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

Subject: Clutter's Last Stand July thru Sept 2015
From: GUEST, Don Aslett acolyte
Date: 30 Jun 15 - 09:34 AM

The last thread is here:

http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=156862&messages=387

Go forth and shed the accumulation of a lifetime. And get fit while you do it!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,#
Date: 30 Jun 15 - 05:17 PM

Clutter's Last Stand

LOL

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,mag, l
Date: 30 Jun 15 - 06:20 PM

actually succeeded in accomplishing my chore for the day, cleaning the kitchen floor.

by the time i had unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher, cleaned up my cat's food (he is an incredibly messy eater -- can't even keep it on the tray - ), swished a little bleach around the double sink and the sink utensils, swept, mopped ( 3 small tubs of water changing) and left a damp rag on a spot with some dried out stuff, emptied the overflowing trash, -- it was already afternoon.haven't touched the stove yet.

the dilemma of how long to keep the hose running with one week, so far, of 90+ degrees, another week of same coming up, and no rain in the offing. a friend says one inch is plenty as long as you water every day.

This sounds like not enough to keep the roots headed downward, to me. She thinks i use an ungoldly amount of water (and i'm not really happy about it) and i think i really don't want to lose anything. A hibiscus in one corner of the yard, in full sun, was so limp yesterday i watered and watered and watered it.

The sprinkler system i had put in my old yard was worth every dime.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,mag
Date: 30 Jun 15 - 06:22 PM

and I got one box of winter tops folded into a plastic tub and put away. :)

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Jun 15 - 07:39 PM

The task for the month is several nasty hot hours of sorting the remaining half of a long, tall office shelf, and packing from it those items bound for Ohio. Shelf and plastic base shelves to travel south.

The empty trash barrel and plastic bags are already on their way up there. A bunch of stuff could be passed along to the ministry coordinator I passed the job to, but I ain't headed his way any too soon so his stuff will be boxed for fall delivery. We always have Diocesan stuff in his area to travel to.

The other big item going this trip is a double bed-- box spring and mattress. Plastic will be involved.

Then it will be a matter of catching the landlord's strapping sons home on a break, to get all that down to the front porch staging area.

Last but not least is a low bench sized for two toddlers, to hold my life size doll tableau in the front yard. That's been at the church but has to come home now.

A course this will add daily stair trips, one to the office and a steeper one to the Box Emporium.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 30 Jun 15 - 10:36 PM

An inch of watering everyday is way too much, even in dry climates. To test if you have watered that much, place a tuna or other similar shaped can in the sprinkler zone and time your watering. When an inch of water has accumulated in the can you have calculated how long it takes. Every third day should work for turf and shrubs. For a vegetable or flower garden it might take more often, but less water on each occasion. It depends on the depth of the roots and how established the turf or plants are.

Keep up the good work in the kitchen. The stove may be a day's task all by itself.

The title of the thread is actually the title of one of Aslett's books. He presents a philosophy of how to deal with and why we hoard clutter.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 12:36 PM

I'm taking advantage of today's rain to sort papers from one of the large boxes in the bedroom. Most of the contents is being chucked -- freelance work from almost 15 years ago and other outdated stuff. I've got what's important in my portfolio -- which hasn't been used in years anyway. This stuff sits around until a good rainy or snowy day to go through it and throw most of it away and get what needs to be kept filed appropriately so it can be found. It's just so time-consuming!

I also put the flannel sheets (I hate flannel sheets!) into the Goodwill pile, and found a few more books (art and photography) out of the guest room to sell (or donate to the library sale if they're rejected). I'm sure I can find more cubic footage to dispose of today, primarily in the bedroom and guest room.

I haven't bothered to get dressed or put my contacts in, but there's really no need today.

I also just typed up a recipe I developed so I could throw the handwritten piece of paper out. And now it's filed appropriately so when I make it again, I don't have to rely on my memory. I had entirely forgotten that I had written it down! Not sure I'll get the laundry done today (it'll live), but I'm shutting down the computer now so I can put the stuff from the sink into the dishwasher.

Then I can go back to decluttering upstairs. (And I need to get back into the habit of checking in here more often.)

Last week was pretty accomplished. Dentist on Monday (decluttering of bank account), plumber on Tuesday (so outdoor faucet now works), friends came to help with some household tasks that I can't do (especially those requiring a ladder) so I now have light in the bathroom for the first time since February. Odd fluorescents in the fixture above the tub and the sealant removed from the light above the sink (why the workmen who winterized the house did that, I'll never know -- did they think I'd never have to change the bulb?!?) and the bulb replaced with an LED guaranteed for 20.8 years, so I may never have to change it again. Also put a bulb in the fixture above the toilet which Tom and I had never done because it was overkill. I find that as I'm aging, more light is better and now the bathroom is very well lit. Thursday I worked on PMFF stuff, and Friday I had an early morning appointment to get the car inspected and oil changed. On the way home I got my haircut and helped my hair stylist move some furniture. (Her husband just passed away a month or so ago.) Posted a bunch of photos at Facebook because it would have been Tom's and my 33rd wedding anniversary and then, of course, went to the Press Room session (which I lead). Productive week -- on Saturday I was blindsided by the deferred "grief day" and didn't get much done except be.

Linn

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Mrrzy
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 12:53 PM

I re-excavated my room! There is carpet on the floor, and tops to dressers! Amazing...

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: ranger1
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 12:55 PM

Took Monday off as a mental health day, I have more than enough vacation leave and my boss understood that I was feeling frazzled. I did nothing other than try to get the dishes caught up, walk the dog, and grab a few groceries.

Yesterday started out very productive, I just ran out of steam halfway through my to do list. But the kitchen and bathroom sparkle, the compost got hauled out to the new compost pile way in the back of the field (not my first choice, but I don't make those decisions), and a bag of recycling prepped to go to the trailer at the end of the road.

The new heating system was installed last week, and now I'm impatient to get rid of the old Monitor heater to make more space.

Today, I hope to get to the hardware store to buy bits for the new contractor-grade cordless drill I bought last week. I was hoping to buy a weedwhacker (again, professional grade) this week, but it will have to wait for my next paycheck. With all the attachments I want, it'll probably end up costing me around $250-$300, but the one at work that is the same model is still going strong 15 years after purchase.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,mag
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 03:52 PM

"fraid the tuna can thing only works if you've got sprinklers, which i don't in the new place. An auto system is out of my range just now. I don't waste water on the grass, so don't really want to get a surface one.

minimal watering is precisely what burns roots, which grow too shallow. Hence my deep watering before the heat wave hit last week.

laundry piled high on the dining room table. sigh.

have a date for the gym, to weigh, and use the back machine in order to recover from yesterday's mopping. I COULD do the pool while I am there ...

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 05:16 PM

City:

Drove back yesterday via a slow route, arriving about 9. I did the whole trip so nothing got done after arrival - just sit and read, then bed.

Monday was mostly a do nothing day as I thought we would be leaving but R was in his head, recovering from blue funk re crisis and finally started dealing with it on Tuesday. Also informed me that he has a plan for jacking up the house and is no longer concerned about it. I can only hope for action before winter - late August!

So Tuesday, I went to town and picked up money a friend left to pay for the pottery she took last week. We had a short visit and I met the good chiropractor. I went to her office seeking my friend, found another friend was the receptionist! Then the chiropractor came out and told me who I was and where I had been in the last while! "Do I know you?" I asked her in astonished puzzlement. Oh no! She just knew people who told her who and where and she had seen me some places.... Holy moly! My life is an open book for everyone to read! Fortunately I really do not mind.

Three loads of laundry today - sorted into "here", "mill", "Beaver". Black bean soup ready for supper. R put license plates on car, not so simple as old one was hard to get off and Ontario plate did not fit in holder and there are two rather than one... "I'm doing the laundry, dear!" I said sweetly.

I drove him to his truck, dragging him away from current book/avoidance and went to the market but the sky fell and I came home without shopping; I would have been drowned within 10 feet! Came back and spent aft on internet, deleting and unsubscribing and was writing a lengthy email when I thought to look on line for quarry report in local paper - good report and two letters - very pro, very con. Back to the drawing board. The balance between what is good for the environment and what might be good, or not so good, for the community...

Hoping the van will soon be ready so next time R has a melt down, he can just get in it and go north, into the bush to clear his head... I am involved in a constant alert to keep clutter out of Beaver. Undoubtedly, we will need a library shed; the house will never be adequate for the books.

I am going back to Beaver tomorrow for a few days.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 10:17 PM

Correct about deep versus shallow watering. An inch is deep watering. I don't have an inground sprinkler system either, what I have is hoses positioned around the yard, snaking through gardens so they aren't in the way when I mow the lawn. They're on a timer attached to the back faucet. I only water the lawn enough to keep it alive, not lush, in the summer, and to keep the trees healthy.

Good work, Mrrzy and everyone. Discovering floors, table tops, shelves, it is a wonderful thing. Not all horizontal surfaces need to be covered with stuff.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,#
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 11:11 PM

Fix the clutter problem.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 02 Jul 15 - 07:40 AM

Go forth and shed the accumulation of a lifetime.
Hmmm
I know shedding things should mean getting rid of them .
My first thought was "Yup, better go out and buy a shed"
FAIL!!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 02 Jul 15 - 09:08 AM

My email accounts need decluttering - too many posts from places of no interest to me. Perhaps a massive unsubscribing binge is called for on our next rainy day. And while I'm at it, I'll sort out the piled up bookmarks. The old ones are the styrofoam chunks on the beach of my well-oiled browser logon system.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jul 15 - 12:50 PM

Today is mental decluttering while undoing too many uses of the kitchen without a proper cleanup (rhythm of ministry). For me that means NO FACEBOOK and damn little Catting, hopefully a good long break til Monday.

~S~

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,mag
Date: 02 Jul 15 - 03:16 PM

i was once whinging to a friend about working and working on layers of stuff in all areas of my life; to wit, I would whittle down to the center, and, like an onion, there would be nothing left.

and he replied, " but, my dear, that is a great spiritual accomplishment!"

I keep that in mind when I can't let go of stuff -- I don't need the stuff to remember happy times.

:)

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Jul 15 - 04:40 PM

Getting a lot of the things I should have done yesterday (laundry and a few other miscellaneous things) done today.

But I found out this morning that tomorrow's Press Room trad session has to be cancelled because the Press Room can't have live music until they get a sprinkler system installed. The owner has been dragging his feet for a couple years but papers were served by the City yesterday. Don't know yet when the work will start or when they'll finish getting the system installed. Also don't know if the City will let them have live music while the system is getting installed or if it's none until the job is completed. So...I had to spend a lot of time getting the word out by Facebook, email, and phone calls.

Heard that Naemanson (who's visiting Maine from Guam) and Charley Noble had been planning on coming. Hope they'll still come to Portsmouth for supper so I can still visit. I plan to be at The Press Room around 4:00 tomorrow in case musicians show up who didn't get word.

So the day didn't start out too great, but then when I was out on the deck grating bacon cheddar to make a cheese salad for a party I'm going to on Saturday, I was visited by the first hummingbird this season (that I've seen, at least), gathering nectar from the wild yellow foxgloves. Earlier I had an electric blue damselfly fly up to me to check me out.

I also ate lunch on the deck -- it's a really lovely day. The problem with eating on the deck, though, is I see all the work in the flower beds and driveway that needs to be done and I get overwhelmed wondering how that's going to happen. It's great exercise, and will probably help get me back into better physical shape, but it takes me a LOT longer to get things done.

Decluttered some magazines early this morning, too. I really need to take them to the Walk-In Urgent Care down at the Circle. They've reached critical mass in the car.

Going to Rocky's session in Dover tonight. Music is needed. There will be more on Saturday, first at West Nottingham's usual Independence Day celebration (free breakfast at 7 a.m., music (mostly by the gang from the Press Room session) at 8 a.m., then reading of the Declaration of Independence from the porch at Demmon's Store at 9 a.m. Then a music party and potluck at a friend's.

Linn

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 03 Jul 15 - 09:50 AM

Dishes had piled up in and around the kitchen sink so as my water heated for tea I emptied the contents into the dishwasher and will run it when I leave the house. They are usually hand-washed and simply drain in the dishwasher. Allowing myself to arrive home later today to a clean kitchen is a gift to my future self and a good start to the holiday weekend.

A friend I haven't seen in a while has lost 60 pounds and is looking great, but he is held hostage by clutter in his house. I have a couple of suggestions that we agreed to discuss over lunch. There are two main aspects - donate the inexpensive stuff to a charity, and list the sellable items on eBay. The former step is the faster and might inspire the second part of the plan to get underway. Once the cash starts rolling it in becomes a more attractive activity.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jul 15 - 12:33 PM

It turns out I'm getting better at spotting when my thyroid med dosage needs to be upped. I started the new dose this AM. Lesson there-- insist the nurse/PA order that lab the day I spot the need for it, cuz my doc does a 3 week rotation that slows down the changes needed way too much. Sometimes it's a dosage change-- and I always have med on hand for those-- but sometimes it's one of several possible lifestyle changes aND the blook test tells us that.

The plan for the day is to vacuum up the doghair that has piled up, using the shop vac, so I can get back to regular upkeep with the upright. Then we take off for a walkable festival and the weather is perfect.

I'm off now to make my personal list of symptoms that will tell me, DH, and the medical peeps when I need a lab test.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 03 Jul 15 - 02:52 PM

Art Gallery of Bancroft:

My volunteer day has been an almost constant flow of visitors. I try to engage with each to make the visit mean more to them - a friendly gallery but without intruding on their perusal. But still managed to get thru emails and unsubscribe a few. Then thru some of FB but finding it tiresome.

Arrived at Beaver Haven about 7:30. A stop at a nice thrift shop near Montreal netted me a 3rd card table for my market booth and a wheeled low tea trolley ($5 variety!) suitable for pottery workshop; I can roll it into the back shed or LR or on the deck to dry pots... Also a nice shirt and a pretty basket suitable for wastebasket. The volunteer at the shop was impressed by how little furniture we are using; I am determined not to let clutter take over this abode. There will be more , but not until the flooring is in place!!!

Stopped in this am at the Mennonite store (bulk food) and had a nice visit, thanking Alice for her support the other day and arranging for them to save me a meal - she makes wonderful curries! - to pick up after 4, when I finish at the Gallery.

A friend asked on FB if I could come to his parents tonight so I phoned and the dad said tomorrow. Much better as the Gallery opening is tonight. They live about 45 minutes away. Wish I could train people to use email instead of FB!

Feeling so much better on the Laprinol and spirulina; rarely take any other supplements. Need magnesium citrate if I eat much choc ... but Weds I ate everything in sight - choc cookies, choc, more choc cookies... and no ill effect, no cramps. I really did not want to be in city. I do much better here; the air is cleaner than the city or down at the mill. I have had the door to the Gallery wide open all day; lovely breeze. Last night was so cool I needed three quilts! Today is perfection.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jul 15 - 03:54 PM

DP-- "Today is perfection"-- that's what we want for you!

~S~

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jul 15 - 10:14 AM

Sleeping with quilts in the summer - such a difference from running a ceiling fan and sleeping with just a sheet.

There are a couple of pieces of wood furniture in the garage that need modest repairs and a coat of paint, then will be moved to the back patio. It's time. Herbs overgrowing the brick part of the patio need harvesting and the bricks need cleaning. And the side garden needs weeding and pots need arranging to make it a welcoming doorway once again.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jul 15 - 12:23 PM

The festival last night was a good walk. I felt like dancing a tone point but had back issues preventing that; I brought that feeling into the day thru music playing and will explore as the week goes on how I can revive what I used to enjoy (grades 7-9) before thyroid disease piled all this weight onto me. There is a weekly dance where I can take this on the road.

Hardi de-haired the LR ydy-- much better.

I decluttered one person's past this AM, with a note responding to a former friend of my late sister, who had specialized in toxic relationships. Today is the anniversary my sister chose to leave the planet, making two family members who so needed to control everyone by linking their favorite holidays forever in our minds as death anniversaries. Guess that means I should send one of the surviving family members some big love.

~S~

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 04 Jul 15 - 07:06 PM

Working in the garden in stages, filling the wheelbarrow, dumping it, then cooling off for a bit before returning. During the cooling off period laundry, cooking, and other activities. Cooking consists of making sauces or other things to freeze or can from garden produce. And a peach coffeecake for a cheerful July 4th dessert.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Jul 15 - 01:39 AM

Prepped yesterday for a picnic today but the weather wasn't cooperative so we will have our fun tomorrow afternoon. Our local fireworks were really good this year but even better was Jeremiah's sheer vocal joy at the beauty of it all. One of my favorites, "Oh Mommy! That one looks like ants crawling on a cactus!" And you know what? He was absolutely right!

Also? We found THE perfect spot for viewing the fireworks...it will forever be our spot from now on!

Sweet dreams!

Michelle who didn't do much today except hang out with her boys....happiness!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 05 Jul 15 - 09:47 AM

The arms and back are stiff this morning from the weeding yesterday, but the garden is coming back into view. I'll work on it every day until I tame this monster. The fireworks last night weren't in view, were only audible, so the dogs stayed in. At bedtime we walked into the yard for them to take a last break and there were robust explosions. All illegal in the county, but when the fire danger is low officials seem to look the other way.

It's time to cook a batch of beans and freeze in individual portions. I have tomatoes to use that aren't in good enough shape to can so they'll be trimmed and go into the pot, and I'll use onions and peppers from the freezer, making room for this year's crops.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jul 15 - 10:15 AM

The side garden is nearly completed, and ready for new planting. The amount of oregano is considerably reduced, and needs to be cut back still more, but will be done by digging up plants and giving them away.

Wood furniture is next on the list of patio work. Although it is overcast there is no chance of rain in the forecast, so these early hours will go for yard work, and the afternoon for patio furniture repair (on the covered patio).

One of two bulbs in the stove cook top (and overhead fan) burned out last week, and after several attempts I have bulbs that fit. They are LED costing about $18, which is high, but better than $33 and up that I was finding when I started the search. If I could find a matching halogen bulb I would be content with that, but they don't seem to make them the same wattage and the same kind of lens any more. The halogen bulbs would operate at low and high settings, but these LED bulbs are not dimmable so will operate always on high. At a few cents a year they will eventually pay for themselves because this particular light fixture is on more than any other in the house during the day and evening and the halogen bulbs are electricity hogs.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Donuel
Date: 06 Jul 15 - 12:30 PM

excellent thread name

He is also my most despised ancestor

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Jul 15 - 01:48 PM

As my Nana has decided to take up permanent residency at a local nursing home, she has requested us to clean out her house and sell it or do what we will. The sorting and cleaning out has begun. My mom recently met me in town and we unloaded an entire car full of things from my Nana's house into my car. It is now sitting in my kitchen. So...I am sorting and trying to find places for things to go as well as all the daily chores.

Also, today Jeremiah had his first swimming lesson! :) He did great! I am one proud and happy mama!

Have a great day everyone!

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,mag
Date: 06 Jul 15 - 02:13 PM

indigo rose tomatoes are looking ripe; i haven't grown this variety yet so am not sure -- when purple skin turns to purple brown is what i'm told

they are the cherry variety of the purple rose tomato ( :) ) sp the bush has about 14, so far -- had hoped to have enough to take to Saturday's Song Circle, so people can ooh and aah - but what i got is what i got.

who knew that ANTS would eat your basil roots down to nothing OVERNIGHT? two bowlsful of the solution, they are drowning by the handful and i HOPE taking enough borax back to the colony to kill it/them. there are a lotta ants on my lot ...

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jul 15 - 03:44 PM

Borax will kill anything plant-wise in your soil, so don't spill it on the ground. Spinosad is an organic pesticide that should work for you, or a couple of tablespoons of orange oil in a gallon of water poured around.

I've reclaimed one garden, the other is a tangled weedy mess. But I'll tackle it later and start treating the pests that have had free reign for the season so far.

SRS

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Jul 15 - 04:06 PM

Oh hey....just for some extra fun on this hot(86F), humid day, our boar got out! Pete isn't home! FUN!!! After some effort, I got him back in the barn and in his pen. I booby-rigged the spot where he got out so I hope it will hold him until Pete gets home. This is SO his territory. I am most proud of myself for getting Elwood back in his pen!!! HOORAY!!! Whew.

That counts as activity in my book!!!


Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 06 Jul 15 - 04:27 PM

I have helped friends a couple of times when the pigs got out. Pigs are smart and fast, and if they don't want to go back to the pen, they're damned hard to get back in the pen! Good job!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 07 Jul 15 - 11:39 AM

Dogs, not pigs, to start the day. Over the afternoon and evening yesterday I washed and dried all of the dog bedding, and this morning I swept out their area in the garage. Even in hot weather they still like having soft bedding, though there are many times I will see they lying on the pavement instead of the dog beds. Their choice. I need to vacuum dog hair from in the house next. And ssssshhhh! don't tell them, but they're getting baths today.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,mag
Date: 07 Jul 15 - 01:45 PM

I haven't put borax solution on the PLANTS, Acme; I just noticed a whole lot of them in and around the basil. I pulled the wilted plants up to find the ants hewing away; no roots left.

washed a bunch of sweaty pillows and they smell worse than they did before. What gives??

MA, starting chronic pain t. group this afternoon; hope i get some good advice.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jul 15 - 03:07 PM

Soaking them in a tub of water with baking soda (eyeball the amount - however much seems enough) for a while - a day or more - might help with the odor in the pillows. Soaking is also helpful for cleaning delicate or antique fabric.

I've started digging in the big garden, and have a few chores to do to break up that work (cool-down sessions outside so I don't have to take off the work boots to come in the house). I pruned out a dwarf yaupon holly that blocked the dog's view of the driveway from the back gate. Woof!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Jul 15 - 07:26 PM

Just home from Zumba.

Stick a fork in me.

I. Am. DONE.

Michelle

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

Apparently you can't lose 50 pounds in one afternoon of Zumba, although I certainly did give it my all (Lord have mercy!). I think I overdid and have a bit of heat exhaustion. When I got home, I had to go to bed...so nauseous, hot/cold/shivering...feeling HORRIBLE. It's a little better now but ummm....I'm certain this was of my own doing....didn't feel bad while I was dancing though.

Live and learn.

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jul 15 - 11:07 PM

In case you get cramping here is a look at possible causes. Today I drank a quart of Gatorade and lots of water during garden breaks. There will be Motrin at bedtime also.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Jul 15 - 12:51 AM

No cramping to speak of except in the area where my ovaries used to be and that happens often...not Zumba induced although I did talk with my instructor about that and she showed me some interesting stretches to try. Staying hydrated.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 08 Jul 15 - 08:56 AM

I carry all my excess weight as a large 'bay window' waistline. I think it is a judgement up on me for the vanity of my youth, when I had a tiny waist and flat belly and was very pleased about it.

I have been doing more walking in preparation for the folk festival at the end of the month - I must replace the inner tubes in my bicycle tires as neither will stay up and it is so handy for getting around Sidmouth.
This is a busy month - I have done the dentist, so now there is the optician, a visit to the hospital for a mammogram, the servicing of the knitting machines for the University, the bowel cancer screening test, a visit to a more distant hospital to have my CPAP machine checked and half a dozen other things I am now worrying where the information about them has got to. I'd better go and gather them up and make a list.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jul 15 - 09:16 AM

Excellent work, Rumncoke! The benefit year ends soon and I need to get new glasses during this one so as not to miss the opportunity (and since I have several pair, it always helps to stay relatively up to date in the Rx in all of them). It's the co-pays that kill, even though the insurance is there to take the brunt of it.

Remarkably fit this morning, all things considered. The Gatorade seems to have worked to head off the possibility of overnight leg cramps. It didn't rain overnight, so I can get back into the garden today, it isn't a soggy mess.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jul 15 - 09:53 PM

It did rain today so my work was cut short this morning. I worked again in the afternoon, meaning I had to take two showers to wash all of the ants off of me when I got to the point where I couldn't stand them any more. The garden, such as it is, is now revealed after the grass stripped away. Puny plants but still trying to produce. Some may need replacement but others will survive and I'll get more if I leave them in place to recover than if I replace them with smaller bedding plants.

I'm getting a lot to compost out of all of this work, and I'll have to move compost from the pile I'm drawing from now to replace a lot of the bulk in the raised beds that went with the roots. I trimmed another sunflower out of the bed, but have left those standing on the outer edges. They're too beautiful to take out yet.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,mag shouldn't show as guest
Date: 09 Jul 15 - 04:55 PM

supposedly the last day of our heat wave today, and possible free water tomorrow.

we shall see.

greens doing very badly in the heat. had to buy some.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 09 Jul 15 - 11:32 PM

A friend came over and we had BLTs for dinner. Tomatoes are one of the few things that I'm getting out of the garden this year so far. I have a head of Romaine lettuce (grocery store purchase - it won't grow here in the heat) that is only getting used for sandwiches, I haven't gotten around the cutting any up for salad, but that's okay - sandwiches are one of summer's perfect foods.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 09:55 AM

YUM. BLTs are a favorite around here!

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: maeve
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 10:42 AM

^*^,

Any Batavian-type lettuce should do well there. Jericho, bred in Isreal, is also very good: http://www.highmowingseeds.com/organic-non-gmo-seeds-jericho-lettuce.html

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 11:24 AM

Who knew? mag and I can both look for those seeds. There is an spot beside the door into the house where I have a slatted workbench. I put tender plants under there to get a little less bright light and direct heat while they're getting established. That might be to place to start something like this.

I'm to the point where I have enough space for new planting so have to decide what to put in. I'm dying without fresh peppers, so that is top of the list. I'll put in some new healthy eggplant, and start some fresh squash. I have seeds for okra that may grow just about as fast as bedding plants at this point. I'll make some planting mounds, put out mulch, and get ready for the second growing season (fall) for the majority of my garden produce this year.

I told my friend that if she has jobs she usually has to hunt for someone to pay to do that she should just hire me to do them. That way she knows they will get done and I can use the cash. The kid she sometimes hires doesn't know the weeds from the flowers apparently, so the results are mixed at best. I see more garden weeding in my future.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,mag should be back as member
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 01:28 PM

I normally pig out on bacon-basil-tomatoes when the tomatoes come in but i have been having lousy luck w/ the basil this year; bacon is waiting in the freezer for me to have all the ingredients. I too have been eating romaine from the store. boring.a few nasturtium leaves.

Finally hired Greenway (organic) to come over and deal w/ the moles and have some impact on the ants. they will be here at 1:00 today.

facing my avoidance project today is hole-punching a bunch of lyric sheets et. al. and getting them into ring binders.
am now diddling until Science Friday comes on NPR at 11:00.

MA

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 03:00 PM

After losing an auction on eBay for a used steam juicer I found one at Etsy for a very reasonable price, and reasonable shipping. It is older, heavy cast aluminum, from the original Finnish company that started making these things, but it needed a replacement hose. The pot would have gone for a lot more if it had a good hose, but I found one (finally!) and it arrived today (it cost half as much as the used pot set did). I'm now in business for steaming and juicing - but still need to find a food mill. I've borrowed the duo from a friend for many years, but decided it was time to find my own.

Good luck with the ants, MA. They are a plague here this year also.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Penny S.
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 04:55 PM

I haven't been here for ages, and I haven't been able to garden properly this year anyway. The village had the opportunity to be recabled for TV, broadband and phone, and the old route lay through my garden. I had to leave the probable route clear of planting, so all my veggies are in bags or pots.

I've finally been getting down to moving them around and tidying up. And discovering problems. The guy working in the garden was not a gardener. He flung cable about over plants, pulled a bramble stem that I had been trying to root in a pot out. The two of them demolished the duckboard door mat, and I have spent time today nailing it back together, and crowning idiocy, one of them tipped out the 80 litres of rainwater I had in a plastic bin, with a lid on. I had moved it away from the cable route - I assume it was in the way when they were fixing the cable along the wall at the top of the first storey. They could have asked. Wouldn't you think that it was in a container with a lid might mean that it was wanted? Fortunately I have another tank, and we don't currently have a hose ban.
I've got to fix up some guttering to fill it again, a job I wasn't intending to do next.

I've got to prune a forsythia, a rambling rose, a philadelphus, build a rockery, plant some new veggies, transplant a choisia and a hydrangea, fasten back some bramble stems, and all before I go on a trip to Iceland at the end of the month.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 11:20 PM

Penny, it sounds like you should have guarded your garden with a sharpened spade fork or hefty shovel, and knocked those loons upside the head (if not given them a sharp poke in the backside!) for their mess.

I took it a bit easier today, no mattock and chopping out weeds, instead I mowed the back (a large job by itself, but less strenuous overall) and made a couple of bags of mulch. I have an electric wood chipper and did it in a couple of steps - I trimmed a bunch of branches from a pile near the compost to the right size and length for the chipper, then ran them through said chipper into a bag. They were spread around the existing plants in the newly-revealed garden. I made a good dent in the pile of branches and the mulch is the best sort, from trees in this yard. Tomorrow I'll buy some commercial mulch for the garden paths and buy more bedding plants and get these newly cleared areas planted for a fall crop. I have seeds in also and this time of year they should sprout almost overnight, but I want to get a head start on some of this stuff. I need peppers, in particular, to be happy. Lots of hot peppers.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jul 15 - 06:11 PM

I'm not certain that this site is only for a North American audience, you'll have to poke around to see what all is there, but apparently for a $5 one-time membership, there are professionals who will refer member users to find the right parts if they are wanting to repair their own appliances. http://www.applianceblog.com/. I've seen how simple some repairs were in the past (but how expensive they were simultaneously!) and thought I'd like to be able to just get the part and do it myself. With so many repairs consisting of pulling out one modular piece and plugging it its replacement, it is worth the try.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Jul 15 - 06:12 PM

These past few weeks have shown little movement on the scale despite more movement and better eating at least until this week....it all seemed to let go this week! I'm down 5.8 pounds this week! HOORAY!

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Jul 15 - 08:15 AM

Friday night we enjoyed a tiny little street festival about an hour away. Another one that I can easily do next year without the walker. They even had chairs at tables at the main music stage! The most amazing thing for me was that there was a free town parking lot just steps from the entry into the festival's entry point by that main stage-- with ample open parking spaces. The next night would have been the paid band, but the karaoke contest at the main stage was actually a riot. Met some nice people.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 12 Jul 15 - 10:22 AM

The back yard is looking good, and over in the compost and brush area the pile of branches was added to. I trimmed off the lowest whorl of the baldcypress in order to give myself more clearance under the tree, so those limbs are drying out before chipping.

Weeding with water today on a bed that rarely gets watered but is now full of tall Bermuda grass. And this afternoon, a trip to the nursery for plants to put around the garden aiming for a fall crop.

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

There is stuff at the curb that I hope will be picked up before trash time tomorrow, and stuff that belongs in the trash that might also get picked up before trash time tomorrow. The garage has a lot more floor space now, though there has always been room to park in there. Now there is room to park and work at the same time.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 12 Jul 15 - 06:54 PM

The last time I went to the optician I went to Specsavers, as my husband insisted I should. I was told that they had checked my prescription with my previous optician, so when I got my new glasses and was told that the blurring would go away and it was due to the new prescription needing to be got used to, I believed them.

Now I have been back to my old opticians and during testing I could not see properly out of my left eye.

My glasses were checked, and the Specsavers ones had no 'prism' - so my brain has adjusted to them by taking no notice of what my left eye sees.

Thank goodness they did not give me any driving glasses.

It means that I have to buy two pairs of glasses instead of just one, and I need to do eye exercises to try to correct the fading out.

Truly is it said that you get what you pay for.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: MAG
Date: 13 Jul 15 - 12:12 PM

this may be why i've never married -- they couldn't take me always being right :)

finally got some free water last night

at the sing, i sat next to someone who turned out to have laryngitis (sigh) and since i pick these things up quite easily, i woke up w/ a very sore throat last night.

a day to finish that library book, before i have to give it back.

MA

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jul 15 - 07:21 PM

I missed taking one bag down to the curb, but when the truck came back down the street on the other side I walked over and handed it to them. I don't know who picked up what, but it is all gone now. The garage really does look nice. I'm thinking of putting up a ceiling fan over the workbench that would also keep the air moving better for the dogs.

MAG, it's good to see you finally logged into mudcat. Congratulations on getting all of that sorted out.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 14 Jul 15 - 10:33 AM

The yard is looking good, all new plants are in place except a couple of squash that will be planted this evening and a citronella geranium that I need to find a good pot for.

Watering setup is working for the back and side of the house, now the soaker hoses need to be pulled into place for the front and other side. That may also happen this evening. And walking through the house to examine rooms not entered regularly to be sure no ants are making themselves at home, as happened last summer at this time. The Housewife's Lament included ants.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: MAG
Date: 14 Jul 15 - 11:22 AM

Did i say i had Greenway in? we'll see if their mole and ant treatments help.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,Dorothy
Date: 14 Jul 15 - 02:08 PM

Highland Grove Library!
Just to let folks know - My computer died a week ago Monday and I have an appointment for Thursday to have help. Until then, life goes on, even without a computer!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jul 15 - 12:41 AM

Sometimes I wish we were all a lot closer in proximity, so we could help out with some of the projects each other is working on. I would help you work on your computer, Dorothy, and I'd love to get my hands on Andrea's and Linn's yards and gardens. And just about everything going on at Michelle's house. We have a lot to learn from each other.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: MAG
Date: 15 Jul 15 - 11:32 AM

thank the powers that BE FOR GOOD LIBRriwa ...

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Jul 15 - 01:53 PM

Swimming lessons cancelled for the day as it is too cold outside. I went to visit my nana in the nursing home and took her some Snapple which she loves. Stopped by a new local butcher shop and picked up some ground beef to make a pot of chili. It's currently simmering on the stove and I am about to rearrange the final upper cabinet in the kitchen. Afterwards, I am going to clear at least two surfaces....the first being a ledge over the sink and the other being the top of our CD rack. I'll post photos on FB. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,LilyFestre
Date: 15 Jul 15 - 08:03 PM

So much for the kitchen, I spent all afternoon chasing after 4 pigs on the loose. I'm happy to say that they are all home, the fence is mended....Team Lawrence ROCKS!

Michelle, Queen of the Pig Patrol.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 15 Jul 15 - 10:03 PM

Pigs are smart, you know this latest group probably saw the boar get out last week and made a break for it. Now you'll have to pay very close attention to the fences.

The garden is a pleasure to work in now that I can walk into it, but it is like starting from scratch with so many bedding plants in place. I took some spinosad out to clobber the leaf footed bugs (in the stink bug family) that have been pestering the tomatoes. I sprayed tonight and I'll pick in the morning after the bugs have hopefully had time to get sick and die. I'm picking asparagus a couple of times a day and will probably get a few more meals out of this bed before I let them all grow tall again.

The house - well, it didn't get much worse lately, but it could use some attention. I do myself a favor by washing the dishes before I head to bed instead of leaving them in the sink. That's about it for right now - the next rainy day (and we'll get a few thunderstorms this summer) I'll spend working on the house.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jul 15 - 09:12 AM

Out of sight/out of mind - the old VCR tapes are in that category, all arranged on a slim bookshelf in the hall that I walk past and rarely ever notice. Unless one of the dogs disarranges the tapes at the bottom. I need to transfer contents to DVD and move the rest of these out of the hall. That shelf would be a good one in a number of other locations, especially if it was attached to the wall.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Jul 15 - 11:26 AM

I know the fences need to be well tended to however, the pigs are not really under my care....they are under Pete's care. However, since he has been at work when they have gotten out, I have to do something...can't just let them run off. The pens are in decent order but the mud has become a problem in that it is so soft where the pigs are that the posts are no longer as secure as they are when the ground is dry. There's not much to be done about that except to wait for the ground to dry and harden again. We have taken extra measures to secure the gates and so far they have held...fingers crossed that this has done the trick.

Our pigs are loved well and because they are often talked to and pet/scratched, they did really well in following us right into the pens....at least the bigger ones did. The smaller ones followed a few hours later when they were tired.

This morning we found a black lab on our front porch...not ours. It seems to be the season for the neighborhood animals to wander.

Today is a work day at home and hopefully an afternoon swim. Tomorrow is the Relay For Life for this area. It's kicking up some dust for me..likely because I've had port issues lately and my check up is overdue and further, a Teal Sister was given her angel wings 2 days ago....feeling anxious...hopefully a good work session around here will help change my focus and settle me.

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jul 15 - 10:44 PM

Oh. So sorry about your friend, Michelle, but you must carry the standard for them. You're good at it. I wonder if the port has passed its prime as far as use? I remember a friend here being reluctant to have hers removed, but once she did, was glad.

Long weekend ahead. More items on the list than time to do them, but what seems most important at the moment always drifts to the top.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 18 Jul 15 - 11:39 AM

Half-way through July, with another 2 months of hot weather (at least, in this locale). Pacing oneself through the chores, with the outdoor work in the morning is important. Starting laundry so the batch that can dry on the line will be dry and in the basket before the work clothes go into the washer. This way some of the plank-like towels from the line can go into the dryer with work clothes to speed the drying time. Work clothes and towels come out soft and free of lint.

Time to check for ripe grapes in the copse across the road from the house. Jelly making ahead!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: MAG
Date: 18 Jul 15 - 05:53 PM

the indigo tomatoes taste like -- cherry tomatoes, at least they are ready now.

have discovered pluots. isn't summer great, w/ so many nice things to eat? fortunately, a friend has a tree -- she and a neighbor made a deal to get one male, one female -

did the ol' clean damp rags on the kitchen floor. some days that is all the knees will allow.

got some borrowed stuff returned to friends; makes a tad more room. (from knee replacement: walker, raised toilet seat, tub bench, numerous food container, numerous dvds ...)

books. cats. gardening. life is good. we are all ok, just as we are.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 18 Jul 15 - 06:57 PM

Steam juicer is at work rendering the first batch of this year's wild mustang grapes from across the road. They're lighter in color, not fully ripe yet (and two - three weeks later than usual). I'll blend the juice from picking for the next couple of days because I left as many green ones intact (though you need a few green ones in with the ripe ones to give the jelly good flavor). Last year the grapes were way overripe, so if I have some of that in the freezer I could blend it with this year's juice at jelly making time.

The house smells wonderful, and it'll get better, because I have to make bread also.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Jul 15 - 09:11 PM

Down 2 pounds this week. I had breakfast with a friend this morning and then on to the Relay For Life. We stayed until maybe 3:00pm but it was ridiculously hot so we left. I had plans to return tonight for the speaker, luminaria and Survivor Walk but that didn't start until late and I have one very hot crabby little boy who wouldn't make it until 10:00pm if his life depended on it.

It was good to see so many friends this afternoon.

Michelle

PS. I scrubbed the heck out of the bathroom floor on my hands and knees yesterday and it did lessen some of the anxiety.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 15 - 09:27 AM

Congratulations, Michelle!

I have a can of stain that I'd like to use but it hasn't been stirred in a very long time. I'll take it over to Home Depot and ask them to put it on their shaker, I'm pretty sure they will. I'll set up the loveseat on some newspapers in the garage with the door open for ventilation. I need to sweep out some of the tons of doghair before I start or I'll have a fuzzy bench! I'm looking forward to putting this bench into service. While I'm at it I have a table that needs another coat of stain.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 15 - 08:09 PM

If you have enough stain or paint on your brush when you go over fuzzy stuff, you glue the fuzzy stuff into place. If it is on a rough piece of furniture like this bench, the fuzz is no longer visible.

Looks like an eBay evening.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 20 Jul 15 - 11:15 AM

Second pass at the wild grapes this morning. We're into the 100+ degree days now, so outside work needs to be finished before noon. And have a pitcher of Gatorade chilling in the fridge.

The house smells good after baking yesterday and I have to make a loaf of bread today.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: MAG
Date: 22 Jul 15 - 11:54 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 22 Jul 15 - 03:35 PM

It's a day off, but when the weather is so hot, it's not easy to enjoy it. Not so good for yard work, but eBay things are finally getting listed. And there are packages to prepare to put in the mail.

LilyFestre I hope you've been in for your checkup and that everything is fine. And the next time Rumncoke reports she'll have probably have another dozen "to do" things crossed off of her list. Penny, enjoy Iceland!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Jul 15 - 06:22 PM

I finally got that one last cupboard cleaned out and reorganized. I also went through all manner of Rubbermaid, Tupperware, old Cool Whip containers, etc. Anything without a mate went in the trash. Like socks, I'm not sure how one gets lost but they do....it's much more organized and handy now. I made one cupboard strictly my lunch packing cupboard. It won't be long before both my boys, big and small, will need a daily lunch to go.

Thanks for the well wishes regarding my health. I actually go back to the chemo center tomorrow for Try #2 to access my port and allow a blood return. I don't think it will work. The next step will to be to inject something that will hopefully dissolve the fibers that are blocking things up, wait an hour + for it to work and then another try at flushing and getting a blood return for my tumor marker reading. The butterflies have already arrived. I am praying for low numbers but also for my port to work because if doesn't, I'll have to have it removed....something I am not looking forward to.

I hope all is well with everyone else!

Michelle

PS. There have been sightings of cleared countertops, tabletops, etc. ;)

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 22 Jul 15 - 09:35 PM

I have new glasses - and an eye that is aching after having to do some work for a change - the mammogram is done - the new equipment is much less ferocious than the older version, hardly squashes at all.

The gooseberries are ripe in the garden - I went out to pick some to cook and just sat and ate them - there's still a lot left, but I think they are too nice to cook. I must go out and give the garden a clearing out - so much has taken root out there, it needs cutting down and dragging out.
The rhubarb needs a permanent place to be planted out now it is outgrowing the big pot it has been reared in.

First, though, I will get the things ready to go to the Sidmouth Folk festival. I can't afford to hire the van for a week - thanks to the extra pair of glasses I needed to buy, but I can afford six days so it is not too much of a disaster.
One day will be taken up with going to visit someone with a knitting machine and bringing part of it back for repair, then unpacking and returning the van, and then probably having a lie down for several days. I am trying to go out walking every day to increase my fitness.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Jul 15 - 10:08 AM

Beaver Haven:

Computer back. Spent 3 hours deleting/reading over 800 emails last night. Remembered to clear the trash just now. I am over-time as I determine o spend less time on computer. 10 am: time to get to the pottery wheel! Brought a kiln here last trip and have a load ready to fire - siting on deck drying. Will read and post tonight after the Faraday Open Mike. Best wishes for a good day.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: MAG
Date: 23 Jul 15 - 12:41 PM

after a 2 day bout with some kind of gut bug i am ready to return to the land of the living. 2 things i don't want to do that i have committed to doing: gym, and at least starting to clean the frig.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Jul 15 - 05:41 PM

Beaver Haven:

Never made it to the wheel, except to clean up and organize. Decided to get the kiln in place for firing and found the receptacle in the back room is wrong and went off to Hardware to see if there was a way to rectify this. The WAY, I realized was to move the kiln to non-kitchen and use the stove outlet so very carefully moved kiln on a dolly and plugged it in - after moving a whole bunch of stuff out of the way! That works - for now.

Also got the brainstorm of checking in at the Bulk Food for those ever-needed buckets! YAY! Alice had 3; she apologized that they were not washed but they are free! With lids! For glazes; I always need more as I keep adding new glaze; a few that I made in small amounts, I want to make in larger. They only contained food stuffs.

Occurred to me at the volunteer meeting on Monday that most of us have fat tummies. Once upon a time, I took acidophilus capsules for bloat. Worked a charm! Is it fat of is it bloat? Put A on the list.

Since I have been back up here, I ordered fire wood from dear friend and had it delivered by his person - only 6 face cords so far but I need a better place to put more. Lloyd stacked this right off the deck at back of house. Unobtrusive and handy. I hope we can get the garden shed up here and re-constructed and can put an actual wood shed on its back side.

In talking with Lloyd, I ascertained that he does "all sorts of things". He sounded reasonably knowledgeable so I got him to put in the two new windows in the BR. What a great difference! Trees to the east and that lovely hill and sky to the west! More than double the light!

The VAN came home, with the help of a neighbour. BUT it was smoking when I got here so I got Pete to take it back to the shop and check out the motor! $2200 in repairs and safety check but no attention to the engine at all - that is not considered part of safe!

In addition to two days at the Gallery and two at the Market, many visits and a concert in the park, I managed to throw a bunch of pots - mugs, honey pots, 3 teapots - hopefully most of a kiln load which I will fire tonight- a maiden voyage for the brand new 35 year old kiln! Pots are on the deck drying in the sun and breeze of this beautiful day. Will load kiln about 6:30 and put it on low until after the open mike. Then then turn it up and up - they should finish in time to cool so I can pack them in the morning.

Then take them to Quebec tomorrow to glaze and fire. I will be back on Wednesday, hopefully with garden shed, kitchen cabinets and fridge... And Robin! Maybe even the clay play mobile.
The garden here consists of one very healthy cherry tomato and its companion basil and a healthy oregano , lots of comfrey and evening primrose and a field of wild flowers/weeds/grasses. A neighbour asked it I were going to mow the lawn -No. I prefer the flowers.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 09:18 AM

The hot summers here can sometimes bring activity to a standstill, but getting up early (though the early hours are most pleasant for good sleep) is a way to prevent that productivity slowdown. I need to mow, and weed the garden, both good early morning activities. I also need to work on leveling the greenhouse - a task best done after a rainstorm to make the soil around the base easier to excavate. Something I should do now, but may defer to autumn.

MAG, do you think the fridge needing cleaning contributed to the bug you experienced? I have a couple of scary-looking things to discard soon (next time I fool with the compost). Dorothy, I just loaded up on a good brand of acidophilus when a 20% off purchase coupon arrived from my favorite store for purchasing this stuff. Another mudcat member has been discussing gut health on a different venue, it's time to look into all of this again. I'm a silent member of a fermentation forum (the stuff they get up to is amazing - and sometimes kind of gross, but mostly sounds delicious) where I can learn to make more than half-sour pickles with my garden cucumbers.

Dorothy, is there an outdoor seating area at your new place? And the new place is where the firewood is being delivered? And your new kiln is at that house, or is at the mill? I'm guessing at the mill, but do you have plans to move all of that pot stuff to the new place? (I need a map!)

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 25 Jul 15 - 12:37 PM

The PBS Saturday cooking shows are on as I work around the house today. This morning I am updating an older but still functional computer by adding a small USB WiFi device so I don't have to plug this into a data port. The computer uses a wall-mounted LCD television as the monitor, and the television also is connected to a bluray player that needs a dataport. So this way I won't have to plug and unplug devices and can use them simultaneously if I choose. A computer in the kitchen is particularly handy for looking up recipes or answers during cooking. I never would have bought a computer for the kitchen, this was simply reassigned when I got the new one for my office. It's Win 7, and I don't know if I'm going to bother to update it to Win 10. It might be too old for that.

Off to putter. Enjoy your weekends, and I hope a few folks who normally lurk will report in on their progress.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: pattyClink
Date: 25 Jul 15 - 02:25 PM

Delurking as requested. Glad to see all the progress people are making this summer. I've been 'up to my ass in alligators' as they say, one small calamity seems to follow the next. Just trying to make progress on various renovation projects, too many cans of worms got opened in June and now I am trying to close one at a time, and it's 95 plus for a few weeks now and no relief in sight.

The Texas drought seems to have moved east, so every other day I am administering water to my pots and plants and bushes and parts of the yard that normally never need it.

However, I have made some progress on the whole routines and to-dos front, using the Getting Things Done book, and it's helping me see where I go wrong and keep track of what I need to do on any given day. Which is good, it's nice to have the house not looking too awful, because the visits from various plumbers and contractors are pretty frequent these days! Let us carry on and don't forget to stop and smell the peaches.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 25 Jul 15 - 06:59 PM

City:
Made it back in good time and R stopped in to say hello. We did a bit of grocery shopping and he went back to work- and came back about midnight. I was in bed and he claimed to have said "hello" which I, OF COURSE, did not hear due to the noise of the AC. He did eat two bowls of the fresh pot of cauliflower soup and most of the salad I left him in fridge. I had had to go do more groceries after he went back to work. I was too distracted by his need for ice cream and penchant for wandering off in the stores. I usually shop in a very focussed, get in and get out manner, thus not cluttering my life with lengthy shopping.

The stove wood is at Beaver and the pile is adjacent to the nice deck, against the west wall, under one of the new windows. The kiln was taken from the mill to Beaver in my car and my neighbour removed it for me and helped get it into the shed.

Acidophilus totally stopped my bloating in 24 hours. In my 50s, I was waking up with a flat tummy and by noon looked like I had swallowed a basket ball. Unfortunately, I doubt that is my problem now but I will give it a try when I get back up there. I have gotten quite spoiled. From Beaver, all stores are within 10 minute drive and the parking is easy! In the city- phooey! I finally went out to the Market late this aft for some cheeses and fruit. Booths were closing and my heart was not in it.

I thouht I would get to the mill to do glazing and fire and come back - today. However, by the time we got up and had breakfast and R went off to work... Then I wanted to write an email to Lou re the proposed Quarry Fact Sheet he had sent me. I stopped to talk with him on my way out of town yesterday am, encouraging he et correct info out. The level of misinformation in newspaper and verbal is appalling. Another type of clutter!

Then I gave myself a chunk of time to look at FB. Some really good stuff and then - dreadful news about a dear friend of 40 years. I read the newspaper reports and checked FB for info on mutual friends pages. And sat here in a state of immobility, finally phoned R and asked him to please come home so I could talk about it out loud.

Only when he had to go back to work did I pull myself together and go to the Market with the energy of a wet noodle. Came back and had some raspberries with raspberry yogurt and now am waiting for rice (my comfort food) to cook so I can eat something innocuous.

You may be curious but you really do not want to know. She is alive but will live with physical and emotional pain, of the worst kinds for the rest of her life - deaths of son and husband, and betrayal by someone close to her. She does have a strong community of support, thankfully. I have been so fortunate.

I also made inquiries about finding a home for the large box of books in Hebrew which is sitting in the LR. I photographed a few and sent the pic to a rabbi friend who knows Montreal.

For cramping, I use magnesium citrate. Works a charm. But since I have been using the Laprinol and spirulina, cramping has not been a problem, even after chocolate indulgence, which also happens less.

Maybe I shall eat some rice and take a book to bed.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: MAG
Date: 26 Jul 15 - 12:07 PM

sorry things have been so tough for you, D. you have a network here, too.

I don't think my stomach bug was from cleaning. i had the bug first. taking a break from the frig, i started scraping under the rings on my elec. stove. joy.
i do all this until my back gives out, then enjoy a nice junky book.

pouring free water all day yesterday. truly joy.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Jul 15 - 08:24 PM

City:

Last night when I went back on FB to check in, a number of people had posted support and one was insistent that I chat. I asked for phone number and called him. The last person I wanted to tell what happened as his family a suffered a similar incident 30 years ago. I had barely seen him since, though always good friends of an infrequent sort. I visited his parents more often as they are nearby. Well, he sounded OK and I ended up telling him all of it and he took it very well. Then we talked about his three kids and his life. We deepened our relationship in mutual support rather than me being the strong one. He confirmed that the time we spent together 30 years ago had been helpful.

The night I met him, his parents were on the verge of putting him in hospital so I took him home for two months and gave him back to them in good shape. Last night I told him that, if it helped him, it was the thing in my life that made me sure my life was worthwhile. All it took was unconditional positive regard. Strange it may seem; I have two beautiful sons and four beautiful grandchildren but this was the thing which kept me going when I felt I had done nothing worthwhile with my life. - DEPRESSION, lack of self-esteem! Amazing how we can give to others what we do not have ourselves.

I felt better.

Anyone who wants to read about the double homicide that has rocked a whole community and changed her life forever, can google Cindy Norvell. There are several newspaper articles. She lost son (17) and husband; she (54) and her visiting brother were seriously injured; daughter (14) and niece (15) were spared and helped the young man, a foster son (19), calm down, lay down the knife and walk out to meet the police. How does one sort out their life after all that? Cindy will, somehow. I expect she will be deeply concerned for the lad who did it, as am I. Early childhood abuse is a hard thing to overcome, regardless of how caring people are later. He never got the help he needed and it has cost dearly. Sometimes love is not enough.

Today we went to Quaker Meeting. R thought we needed it. It kept me from going to the mill, again today. But R has spent the afternoon sorting papers that have been on the floor and chairs for months. Six hours now because he keeps reading stuff rather than using a to-be-read-later pile. A few inches have gone into recycling! YAY! The floor is almost clear. Now, one more chair, then he can use the computer. I WANT to be able to sit in that chair; a rocking chair is so much better than just sitting.

I may have de-cluttered the sun room by being away so long. Plants have not been watered in two weeks.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 26 Jul 15 - 10:32 PM

Dorothy, I'm so glad you're there to help your friend and you were there to help the young man from 30 years ago. This most recent event sounds horrible, yet clearly the daughter and niece kept their heads about them and prevented further bloodshed.

You use magnesium citrate for leg cramps? It is a powerful laxative in the 10 oz bottle - it's what they have you take overnight before abdominal surgery. Do you take a pill or small amount of the liquid?

Michelle, there have been similar brief sightings of table and countertops here. But then I started to do some canning. . . you know how that looks. Huge pots, cases of jars, lids, boxes of stuff, and accouterments of the job (funnel, gripper thing for taking jars from hot water, saucers for this and that). At least I got all sticky things into the sink and then washed, before I headed out to help a friend prune some shrubs around her pool. Her grandson hasn't been over to do the trimming and mowing, but at least the shrubs are looking good.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 27 Jul 15 - 11:46 PM

Yesterday I put into practice the statement from an article I read: would you buy it today if you had the money? There was a rolled up foam mattress in the rafters collecting dust - not only would I not buy a new one, I would never use this one. Out to the curb. I also tossed some things that never made it to a garage sale and now never will.

I did google the name of your friend, Dorothy. Tragic all around. I'm so sorry.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 01:43 PM

i am having to move with a month's notice. not sure where to, but will just rent a room from someone and retire in about a year. move will be simple as i have been living in tiny cabin..came with a bed. i have an ironing board, folding table, office chair, some bins, some bags. Will pack up my tsunami food and give to food bank. Likewise cleaning products and hair etc. to a place where they feed people..they can pass them out. Took bag of shoes, some of which I really liked, to thrift shop. I own almost no books, some cds that i really don't listen to and will sort through..."spare clothing" for funerals, weddings, visits with the pope I'll keep. Some bedding. Will be getting rid of big exercise machine and medium refrigerator, latter to St. Vincent perhaps. I am sorting through old batteries, flashlights, electrical cords...transformers...actually you can sell those on ebay but i will probably donate to thrift store. i figure i am behind on charity so i should just donate stuff directly.

Anyway, a testimonial to moving towards nonclutter and minimalism. They say people clutter for different reasons..some like new shiny things, some sentimental things, some can't resist free stuff..mine is catastrophic..the civil war might return and i will need those old sheets for bandages and i will need an extensive set of tools to build shelters etc...but it is going nevertheless. I have decided when I retire, most likely ina year, I will go on a pilgrimage...probably start in Ireland, go to part of the Campostella and end up on the Mary Magdalene route in France. I would love to be a donkey pilgrim but have no donkey. I think there is a donkey pilgramage to Greece...

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 12:06 AM

More power to you, Mary!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: ranger1
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 11:15 AM

Finally had enough of sleeping on the floor and made it to the hardware store to buy what I needed to attempt my jury-rig repair of the cheaply constructed futon. Three cheers for the hardware store guys for giving me the sale price for an extremely nice set of drill bits and drivers that went back to original price several weeks ago. I didn't ask, they offered. Discussed my fix-it plan with the owner of the store, and he told me that was how he'd do it, as well. Spent the evening making the repair and then putting the frame back together. Not only have I fixed the futon, but I've decluttered all the parts that were stashed all over the cottage.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: MAG
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 01:17 PM

I once had a snapshot on my desk of a "clear spot on MA's desk," and the date.

so nice to know i am not alone.

been a great week. infected spider bite. loose canine tooth turns out to need the old root canal and crown redone: sticker shock of $2000 -- but can't see not getting it done.
sigh.
now to find $2000 worth of work someone will hire me for.

since i am off all junk food, need to drown my self-pity some other way.

happy warm weather to all.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 12:34 AM

Maryanne, maybe Tami will loan you her drill. Do it yourself dentistry. :-)

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 10:23 PM

The weekend and August loom. Looking forward to both.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 10:44 PM

Beaver Haven:

Might change that to Mosquito haven right now. The door was open too long into the evening and .... Hope they are all swatted before bedtime!

Very exciting that the floor and two walls of my "new" studio are in place! Yesterday, R and Bruno and I drove from the mill to Beaver in 3 sep vehicles, two pulling trailers. Unfortunately, the frig we brought does not seem to be functioning. But the kitchen cabinets, counter and shed parts are all here, and a wheel, clay, etc for the new design which is already proving popular. Hopefully, the shed will be under roof before B has to leave. The K may have to wait a while. Most de-cluttering is happening to my bank account!

The new windows are a great success. R is so enjoying looking out at the morning sky, as do I. I envision spending my income for the next few months on windows! For the house and for the studio. we have placed it so I can walk out the back door, across the deck and just about 10 feet to the studio door. Convenient! And convenience counts a great deal toward getting things done.

Mag citrate: I use a powder called "CALM". Wonderful for cramps, improved my hips and knees, and actually does help calm me. Just a quarter to half teaspoon. No added ingredients. Magnesium does have a laxative effect but it is essential and seems to be more important than calcium or, perhaps, we are more likely to be short of it. I surely am.

Beautiful day and evening with almost full moon!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 31 Jul 15 - 02:42 PM

we had horrible mosquitoes last year. i got a battery powered swatter that looks like a tennis racquet. works great.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Aug 15 - 09:55 AM

Hi all.. long time no post.

Declutter
I did do the clear out and donated about a third of my craft and sewing supplies to friend who lost all her stock in flood. She was happy to receive 4 large bags (bag for life shopping bags) and 3 medium boxes of beads, charms yarn, fabric, jewellery findings, silk flowers, etc..

We are in process of move to new home in Shropshire so much clearing out is going on.

Clothes we've been through 2 times and about to go one more time. Especailly mine as I will not be working I don't need much. Couple of smart outfits for going out and the few comfortable around house or shopping. Bit of grunge for cleaning, gardening and camping.

Some of the clothes were not in good enough condition to donate so I made metres and metres of bunting for a friend's upcomg wedding. The rest in strips to make braided rug for new house.

Papers - all organised and the unneeded was recycled or burned at Knockholt bonfire.   

Books - we've gone through 3 times. More than a half dozen boxes and/or (large shopping bags taken to Oxfam. Still too many to take to the new house. So will go through again and create a list of the ones we might download to e-reader. And get rid of those as well.

Fitness
The house has a large consrevatory with central heat and air conditioning and a self-cleaning glass roof. First purchase within month or so of move will be a small 2 seat hot tub. The plan is I will warm my joints every morning and then put in time on my elliptical trainer.
The kitchen has a mighty rangemaster. So there will be making of whole meal organic bread, pizza, pasta and vegetarian meals. Dinner will be mid day and light meal like soup and salad in the evening.
I hope to discover which foods make my RA pain worse and delete them by keeping a journal of diet and flares.

This time next year I hope to be a good deal fitter and will look at growing vegetable and herbs outdoors.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 01 Aug 15 - 10:34 AM

VT, that sounds like a thorough and well-designed plan, and congratulations on the new house and managing the move so well. The things you take with you will be of use and you won't be tripping over all of the excess. It's too easy for most people to load up everything and say they'll do a garage sale once they get moved in and figure out what they don't have room for. By then, it's too late, the stuff is already in the house.

A food journal is an excellent idea, and I envy you that large kitchen.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 Aug 15 - 09:24 PM

Beaver Haven:

R asleep in a chair after a long busy four days. The studio is all together with a lovely new galvanized roof and new plywood floor. The can of paint for the floor is sitting there. R thought he had the energy to paint after supper at the Halibut but....

Bruno left for Montreal about 5:30 after a Trojan job! There is still a need for windows, a door, insulation... But for now it is quite adequate. Cold weather won't be bad until September! I am terrifically excited. R is happy that his flatbed trailer is de-cluttered and can now be used for other needs.

Our $100 shed has ended up costing over $1000 - we have not toted it up yet. Hopefully it will be less than the $2800 a neighbour spent on a lovely pine shed. We are happy with it in any case.

A friend can hardly wait to play with clay - still has the things she made in 1995 when I last gave classes here. We had great fun! There will be no classes here; just one or two at a time by appointment or "just come when you can if you can work on your own." I refuse to clutter life with the necessity of being there every ... at... o'clock.

Tomorrow R gets to play - Gemboree, yard sales, the Art show, whatever... Long weekend in Ontario.

I am enthralled by VT's de-cluttering! Congratulations on an organized good job of it! And a move to a wonderful new home.

The floating flooring I purchased for the house has gone to Montreal with B to be used in a large room in one of R's buildings. I decided painted plywood would be quite adequate.

After driving around for 3 days, collecting needful items, perhaps I can start washing the "new" K cabinets tomorrow. I think the old ones can go into the studio. I took two doors out of the house and R put them in the back-back shed but I would like them totally gone - to the thrift warehouse when we have a truck. A sheepskin coat, gifted to us, was passed on to a friend who will find it a good home. "What else can I get rid of?", I ask myself as I look around! Some of the old carpeting might be useful to someone also if we can truck it somewhere.

The former house owner, who grew up, with several siblings in this 600 sf house, stopped by while I was out and told R about the septic system and water system and was delighted to see the house having new life. They lived in the kitchen while her dad built the next part. In the "new" section, there was a bathtub with a piece of plywood over it - where she slept.

The parents must have done something right as she and her siblings have larger homes now. And R and I are happy with our tiny house and studio. We hope for another shed for his library sometime. That would bring us up to 800 sf of space plus the way back sheds for a work shop and rough storage. LOTS of room!

Gorgeous weather - cool and breezy but the sun was hot. Rain squalls today dampened the art and craft show! And delighted Bruno who kept on working on the roof!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 01 Aug 15 - 11:11 PM

More grape juice processed, now in shelf-stable in canning jars until I'm ready to make jelly. I have some in the fridge for at least one batch soon, but the rest can wait.

It's that time of year for planning for dorm rooms. Walk through Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond, and others, and see the displays of furnishings and office supplies. I have things suitable for that use to be listed now on eBay.

Finally sent back some NetFlix videos and the replacements arrived yesterday. My goal is to watch and return these before the end of the week. I stream mostly but I do have a lot of non-streaming films and programs on my queue.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Aug 15 - 04:54 AM

thought I'd share pics of the new house.
Hope that's ok.

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.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Aug 15 - 11:30 PM

Ouch!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Aug 15 - 10:28 AM

Another parkway score, same neighbor-- it's a heart that hangs on a wall? So what, right? It's big, 40" acoss-- so what, right? It's made of interlocking sticks of lumpy, textured driftwood and SO belongs in a garden, after coating with weatherstain. THAT's what! ;-)

The sept. trip has a lot dof spray painting and garden installations on hand.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Aug 15 - 01:24 PM

City:
susan is collecting nifty treasures!
SRS needs to start a movement to stop useless toxic spraying! What a horror! What it does to people's health is a known.

Our heat wave is diminishing. I just dashed out to move car before a ticket! Not as bad as yesterday. The heat precluded my painting on Tuesday am. I just did what was necessary and left about 10 am, grateful for AC in car! Took a tiny detour to visit a shop in the village of Ormsby. Had a lovely chat with the owners and, just before I moved on, Lillian asked if I still pot. She would like some pottery for their wonderful shop!

I got to city about 6, after shopping for supper. The AC was not on so we ate out - in an AC restaurant. By the time we got home again, the house was tolerable. I had offloaded the car and did two loads of laundry before R got home.

Weds, I went off to the mill and offloaded a few things, watered plants, visited the municipal office for a renewed reno permit, dropped book at library, indulged in a large ice cream cone before going to the Market to set up - slowly. Lots of people for this 10th anniversary event but only two sales. The organizer, my best customer, bought a large bowl "for potatoes"; fortunately I did not tell him it would help if he cut back ...! A young girl, maybe 12, was attracted by a heart shaped bowl and got her mom to come look. They went away and she came back and examined almost every piece! Then asked if I had anything for $10 or $5. I gave her the bowl for $10. How could I not?! This event was only $10 so I did socializing and made $40! And did not die of the heat. I just kept telling myself, "You can do this." With the help of a brownie, I repacked and a couple youngsters helped fold the card tables.

I wended my way back to the city where the house was JUST cool enough to endure. I brought cooked corn from the market; it was still hot after over an hour! I quickly cooked a chicken breast and made two salads. Late in the evening, we opened the back door to let in the cooler night air - and, hopefully, no cats! The AC does the BR well, the BR and LR not so great. More than that - forget it! This am, the outdoor air cooled the K and we had BF in a tolerable environment.

I really do not know how people survive in the heat. Some of you will laugh! It is 81 in Montreal right now - 1 pm. Tomorrow it is to drop to 77. That is still too hot. I was going to do some food shopping... I'll think about that.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 20 Aug 15 - 02:13 PM

I emptied the contents from that antique trunk and I'd like to put these on display, but to do so means rearranging the display spaces and putting something else away. It's also getting close to time to rearrange some large pieces of furniture. Fall must be in the air, the summer heat doesn't inspire interest in moving large objects around the house.

Updating the computer today, syncing devices, clearing out extra files, moving images. Virtual decluttering.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Aug 15 - 05:27 PM

I canned peaches today and had fun teaching Jeremiah about it. He helped to peel the skins off after I had blanched them and had them in ice water. He's a curious bug and I am thrilled that he takes an interest in cooking. :)

The mess from canning is all cleaned up and the quart jars are sitting on towels with the lids popping. Music to my ears.


Michelle

PS. Jeremiah starts kindergarten in 5 more days. Can't believe it.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Aug 15 - 10:13 PM

Mill:

I de-cluttered my body of serious exhaustion with a couple hours of bed rest, rather than food shopping; I did think about it and decided it could wait. Did prep and loaded car to come here, arriving in good order, feeling much better. A light supper and soon to bed.

R did a major de-clutter yesterday: the papers of the last 4-5 years which were all over the place- anywhere I could stash them! - are now sorted and placed, with important ones found - finally! We have re-gained shelf space.

Thankful for the AC here! The room is comfortable.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Aug 15 - 01:07 PM

Back in PA. The cheap kiddie pool peeps are using for iced party buffets, these days, also make *great* no-fuss kitty litter pans for vacay use. This saves the petsitter having to scoop. Just pour more litter onto wet or stinky spots,every few days, and one vacay plus 2 cats equalled one 5 gal bucket of emptied litter-pool.

This could easily have held enough for more than 2 cats to share... like 12 or so. Easily emptied with dustpan as scoop, contents will go to fill another groundhog hole out back or fill in a future in the grass.... grass grows right into such a filled spot and as the spot settles with rain, over time, more can be added. Under the grass, it self-compost and self-fertilizes.

Over the 20+ years we've lived on this farm I bet we've filled at least 500 buckets worth of used clay litter with the 'tootsie rolls' added. Grass flourishes wherever we have done this.

I plan a similar self-composting program for dog waste in Ohio, with mulch regularly layered onto stinkeriferous material in non-veg garden beds I'll put into flowers eventually.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 21 Aug 15 - 01:49 PM

good for you. i think management of animal waste is a huge problem. so much goes into landfill..and it is not inert...think of the diseases etc. that could be let loose..think of the toxic mess...likewise baby diapers etc...we need to be burning some of this stuff and safely (far far away from food growth) composting some.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 21 Aug 15 - 07:48 PM

Dog droppings (and cat droppings, when I had cats) all go into the very large compost pile at the back of my yard. Each pile (the yard is large, there is room) is around for about three years before it is used. I start a new one every January, and it gathers garden weeeds and lawn trimmings, vegetable kitchen waste (composted in a small bin first) mixed with dog waste. And no, for the millionth time (anticipating the old wive's tale about it being different) it is NOT a hazard in the garden. The waste of dogs or cats or other predators breaks down just fine in compost. I don't put meat in because it is too difficult to keep the dogs out of the compost if its in there.

Items are listed on eBay now - there is a pent up supply of things needing to be photographed, described, packaged, and listed. It's also time to see if I can finish filling the box by the back door and make another run to the thrift store donation station.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 22 Aug 15 - 10:05 AM

Adventures in dog-sitting: the damned fence slats are holding on by a thread and periodically one drops out of the fence like a gape-toothed grin. Another one did it overnight. My friend paid a little extra so I would keep the pool filled (there is a leak that needs fixing as soon as she gets home) and to dead-head the roses, but that effort will instead turn to picking up a box of deck screws and attaching the slats that are propped and strengthen the ones that are almost ready to go. And I may consult by phone later today and simply negotiate a fee to fix that fence for her. She keeps putting it off because it involves hiring someone to come do a big job. I've built fences before, she sees my fence all of the time. We can probably knock the whole thing off in a couple of weekends if she says yes - and we'll work it at a pace she's comfortable with. I can always use the extra cash and she can't use her back yard with peace of mind the way it is right now. The littlest renegade in her pack is a King Charles Cavalier spaniel who is exactly one fence slat wide from side-to-side and who doesn't come when she's called.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Aug 15 - 10:03 PM

Two matching brass lamps purchased at a neighborhood garage sale finally died. They were kind of wonky when I got them, shifting from dim to bright and back to dim all by themselves (probably the reason they sold them in the first place). I found replacements today for the 3-way touch controls for $9 each and just finished the wiring. I like these lamps and didn't want to replace them. I may put new felt on the bottoms before I put them back into service.

Time also for a shoe swap (as an aside - I think somewhere in my childhood we visited or camped at a lake Shuswap . . .) There are a couple of pair in such bad shape that if I forget and wear them around town it's embarrassing to be caught in them. So tattered that they only should be used in the yard, and probably simply tossed and be done with.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 24 Aug 15 - 09:34 AM

Shipping an eBay package this morning after a quick sale, meaning I probably didn't list it as high as I could, but it's sold and gone, and that's the primary goal.

I started organizing a storage closet this weekend, a project that may take several attempts to accomplish. Storage shelving is being tested and returned to the store if it doesn't fit right.

Subject: Packing tip-- filled 'bubblewrap"
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Aug 15 - 02:21 PM

My next Ohio trip comes very soon and the packlist includes a lot of very small items to go into a waterproof plastic barrel.

I'll foto each layer as they build up in the barrel, for quick finding at the unpacking end, cuz many items are doodads that go with items already there.... for example that shaver's charger?

I'll be putting each item into a Ziploc, with lots of air left in, to form a filled 'packing pillow.'

Fragile items will first be tissue-wrapped, but all these filled packing pillows will keep cords from tangling, small parts from getting lost, and odd shapes from interlocking and/or breaking.

At the unpacking end, the gently used ziplocs will be used to straighten out hardware that accumulates there, and a shelf placed there last week is waiting for the sorted-out hardware and the gently used ziploc for ongoing hardware containerizing. I have plastic containers there to hold the stock of ziploc.

A pretty tablecloth covers said shelf to keep dust out. It doubles as a room divider and landing zone for purse, keys, and outbox on one side and puder projects /hardware dept on the kitchen side where my laptop and printer adjoin.

The shelf is also a place-holder for the slightly larger oak sideboard that will retire to Ohio when Hardi does. Then the shelf will become cubbies for hardware in the garage, wall mounted, or a garden shelf.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Aug 15 - 10:20 PM

Mill:

Fri: must have done something in the am but all I remember is spending most of the aft with student re glazing and getting her started on glazing her own pots - her first glaze session. I was having trouble with the heat and had to keep coming back to the AC LR! But managed to load the kiln after she left and turned it on Saturday am. with window and door open, there is no fuming problem!

Anyway we were off to the Chateauguay Valley Antique Association annual wingding! Flea market, antiques, crafts, auction, antique cars, tractors, ---Everything! Out in the middle of nowhere on an old farm - Barn, replica of school house, general store, etc. People come from distances for the event - well run and delightful. I sold pots. Sat eve, both R and I went to bed EARLY! And he ws just having fun! Sunday, Geri helped me pack pots and R fetched car and loaded it. Hefting boxes of pots is exercise of a sort - very tiring sort! Then we three went to supper in restaurant. Then for ice cream cones across the street - frozen yogurt for us and, now we were four, sat outside at a table in the gathering, breezy, evening. Thankfully, the weekend was not terribly hot.

But today was. I cleaned the K, washed the dishes, made soup for lunch. R was googling geology re gold mine in Montana and finally left for the city about 4 pm. HAving not gotten any work done in the studio, I decided to stay over. Went to thrift shop and bought a couple needful items, a couple books as library was not open and I was out, and a good pair of black jeans for R. Then to grocery for broccoli and had a good supper. Ordered supplements on line. Wrote emails to help Sarah connect with our friend in san Diego county re a project. Then FB.... And now... Soon bed!

Supposed to rain tonight and cooler tomorrow so maybe I can get some work done in studio.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Aug 15 - 11:11 PM

We're still in the mid- to upper-90s now, with an occasional spike up (I think it hit 105^o on Sunday). My energy level has dropped, as the summer progresses this is typical. The first cool fall day will bring a jolt of energy to my system.

The lamps look great and I'm glad to restore them to use for $20 instead of having to replace them for a lot more. I will get some LED bulbs one of these days, and they're liable to cost at least as much as the switches, but are also worth it.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 25 Aug 15 - 09:08 AM

Have any of you ever noticed how, when you visit a friend's home, you can see all of the things that need work (but it isn't mentioned because that kind of thing doesn't need to be mentioned, unless they bring it up) but the similar kinds of projects at your house are invisible to you. Until you are expecting guests who don't know you and your clutter, when it all becomes painfully obvious, and it is equally obvious that there isn't time to clear it all out?

Just an observation. :)

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Aug 15 - 09:40 AM

No. I see the reverse.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Aug 15 - 09:45 AM

I am taking a break from all household chores today and am spending the day in my sewing room. Pete and I took Jeremiah to his first day of kindergarten and I'm feeling very introspective...not a boo : ok sadness but a heaviness. I want to be alone for now. Maybe some reorganizing will happen in here today but I'm not counting on it.

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 25 Aug 15 - 10:37 AM

Mill:

Good plans not happening. Lovely cool night and beautiful morning but not much energy. So, it will be a day of do little things, rest, do little things...

First little thing was go through a recently discovered plastic bin of too small clothes. The intention was to prepare to give them all away since I have given up hope of ever fitting them again. Still holding at 160.

OK, I shall never be an 11 or 12 again but just maybe I could lose enough to be a 14, she thinks hopefully. There are some really neat clothes in there! SO, realistically, I put most back in the bin and saved out a few pieces to alter; a couple need only a 5 pound loss... Hope may help... On a pair of comfy cotton slacks I made in the 80's, the elastic had been taken in considerably; I let it out and I can wear them comfortably again!

What if I suddenly lose weight for some reason? After I give away all these very good clothes? Not ready to give them up yet. Final analysis.

Think I'll go check out the flower bed.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 25 Aug 15 - 09:51 PM

Dorothy, I still have some clothes in a bin in my closet that are too small now but would fit at a reasonable weight for my age. I don't ever expect to fit into the same size or kind of clothes I could wear at 25, but maybe the clothes I wore at 45. :)

The days are still hot but it is noticeable that it gets dark earlier now. Kids going back to school this week (congratulations on successfully launching your son into his K-12 days, Michelle!) The baldcypress in the front yard always turns brown and starts dropping leaves now, I don't water it much so it is one of the first trees to turn as fall approaches.

A couple of plate racks arrived from Amazon: they will work, but they aren't as sturdy as the sort sold at the Container Store, but they don't have this particular type of plate rack. Beggars can't be choosers, I'll use these. I still have some outdoor work to do this year, painting my patio cover, gardening, but my attention is once again shifting to more indoor projects.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 26 Aug 15 - 04:31 AM

After a year of lower dose Thyroxine, reduced from 200 micrograms to 175, I notice that I am losing again.
I know that I must have gained at first, just from my waist measurement, but the low carb regime is having an effect again.
It is not so much a diet as a way of eating, and the only one which controls my weight.
On 'normal' diets with lots of 'healthy' carbohydrate I put on weight uncontrollably, exercise will not stop the gain and reducing diets counting calories are no help as I go into hibernation.

I had lost 14 inches off my waist, and am back to 2 or 3 inches of that now.
I carry all my weight around my middle as a 'bay window' effect, so when I say my waist sucks - it really does.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Aug 15 - 10:19 PM

Beaver Haven:
SO nice to be back! I feel much better.

This am, in Montreal, I puled weeds before bf on a beautiful cool morning. R & I had BF and were talking about matters and, finally, he went out the door to go to work - BUT! He exclaimed, and I went to see - the house next door was being renovated? Just done about 5 years ago! The new owner explained that his heating bill for 50 days last winter was over $1000; he is having the windows and doors replaced; they were single pane, not replaced during the reno. SO, we have three lovely doors - etched glass inserts with lovely tree and moon - for our plan to put them between LR and BR for light flow. We may use the third for the front door. All are the correct size. We also collected all the old window panes for future project. May not be de-cluttering but sure will reduce the de-cluttering of bank accounts. The man next door was delighted also! He believes strongly in recycling.

Arriving at Beaver, I was thrilled by the work done - bathroom floor looks terrific; will do the same in the LR. And wonderful to be able to sit on toilet without feeling I am going to fall through the floor! One does have to not mind the visible screws that hold the flooring firmly in place - and make it possible to remove it if needful. It is quarter inch mahogany - inexpensive and beautiful with satin finish varathane on it. NOW, the bathroom looks habitable. What a difference a floor makes!

The studio looks great with its bow window, a door and two more windows - needs two more. Tomorrow, I shall consult re costs and WHEN CAN YOU COME BACK! My friends have gone off to help someone prepare a space for home schooling project - book shelves! Cannot argue with that! But now I am antsy to get the house in better shape before winter sets in. Cool enough for a small fire in stove tonight but I shall go to bed instead - a three quilt night again.

I sent pics to R and he is "impressed". He will send the pic of bow window to the women who sold us the shed for $100 (The cost is up to about $3000 now! Definitely de-cluttered our finances! A nice pottery studio - for days that are warm enough for minimal heat. Lots of solar gain from that window on sunny days!.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 26 Aug 15 - 11:16 PM

Dog sitting concludes tomorrow, and in the 10 days I've been feeding my friend's dogs I've trained them to sit and wait until I tell them to eat. This means they are much calmer at meal time. The great thing is that when they do the trick they get to eat so they're more inclined to co-operate each time we do it. Win/win! She loves that my dogs do this (and we have a calmer routine than what exists with her dogs now, but she'll get there) and it is a "value added" aspect to dog sitting. That and repairing the fence. :-/

Thinking about doing more painting soon, and maybe some tile.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Aug 15 - 07:53 PM

Beaver:
Thus proving once again: "You can teach an old dog anything it is willing to learn."

Am was a time of re-grouping here, then spent aft at Place for the Arts; good conversation and learning about stuff. Eve: cleared over 100 emails. need to empty trash! Waiting for friends to arrive so I can go to open mike.

Hoping tomorrow will be a day of painting walls and BR floor so I can start putting some furniture in here and start flooring the LR with the same inexpensive and attractive stuff as the Bathroom.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Aug 15 - 10:03 PM

I found the can of paint I've been looking for that will be used on my patio cover. I have to remove and replace the plank on one side, and can use the old warped plank by cutting into shorter sections to replace a couple of seats on one side of it. I'll wash down the cover with water and a little bleach to remove dirt and any mildew before I start painting. I'll start that this weekend.

Last week I installed Kaspersky on the main computer and my phone and I have a couple of other computers in the house to install it on (the pack covers 5 devices for 1 year). Virtual organization work.

It has been very dry here so I've carefully watered my vegetable garden since planting for the fall. I need to weed around the sprinklers or the grass will deflect the water. I also need to trim a tree that is growing up against the roof line, and have a bunch of branches to run through the little electric chipper. As you can tell, I'm not doing a very good job of turning my attention to decluttering in the house yet.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Aug 15 - 02:20 PM

Packing pillows worked great.

First bin for Sept. trip packed and ready to load. Items listed on fone memo app checked off and list of contents emailed to facilitate unpacking

~S~

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 28 Aug 15 - 06:10 PM

Now all I can think of is:

I do wish the bathroom had a floor
Though it has a nice window and door
All the getting around
without touching the ground
Is getting to be such a bore.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Aug 15 - 10:43 AM

That bathroom is fine for Spiderman!

I have a combination list on the kitchen counter, tasks to work on and shopping. Overnight I soaked a batch of beans and they're simmering now. Our weather is still hot, but about 10 degrees lower than a couple of weeks ago, noticeable in the amount of energy I feel.

On a recent trip to World Market I found inexpensive wooden spoons and scrapers ($1.99 each for wood, $7 to $10 for bamboo) and picked out a set. My current wooden spoons have been used for many years and are intact, but I've read that they should be swapped out every so often. Now the old ones are in a storage drawer for kitchen gadgets and the new ones are upright in a small pitcher on the counter. Before I left for work yesterday I loaded and ran the dishwasher, so I'm starting today with a kitchen ready to work in. A small gift to my weekend self. Perhaps I shouldn't have had that second Scotch last night because I also started today with a small headache - some Friday nights cry out for kicking back after a week that feels longer than usual! :)

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Aug 15 - 03:43 PM

The batch of beans was made and spooned into single-serving jars for the freezer, with a little left for dinner tonight. A loaf of bread is cooling, way up out of reach of any canines who wander through the room. I think the headache was in fact from allergies, not Scotch. The level of crud in the air is high (we're also getting particulates from the fires to the northwest) and it's as humid as hell today. Sudafed and motrin did the trick. Now to scratch more off of The List.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Aug 15 - 12:03 PM

At a local resale shop I found garden ornaments and tomato cages for the next trip to Ohio for gardening projects.

ONe brand new cage will go to support the peony bush I;m movingm ilater years' growth.

The other 8 tomato cages will make two low, conical towers (in scale with the property). These are in place of hugely expensive towers I've seen there, made from greenwood wound into a cone.... what I will do is train the ubiquitous vine that grows there, onto these towers.

As each season's growth dies and dries, they will accumulate to form a base for vines I'll plant later, when I move them to their eventual, non-symmetrical planned locations; for now one each will go in front of two weathered (gray) lattice panels that front the patio and frame the driveway's end/patio's start.

As they'll be nakedly unsightly at the start, spraypaint will be involved to make them all match to a white finish. After that it's up to Mother Nature to color them!

~S~

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 30 Aug 15 - 10:04 PM

Last night we had a heavy downpour for at least an hour, accumulating about two inches in containers that were sitting in the yard. One of these days I need to buy a rain gauge.

The refrigerator has been cleared of some old items and stocked with good stuff to take for lunch during the week. There is a casserole dish of bread pudding for breakfasts and stuff for sandwiches. I cook from scratch and used quite a few items from last year's garden that are still in freezer. Canning and freezing of this year's crop has been slow, the garden didn't produce well so far, but fingers are crossed that autumn has excellent yields.

I did tomato cage work today also - propping up eggplant, peppers, and putting several in place for cucumbers to climb on now that they're growing quickly. Before locking the gate I made a couple of runs with the wheelbarrow, toting cut up dried out sunflowers and branches from pruning. Those branches will go through a small chipper to be mulch in next spring's garden.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: MAG
Date: 31 Aug 15 - 02:21 AM

ah. rain. blessed, blessed rain.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 31 Aug 15 - 09:45 AM

Yes, indeed!

Ants in the master bathroom on the sink this morning. Same thing happened last year. I have a couple of bait stations set up, with sugar and borax. It takes a few days but it does eventually kill them off. You have to start as soon as you see them. Diatomaceous Earth drives them off quickly, but they emerge someplace else. Last week there was an ant attack on the kitchen countertop where I had opened a can of tuna, a different type of ant (not attracted to the sugar water). The last couple of years have been wretched with all of the ants. The only plus about it is that these annoying little ants seem to annoy the fire ants right out of the yard.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Sep 15 - 02:21 PM

Lol we have a cross-species fix here too. There's a tiny house rodent that eats infant mice, is much slower-reproducing, and prefers cat-free environs. We all voted to let em stay. The mouser loves to catch and display then but they don't taste good enough to eat... so they serve as mute periodic memos on the rodent situation.

THAT reminds me-- it's that time of year to invite the mousers into the unheated storage rooms though-- I'll have to remind HardI it's time to let the cat hair back into his weight room, which connects with the prey zone.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 Sep 15 - 07:50 PM

Beaver:

So happy to have a good floor in Bath. Seems a bit strange still that the toilet no longer rocks!

Yesterday my good neighbour with truck helped me retrieve "new" chest of drawers from the Thrift warehouse! I spent most of the afternoon filling it with our clothes. We also moved the armoire - also from T.W.- into the BR - now that the floor has been painted - light Quaker grey. So for half a day, that end of the BR looked ever so nice. However, in prep for the new LR floor, stuff has been moved into the BR. I am kind of pooped now but the plan for the morrow is to varathane the 4x8 sheets of flooring, which Tammie delivered to the studio today. Not sure how, but I shall be able to put some of LR floor and maybe even do some outdoors. they need to be dry so they can be installed on Thursday because R is HOPEFULLY bringing sofa and love seat on Friday.

I will be sleeping in the studio on a lounge chair to avoid the odours. Also hope to finish bit of painting in the LR so it is done before flooring! The large LR window now has a curtain rod and light drape - to keep the heat out; soon it will be closed at night to keep the heat in! I shall actually be working on a heavier drape for winter. I picked up a marvellous 4 yds of heavy tapestry like fabric at a thrift shop yesterday; each side is different and beautiful. Maybe...

Aside from the major de-cluttering of my bank accounts for all this labour and materials - hence, I will do the varathaneing! - I have made an interesting and not happy discovery:

Over the last couple months, the laprinol and spirolina, and the freahs air up here, have affected my health incredibly - I feel better, have more energy AND, in the last couple weeks was confused by blurred vision - it turned out that I no longer needed glasses as much as usual - putting them on blurred my vision! I also have not needed my protective mask the last few weeks - in hardware stores, e.g. BUT, in the last few days, this all changed. Sunday I was terribly bothered when I went in certain shops. Then I noticed I needed glasses again. Today, I could not hear the little doorbell at the art gallery and did not understand Tammie on the phone. So, by mid-day, I realized, with fascination and dismay, that the paint fumes have re-cluttered my brain - hence, my setting up a sleeping space outside this toxic house. This is a major learning experience which I shall share with my wonderful health consultant, Connie.

Susan! I suppose you are aware that when moving a peony, it is best to dig a deep hole and put lots of nutritious soil/manure in the bottom. They hate to be moved and so it is best to prepare the hole for a long term stay.   Or so I have been led to understand.

The sun dropped behind the west hill about 7 pm tonight, a harbinger of yet to come! A beautiful cooling eve; the only sound is my tinnitus.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 01 Sep 15 - 10:40 PM

Dorothy, be careful with those fumes. You may also be feeling the effects of gases and minute particulates in the air from the fires in the west. They're noticeable here now, and they've been travelling east longer than they've been travelling south. I'm impressed with the work you've finished at the new place, but don't let it make you sick.

The evenings aren't cool here yet, but the day's aren't as hot, down by about 5 degrees (you notice the difference between 100^o and 95^o) and by the end of the month it will be down into the low 90s during the day. Much easier on the garden and getting a fall crop.

I cleared out a portable bookcase (it folds flat) in my son's room, put things in his closet and in the recycle bin (about half and half). I'm thinking about rearranging the shelves in the kitchen again, and this matches another set of shelves that is already in there. If anyone comes to visit, my son's old room is also the guest room and it is getting roomier by the day! It's time for another run to the village recycle bins and to the local thrift store donation station.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Sep 15 - 01:11 PM

DP, yes, and it's a young peony with milk blight from being in an area with too much damp and too little sun. It's going where it should have gone-- a few feet into the sunshine. And if it croaks, that spot will get replanted. Where it's coming out from will get a holly matching the row of hollies across the front of the house, probably.

Second bin packed. Sure felt odd shoving two life-size dolls down into it... like a horrific Forensic Files. They're going to live in the garden after I waterproof them a bit.

So I'm on track to start loading this weekend, which will free the downstairs-- and my time to prep the downstairs for the nice young man who needed a few bucks between jobs, to unleash his admitted ocd upon this old dustbin.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Sep 15 - 03:12 PM

WhooHOOO!!!

Thrift shops for a Hollywood bed frame... great deal on bed frame at first stop. Plus oval wicker-framed mirror and 4 large flat hearts made from woven cornstalk. Plus large pillow to raise height of recliner seat overdue for fresh padding. Wicker and hearts to Ohio garden.

Next stop bldrs supply for Surveyor stakes. Cheap fix for old free cycled wishing well for conversion from flat plywood crap to board n batten look. 72 cents each and long enough to also stake the well into grass. Goes to Ohio garden this trip-- the top third is a planter box. This goes where I had hoped to put in a spirea next to the driveway-- until we paid big bucks to rotorooter the drain running under that spot.... oh THAT'S whyseller took out that shrub. Sane height/scale as planned shrub and since that section is kiddos garden, a wishing well makes sense. Every drop of water a wish for a greener planet.

Next on to other thrift shop for the garden ornaments they'd held for me.... and the wicker wash stand I'd driven away from last week. They still had it. Good price negotiation. Matches other thrifty wicker already in Ohio. All wicker slated for patio where song circles will go. Wash stand plantable. Ohio piece now beside DR table is wide plant stand.... slated for a window box spot in patio.

Almost drove off without dog house. Dog houses had waked me up last night-- one for Ohio badly needed. Lots of room on trailer this time. Not only great price but great sz for current small dog plus FutureDog to share. They crammed all this in back of non-van hybrid and no the hatch did not close-- slow drive home on flat roads no problem.

The garden ornaments included some on stakes and some small statuary to lurk in kiddo garden. Most of the metal stakes will rust thru soon but there's those surveyor's stakes that can be painted with positive slogans.

SCORE.SCORE.SCORE!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 15 - 09:34 PM

There were some bins of costume items at my dance studio this evening - sad story - the woman who used to dance has an advanced stage of ovarian cancer and asked my instructor to give these away. But said instructor gave some and sold others - to donate proceeds to cancer research. I bought two scarves, thinking of Mom and Michelle. One made it, one didn't. I'll keep one and give one to my daughter for xmas. They're really lovely.

The kitchen sink is emptied, now there are bills to pay. The same ol' same ol' beginning of the month. If I have energy when I finish the bills I'll think about rearranging some of the stuff on shelves in the kitchen.

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

Art Gallery:

Really "cluttered" my life this week with two days at Gallery and a half day at Place for the Arts - and NO time to make pottery in this gorgeous weather!

The other night I dragged all the pieces of varathaned wood outside and slept inside but last night they were all installed and I slept in the studio. The floor - mahogany underlay - looks great! R is bringing the carpet tonight and love seat, throw rugs, and...??? Also a small fridge; the old one was declared dead. I think I will stick with small; after all, I have dealt with a cooler all summer.

Today, another Magnificent Morning a la Bill Staines, my friends are putting two windows in the K - not huge but bigger than the just tiny one that is there - and may be able to get started on the K cabinetry. We have a plan! The cooperative weather is incredible! HOT weekend but only 30% chance of rain on Sat. I will be at the Maynooth Market which, this week, will be part of the annual Maynooth Madness - music, games, events all over the village. Maybe I will de-clutter the pottery inventory!

My peony story (hope this is not a reprise). When I moved to a "farm" (100A of bush and old apple trees) I found a tiny peony leaf in the front "lawn". After several years of clearing around it and mulching and talking nicely to it, it thanked me by producing a gorgeous flower - single pink with gold centre. It may have been 20 years or more since that poor dear had any attention but it persevered! It just needed help with the de-cluttering!

Depending on how far the new K goes today, I suspect we will be eating out a great deal on the weekend. De-cluttering the pocket book greatly. Still no stove. Second hand propane stoves do not seem to exist up here anymore.

Yesterday I was wearing a pair of closed shoes, after sandals all summer. My feet really hurt - until I realized - Maybe I need to trim my toenails! Yep! De-cluttering takes many forms!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 04 Sep 15 - 11:26 AM

A friend moved her hairdresser shop to a new location and yesterday was my first visit. She has a lovely large hutch to store and display products and tools - found at the local Goodwill! She told me which one - they apparently have a good furniture selection. I. Am. Sunk. ;-)

Today the kitchen shelves will get rearranged. The goal in the kitchen is to have some of the things now stored out of sight in view so I remember to use them. Begging the question "what should go in the cupboards?"

Some plants in the garden transplanted into pots for now (to give to friends - a native hibiscus has lots of seedlings around the base). The garden needs weeding, and some bedding plants need to be put in place for the fall and winter season. Swiss chard survives much of the cold weather here, thriving and providing greens all winter.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Sep 15 - 12:54 PM

DP what a great peony story!

Ours has never been in bloom since we bought the house-- at a time I could SEE it. I was told that it was fairly new. Last summer, I was told it had produced one flower. This year the blooms were dried, shriveled remnants-- the hot thing there being bloomS (plural). They looked like they might have been white or palest pink. I'll watch for next year's color before choosing what to add near it. More peony? Bulbs? I have no idea and it will be fun to wonder!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 04 Sep 15 - 01:31 PM

Posting before someone drops in to post a round number. :)

We had peonies in the yard when I was a kid, and my mother moved them to the new house when she retired and relocated. Now my sister has them. A lovely deep red bloom. What I really miss from that yard are the sword ferns - huge and happy in all of the mossy shady dampness of that back yard.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 04 Sep 15 - 05:11 PM

I finished a few errands, left a large bag of stuff at the thrift store donation center, and inside found a case and a half of jelly jars for $3.99. I give away a lot every year and get only a fraction back. Recycling has been dropped at the village bins, gas tank filled, and after a quick afternoon snack am headed in the other direction to pick up some bags of playground sand and mortar to work on a project to create a platform for a small barbecue grill. I have all of the bricks and the grates, but they need to be assembled.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 11:09 AM

Autumn is approaching for some, for others it is already in the rear view mirror. What are you doing to prepare for the cool seasons? Does decluttering have a role in your arrangements?

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 12:33 PM

Acme, usually yes a fall prep for MIL visit has coincided with decluts. This year tho and future years it involves moving and that is a different type and level of decluts.

I'll get back from Ohio while it's much balmier there than will n. central PA.... I am saving two PA projects for that time-- painting the insides of the darkly cavernous kitchen island is one.... a motion-LED light would make it bright if it were white enamel. The other is cubbies in the LR with dusty paper and ofc stuff, because some of those cubbies are moving to Ohio in the spring.

The winter project will be purging old files in the way I've described before, creating binders (guess where those came from) of old work product relevant to workshops I teach now. There will be copious bags of trash created with that project as I finish closing my PA home office. That room can then house accumulating boxes of upstairs stuff and room sized rugs, as I pack that zone for our eventual Big Move.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 03:27 PM

Multi-tasking on chores around the house. I should mow the lawn, maybe this evening. It's trying to rain, there were few drops earlier. Friends are coming over for dinner tomorrow so at some point vacuuming will tackle the dog hair, just in case we have to stay inside instead of eating on the back patio.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 06:44 PM

We processed 85 pounds of meat sale bulk packages into single servings Thursday-Saturday, some of it precooked. Ouchies!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 07:10 PM

Beaver:

Oh my! Just bought another almost brand new kiln for $200. I am hoping it is for my student who thinks she wants her own studio at her home. We stopped by the auction house just to see what was there - Oscar, the auctioneer was! But the first thing we saw, sitting outside, was the kiln. We wen inside to talk with Oscar, whom I have known for many years, and negotiated a price for he kiln; this included the tossing of a coin! Then R took interest in an old wooden canoe with new canvas but otherwise needing considerable work. He bought it. When I noted the number of canoes he already has (four)- "and when was the last time you used one" - Oscar noted the number of kilns I have (four).... Two de-cluttered wallets. Oscar was delighted with pics of the bow window we bought there for $15, now installed in the studio and looking terrific. (Installation was not cheap!)

We put in bids for two plates hand-painted with raccoons. They will go on the wall - if we get them.

Lest you think this is not a disease: yard sales were the main cause of R taking 12 hours for the 5 hour trip from Quebec to Beaver yesterday. We even have a lovely old wooden cradle - for kindling? Magazines? Books?

A new friend I talked with yesterday about de-cluttering, sent me this suggested book: Marie Kondo: The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up. So far, there is very little extraneous here. We now have a small fridge!!!! And a hot plate. A new front door; the old one will leave.

Oh, and we stopped at the Thrift Warehouse: a wonderful feather bed, a heater for studio, a good exercycle I can put in a corner of the studio, or even the BR; I tried it out and really liked it. Also 3 sandwich plates and two small glass bowls. .... Oh my!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Sep 15 - 09:13 AM

Oh my!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Sep 15 - 11:07 AM

My co-workers will realize a windfall tomorrow after yesterday's barbecue dinner, to which guests brought lots of extra food. No way I can eat all of this in a timely manner (let alone a calorically responsible manner!) Is there such a thing as a sugar hangover? Too many desserts yesterday.

I seem to have lots of duplicates here - yesterday I handed over a few items to a friend. I kept these estate items (kitchen gadgets) in case the kids would want them when they set up their own households, but if that doesn't happen and another suitable candidate comes along, sobeit! I rearranged some of the cupboard contents before company arrived and it looks good. I can see the foods contained in canisters now that they're not tucked away deep in a lower cupboard. Now to find what needs to live in that lower cupboard? It's too easy for a canine nose to open that door, so nothing edible!

It's Labor Day - for many, the gateway to autumn - but it's going to get up to 100^o today. It doesn't FEEL like autumn.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Sep 15 - 04:28 PM

Beaver:
After a couple phone calls and messages left, and an email, this morning I received a call from a woman selling a brand new 24 inch gas stove and "YES!" we want it. She offered to deliver it, a two hour trip!, for $20!!!! So she is bringing it tomorrow morning, when we will be collecting the larger items purchased on Sunday. Such a relief not to have to drive that round trip ourselves! She likes to come to Bancroft!

such a joy to have this small fridge; it has a separate freezer compartment and will make ice cubes - much needed today - and keep ice cream. YAY! Hopefully, we will have a K installed by the end of the week. I am going back to the city as soon as I confer with friends re the how of the K. Best not to be here in the midst of construction; I trust them to make good decisions and, if I might have done it differently I shall live with it.

When I return, it will be with about half the dishes from the mill and pans, etc. Also some cold weather clothes Thereby de-cluttering the mill some and having sufficient here that I no longer feel the need to buy more. It will be lovely to de-clutter the BR of the K stuff and have a real K. The lack of hot water seems a small item!

In today's heat, I am basically non-functional but I did partly unload the car; need to finish before the possible rain tonight. R repaired the drawer for the armoire; it took much longer than I expected. That will help de-clutter the BR. He also cleaned the tracks of the large sliding window with vacuum and a screw driver. It is still stuck open an inch. I measured for a new window! An inch at 40 below is NOT acceptable!

The kiln will go straight to Quebec; canoe can remain here as an ongoing, enjoyable project for R. I am looking forward to the exer-cycle to strengthen my leg and back muscles.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Sep 15 - 10:18 PM

Go Dorothy!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 08 Sep 15 - 11:54 AM

It's so hot still that though my brain knows it is supposed to be autumn out there, my body has no energy. We need the cooler weather, not just the shorter days, to make the season feel right. 100^o is not a fall-like temperature.

I have more eBay items ready to list, if I can find or cut-down boxes to fit. The curse of odd-sized items, you often end up making ugly but functional boxes.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Sep 15 - 05:55 PM

Sorry, I've not been here for quite awhile.

Lots on my plate -- the Press Room situation (no live music until sprinkler/alarm system installed) took up way too much time and energy this summer finding a new venue for the sessions, communicating with people, extricating info from the Press Room, canceling two monthly sea music sings because I couldn't scare up a venue, stressing about the open sing at PMFF.

Plus the video card (which is on the logic board) of my primary computer blew, so I've been making do on my backup laptop after a bit of scrambling. Everything was backed up on an external hard drive, but I don't have easy access to archived email, etc. Then I discovered an electrical problem in the house that necessitated a new breaker panel -- decluttering my bank account at the same time (which has led to a scramble to sell stuff). But one circuit is still buggered -- right now I'm waiting for my electrician (and it looks as if he's not going to be able to make it today, but he hasn't called) to change some fixtures and see how we're going to attack fixing that circuit. I'm currently without lights at the top and bottom of the stairs, the entrance hall, the outside light, the outlets in the computer room (which may be what fried the iMac and last November fried my old Mac and the printer), including the one for the washing machine. (The dryer is fine -- it's 220.) And, of course, it's the run up to the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival in a couple weeks.

While it's a relief that the weekly session is back at The Press Room as of last Friday (last minute development; ya know, whatever keeps the stress level highest), I'm feeling extra over-extended. The weather certainly isn't helping -- can't get much more humid. Thunderstorms threatened. I'm yelling at the cats for the slightest thing. Wish I could just stand in a daze (for about a year).

I'm trying to clear out the room I refer to as "The Room". I got the perfect bookcase at a yardsale a couple weeks ago to go under the built-in bed (which has never been used as a bed -- there are boxes and stuff piled on it), but I have to move almost everything in that room in order to get it in. The bookcase is on its end under a tarp in the driveway.

Already got rid of a shopping bag full of cords and cables. Have another box or two of "techno crap" for my tech to take away. Sold $300 bucks worth of LPs (that's a lot of cubic footage) a couple weeks ago and have a bunch more, plus 45s and 78s for him to look at. Plus my antique Rte. 4 sign that he covets for his private collection. I'm not, of course, selling Tom's collection of British Folk Revival LPs, or my collection including American Folk Revival. Or my three (count 'em, three) LPs of kazoo music. There's a bunch more stuff in "The Room" that will probably go to Goodwill. I've got a load pretty much ready and can drop it off tomorrow after my mammogram.

Getting my favorite antique dealer in here again, too, within the next week or so. And after the festival I'm taking some antique edged weaponry and Persian shield up to friends in Maine who may buy them or at least give me a better idea of their value if I have to sell them elsewhere.

Looks like I'll have to call my electrician tonight. Sigh. I just want to eat supper and veg out with a book.

Linn

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Sep 15 - 06:53 PM

Been working outside, too, when the weather (heat and humidity) has allowed. Getting the leaf litter out of the flower beds, raking last years leaves off the sides of the driveway, and now raking this year's leaves (the American Basswood at the foot of the driveway has started seriously dropping leaves), and pine spills from the head of the driveway (and working my way down the driveway). Still need to cut some more branches and small trees out back.

Also made the first contact to sell 25+ acres to a NH conservation outfit and continuing to research reverse mortgages -- I think I should make an appointment with a HUD counselor.

Oh, and I decided to cut down my alcohol consumption. Not that I drink a lot, but I like a sip while reading in bed before sleeping. It really doesn't need to be alcoholic, and if it is, it definitely doesn't need to be two. I had a doctor's appointment about two weeks after I started on the cut down program and found I'd lost 5 pounds. Definitely a painless way to do it! I'm not depriving myself at all. I had a beer with supper tonight, so I guess it's seltzer and bitters before bed.

Cleaning out "The Room" is exciting. I'm finding things I forgot I had -- like a circa 1995 Mac PowerBook 520 including manuals, etc. And TWO copies of the Bill Morrissey 1977 45rpm single (I knew I had one) that was recorded in Tom's Epping, NH living room by Chris Biggi who later became Sunset Ridge Studios. (Shoot the Cat Records.)

Just dumped some more leaves and pulled some weeds before I came in from supper on the deck.

Now the cats are hinting broadly that it's THEIR suppertime!

Linn

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Sep 15 - 10:39 PM

Reverse mortgages are generally a poor choice - you need to research them fully enough to see the major downsides. Have you thought about pulling together a collection of Tom's work to donate or sell to a university library? If you can sell it, great, if you can't, give it a good value (this will be high) and take a tax deduction that you can draw down for several years. If you donate a $100,000 collection it also looks great on the spreadsheet of the university, even if no dollars exchange hands.

I have A Room that may be similar to yours, but not quite so eclectic a collection of items for sale. Stuff from family estates that is interesting but I don't collect, so needs to be put in the hands of folks who do.

One source of cash via eBay is those binders I sent - any of them with the piano hinge are called Casebound binders and can bring $30 to $40 a piece. Give it a go!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Sep 15 - 12:31 PM

I've researched the downsides to reverse mortgages (and talked to friends who have them and friends who are very opposed), but I'm at the point where I should make an appointment with a HUD counselor (along with a friend who is my informal financial advisor) tfor further information and advice. People seem to get into trouble if they don't put their spouse on the loan and then they die and the spouse gets evicted because he/she can't pay off the loan. Neither Tom nor I had children, so it's not as if I'm squandering their inheritance.

In general, reverse mortgages are an expensive loan on home equity. Bad idea to use to take a trip of a lifetime, or something. Paying off my mortgage and taking the rest as a line of credit without interest until it's used would be my best option.

As far as selling Tom's work -- there really isn't anything to sell. Except perhaps the CD we made of his 1986 cassette tape "A Bottle Full For the Shantyman". Tom's work was encouraging people to become performers, getting musicians together via the sessions, and rescuing the PMFF when it looked like it would die in 2005.

I'm hoping my life declutters enough so that I can get down to some serious selling on eBay and Craig'sList (and Etsy and Amazon). I haven't had time in the past two years (actually longer) to just stand in a daze for a little bit.

Linn

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Sep 15 - 02:17 PM

Your best instincts will continue to guide you, Linn. ❤

PA:
Trailer loading is underway. Except for the one super-heavy bin of heavy fragiles Hardi will load in the car's hatch, these are all bulky but light items I can handle myself. That car comes back from the mechanic tonite, and I can't wait to get that bin outta my LR!!! Several of the other items need to ride in there too, to keep dry. The rest of the load is all outdoor stuff, so no tarp-- have cargo net.

I played thru all my personal offertories yesterday and one of our smaller songbooks, to audition/train a new 'girl singer' to supplement our lead singers for an upcoming gospel sing. We recorded a verse and chorus of each-- 70-80 songs. Came home with a blister on my pick finger (first time for that!), and no voice left. The results however were so worth the work.

Today I got my assignment from the Ohio church we attend, for the music they want while I'm there. All resources already on hand; all but autoharp are already there in Ohio.

I got two offers of help (to barter for mentoring), already, for the next quarterly meat sale.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Sep 15 - 04:14 PM

Beaver:

I cannot believe I did it! R asked me to get up on the truck and help lift the kiln onto the tailgate. In spite of believing there was "no way", I did it. This kiln seemed heavier than some - or I am weaker. Kiln and canoe - light as a feather! were safely on board and we got home in time for the wonderful delivery of a beautiful brand new stove by a wonderful musician, who was, then, going to look at buying a guitar. We had a great visit and hope to see her again when she comes this way.

R picked up my exer-cycle in our, finally repaired, Van and today I did 3 tenths of a mile only. After yesterday, which seemed to go on forever, I am due a day of almost total rest but managing to fine tune the K plan and listing other tasks our friends can accomplish in due time.

The addition of the little fridge, which I believe will be quite adequate, indicates that adding something can also be a de-clutter. So much easier than digging through the cooler and keeping it supplied with ice! Also nice to have the comfortable love seat. Maybe the next time a truck comes, there will be a sofa, the hoosier cupboard and ... However, R declares he is going to Montana (soon but un-stipulated) and will not be back for two months. He still has not decided whether plane or driving; if driving, he expects me to go also.

Each bit of sorting and organizing helps, as I find energy for a few minutes of work then a rest period. Hoping to get the energy and inclination to make screens for the two BR windows; I have the makings, and the duct tape that was holding the screening in place is dying. Would be delighted to manage to clean the LR floor and do another coat of varathane before bedtime. HOPE!

Wonderful heavy rain last night and a beautiful breeze this afternoon.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Sep 15 - 05:10 PM

Ach! I've been tied up since I got home this afternoon with a PMFF issue.

But I DID get a couple things done today -- my mammogram was at 2:00 and since I was in the vicinity, I took a huge amount of stuff to Goodwill that I pulled out of "The Room".

At least SOMETHING got accomplished today.

Linn

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 09 Sep 15 - 10:31 PM

I finally got the boxes out that I planned to cut down and they weren't actually that difficult to reshape for the current eBay items.

Good news on moving all of that stuff and the new stove, Dorothy! And Linn, it sounds like you made a dent in The Room. :)

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Sep 15 - 10:29 PM

PA:
That bin DID fit in the car's hatch and IS outta our LR. Several other small items loaded incl ramp to sit under the rest. Two other large, filled bins' tops secured and ready to load. Next task-- seeing which pieces left will now fit in car, loading all pieces that can fit. That leaves the balance of furniture to load last inside tailgate-- may tarp that stuff. Tying down items as sections filled. Cargo net to untangle.

Got info today on my half of the AR training I'll co-present a few days after Ohio arrival. 3-D hands equipment to have class assemble to understand definition of Systemic Racism and the different aspects of it that keep it in place. Hardi did the cutting to order, from parts left from my ramp-- precut balusters into a tripod, stored in a camp-chair bag with accessories needed to assemble. VERY kewl teaching aid.

I packed stories I've written for the Ohio Celebration Circle. Great re-reading them. One is quite good and needs to become a children's book.

Tomorrow we start consecrating a new Bishop. We'll be back to packing and loading Saturday night.... it'll be a good leg stretcher after the long drive back from Harrisburg.

Squeam alert-- I got the mail order scrip I'd requested that stops projectile pooping. Huge supply. So helpful to work we do!!! Great to have supply on hand once more for accidental "glutenings."

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Sep 15 - 12:49 PM

Montreal:

Did not varathane: decided it would be better to wait until K is done and there is less traffic through LR. Screens did not get made: I closed the windows! There was inadequate energy and it was quite cool. I was thankful for heating pad and 3 quilts Weds night!

Up early (7ish) on Thursday, clearing makeshift K so the work can proceed! The guys arrived about 10 and we reviewed K plan and list of other smaller tasks as they have time - all on DR table for reference. I left about 11:30. Returned a tool to neighbour and had a long chat with him - quarry, Lou, health, directing rain flow...   A couple errands in town - returning books to library, stop at bulk food store for a couple things - and netted a wonderful pile of buckets for pottery work! Dropped off a bag at a thrift shop and bought an electric frying pan for melting wax for pottery work.

Then I realized it was Thurs; the auction was last night and we had put reserve bids on a couple things; I really wanted to find out before leaving. Had a nice visit with volunteer at Art Gallery but we could not find a phone book. At library, we realized he prob has a cell....

Drove out to Paudash - about 10 min - but stopped at Thrift warehouse on way - really to ask Colleen if a certain road out there would be useful to cut across to the other highway - NO! But while I was there, I netted another card table and a lovely wall clock - much needed - and two boxes of lovely slate floor tiles. Knowing I have several boxes of same at the mill, the plan was to check with Blair about putting a tile "entry" at the front door - which opens directly into the K. YES! So I shall take more back with me. The next trip, I shall be able to take some winter clothes and small furniture pieces - whatever my car will hold - as I left pots at Beaver.

Finally made it to the auction house but the only person there could only tell me where to find "Brenda". As long as I was out that far, lunch at my fav rest. and a good chat with Jim - quarry, Lou and the attitudes of people - as he cooked my wonderful meal. As I finished, the daughter Michelle showed up and we had a long chat - writing, health, withdrawal from morphine, supplements... This included the waitress and a customer! This community - the people- is such a joy for me!

Saw Brenda and ascertained that R got the two books he wanted and I the two hand painted (with raccoons!) plates which will find a place of honour on the wall at Beaver!!

By the time I got back to the house to drop off purchases, picked up this week's newspaper, and got on track - 3 pm! Here about 8:30; bed about 10:30.

So today is a day of rest - two loads of laundry - one folded and put in appropriate places - bag for back to Beaver, one for Mill and a few things on shelves here - one in dryer and two pillows in washer. I have to ensure approp. clothes for R are available wherever he ends up as he would NEVER think of bringing anything. So far, this is our only laundry.

Email with Student Ann- she does want the kiln so when R has time to go to Mill, he will deliver it to her. All emails are read/deleted/dealt with. Checked banking and all is well. My car is parked on the correct side of street. And it is a beautiful day in the neighbourhood!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Sep 15 - 01:27 PM

So! has anyone else opened the washing machine and found the sides plastered with feathers!??

The feathers are in a garbage bag out in the sun - well, most of them, I hope. The other pillow is also out in the sun. When I took it out, I pulled weeds for a while, then picked a handful of cherry tomatoes off one of this year's volunteer heritage tomato plants.

I guess the next washer load will end up with some feathers but they should come out in the dryer, she says hopefully!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: mg
Date: 11 Sep 15 - 02:59 PM

it is always a good idea to wash pillows inside a pillowcase basted together I think.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Sep 15 - 08:19 PM

A STRONG one! This was in a zipped cover - all history now! But I have one clean pillow - and have de-cluttered my life of the other! Going into the back yard resulted in many pulled weeds, and sage picked to dry.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Sep 15 - 12:49 AM

:-)

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 13 Sep 15 - 10:18 AM

For the last week I've pulled clothes out of the laundry baskets in my bedroom instead of folding and hanging the contents and drawing from the closet and dresser sources. I finally emptied and folded and am ready for more laundry today.

I sold an old feather pillow on eBay after finding regular transactions taking place. It's quite old, but someone snatched it up on the first day. I asked her how she uses it - it will simply be a pillow out on her porch or used in the house. Are old feather pillows somehow better than polyfill and other modern pillow fillings?

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Sep 15 - 05:39 PM

PA:
The rest of the items to load r OH are all now either car-loaded or on the porch awaiting final loading Tuesday-- except the uke whose case is nit enough protetion from sun-baking. That leaves a cargo net to untangle.

At our huge favorite thrift shop yesterday (we have to be on our way home from Harrisburg to go there which happens seldom nowadays), I got fabric for colorful lawn chair cushions I'll make in Ohio-- cherries/white on one side and red fleece the other.

Also 3 HEAVY flannel sheets to rip down to travel towels. My original one is finally ready to retire, along with several that had been meant to replace it!

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Sep 15 - 12:05 AM

Kindergarten is underway which means I've had time to do some extra things around the house that needed attention. I have also restarted my yoga practice at a new studio that is conveniently not far from home....new teacher, new friends and a happy me.

Susan, if that huge thrift shop you are talking about is in Shamokin Dam....WOOHOOO! I could spend all day in there!

The tomatoes have been almost all canned, the last of them will come in tomorrow night. Peach season is over and our apples and pears are just about ready to be picked. We've seen several flocks of geese headed south and the leaves are starting to change colors already. And tonight we got 12 laying hens....ours have been gone since early spring. It's so nice to hear them and I can't wait for fresh eggs. We've been making do with (mostly) store eggs this summer but honestly....why bother? They have no flavor and are only good for baking or boiled/deviled eggs because they peel better. I can't wait for the day when we have a fridge full of fresh eggs again!

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Sep 15 - 11:36 AM

PA:

Selinsgrove I believe.

...............

One of the things I love about these occasional helpers (Chad, tmrw) is how clarifying and motivating an impending visit always is: Where does this or that item REALLY belong? What do you CARE to have clean? What is too heavy for me? So the day before these is often a very high-activity day, as I move what I am able to move to use those paid hours of help for the biggest bang. A look at the ground floor with fresh eyes!

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Sep 15 - 12:09 PM

Could be Selinsgrove......the two run together and I have no idea where one ends and the other starts....still..WOOO HOOO! It's the mother of thrift shops!

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Sep 15 - 01:07 PM

Yes... it's the part of Selinsgrove that looks just like SD, but a lot farther south.

This trip I also scored 3 sets of angel/butterfly wings and colorful wigs-- all for Ohio garden art. Faulkner looked very cute in pink, glittery wings.

There is another mother of all thrift shops in Ohio and I suspect other states have these-- it's a warehouse where two kinds of items go:
. Furniture from all other area donation centers
. Whatever didn't sell at the other stores. All those items are wheeled into the sales floor in large, table-sized troughs/bins every 15 minutes.... one bin after peeps have picked thru it goes back off the floor for sorting: recycle, trash, fabrics to bale for factory use. These bins are mostly patronized by scavengers. You hear a lot of glass breaking.

But the furniture--- so many varieties/time periods/sizes!

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Sep 15 - 01:09 PM

Endless cycle of bins in and picked bins out..... like a lot of our houses but not in our slow motion!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 14 Sep 15 - 09:08 PM

There is an amazing thrift store in Green Valley, AZ, called the White Elephant, run by volunteers, non-profit. They donate millions every year to excellent causes. They're only open from 9am till noon Monday through Saturday, but everything there is in excellent condition and reasonably priced. I get clothes there every time I'm in town. As my friend who volunteers there says, they're clothes from dead rich people.

Cucumbers are coming up, just in time to share a few with neighbors who fear the Listeria imported variety. I want to make some fresh pickles soon, and I use small cukes for those, but I'll let a few grow larger to share.

Did you buy full-grown hens or chicks? Are they already laying eggs now? Is egg-collecting a chore for Jeremiah?

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 14 Sep 15 - 11:10 PM

Montreal:

Been having computer slow down, internet problems but tonight seems to be OK.

We went to mill on Saturday in two vehicles. Off loaded canoe at mill, delivered kiln to Ann and had lunch with Geri. R went back to city and I stayed at mill. Started sorting out stuff to take to Beaver and finding winter clothes for R for Montana. But mostly read the Oliver Sacks On the Move, a page turner better than most novels. Finished it today and returned to library, in case I do not get back before it is due. Would actually like a personal copy; worth having!

Ann came over this am and we covered glaze making and kiln firing. Then I loaded the car with stuff for Beaver and clothes for R. Short visit with G and back to city. Internet working fine. Have done the email thing and checked schedule. Going tomorrow to Beaver. Blair posted pics of K in progress with promise of functioning K finished today!!!! What a treat! The stove will not be hooked up; I have to arrange for propane installation. And we still do not have hot water.

OOPS! R is asleep in the chair! Bedtime!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Sep 15 - 08:39 AM

PA:
Last night we went up to Elmira to pick up a special-order item... it was great to get off my feet and out of the house I'd been decluttering/purging all day. Then when we got back, we re-assembled the guest room-- while I'm in Ohio, we're hoping our OH house-watcher will bring his wife up for some PA vacay time.

The room has been called "Sailboats" because of the wallpaper border in there. A different bed and frame needed assembly, and because Scott might bring his adult son instead of his wife (due to her health), we also changed the bed position from its former spot so that there's also room for an inflatable. Then, altho I was quite sore, I dressed the bed and stretched out to try it. And wow!!! A GREAT result.

The bed consists mostly of 'found' items. Metal frame topped by plywood slab. On that is an ancient but super-firm spring mattress.... thinner as they often were back when it was new. On top of that, a 3" foam mattress from a camper. A regular, puffy mattress pad. A second, deep-pocketed mattress pad over both holds the layers together snugly...

It felt lIke a cloud with support!!!

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 15 Sep 15 - 12:32 PM

The top cupboard in the kitchen is where crackers and the box of cereal live - and this morning I also found ants in the cereal. Grrrr! I had to dump the cereal in the compost and spritzed a healthy dose of DE into the cupboard and relocated food items that hadn't been attacked by ants. They appear to come from the attic - I fear the attic is full of ants right now. Time for a mask and DE up there, I think.

I also sprayed for ants and other pests in the garden this morning. Compost tea, a little orange oil (D-limonene) and soap as surfactant. I set the watering pattern for less often also, as the days are finally cooling off some.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Sep 15 - 04:09 PM

I'm incredibly angry.... prepaid helper now held late at day job and 'can't come til tomorrow.' Well sorry buddy boy, you are NOT between a rock and a SOFT place. I can be a mighty hard place too my friend! You are expected at 9pm to load in the dark! THEN you may come to clean tmrw am. I am not going to bed without that trailer LOADED cuz you waitered a double shift and are tired. I'm MORE tired but I can still keep my commitments! I'll rest up for a 2nd wind cuz YOU ARE COMING HERE TONIGHT.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: mg
Date: 15 Sep 15 - 05:23 PM

wOW.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Sep 15 - 06:58 PM

WOW!!!! also.

City:
Really tired today. Beautiful day. Made BF and R went off to do things and I did two loads of laundry - put away - and washed dishes. Still felt down, blue. Phoned R and he suggested we have lunch. By the time he got home, it was too late to leave for Bancroft - to catch AGM of Gallery tonight. Guess I did not really want to leave. We went to a decent restaurant and had a nice meal and some quiet conversation - not possible when the TV news is on and he is falling asleep. Then he went back to work and I came home - still tired but feeling the weight of a 5 hour drive and the separation lifted; we just had not had much down time together this trip.

So I have pulled weeds a few times, rescued the two smaller Norfolk Island Pines in the pot (the largest was dry as a bone), done email thing and a lot of FB stuff. My friend (Cindy) of the horrendous event last month is receiving monumental support from her community of friends - and giving it as well. An amazing woman! There was dancing at the memorial and a huge fundraiser this weekend promises to be an uplifting event! CA is a long way off! I shall be there in the spirit. Her page generates a sense of love and joy and deep caring.

The car is totally loaded - but for computer and my everything bag; only room for driver. I think driving on Thursday will give me time to recuperate and do my volunteer stint on Friday, unload car and re-load with pottery for Market on Sat. THEN a day of rest.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Sep 15 - 10:54 PM

Loading done. He'd forgotten that I needed to leave tmrw and was very glad to stop by after work. I ranted here, not at him... I was merely firm that I also had paid for his time. It took less than a half hour.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 16 Sep 15 - 11:07 AM

I once sat through a meeting a work where we were to informally meet and answer questions of a job applicant going through the interview process. I found that the truth of our dysfunctional institution was not being conveyed and had to bite my tongue. I resorted to writing the truthful answers to her questions on a notepad file on my phone and not speaking them out loud. I never go to those meetings any more.

A textbook went in the mail earlier this week. I lowered the half.com prices on all of them to simply move them out of the house. Half Price Books buys/sells textbooks now, so if they don't sell online soon I'll pull the listings and take them to the store. I'm tired of that stack of books on the table.

The china cupboard is looking better and I've cleared the lowest shelf that once had craft stuff and replaced it with more china and silver. The area below the bottom shelf holds a series of 24" tall bins that hold packing materials. I suppose I could put in another shelf, but this suits me for now, packaging materials handy but out of sight.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Sep 15 - 12:38 PM

A basic boundary issue faced by clergy spouses is that we are always assumed to be understanding of others' needs above our own. In ministry, that is appropriate. In business, it's not. Sometimes a healthy boundary has to be communicated directly when it's obviously been missed. Sometimes venting outside of the situation helps one to then communicate it gently.

Very congenial cleaning today, and more planned for tmrw. This will complete the prepaid commitment. More agreed when I return. Everyone delighted.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Sep 15 - 06:59 PM

City:

About mid afternoon, after accomplishing nothing other than deleting/reading/responding to a few emails, I had to face the reality of a toothache. I phoned R and explained that I did not know what the dentist plan was for when this tooth finally became a problem - irreparable, it was, I believe, to be pulled. But would he please phone and talk to them as I would be unable to comprehend them. He came home and informed I have an appointment at 11:30 tomorrow but if it were too terrible, he would take me today. I asked if he had questioned the receptionist on what the file indicates. He phoned back but she could not help.

So, tomorrow. It is not dreadful but I realized it has become a chronic low grade pain that is causing me to have no energy the last few days. I just want to, but do not want to, go to bed and sleep. I started taking Pau d'Arco in case of infection.

From feeling so very good for a couple months, I am stunned by this. I managed to pull a few weeds - just for movement. Sitting is so tiresome. I realize the whole thing fogged my brain; I had forgotten to make more distilled water so got that going this aft. Life is a blur.I did not even eat my porridge until about noon. That was the height of cooking BF this am! There was soup for lunch for R who stayed home most of the aft. And stewed tomatoes I cooked yesterday.

On the plus side, Blair sent photos of the almost completed K at Beaver and, even Robin, declared it very nice. Funny man noted a lack of cabinets when there are at least twice as many as I can access here. Because the sink is on an interior wall, we put a mirror on the wall, one we picked up at an auction or yard sale. It has an elegant silver coloured frame and looks great above the sink, coordinates with faucet. Not sure I shall enjoy looking at myself as I wash the dishes!

I managed to phone a neighbour (near Beaver) for advice on propane dealers and getting the stove installed. I knew I could understand Larry.

Well, I was planning to go to Beaver tomorrow but may not be able to so I emailed volunteer coordinator to find someone for my Friday shift at the Gallery, possibly even Monday as well. Botheration! And I must phone Leslie about getting them the money I owe Stu; they need a new hot water tank. Maybe a transfer at the CU.

Darn! I really want to be THERE! Want to be organizing the new K and some more of the rest. Spoiled rotten me never had a tooth ache before. And the car loaded!!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Sep 15 - 08:02 PM

I'm sorry you're not feeling good, Dorothy. I've been under the weather myself, but nothing so durable as a tooth. Just a bug. Lots of naps, but in between, doing some sedentary cleanup work on the computer. I finished processing photos from a couple of receptions and will be running a software installation if I sort out which set of programs I want to use to replace the now-unsupported Windows Media Center.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Sep 15 - 09:44 PM

You know how when you meet some people, you just click? REALLY click? I had that happen today. She is a former professor of mine....we got along well in class but that was the extent of it. We've chatted a few times in yoga but earlier this week she emailed me about a personal matter and so we got together today to talk. Two hours flew by, ended in hugs and left me most happy. :)

About the chickens, the ones we got this week are grown but not fully mature. They are not yet laying eggs. Jeremiah loves to go *check on the chickens.* This flock isn't comfortable here just yet and as such, are skittish. I imagine this will change in the next few weeks as they become accustomed to their new surroundings and us.

I have a girlfriend who has several hens and she offered to hatch out an incubator full for us as hens are hard to come by at the moment from the larger hatcheries. I offered to hatch the eggs out here but she has 5 children at home that she is homeschooling and incubating eggs makes for some great lessons! :)

My house is a mess this week. I am doing lots of running around that I haven't been able to do in a LONG time (like chatting over coffee for a few hours, spending time at the nursing home for more than half an hour, grocery shop ALONE, etc). Tomorrow I hope to be home and do some catching up. We are getting ready for winter around here. Anyone else?

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 17 Sep 15 - 10:39 AM

City:
Woke up feeling myself this morning! Porridge for BF again - with a generous amount of frozen strawberries. That finished both oats and strawberries! Now waiting for cental appointment. I am hoping we can sort out the problem and make an appointment for extraction, if necessary. Then I could do a bit of shopping for R and head to Bancroft. If I get away by 3, can be there before the deer are a hazard on the highway.

We've eaten most of the soup so I will cook some rice and leave it in fridge so he can put packets of "Indian" on it for his late suppers.

I believe the Pau d'Arco made the difference, so shall continue it. Big news this am is that son Troy's group is opening this year's Djangofest on Whidbey! Forty years of dedication...! If they had told me sooner I might have been able to make the effort to be there.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 17 Sep 15 - 12:54 PM

Sometimes all it takes is a shower to make you feel human again. And a bowl of oatmeal (porridge) is a good next step. A batch of soup sounds like an excellent thing - I think I'll do that this afternoon.

I can visualize Jeremiah "checking" on the birds - and I imagine by the time they're laying they'll be fast friends. :) I hope you'll get some photos.

Have a safe drive, Susan, and an easy time unloading and arranging when you get there.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Sep 15 - 05:01 PM

OH:

Arrived one blessedly cold shower ago. Car AC (8 hr car trip) almost nil. Steaks I brought still more frozen than not, YAY! House oddly not 70 as per house sitter's recent text. (Thermostat MAY be right setting now.) Still cooler in here than car. Dog tolerated heat-- full sun and lukewarm air moving-- AMAZINGLY well (I stopped to check her frequently).

SLEEP. WATER. EAT. SLEEP.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Sep 15 - 09:55 PM

A singularly unproductive week around here. Today I did some research for a future trip and realized as I saved some bookmarks that my collective bookmarks are a mess. I need to declutter the bookmarks that are in the Google world and feed out into the various browsers I use. I'm working on that this evening. Many of these sites are long gone, or will never be needed again.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 17 Sep 15 - 11:13 PM

Beaver!

So glad to be back. Kitchen is not quite as I had hoped but I was not here to make decisions. It will be fine.

My trip was far better than Susan's! The AC worked and trip was only 6 hours. Tooth started hurting again about half way and I begged ice at a service center and again 80 km later. Worked well and then I have been OK. Driving into the setting sun ... I took a road north to escape and then went west after the sun was behind the hills. Prob did not take much longer and was a great deal safer.

Dentist will extract two culprits next Thursday - declutter my mouth of useless teeth! So I have to go back to city on Weds. Darn. Will visit a dentist friend here and consider the possibility of changing. Depends on if he is trainable to the needs of my environmental sensitivity.

Cooked rice for R and bought him a bunch of pre-made "Indian" that he can just put over rice and nuke. Then I left.

After perusing K, got bed ready in studio - heating pad as it will be a cool night. Went for groceries, which included a conversation of some length and interest. Call to R, reminded him to eat!, finished today's emails and, now, this, then to bed.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 18 Sep 15 - 10:49 AM

Decluttering teeth! Scary!

Another virtual thing to declutter is email. I get way too much of it. And from the place I want to hear from, way too often. It's time to unsubscribe a few sites.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Sep 15 - 11:25 AM

OH:

I have 200 emails waiting for review/saving docs to library folders. Many I sent myself off links seen in FB groups via fone. I can sort these into folders now that I'll have some puder time.

Rain-vulnerable trailer items unloaded into dry garage, mindfully placed to leave open area needed for next steps later today and Monday. Heavy item intentionally loaded last (inside trailer gate/ramp) coming off this aftn when friend stops by after work to help.

AR training kit parts unloaded from car to complete prep for tmrw's training. Not sane yet from trip but likely to be sane enough to co-present. Head trainer will be in charge, so great safety net-- not our first co-circus.... one more sleep plus evening prep ought to lock down my sections to lead.

Can't get dang ink cartridges into printer. Right kind but not brand name. Deferring printing for tmrw to friend's puder!

Gud I left fud here. All is well.. it just doesn't feel like it, yet. 'Normal' transition, every time, at each end... shorter each time, tho. Dorothy, same for you?

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Sep 15 - 12:18 PM

This weekend begins some cooking as garden produce becomes available. First on the menu, chicken and eggplant Parmesan, frozen in plastic wrap personal-sized pyrex containers. They'll be stacked up in the freezer for lunches. When it comes to taking them to work, they go back into the pyrex and into my padded insulated lunch bag and thaw by time to heat them for lunch. These area gift to my future self. I'll also start making fresh pickles since the cucumbers are producing now. I'm still waiting on the okra, which I want to pickle this year if I get enough and catch them while they're small.

It took almost an hour this morning to wash the piled up dishes and then clean out the sink and surrounding counters. I don't usually let them pile up, but it was an odd week and several days home sick (with an appetite but little energy). I think I'm past that now, and the kitchen once again looks usable (good thing, with all of this cooking planned!)

I looked up my house on an Internet realty site this week, and see that property prices in the area are rising. It reminds me again of my goal to keep working on projects here at the house so that if I decide to sell to move for another job, it'll be close to ready. It isn't there yet. I need to make a list of projects and prioritize them (based upon cost, time involved, and my ability to do them myself vs having to hire someone to come do the work). I still have a lot of affordable do it myself projects for that list.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Sep 15 - 05:59 PM

OH:

Found song circle flyers I had wanted to hand out tonight at another monthly circle. Whipped from AR training but guess I gotta go once I rest up and eat.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Sep 15 - 08:48 PM

Beaver:

Got mostly unpacked last night - but not stuff that is still un-needed and has no designated placement. Disturbed enough dust to need an antihistamine. Found them! And went to bed.

It was a fun day in the Gallery yesterday. Today, to Market to buy veggies from Joey, pie from Joanne and cranberry lemon bread from Marlene. Rainy, windy, cool. Then lunch with friends and then on Studio Tour to a potter - nice to see her workspace, chocolatier - beautiful but I stick to cheap choc!. Stained glass artist who does incredible creations and she agreed to rescue the piece we have in Montreal that I want to put between BR and LR - in January when the push to make money before Christmas is over! I shall have to bring it on a foam bed - old and fragile.

Took some Limoges and other pieces to my friends antique shop for resale. My grandmother's but I no longer need to hold on to things that only sit in a china cabinet. I got great pleasure from Brenda's delight in these fragile and beautiful objects.

Then to another couple studio tour stops. On the way to the last, the rain came down in torrent and there were two trees down on the dirt road. When I left there, I thought the road had been de-cluttered - until I found I had turned the wrong way and ended up further out of town. At least it had stopped raining, and I knew the way home!

Arriving home, I felt a strong need for a good meal and company so headed back out to fav restaurant. A good look at the menu and I went to the K and asked Jim for a special order - hold the bun and the mushrooms and give me the chicken, home fries and some veggies? Sure! I felt badly for by-passing the waitress - one I don't know - and gave her a good tip in the end.

The daughter, Michelle, came over and we talked a blue streak about important things - when she was supposed to be washing dishes! I thanked the family for Food for the body and food for the mind and came home feeling well enriched.

Extra MSM and Glucosamine sulfate has de-cluttered the discomfort in the shoulders. And early night, good sleep and I hope to get most of the painting done tomorrow. The paint fumes must dissipate SOON so I can start sleeping indoors. The nights are getting cooler! Nights in the mid 40s and a high of 72 at mid day this week. Anyway, I have a strong need to create order out of the chaos and get on with life.

I have been more careful about watching for emails that I can "unsubscribe" and have managed a number. Will keep watching. Too many!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Sep 15 - 10:14 AM

DP, we have to a chef like that!!! We also have let one of the waitresses know (she works the times we'Re most likely to go) that we are ALWAYS her table. Even if we have to wait til she gets to us... and often surprise appetizers arrive to help us wait, that she knows will suit. Other unexpected things occur... I think she must delegate some tasks to new wait staff. She knows ALL our food issues, and more about GF details than the superb chef, who learns from how she communicates our order. She's destined to run her own place, I'm sure of it.

OH:

The house AC I thought was set wrong turns out not to be working right, and I depend upon it. TBTG the nights here are now chilly-- I can easily air-cool overnights and switch to AC for that part of the day that needs it. The fan part is working well to circulate that cold night air thru the house, which is well insulated to hold it in all day.

The AR training is done and the next week is mostly free time to garden... Mulch Man comes Saturday to cover the newspaper path of lasagna gardening. First project with him, a lasagna flagstone path.

This week I also need to fone around for a holly bush and a peony-moving helper.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Sep 15 - 01:16 PM

OH:

For the first time since we first bought the place... upon arrival, WiFi is WORKING! Thanks to dear Portia, for whom I left my current 'best-of' compilation of songs I know will be healing for her.

Amazing what one good sleep will do! Already spontaneously tidying and improving areas as I get to them. The mad dash of arriving and almost immediately having that training to take care of.... things pretty much dropped wherevery I was because before we left here in August, I'd skipped a few steps in preparing for my return. Won't make that mistake again!

Puder corner now has teacup shelf, mini-trashcan, some tech stuff from elsewhere now with puder.

All trashcans now have liners. All grocery bags tossed, full of not-unpacked fud, unpacked, produce cleaned, bags set to recycle. Several days' dishes soaking. Dishwasher bottom rack emptied. So great nutrition resumed with a TunaRrito for brunch with spiralized/roasted yellow squash, plus grapes. The whole fridge, when you open it, now says, "Here's to your health and energy!"

GF TunaRrito:
Spread a wrap with a thin layer of your fave shredded cheese, all the way to the edge. Add a thin layer of cooked veg in the middle 2/3. Nuke 30-60 minutes to melt cheese, which makes a brittle GF wrap foldable without breaking. Add a scoop of tuna into the center 1/3. Roll with care. Yum!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Sep 15 - 03:36 PM

I'm doing the "move the garden sprinklers" dance this weekend. Crops are taller and get hit by the jet, so a more distributed gentle spray is called for. Easier said than done, however, when you have more than one sprinkler inline on a hose.

The first part of the Parmesan dishes is ready - the tomato sauce. I don't have enough home grown tomatoes this year, so I shopped around and found canned organic tomatoes at Winco. They have a store brand of whole tomatoes, and for every large can of those I bought a can of Muir Glen roasted tomatoes (diced) to add to the mix. Organic onions, homegrown organic peppers, garlic, and herbs, (there is also good olive oil and ground Italian sausage) mushrooms added last. Today I'll make the eggplant and chicken and layer it together. I'll also freeze portions of the sauce (I made nearly 2 gallons).

Laundry is underway, as is general cleaning, and if there is time, some eBay stuff. I'm building up my supply of active listings again.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Sep 15 - 06:39 PM

OH:

My one and only "junk day" in 6 weeks past and 6 more to come.... just ended abruptly with the health crisis of a PA colleague... and I've gone looking for how to reach his wife. Great that my fridge was set up for quickie mode.

I'm also finished unloading the DW and reloaded it.

It's amazing how having a house JUST the right size keeps me clean, decluttered, and happily active. The memory is that disorder seen with the eye will be WAY more than I can EVER clear up. The reality is that a few days' disorder is a small, sweet piece of cake.

The rule for anything loaded for OH is: if I do not know EXACTLY where it will go, it's not loaded.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Sep 15 - 08:22 PM

Beaver:

A waitress who knows, is a joy!

Not much accomplished today. A period of nausea which I fixed with rice - forever to cook in microwave! And beets. Then something went awry and I ate cookies - again. Then I could do nothing. Finally I managed some small things - about an hour at a time. Washed the cutlery so I can put it away and washed my hair. Both required heating water in microwave. Need to find someone to connect stove and to deal with hot water situation - get it connected...

Then found out my crew is coming tomorrow and I still have not figured out a solution to the not quite the way I was hoping Kitchen! Hope we can work it out in am before I have to dash off to Art Gallery. I cleared the K so work can continue.

So, today I was going to get the interior painted and.... Some days are like this. Still have Tuesday, and Weds am she says hopefully. It really is getting cold outside! The solar gain in the studio from the big window was great with today's sunshine but bet it is cool already. The house is. Always thankful for heating pad!

I have a suspicion that being in the house most of day was not good for me. I hope a night out in the studio will give me a lift. I would put the air cleaner on but the house will be open while they work tomorrow so there is no point until the interior work is done and the house closed.

Now I am going to bed before I get hungry.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 Sep 15 - 08:52 AM

Brrrrry Beaver!

So I got up after trying for a while to get warm with the 3 quilts and heating pad. Went in house, fought the feather bed into the cover I had, put on a sort of t-shirt dress with long sleeves, took some supplements for cramping legs, struggled back out to the studio with this monster - must weigh 25 pounds! Turned heating pad to medium, struggled under the humongous pile of covers and, eventually, slept. Felt as though there were a couple large dogs on top of me! By 7:30, I was conscious enough to rise again - not singing.

Now I am BFed and waiting for crew. Hope we can solve the K glitch so I can de-clutter the BR of K stuff and, maybe I shall feel more like painting - tomorrow as today is an Art Gallery day including the volunteer meeting at day's end. This amount of clutter/disorganization is finally getting to me - combined with the cold weather impending.

I found the scale this morning and am still holding at 160. Holding is better than going up!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Sep 15 - 02:32 PM

OH:

O frabjous joy! The USPS-held mail from the last 4 weeks just arrived-- all the Amazon goodies I had sent to myself here. One item is a box full of CD envelopes-- I go thru so many and got a GREAT deal on these.

Another great box: a set of free teaching kits from Teaching Tolerance, free that is to school, church, or community organization teachers. GREAT stuff:

http://www.tolerance.org/teaching-kits

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Sep 15 - 07:37 PM

Today I worked in the kitchen and did some rearranging. I have several glass/ceramic baking pans that I don't use much during the spring and summer so I had them down low in a cupboard. Since it is beginning to cool down and I am more in the mood to bake, I moved the nested baking pans into the top shelf cupboard of the hosier. I moved a good deal of the baking items (Crisco, molasses, baking powder, baking soda, extracts, etc) into the bottom shelf....I can see and reach everything very nicely. I also did some rearranging of one of the jelly cupboards. This was a necessity as I had no where to go with several jars of tomato sauce that we canned this summer.

This morning I helped Pete pick all our pears. They aren't quite ready but they will ripen nicely off the tree. We had hoped to leave them ON the trees a bit longer but this morning we found 3 beautiful deer having themselves a nice breakfast of our pears! Sorry sweet deer. The apple trees are loaded and heavy with fruit...far more than we will be able to use....enjoy those. :)

Finally got a referral to an endocrinologist who specializes in diabetes and thyroid disorders. I am currently taking a ridiculously high amount of insulin and it isn't working. Time for something new, maybe. I have a new doseage of Synthroid and after having had it for a few weeks, I'm feeling somewhat better. I'm going to ask that they do more than the standard TSH4 this time and really dig into what's going on with me. That will happen the first week in October and I am SO ready for it.

Jeremiah is all tucked into bed after taking a shower all by himself (HOORAY) and I am waiting to have dinner with Pete. The air is chilly and smells like fall. I'm loving it.

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 Sep 15 - 09:50 PM

Better Beaver!

The K glitch is not totally fixed. I am thinking I do a lousy job of explaining. It would have been far better had I been on hand to clarify. HOPING tomorrow we will be able to rectify the remaining difficulty. In any case, the K is looking better and better and tonight I was able to put things in drawers and cabinets. That de-clutters the BR! If my energy holds I shall be able to paint the LR and put some furniture in place. Furniture - stuff put away!! More de-clutter!! It was really starting to get me down.

There is now glass in all the windows in the studio . It will be cold but not as much breeze blowing through. I put a very small fire in the wood stove to take the chill off the house tonight. The two BR windows that were so badly installed (by someone else) are to be redone tomorrow. I cannot close them completely. Maybe the glass door on the backdoor, too. But closing the eaves in the studio would be a priority. ARGHHHH! Hard to keep track of priorities!

Another type of clutter was the email and several phone calls I made last week to the volunteer coordinator when I was afraid I would not make it back for my shift at Gallery. NO response was highly stressful. I did make it back, of course, and she phoned me late on Friday to explain she had been at a silent retreat all week! So at the meeting today, I made a point of the need for a better protocol.

One of the worst clutters, imo, is people chattering during a meeting. Not only wastes time but prevents some of us from hearing the real business.

Now to bed - under my huge pile of covers - a 3 dog night!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Sep 15 - 09:29 AM

DP, 3dog night-- the house almost got that cold last night. But for me, that's perfect sleeping weather!

OH:

I hit the wall yesterday.yesterday. Made it myself and aimed myself right into it. Had to dream myself out of it!

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Sep 15 - 07:51 PM

Someone in our parish reports really enjoying the KONMARI process, AKA The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Sounds close to what I already do and find so energizing. Anyone else?

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Sep 15 - 07:56 PM

I looked through that book just the other day. One thing it says is to NOT do things bit by bit but rather to take it all on at once. Hmmm. Food for thought. I would like to read more as it has lots of good reviews.


Michelle who didn't do much today other than look through new music to play on my violin.

PS. Did you know that if you have a Firestick, you can put notated music from YouTube right up onto your big screen tv....awesome for the eyes and way better sound than my computer!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Sep 15 - 11:03 PM

I have a firestick, but I haven't used it much. I need to see what all it can do, so far I've mostly used it to stream NetFlix and Amazon Prime to the small TV in my crafting area (which at the moment is my dining room table).

I've heard about that Japanese book, its very popular right now. I'm a fan of the Don Aslett books myself. He gives you food for thought - time to consider why you're accumulating the things that you are.

Dinner was early today, during work, and a little snack when I got home, but no big heavy meal that is typical. I'm trying to shift now while the weather is still warm. Once there is a chill in the air all bets are off because I love cooking on cold days. No dog nights here, still a sheet and a ceiling fan.

The mail was full of stuff today and it looks like the holiday catalog season is here. Those pile up in a hurry if you let them - I think I'll take them to work for the lunch and break room table.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Sep 15 - 10:35 AM

A Konmari strategy I read about, that resonated for me, involves tackling like items one category at a time thruout the home-- clothes for example. I purge that way and I tidy up that way, bouncing between rooms.

The 'do it all' approach reminds me of the Clean Sweep program and host Peter's follow-on business, especially as a friend and I contemplate an organizing business. Some folks do better with one approach and some others-- so it's good to be familiar with options instead of rigidly insisting a potential client follow one particular approach. And to work with hoarders it would make sense to offer their therapist a range of approaches to apply with a specific client.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 23 Sep 15 - 09:44 PM

Back when I was still paying for cable there was a program called Clean House on one of the DIY networks. They went through and culled a lot of stuff, held a garage sale, then put back furnishings from someplace like Ashley that makes highly-polished crap. They were ruthless, and I remember really enjoying the one program where the woman was very unhappy and told them she thought their choices were idiotic. Especially after she told them what she wanted as a look - it was like they worked to do opposite of what she asked for.

About the only thing I've decluttered so far this week is an overdue book back to the library. :)

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Sep 15 - 09:01 AM

That might have been the same program but I don't recall beneficiaries voicing design preferences, ever. In any event we would not contemplate decorating. Suggesting storage furniture maybe. Sketch an idea for their place and refer them to local, widely-available items at local stores. Hardi builds bookcases in a snap so that might be a feature for capitalizing on oddly proportioned nooks we spot.

OH:
My self-imposed retreat from pressures I had put myself under is having good effect. Simplifying and sleeping are in order. Peer counseling sessions have also resumed; my two regular co-counselors have both been tied up during a time of my own major stress but one is back from her own 2-houses-twds-retirement (fone). The other's usual fone session time is still not open as she continues recovery from a surgery; while I'm in Ohio I set up weekly session time in person with a local co-counselor.

I had a good talk with my internist ydy to explore some recent, baffling labs . and symptoms. She gave me a welcome course correction on meds, and settled me down to await full investigative (November) testing.

I think of Katlaughing often; how often she got close to being able to do the things she longed to do and how much she had to forego; my surgery gave me years I do not intend to waste-- no matter how difficult the details. I feel her urging me on sometimes.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Sep 15 - 09:39 AM

In the runup to this weekend's Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival, I've not had time for much of anything besides festival work for the past two weeks. But I managed to get another load of culch (but good cultch) to Goodwill yesterday after picking up the printed and folded Programs and before delivering the programs and the volunteers' badges to another board member who was out in the garage updating the sandwich boards that go outside each venue.

I keep trying to sort the rest of the 78s, 45s, and remnants of the LPs so I can call my dealer friend back and convert that cubic footage to small pieces of green paper (with which to pay my electrician and computer tech). I also have to check what's in the roll of movie posters before he comes back. I'll sell him the antique Rte. 4 sign as well.

Next Wednesday will be Tom's (Curmudgeon's) birthday and I again this year don't want to be home. I'm heading back to the Bath/Brunswick, Maine area to rediscover a signed John Just Geyer gravestone I last saw in the early 1980s when I showed it to Tom. I also hope to sell some early edged weaponry (halberd, boar spears, épées, Persian shield, and various knives. If I don't sell them, I'll at least get a better idea of their likely selling price from someone I trust (and maybe an idea of where to sell them).

Linn

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Sep 15 - 09:51 AM

OH:

Last of car cargo unloaded to house n garage. Car now ready to vac for bringing O/T friend home from airport if she can settlecother travel dates to specify her time here. Gardening itens from car now all in garage. Space marked out for my conical towers which i will line with sphagnum abd set over a vine I like that has overspread the lawn-- enuf growing season left to climb the towers and obscure the rust. Ace has moss left. Yay! Flagstones overgrown in grass are now pried up to reset later-- but the path I'll put in later now has its shape defined.

One large bin half unpacked. The rest of the items will gradually go to their designated spaces as I pass the bin over the next few days.

Balance of trailer cargo can go into garage later today when neighbor on that side leaves for work-- not for her help but because it's always good, brief howdy time and I believe we haz plans tmrw.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Sep 15 - 11:20 AM

(((Linn)))

OH:

Say, this sleeping thing WORKS. 200 unread emails I sent myself (files to D/L) are now sorted into folders to actually work on saving them.

~S~

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Sep 15 - 11:52 AM

OH:

I did not start with a buying plan but instinctively reached for used Amazon books for the Liberation Library housed in my Ohio office-- mostly antiracism materials. This week, as I unpacked the latest purchases, a dream came true-- multimedia categorization into syllabi, by unit of study.

The materials themselves proclaimed their categories. NOW I can make a buying plan-- adding films where I'm book-heavy, and vice versa. I have some music items also to incorporate.

Good timing too; the local BLM unit is considering how to use this house as a resource, such as hosting visiting activists (I'm next door to Beavercreek), and setting up seminars using that library.

I had thought I had to wait to live here full time to join local action. Glad I followed my instincts, not my fears. It's happening!

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Sep 15 - 12:17 PM

City:
But my heart is still at Beaver! Tuesday I did errands while my friends- 3 of them- did a trojan job on the establishment! By day's end, trash was loaded onto trailer, the K was finished to the best of our abilities and materials, things were stashed in the sheds that needed stashing. It was wonderful to have others help with - "This needs to be trashed?" If these guys say "trash", I KNOW the object has no more value! We trash nothing that can be used - be someone, somewhere. And we live in a rural area where stuff can be given to those who need, as well as having numerous thrift shops - from which we purchase and to which we give.

There is something VERY special about having dear friends who see eye to eye on most things and who care about me and what I want and need, working on my home.

My long time dear mechanic fit in an oil change (Tuesday) during which a wheel bearing was found needful - "I wouldn't drive far..." So, just before 5 pm, he ordered the part and it was on its way; "come at 8 am and we will get it done before you need to leave for Montreal" . After another 3 dog night, I was there at 8 and got a ride home, put a fire in the wood stove, and when I was warm enough, I started painting. Finished the LR and replaced drape and furniture. I was into the K when the car came back. Took C back to the shop, paid the bill and returned to the painting. The gorgeous day, and open doors, helped.

In order to get to M at a reasonable time - 9 pm - I needed to leave about 3 so I forced myself to stop with a partly painted K at 2. Put up the nice wood paper towel et al holder and the clock. The oiled, with flax seed oil, cutting board is gorgeous. The cabinets took paint well but I need to remove the pulls before any more painting - just did enough to see the difference! Put a couple armfuls of wood in the cradle. Closed up and left, reluctantly.

I cannot believe I managed the energy for all I accomplished and the trip to Montreal. THEN I was tired! And R was not home AND the microwave refused to work AND I was hungry! So I had a piece of peach pie and R heated the soup and served me for a change! He may come home, whenever! - with a microwave from another building: "Please do not bring it here unless it is clean!" I am neurotic about CLEAN stuff in the K.

Today, I have only managed a light BF and deleting of emails. Soon to dentist to de-clutter the mouth of two useless teeth and seriously de-clutter the bank accounts!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Sep 15 - 01:56 PM

DP-- yes, people seeing to your home who know and love you-- priceless. We have that blessing in Ohio. Without Matt and Scott this place would not be a home.... it would be a misery.

OH: I vision ed a sign I can make for the lawn about the Oct. 4 Celebration Circle here, outreach for which got off track. Today Biscuit and I will scooter the hood while kids are streaming home from school, and hand out invites to take home. The sign will go up tomorrow. So funny--- ".... if only I'd brought that sign base with stakes! (like a realtor's sign)...." Oh yeah! I DID, last year, and I know just where it is (to cover with poster board). That's what we do with uninvited election signage that appears unbidden in our yard!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Sep 15 - 04:28 PM

OH:

Just back from sidewalk outreach with scooter and dog-- that was FUN! I got over my shyness enough to recall old leafletting/politicking skills and met a lot of nice neighbors. A whole porch full of af-am high schoolers had just congregated at one house. From the flirting going on it didn't sound like they were related, so I gave 'em a handful.

Back at the house a few minutes later, two of the girls I'd seen there came strolling up the sidewalk. "Are you that lady having the songs thing?" Yes, and right here.

They then got bragging rights to The Neighborhood News, taking another flyer for a reason to go see good-looking Brandon up the street.... later, after they'd left him outside, he passed by with his flyer hanging out of his pocket. Not too cool to go to a song circle where pretty girls just might show up.

One of my goals had been good clean fun for neighborhood kids. To further encourage that, I put a fun CD on, by the front window. Tomorrow, a little after-school autoharping.

Hardi used to draw campground crowds when off fiddling in lonely pavilions-- trying not to disturb campers but often finding he'd drawn a crowd. Reckon I can do that. Lotta dry, cool Fall afternoons between now and scheduled song circle. May have to set Hardi's electric guitar out there too. Yoot luvs LOUD.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Sep 15 - 10:55 PM

Cit:
No teeth pulled. On deck at the correct time, I was informed the anesthesia I need had not arrived, could I come back next week! Psyched up for this event and having driven down 5 hours to be here... SO, I waited to see if it would arrive - by Purolator, the supplier having sent it "regular" instead of the requested "priority"!

It arrived and I waited 'til they had an opening, getting colder and colder, hungrier and hungrier, and tired. STUPID is what happened next: I am on the "chair" with bin, and some stuff to "freeze" the area prior to injections. My head is down hill. The Dr. came int and informed me that I needed to sign a consent. He tried to explain it and show me on the x-ray what he was talking about. He failed to communicate clearly; I was totally confused. He got frustrated and left the room. The helper also left. Then I left.

IMO, the time for an explanation and consent was before I committed to this appointment - last week! I came home and ate, and ate, and ate. And phoned R to tell him, swearing like a trooper and totally furious by this time.

So tired all eve I felt like going to bed but managed to delete emails, check some FB, look up a few things and tell R "There is rice, make yourself "Indian". HE informs me that the dentist phoned him - our usual Treena, not the extractor guy - and they talked, she apologized and suggested a different doctor for my extractions. I am tempted to drive down to my former dentist in SE PA; I know he is trustworthy and knowledgeable about my environmental problems. This one was dumber than dishwater.

Or maybe just live with these teeth until they are more problematic. At least my bank account remains cluttered!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Sep 15 - 06:52 AM

DP-- outrageous!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Sep 15 - 09:53 AM

I decluttered a chronically toxic online communicator, telling her that from now on I will only deal with her face to face. I can't tell if she's actually a two-faced liar or what, but last night she was SO NICE first thing this morning, I got an online rant about an imagined action I had quite intentionally NOT taken. And she doesn't get access to me that way any more. If she wants to go there again she will have to face me, and reality. BOUNDARIES!!!

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 25 Sep 15 - 11:27 AM

City:
Susan: your event plus mine causes me to think of a woman years ago who used to walk into the coffee house and announce: "This is an astrologically disastrous day!" The same era in which a still-good-friend suggested to another friend that she needed to clear her life of the negative persons. This needs to be continually addressed!

Feeling fine today. I guess I shan't de-clutter myself of R; his support was lovely! He did go off without BF this am as we slept in. Some discussion re whether or not it is the day for a trip to Quebec City on business. I am guessing not at this late hour - 3 hours up there and 3 separate places to visit. So I am acting as though it will or will not happen - that allows me to do things but be ready just in case... Went through a bin of "winter clothes" and happily found my little jacket that got me through last winter and a scarf, mitts, hats. Yes, it is coming to that! Already has in Bancroft so I delighted to find jacket. And QC is further north.

I have had BF, deleted emails, checked some interesting articles, washed apples in prep for stewing, finished putting away the clothes I washed yesterday, checked to see if there are any good musical events down near the mill, checked Craigslist free. Now I will check FB for messages and a bit more - I have cut time spent on it severely. I do take delight in a friend finally obtaining a home for herself and rescued critters, and other good things tha folks post.

Shortly I shall do those apples - a large potful.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Sep 15 - 02:12 PM

DP, in the Chinese I Ching system is a cycle of days; one day in that cycle is called a Broken Day-- auspicious only for house-wrecking!

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 25 Sep 15 - 09:10 PM

City:
Susan: I guess it might be a good idea to follow the I Ching and be able to recognize such days, just in case - in case they do not coincide with the full moon. Then we might be forewarned. "Oh well, it is just one of those days!"

After I spent the am, R came and took me to lunch at a "Mexican" place. The burritos were large and lacking in flavour. Then he showed me where to get "Indian" but we did not have time to stop as he had to meet someone to sell a machine and then someone else. I used the waiting time to phone two friends at a distance with whom I had not connected for a while - thankful for my unlimited cell minutes.

Finally at home, I finished the big pot of apples, talked to my s-i-l without losing my temper, emailed her pics of house and info on supplements, connected with a guy re propane connections at Beaver; he was going to call back in 20 minutes - that was about noon! Maybe tomorrow? Did some more FB, downloaded a bunch of photos, washed dishes, cooked supper, talked with R, who came home early!, re plans for tomorrow, made sure I have a book to read during the auction... Need to leave about 8 am, when we are usually semi conscious!

Delighted to be feeling good again. Must stay on track with supplements to maintain.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Sep 15 - 10:41 AM

OH: 

The fella that helps me with the yard is great-- he chose this business to do with his teen daughters to teach them a good work ethic, get away from CouchPotatoLand and the after school drug scene, and to be able to spend time with them instead of a second job that would take his time away from them.

They were just here and got so much done:

. Persistent weed bush GONE;
. Lasagna gardening: beds extended an additional 12" into the grass and beds re-mulched;
. Iron cookstove leveled;
. Old toilet relocated as planter;
. Dead wood gathered and removed;
. Persistent weeds dug out;
. Wrought iron chairs unloaded and placed;
. Planning for edging.

What I love about working with Matt is that I get to be on the crew. They HELP me do my projects and I do enough to get a good, sore back-- but not so sore I can't do other stuff later.

The front yard looks ready for company-company-- Celebration Circle, a week from tomorrow. And now I can grab those end of season annuals to set out on top of the mulched beds, for a little color.

I also have garden art items to set out, and my cone to line with sphagnum for a short garden tower, this week, and signs/banners to set out-- good early-morning-cool projects that involve just enough walking. And chair cushions/covers to dress up the 5 iron chairs and 4 lighter weight metal chairs.

The iron stove in the patio is ready to fill with end of season plants too. Yesterday I got caught up with policing dog poop in the patio-- so I can set out the fire pit now, too!

An hour and a half with Matt and daughter Ryan-- I feel like a new woman. I was feeling so overwhelmed yesterday!

Yesterday's sidewalk outreach was spent playing the autoharp out front, working out arrangements to a CD full of songs I want to share. Met two neighbors. Today while working my favorite cashier ambled up the walk on his way to work-- he's a neighbor! Invited to CC!

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Sep 15 - 12:30 PM

Clearly the process of moving stuff from one house to another is a good way to sort, prioritize, and declutter. Here stuff moves from one room to another. ;)

I have a handful of items up on eBay but none of them seem to be attracting much attention at the moment. I have a lot more to list, and I need to get a bunch of them up today for a 10 day run, then they'll stay down for a while until I'm back from a short trip, because I don't want anything to sell when I'm not here to ship the next day.

Mending items have piled up in my craft room and I think are on center stage this evening. Small stuff - buttons, repairing the lining of handbag, etc. It's nice to put things back into service. The handbag is going with me on the trip, which is why I noticed all of this.

I have some extra storage bins and I'm going to use one for the extra bag of dog food I picked up last week. I don't like leaving it out just in case the most intrepid of my small pack decides to tear open to bag to help himself. I have a stack of storage bins because they help in the sorting and arranging of things, but I may finally reach a point where I can actually donate or sell them at a garage sale. I'm thinning out the numbers of baskets on shelves as I discard or sell the contents since they're not being used any more.

There is a linen cupboard in my hall, the bottom shelf behind two doors is used for storing a bunch of frames picked up over the years. I need to pull out a few and frame a recent birthday gift. I also found a matte cutter that hasn't been taken out of the package (it's a small hand-held one, used with a ruler, not one of the big mounted ones that are the best thing for the job). It's time to keep related things together, and if I really intend to mount some of the art around here, get started doing it.

The quality of the light each day is changing, if not the temperature (still in the 90s). It is beginning to look like autumn, even if it doesn't feel like it yet. Friends are getting itchy to start putting up Halloween decorations. At most I have a ceramic jack-o-lantern that goes in the front window, but some of them go to elaborate lengths. I've thinned out a lot of decorating stuff, though this year I intend to hit the sales and replace the old xmas light strings with some of the LED strings.

Just had a call from a friend who needs a hand with a couple of things, so we'll move some furniture and visit and then I'll run my errands and get back here to garden, sew, and do eBay.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Sep 15 - 01:01 PM

OH:

The balance of patio-debris cleanup is nearly done; an outside rug that is shot is hanging on a fence to get rained on clean. It's headed to a spot in the yard where a weed bush would like to come up again. I have some black nylon tarpage to cover it with to kill off that sh*t permanently, presently adjoining that part of the yard, covering nursery-sz black plastic pots. The pots are holding a lot of the white Rock I removed last summer from the front beds (I prefer actual mulch). There are just enough weighted pots to hold down that tarped area rug. Bob's my uncle!

I see now how to make my own dog door to get them from the patio, thru a short section of privacy fence, and into an existing grassed run behind the garag-- that is already 90% fenced. (I have the missing fence section.) The slats of the privacy panel are exactly the right size to open a pair of them on hinges.

A simple bracing job with lumber on hand on the back side, then a few minutes with the jigsaw ought to do it. I'll put up the hinges (only item to buy), before cutting-- so they work perfectly after cutting; Hardi can trim this out pretty on his next visit here, but in the meantime there shall be a shady, grassed patio alternative when dogs are not wanted in the patio.

There's already a resin trash-can-holder out there to brace the added fence and serve as a second doggie house-- I'll move the igloo into that space as soon as the door is created. I'm not even sure I need a second pair of hands to do this!

I unloaded the two packed trash barrel bins from the trailer this AM before Matt arrived. One is unpacked and now holding the debris from the patio cleanup. With other changes already made, I can go back to keeping the trash cans in the patio instead of walking my trash around the outside of the house to the garage front. Oh joy-- stepping just outside the kitchen door, whenever I have something stinky to set out!!! Not a big deal 9 months of the year, but that winter visit down here can be a b*tch!

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: ranger1
Date: 26 Sep 15 - 02:17 PM

Last day for the season at the park yesterday, and while I'm waiting to hear back about a job, I'll jump into cleaning the cottage. I'll have to be careful, I cut my finger badly enough to need medical attention last week, and at my follow-up yesterday, the doctor told me to take it easy until it heals a bit more. I do need to do some serious cleaning soon, though, because we have fleas :( And no, I don't use the topical flea preventative because I have chemical sensitivities and both pets sleep with me, not to mention that the dog also has chemical sensitivities.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Sep 15 - 03:27 PM

Diatomaceous earth inside and beneficial nematodes outside is a start.

My friend's dogs have now had their rabies shots and a short expedition in the car. They love going places in the car.

It is too hot to work in the garden now, but I'll prepare to do some work later after it cools a bit and before the mosquitoes come out. I need to make pickles so I'll start pulling out the ingredients. There are a couple of dozen cucumbers in the fridge ready to go.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Sep 15 - 03:56 PM

FOOD GRADE diotomaceous earth ("DE"). Not from the pool or garden store.

OH:

The second of the two black bins is empty now with items sorted by which room gets them. A big pile of clean clothes goes to the washer/dryer in the next room, then back into the TV room for hanging and sending to master BR closet. It's all stuff that goes with brown-- the color range I'd sorted for here when I first came. I have a few brights to dress outfits up, but a constantly-traveling-for-biz friend told me that was her whole packing system: one brown/beige/cream set of easy care fabrics and one set in cool colors. So-- browns here plus summer camping duds from out of the camper.

The other sorting trick I use for clothes is odd I guess, but all my PA nightie must have pockets-- because so many items must go up and down stairs there, and I need both hands free for railings. Hardi adds 2 roomy pockets for me. But in Ohio it's all on one level, so few or no pockets here. That means new gowns go here.

Feel like hell but going great guns-- old feelings coming up. Bullying memories, oh goody..... yeah it's good to shed that layer. I trimmed a few more chronic and unwinnable toxicities from my Facebook friend list.... I learn from those but really those are the dear souls better known IRL. I am still working on following Catspaw's ca. 2000 advice on that score!

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Sep 15 - 12:35 PM

Yes from the garden store, that's where it comes from (food grade), but also yes, not the pool grade variety. That is heavily polluted with other stuff that isn't good for you.

I'm going to clutter my camera with some lunar eclipse photos this evening. The end to a nice weekend in which I got some work done around the house, sold an item on eBay, made three jars of fresh pickles, and will be making bread and roasting a chicken for meals this week. I'm back on the alternate day fasting, so having meals ready for those small calorie days is helpful, I'm less likely to graze and go above the 500 for the "alternate" day (it isn't a full fast on alternate days, it is regular meals one day, and one 500 calorie meal the next, or a couple of smaller meals totalling 500 - and the law of averages works with you to lose weight as well as have the health benefits of fasting without the health risks).

---

Typo fixed

Subject: done found that lost sheep, er, offertory booklet
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Sep 15 - 02:44 PM

I've also seen NON-food grade DE in garden stores. Another difference is that NFG DE is often made from larger-particles silicates (dead diatoms) than fud grade DE. The danger of inhaling it is the very dreal danger of beginning a nasty case of silicosis, by introducing silicates that slice up the lungs from the inside. (I researched DE big-time before the DE treatment we successfully undertook, which I have posted about.)


OH:

Sometimes a cluttered item is a blessing. Years ago now I took all my personal favorites from our Band songbooks, and bound them together as a portable Instant Offertory booklet for home and instrument case.

Creating these, the printer thought she'd messed up the directions when she made the set of white project 'originals' from the various color-coded copies I gave her, and made another. Without thinking about it much, I asked her to go ahead and comb-bind that "wrong" white set instead of discarding. It was all about the margins. The type was fine!

I happened to have that booklet here on our last visit, and gave it to a church leader so she could pick an offertory for my return visit. I have several other versions of this 75+ song booklet, all having blue pages printed on two sides. I had assumed that I gave her a blue set.

We'll, I found myself wanting to give copies of those songs to local song circles, so I could teach them those rare songs. Remember-- I had assumed the copy I gave Ruby was all blue pages-- most of the several booklets the print shop created are, and they all have the same cover. If only I had a set on white! How to get one without losing copy clarity (something I'm a stickler for).

So today Ruby returns the booklet I left with her. It's that all-white, printed on-one-side set I can take to the local copy shop!!! Those margins look FINE!

WINWINWIN! And I owe it all to never throwing away things I think might just be useful. Cuz often, they are!

~Susan

Subject: The basis of priorities
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Sep 15 - 09:57 AM

OH:

I continue to be surprised and delighted that a house the right size can so quickly be brought under control/returned to comfortable function/made pretty.

Yesterday and Saturday, a lot of what had been unloaded exploded all over the LR, as the projects for which they were brought got some action. I went to bed last night with enough disorder that it woke me up in the wee smalls. A half hour of attention then made for an inviting scene after the 6am nap to complete my sleep, during which I slept well.

So when I got up at 8 it was simple to carry on and finish one last weekend project, and clear up the few things I hadn't taken care of in the 4am stint.

In the process I learned something important that I suspect could help others. I learned which KIND of disorder makes me nuts. For me, it's important to have ample pathways AND an open view from about 4' off the floor, and up. Tall storage furniture in a room's corners does not make me feel crowded. A wall between those corners, with things above that height, is over my limit. At eye level, I need windows or a particular balance between art, and blank wall space. Art against a clear wall, and not too much. People who have been to the PA house will understand THAT one!

It's also important to me that inside any storage furniture, items be visible and containerized. I don't care if the containers are small, used Amazon boxes with my labels added, but give me open containers where I can open the furniture's doors and quickly find either the bin I need to carry to a workspace-- or the bin to toss in a decluttered item, quickly.

What's the underlying principle for YOUR priorities, as you reclaim your space?

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Sep 15 - 01:22 PM

OH:

AM projects done:

. Dismantled blackout fabric covering one BR window to facilitate no-AC cooling; adjusted string pull for its blinds; redid anti-intruder alarm for secure sleeping . Pre-soaking and bleaching stained tablecloth and blouse
. Re-dressing dining table with stain-preventing placemats
. Putting away laundry and reloading dryer
. Vacuuming up spilled Styro beads from pool noodle I shortened, to net two autoharp stand angle-adjusters and two arm supports for chairs
. Setting items destined for others by door to put in the car
. Correspondence re: systemic racism on local radio
. Allocating and folding large red tablecloth, and putting away in linen closet
. Planning for the week and overnight guests at end of visit here
. Polishing off emptying of large grey bin; putting items in it to go back to PA; setting bin in accustomed handy but out of sight spot
. Pulling AR books out of remaining containers, putting them in bookshelf, moving non-AR books and films to their proper places
. Hung up Kitchen Band uni parts, pending neighbor Portia's choice of which skirt she wants. The blouse that's bleaching will go to destined closet in guest room.
. Advancing a long term doll project:

The Dolls:
These are two 2nd-grader-height, Raggedy Ann type dolls bought for AR work. A pale one and a dark one. (Right now they're in jeans and hoodies, a la Trayvon Martin.)

Some time after the Celebration Circle this wknd, they're going to take up residence under the eaves, in the children's garden, on a bench, at a table, for hot chocolate. A third, empty chair will complete the 'booth.' (I'm hoping to recruit a doll mama at CC, to dress them for winter when it snows.) The planned location is lit at night.

At the a Selinsgrove thrift emporium, I'd grabbed Halloween wigs. Both these dolls need hair and-- preferably-- CHANGEABLE hair. There were several construction styles among the wigs I got; I set each style on a lampshade and took a pic of each, right side out and inside out. One in particular is easily reproduced with cheap fabric and yarn; before I go back to PA I'll dummy up a fabric base to fit their odd head shapes, so that when I get back I can create a range of wigs and headpieces for seasonal/topical use. And mail them to myself here.

Confident that by Halloween I can get them waterproofed, and having hair for them now, I used pinking shears to snip off the mob-cap edging they came with that would otherwise make wigging impossible. This added more crap to vacuum when I do the whole LR one cool night this week, so I left the vac out to nag me about it. But the dolls are now sharing a wicker settee, asking me to take their 'before' shots. They can come as they are to the CC-- the blond is wearing the blue yarn wig now.

All the rest of their costume pieces are in their laps-- not sure which closet gets them yet.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Sep 15 - 03:29 PM

OH:

Afternoon projects (yes I had a lunch break):

. Redistributed fans for daytime setup, fashioning a base to aim cool patio air twds puder station. That's a keeper!
. Moved files off several flash keys onto HD
. Took items out to car
. Brought in trash from car plus one nice (harvested) empty water bottle)
. Gave postal carrier CC invite
. More laundry progress
. Got dressed! Too hot for real clothes-- lightweight sort of a nightie, but bra/undies. So summer dress-- Viola!
. Stowed some office materials in bins washed ydy
. Promo for CC
. Posted offer for gospel songbooks
. Planning for mid-visit rendezvous next week with Hardi

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Sep 15 - 07:11 PM

City:

Susan's accomplishments come close to exhausting!. Kudoes! for incredible organization!

We went off to an auction about 20 minutes out of city early Saturday am. It turned out to be rather a marathon - of buying for R who admits to his disease and for me as I sat in car and read most of day, walked around the village where there is next to nothing to see... Then we drove down to the concert near the Mill, arriving almost an hour late but only missing the first group. It was so loud we went upstairs - a reno'd church, upstairs was once the choir loft but now was mostly enclosed with windows. It sounded much better up there.

Then to mill to sleep and a late BF and then a visit to Geri and lunch together at the resto. Big talk about the new cafe/music venue friends are opening end of October. It will replace and improve on the one which closed in July. Back at the mill, a very sick R slept all afternoon while I read. Then he read and I went to bed about 7!

This am, I packed the car with stuff for Beaver while R, feeling much better, read. Our tenant/window manufacturer/extremely competent friend came along and helped me load , adjusting the weight distribution of the slate tiles I am taking for the entry. R thinks they are a bad idea but Fritz told me he has them in his home and they are beautiful; finish them with boiled linseed oil, or tung oil, wipe off the excess and they will be fine!!! YAY, Fritz!

Then he talked with R about the STUFF all over the Mill: Could he sort it out and get rid of some! "You're a hoarder." he said mildly. We had to agree. We went and looked things over and agreed that he could cluster some stuff on pallets and put them out of the way. R and I had already agreed on disposing of a couple dead cabinets. There is a major job of clearing a huge section so R can move a huge machine to a place where he can photo it - to, hopefully, sell it. It takes up almost a thousand sf so getting rid of it would be fab! A MAJOR de-clutter! It takes two fork lifts working together to move each piece!

Wandering around down there, I found a microwave sitting around doing nothing! My project for this aft was removing the old one, cleaning the area - and cleaning and cleaning! So now we have a "new" microwave. Nice and clean!

and dealing with over 150 emails as we did not take the computer - I thought we would be back! That done and response to the propane guy - very expensive! but....

Also stopped for groceries after dropping R at office, after lunch at Timmy's.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Sep 15 - 09:48 PM

Thank you DP. Yer no slouch either!

OH:

I tried to knock off after 3, but I did hang up a curtain across the guest room closet. I don't care for sliding closet doors, and the original ones to this house were already off when I first saw the house (They're in the garage rafters as free MDF to repurpose). The seller had decorated them with store bought panels, hung low because too short for the height. Dunno why-- a pretty bedsheet is the exact perfect length I had a nice clean and crisp one on hand that almost perfectly matches the bedspread in there; old patterns never look like bedsheets! I also already had a tensioned shower rod on hand. When Bob's your uncle like that, ya just gotta do one more ladder climb!

I also installed laptop-side speakers and a pull-chain light, in my work corner. Now I can broadcast Susan's Sidewalk 'Radio' thru the window behind the laptop, instead of moving the boombox in another window several times a day, or put on audio books while I work. (Outreach for CC.) Speakers and light, courtesy Mortite.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Sep 15 - 10:29 AM

I like the question Susan asked...What are our priorities as we reclaim our space. Hmmm....definitely something to think about. I haven't ever really thought about it....I just do it as I go until it pleases my eye and need. I'm going to mull that over.

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 29 Sep 15 - 12:16 PM

It looks like a few folks are benefitting from cooler fall weather (or better meds)! My work has been of the virtual/digital variety, decluttering my hard drive of old recordings.

The idea of decluttering a machine that takes up the enough space to use for a small house is astounding, Dorothy! I hope R is successful in selling it. I'm working on shifting a few cubic inches of hard drives, swapping for a larger capacity and faster.

Allergy season is coming into full autumnal swing so I'm drawing down the sudafed in conjunction with daily zyrtec.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Sep 15 - 09:51 PM

Today was a welcome, planned break from projects, consisting of a good visit with neighbor Portia and a little shopping-- root killer to supplement the roto-rooter job of August, and face-painting materials for ebration Circle (Sunday). We discussed property-line fencing priorities (all shared goals and esthetic, Yay!), and went to see a dog.

The root killer is neat-- Roebic (foaming type). It happened that I had meetings for the aftn, making today the perfect day to put it in the system, cuz ya gotta flush it thru and then not flush, shower, do laundry or dishes for 6-8 hours.... great to just not be here for most of those hours.

The other shopping item of note was a new printer cable, as a last-resort suggested by our church techie. He was pretty sure the whole dam printer was shot. I plugged in the cable before running off to the meeting, and the laptop instantly recognized and configured the printer, and I prinsed a page. That means I can print chordsheets for CC. It also means that 4 opened ink cartridges are not an expensive waste of money!

Portia's new dog met Biscuit thru the fence, and I found a corner to reinforce, for which I have a resin trash-can keeper to block that corner, as well as a leftover piece of fence to zip tie to the loose fence section behind it-- about a 5 minute job.

It's finally cooling off here (AC busted). Normal PA sleeping temp is 64..... I hope to get that cold tonight and really sleep. The 3am projects are getting old!

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Sep 15 - 10:55 PM

I was able to go a few nights with no ceiling fan, but this week has been warm and humid enough to need it again. It's fairly dry but I've watered occasionally and there is some grass that needs mowing, though I might get away with simply running the trimmer in places. A lick and a promise, as the saying goes!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Sep 15 - 08:05 AM

Yeah, I've been sweltering and therefore sleeping lightly and fitfully, with 2 very loud fans blowing right on me-- to fall out at all.... but last night was much cooler and with the clouds and rain today, the roof won't heat up so much. So I anticipate another 8-1/2 good hours tonight, especially if I get enough activity in today.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 30 Sep 15 - 10:58 AM

Well, here it is, the end of September. As I'm looking back at this month, I see progress...mostly in my kitchen and sewing room. Eight (could be more) boxes were delivered to the Salvation Army, mostly clothes Jeremiah has outgrown and quilting books I will never use (paper templates).   I also see positive changes in my diet resulting in an 8 pound loss for this month.

My focus for today is the bathroom. Tub, toilet, counter tops and floor. The dishes have already been done and there is a load of laundry to be folded.

I have started setting 4 week goals for myself in both my weight loss and decluttering efforts. Anyone else?

Have a great day!

Michelle

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Sep 15 - 11:08 AM

OH:

Whistling while I work-- and wearing my pedometer-- this is first extended 'sit' since breakfast, Yay! The first 1000 steps of a 5000 step (current) goal. Helpful data-- I don't always get the app into my pocket first thing. I need a belt to hang one from, when I'm not wearing a pocket. A tied-down holster with an elastic leg strap. I bet I'll see the perfect one within the week-- and I already have the elastic.

. Last current box unpacked and single still-half-full box from a prior trip unpacked and items put away in prepared spaces.
. Yesterday's groceries unpacked from bags.
. Leftover wheat-based cereal set by door for Portia or birdfood, whichever comes first.
. I HAD packed not one (as I recalled), but TWO new bras picked up in PA just a day or two before I left for here. I had forgotten that they were at the bottom of the last-packed box of miscellaneana-- cushioning a glassed, framed picture. Very welcome-- the old ones here are dying daily! A full drawer of bras that FIT-- heavenly.
. Face paint for rendezvous packed. Other items headed there to go back to PA also now in gray bin.
. CD-RW's found for a project BIL agreed to help with. The box going to their house is already in the car, so will move files onto spare flash keys emptied earlier, along with instrux-doc hopefully also now on laptop.

Planned afternoon/eve stuff:
. DW
. Setting out garden art on fresh mulch
. Reinstalling the whirligig dog on bicycle, now that the ground is wet enuf to plant his stake
. Counting number of potted plants needed for garden decor/staging/pix
. Trash night, including dead fall branch into bagged kilt weed shrub from Saturday (Matt's work).
. Maybe change my bed and more laundry.

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Sep 15 - 03:54 PM

OH:

OK! Most of previous post plan DONE, and I'm at 3000 steps (and my back is feeling it!).

Happy surprises-- finding the little hanging banners for out front. Seeing neighbor with dog for a howdy and CC reminder. How nice the garden art looks when I get a fresh look. How easy it is to do trash now. The dvd remote dying in such a way that I can leave Gumby running all day for a 5 minute break, but have o to get up to start a video. The plans coming together on too mall theseny fronts to list-- feeling like I might finally be meshing my sense of timing with God's time. Cuz all these things that felt so overwhelming ARE getting done in plenty of time.

Left to do-- bed changing and laundry. Easy evening. Time now to start a new book.

~Susan

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Sep 15 - 09:20 PM

Beaver!

Bread pudding! used up all the toasted and then not eaten bread/bagels of the last year (or more)! Soaked in egg/milk mixture all afternoon - cinnamon and nutmeg, too. Then baked until it smelled done. Smelled good but we already had pie to finish for dessert so I decided it would be a good BF.

Warmed in microwave and toped with a bit of Quebec maple syrup, and some yogurt - perfect BF. Left a quantity for R and brought a bit for me. Also left: stewed tomatoes, cauliflower soup, cooked rice (and a pile of packets of "Indian", stewed apples, and a cooked chicken breast. That should get him through at least a week.

Phoned propane guy tonight and he informs that the heater is illegal and needs to be replaced! He will send an email with suggestions. Stove is fine but I must wait for propane supplier to get around to installing tank. I used to just do it myself. Never blew anything up! Could buy a second hand heater for a couple hundred... Now, cannot buy second hand anything; everything is illegal!

Low of about 35 tonight! Mattress is still in studio. Heating pad is on! Fire in wood stove. I am thinking of a good fire in wood stove to last 'til morning. Baby, it's cold outside!

Anyway, left M about 10 am and arrived here about 4. Several restroom stops, green tea, thought about donuts but lucked out - a Taco Bell, unusual at rest stops, offered a quesadilla. A great choice! But after happily making the right turn onto rte 62, from the highway, I was thinking brownies; the ones I bought a couple weeks ago up here were made in Madoc. So, as I drove through Madoc, I watched for where they might have come from - Ahh! the Hidden Goldmine Bakery!

Parked and went in and stood there with my mouth open! Madoc used to be a sleepy, down in the mouth mess. This bakery/tearoom/antique shop was beautiful and busy! "I didn't know there were this many people in Madoc!" I told the nice young woman when it was finally my turn.

The various stops took an extra hour. I unloaded most of car and went to thrift warehouse - nada. Then, having seen a sign for auction, remembered I had not yet picked up my hand-painted raccoon plates. I did that and went to fav resto - since I was out that far - for a bowl of soup and visiting. Then home and unpacking, sorting, phoning...

Now I am ready for bed. Under that heavy pile of covers! Thankful for heating pad! And wood stove to come back to! Also glad to be here -coolish - rather than where some of you are sweltering. The fall colour is burgeoning!

Subject: RE: 'Clutter's Last Stand' +fitness July thru Sep 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Oct 15 - 12:04 AM

Here is the next thread.