stopped and I went off to the Market, sold a bunch of pots!!! and slowly packed up as the sun was hitting hard by 1 pm. I had de-cluttered my life of one failing box when I unloaded - and ended up putting wrapped but non-boxed pots in nooks and crannies in the car! That box goes into fire starter pile and the pots are safe enough. I was short due to using a box to pack the 6 mugs and a bowl for a repeat customer: she bought mugs 20 years ago and her husband recently broke the last one, so she found me on line so she could connect and buy more! How cool is that!

Stopped on way home for a 2 hour wonderful visit with Saidie/potter friend. Stopped for ice, again. Had a nice Indian meal from the bulk food store. Finished novel, emails and now this. Soaked my feet in cold salt water and hey feel much better. I feel recuperated from a long day and ready for a good sleep. Need snack - small bowl of plain yogurt with a teaspoon of Val's good jelly.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 15 Aug 15 - 07:20 PM

Getting started is the hard part, MAG! Perhaps this is a task that benefits from incremental stages. :)

I need to thin out stuff in the craft room. Some of that collection of "useful" items is never going to get used again, or re-used in something else. If I get going this evening I can prepare a few bags for donation tomorrow (since the thrift stores are all open on Sunday).

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: MAG
Date: 15 Aug 15 - 06:45 PM

some rain yesterday; very welcome.
i seem to be having a very lazy summer and trying not to beat myself up about it.
yesterday's task was supposed to be cleaning my filthy basement floor and didn't get very far. well, a start is better than nothing.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Aug 15 - 09:56 PM

Heating up the kitchen this weekend here. The weather is still hot, but 99 is a lot better than 108. A friend is coming over to learn how to to make jelly. I need to clean up the house, sweep and vacuum the abundance of dog hair.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 14 Aug 15 - 08:30 PM

Beaver:
Car is loaded for tomorrow's market (7 am ETD). Kiln/store room cleared up in prep for old K cabinets/counter for storage and work space. Moved vinyl siding for shed closer to shed. lots I could have done if it were not so hot. Maybe Sunday. Now there is a nice breeze - finally! But I need to have an early night.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 14 Aug 15 - 03:23 PM

Beaver:

DARN! last post went missing!

This am, picked up paint from friend, went home for BF! Went to lumber yard to check into thin plywood for LR floor and Varathane. Checked out a couple yard sales. Found a few things on list and a few more useful items not on list; came home for lunch. The plan was to paint a second coat on LR and BR as possible, however, it has become HOT (over 75) and muggy - humidity is so high the moisture periodically drops out in guise of rain sprinkles.

Off to Art Gallery to see if I can get a box of stuff for display at Market tomorrow. Yesterday, I told the manager of the Thrift Warehouse, :If you reduce that card table to $10, I will buy it" So she did and I did. So now I have 4 and room for the gallery info.

Last eve, my friends came to check out work needing to be done: Blair put it all in his notebook and we agreed on the what and how. I gave them a credit card and told them what I could spend on labour. Wonderful to have friends one can trust in all those ways, knowing I am loved and respected and cared for. They gave me the paint and have windows to give me for the studio.

They will take the frig to repair/second hand shop and leave it for attention OR, if it does not deserve repair, it is gone and I can purchase a used one at same place.

R and I discovered his passport is expired! He was giving the info as reference for a friend! He must hustle and get a new one to go to Montana so it is wonderful we noticed.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 13 Aug 15 - 11:06 PM

It's one day at a time here, hoping the newly planted vegetables in the garden will survive the heat to produce in the fall. They are happier in the ground than in the little pots.

A deck would be nice, but what lives under the deck (and what the dogs have to say about it) are an important consideration here. Bare ground or pavers may be a safer choice.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 13 Aug 15 - 11:36 AM

All the brambles I have been cursing all summer are now heavy with berries.
There were lots of gooseberries, there is a good crop of apples too - the grapevine I thought had been killed by the DH is now growing again, so it will fruit next year - even though the garden is tiny and the DH has put in a large deck which has taken a lot of useful growing space there is still delight to be found.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Aug 15 - 10:28 PM

How is all of the sorting, packing, and planning going, VT? Are you moving far from your current location? Any climate changes to consider? What is the area like, what features attracted you to the area?

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 12 Aug 15 - 10:18 PM

Beaver Haven:

Picked up things on list; friends brought the table into town on their Weds shopping day and I picked it up; it is a bit small but very nice; sorted and organized clothes; spent afternoon volunteering at A Place for the Arts - lots of visitors!; went home but friends never showed; phoned and we will make another appointment; Concert in the park was a young man who grew up here, visiting from Inuvik, so it was well attended by his contemporaries and their many children! Call from R re his passport; it is here and he is in Montreal! And his phone is not answering. Beautiful evening.

Maybe tomorrow I will be energized to mkae pots, do some chores. Nothing else on agenda except a brief appointment at bank to find out about a mysterious form they sent me. Maybe check for frig at second hand store; this has gotten very old! Today when I went for more ice, the comment was, "no frig yet?" Or maybe I should try to catch up with the repair person to see if this one is reparable. That never made it to my list! ---now it has!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 11 Aug 15 - 11:33 PM

Last week I found a 4 oz bag of loose chamomile in a favorite import market. Four ounces lasts quite a while, but that's fine. A $3 bag versus buying all of the boxes of 20 tea bags for $4 each - no contest. I'm going to start making it in a quart jar and see how it reheats. I love a cup or two in the evening before bedtime.

The okra, squash, and cucumber transplants survived their first day in the garden. They're heavily mulched for this time of year.

I hope you get a fridge for Beaver Haven soon. Living for very long with a cooler gets old.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Aug 15 - 08:55 PM

Beaver:

Beautiful sunset over the west hill!

I spent the day foraging: figuring out how to place pottery wheel on ??? to avoid wrecking floor in studio; finding, by accident, that I can purchase materials to make my own screens for the windows which have none (not cheap though!); still working on stove wood container for LR; got to the Grove and had a visit with my friend - her d-in-l was thrilled with teapot and mugs; saw a nifty drop leaf table in her (and sister) antique shop and have sent pic to R for his approval; her sister was thrilled that they have sold the Limoges luncheon set I sold them; got some IPAD help from a woman at the Grove library; picked up blueberries and apples at a stand to assuage need for fruit; frozen turkey burgers to fill protein need - cooked all 4 and ate one with veggies for supper. With no frig, cannot keep anything frozen so I will eat the rest over the next two days.

And picked up more books at library. Plumb wore out from much time perusing up and down aisles in all 4 hardware/building supply stores! It was worth it. Need a new list for tomorrow.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 11 Aug 15 - 10:44 AM

Every summer fire devours the west, and getting out while it is possible is a lesson a few never seem to learn. Stuff is just stuff, as Mary says.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Aug 15 - 10:04 AM

PS! An outdoor shower sounds wonderful! You may not notice the chlorine as much out doors?

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Aug 15 - 10:02 AM

Beaver:

modem working this am! It was probably the weather. This thing simply plugs in to house electric and picks up signal from the air = or not. I moved it from window to window in hopes but it only chose to work in town so it would appear there are going to be times when the signal doe not get through to this swamp - surrounded by hills. I was told by a provider that "if the cell phone works, the modem should". But this is not always the case. Phone worked fine, although sometimes it does not. I am happy to know the modem is not dead! The Art Gallery is only 5 minutes away and I can sit in my car and access its WiFi.

Once again, I did not jump out of bed and put the eaves trough in place. I WAS up earlier and did a few needful things. Now time to dash to Thrift shop for that lovely bookcase, library for more books and off to visit with friend in the Grove and collect money for the pots she bought and pick up the leftovers.

Need to keep eye out for ideas for an indoor woodbox for the LR near the wood stove. 2x4 feet, decent looking and sturdy.

Less time on computer is working but spending more time reading, avoiding/putting off chores - and potting.

Beautiful clear morning.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 11:03 PM

Is it just a modem or a modem and a router? Try turning everything off then turning it back on again. And is the line new or was it already in the house? As you do work there, the dsl or cable or whatever source may have been dislodged. It may take tracing it, and if you're going to that trouble, just put in some new coaxial or cat-6 line from the company connector to the modem.

I have my patio shower up and running. What is it about the fresh air that makes the shower feel so much better? It's just tap water, so I wait till it's running pretty warm before it's shower season. Didn't do much else today because of the daytime heat.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 07:47 PM

Beaver Haven - in front of art gallery!

Modem works in town but not at the house - after working fine for 4 months? I will confer with computer geek tomorrow. So I checked emails at Timmy's this am and now here, tonight. Also distance to Butte Montana - 31 hours driving. R is considering flying; I consider that de-cluttering! I will happily stay here while he does his geology thing and not clutter my life with driving across the country.

I am not getting much done these days; lack of energy. Maybe tomorrow, I keep hoping. There is so much to do, it is hard to make a start. I keep making lists and priorizing stuff; things need to be done in a certain order. I am counting on the consult with my friends on Weds to help me get a handle on things. Many things need a truck to accomplish; my car is too small.

I could, however, make pots and have not even done that. The creative inclination has not kicked in. Laundry needs to be done - by hand - ARGHHH! I am losing patience with the lack of stove, fridge, washing machine... It is tempting to buy new ones - on credit card - and have them delivered... But the house is not ready! many catch-22 situations. Things must be done in order......

Bought some needful clothes for each of us at thrift shops today. I used to think I had enough to last the rest of my life BUT things are wearing out! Also forgot, and will go back in the morning, for very nice book case which is marked down to $15! One can never have too many book cases!

Got hot ad muggy today and then rained this eve. Nice rain.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 11:38 AM

Addressing the unthinkable..fire. We had a big grass fire yesterday across from where i work..hay field but it had been cut. Just missed a big barn full of hay....very dry summer here..

No possessions are worth the life of a family member, or a firefighter. Or this family raised cows..livestock, pets. There are ways to.reduce fire risk..clearing areas around houses etc. Also inside.aq.the more there is the greater the possibility of loss of life and lack of exits etc. Just not worth it..

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 11:34 PM

It seems counter-intuitive to cook in such hot weather, but I had a number of things in the fridge that needed using. I didn't make bread, but I did make bread pudding. There is a batch of beans now in jars in the freezer for five meals (I usually take them to work with a container of rice for lunch). I cut up and froze the last batch of tomatoes from the garden, tossed some old soup stock and made a new batch (cooked up the skin and bones from a chicken this week). It was so hot today I didn't put the new plants in the garden even this evening. Maybe in the morning.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 03:22 PM

After morning yardwork I'm spending the hottest part of the day working indoors. A pot of beans is on the stove, I'll make bread, and list a few eBay items. Laundry is out on the line. This evening some plants will go into the ground in their newly prepared beds.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 02:05 PM

Beaver Haven:

Just finished volunteer stint at "charity BBQ" with two other volunteers. Now had soup in Tim Horton's as Modem is not working at home. Just checked accounts, then emails then home to get some things done.

Thurs was errands, including getting materials to put an eavestrough on kiln room so the water does not fly off the roof and down the side of the studio, and also goes into a holding tank for use. Friday was volunteer at the Art Gallery and the opening of new show with rest between. I also loaded the car for Sat Market so I could get out in good time - 7:15 am!! Lots of conversations but only sold 3 small pots. And an invite to an open house in the afternoon so I went to a couple yard sales (bought nothing), then to open house - way too early but I sat on the deck and read, then chatted with whomever came along. I felt less tired when I left. Appointment on Weds aft for friends, Tammie and Blair, to visit and consult on what needs to be done at Beaver and how much I can afford to have them do. These folks are COMPETENT! I am really happy they can help out. Work will be done with loving care by folks who love me!

Inch by inch...

The weather - not 108! - has been around 75 during days and breezy. Cool at night. Feels like fall.

R is talking seriously about going to the gold mine in Montana - in the 1982 van??? SIGH! I told him he could go on his own nickel and count me out; he asked me for my schedule. WE may yet be going to Montana in September - the nicest month of the year HERE! This seems to me like an ultimate clutter! To R - an adventure. OH, MY......

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 11:49 AM

Airing cupboard houses the hot water tank in older water heating systems. We have work tools and painting tools and dust sheets stored there.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 10:03 AM

That's nice that you're able to offer new-to-her clothes for your mother in law.

Those are healthy meals - having the discipline to have them in the house is important. I'm afraid the ice cream strays into my shopping cart far more than necessary.

What exactly is an airing cupboard?

This morning (after my cup of tea) I'll be putting some of my bedding plants into the garden. Raised here from seed and ready for a fall crop, I hope.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 05:08 AM

Went through all of my clothes again yesterday. Found some I can take in a bit for chris' mum as she has out grown all of her clothes and Dad at 98 can't cope with take her out (she has dementia) to shop.

So 5 pairs of trousers, 5 patterened (doesn't show the stains from spilled tea) tops, 2 knit pullovers, and a smart jacket, as well as some socks I never wear. Also 2 new bras, I never wore as I can only stand cotton now.

I'll just had the bag to Dad and ask him to get her morning carer (she dresses and grooms Mum everyday) to put them away.
Big bag of clothes to go to charity shop as well.

Today Chris and I will clear out the single and double wardrobes in the spare room. They contain books, papers, Christmas decorations we never use, Chris' old gaming equipment. On top of the wardrobes are 3 huge plasitic boxes filled with???? I know there are a fair few ordinance survey maps and other stuff.

If we get through that, then the airing cupboard is next.

Meals are chagning.
Breakfast: Sainsbury's bran flakes, skim milk and nectarine, wedge of galia melon
Lunch: Raw veg (broc, cauli, carrot, cuke) and light sour cream chive dip
Dinner: Minestrone soup

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 12:53 PM

Filing papers. It's hot out, too hot so I'll save yard work till tomorrow morning. I do plan to lay a soaker hose under a couple of trees and let it drizzle on them all day.

I found an image a friend asked me to scan. It got lost for a while in a pile of papers but emerged with the filing, so it is now scanned and sent.

There is a carpet I've been meaning to put down in one of the rooms here, I just haven't figured out which one yet. It isn't heavy-weight so it could be a tripping hazard. Hanging it on a wall is also an option. If nothing works, it goes to eBay.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 07 Aug 15 - 09:57 AM

Friday! So many possibilities. Best to make a list to get through a few of the things I want to do over the weekend.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 06 Aug 15 - 11:04 PM

Yes, Michelle, this is a big ritual, learning who your teacher for the year will be and then getting to meet him or her. If they don't have an open house before the first day, make some time to go in and meet his teacher. It's so much easier when they know who it is. We didn't have any tears on the first day because I wasn't expecting any - they were just excited for the new adventure, the next big thing. I left them at the front door, they went to their classroom on their own, meeting other kids they knew on the way. You've built a great foundation for your little guy, and one of the things they learn is to read what you expect. If you're hesitant and weepy, they will be. If you're confident and happy about school, he will be. Keep the inside stuff to yourself. You'll miss him terribly while he's in school, but you'll also quickly realize that you have a few hours to do something on your own. (The main thing to realize is that for the next 13 years the school district will dictate many things in your lives. And you're mostly stuck with it. So make the most of it.)

Temperatures are supposed to hit 108^o tomorrow and stay hot over the weekend. This is why the new dog door was important, so these old pooches can choose to be in or out. They're acclimated to outdoors and know how to stay cool, but over about 103^o (their body temperature) I make a point of bringing them in if I can. They could always go in the garage, but they really love the tile floor in the living room.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Aug 15 - 07:38 PM

Today I got to pick up my car..FINALLY. I haven't had it in nearly 2 weeks....I almost don't know what to do with myself or where to go! Jeremiah and I had a nice impromptu picnic with my mom today at a local state park and then he had some play time on the playground. Later we stopped by his elementary school as they posted who will be in each classroom. Is this something that happens across the country? The school posts a master list on the outside door of the lobby so all can stop by and find out who their teacher will be. With all the privacy business in the world, the fact that this still happens surprises me. We got home and Jeremiah had fun playing in his kiddie pool and then afterwards, we played baseball for awhile (which means I pitched and he hit). Now I have a huge vat of water on to boil to process another bushel of corn for freezing. Dinner is simple fare tonight. Dishes are done, counters are cleared and the sink is empty/scrubbed so it is all set for the ice bath part of the blanching. Floors are swept and my car is about as empty as it has been in months. Jeremiah has a headache so he's had some Children's Advil and is lounging on the couch with his Mater Pillow Pal and Cheerio, his little stuffy fawn under a blankie.   I hope he feels better...I hate seeing him sick. Happy Thursday!

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Aug 15 - 12:21 AM

It's hard enough sometimes to collect money from people who know they owe it to you, so having someone volunteer it is remarkable!

I found a pair of sunglasses for sale online that I've ordered to give a try. They're supposed to fit comfortably over a regular pair of glasses and they're not the huge monster plastic things that slide down my nose that I've tried in the past. If these work it makes ordering my next Rx pair of glasses an easier choice, in that they won't need to be sunglasses.

Good thing I have a vacuum that is excellent for dog hair - there sure seems to be a lot of it this summer. The dogs are in the house more (they're getting old and I figure a perk should be to enjoy the house AC instead of chilling out under the trees or trying to find a cool part of the concrete floor in the garage). They're smart, but probably not smart enough to learn to run the vacuum for me. :)

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Aug 15 - 10:49 PM

Beaver Haven:

Today I mostly de-cluttered my body of total exhaustion! Bf about 10 then read until 2. THEN, I felt like doing something. Went to A Place for the Arts (P4A) and learned how to be a volunteer so I have de-cluttered my spare time by signing up for two half days. Spent time working on a schedule for the next month - time in Bancroft in red, time in Quebec in green on a PAPER calendar!

Went to the town office to ask about smoking in public - near doorways - as I got sick from someone smoking outside the door to P4A; I spoke to him and he told me bluntly to close the door! On a beautiful breezy day? A part of me wanted to tell him off but I held my temper. There is a 9 meter limit - now how to get this resolved without rancor??? Town office had to search for the answer and had no signs I could post. They were so determined; once I asked the question it must have taken 30 minutes for them to find the answer! It involved 4 staff in the process! If anyone ever asks again, they will certainly know the answer! I never would have asked had I known it would be so difficult.

In moving a part of my life here, I have severely cluttered, and greatly enriched, it. We now have 3 living spaces and two studios. The furniture for here, when this space is ready, will come from storage at the mill. And my desk from the city. The city house is at the bottom of the list of choices and this is the top. The mill is OK during the winter when the fields are not being sprayed and toxic dust not flying. But here I have many friends and activities so I plan around art gallery and other activities -a 60th for a friend coming up!

Concerts in the Park until end of August then it shall be too cool and dark too early. Tonight was quite cool and dark by 9. Next week features a young man I have known since he was a child. I had better get there early.

Tonight a friend told me he owes me $30? I had bought 6 face cords of wood @$75 and he saw that someone else was selling it for $70 so this dear man feels he also must charge only $70! He IS a special kind of person! I need 6 more cord as soon as I decide the best place to put it.

Hopefully tomorrow I will make inroads on my list of chores to be done.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 05 Aug 15 - 07:53 AM

Will the rolling recycle unit fit under that counter in the new kitchen? I'm looking forward to hearing of your moving adventures (and offering commiseration a the few inevitable bumps in the road, there's always something).

It sounds like Beaver Haven is coming along. A lot less space than the mill, but easier to work in, once it is put together? Will you completely move out of the mill soon?

A friend has a hot tub that uses ozone instead of chlorine to keep the water to the proper sanitation levels. Here is one provider of the technology with some explanation.

Michelle, I have a basil plant rooting in water on the windowsill. Whether they'll be plantable before the top of the plant completely dies is in question. On Monday I hand-watered some compost tea and fish emulsion fertilizer, along with a bit of Bt for the few caterpillars I've seen turn up, over the various struggling plants in the garden. Fingers crossed for a fall crop as they seem to be sending out new bright green growth from the mix of yellow earlier leaves. What a strange gardening year.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Aug 15 - 03:24 AM

Ahhhh. A rolling recycle centre. I have 2 clear plastic 3 drawer units on wheels. They currently hold work tools and various kitchen utensils (our kitchen only had one small drawer for cutlery. Drawers for paper, plastic, metal, glass, shopping bags (even using our own bags for big shops, we still accumulate these), water filter cartridges/batteries. If the recycling is collected on schedule by type, it will be presorted. Batteries and water cartidges will need to be taken in to specified recyclers and shopping bags to charity shops.

I am reconsidering the hottub in conservatory. Worried about all the chemicals. My skin is hypersensitive and thin due to years of chemo drug. Even a small tub eats a huge amount of space which could be used for living/working space. It would be less expensive to have a walk in, spa tub with a seat installed in the bathroom. A walk in shower stall was already going to be in my future anyway.

Fingers crossed we will be moving by 26 September. Sooner would be better.

Off to shop for boxes and bubble wrap.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Aug 15 - 12:06 AM

Beaver Haven:

R went back to Montreal today - took 10 hours to get there but had fun: sat by a lake, waited out a rain storm in a tim Horton's, took by-ways. I am here for another 10 days.

Got the K cabinets wrapped in plastic in the back yard today, until we can sort out getting it together. Must email a friend for his availability. Trouble finding a 24 inch propane stove but R says he can get one in Montreal. Fridge not working but no second hand ones available, so far. Ice is about $2/day.

Went to auction yesterday and bought a huge bow window for the studio - most of the south wall will be window. $15 for the window - and purring it in ???? Will need a roof extension to cover it! The cost of the shed is climbing past $2000 now.

I ended up with a huge armload of fabrics;= for #3. - after sorting, I kept temporary curtains for 3 windows, one round tablecloth and an interesting piece of fabric. Most of the lot has gone to the thrift shop. I also seemed to have gotten all the remaining kitcheny stuff - "everything on the table" for $2. It would have filled several boxes so we picked a few nice items and left the rest for others to pick over. I did get a nice wooden stand I can use to hang clay ornaments on ribbons for better marketing. And, today, found a good scale at a thrift shop, for weighing clay - much needed. And a plastic plate which has colourful fish - I hope to kind of be inspired to do similar fish on white clay. plates and bowls.

The studio floor got painted but needs a second coat. The kiln is nicely installed in the "kiln room", formerly "the back room". This room will also be storage and some of the K cabinets will find a use in there. Glazes will live there. Needs some strong shelving.

Life is not dull here.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, *^*
Date: 04 Aug 15 - 12:11 PM

My hairdresser is moving. Now comes the question: find someone nearby again or follow. I'll try the drive and see hiw it goes before deciding. Not a decision to make lightly!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 03 Aug 15 - 11:37 PM

10% (pickling) vinegar with some D-limonene (orange oil) added. I gallon of vinegar and at least an ounce of orange oil is an excellent weed killer, best used on sunny days. Here is the recipe. Another one is called Agrilawn Crabgrass Killer.

I dropped of a bunch of clothes at Goodwill and got out with only three glasses (that match a set I'm building). They cost under $1.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Aug 15 - 10:20 PM

VT,

   Your house is lovely!!! :)

   Today I husked a bunch of corn, blanched it, cut it off the cob and froze a good number of quart sized bags. The corn was so sweet that I had a hard time of keeping Jeremiah out of it! He said, "Mommy this corn is so good, it's better than granola bars!" LOL

Yesterday we had a lovely family day at our favorite state park. Pete taught Jeremiah how to cast out a line while I sat with a book, enjoying the cooler temperatures and gentle breeze. To be honest, I didn't get much reading done, I was busy loving the scene in front of me of father and son fishing side by side.

I have been slowly working in the kitchen and the progress is beginning to show. Today I cleaned off a very full window ledge, threw some stuff away (really..that basil plant is NOT going to magically spring back to life and the African violet is just a goner), washed the windows, dusted off the few remaining items, etc.

I haven't been online nearly as much and I'm finding that I'm enjoying that. I am reading so much more and getting more things done. It's a necessary break that I'm good with.

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Aug 15 - 09:38 PM

PS, need dog safe alternative to Roundup pls that I can spray with 1-gal hand pumped sprayer.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Aug 15 - 01:28 PM

The transporter has magically landed me in FreeWiFiLand for lunch.

The Ohio house was found in good order despite almost continuous spring n summer rains. Waiting for my social sec to come thru I had to put the lawn care on twice a month so we arrived to find grass cut per city ordinance but bad weeds jungling up all the patio and garden bed areas. TBTG only a few spikes had gone to seed. Only one had thrown its seed so we were able to bag and chop the rest, pay lawn man to get the green spikes and weed whack, cut the grass ourselves once real short (Hardi), and get the rest ready for the Aug 16 song circle we're hosting.

The house AC had been left at 78 so was dry and cool. Cold by bedtime.

The fud I'd left was all fine. I remembered where all the key stuff was.

I played an offertory at our "away" parish. Was booked to sub for organist one week during Sept visit.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 03 Aug 15 - 12:55 PM

Some kind of specialized rolling cabinet that can tuck under there when not needed?

A trip soon to the thrift store to drop off donations, hoping not to get carried away in the store itself. I don't want to bring home as much as I got rid of.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 03 Aug 15 - 12:36 PM

Actually that is a washing machine next to a diswasher. Neither convey. We have combined washer dryer and do not want a dishwasher. Don't know what will do to fill up that space.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 02 Aug 15 - 07:40 PM

Thank you for sharing, VT! The house is lovely. What a clever use of space the kitchen, the dryer(?) under the counter with the single leg. And the sunroom is to die for. Having a view - priceless!

We did an early birthday lunch today for my child who will be traveling for the next few months, missing a birthday celebration in the process. Before lunch, said child did some decluttering in the bedroom closet, laying out a lot of t-shirts and trousers that no longer fit and can to go the thrift shop, and a few on eBay. The closet is still jammed full, but there is a better path down the middle of it now.

Dorothy, that is an encouraging amount of work and organizing going on at the new house. And it's good to be flexible, if you find a bargain destined for one use, that actually ends up being better someplace else.