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

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Dec 15 - 12:49 PM

Here is the first declutter thread of 2016

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST,#
Date: 31 Dec 15 - 10:25 AM

Voles will infest your place and being nice with them makes no sense because they don't understand nice.

"Meadow voles can carry a variety of potentially serious human pathogens. Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma microti, rabies, Hantavirus, and Korean hemorrhagic fever are a few of the potential disease agents that have been detected in meadow vole individuals."

Also, females can have a dozen litters a year. Ain't no such thing as having one vole in the house. Either trap them and relocate them a mile from where you are or kill them with mouse traps.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Dec 15 - 10:13 AM

Wow, you don't write as often as some of us, but when you do, it's a doozy, Michelle! I'm sorry about your friend - clearly she knew something was up that the hospital should have paid attention to. And her dogs - my friend Susie is in the same situation, but we found someone who will take all three (the new home has acreage and lost a dog last year and are charmed by the story of the three dogs adopted after one of my co-workers died of cervical cancer 2.5 years ago). She will be moving and can't take the big dogs with her. I hope your friend is as lucky - networking via facebook is finally what worked here.

And your plan - I hope you can share more information - it makes sense for all of us. What can you tell us about the No Spend Challenge - do you have a site that offers tips, moral support, etc? There will be a new thread later today - that's a great way to begin the new year and the new thread.

Don't you love those off-date holiday celebrations? Because they are reminders that it isn't the actual date, it is the gathering of loved ones with the intent of enjoying the day with each other that makes it special.

I concur with your paperwork goal - I'm going to do my income taxes as soon as possible. Every year now I hear about acquaintances who file, only to discover that someone fraudulently beat them to it, and have to wait for all of the investigatory paperwork to be cleared up. I won't characterize them here, but however easy or complicated they are, taxes will be done early rather than late.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 31 Dec 15 - 01:22 AM

Today I had my port flushed and I was a bit worried as I am about 3 weeks past when it should have been done. Welcome to the joy of a one car family. Initially it wouldn't flush and I have to say I am amazed at how fast panic sits up and roars in my chest....thankfully, the nurse had the needle in at the wrong angle and it was easily fixed. Good flush and great blood return.

When I got home, I found a post on FB from a friend who took herself to the ER on Dec. 14th, 15th and on the 16th she went and had a stroke followed by a heart attack, a life flight, catherization, stent, ventilator and a 10+ day stay in the hospital. They had to use the paddles on her 6 different times. She is 3 years younger than I am and it was a reminder to me how blessed I am and how fragile life is. She and her husband recently divorced so she has been living on her own and now must sell her house and move in with her mother as she has only 30 percent of her heart working and has to wear a cardiac vest for the next 6 months. The vest will detect any events that would need to have a shock to get the heart back in rhythm. She has to get rid of her beloved dogs too. My heart is very heavy for her and after she has a few days to get settled in, I will be going to visit.

So...this situation with my friend has made me look around at the things I have been unhappy with and have decided to make a list (which is now already made) and get on with taking care of the many things that make me crazy around here. I don't want to take care of them but by not taking care of things, I am prolonging my own crankiness about it which isn't good for anyone.

I am the one who runs in the budget in the house and this month we are taking part in a No Spend Challenge. The only money going out will be for bills, medications, medical co-pays, animal feed and a set amount for groceries. Nothing else. It's not like we spend extra on much of anything....except for this last month with all the holiday activities. I am interested to see how we do. :)

I just spent maybe 15 minutes going through a box of paperwork...a very LARGE box where we have been piling mail and got through about a third of it. It still needs to be sub-divided and put into the proper folders but at least the initial sorting has begun and copious amounts of junk mail and old newspapers have been tended to.

We will be celebrating Christmas with my MIL and FIL tomorrow and the following day all Christmas decorations are being packed up with love and tucked away until next year.

Goodnight All,

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 15 - 11:13 AM

Yes, absolutely, congratulations Michelle on the 40+ pounds. It feels good every time you get dressed and have to set aside garments that are now too loose!

eBay day today. The dining table is still clear, so I am setting out an array of items and will find a box and packing for each, and get started. Simple descriptions, lots of photos (you can post up to 12 photos per sale or auction at no charge). I'll probably list most of these as auctions, starting low, to see if I can simply get them out of the house.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 29 Dec 15 - 08:35 PM

Beaver:

About a foot of light snow. It only stopped about 1 pm and was lovely to watch; at times we could not see the west hill. I shoveled for 40 minutes to clear my car. Shortly I shall shovel my way to the woodpile. Internet is sporadic.

Plumbing proceeds slowly. In order to keep everything in a heated area when we are not here, R cut a hole through the bathroom/K wall, including the backs of respective cabinets. Heat in the bathroom will also reach the K plumbing. He very carefully sealed the area from small critters. A single drain gives me all the space under the K sink free of pipes! Wow! That has taken two days so I am hoping the acquisition of running water will ensue!

Still, I managed to wash my hair and dishes, and tidy up a few things, delete emails, and write a few.

However, Sir vole just crossed the LR! I bought it sunflower seeds yesterday and asked R to put them under the floor to encourage it to stay down under! He put them on the K floor last night because he heard it in the trash. The rationale escapes me.

Michelle! Wonderful news. You certainly are working on a good track. So glad you are having a great holiday season with your fine big boy.

I shall have to phone Visa and ask about the notice thing. And last night I managed to get all the papers needed for Citizenship - this time! I am missing 4 months of credit card statements but I hope they can forgive that - out of four years, Will mail tomorrow if the weather holds.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 15 - 01:59 PM

That's a charming image, Michelle! When I had the bird feeders in the back yard my dogs used to do the same thing. Until they figured out how to rise up on their back legs and slurp seeds out of the hanging feeders. (The feeders are now next to the driveway, where the only opportunists tend to be hawks watching for little birds attracted to the feeders.)

Various cookies are now bagged and in the freezer, with one tin left out for snacking and the first to go to work next week to share in the office.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Dec 15 - 01:23 PM

As of this morning I am officially down 41 pounds!!!!!!!!!!

***HAPPY DANCE******

I still have a lot more to go but I guess I didn't realize I had passed the 40 pound mark. HOORAY!!!!

My house is a cluttered disaster area but all the Christmas stuff is still out and Jeremiah has all his new toys out at once. I intend to let it be until the first of the year and then we begin clean up.

I did work in our bedroom this week which is the last place I ever really tend to. I had piles and piles of clothes. Most have been there for a bit so they are being rewashed. Bedding too.

Michelle who is sitting a the table watching this years chickens all congregated under one bird feeder waiting for the blue jay to drop a seed or two. It's their first snow/ice/winter day. I wonder what they think about it.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 15 - 11:17 AM

Some of the shelf space in my office has general interest books, the rest of the shelves have playback equipment, lots of music books (I've added to my father's collection), cassettes, reel-to-reel tapes, and baskets of sundry equipment (cables, switches, headphones, and various not-quite successful small devices like speakers to use with the mp3 player, etc.) I found things in the closet I've been cleaning that I completely forgot I had, and after moving the books to the front room with the rest of my books, will put the computer and other electronic stuff on the shelves here, in view and hopefully where it will get used.

All of this clears out shelves on the sturdy wire rack in the closet, where I have thinned out the number of smallish backpacks, messenger bags, etc. I suspect places like Goodwill and Salvation Army make a real killing this time of year as people toss last year's model of items. I'm going back a lot of years on some of these things, but they are still looking good and functional.

I hear the mail carrier driving down my street, but I'm not ready to hand over stuff I have to mail today. Looks like it's time for a trip to the post office, then to make the rounds. Eggs, cereal, dog food . . .

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 09:31 PM

It probably depends on the company. I have one set up on my Chase card, I need to see if I can do that on another one as well.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 08:30 PM

Beaver:
Where it is 18F and dropping! Winter storm warnings: 8-10 cm of nasty icy snow tonight. and R just fell on the front door mat; only scraped his hand: did not break hip, did not hit head! Silly man said it was lucky he is not older! I do believe that 68 year olds can break things also. But we do eat more healthy food that most. I handed him a pair of cleats for boots.

However, he did not break anything and we are cosy and warm with sufficient wood for the stove. And plenty of food. The forecast is for snow daily through the week.

NOW: how does one set up this alert system? I am a bit fed up as I just got this new card in October.

Gradually sorting things into new places and finding the papers I need for citizenship office. The BR floor is almost clear at one end. Still need the desk from Montreal to finish that end of room. Maybe next month.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 01:18 PM

I call my credit card company and let them know when I'll be travelling and where, because I've had purchases denied due to previous hacked accounts. I set up alerts so I get a message every time my card is used, so I can also participate in keeping an eye on it.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 12:31 PM

Beaver:
Acme! sounds as though you are in control!

I am currently at the point of trying not to gain. After R leaves, I shall knuckle down to my weight loss regime again.

This am, a nice BF, brought in LOTS of wood very carefully. The ice storm of two days ago has not thawed at all. Fortunately, pellets that came down mean the ice it lumpy and has some traction. I take every step with deliberation. 14F this am and the house was down to 53F. Now it is 65 which is quite reasonable. Overcast day or it might be colder. Up to 24 in the studio - a bit of solar gain even through the haze.

The plumbing is virtually ALL ripped out, including the water heater, as R redoes the whole show, heading toward hot water. For now, NO water. It has turned into major job but I think he is committed to completing it before running off to Montreal. HOPE!! Remembering not to pour anything into the sink ...! So far.

Oh dear, R just saw a small furball , species undetermined, in the K. Mice can get out but the vole needs to go down under so I am hoping it gets out before R closes up the floor. The holes in the floor are a terrific source of cold air and we are really looking forward to being de-cluttered of them! I plan to put some sunflower seeds down there as a gift, to try to encourage it to stay under until it is closed out -NOT in!

Christmas is packed into one box; I shall put it in a clear construction grade bag and take it to the back shed - on a better day, and after R leaves so he is not out there looking for parts and pieces to use on this project. Emails deleted, one bill paid and finances investigated and written down for today.

A phone call from VISA was lengthy on 26th: someone hacked my credit card and spent over $600 on video games! All shall be removed from my bill but my card is history and I await a new one - using debit so must know balances. Also will be getting a new low limit Mastercard ($1000), at the suggestion of a helpful staff at the bank last week - for use when shopping on line. These visa guys do keep pretty good track of me. I am surprised they let those charges through - clearly on line purchases. A few years ago, I was denied use because I was somewhere unusual! Then I would let them know if I were going further afield, like San Diego.

Wondering if Michelle is iced in?

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 11:19 AM

I listened to this video (Eat, Fast, and Live Longer) again yesterday. I see new things each time I view it. This played in the US as a free standing program, but is apparently part of a longer-running UK program called Horizons. Watch it all of the way through, and make particular note starting around 38 minutes into the program (but don't just skip to it, understand why this is important to Moseley, and the rest of us). Don't wait till New Year's to decide to pledge to lose weight. Pledge now to stay healthy. Here is one option.

The house is on its way to starting the new year relatively uncluttered. The kitchen is clean, the living room is set for guests, and before I put my craft stuff back on the dining table, I may have a few friends over. The ornaments will go away today, and I'll put stuff back up on the closet shelves for another year. Sometimes I do a better job than others of labeling the boxes I think I'll really use. Maybe this will be one of those years.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Dec 15 - 07:31 PM

Beaver:
BF of pineapple, sour milk, buckwheat cakes (de-cluttering sour milk!), made space and work areas for plumbing to proceed, washed dishes prior to water being turned off, filled several buckets with water, deleted emails, checked FB for a short time, talked with bro for a short time, lunch got rid of turkey, trip to hardware, to grocery, and supper at the Halibut/visit with Saidie, home, and R is at work. Hope to have water again someday soon!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 15 - 04:39 PM

A frozen twenty pound bird directly in the oven would take forever to roast and would resist any kind of seasoning prior to cooking. I always brine my turkey so I defrost in water (or in the fridge if I have time), and I was looking at a 24 hour turnaround this time because my plan was to buy a fresh bird the day before, not needing thawing. The bird is in the small fridge in brine right now.

Tornadoes ripped through the area last night because a cold front advanced upon our unseasonably warm wet weather. The volatile intersection is called the "dry line" and is still offering up some storms today. No white xmas for us this year, just storm cleanup and funerals. Several people died in those night time storms - you can't see what's coming if you're out on the road - it seems to have taken out a swath of highway, throwing cars around like small toys.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 27 Dec 15 - 01:22 AM

why not just cook a frozen turkey..of course in this case it was a backup plan..but you can cook frozen meat...i never thaw anything. turn down the heat and cook more slowly so heat goes all the way through and does not scorch. take out giblets when somewhat thawed from cooking. you certainly can also cook steaks, chops etc. frozen. saves all sortsof time and worry.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 15 - 12:59 AM

Turkey(s) purchased - the first store had pulled all of the fresh turkeys because today is the sell-by date. I asked if I could have one and they refused to sell it. I bought a sale-priced frozen one, as a backup (would have to defrost in water all day and night) and ended up putting it in the freezer because at the next grocery store I found the fresh turkey I was looking for. I like having a spare bird, in case we decide to have some kind of a big event during the year.

Recycling disposed of, and cleared out some boxes that were underfoot. The extra leaf is in the dining table (we have an extra guest for tomorrow) and the dogs have been moved to the front room. The lab doesn't seem to want to go sleep in there, I expect it'll take him a day of sleeping on the floor before he decides to follow his chair. And as mentioned before, I might be convinced to move the dog beds back to the big living area later.

My two christmas cactuses are on the sideboard in the living room and the table in the kitchen - one is bright scarlet and the other is a neon pink. The half of the plant nearest the window (from their usual location in the sun room) is in full bloom each, so that is how they are arranged now. They'll go back to the windows on Monday.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Dec 15 - 03:45 PM

Beaver:
Went to that shop in the hinterlands and got the spruce tip jelly, chokecherry - was yummy on yesterday's buckwheat cakes- and rosemary. Also raspberry vinegar and purple basil vinegar. There were lots more in a beautiful square timber house, the interior of which looked as though it belonged in a fairy tale! R is well pleased with his gifts and we are looking forward to a trip back in warmer weather.

They had raised beds made of 18" patio stones; an exciting idea for me to use here where the "lawn" is under water until mid May! We need to investigate how they are help together, or devise out own system. And it must be done at the time of year when a truck can get in to deliver soil. R has a bunch of patio stone in Montreal; transporting them - HEAVY! - will require time with the truck. I am delighted to have this idea as wood would quickly die in this wet ground and I had given up on a garden.

After that lengthy trip, I shopped in the two food stores, stopped at Tim Horton's to see if my friends were there. No, but had a long chat with other friends. Arrived home for a 3 pm brunch! Made the house as tidy as possible and awaited R - working on computer. 7:30 pm - then a meal and chit chat, catching up after several weeks.

Christmas Day was a nice breakfast and exchanging of gifts: I gave him his before BF so we could use the jelly! It was, wonderfully, not very sweet; they make their own pectin from wild apples so they do not need to use as much sugar, I was told. R brought all manner of nifty books and useful objects, from thrift shops - well wrapped in newspaper - with price stickers intact! The top prize is a LARGE blue ceramic mixing bowl which has a place of honour on top of the K cupboard! A small planter holds the latest Af. violet and a small pot with an amazing glaze and 3 frogs as feet and 3 on the rim, is a pen holder on the coffee table. He also brought a 3 level pine table, about 2 feet square, which will provide good storage while filling the corner where sofa and love seat meet, at a right angle and form an open space, 2 feet square!.   

We need storage and we need to always be mindful of not bringing in anything that does not have a space and a function. We are each delighting in our cosy little house.

After giving R a private viewing of the wonderful show at the Art Gallery, we went for a free Christmas Dinner in my fav nearby village. It was sponsored by the Kawartha Bikers Church "by and for bikers" and wonderfully supported by the whole community. It was so neat to see the bikers scattered about the room, being hosts and making ballon crowns for the kids! Not how most people think of "bikers".   Everyone got a ticket and there were more than enough door prizes for everyone there, as well as a sumptuous repast. R, 1st to be called!, got a multi-coloured blown glass cruet. I caught up with a couple folks not seen in 15 years.

We had to leave before my number was called so I gave it to the folks with whom we had been sitting. I drove like the dickens on a wonderful back road - 40 minutes to our Christmas dinner with our friends at LSP. We were late but in good time. Wonderful meal with wonderful company. R took them organic honey from the hives in the yard of one of his buildings in Montreal - 25% of the crop for the use of the land!

R looked into W's Rife machine, at his request, and found a loose connection; there was discussion of who, in our community, c/would repair the connection. W really needs it. He is pushing 90 and getting frail. Living with our friends has been very good for him but he misses his cabin - no indoor conveniences and clearly he does not eat properly. He is thinking better and less paranoid since eating better.

Left over sweet potatoes made into potato cakes for BF today. Very lazy am. I have brought in a good batch of wood - precipitation forecast. Made sure all the outside wood is well covered.. R has started the process of getting hot water; like everything he does, it is complicated: first: move the water heater.......

Ann is excited with her "new" wheel; one son and gdghtr phoned yesterday. Other son left a message. I am going to bring in more wood!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 15 - 10:52 AM

The date has passed but the event hasn't - we're celebrating on Sunday when all of the immediate family will be present. They have travelled long distances this year to be here, but need a little time to get over jet lag and adjust to the time zone.

A big bag of recycling to the village bins, a trip to the store for that fresh turkey, and more puttering in other rooms because for once the living room looks pretty good and doesn't have a big station for crafts in play (aka the dining room table). I'm going to shift the dog beds and the big chair one of the dogs calls his own to the front room and see if they'll accept the reassignment. At least for the next couple of days, when I don't want to be tripping over all of the dog accouterments to and from the dining table.

Laundry in (because it IS Saturday!) and it's warm and muggy outside for now. Maybe I'll push the mower out for a quick trim of the winter grass in the front lawn.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 15 - 11:42 PM

Cooked up a storm today, part one of two. The rest on Sunday when everyone is here. Today's cooking was a consumable gift. The request shifted from just the meat pie filling (to put over rice) to having it put into the meat pie crusts (friend meat pies once a year isn't so bad after all, and they freeze well, he says). So on Sunday when the turkey is in the oven we'll work on the meat pies for him and for everyone.

Have a happy, safe, and healthy holiday everyone. And Maryanne, we expect you to walk into your house for the new year.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Dec 15 - 07:09 PM

Blowing my diet to smitherines today enjoying all of the holiday goodies!!! Tomorrow is a new day! YAY!

Merry Christmas!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 15 - 11:30 PM

Gifts wrapped, the kitchen clean, put away stuff that had been on the big dining room table (a great flat surface for sewing and crafts). Our actual holiday is delayed a couple of days until the entire family can be here, but there will be small skirmishes with party foods and consumable gifts tomorrow.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Dec 15 - 08:09 PM

Beaver:
I DO cook for myself - but very simple. And almost NO baking. So that appetizer for last week's potluck was not a raving success but I have a better idea for another time. Invited to Dinner on Christmas Day: I offered a sweet potato casserole - doubt I can mess that up - apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, maybe some butter or cream - if I can get any fit to eat.

Once upon a time, long, long ago, I cooked LOTS of good food - for 25 to 50. Owned a luncheonette and made "the best veg soup in Montreal". Then I lived alone for many years - and, very poor, I lived on rice, beans and cabbage for months at a time. Quite enjoyed it. Trying to get back into cooking gear...

Yesterday, I was thrown into a tailspin by a letter from Citizenship and Immigration. The good news: I head from them in less than a year! Now they want my bank statements and credit card statements for 2008-2012. Sent me a business size envelope for what will amount to over 100 pieces of paper??? Nope, cannot phone them. Arghhhh!

Then I went to work in the Gallery 'til 4 and could do nothing. Was informed the show would come down"tomorrow". R won't get to see it; it was supposed to be here until 4 January. Then the main artist phoned about sending someone down who might buy a painting. He was miffed. I gave him # for president. Got word that today's vol would deal with it. This is actually breach of contract. Wrote a calm email last night about our reputation and being reliable for both public and artists. If PR says 4 Jan.... Stupid response form pres and a supportive one from an unexpected source.

Left before BF this am, but after stating the still, to get pics of the incredible paintings, before the Gallery opened - prices in the thousands but so wonderful I fantasized about mortgaging the house... Went to a thrift shop and bought 6 place settings of delightful winter china, excellent quality cutlery and blue/white cotton napkins -$35. Went back to the Gallery and found I had somehow set off the alarm. ?? But I was forgiven as I had also broken up the $100 bill someone brought in yesterday - without wallet all day yesterday, I could not do it then and it threw our cash box out of whack.

Went to bank and was easily provided with the statements! Stopped to see fav realtor looking for prop for friend. We had a LONG chat! Went to Credit Union and was easily provided ... AND she gave me a large envelope! R is bringing files of credit card statements. And cookie sheets and a largish cast iron pot with lid. Great for that casserole! I might live long enough to get citizenship.

I have downloaded the pics. put the new dishes in cupboard, took out some that will be leaving, put the old cutlery aside to go to Quebec, had a nice visit with Stu and Les; Stu had worked on house but Les had never seen it. Had a meal, cleaned the distiller and put it away, did a load of laundry and hung it in the BR.- on the extendible line, brought in wood - not a huge lot but enough, as the weather is warm still and I am having to be careful not to make the fire too big.

After near falling asleep while the washer was going, I am now looking around for what else I can do. But while I was on internet, I saw that a new shop WAY out in the country has "spruce bud jelly" . I will phone in the am and if they still have some, I shall drive out and get it for R. S&L really liked the choc covered candied ginger today so I need to make a good batch of that - for R and for the Christmas supper guests. Now...

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 15 - 08:02 AM

Dorothy, the best way to avoid food allergies and hazards of materials used in cooking is to cook for yourself. I hope that at least the new kitchen will inspire the use of it. I got a new stove about 18 months ago and am still learning a few things about how I make old dishes. One holiday cookie, made in a griddle of sorts, used to need the small back burner on one notch below high, but on this stove that burns them and it is closer to one notch above medium.

The kitchen counter is clearer, as are the counters next to the stove. The stuff on the dining table is gradually being put away. I may be ready for guests this year, since we are delaying the holiday meal and activities by a couple of days to allow a global traveler a day to sleep around the clock. :)

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 Dec 15 - 08:16 PM

Beaver:
It was Sraining most of today. It looked beautiful - like snow - coming down but hit the ground as rain. Just above freezing - I did NOT go anywhere. Glad I brought in lots of wood yesterday! The shortest Day AND the greyest - foggy, misty GREY! There was still a bit of snow in our valley but it will soon be gone.

Days getting longer - by tiny increments! Temp going up until a high of 55F on 24th! Then down again. Possibility of sun on 25th. That would be a nice change! Maybe I will feel like doing something.

Acme: I don't cook as much as you. Would be happy with anything that does NOT have a "non-stick" surface. I have always thought of those with the half inch ... as jelly roll pans. May even have used one as that many years ago. My beautiful new stove does give me the will to cook. That and being back home. I have not actually had a New stove since 1962. The stove at the mill was great until the oven quit - two years ago! The one in Montreal is OK but the whole K is hopeless - falling down, falling through, cluttered with tools and no room for K stuff. I gave up 5 years ago.

Short visit from next door neighbour last night; she is still getting her house finished - BUSY! And one from round the corner, helpful neighbour and his grand-dog this am. I wonder if we could accommodate a dog that size - about knee high, a lovely furry black dust mop. Too much clutter?

Virtually nothing the rest of day. Phone call to R. No cooking needed - lots of soup. Emails, FB and other computer stuff. And reading.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Dec 15 - 04:34 PM

Today, on this shortest daylight of the year, we are decorating with lots of lights and sparkle for Christmas. The tree has been up for a week or two (decorated) but the rest of the things haven't been taken out and put up until today. I am really liking it. :)

Yesterday Pete, Jeremiah and I played music at church. Pete played the guitar, Jeremiah on the djembe and me on the violin. It was the first time Pete and Jeremiah had ever played in front of anyone and the first time for me in a few years. I think we sounded good and there was clapping and even some cheers when we were finished. That made us all feel really good. :) We've been asked to play again soon. :)

I am down 0.8 pounds this week and given all the holiday goodies and a change in program, I'm good with that. I've decided that I will be most happy with myself if I maintain this week. It's Christmas. It's Pete's birthday. There are a lot of goodies circulating that are a once a year kind of thing. I am not going to go crazy with things but I'm not going to deny myself either. Moderation. I'm going to do my best to keep things in moderation.

You all know that I used to have a very active yoga program. Between now being a one income family and the fact that I am home all day....well, yoga at the studio isn't an option right now so I am very seriously considering the DDP yoga program.

I hope everyone is well on this day with the shortest amount of light. I personally am lighting up the house in a festive manner, making a healthy, colorful dinner and running Christmas movies as I bustle about.

Much Love,

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 15 - 12:31 PM

That's a rich wintery image, Dorothy! A couple of years ago we had a thick sheet of ice over the region and several snow days in a row. Today it's still sweater weather.

I'm going to make a recycling run and drop off items at the thrift store soon - and I have a bunch of flattened boxes that need clearing out. They're the size I most typically use for mailing stuff, but I only need so many of them.

Agreed about the cookie sheet question - I have some shallow pans (a 1/2 inch raised edge all around) that in the past I might have treated as cookie sheets, but after getting my hands on the insulated flat aluminum sheets, I'll never go back. Those edged pans work well with foil over them for roasting vegetables, and are good to put under other pans in the oven to catch drips.

A couple of holiday-themed crafts are about to be put away, the sideboard is dusted and cleared as I get ready to set the big dining room table. I'm curious if the toy train set (nothing fancy, just one that can circle a tree, etc) might fit on that table down the middle. If the trains aren't running, people could eat with the track on the table. I think.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Dec 15 - 12:14 PM

Beaver:
I returned the griddle; it is "pre-seasoned" I researched this and found the explanation rather uncertain but the fact that the directions tell me not to use veg oil, only lard or shortening was the last straw.

A phone call to R, when he was at home and not mostly asleep, elicited the info that I have 4 cookie sheets and he is instructed to bring two with him. I was not aware there were four and think he might not have a clear idea of "cookie sheet". We shall see -when he gets here - whenever that may be.

In the meantime, I roasted sunflower seeds in two frying pans and the griddle (all cast iron) in the oven. Added a bit of curry powder for flavour. Did the remains of the chicken in the crock pot, cooled it, took out all the bones and have added red lentils and gold beets. Should be a nice lunch. ---for a couple days!

A couple inches of lovely soft snow yesterday; cars were coming down the hill very slowly. So I checked the road conditions before heading north - and bookmarked said page. Only our least travelled road was snowy. So safe trip up to LSP and back. A wonderful afternoon and evening amongst dear people at T&B's home. Tam and her Dad are friends since '77, others since '81. Lots of history and lots of love.

After a sumptuous meal, John played carols and then fiddle tunes, with daughter and granddaughter on guitars! I phoned R so he could listen to a bit of it. Filling one self with music by special people de-clutters the self of stress and negative feelings. None were possible in that ambiance. I never tried to count - but ages ranged from 3 months to 90!

I came home about 9 and de-cluttered the computer of emails. And the wood pile - filled the stove with lots of dry wood and got the house up to 60 before bed. Another grey day; heading toward 32F at the moment. Lots of traffic on this dead end road this am! Emailed the next door neighbour to see if she is here (lives in Toronto and Michigan), suggesting she phone or stop by; I do not want to intrude.

At the party, L gave me a pin cushion with several sewing needles so I can mend few things; she must have made it as it is a soft round ball with a lovely crocheted surround; 6 needles with eyes I can see! (I had asked for a needle. I have lots at the mill and did not want to purchase MORE! ) I broke down and bought a $4 iron at thrift shop - maybe I shall even de-clutter a shelf of some ironing! First wood and mending. Ah, I smell chicken soup!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 15 - 11:20 AM

This morning when I look around I see a house in which a slow motion explosion of paper, plastic, and cardboard boxes occurred. I've starting small, clearing out the laundry room (where some of this stuff is supposed to live, and the excess gets recycled).

And this year I'm going to try a completely new cookie, one I've never made or tasted before. The joy of exploring an old cookbook. I'll report back on the results.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 10:40 PM

Not a pie-safe in the sense of a hammered tin door with holes, but a tall cupboard on the side that has wire shelves for cooling foods. The other side tall cupboard didn't have any shelves, it probably had a flower bin and sifter (long gone) and I put in some shelf supports and two shelves to get more use out of it.

I was on my feet much of the afternoon and evening, making cookies, the kind you press out of the twisting handled cookie press. Christmas trees and spritz. The kids' requests. I still have to make some krumkaka (a Norwegian cookie that is rolled after cooking briefly on an iron.) The dusting is waiting until tomorrow.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 09:41 PM

Beaver:

Michelle: that pain in head - I am sure you will tell your physician. Though I have had similar, in the past, which seemed to stem from twisting my head/neck/shoulders. A couple times it brought me to my knees.

Acme: My "hoosier" is a Knechtel, made in Ontario. Pie safe to me means a ventilated door? Mine does not have one but the centre top might have had one before it was changed. Could again as the insert comes out easily but the chances of me making pies... As for the slide out counter - totally messed up. It was probably like yours once upon a time. I will be glad to get an attractive, usable formica surface instead of ugly, broken and loose, 4 inch tiles! I am quite excited that I got this idea. It is going to be a lot of work to get the tiles and glue off. I am waiting for R to get here even to pull it out to work on it.

I seemed to get little done today except foraging - foods, new filters for respirator (ordered last week), a couple flowerpots for the cilantro and parsley plants - they probably won't live but I will try - organic potting soil AND a cast iron griddle that was on sale - $50! Never spent that much for a cooking anything in my life but it covers two burners on my beautiful gas stove and will be great for buckwheat cakes and the little potato cakes I am designing for tomorrow's potluck (hopefully).

Lots of conversations - de-cluttering and sharing thoughts and concerns does help. Many times a day I think about how happy I am to be back in this community - where people know me AND speak English!!

Wrote a longish email to a group about my concern that there is inadequate communication. The catalyst - going to the 7-11 Cafe and the place was closed. Came home to see if there was anything on their FB page. NO! It is on their google calendar...

Today I wore my, new from the "Outreach", winter jacket - nice and cosy. Cold, windy but only just at freezing point, with scattered blue. A sprinkle of snow this morning is still in shady places - like the deck where I walked very carefully to put some things in the kiln/store room.

Did not bring in wood; fortunately brought in plenty yesterday. Will not be optional tomorrow. I do have the supply route planned: there is enough right on the deck for a few days as well as the woodpile coming right up to the end of the deck - right outside the door. Right now I go to the farthest part of the pile but if snow builds up, I will start on that nearest the door. There will be minimal shoveling needed.   

Love the stones on the drive and short walkway - so much less dirt coming in!

Chatting with a woman in line at grocery, she told me she had just done a major clear-out of her home and she was SO happy!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 07:55 PM

I mailed a couple of boxes today so they reach family members early next week. Nothing big, we tend to exchange food items - consumable gifts don't clutter up the house (though they can do a number on the waistline).

Dusting, picking up, arranging more ornaments in a few places. I don't do as much of the house now that the kids are big, but I do enough so it's pretty. I think we're all more interested in what adorns the inside of the refrigerator instead of the mantle!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 01:52 PM

Not much is going on here. Normal chores have been tended to, I still have 3 totes of Christmas decorations to put out...I think I will get some of them out so it is festive for Jeremiah but I'm not feeling it so much just yet. I haven't wrapped a thing yet..that's on my agenda for tomorrow. It's been a tough year here and so present wise, it will be less than I'd like to give but it will be ok. The adults in our family have all agreed that we would do minimal for each but not for Jeremiah. He is way excited this year and I am excited to see him on Christmas morning. He will be getting a few of the things he really, REALLY wants. :)

I had a migraine yesterday...weirdest thing, really. My boys went out to get the mail and I was fixing up a big salad, cutting cucumbers when I had intense pain in the back of my neck that traveled up behind my right eye. They came back in and I was in tears and said I was going to bed..intense pain and nausea. I went to the bathroom to get some Advil, sat down at the kitchen table, took the Advil and in about 10 minutes, the pain was all but gone. I have no idea what happened but took the rest of the day pretty easy. I had wanted to make country fried steak for Pete (his favorite) and a pumpkin pie but the thought of even smelling those things yesterday made me queasy...so that's what I'm doing today. The pie is already done and he wants home fries with his dinner so I have the potatoes all pre-baked. Salad is all prepared....so it will all come together relatively easy.

Speaking of salad. I went to a restaurant supplier this week and picked up a 5 pound bag of lettuce. :) I spent part of yesterday peeling and cutting up carrots and cucumbers to go with the lettuce. My thought is that if I have it all ready to go/prepared, I'll eat more of it. In addition, it was $6.00 for that huge bag of lettuce.....cheap. So far, that plan is working out just fine. I have hard boiled eggs all made up, feta and blue cheese, veggies all ready to go and tomatoes on the counter, washed.....just need to cut those up when I'm ready for them.

My downfall this week? It just happened...LOL. My pumpkin pie recipe makes enough for 2 pies but I only ever make one. I bake the remaining filling in a casserole dish and eat it without the crust. I just had maybe half a cup of that...oh so good! It's made with heavy cream and brown sugar so I'll do my best to limit it.

The pie is for Pete. I'll share the custard with Jeremiah..he will love it and it will mean less for me to pick at. It's a win win situation. ;)

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 15 - 11:12 PM

I have a Hoosier Kitchen and the metal pull-out shelf (with a porcelain finish) is in great shape. It's perfect for making pies. I usually pull it out and load it with plates, cutlery, cups, etc and people start there when we have pot luck buffets here at the house. I used to store plates and cups in the upper cabinets, but finally remember that the right hand cabinet is a pie safe and I need it to keep cooling baked goods out of reach of my counter surfing Labrador retriever.

Still haven't found those jeans. Maybe on a hook behind a door?

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 17 Dec 15 - 09:44 PM

Beaver:

Saw the sun for brief periods today! Cloudy days are warmer, generally. So I could have made pots but went off to obtain some items. Got home in time to bring in wood - exercise! HAd a talk with myself about my refusal to do anything after 5 pm - pottery/outdoor.

Went to building supply to see if I could get a sheet of metal to make a cookie sheet, or two. Nothing available! Need to look on line, or ask R. Aluminum or stainless steel. Want cookie sheets without teflon or any other "non-stick" toxins. Maybe a cast iron griddle.   

A man came this morning, doing a study of the wells in the vicinity of the proposed quarry - lest the quarry affect the water quality. I invited him to sit beside me while we talked but quickly sent him further away. His hoodie stank of fabric softener. Sickening.

Just realized I bought two small chickens - on sale - this am; not even finished the last one and I was just hit with - Arghhh! I've been eating chicken for two weeks! I don't want more chicken!!! Maybe I can get them in the freezer.

Forgot to go to the Jam session tonight! Need to make myself a sign so I don't forget the one tomorrow!   OK: freezer, sign, bed!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Dec 15 - 05:38 PM

Hiding in plain sight? A common occurrence!! Maybe under something on a hanger? Or we just forget where we really did put ...

Stone for drive delivered!!!!!! Will definitely de-clutter mud coming into house. The young lad placed it where I wanted it except for the last bit which landed in a pile close to door and I easily raked into a walk way to door.

Putting mind to a new surface for the Hoosier cabinet pullout counter yesterday: I started at the furthest building supply. Staff person said, "Are you on a mission?" Guess I was but he kindly worked with me until we quickly ascertained they could not fulfill my mission. Next store does kitchens and bathrooms et al: flashing lights (in brain) - countertop material! I picked out a colour chip to coordinate with the wood and asked about getting a piece; Kim phoned with a positive today and a two week wait time. There will be a big piece left over so I can think about another use. Big job will be getting the UGLY ceramic:tile off, then glue the ... to a thin piece of plywood - TOXIC but can be done outside and left to off-gas.

Went to see kiln - I want it for myself; it is just like my original one. They will deliver it! Ann Marie insisted I must then go to the Outreach thrift shop. Following orders - it was further than I thought - I met a couple nice people, great thrift shop, acquired a really nice winter jacket with hood and instructions to talk to Hydro (electric) about getting $30 off bill due to low income I forget I have a low income so - yeah!

Drove rest of way to LSP but friends were not home so drove back to M and visited friend and his beautiful art gallery. My first really in depth conversation with him; I usually have them with his partner - but he is too sick right now. He also pushed the Hydro discount.

So, Clutter and de-clutter As I look at things in the thrift shops, dollar stores or elsewhere, always enters my mind: Do I need it? Do I need it because I want it? Do I have a place/room for it?

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Dec 15 - 07:47 AM

I'm working on a mystery - somewhere in the house, probably still on a pants hanger, is a pair of jeans. Of three I've been wearing this fall, the favorite pair has gone walkabout. Probably hiding in plain sight.

The kitchen is slowly improving, the kitchen table slightly better. I'm about to start moving furniture around, large chairs mostly, to make better use of the front room where I once had a huge futon that I finally gave to the Salvation Army (a story from last year, and the confirmation of why selling anything via Craig's List is almost a lost cause.) The rocking chair will come out of my daughter's room and in turn I'll then be able to organize some of the space that was blocked by that chair so craft items can go back to her room (that is also my sewing room) so I can have the big dining table clear for when company is here later this month. It's a domino effect around the house.

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

Beaver:
My gardening friend considers leaves "GOLD!" We have none. Thie wet, warm weather - we are going to need hip waders to cross the "lawn" the water table is so high! Will go a bit below freezing tonight. Need to phone about the stone for drive which has not yet been delivered; I wanted it for the mud!

Stopped at mail box on way out. My new distiller arrived! I had to go to a postal sub station in a drug store - TOXIC! Maybe that's why I have been coughing more. I am leaving it packed so it is easy to transport next time I go to Montreal since the other one is working fine - on a functional outlet!

PIcked up a beautiful winter jacket, with zip out lining!, for R at thrift warehouse and five pieces of clothing for myself at the 50 cent sale at "Choices". I do prefer spending my money at the ones I know are funding local health care.

Then I read and computered the rest of the day, finishing another page-turner.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Dec 15 - 06:44 PM

My nextdoor neighbor's yard guy left at least 10 large bags of leaves at the curb. I had asked if he'd drop them off in my driveway storage area, but he forgot, so I'll spend a little time with the wheelbarrow this evening moving the bags. They make great compost. Actually, I may let them sit and begin rotting then spread them over the garden area (that way they won't blow away). I do what I can to use native and local materials in the garden.

I took various home canned goods to work this week (after querying folks on what they'd prefer) - cranberry sauce, grape jelly, green tomato relish. Homemade items make great gifts and since I made these things earlier in the year it doesn't cut into my time right now (when I'm working on baking breads and cookies in preparation for the holidays).

I wish it would cool down so it feels like the holiday season - we're up to nearly 70 during the day this week again. It's good for my electric bill, but not so good for the psyche. Last year I cleared out a lot of the strings of lights, the very old ones, and this year will pick up some LED strings as they go on sale. They're more economical and I think they're better made now. Less chance of one bulb popping out and killing the whole string. Time to put garland and sparkly stuff on the mantle also. The last couple of years my fireplace has been blocked (to keep the house comfortable - it was a constant source of hot air in the summer and cold air in the winter) and my television is on the hearth. I stream NetFlix's burning fireplace and it works just fine. :) I should look to see if they have a window overlooking a snowy day.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Dec 15 - 12:40 PM

Beaver:
Unquestionable: those sweet raspberry rolls are BAD for me. I ate the last one at lunch a bit ago and now I want to go back to bed and my feet have turned to ice. (The house is warm.) This morning went off track when the kiln viewing was postponed to tomorrow; there went that plan - things were planned according to geography.

Then electric went off about 10 am - very unusual - but, thinking it was local, I went up to the HS to see the art teacher. Amazed to find the loss was widespread and everyone was leaving. So, nothing else in town would be open either. So I came home for lunch - bread with almond butter; did not want to open frig so I added the roll thing. Blichhh. Hope I remember this and not purchase anything else of that ilk.

Still, I thought I would go to the Grove but better phone to be sure my friend would be there. No answer. Considering canceling today! I have unloaded car into storage, brought in wood and found a possible recipe for something to take to Saturday's potluck.

Two positive emails last night, after I thanked, by email, those at the meeting for restraining themselves and not talking on top of each other. It went SO much better. Saved me from feeling bent,folded and mutilated by the end; I tend to get very prickly when that happens - my brain simply cannot cope with chaos.

The electric came back on about noon and now I think I shall take my cold feet out into the world. If I do a round of the thrift shops at least I will be moving and my feet will warm up. Better than sitting here wanting to go back to bed. Maybe if I warm up I might have the energy to work in the studio. Maybe.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 14 Dec 15 - 08:59 PM

Beaver:
I seem to have de-cluttered all my energy on Saturday! Either that or the two sweet wheat thingies I ate when out this morning did me in - also a possibility. They are so tempting and I foolishly went from the morning meeting off to do some shopping without going home for lunch. The rationale was that if I went home, I might not get moving again!

So I got a couple of needful things including a bottle brush small enough to go into the holes in two bottles - less than an inch in D. I think. I had looked in near every store in town - all 6 of them! Unfortunately one was Foodland ... So I came home and had a decent lunch and crashed - on computer or reading until 8 pm. RAINED! But it was 45 in the studio and I could have warmed it up easily and gotten some work done - NO energy. The spirit was almost willing ...

It was a bit of a blow to find I had ordered a new distiller -$200 - and the old one is fine! but I can leave one here and take one to the city when I go. One less thing to clutter the car when traveling. They are also sending me a fuse, so perhaps I can repair #3 and have one at the mill also.

Tomorrow, I shall unload the car into the storage cabinet! So glad to have that now! I'll pull out the newest pots to have handy. Maybe photo them to send to a couple friends. Then go see this latest kiln, take some items (stained glass) to see if friend in LSPeter can repair, then visit friend in the Grove. Then I shall have done stuff!
   
As for the birds.... I get excited about raccoons! No sign of red devil lately. I can hope it went into the woods for the winter, which I presume will come along eventually.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Dec 15 - 07:02 PM

I am down another pound this week. Weight Watchers has switched up their program so I am currently just taking it all in and deciding on my plan of attack. I think it is a change for the better and really, it is much more diabetic friendly now but they have changed up the point values so I have some relearning to do.

My house is looking ok lately...no decluttering going on but am hoping to clear out a box of paper stuff tomorrow, depending on how much school work Jeremiah gets done/how long it takes to get through our lessons.

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 14 Dec 15 - 07:43 AM

I finally got the old computer in the kitchen (the one retired from the office) to run using the little WiFi dongle that I have installed and reinstalled several times. This means I don't need to keep changing the data cable around (I also have the old BluRay player in there, and both are attached to a TV on the wall for watching or looking up stuff when I'm working in the kitchen). I have a couple of RAM cards to swap out in it as well, speed it up a tad.

No, I haven't considered decluttering the house of the various old computers yet (there are only four here, after all). . .

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Dec 15 - 10:08 PM

More progress. A box of canned goodies from the garden is in the car to take to co-workers tomorrow. Rather than make cookies or something I distribute bounty from the garden that has been processed. And remind them that if they think of it, eventually send the jar back.The textbooks are bagged to take to the local used bookstore that buys them now.

A batch of stew is now in the fridge, and the most scrumptious bread pudding is ready to be stowed away as well. Minus a serving for dessert tonight.

I found ants swarming the dog food container this evening (they've come in near a window - tiny little things that probably have a long trail ringing the house) so I zapped them with spinosad and I'll figure out where to put the dog food (new bag in cleaned out bin) where they won't find it. I hate ants.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Dec 15 - 06:23 PM

Laundry, picking up clutter, packaging things to mail. Baking - pumpkin bread. A pot of chicken/turkey pot pie stew is simmering.

Dorothy, the birds are fascinating to watch, and on many occasions I'll see something interesting from my kitchen window (the feeders are in clear view) I sneak out my front door and around the side of the house with my camera to get some photos.

And isn't it annoying when something you pronounced dead only had an unplugged cord or a blown fuse? A friend couldn't get his camera to download into the computer, and finally discovered there were identical cables and the one he was trying to use was not plugged in. At least he didn't do much more than reboot the computer.

I'm pulling my sales listings from half.com and going to take those textbooks over to the local used bookstore that buys them. I may not get much, but they'll be off of my table and out of the house.

Time to write the letter and send cards. And get more parcels in the mail. Consider that a heads up!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 13 Dec 15 - 04:54 PM

Beaver:
Drismal day with some precipitation.
Acme: if one is gardening in the country, there must be either a VERY good fence OR enough for everyone - groundhogs, raccoons, etc Birds - some netting over the tomatoes... But you know all that. I have never fed the birds; but I spent quite a lot in the raccoon years. Them, I miss! Birds - ho hum. Though I did enjoy our spring Robin and the crows.

I am taking on a - why do today what can be put off till tomorrow attitude? OK, I'm still tired from yesterday. I did go get a new set screw and install the towel rod and got things to hold the panels in the doors of the cabinet.

T&B stopped by to put handles on the pottery storage cabinet; maybe tomorrow I will unload the car. Tam discovered the outlet I was using for the distiller is not working! It worked one day and not the next! So I ordered a new...? Oh well. I plugged it in elsewhere and it is working fine?? I have tried to see if a fuse is bad - to no avail. There is no proper chart on the panel; it is easier to work that out with two people. It's hard to see them up there.

12 year old Georgia managed to close the window that I had not been able to close. most of the way. I will put white duct tape on the small crevice and look for a new window in the spring - unless R takes it aport and makes it work correctly.

Brought in wood. vacuumed, washed the few dishes. got the chicken in the frig - instead of outdoors! But had to put the lettuce outside to do it! A BIG salad for supper would help. A bit larger frig would be nice. Otherwise things are in pretty good shape - except tired me. Only tired is fine.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Dec 15 - 02:30 PM

Dorothy, I'm offering up seeds and insects during the winter when nothing else is around. And hoping they will deal with some of the worst offenders. Birds are hard on tomatoes, which isn't necessarily the best bird crop, it's simply opportunist.

A visit to Tractor Supply yesterday landed me the dog food I needed and bird seed that has a mix without millet. I don't want milo, most of the companies add it as a filler, and millet in the hanging feeder just ends up all over the ground (I found an Audubon site explaining how it should be used) and I think I'll get more of the black oil sunflower seeds, and sweep the shells into the garden to mulch. If I get a setup for smaller birds then I'll add milo back in. I do enjoy the bird watching but by the end of winter they're sucking down that bird seed like nobody's business. It can be an expensive hobby.

Sorting through the sun room today, flattening boxes and re-discovering things I'd forgotten were stored in there. I need to clear off some countertops for holiday baking - I'm so glad I remember the pie safe, I'll be using that a lot this afternoon and over the next couple of weeks.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 12 Dec 15 - 08:24 PM

Beaver:
This feather bed makes a down comforter seem like a baby blanket; I can barely carry it. IT is safely ensconced, in bag and bottom of a too small bin, under a table in the studio - until I get back to Quebec bring it a larger bin.

Birds and seeds: Seems to me if you expect them to clean up the insects, you need to also plant enough produce to share! Only fair!

I put all those password type things in a book; also feel who cares! But take reasonable caution.

Sold a few pots today, had a bunch of good conversations, esp one with a person with whom I have been wanting to connect ever since I got back here - over a year. She remarried but I knew she taught art at the HS - left my card and a note - she never got; gave a card and message to one of her students - she never got! So now I can visit her at her classroom. In a real sense, this de-clutters my mind of wishing I could connect with Carol. We were once very close; she also did my logo and sign for pottery.

Bought a kiln and may already have found, asking at the Halibut, someone who wants it.

R is back in Montreal. I am quietly, exhaustedly at home.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 15 - 10:27 AM

Pass phrases are easier to remember and can be longer and complex. When I change a password I give myself a clue of a number or two and then a space to indicate what part changed.

Dorothy, I keep the house pretty cool in winter so the down comforter is coming out soon, not getting put away. It has a place where it lives on a top shelf in a closet inside an bag to keep the dust off.

It's unseasonably warm here this week, so I may get my holiday lights up in one tree out front. I have a lot to do today, tomorrow I should probably spend working on holiday letters, etc. so they arrive in time that people who have dropped me off of their card lists can still send something. Sometimes I have to wait for a card from friends to be sure I have a current address.

This weekend a couple of the bird feeders in the garage will migrate out to the driveway. After a bad experience of weevils in bird seed I'll work out a storage system that doesn't allow any to get into the house. The worst offender was the hull-less seed, so I won't fool with that either. I'm hoping that once lured to the garden area by the seeds, birds poking around on the ground will take out some of the pesky insects that are still in the area after tormenting my garden last summer. Or that when spring arrives, the birds will harvest the new hatch of annoying bugs. (The trick is to keep the birds out of the produce also!)