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: 26 Nov 15 - 11:17 PM

I finished up some non-Thanksgiving cooking this morning and then turned to the food for the day. The bird was a bit late coming out of the oven, so we ate other things first and had turkey last. :) The dishes are away, and the food is up. I cleared out the upper cupboards in my Hoosier Kitchen/Kitchen Queen because it has a pie safe (that had been filled with paper plates and such). I needed to use that to cool pies and keep several food items out of canine reach. My counter surfer is a sneaky lab and I didn't want him demolishing anything.

My eggplant are almost all cooked and frozen, only one small batch remains and I may do something real simple with them like just slice, saute, and freeze (to use in lasagna - those don'e need breading). Two batches of cranberry sauce are finished, and will be a great gift during the holiday season.

Another thanksgiving dinner tomorrow at a friend's house (one of the pies is for there).

Michelle, food is a fabulous mnemonic device to remember people. My late mother-in-law taught me a few of her Puerto Rican recipes, and I knew I'd gotten them right when the kids would walk into the house and tell me it "smells like Abuela's kitchen." I've taught them these recipes so they have that part of her to carry into their lives. My mother made great pancakes, and I made them for my children frequently. Her Scandianvian background meant that we didn't eat the thick, stiff IHOP type, they were closer to what are called "Swedish pancakes." And a favorite treat if there were leftover pancakes (batter doesn't keep so you cook them all) - smear one with jelly and roll it up for a great snack.

I'm glad I finished all of the yard work - the weather has moved in big time and there has been a steady rain for hours, not our usual few minutes of rain and the storm passes. This is more like a Seattle rain than a Texas rain.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Nov 15 - 12:47 PM

Rain rain rain. It's a great day for finishing that comforter I've fiddled with for several months, and get started on the next one. And to turn my hand to some of the beading projects I've planned.

No shopping today, I'm not interested in participating in "Black Friday." But I am going to a friend's house for lunch and I'll need to check the map to be sure my route doesn't go past any shopping malls where traffic will be snarled.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Nov 15 - 02:31 PM

I was wide awake at 3:00am so I drove the 15 miles into town and finished Jeremiah's Christmas shopping. I got him a race track and a larger Lego set that he has had his eye on for months. I am so excited for him to have it!

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Nov 15 - 10:44 PM

Legos - there are always larger bins available to store all of the bricks. We still have a couple of large bins of them in closets from when the kids were small. They are brutal to step on with bare feet, one of the memorable down-sides of Legos in the house. ;-)

The house is looking pretty good in some areas, cluttered in others. The weekend forecast is for cold rain, perfect indoor weather to work on stuff ignored all summer.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Nov 15 - 08:23 PM

Mill:
Recently making the rounds on FB has been a pic of Lego-proof slippers - by Lego, no doubt!

Yesterday was pretty much a "day off": I must have done something in the morning..., Tam phoned as she remembered she had not given me the slip recipe so she went through the notebook and found it and I wrote it down; of course it only has 3 ingredients and I'll never forget it again - HAH! spent most of the afternoon in interesting conversation with G & S. (the waitress, on break, said we should have a talk show - she was getting an education - anthropology, women's issues and how they affect men, and more...) The high point of the day was BM at Gigzz; I went early and got the best possible seat. As he started, I dialed R in Montana so he could hear the first song - one of the good oldies - R said thank you.

Today, I picked up the glaze materials from V. While Ann decorated her pots, I mixed green glaze - a bucket for V and a bigger bucket for me. And divided one material, measuring out 20 pounds - 5 at a time! - for V to have. The supply house had put two wonderful strong plastic bags over each of the two BIG bags of materials, so she will get hers in a strong plastic bag. By the time A and I were finishing our tasks, it was 3 pm! I dashed to the thrift shop and got 3 plastic plates to use for "lids" on small buckets; did not see any wide enough to lid the big buckets but I have enough for the ones currently in use.

Also got a pair of black slacks as my organizational skills broke down - no clean slacks here, not even sweat pants! And a good sharp knife for veggies!!! I used it on a sweet potato and, Oh joy! A good supper and tried to get back to work. Just walking through the cold part of the building puts me off. It was OK yesterday but has gotten much colder. Even though it was not bad in the front of the studio, the glazing area was COLD. I agreed to get it warm in the morning and do the glazing, trimming... Maybe even some throwing -Manana! At this point, I am a week behind. Oh well.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Nov 15 - 11:26 AM

Last night I watched a couple of regular programs and worked on the new wool yarn knots on the comforter I seem to have been working on forever. The first acrylic yarn is not staying tied and the strands separated into funny looking little static spots on the flannel, so I'm replacing them with wool, a double strand double knotted, and a spot of fabric glue on each knot.

It's a mix of computer work and eBay listings today. Virtual decluttering.

I'm back on the alternate day fasting, using some information about the types of carbs (I need to get off of sugar, no doubt about it, but I also need to shift to healthier carbs and work on the gut health, which helps with general overall comfort and weight loss.) No waiting till the New Year for a resolution, this is something that needs to be in place now over the food-treacherous holiday season.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 29 Nov 15 - 06:22 PM

Mill:
Ann threw while I glazed and filled kiln, then threw a couple as demo to help her remember, then trimmed the ones I threw a few days ago. The glaze rack is almost empty. The too-be-bisqued rack is close to the firing kiln so the pots will dry and I can do a bisque tomorrow, then a glaze on Tuesday. In effort to sort things out and get things done as I had hoped, I am skipping the trip to Montreal to do laundry and buy bagels. Drive 100 miles to do laundry - might be more cost effective to use a laundromat. Certainly more energy effective and feels like a great de-clutter. I will get back to Beaver a day later and miss the town council meeting. They won't miss me.

I will be glad to get home but also glad to complete my self-appointed tasks.

Changed bedding. If I get to bed early, I will get up earlier and do the dishes in daylight. Can probably finish the latest Louise Penny tonight. So well written.

COLD day and colder night. Possible flurries.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST,#
Date: 29 Nov 15 - 07:12 PM

It's snowing in Howick.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Nov 15 - 08:56 PM

My next door neighbors were due back from a cruise this afternoon, but they called a little while ago - they're stuck in the Houston channel or somewhere beyond it because of the fog. It's a cold penetrating rain here, so they might stay in town overnight if they do dock. A cold rainy nighttime drive is not the way to end a vacation. We don't get much of a fall, it goes from hot to cold quickly.

I've rearranged my kitchen in between stepping back to the computer to check out old VHS video files I've decided to convert to digital files. It took several tries to get the setting so it would load into the computer. I'm getting there. The kitchen is kind of back where it started earlier today - I moved the big kitchen queen around (it's an old fashioned cabinet somewhat the size of a standard side-by-side refrigerator), but the room is too dark if it sits anywhere but the corner so I moved it back and will be content with rearranging contents. Jars of pasta and and beans live there now, leaving the pie safe side of the cabinet free for use. I was making do with unloading regular cupboard contents to let baked goods cool, but last week I remembered about the wire racks in this tall cupboard. Baking is easier when one owns a dog that is determined to snatch food off of counter tops.

I have a number of items to donate to the thrift store and some ancient foodstuffs headed to the curb in the morning.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 29 Nov 15 - 10:01 PM

Mill:
Hi Guest#! Not snowing here, yet. Maybe I shall wake up to white stuff.

Kiln still firing and I cannot go to bed until it finishes so I keep checking. At least it stopped fuming so I could turn off the big fan and close the door. The temp in the studio was heading for 0/32! De-cluttering fumes is good, heat - No!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Nov 15 - 06:53 PM

You early snow folks remind me that I mean to put up bird feeders this winter. I have an array of them hanging from a beam in the garage, and a number of the tall shepherd's crooks to support them. What will it be? Songbirds, finches, or bigger stuff for the larger birds and squirrels? Niger seed, black sunflower, millet (not so good - a filler many of the companies use), cracked corn, etc. I'll read the labels and decide. The feeders are entertaining and I have a bird bath nearby. If it snows I get great photos of the colorful birds with the white backdrop.

I kept sewing, didn't get to eBay, but I'm going to do some of that tonight. 'Tis the season.

Michelle, I hope Jeremiah isn't reading your mudcat posts! Race tracks and Lego sets - those were the days!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Nov 15 - 08:20 PM

Mill:
Hair and dishes washed. Put a large container in sunroom for water for plants. Make it easier for Ann to water when I am away. Visit from Ann's husband: she wants a wheel and tools for Christmas. I agreed to sell him the wheel she has been using and suggested a gift card for pottery supplies so she can choose what she wants. I love that wheel but can live without it. . She may get more done if she can work at home.

Went on line to see if there are any Estrin wheels for sale; none current. I will keep alert on Kijiji. Another potter friend would like one.

Unloaded kiln: Ann's pots are tiny but well done; husband was delighted with the few he saw (before I finished unloading). Fairly successful load for me. Reloaded for a bisque firing which is now in progress. I did some clean-up in the studio. Met G and S at the resto for a couple hours of interesting conversation.

Very cold all day and down tonight but going up tomorrow & Weds. Rain tomorrow will help fill the bin in the sunroom. Cold weather really got me down today; very early night, me thinks.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 Dec 15 - 09:22 PM

Mill:
Did a bisque firing yesterday and did glazing, loading today. Hope it works as well as the one I unloaded yesterday. Six small bowls exploded in the bisque so I had a clean up job to do - lots of shards. (they were not dry enough even though I had thought they were.)

Sold the wheel but Ann's husband is going to leave it here, put a red ribbon on it for Christmas and let her decide whether she wants it at home or here. Her little pots look wonderful but she has not had time to come over and clean the bottoms - or even see them.

A couple hours visit with G and came home to FUMES from firing; set up fans to exhaust from studio and bring fresh air into LR! Kept mask on until air was OK! I now have a handle on when in the firing schedule the fuming happens - about the first 6 hours! At least it was above freezing outside.

Now, having not gone to the city to do laundry, I am looking for a portable washing machine on Kijiji. Preparing to leave for Beaver in the, probably late, morning.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Dec 15 - 09:05 AM

Mill:
Gearing up to pack car. Top shelf of kiln looks very good! Sky is pale gray; rain is falling, hopefully sporadic so I can load without - the clutter of excess water!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Dec 15 - 02:29 PM

Basic chores going on here and taking care of business.

I have been having fun cooking....I made THE best turkey pot pie the other night! I had never made one from scratch before but I can tell you it is going to be a regular meal around here in the winter...it was loved by all! HOORAY!

I am making chili and cornbread for dinner tonight...it's cold, damp and dreary here....perfect evening for chili!

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Dec 15 - 09:20 PM

Beaver!

Arrived just at 5 pm as hoped - missing the predicted fog and the deer time of night! The joy of turning the last corner and looking down the road to see ---Smoke coming out of the chimney. On a cold damp night! My friends had decided to do the last bit of work today so the house could be warm for me! To not have to get a fire going in a cold house!

To open the door and turn on the light and see the beautiful slates - the first 4 feet and then the varathaned mahogany... It looks great! And with just tile sealer as finish, the slates retained their beautiful golds and reddish browns and light grey. I phoned Tammy to thank her - profusely!

On the way out this am, returned books to library, stopped to say hello to R&F and show R, whose sister is a top potter in Canada, my new pots. She loved them and I gave her one; she has given us much, nice to reciprocate. Then I was on the road for a pleasant, uneventful trip,

The car will get unloaded tomorrow - in daylight. But food is in frig, or wherever it belongs. Left message with a plumber; time to deal with the lack of water. Also emailed contractor re possible change of tub; I thought he would come last week! And got into two different heavy discussions on FB - then left! Too much for my tired brain.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Dec 15 - 12:18 AM

Michelle, I loved reading

I made THE best turkey pot pie the other night! I had never made one from scratch before but I can tell you it is going to be a regular meal around here in the winter.

Homemade pot pies (turkey or chicken) are so good! The ingredients are intuitive - and I convinced my children to eat what amounts to turkey or chicken stew by making pie crusts. I wasn't going to put it in a shell (like the store-bought ones - Swanson's comes to mind) but they do need crust, so I made pie crust and used various cookie cutters (and the kids helped) to make and bake shapes to go on top of their bowls of chicken or turkey stew. The crust made all the difference.

I have lots of projects staring me in the face right now. Any direction I turn, there is something to do. So something will get done, but it may end up being bits of several somethings.

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

It's a busy time of year for all of us, so on occasion we may need to reach down below the 24-hour line to pull the declutter thread back up to the top. But that's a good sign!

I'm helping a friend who is going to be moving in the near future. She adopted several dogs after a friend died of cancer - and now she needs to find another home for those dogs. We're pulling every string we can think of and people are looking for new homes. Decluttering warm and fuzzy older dogs - it's tough, but we'll do it.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 03 Dec 15 - 10:31 PM

Beaver:

Brought in a couple days' wood. Exercise!

MUD! to de-clutter mud which was coming into house in lumps!: drove out to the place selling various types of stones and arranged for 3 yards of stone to be delivered next week. I will rake it into place, she says hopefully. Exercise!

To de-clutter the dirty dishes, etc: Stopped at Home Hardware and said, "I NEED a plumber!" Paul gave me two cards, I called one right then and there; he will come tomorrow at 4 - after I finish at the Gallery!

Did a bunch of foraging earlier in the day: food, a nice thick comforter for the city house, and a few diverse items - all at thrift shops. Visited Gallery and we in-took four of my new pieces. Picked up 3 books at library; using the notice of when they are closed for the holidays for a bookmark! Read local paper and noted a few events to attend.

Email from contractor re possibility of new tub; appointment on Saturday. The current one is rather ratty looking. Speaking of which: red squirrel was being busy this morning and I am wondering if it is in the attic or where? It sassed me from the woodpile a couple times! Sure is a cute critter.

Partly unloaded the car when I got home and put that bunch away. Still more to go. Maybe in the am when the mud is frozen. Transferred some money, hung a wildlife calendar (free at Thrift chop). Bedtime!

.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST,#
Date: 04 Dec 15 - 10:57 AM

Red squirrels can be a real pain. They get into your house and they won't be leaving. FYI.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST,#
Date: 04 Dec 15 - 11:13 AM

At least until they've chewed up your wiring. Get it/them out soon as or you're in for a pile of damage to the house.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Dec 15 - 11:48 PM

Beaver:
Yes, dear! I have no idea how to exclude the red devil. I shall call upon the expertise of my friends on Ontario Wildlife. I regret that I heard it running around upstairs this morning. No, I am not going to kill it. I am very mindful of the damage they can do. After all, raccoons turned on the AC at machineco in JAnuary.

Right now, after a long hard day, trying to get the house warm enough to go to bed. Sometimes I simply do not treat the fire right and it takes a long time to get going.

The good news is that the water is back on; the bad news is that the very nice man did not pay attention to what I told him and instead of half an hour, it took two, plus an hour listening to the poor dear telling me stories about what a wonderful cook he is, etc. Only de-cluttered my self of him when I said I had to leave! In the process, the BR was turned upside down which could result in some re-re-arranging as I put it back together -- tomorrow! Just cleared the bed so I can get in it!

Brought in more wood this aft - exercise!

My day at the Gallery was full of stuff: Friend Stu brought in freshly printed calendar - 10 for the Gallery gift shop and I bought one for me and got a Gallery visitor to buy one directly from Stu; great photos of the area and every possible event anyone could possibly think of! Now, if we can just get him to finish them in August next year - before summer people leave. i phoned Carol and she came in to put them into inventory so we could sell them - two right off!

Said visitor divulged that he was someone I have known: he had a hunt camp across the road from my "farm" in the bush AND he bought the farm a few years ago - showed me pics of the upgrading and talked about it with me until I felt he loves it as much as I do. That de-clutters some feelings of sadness about not being there anymore. He invited me to visit in the spring. So, instead of not wanting to go there at all - due to the pain - I am looking forward to a visit. He still has the wonderful old bathtub I bought at his father's junk yard - and then went to the camp and begged help from the young men to get it to the second floor! Such groaning it took for 3 of them to push that tub up the stairs!!   

The opening of the terrific art show was well attended and lots of good conversation - including a helpful lecture on plumbing by a dear handy man. The young lad thought getting the hot water, with new, more efficient tank, would run about $2500!!!! With John's helpful info and advice, I believe we can do it ourselves - that even I could do it - for far less - now THAT is de-cluttering!

Bedtime!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Dec 15 - 11:05 AM

Down 2.2 pounds.....making it just over 35 pounds. Two people have now commented that it looks like I've lost weight. :) Unsolicited compliments are the best!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Dec 15 - 08:59 PM

I've eliminated most of the sugary snacks out of my diet (there is a candy jar at work) and and making sure there are not only plenty of veggies but "resistant starches," or carb-type foods that digest slowly and help the gut flora stay happy. Beans, cold pasta and breads, nuts, etc. It is helping me feel better as I get rid of the sugar craving, and an offshoot is that I'll lose some of the weight that has crept back on over the last year.

Today was a paperwork day, but tomorrow is for the housekeeping stuff, including donations to the thrift store and eBay listings.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Dec 15 - 09:32 PM

Beaver:

FIRST - a Happy birthday email to Troy. My poor little 6 pound baby - now a beautiful, guitar playing, retired adult!

With the car mostly unloaded, there is considerable organizing needed - manana. Bought a portable clothes washer at the second hand shop this morning, delivered just before they closed at noon! Then a contractor/friend came to look at possibility of a new tub - will send me a price.

I picked up a needed part for the washer, this aft at my fav store in the whole world - Agnew's General Store in Wilberforce; I covered their 75th long enough ago that they are soon due for a 100th! A store that has changed with the times - catering to the cottagers with interesting clothes as well as useful items and a great hardware department! I bought a pair of warm socks with red moose and "Wilberforce, Ontario" on them! And two pair of especially warm winter socks. Went to the craft show and had a nice lunch of chili and bought two nice warm, crocheted. hats in nifty colours ($10 for both!)

Then spent the aft and eve with friends on Elephant lake - 3 generations. Came home and wrote an email of encouragement to the son , who will soon have the care of a disabled cousin and, I fear, a dear mom who is starting to lose it. Not too sure about the dad.

Tomorrow I must run out and get laundry detergent and start de-cluttering the clothes of dirt! I am SO happy! And sort out the studio, hopefully throw some pots; and reorganize a whole lot of stuff!

There was a small plaque at Agnew's about going off on adventures to find out where you are meant to be. This is where I am meant to be.

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

It's been a beautiful day and I'm taking a break. Pete made us a nice family (WW and diabetic friendly) breakfast while Jeremiah and I had our showers and got ready for church. Then a nice ride through the country side with bright blue skies and an oh so pretty white layer of frost covered everything with glitter! A nice service at church, an invitation to play my violin during the service, time with friends, home for a nice lunch and now I am cleaning and rearranging the living room to make room for the Christmas tree. It's one of maybe 4 times a year that I do a deep cleaning of the living room. I'm tired this afternoon so it's slow going but it IS coming along. Most of the clutter is toy and book related...time to do another purge of toys I believe! The good news is that there is room for the tree already, now to clear off the piano of all my keepsakes and make room for the nativity....I always put that up first. The nativity itself is made up of Willow Tree figures but the hand carved creche is something that my Nana brought back with her from a trip to the Black Forest in Germany in the late 1970s and it's something I treasure. :) So...anyway...I suppose I should get back to work. I will probably put photos up on FB in the next few days.

Have a great night everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Dec 15 - 05:42 PM

Beaver:
WOW! a lovely day, Michelle! Sure beats my effort to get clothes washed!

Got detergent: checked out a store I had not gone into yet; Tide free and clear was
$5 for 32 washes; interesting store. I checked out Foodland; same stuff was over $10! This is where foraging pays off! Bought a couple things at each of 3 stores and went home to wash clothes. BUT the thingie that is supposed to connect did not. PHOOEY! Off to Home Hardware and Dave helping me figure it out. Right! While there, I HAD to buy a beautiful Christmas planter which is now in the big front window. No room here for a tree.

Back to the wash: Still no luck. The water just disconnects the fitting. Tomorrow I will go back to the store. I see no place for the water to go through??? So I had a big salad and sat and watched the light go. The sun now sets way further south - behind the pottery studio instead of the hill.

Eating baby carrots and trying to find a nice image to send a friend on FB for her B-day. The one I wanted tells me I cannot... something... AND FB is refusing to let me share anything today. More carrots... No laundry,... But a whole bin of stuff put away. BR still undone. Maybe later after I recover from the failure to do laundry. I did bring in a good bunch of stove wood - exercise!

And put two pots of water on the stove - one for washing up and adding moisture and one for dishes. I am being picky about the well water which I consider iffy. Hoping for two things when R comes next: hot water and a filter to take out the sediment. I only use distilled water for anything that goes in our bodies - drinking and cooking. That is a sort of clutter which will not go away.

If I wash my hair, maybe I can think better?

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

I've finished a few projects, and have some stuff ready to go out of the house tomorrow. A small amount to the curb, a fair volume to go to the recycle bins behind city hall, and more stuff for the thrift store. A lot of what goes to the curb will be dust and dog hair. I also feel the need for a "deep cleaning" of the living room and den, getting ready for family events.

I enjoy spending time on Sunday afternoons cooking for the week. I just made the perfect pot of lentil soup. Last week I made a batch with chicken stock, this time with water. And last week's batch with green lentils came out brown when it was cooked. This week's batch with red lentils came out green when it was cooked. Who knew?

I'm feeling the urge to start moving furniture, but the couch in front of the television is where we all usually sit to watch a movie after our holiday dinner. Maybe I should wait (I was going to bring in a glider and a rocking chair instead, and put the sofa in the front room). Decisions, decisions!

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

One load of laundry done, table cleared, one tote filled with everyday shelf sitters to make room for Christmas gear, fridge cleaned out, most of the dishes are done, toilet scrubbed, floors swept an soon to put out more Christmas decorations and lights on the tree. Decorating the tree will happen when we are all here. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Dec 15 - 05:46 PM

Beaver:

Out first thing this morning to the appliance store; The nice woman showed me HOW to connect the hose to faucet! Came back and found that even tho Dave said I did not need a wrench, I really do. My hands are not strong enough to tighten the thingie by hand. And I had a really hard time STILL getting the connection firm. About the time I was ready to give them it back, I finally got it. Had to phone for directions - that were NOT on the lid.

Because the water runs so slowly in the K, it takes half an hour to fill the tub. It took about two hours for each of the two loads. And the connection was finally perfect for the last bit. Prior to that, so much water was oozing out that I collected enough in a large bowl, to wash the dishes and fill the distiller - which seems to have quit. This is a crisis; I shall have to order another one - should have done it before 4 EST!

I managed to cook rice in prep for stuffing and roasting a chicken --- Kind of late now - tomorrow! I did manage to start re-organizing the BR and got lots put away. Also needed a close line! Oh, Joy, I found the extendable one the first place I looked, and clothes pegs too! Managed to get two screws into the wall in correct configuration - close enough! It can be taken down when not in use. So, clothes are drying in the BR, the light has disappeared in the west. emails are deleted, FB is being a pain and not letting me share or like, no word from R who is supposed to start east tomorrow, a small bag of stuff ready for thrift shop, and I am hoping for some new energy in a while to sort our more of the BR. Was not warm enough and I did not have enough energy for potting. Maybe tomorrow.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 15 - 10:43 PM

Holiday cooking this evening - a pot of beans to contribute to a staff potluck lunch tomorrow.

I have ornaments that came from my mother and sister that also go front and center - more Scandinavian and secular in origin, but part of our holiday festivities. Doesn't everyone have a nissetroll to guard the tree? They don't like to be out in the open, so you have to place them in a corner or in a semi-hidden spot on a shelf, or in a closet with the door open a little they can see the tree. Really. They're about the only "good" troll there is out there.

Even as slow as your water is running, isn't it nice to be able to do your laundry at home, Dorothy? As opposed to lugging it all down to a laundrymat?

For those following the saga of the three dogs that have lived with my friend Susie for over two years (adopted after their original owner died of cancer), my friend isn't able to take them with her when she moves sometime in the next couple of months, so we have sought a new home. This weekend it worked out - the brother and sister-in-law of a co-worker of mine are going to adopt all three. They have a dog already (used to have 2, but one died of old age earlier this year) and she is going to have a dog trainer with with her dog and with the new ones to have a good integration of the pack. This is better than any of us could have hoped for, that the three can stay together.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Dec 15 - 07:06 PM

Beaver:
Yep, sure is better to be able to do it at home; I did all sorts of things while it was happening. I have not been in a laundromat in about 6 years. The dreadful odours of soaps and fabric softeners would be a horror for me. That was the final determinant when debating to cost effectiveness of spending a lot of money (relatively) on a machine or biting the bullet and going to a laundromat.

Spent most of the eve and some of this morning trying to find/order a distiller. Even phoned the air cleaner man and begged him to add distillers to his products. Was so fed up with one site the man hung up on me because of my language; his phone was no loud enough but he told me he was talking loud. Somewhere in Vermont with a not so great website and a lousy attitude. Finally phoned someone in BC who could be heard and might send me info - in 24 hours!! Got a tech guy at another place; him I could understand and he was helpful but their website was a horror. I have generally found tcch people to be far more helpful than "customer service".

So, I may or may not be getting a distiller as soon as I need it. But the clothes are put away and the clothesline back in its hole. The BR is improved but not done. The oven is workin on a roast chicken and acorn squash and a small container of the left over stuffing topped with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. A large pan of the thighs roasted with curry seasoning finished and a couple were yummy on my salad. I had to make a special trip to the nat. food store for sage and poultry seasoning ; this K lacks a few things! Cooked in two cast iron frying pans and a griddle! Works fine.

Brought in a bunch of wood - exercise! Had a visit with Tam and Blair as he finished my storage box; Do I have the heart to tell Blair that the reason I got him to make it instead of buying an ugly plastic one is because I wanted it in wood? He used materials from an ugly plastic one. This comes under the category of "things we did not think to cover in the instructions". Arghhhh! K functions well and it is time to check the chicken.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 15 - 08:46 PM

We're to the less-productive time of year at work, with office parties, planning to participate in holiday events, set-up, taking-down, etc. There was a pot-luck lunch and the monthly birthday dessert meeting today. Pacing myself and not eating any extra candy from the chocolate jar in the office.

I'm going to the office early so am getting out of work earlier, but finding more time for running around to do things means I'm not getting home a lot earlier. I need to head straight home to work on some of the stuff waiting here for me.

This week is supposed to end up quite warm - in the high 70s, I think. I have been happy to pull sweaters out of storage, but it looks like lighter weight clothes the rest of the week. Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest where there are four pronounced seasons, it is sometimes difficult to get in to the holiday spirit with all of this warm weather.

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

Beaver:
The wonderful woman at head office in Taiwan gave me a new site and a distiller is ordered!!! That was a monumental de-clutter as I was SO stressed by it. On the other hand, the wood man has STILL not brought my last 3 cord and the rock guy has not yet delivered the rock for drive - which I need to rake into place! Waiting is not fun. R was in the air today and I am waiting to hear he has landed in Detroit.

A springish day and the studio was over 50F! I brought in wood, did organizing in kiln/store room, studio, BR, LR and the back sheds. The exer-cycle is now in place again, tables ready to be covered with plastic for clay work, thoughts of where shelves need to go evolving. Buckets from the bulk food had not been washed so I put them outside - lids on ground and buckets on sides - to see if critters will help with cleaning - before I use massive amounts of soap to clean out oily residues of nut butters. Need K type sink in studio - with bucket under it - for cleaning tools and such. Or maybe just a bucket on a low bench.

Then went off to town, stopping in Gallery to confer, dropped book at library and checked out one thrift store. (These 3 are next door to each other.) bought a $10 pine bed side cabinet - quite nice with a drawer and a door. When my energy returns, I shall move the current bed side cabinet t0 a planned space in LR and put the new one next to bed.

Little red devil was outdoors this morning. I am thankful that the studio, at least, is impervious thanks to good work of T&B! It is tight! Have not heard furball upstairs lately. Started looking for access point but was distracted; tomorrow if it doesn't rain.

I am daunted by that feather bed which did such a great job of keeping me warm outside at sub-freezing temps. It cannot be forced into a largish plastic bin. It must take about 5 cubic feet of space! A large trunk - for which there is NO room in this little house, or the kiln room. OK! - a construction grade clear plastic bag and into the back shed. THAT would greatly de-clutter the BR and make a couple other moves possible! Off I go...

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Dec 15 - 08:17 PM

Beaver:
I DID it! construction grade bag and squeezed it down, down down!! The put two heavy rubber bands on the top and squeezed it into a plastic bin; it won't fit but it will be safe! then I organized the other stuff to the point where - OOPs, it's raining. A tremendous improvement. Several more small tasks awaiting next rush of energy and - where IS that screwdriver??? Very happy. That is probably it for tonight.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Dec 15 - 07:57 PM

Beaver:
After an entire morning on the computer - did write a couple of important emails, I had a small lunch and went off to social events:of the small community variety: a gathering at Maggie's/Tamarack (women's Centre) where a dozen women and staff had a pre-Christmas lunch. Kind of emotional for me as I was one of the founders back about 1982 and it was pretty special to see how my kid has grown. One of the group has been involved since the inception! I invited her to phone and stop in for tea. The celebration of the 30th anniversary for a staff person at the Credit Union. I may have been the only non-family, non-CU person there; seemed important to me to celebrate her.

Searched for a bottle brush to fit into a one inch neck. No luck so far. Found a few useful items at thrift shop. The weather came down on me and flattened my energy. I did not even take the bag of stuff into the thrift shop. Tomorrow I must do things - wood and load car - so I shall continue to rest tonight. Maybe look for that screwdriver...

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Dec 15 - 07:33 PM

Beaver:

mostly a day of rest, rainy, drismal.

Brought in wood, loaded pottery into car, tried to put up a towel rack but one screw did not cooperate - I'll go the hardware another day. put wallpaper inserts on the four upper cabinets and cut a piece for after a paint the last one. The background on the paper matches the paint perfectly - by accident! Decided not a good idea for lower cabinets - more apt to catch spills. Also on the inserts for the :clothes cabinet in the BR (where there were once mirrors. I need some sort of fasteners to hold them in place - on list for Hardware store.

Spent interminable time on FB until cannot stand it anymore, deleted lots of emails and sent a couple; finally figured out who to phone to find out if I ned to take tables tomorrow - yes. Happily, the Market does not start until 11 so I can get there before 10 and be fine. Washed hair. Fellow brought 3 face cord of wood - encouraged me to find him more work --After it took him two months to deliver this wood and I ended up getting not as good wood because of it!

The BR feels so uncluttered but still more I can do as I feel the way forward. Actually have not put anything in new little cabinet yet.... Best use?   Fire needs attention!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: mg
Date: 11 Dec 15 - 10:53 PM

My goal for 2016 is to never look for passwords so I took a huge magic marker and wrote them on my desk at work. They are somewhat coded with blanks but still the terrorists can prob get into my health records etc. I am! Past caring.

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!)

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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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.