More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015

Subject: More 'Clutter's Last Stand: Oct - Dec 20
From: GUEST, Don Aslett Acolyte
Date: 01 Oct 15 - 12:01 AM

A question was asked near the end of the last thread: What's the underlying principle for YOUR priorities, as you reclaim your space?

It seems to have struck a cord, so is a good starting point for this quarter's thread. I have noticed that staggering tall and short in a space looks better to me than uniform pieces - a tall cabinet next to a tabletop cabinet, and on the table next to the cabinet, a tall piece of art. More tabletop space, then a tall lamp. The variation in height is comfortable and pleasing to the eye.

Also in that post, the following remarks:

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. . .

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.

As you (and this includes regular lurkers) consider the process of bringing order to your overstuffed household, what looks good, feels good, to you? Lurkers, we always appreciate your thoughts, because you often surprise us with your results.

Some of us have puttered at this for years as we spend spare time in a work week dividing our time between recreation, regular maintenance, and tackling the decluttering rooms or houses. Others drop in and tell us about reading along and deciding to do it all in one fell swoop. All approaches are interesting, and we look forward to reading about what YOU do to manage the stuff in your living space.

A final thought: lists are helpful. Listing projects you want to do gives you something you can prioritize. But make sure you have a list that reflects all of the things you have to do. The big list on the fridge might show the tasks you want to accomplish over the next few months, but to give yourself a view into what you actually do with your time, be sure there is a list on the counter that includes shopping, laundry, cleaning the house, cooking ahead for the week, and more. Crossing off those items is likely to give you the best view of your productive self and help you decide which items need to come first on the big list.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Oct 15 - 08:39 AM

Another idea in the last thread was about monthly goals. For me, that always starts not with that time range, but with the ultimate,long-range vision.

That vision drives all the interim goals, and that's behind the recent productivity here in Ohio: these are the projects that show the fist vision I had when I first toured the house and sat in it while the inspector inspected. Dream time, for me, while I listened to the house speaking to me.

Every project since-- my answering.

So picture a chart-- rows and columns.

Reading down, the categories are yours to choose. It might be by room, or as the OP describes, ALL the wellness areas of your life (Health, Household Beauty/Order, Fitness, Family, etc).

Reading across (and the first column becomes your daily task list):
Today, This Week, This Month, This Season, This Year, Next Year, Five Years, Forever.

You may not fill it in all at once, but start at the Forever end. The shorter time frames--in areas you really care about-- will come soon.

Keep it where you'll see the chart daily... seeing your vision, in that Forever column, will guide you. And it need not all be text. It might be pix you draw or magazine clippings. It might all be in song titles.....


OH:

Today, my only project involves dogs meeting each other.

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Oct 15 - 08:42 AM

PS, every 5 years, revisit ALL of it and make a new chart. ;-)

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Oct 15 - 08:10 PM

Ahhhh. A new month! October happens to be my favorite month of the year....I love the cooler temperatures, the beautiful colors, the smells....all of it!

Because we are currently down to one reliable vehicle, I am home most of the time as Pete takes my car to work. This is fine except that it means grocery shopping has been a challenge. Today I had an appointment to have my port flushed at the chemo clinic which is about 80 miles away. Pete worked from home today so he would be here when Jeremiah got home and I took the car. Normally I have someone go along just for the company but today I went alone. I needed that alone, away from home time for a little bit. Being that I was out of town and had the whole day to myself, I did some major grocery shopping. I'm not sure when I'll get to go again so I loaded up. Now I'm home and everything has been put away and I feel like I did a stellar job of making the most of the money I had budgeted. My Nana always liked to say she could make a penny scream and I did that today!

I also stopped at the Salvation Army in Danville where I was hunting for a light blue oxford shirt, tie and vest for Jeremiah. He wants to be Chase from Paw Patrol (think dog police officer). I found all 3 and spent under $6.00. I already have some silly glasses for him, a mustache and a pack of play police badges. All I have to do now is make a police hat and pick up some face paint and he is set for Halloween. :)

I know having long term goals works for lots of people but I'm not one of them. I have found that for myself, I do better with short term goals, otherwise I tend to put things off and off and off thinking that I have time to do XYZ later. Which brings me to my next point.

My decluttering goal for October is to empty out my office as much as possible, selling some things and donating others. My office is laid out so that half is my sewing room (which is organized nicely, thank you very much) but the other half has been a catch all for far too long. I did a little bit of sorting the other day and found Jeremiah's infant car seat. Um. He's 5 now. Buh bye car seat. I also found a HUGE stash of Legos and Hot Wheels that I found at a yard sale and forgot I had. Hello Santa! I am all set for his Christmas except his annual night before Christmas goodie box of new jammies, a movie and snacks. I even have stocking stuffers! YAY MOMMY! Ok...ok...let's get back on topic...goals. My other goal is to have our bedroom in order. We are never in our room except to sleep and sometime that doesn't even happen. I have gotten into the bad habit of not putting things away in there and it's a mess. I guess I do that because I think...well, who is going to see it? Just us....but I've decided I want to wake up to a nice organized space. I think it will take one solid day of going through clothes and bags (I am going to suck it up and get rid of a BUNCH of my bags...I love them but I don't use most of them and all they do is take up space that I could be filling with fabric *wink*). Seriously though....there is a lot that can go and I am ready to part with a lot of it.

So there it is, I want my office in order and our bedroom.

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 Oct 15 - 08:30 PM

Beaver!

No signal at home so I am in the parking lot a Tim Horton's. Light in car does not work so I have a flashlight under my chin! Sun went behind the hill at 6:30 tonight! May be more errors than usual. How to, what to de-clutter!!!????

!st: the chin did not hold so I had to come inside and OOPs - hungry! Food.

2. Major haircut today!

3. Phoned neighbour to let him know the comfrey plant he would like is in jeopardy as a propane tank will be going "Right there!" So he will remove it tomorrow.
4. Neighbour warned of frost tonight so I put a sheet over tender plants lest they be de-cluttered.
5. Lecture on LED lighting by friend in charge of lighting dept at Home Hardware - help to de-clutter electric bill and alleviate SAD. Rather than clutter my brain - just tell me what to buy!
6. Life became cluttered when no one had opened the Art Gallery! Seeing someone wanting to see the current show, I opened up, phoned another volunteer and stayed until she could arrive. While I was there, I had a great conversation with the young reporter for the local paper and helped her do a photo set up. In the process, she told me my nemesis (the reason I left town 15 years ago) has retired! "Good riddance!" I encouraged her to watch her back and call me if she needed help. OK! NOT de-cluttering - for me but maybe for her.
7. Majorly- After long talk with propane provider - very nice man - I phoned R and I think we agreed "We don't need this". "This" being the over $1000 it will cost to have the propane installed and hooked up at an exorbitant rate. R agreed to "phone Ziggy", who is qualified, and get advice. Less de-cluttering of one's bank account is always a good thing.

As for planning years in advance. Never have. never will - that is too much clutter for me. A month is possible, a week might work but I start most days with a short list and am delighted to accomplish most, or even some. Even the list in my head does not go very far into the future. No long term goals. Just trying to keep it all together from week to week. Wrest some order out of chaos. Make a few - or at least one - oases of order in the midst of it all.

Do my darndest to stay as healthy as possible. Take advice from those I trust. Help others to learn to care for themselves; share what works for me -body, mind, spirit.

This morning, Iny told me, in amazed perplexity, that the Gallery was not open; did I know who was supposed to be there? She was volunteering at A Place for the Arts. When I went to the Gallery and looked at the calendar - Iny was in the wrong place! It confused my morning and Isla's morning but it all worked out. When I saw Iny about 4 pm and we talked it over, we agreed, "The world is unfolding just the way it is meant to!" I got no painting done nor pots thrown .... What constitutes clutter? Perhaps it, too, is in the eye/mind of the beholder?

And I met some interesting people whom I would not have met - today - had my day been unfolding differently.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Oct 15 - 08:49 PM

Interesting that where I write 'vision', some folks see 'planning'....

But then whatever any of us writes is of course only useful to others if it's useful. A lot of people are living fuller lives by that method, which is not my creation.

OH:

Foster dog Newbie (small rott/shep/pit/heinz mix) is settling in... TBTG I had a lot of chew toys on hand. Poor thing is trying to bury them in a lino floor on a slab. In the patio, evety placecshectried had a single under the vines-- anti-termite trick by the wood fence. She'll improvise.... and hasn't QUITE humped poor Biscuit to death. The oddest command stops her when I see Biscuit nearing frustration-- MINE. Mine???? Where did that come from? It works!

Life the next few days is crazy busy. Plus Newbie, whose crate will hopefully come via US very soon.... in the meantime Biscuit will be in HER crate in their shared space til my usual 3am wakeup.

More fun working with dogs today than I can say... but my fitness app ran way over my goals about 3, so I expect to sleep well tonight!

~SusanLivingTheVISION

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Oct 15 - 09:32 PM

Fitness tracker see I met my 5000 today. Yay! Rather have critter steps than treadmill steps, any day. Just how I roll!

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Oct 15 - 10:28 PM

Vision or planning, either way for me is the same. I can't visualize things in the far out distant end just as I don't plan for much longer than a month at a time...I get overwhelmed. That's how I operate best. It's always a good thing when you recognize what suits you best. There's no right or wrong...just a matter of knowing what works best for ourselves.

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Oct 15 - 11:40 PM

I disagree about not having long-term goals, but it is how you accomplish them that makes a difference. The long-term goal of having the house in shape to sell if I decide to move for another job or to retire means that I strategically plan a series of tasks that are short term in nature but that ADD UP TO the longer term goal of having the house in shape. Paint, tile, woodwork, attic work, landscaping, they all are part of having the house in shape to sell - which doesn't have a date attached, but I know these other things need to be accomplished to reach that point. So I have to determine which task to do now, which comes later, depending on cost, time involved, hiring help, etc. I have put a list of these things on the fridge that I want to try to do during the next year, and crossing off a fraction of them is an accomplishment. I suspect, when it comes down to it, that Linn has a list of things that add up to a house in good shape so she can decide to stay or to sell, and though Susan doesn't own the house she's in, she has a lot of short-term tasks that add up to the long term goal of moving to the new house. I've lost count of how many places Dorothy is moving in and out of, but I'm sure there are goals involved. :) We watched Andrea fix up one house then move to the one she's in now, and then the months of renovations to achieve the current comfortable house. Back when Penny was posting here, she had a similar project, and it was fascinating to read about her discoveries and decisions. All long term goals with short-term steps along the way.

Last year I finally completed a refinishing job that involved converting a dresser (with a knee hole and a mirrorless frame) into a buffet with cupboard doors and an enclosed space (the frame backing was screwed onto the back of the dresser and a shelf put in for the base). It sat in my sun room for a long time with stuff stacked on it while I considered the possibilities of how to do the job. I don't remember what finally tipped me over the edge of deciding to finish it, but it is now a lovely piece in my dining room. That was a relatively short term project that took a long time because I had to consider how to convert the furniture. Other things don't take so much consideration, like painting a room or hallway, or changing out light fixtures. Every project isn't equally creative and sometimes the simplest ones can have the biggest impact (like painting a room).

Halloween costumes: I had a lot of fun making costumes for and then with my kids. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that my daughter majored in Theater Arts/costume design at the university - she'd had her initial exposure to that creative process at home. She managed to take it from a hobby to an art form and possibly a career. You never know what thing you do with your child is going to make the biggest impression. :)

You can correct the new dog when it does the hump/I'm in charge here move on the other dog - when the new dog tries to take charge, it's time for a walk to show them both who is in charge. You. The new dog may end up being the dominant animal, but you are the pack leader.

Tomorrow I declutter my wallet at the nearby auto dealership when I take the car in for some needed work. A recall, an oil change, and new tires. Even though I shopped around, compared prices, and they gave me the offer of a few dollars off per tire, I know they'll still manage to achieve sticker shock at the end of the day.

My parting thought: there was a wonderful image on facebook today, forwarded by a librarian friend:

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Oct 15 - 05:02 AM

Acme, was there sposed to be a link to an image or sumpin?

Methinks Michelle and Acme are BOTH 'right,' and here's how I resolve the apparent dichotomy.

Going purely by what you've presented in these decluttering/fitness threads, Michelle, I'd gather your primary vision is about family.... that's what everything else is subsidiary to, right? That vision could be shown as a poem or picture, in that Forever column, with you as the farm-woman-strong, healthy great-grandmother of a large, flourishing brood in the world, with ancient Pete at your side?

If that's even close, you *might* find some of those other columns filling in.... or you might be so creatively wired that-- for you-- being bound by a plan does not make sense during your years of most-active parenthood. After all, as the saying goes: Man proposes, God (Life) disposes. Your several degrees and careers, your frequent repurposing of rooms.... all sound to me like creative flexibility toward your vision.

And Acme is right by virtue of 'task analysis' (which Google can explain for you non-classroom teachers).

So it IS about different strokes. It's also about different semantics, as well as different life stages.

If you re-read my post above, I described how it looks for ME. I gave away years of experience applying a method used by many, whose homes are a constant delight of balance and simple beauty. But I think that by now folks know I mentally add YMMV to every post. If not, now ya do.

My life stage, health, and family history make me one of the old ladies of this thread. Take the best, and leave the rest. I do not have enough hours in the day to explain that again. I got my LIFE back and I plan to LIVE it!

;-)

So see my gray hairs, wouldja please? Cripes, I been HERE for fifteen years now, and I warn't a spring chicken when I crossed that road!

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Oct 15 - 11:30 AM

Cold weather has arrived which in my house means it's crock pot time! I use the regular one often throughout the year but last year I was given a triple crock pot (that was on my wish list) that I had out on my main counter until spring arrived. I love it but it is long and takes up space I'd rather have for chopping and such. So...today I am rearranging the items on my kitchen counters. I have a 3 foot section of counter where I have a rarely used Kitchen Aide mixer and a toaster oven...both have been there for years. Then I have a very small counter between the door and the stove that has held a primitive clock. This morning I moved the clock and put the toaster oven there. The mixer will go into the mudroom to be pulled out when needed. On that 3 foot section of now clear counter space, I am going to put the bread maker (currently on my main counter taking up more space than I'd like) and the triple crock pot. :) Now my main counter is mostly clear except for a piece of pottery that holds several cooking utensils at one end and the microwave at the other end.

I think this relates to Susan's question about my underlying principle for reclaiming space....as of late, I am finding that sparsely covered table tops, counters, dressers, nightstands, entertainment centers, washer and dryer, vanity, etc....I just like them cleared. I have a ledge over my sink and a CD rack behind it that has a flat top on it. It is currently covered with CDs that don't fit on the stand. It bugs me and has bugged me for awhile so maybe..MAYBE I'll dust those off and try to find a new space for them. Every time I do the dishes I think....gee, I should take care of that but then get side tracked into a hundred other things.

    I'm making a big pot of chili for tonight. The house is chilly and that will help warm things up. I also have a turkey that is ready to be roasted....having the oven on for a few hours will take the chill out of the air too, I hope. I think it's crazy to have to turn the heat on so early in the season but perhaps Pete will build a fire tonight. The polar fleece sheets go on the beds today and everyone gets an extra quilt. :) The air conditioner has been taken out of Jeremiah's room and the one in the kitchen will come out tonight too. I'm leaving one in our bedroom but only because sometimes we still get a pretty warm spell during October and I just can't tolerate a hot bedroom.

Have a great day everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 02 Oct 15 - 12:23 PM

Kitchen counter space is valuable real estate in my kitchen as well. I have my Kitchenaid blender on a 1-cupboard-wide counter between the stove and the fridge. On the opposite side of the stove on an identical-sized counter I also have a pottery pitcher with wooden spoons and spatulas. I had more there, but recently rearranged the bookcases in the dining area of the kitchen and now one next to that counter holds the spinning Pampered Chef tool turn-around and a couple of large recipe boxes and jars of pasta that used to be out of sight in a cupboard so I always forgot about it. I have reached a point where I want to see everything, and can't decide what should go in the cupboards. With the dogs in the house I'm not going to take off the cupboard doors (at least not down below). My cabinets aren't Martha Stewart tidy so I'm not ready to take off those upper doors either.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Oct 15 - 01:36 PM

Beaver:
The use of different words, or the same words having different meanings and/or triggering different thoughts for different people. "Life is what happens while we are planning." Lots of thoughts triggered by recent posts. Grade 7 history class (circa 1949): designing houses and thinking I want to live in the middle of 1000 acres; I would have to marry an artist, farmer or writer. No plan. (I hated history class!)

!967: I moved to Canada with the "plan" of buying a piece of land and building a wee cabin. Reality: I bought a used car and took my kids camping in the maritimes and Quebec for a few summers. We had fun. The plan was now a vision: someday I would live at the end of a dirt road with no amenities; I did not buy ANY electrical appliances for years.

1981: Rented a cabin on a knoll back a dirt road - no amenities - for a few years. Loved it!
1989: With the help of dear friends, was able to achieve the dream - full vision accomplished and enjoyed for 10 years.

All this I thought about this am as the sun gradually came up and brightened the west hill from top to bottom, eventually hitting the back yard. Woods all around me - not mine so I don't have to pay the taxes. This home was not a plan; this was reaching the point of realizing it was time to do something sensible - close to town, amenities, convenience... The plan was to be back here where it feels like home. Achieved.

Clearly my life has not been planned. At least not consciously. I feel a kinship to Tigger's bumbling through the 100 Acre Wood. I might have made it to Pooh's house, via a circuitous route. My plan for this house is to make it nicely, simply, livable - my way.

I spent time last night and this morning unpacking a few more things and thinking about/planning? what to do very next: take the handles off the kitchen cabinets so I can get on with the painting. I even had the first two doors open as I went about the other sorting! Closed them when it was time to leave for the Gallery! Maybe, when I get back this afternoon, I will open them again and even pick up the screwdriver and get to it.

Last night I hung a huge drape across the unfinished wall between LR and BR. Such an improvement - until we decide how to finish it. That 10 foot by 8 foot drape, innocuous cream and beige with nicely woven in pattern, was last used in 1999 at my special home. I was glad to find I had not de-cluttered my life of it. Then I arranged two small pieces of furniture and put stuff back in them - one at each end of the sofa - which is still in Quebec!

Yep. That is a plan.

The grass was white this am and I slept well under my pile of quilts and feathers! With the heating pad on medium now. The man who will be bringing another 6 face cord of wood came by at 7:30 to check where I want to put it. Not above the window level! My friend, the logger who cuts the wood, when we conferred about the delivery guy, noted, "He's a few logs short of a load!" He does a great job of delivering wood.

Glad for M's reminder to use the crock pot. Maybe I can fill mine with good stuff before I take the handles off. That means I plan to go to the store for said goodies -- scratch that. I'll do it tomorrow so I can get good veggies at the Market. Still hoping for a couple folks to get that mattress into the house! Then PLAN to paint in small pieces to keep fuming down. Maybe do a bunch on Sunday am and then go somewhere... Two hours tonight between leaving here and coming back for reception, then bed. That could be a good plan. Glad we thought of it!

Vision: getting the house to the point where I have time/energy to make pots! May that not be a fantasy!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Oct 15 - 08:03 PM

OH:

Today was largely given over to more dog introdiction and a vet visit. In between I won a fight with Sears about covering a service call. Long story, ew!

I neatened and did some administrivia, and swapped two nightstands so my expected HS friend will have more stowage space. I purged a pile of paper and started prep for vacuuming tomorrow.

But the dogs got me to my fitness goals.... so I set them a notch higher.

Tomorrow I'll be awaiting a Sears svc call and slicing up thrift shop fabric for no-sew lawn chair seat covers. Red plush fleece bottoms and cherries on a white background for the tops, with red ties. Hardi will tack the layers together at the August visit.

I started the next packlist for PA stuff to bring--more AR/Liberation Library materials, and a short legal-sz file cabinet. No trailer-- all car stuff-- cuz winters here is mighty slushy. AR lead trainer visiting here maybe week after next, to see Library and discuss plans for its use.

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Oct 15 - 02:52 AM

Yes, it didn't go through. Trying again: App/Lap.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Oct 15 - 10:51 AM

A full computer backup ran overnight, and that new very large hard drive is now set aside out of view, and will come out monthly for an incremental backup. This frees up the previous external hard drive that was used for backups. There are still things to be moved out of my main computer drives for use but that don't take up so much space on my D: drive.

Just the usual stuff this weekend. Cleaning, recycling, yard work. I have a couple of small sewing projects that need doing.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Oct 15 - 01:15 PM

OH:

Worn in a jacket pocket-- not ideal, leg pocket just ordered will be more accurate-- vacuuming the LR and kitchen is about 800 steps. Luckily, Newbie does not fear or chase vacuums.

Also this AM:
. linens for chair covers moved to workroom;
. dog bedding sprayed with bitter apple (anti-chew),
. bottle mixed oh Get Down Dammit mixed and set chairside (equal parts bitter apple/vinegar).

SO happy to have found a missing spray bottle, already labeled for Garden Spray, so I can mix SMALL quantities of vinegary weed killer. That saves a trip to the county haz waste disposal, for the gallon sprayer Hardi sent me down here with, half full of dursban. But I do know where to take it later, and I don't really need gallons of spray til spring. The little one will work now that growth is slow to nil.

Lots more stepping today, as I prep the house and yard for Celebration Circle tomorrow evening. This week, I was able to put my rolling 'workshop' bag back into the office to pack for workshops to present-- because when I took two cushy floor pillows out for CC, I discovered that the upholstered black cube didn't have anything else in there as I'd thought-- enabling me to unpack the rolling bag. So that cube is now Celebration Circle Central: songbooks, story books, rhythm instruments, face paint..... all easily held in a cube you can sit on. I'll make a CC label for it in PA (have full-page computer labels there).

The last CC also was sked for outdoors, and also fell victim to weather as is likely tomorrow; it was easy to arrange seating for 12 in this LR, with more space/seating by sliding one shelf sideways that presently acts as a low kitchen divider.

The office/tv/guest room seats 6-8, by simply sliding 2 small recliners into a different configuration: the guest bed in there is my old Boondocker cot, reinforced with plywood, as a long bench. Toy box as second bench, stools added. That room's rug is a SOB to vac, so will do in the AM-- after I cut up that fabric in there tonight.

Easy peasy, a little at a time! Same setup for workshop mode! I'll take pix, in case I'm not here to set up for the next CC or workshop.

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Oct 15 - 02:01 PM

Fall has arrived rather abruptly here. It's not just cool outside, it's cold! Not much around this house is set in stone, thank goodness because I didn't get the kitchen finished. We decided it was time to light the pellet stove which is fabulous but I had been using the top of it to hold some things (a fan and a medium sized tote of paper stuff) and Jeremiah had toys around the base. So....Jeremiah and I worked together to get that area all spiffy, floor swept (good grief, there was a LOT of dog hair back behind there), toys put away, my paper stuff relocated for now and once the momentum was going, we did some other cleaning up in here too, some dusting, toy organizing and putting away of just stuff. :)

Today I am on my 3rd load of laundry, have a pot of chili simmering on the stove, a turkey in the oven that should be done within the next 2 hours or so and some fun playing Trouble with Jeremiah. It's raining and blustery outside so we are completely enjoying our family day at home. :) I see some sewing time for myself later this afternoon.

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Oct 15 - 03:44 PM

Lol I misread that you were having trouble playing with Jeremiah, and were on your 3rd BOAT load of laundry.... nonono!

OH:
Since I have few enough RSVP's for CC to be pretty sure we won't need to jam in the bedroom, I asked myself what SUSAN wants to get out of CC-- cuz this ain't a class, and I get to be there too. There are songs I am dying to pass along, and my printer's finally viable, so-- creating songsheets from excellent Mudcat resources, on which to write the chords I'd already roughed out on scrap paper... got about 7 done and may do a few more.

First, off to the local kennel with Newbie. I don't know her well enough to trust her yet with children, and am expecting several at CC.

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Oct 15 - 09:23 PM

Half the CC setup done (and foto's posted); also finished unloading trailer except for ramp, just cuz I was out there anyway-- moving my car to the 2nd driveway. Topped out today at 2666 steps, but I'm sick. Also a lot of it was lifting.

But the thermostat got changed today, which may have resolved the inadequate cooling of the AC. I'll know tomorrow, when sunlight returns and bakes the roof. Worth every penny! I got the non-programmable digital version-- anyone in residence walks by it a million times a day. Easy to adjust if needed, and this is easy enough to use even if we let someone else use the house in our absence, which is part of the plan, starting with family and close friends. (That programmable one was not only busted, but a PIA!)

And I folded a lot of laundry, sorting it by where it goes tomorrow. Another 800 steps of vacuuming, maybe 200 of dusting. Then outdoor chairs to place, since the first hours of CC for kids should be warm and sunny (according to the latest crazy forecast). I boarded foster dog Newbie for the occasion, who BTW looks just like Gomer Pyle's Sgt. Carter when he's chagrined. ;-) Down to the last wrinkle!

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Oct 15 - 11:14 PM

The paper buildup reached a point today where I had to start filing and shredding. Quite a bit has also gone into the recycle bin. This seems to go hand in hand with the computer clean-out and I'm making progress.

The pellet stove sounds great; my house used to have a heatalator but it rusted out before I moved in. The fireplace is not well-built and doesn't draw efficiently so I have blocked it off completely.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Oct 15 - 11:00 AM

We blocked a fireplace as well-- with a wide bookcase that fills the very wide hearth. Don't miss it at all-- outdoor fires are such easier maintenance. Plus more seating capacity. The OH house's sellers even left me a portable fire pit for the huge patio.

OH:

I miss Newbie!

CC prep is back in full swing. Fabric cut, tunes pouring out a window, flyers ready as I see passersby. Sewing for chair covers to be done outside. Two styles of chairs; two mockups to copy are done for 4 chairs. (There are 3 of the one style, but that's not getting a cover now.)

Tables to clear for shared snacks. Vac job due soon. Settin' now!

I'm so grateful to the Mudcatters who gathered with us in PA; they taught me well. Especially: how to pace myself!

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Oct 15 - 03:56 PM

OH:

I topped out at 2000 steps for setup. Used scooter to un-garage chairs, and to meet a few more neighbors. I ate lunch out front..... lots of drive-by looks at the chairs set up out there...

I'm in this for the long haul, so I'm happy they'll have something to remember when the flyers go out again (or get sent home with Halloween candy).

I took and then posted all setup pix, for the areas that will be available tonight, drawing on our MudGather hosting experience. I wish Catspaw was still on the planet; he'd have been just a short ride away. In his honor, I took the setup as easy as possible. ;-) Next year I'll invite Karen and gang.

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Oct 15 - 05:28 PM

So last night I picked all the meat off from the turkey and boiled the bones resulting in approximately 2 gallons of broth which was put into the fridge for the night. I was surprised at just how little fat needed to be skimmed this morning. I made a small pot of turkey noodle soup for my nana in the nursing home. Her turkey noodle soup was always one of my favorites so it makes me feel pretty good to make some for her. :)

Jeremiah had a soccer game this afternoon where I passed the soup on to my mom who will get it to my nana. Afterwards we went out for ice cream. :) A special treat for Jeremiah who had a stellar week at school.

Back home and helped with some pen work for the new calves. Oh my word but they are cute. Then some laundry, packing lunches for the week, warming up some leftover chili for dinner to go with a cheesy quesadilla.

Tomorrow I meet with my new endocrinoloist. I still need to make a list of my current meds, a list of things I am experiencing and questions that I have. I hope it is a good fit. Having had more than my share of doctor visits, I have learned that I need to speak up for myself, I need a doctor who LISTENS and one who meshes with my personality. Condescending, rude doctors are no longer tolerated. I'm crossing my fingers that this is a good fit.

I am planning to get some Halloween decorations out this week as well as our portable fire pit. I am wishing it was already out as tonight would be a great evening for it.

Have fun ya'll!

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Oct 15 - 07:12 PM

Mending is out of the way and a favorite leather handbag is now back in service with a repaired lining.

Dog bedding has been laundered and created tremendous amounts of hairy lint in the dryer. Now to vacuum the house to capture a lot more of the dog hair drifting around here.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Oct 15 - 09:22 PM

CC successful as a neighborhood activity for young adults. Very pleased that outreach in this diverse neighborhood met my chief goal: multiculturality.

Need to recruit a partner next time-- to keep it going while I take a short supper break!

Some items from setup already put back. More over the next few days.

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Oct 15 - 02:33 PM

LR/K restored. Garage cleared for better chair storage space. One chair stored, 9 more metal ones to go as the week progresses. Chair cover fabric (cut) bagged to go home for winter sewing.

~S~

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Oct 15 - 03:49 PM

Beaver, via Tim Horton's!

No signal last few days. Weather is heavy.

Volunteered at Gallery on Friday, loaded pottery back in car when I got home and ahd supper. Out of house by 7:15 Ast for the MArket. Sold lots but near froze to death! Another vendor lent me a huge quilt to wrap myself! Visited friend in the Grove and picked up a check for the heirloom china I took them a couple weeks ago. Still conflicted over giving it up. I was worth nothing after I got home. Food and bed.

Sunday: Finished painting BR and put away lots of stuff. Closed off the doorways with plastic. fabric, doors and windows open to evacuate fumes, fire in stove turned up to keep warm! Did do a crock pot of veggies.

But today, did a last bit of floor, moved two bookcases into probable places, put down a few throw rugs, ran out of steam after an early lunch. Went to store for boiled Linseed oil to put on floor slate tiles and some plastic feet for one to go on cutting board for hot pots. Maybe one for the other side of stove also. Stopped to visit at Gallery, now here. Soon home to eat and read and hope for a burst of energy - to remove cabinet door handles and prepare for more painting in K. Maybe even get some done.

R is excited about having gotten all the instruction and parts to install propane stove and heater. He also made progress: collected the large forklift from previous owner and drove it to the mill; moved a bunch of stuff out of the way in prep for moving that huge machine to a place where it can be photographed for prospective buyer! He informs me that he found there are more cabinets there for the K here! Rather too late as all is done. Organization is difficult when there is too much room and too much stuff. I suspect he will be up along about Friday for our Thanksgiving weekend. Weather for the week highs of 57-63; low of 34. chilly!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Oct 15 - 04:42 PM

Go Dorothy!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Oct 15 - 08:45 PM

Visit to new endocrinology team was AMAZING!!!!   Every single part of the visit from the time I walked in the door until the moment I left....I am THRILLED with!!!

I know it doesn't relate to decluttering but it certainly is going to help in the fitness area....in a HUGE way!

It's nice to have a doctor who actually hears me regarding my practically dead thyroid and blood sugars that seemingly haven't been touched by the HUGE amounts of insulin I have been taking lately. I had some very large concerns about kidney issues but thankfully, there is nothing to be concerned with on that topic.

She told me, "You are going to be feeling MUCH better in the very near future." I cried...tears of relief.

She walked me down to the lab and on the way there I apologized for crying and she stopped me and she said that people don't understand just how exhausting and horrible people feel when their thyroids are so unbalanced. The normal range is something like 0.3 to 4. Mine is 29.something or other. She promises to have me sitting pretty at 1 before long. I felt heard and I felt hope. I even allowed for some day dreaming about what I will do when my energy levels return....it's a wonderfully pleasant thing to do. I can't wait!!!!!!!!!

:) Michelle who is now going to stop beating herself up for being so sucked into the earth tired and not being able to keep up in the way I'd like to. I simply can't right now. BUT.....SOON I WILL!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: maeve
Date: 05 Oct 15 - 09:19 PM

Wonderful news, Michelle. Congratulations!
Maeve

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Oct 15 - 09:29 PM

Excellent news, Michelle! Considering the energetic level of stuff you get done already, we probably will hear news reports of weather satellites picking up a glow in your part of PA once your thyroid is at a normal level. :)

We're having wonderful cooler weather this week. The window will be open tonight and a blanket goes on the bed. Whoo hoo!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Oct 15 - 09:53 PM

The lovely thing about a properly treated hypothyroid condition is the way the body relaxes when it gets what it needs, and running a body with adequate thyroid energy is completely different than running it on adrenaline energy.

My internist agrees that women do well with a TSH around 1.0. She also pays attention to symptoms, however, and over time we've come to agree that my optimal range is .02-.05; I'm medicated accordingly.

Adjusting to THAT life change has actually been more complicated than recovery from surgery, it's complications, adrenal exhaustion, or menopause.

Michelle, some women report getting a surprise pregnancy after thyroid treatment is optimized....

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Oct 15 - 11:15 AM

Steps thus far tdy 2000. Good AM number!

. Put away 6 metal chairs with scooter, after brief re-org of garage space for them
. Called on neighbor (who usually comes here)
. Caught escaped foster dog (she never knew she was loose)
. Scootered foster dog in prep for 2-dog scooter training
. Gathered up dirty laundry and set in washer
. Reconfigured gate fasteners to facilitate garage access
. Found 4 wienie/marshmallow forks for fire pit
. Moved fire pit closer to garage door for better access
. Cleared garage door auto-close obstacles and stood long time alternately clearing same/trying to close it
. Brought in floor lamp from garage for office corner
. Sat to observe progress in foster dog soc.
. Registered for wkshp, and started arranging travel thereto

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Oct 15 - 05:32 PM

Aftn projects were scrapped in favor of assembling the dog crate which arrived early enough (thank you UPS) to begin gentle crate training today, in anticipation of 2 dogs sharing the car Friday-- who may not be immediate friends. It's a great, affordable one that has a door on one end (of course), but the other end also can be left open (disassembled) for a walk-thru dining opportunity.... and treats will appear in there all evening. At some point one end will close. By Friday she'll own it.

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Oct 15 - 09:04 PM

Topped out at 3000 steps again but a fair amount of lifting in many of the day's activities. Back less sore; finally muscling up.

One happy project was a slight rearrangement of ofc corner furniture. I had brought a heavy brass floor lamp-- the kind with a round table on it at side table height. Perfect to light the very dark puder area for late-night browsing. Has a 3-way switch too so good night light. I put on a shade that was too dark for the LR lamp it was on, so just need to buy a cheap shade, maybe at Goodwill. That brass table/lamp is so handy for a water bottle/flash keys etc. Looks good there too.

More stepping now that I've found two foster dog wee's in the house... have to watch her signals better. This house came with plenty of seller's dog pee, and we had planned to replace carpeting at some point so this is not a big deal. Just one more habit to remediate.

Closin the day shortly with a chat with my honey, after watching a neat Disney movie, 'Selma, Lord, Selma,' about MLK's 'youngest activist' Sheyann Webb.

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Oct 15 - 10:45 PM

I have been busy, but with nothing worth reporting, except to note that EVERYTHING seems to declutter the wallet. :-/ I had to do some driving today and am happy to report that new tires make for a much better driving experience. I hadn't realized how much I was compensating, especially when starting after a red light. The traction was poor with those old tires.

I have a template of heavy-duty cardboard for a plank I need to cut to slip over the sliding glass door handle for use with the dog door in place. One of the dogs has figured out how to nudge at the glass and slide the door open even if the plastic cover is over the dog flap itself - he trots through the large opening if the dog door opening isn't available. This will prevent that.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Oct 15 - 12:32 PM

It's been a beautifully busy day already. By 10:00am, I did the dishes, made breakfast, packed two lunches, swept the floor, chopped up vegetables and added them to the turkey broth I made the other day. I spent an hour on the phone with a good friend and did some laundry. I also wiped down about 60 CDs that were sitting on the top of the CD rack and they have been bugging me...I want that surface clean....so...yes, now I have sparkling CD cases that are being moved elsewhere. :)

Time for lunch!

Michelle

PS. People who have had both ovaries and the uterus removed due to cancer do not have surprise pregnancies no matter what great shape their thyroid is in.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Oct 15 - 03:11 PM

Big oops. Sorry!

~S~

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Oct 15 - 07:42 PM

BEaver via siting outside Art Gallery: This will be full of errors as I can barely see the keys. Alternative would be tp sit in Timmy's and be tempted by donuts.

Michelle! good health enables far better de-cluttering! May you be VERY healthy! You work so hard at it!

Things people pot remind me of things I can or need to do, want to do... Maybe I shall get to the dishes tomorrow! That requires some warm water and I now have a pot on the wood stove.I have, however, put a first coat on the K walls and the uper cabinets. YAY! More yet to do but that feels so good. I did most of the floor as well and then left home. Terrible fumes. I dis some fpraging and collected emails at Timmy's thinking I could look at the at home but -not. HAd supper at Halibut with the doors open as there was a strong odour of chlorine! Suggested that using choline needs to be done when no customers are in. SO toxic! Good meal though.

At the library this aft, I had a chat with the librarian about the sad state of the facility. Not really accessible; too small. no meeting room for special activities. no room for more books .... I asked if there was any way I could help. She suggested I attend board meeting and took my email address.

Attended Township Council Meeting this am. Barely understood anything due to Auditory processing disorder. Explained it to council during a break. But also told them I would like to help if there were anything ... Have I mentioned that I lived here 17 years and wrote for the newspaper 6 years. These people know me! It is good to be here. The deputy reeve mentioned a bear problem so I put here in touch with someone who can help her de-clutter!! It is coming onto her deck and knocking on the door! In talking with my wildlife advocate friend, I realized that I now have an opportunity to make a difference with some offerings to the local papers.

Sleeping in studio again tonight though it is to go down near freezing. I have that pile of feathers to keep me warm!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Oct 15 - 09:50 PM

A delightful day mostly spent enjoying the house made more functional and attractive by all those projects.

Newbie took to her crate besutifully; I think she was in and out of enough dog catchers' crates to find this one quite luxurious! She slept about 2 hours in it quite happily this AM (when I had to go back to bed), and was delighted to get into it in the hatchback of the car-- so I took her for about a half-hour ride, including an extended stop at the vet's office to pick up shot records. And she waited calmly and quietly.

Tomorrow I rendezvous with Hardi and we swap dogs-- Biscuit is going home with him and Faulkner coming to Ohio for the rest of the month.

More Liberation Library films afried today. One was 'Cocoon,'so I watched it when I couldn't get back to sleep at 4am. Marvelous!

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Oct 15 - 09:56 PM

Films ARRIVED

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Oct 15 - 12:27 AM

Sweeping (dog hair central here) and laundry this evening. Trash day tomorrow so I'll make the rounds to each room. I cleaned out the fridge (because trash day is tomorrow) and flattened some boxes that will go to the recycle bin. Some of you need to bottle that energy and sell it!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Oct 15 - 04:15 PM

1800 car packing, Biscuit chasing steps before departure for rendezvous.

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Oct 15 - 05:40 PM

I didn't do any decluttering today but I did add something that is valuable to my family. You see, we lost all our chickens this spring. All 30+ of them were found with their heads separated from their bodies. At the time we also found two raccoons and one opossum in their pen. Who is the guilty party? We aren't sure. It's funny how nothing had changed in their hen house for years and then BAM apparently the critters found a way in. So...it was a sad chicken free summer on the farm. I tried to order more from several of the larger hatcheries only to find that most varieties that we were interested were sold out and no date given as to when they would be having more (which is usually how it works). I was talking to one of my best friends about this and she offered to collect eggs and incubate them at her house (even though I offered to do that here). Well...today was the day that I got to bring them home! Sixteen little bits of yellow fluff, some with chubby cheeks, that are happily chirping in the brooder box at the moment. I put it in the living room on top of the pellet stove as that isn't in use and the plexiglass front of the brooder makes for some fun watching of the chicks. :) She also sent me home with 2 large bags of Roma tomatoes and gave me a crocheting lesson, which she is GREAT at. I am working on a prayer shawl for a friend of mine who is currently going through chemotherapy for her EIGHTH ovarian cancer recurrence. She is a warrior and one of my teal sisters who I am in contact with frequently. She is amazing....anyway....I am excited to learn how to do this (will post photos on FB after it's complete and has been received) and get it to her.

Yes, it's been a good day. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Oct 15 - 11:01 PM

Beaver:
Signal working tonight!

Seems a fact of my life that if I do a lot on one day, I do next to nothing the next. I stayed under covers until 10 am. White grass this am and the tomato plant is dead in spite of a covering of doubled over sheet. I could have done better; did not realize it was going to get THAT cold! The basil is history and two small dahlias frosted. I think I will dig them tomorrow; tonight is to be above freezing - and Friday night colder yet again.

Read most of day, brought in some stove wood, moved some stuff to a better place in the yard, pulled a few weeds, brought in the geraniums and put them in a plastic tub with lots of water - will get them some saucers tomorrow at a thrift shop. Found the ash bucket behind the wood stove! Need an ash shovel. Deleted most of 200 emails; trouble loading them and a few refused to load at all - the ones I most want to see. Will phone provider again tomorrow to see if they have a solution. Never had this problem before.

And, finally, about 9 pm, painted the lower cabinets in the K! They will need some more tomorrow but are mostly done. I can put the handles back on and arrange stuff on the counter. Would like it to look civilized when R gets here.

His wonderful getting-things-done hit a glitch yesterday when he realized the fact of no water might be in the basement. He spent most of the day repairing broken connection. Hopefully he will get to the mill tomorrow, load whatever will fit on the truck and get here sometime! I have the goods here under control and told him to just load what he could and I would deal with it. There is always the back shed! The Knechtel Kitchen Cabinet (hoosier) will complete the K and provide plenty of storage and more counter area.

Another fact of my life is that I need 10 hours sleep. Soon to bed.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Oct 15 - 05:09 PM

Back from rendezvous. Faulkner rode back smelling Newbie's presence all the way back to Ohio. Then after a shot visit at the house to reclaim it and smell her all over it, we picked her up at the kennel. She rode in her crate looking friendly while Faulkner ignored her. We went straight to Animal Control to use their big empty classroom for them to sniff noses and decide their pack order. Faulkner snapped her into line and this supposedly dog-aggressive, "unadoptable" dog is happy to have him boss her. It'll be a little tense for a few days but they were totally fine walking together on leash. Tonight they share the LR-- she in her crate and he on his huge dog bed. Tomorrow they scooter together! No projects calling me!

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Oct 15 - 06:40 PM

Beaver:
Kitchen painted! Could be better but it is fine fore now. Handles are back on doors. Most appliances are in appropriate spots; usage may bring changes. I am hoping for dish-washing energy yet tonight. Neighbour helped me wrestle the mattress back into the house! Going below freezing tonight. I gave him a supply of Zyflamend for wife; he says he may use it also. I gave them enough to determine whether or not it will be helpful. Then ordered a BIG bottle from my online supplier - much cheaper than stores.

Obtained ash shovel - had to go to a real store! At thrift shop: small glass bowls for geraniums, an excellent wooden shelf with a leg at each end to put under the east window and, with a burgundy cloth on shelf, they are in place (4), Plan to find something for under Bathroom window for them; they will need to have some heat when I am away in the dead of winter.

R may be VERY late or tomorrow. At noon he was just going to lunch with friends who rarely visit Montreal. I suggested he just get in the truck and come without bothering to go to the mill to bring anything. I would rather he have time to relax and de-clutter brain and body of city stuff.

Lots of traffic by noon already! I have a pile of warm clothes ready for tomorrow - layer upon layer!

The sun has dropped behind the west hill already (6:20). I am going to try a red lentil/beet stew in crock pot. NOW!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 10 Oct 15 - 03:19 PM

Traveling for the week, with a backpack suitcase that yesterday I had to finally pull out the straps and wear on my back because the handle and wheels (good wheels - skate variety) just don't cut it on cobblestones. Now in the hotel for a couple of days, and this morning got an impromptu tour from the sister and brother-in-law of a friend I'll see later on this trip. What a pleasant morning! There was a running commentary on all sorts of historical places, and lots of fall color. Not peak yet, but still very nice. Photos here and there along the way.

Now to dress for a wedding.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Oct 15 - 05:34 PM

Down 2.8 pounds this week. :)

No decluttering taking place today but instead we went for a ride out in the woods. The leaves are so beautiful and the temperature today was perfect! I had a great WW meeting this morning, the program has changed a bit and I am really liking the changes going on in the meeting....I find the discussions really interesting and motivational. We have a nice group of people and I look forward to seeing them. :) Then home to make breakfast which was a challenge as my fridge is somewhat bare at the moment....well, not bare but lacking in diabetic friendly options...so we made quesadillas with cheese, ham, a tiny bit of pepperoni and red peppers with tomato sauce for dipping. Then we were off to the woods, stopping along the way at a local orchard to pick up a bag of fresh Ida Reds and Honey Crisp apples...both a favorite in our house.   We did lots of leaf peeping, I took some photos (see FB) and just overall enjoyed each other's company. My aunt is visiting from downstate and so I will spend tomorrow with her and my nana. Tomorrow is Jeremiah's soccer game and then my week is fairly open which is a good thing as I need to prepare for an upcoming quilting retreat. It takes me forever to decide just what projects I want to take, all the sewing doo-dads that will be needed and I also like to have all my fabric cut before I go...that can be long and tedious depending on the project. I am looking forward to the process of selection, packing and the actual retreat.

Michelle