Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Aug 16 - 11:17 PM

I've researched the items I want to next list on eBay, but haven't taken the photos yet or picked out the boxes for shipping. That comes this week. The kitchen counter is clear.

After a busy weekend the kitchen in general is cleaned up after several cooking adventures. Jelly making, fixing meals for the week, and teaching a neighbor how to make a dish she asked about. Waking to a clean kitchen in the morning is the biggest gift one can give oneself, so with that in mind, the house smells like the fried eggplant for eggplant Parmesan, but all evidence of the cooking is now put away.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jul 16 - 11:28 AM

We had a heavy rainfall this week that the garden liked but it has increased the local humidity to an uncomfortable level again. This has been the muggiest summer I remember in years. The AC is up and running so the house is tolerable throughout now.

Working on an eBay project I was at the Goodwill and found a few items that are intended to go directly into online sales. My kitchen counter is a bit crowded right now, but they'll go into boxes and listings this weekend.

More canning this week - jelly this time.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Jul 16 - 09:48 PM

Beaver:

Good to be home! Drove back yesterday and did very little. Unpacked car today, other than new pots. Did errands, groceries, haircut - great de-clutter! Then rested a long time before getting to it again.

Beautiful cool eve and a few more things planted. Zukes are starting to produce; should be a few before first frost! The ginger root that seems to have buds was left in a bowl of water last week and it does seem they have grown a tiny bit. I will deal with them tomorrow, energy permitting.

Spent a couple hours last eve and this eve trying to deal with "customer service" for Bank of america. Most of it on hold, then bad phone connections, failure to speak clearly, horrible noise between... I will de-clutter my life of this credit card; the company does not speak Canadian. It used to have decent customer service but no more. A US credit card at my Canadian bank has an annual fee but by now the $39 seems like nothing compared to the nuisance. A chore for tomorrow at my friendly local branch where I entertained two tellers this morning with - "The cheque never got there, what do I do now..." And agreement that the options were.... The next time I go to the US, just take cash or traveller's cheques? Do those still exist???

Plum' wore out.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jul 16 - 11:13 AM

"...eyes open for poachers." Sounds more like ginseng, perhaps? Wild native ginger (Asarum canadense) is a very nice little ground cover smelling like roses when divided, but I can't imagine it being attractive to poachers. Tropical ginger (Zingiber officinale" is not related to either, although Asarum has a similar spicy scent to that of Zingiber.

Tropical ginger is building quite a good market in the Northeast, grown in hoop houses and sold fresh and rosy pink.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 16 - 10:22 AM

If I'd pulled out my recipe I'd have known to cut up all of the pickle ingredients last night and leave them soaking in salty water overnight. Then I'd be bottling and processing this morning. I'll put them in the fridge for 8 hours and process them tonight.

Some of the larger extra zucchini I'll cut into chunks, saute, then freeze for a casserole I make through the year (usually with purchased zucchini or other squash).

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 16 - 02:11 AM

I remember being told that a form of wild ginger lived in the Smoky Mountains and we had to keep our eyes open for poachers. They lived in a the moist green understory, so your description of conditions sounds about right.

Today my fridge needed attention - tomatoes, onions and peppers are now converted from veggies in bowls in the fridge into containers of salsa cooling in there that will go in the freezer tomorrow. I didn't process them (canning) because some of the tomatoes were so ripe and had spots that were cut off. Canning really does require fruit at peak condition without spots, holes, mold, etc. And there is a batch of guacamole in the freezer. Tomorrow may be pickles - I thought I'd try to get to them today, but the two other projects ran long. Decluttered the fridge, and restocking the freezer.

My eBay listings have been moving along, and I have a bunch more to put up this weekend. Plus some freelance work. Lots to keep me busy indoors when it's so hot and muggy outside.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Jul 16 - 09:26 PM

Mill:
Thanks for that bit, rumncoke! Saved.

Have done a firing each day - Monday thru Friday. Today, on peeking in still hot kiln, realized it had not gone to temp so re-started it. Was planning to go back to Beaver tomorrow but can put it off to Monday to do last load.

Serious lack of energy Thurs onward; have not accomplished new pots nor much else. Two good rain storms - Fri and today! Cooled off and I feel better this eve. Found a new general store, in the middle of nowhere, near mill which carries the good sausages and meat that I have been driving an hour for! YAY! We accidentally found it when going to a restaurant nearby. That is a terrific declutter - driving only 10 minutes! And encouraging a new business.

I will have 4-5 boxes of new pottery for next weekend's big art & craft show. Hope it clutters my wallet!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Rumncoke
Date: 20 Jul 16 - 07:17 PM

I managed to grow a ginger plant by placing the root into a pot of sand and compost with added fertiliser and placing it in the hottest part of the conservatory, which was against the south wall below the level of the windows. The pot was wide and shallow.
I used a root from the local grocer, washed it several times in warm water over the course of a day, planted it and sprayed it with warm water every day. It will rot if over watered and die if cold water is used. It seems to like heat but not sunlight. It was shaded from the sun by a wicker waste paper basket the year it grew best, so about 50 percent shadow.
Use a heavy pot as it can grow quite tall.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 16 - 10:25 PM

It's time to start the jelly-making, pickle-making, salsa-making, etc. activities now. Today I picked more wild grapes and had enough (added to what I picked last weekend) to steam juice about 2.5 litres of juice for jelly. I have zucchini from the garden for bread and butter pickles, and the salsa has needed making for a while now. I hope I get to the ingredients in time.

I also have to plan time for a new air conditioner compressor to be installed, and finish some editing. None of the stuff needing attention right now is something that can be handled in a sort of multi-tasking approach. They each demand one's full attention. I'd best get organized.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Jul 16 - 09:50 PM

Mill:

Finally realized, yesterday am, that I was not going to do glaze firing at Beaver; did not even have enough kiln furniture in the sizes I needed. So I packed up all the pots - bisqued and green and set off, Stopped to pick up the Wharton Esherick book - almost an hour visit! And arrived at 6:30, went right into unloading pots and glazing and got firing going by 8:30. Ate roasted cauliflower - left overs - and a small pice of cheese. It was rather a fasting day as i managed all day on green/ginger tea.

Part of getting ready to leave was wrestling the kiln onto a dolly and getting it into the house. They had delivered it on Sunday while I was away and it was sitting in the yard when I got home!

Today, I threw pots for a couple hours took a lunch break then a LONG visit with Geri, supper and finally unloaded kiln, glazed pots, re-loaded kiln, and started it at almost 8:30 - again. Then I went to check the flower bed. Pulled weeds; it was not too bad but some of the perennials need dividing. Some of that dreadful poisonous plant are around the area. Tomorrow...

Then I hacked a path to the front door through the weeds with hedge trimmers, including reeds higher than my head. I guess it is at least two months since I was last here... Maybe late April as that is the last firing in the log book. Nature does abhor a vacuum!

Bedtime!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Jul 16 - 09:12 PM

Beaver:

Willy woodchuck dashed from the vicinity of the raised beds to his front door when I went out about 8 pm! I cut the leaves off a cauliflower and left them at his door! Maybe...

Busy all day - well after I got up about 10 after getting to bed at 3, thanks to problem contacting tech support - 2 hours! THEN I turned everything off and re-booted and....! Yep! So I paid some bills and spent time on FB and deleting emails to settle down before bed.

Had a fun time at the Market, visiting and gathering info. To the home of woman from whom I agreed to buy an old kiln - last fall! She was going to phone me... So today I picked up the shelves and furniture, gave her a couple things bound for thrift shop; she gave me a pair of slip on shoes which I was feeling the need of! And they are going to deliver the kiln - not tonight I guess! Hope for tomorrow! It is closely related to the kiln that died on Whidbey so I am looking forward to checking it out. That one, I knew how to repair totally - after over 20 years of use!

Then to grocery store; I think the ginger root has a couple potential sprouts so I shall give it a try. Advice? I tried this about 35 years ago to no avail... To bank for cash for kiln, to Rona for end caps for eaves troughs - STILL do not have any so Paul promised to write it down and order some for Weds. Still working on a RAIN watering plan for raised beds.

Sorting stuff in shed no room for new kiln.... Bad mosquitoes forced me inside. Manana! Need to get serious about glazing and firing for big craft show in two weeks!

Devised a chart a few days ago - to keep track of weather, what I eat, what supplements I remember to take (reminder), It may work for a while and just maybe I will learn something from it.

Now to write a letter to editor re providing heat relief for our older or heat sensitive residents. In the cities people can sit in malls - if they are able to get there. No malls here so where???? Weds was so bad the eve outdoor concert was cancelled. I sat home and breathed - quietly. But did try to go to concert. Glad it was only 4 minutes away.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jul 16 - 11:15 AM

You know how you end up cleaning counters and putting away random stuff when someone is coming over to the house? That is me, this morning, waiting in the air conditioning tech crew. I'm sure they'll manage to declutter my wallet of a few dollars.

I'm not sure if they'll spend more time indoors (that inside unit is in a closet in a hall - easy to reach) or by the outside fan (next to the asparagus and the hibiscus). I've planned to trim the asparagus to get another crop, I think today, before they arrive, is the perfect time.

For the time being the large canning pots are back in the pantry. The wild grapes weren't ready when I checked on them this week - I picked a couple of quarts of ripe fruit, but the rest are green and will ripen in the next week or so. This weekend is soon enough to try again. I have a steam juicer to extract the juice, and then I can make jelly any time in the next couple of weeks.

Dorothy, I also have a few crops that have had predatory visitors. The beans are gone (snails, I think). The tomato plants are looking unhappy. It's time to plant for fall crops if I want new plants (instead of nursing these along) but the place that consistently sold the variety I like has closed the nearby store. I'll try to keep these vines going and come fall they'll perk up and make more fruit.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 14 Jul 16 - 10:45 PM

Beaver:

Would seriously like my eyes to recover from drops of Tuesday.

Sorted through a bag of pics and negs and triaged them for new homes; keeping some. Delivered a set to a friend - her current home as seen in 1982: She was delighted.

Yesterday was too hot to do much beyond breathing. Long consult today with a friend re the calendar project - "Vintage Bancroft". This will entail another two consults tomorrow and hope that I can move this forward and have the calendars ready in two weeks for a big weekend here. Pen and ink sketches of local buildings, some of which no longer exist, some have changed drastically.

Critters have de-cluttered garden of all bush bean sprouts and about half of zuke plants! Discovered it too late to do anything today but will look for netting in the am and replant beans.

Rained a lot of today; lovely! and a cool night for sleeping!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 12 Jul 16 - 10:47 PM

Beaver:
Some getting things done days and some getting nothing done days! Yesterday am I finally threw pots for the first time in weeks; 4 hours work felt good and netted a bunch of nice pots which are now waiting to be trimmed - tomorrow. The rest of the day was exhaustion!

Today was an interminable trip to Peterborough - about 1.5 hours - with super friends who volunteered to chauffeur me to appointment re cataracts. Not ready for surgery yet so another appointment in February. What a nuisance.

We had a pretty good visit and I treated them to lunch when we got back. Talked with Bob re his December show at the Gallery, which I am sponsoring, having kicked him into applying! We agreed that he will pick out some of his "sketches" of Bancroft buildings circa 1970s for a 2017 Calendar and I will arrange for production. They don't need the money but we want to give people the opportunity to have the wonderful pics. So a visit to find out about production is on tomorrow's list - after I trim the pots!

The garden is progressing and I managed to cut back some of the weedy shrubs and dragged one piece of carpet out to kill grass and weeds in prep for raspberry patch. Planted 3 types of peppermint on the mound septic where they can spread to their heart's content!   


Beautiful cool eve after hot day. And so to sleep!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jul 16 - 04:19 PM

Working my way around the livingroom, dusting, putting things away all the way - so if it is shoes that go in the bedroom closet, walking them all the way in there, not leaving them in the hall that goes to the bedrooms. And as I come across donation or sales items, they're going to that room and are in the queue. The weed eater is set up with new nylon line, so as soon as there is shade on the front and side of the house, I'm headed out to tidy the yard and driveway.

I'm pretty sure the extra energy I'm feeling today has to do with a substantial drop in the humidity level, making a world of difference.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jul 16 - 10:30 AM

A few weeks ago I used spare lumber and castors and framed a set of wheels to place under an antique trunk. I used to keep the dog food in there till the ants discovered it; now on wheels I hope to resume storing dog food there and move it out of harms way if necessary. This move clears a large space on my Hoosier Kitchen (an antique large cabinet organizer built in the late 1800s) at a time when I can use it for canning.

My eBay listings are varied and will continue to be so. I see so many things I intended to list that if I'm serious about decluttering I need to keep this momentum going. My favorite sized box for shipping is a flat rate Zone A USPS box so I've ordered another batch to pack and keep listing.

Mowing and weeding for outdoors work today, and some canning salsa this evening.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jul 16 - 10:44 PM

D - I saw some photos on facebook - it's nice to have a place in mind when I read about the work you do there.

We haven't heard from Susan in forever - I wonder how that move has progressed and if everything is in the places she has in mind?

I have more eBay listings up, one that ends later tonight, and an auction that will run for a week that started very low (.99) to attract interest. It seems that if you start something at 9.99 or 19.99 that you'd actually like to get $100 for, it's less likely to happen than if you start at .99. I suspect you pull in more folks gambling on getting the bargain price but who stick around longer and bid higher in the heat of the moment.

For a short week it has been extremely long. I'm looking forward to my 3-day weekend and plan to get to work by 7 am tomorrow so I get an early start on the days off. The weather is finally cooperating for mowing, which must be done as soon as possible.

Mudcat is decluttered of one server, one of them was taken out of the rotation this week as too old to be up to the task. Max is decluttering - maybe it's time to direct a few dollars his way to purchase a replacement.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Jul 16 - 08:42 PM

Beaver:
No before pics! We just lit into it - ripping out the carpets and closets. Then the fix up work started and is on going! I think I will wait until I finish the exterior painting - hopefully with a big rainbow on the north wall. I'll try to post a couple - K and LR and the studio exterior.

I got up at 2:30 am for a hot bath - a desperate situation as I knew I would just feel worse without doing it. Bath with Epsom salt and a first shower to clear off. The hot water only half fills the tub so it is not great but in the half hour I sat, the water got warm enough for the shower. I'll do another tonight - not at 2:30 am! Have to get the dust out of my bod: I feel it building up again. Have a fan going and three windows open.... I think the dust is already in me.

Really hot and humid today; hoping for rain tonight - or at least the excess humidity falling onto the ground!

Found pots for rosemary, etc. at Thrift shops, a rod for door curtain for utility room, a nice thick foam mattress for upstairs.


I collect small boxes all week - at the grocery stores - for my friends with antique shop; on Weds they come to Town and I give them the week's collection - a lot this week! They sell lots of china on E-Bay.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jul 16 - 10:44 PM

After a four-day weekend it's back to the grindstone. I used a couple of my zucchini to make a casserole (Italian sausage, pasta, onion, pepper, tomato, wine, mushroom, cheese. . . ) to take for lunches. The kitchen is clean. Laundry is finished. I pulled weeds today, but didn't mow out front (though I did mow in the back yesterday). There were lots of things on my list, but it was a slow-motion weekend, unmotivated because of the oppressive humidity.

There are a dozen listings in my eBay account, as many as I've ever had up at once. Some more likely to sell than others, but eBay is always a place to be surprised by what sells and what doesn't. It comes from a suggestion from a friend - that if I enjoy it I should make time for it, and accomplish the declutter at the same time. I have a couple of projects along those lines to work on this summer.

Have you posted any photos of this cottage of yours on facebook, Dorothy? I'd like to see what it looks like, especially before and after shots.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Jul 16 - 07:55 PM

Beaver:
The sleeping loft has an opening and has been vacuumed thoroughly. R says it is OK for someone to stay up there but I am dubious. Maybe with a cot and foamy. But if S visits for the Gemboree, she can sleep on sofa. A great deal of work needs to be done up there to make it comfortable - summer only. Needs two good windows and kneewalls to improve stability of floor and roof. Guess we are pickier than some former tenants.

Anyway, it was a nasty job which I only suffered from as the dust factor impinged - one antihistamine and maybe another one and a nasal spray. R gets a few gold stars. And a couple wasp stings.

There is a piece of plexi-glass over the trap door hole so light comes down from upstairs window. We hope to make a trapdoor with insulated glass insert so the "skylight" effect continues. R wants to put a skylight in the west roof as well. what year?

The deck needs some more work - another support and more before I do the decking. But I have a new drill and drill bits so it should go along better.

I have been reduced to mainly meal prep and a tiny bit of planting and weeding - support staff! Serious lack of energy. Hope I feel better tomorrow.

I happily took down the clothes dryer all by myself and put it aside - not blocking view! We had beautiful days so R took half the window out and threw all the left-from-before trash out the window, including a TV, and took it all in the truck to Montreal.

Last eve, I sorted a number of the plastic bins and triaged 3 bins of sheets and blankets for upstairs - when the time comes. R dragged the old carpeting out of back/back shed but it still needs some attention to make floor better. The rugs are to go on a spot to kill vegetation in prep for a raspberry patch in the fall, she says hopefully!

We looked at a spot to one side for R's library/cabin. Looks good. It will have no windows other than skylights so no view needed! Just bookshelves and a glass door. Maybe next year.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: pattyClink
Date: 05 Jul 16 - 06:29 PM

Back from the first road trip in the camper. Had a great time and loved living in a small place that goes where I go, it's like a magic carpet. I find myself in a beautiful place, and presto, I happen to have a cabin there! Came home with 1 new book, 1 small field guide, and a palmful of rocks, which is not ideal but beats my usual trunkful of rocks and souvenirs.

Now back to the cold (actually stifling horrifically hot & humid) realities of The House and All Its Stuff. I was kind of hoping it would all seem simpler when I returned, but nope, I've just added a stack of new to-do's like 'buy grease for hitch', 'pay tax collector for new plate' etc., and the old to-dos are still here.

Plowing my way through my multiple lists, will try to group the errands and projects into coherent plans for days, and pray for a cold front!

Acme, I'm glad you are finding lots of 'mailable' stuff to sell, I know what you mean. There are so many things that will mail well that have no sentimental value and need to get to somebody who's looking for them. Glad there is a way to do that.   

The big klutzy stuff, a whole 'nother ball of wax. Can't persuade the relatives to take the old family furniture yet. Some is going to get goodwilled but a couple of actual heirlooms need responsible homes.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Jul 16 - 03:48 PM

Beaver:
I left the photo albums with son in PA so if the house catches fire there is naught to save! As for sheets! We now use only flannel and, for some reason, I have been able to get lots of nice ones at thrift shops. The way we live, if anyone visits, they had best bring a sleeping bag, maybe a tent! We do have a hide abed - SO comfortable???? But beats the floor.

R arrived Saturday eve, missing all the "festivities" of Canada Day. There were a couple he might have enjoyed - tea and croquet at the outpost hospital! However, we worked on where to put the umbrella clothes dryer and it ended up in the worst possible place for the view and the best place for convenience. I did several loads on this wonderful drying day and am hoping I can remove the post from its sleeve and store it out of the view. Actually, today, R can!

As I write, he is cutting a hole in the LR ceiling for the new trapdoor to the sleeping loft. We are hoping at least one friend will make the trek for the famous Gemboree - rock and mineral event which draws about 20,000 people for the August long weekend. I usually lay low during these influxes but R is, after all, a geologist!

Yesterday, we took time off in the late aft to trek to visit art galleries/visit with owners/friends and then to a BBQ with Tammy and Blair and gang of folks, including a great music fest still going when we left to get home about 9 so R could continue. My bedtime!

Two qts of rhubarb stewed - from a friend's patch, chicken roasting in the oven. I bought a few zuke plants for the garden and sage. Also basil and rosemary for pots.

While the work is happening and the oven is cooking, I have a fan in the K window in hopes of drawing the heat and dust that direction! Almost 4 pm and it is 75F in LR. Lovely breezy day but hot sun. Expect it to cool off tonight, again.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jul 16 - 03:32 PM

Found some more stuff around the house that I'd not thought about in ages, but that will mail easily and list quickly on eBay.

Picked a couple of more zucchini. The trick seems to be to inject full-strength BT into the stem when the plant is small so the vine borers can't get into it once it's planted and destroy the stem. One day a healthy plant, the next day it's dead when they're at work. These are looking pretty good.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jul 16 - 07:45 PM

I went to a party this afternoon at a co-worker's house, saw a house that is definitely a work in progress host a lot of people. I'm farther away, so if people would drive here is one question, but one of these days I'll bite the bullet, put away the flattened cardboard boxes in the sun room, and just say phooey to the mis-matched everything here and have people over. But I would like to put down some new flooring in the bathrooms and maybe the hall first.

I'm home early from the party - it's still daylight, and still July 3, but the locals set off illegal fireworks and the dogs don't like them. The next couple of evenings would be hard on the dogs if I wasn't here - to keep them from racing out through the dog door every time they hear an explosion.

The humidity this spring has been brutal, and it is extending into summer when the heat usually dries out the air. I'm doing many more indoor activities than one would normally find me working on in a typical summer. I've looked into the antique contents of a trunk and am considering putting some linens and crochet/lace items on eBay. They're light, easy to package and mail, though it may involve international shipping. A lot of the sales I see are in the UK, so that might be where the buyers are. eBay has some kind of setup for international shipping that I haven't tried yet.

I'll spend time poking around looking for bits and pieces that can go in eBay sales. For example, I have LED lights all over now, but I used to have the little mini-maglights all around the house. I see people are still buying them on eBay, so I need to find where I put them and see if they're working and list them. And find the other categories of things I'm keeping for no particular reason. The things you wouldn't think twice about saving if the house were on fire - that's a lot of stuff, when you give it some consideration. So some of it, if it is easily packaged, can be sold and shipped out.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jul 16 - 12:00 PM

Good work on that garden, Dorothy! The raised bed I restored to gardening this year is going great guns.

Linen cupboard makeover this week: I had a guest stay for three days and realized the sheets for that room are the best in the house. It was time to replace the almost-transparent sheets in my room, and I found a couple of good sets. There is a store in the US called "Tuesday Morning" that sells overstock from high-end department stores. It's priced to reflect the discount when it came into the store; if identical items come in later they also reflect the that purchase by the chain, and the identical items together may reflect several different prices, so it pays to go through everything.

More canning, and I need to defrost the freezer again. It's a long weekend and I hope to use the time well. More eBay; I've listed a lot of things lately and they're selling slowly but surely. I need to keep up the momentum.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Jun 16 - 10:50 PM

Beaver:
Second raised bed is mostly filled with soil and about half planted with seeds. House is getting painted in sections as energy lasts. IT is going to be a big improvement!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Jun 16 - 04:59 PM

Beaver:
Today, I remind myself, is Monday. A long weekend is coming. R is unclear as to whether he is coming here. If he is not coming here, I would go to Quebec. This clutters my mind with unknowing.

Mike and Lynn came by for rhubarb and a nice visit. That de-cluttered one clump. We decided the other two need to recover - they were partly hidden under the siding for the studio (which may get put back on someday - or not.) Lynn seems to know about rhubarb so I have put her in charge of it. She will move some to her house at the appropriate time and will make R a pie when she knows he is coming. I no longer need to think about rhubarb!

MY BIG effort for today, so far, was the removal of that siding to a different spot - for the sake of the rhubarb! Did that about 8 am and decided it was too hot to do anything else. Mike did straighten the raised bed that was bothering me as it was so out of alignment with the other. Now I can finish filling it, in increments. Lovely breeze but 79 in the house in spite of covered windows.

De-cluttered my mind of a task - writing something for my friend's 13 year old daughter; sent it to a couple friends for comments first.

Have still managed not to gain any weight and today I may be getting back on better diet track.

Mike suggested we might need to strengthen the deck for the weight of stove wood. I think two 4x4s under the joists with 4x4 supports under them. Simple and strong. See what R thinks - if he gets here.

Plan to put more soil in bed later. It is still wet from last night's nice rain - about half inch. Will cover it if it looks like more rain; no point in moving water!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jun 16 - 02:42 PM

Every other day I'm processing a small batch of tomatoes. Another eight jars are in a hot water bath as I type and I have a few pint jars over two cases. The winter and spring decluttering of the pantry and freezer were in anticipation of bringing in this year's crop and having someplace to put it.

eBay is moving along slowly; the proceeds from this month have gone to pay a couple of regular household bills. I have company coming, so despite the impulse to load the various and sundry items all into the car and donate to Goodwill, I'll keep it organized in the sun room and ready to list as I have time. So far I've managed to list a new one every time an offering sells.

The yard needs decluttering and I'm having to do that in increments of an hour at a time, then come in to cool down. The humidity this summer has been higher than usual, making the heat feel worse than it typically does this time of year.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jun 16 - 10:30 PM

A gallon of tomatoes processed and several pounds of yellow onions diced and in the freezer. It's handy when fixing dinner after work to be able to grab a handful of chopped onions or peppers to add to whatever I'm cooking.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 25 Jun 16 - 09:50 PM

Beaver:

Dear Mike built the frame for the deck - two days, 10 hours. I will put the decking on in the cool of the eve and am, little by little. I started painting the exterior of house pale yellow. That too will be done little by little when the sun is not on it. This eve I filled about a quarter of the second raised bed; that may take another few sessions as I have to do it bucket full at a time. Offered a Mike's partner Lynn a rhubarb plant: "You research the best time and do it!" In the meantime, she will be by to harvest some for now. We have two huge plants. I shall be happy to be rid of one.

Thursday I vacuumed without a mask and got the place clean but coughed the rest of Thursday and most of Friday, and still some today.

Finally a phone call from granddaughter telling me the girls received their package (sent from PA). T-shirts with artistic Wharton Esherick porcupines on them. They will have to grow into them! I did not have a clue how big they are or even how old (3 & 5). The family lives in a tiny house so I have been careful about sending anything but these shirts were so nifty!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jun 16 - 03:45 PM

I canned my first case of diced tomatoes this week, with more (probably another case) to do this afternoon. Small batches every 3 or 4 days mean I don't have some spoiling and others not completely ripe. I put all of the pint jars in the dishwasher, then dunk them in the hot water bath before filling them. It's a hot messy job, always one to be done when it's hot weather in general.

The dogs went for a ride today to get their rabies shots (free, because I work at a university- they do it for police, military, and the teaching professions). But I paid for chips (finally!) for the girls. Zeke has one, now they all do. This was a good place to do it - for $35 they electronically file all of the records that they have on the dogs with the chip to the company. When Zeke got his chip he was a pup, and when I called the company to activate it I had to pay $25 then log on and fill in the information. So I think the places that offer chips for $15 are not filing the paperwork.

And, the monthly shot clinic is at a feed store I have shopped at for years but is closing in a few days, consolidating operations in another location (far away from me). I walked through the store with the dogs and spoke with a couple of the friends who are clerks. I had dog treats so they did a couple of tricks for people. As we got near the door a Mom with a couple of small children was admiring the dogs - I told them that Poppy (my 50lb Blue Heeler/Catahoula mix) gives great kisses - did they want one? No, the kids didn't think so, but on cue, Poppy carefully stepped up to the little guy, probably 3-years-old, and gave him a gentle kiss on the nose. It was so cute, and he was charmed by her delicacy. (If Cinnamon gives someone a kiss, it's across your whole face and you stay kissed. Zeke gets right in there and wants to kiss you on the lips). Now we're home and all dog-like creatures are sprawled on the cool tile floors.

I'm listing more Ebay things this afternoon, in breaks while tomatoes process. And I'll be doing some cleaning and moving of stuff in the guest room and bathroom since a friend is coming to stay for a few days. Her daughter will also be here one night, so I need to clear stuff off of the bed in my sewing room (it used to be the only guest room, but since it's where I also sew and store crafts, the first guest room is now my son's old bedroom).

Laundry, mowing, the usual stuff. And maybe garden work this evening for a little while. It needs it.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Jun 16 - 09:14 AM

Think I'll get an early start on my drive to visit a friend in Tilton (about an hour's drive). The route is one of the prettiest drives in New Hampshire -- and the weather today is glorious!

It's a social visit, but I'm decluttering at the same time -- some more flamingos to decorate her front windows. Her apartment is right on the street and used to be a shop, so the bedrooms have huge windows. I previously had given her two fabric shower curtains that had flamingos embroidered on them to use for curtains. The flamingos I'm bringing today I got at a yardsale a number of years ago and have never had a place to display. Some are tall and have wooden legs so can stand on the sill. The others I'll suggest be hung by clear fishing line to visually fill up the rest of the window. They must have been used for a party or celebration of some sort -- most have little straw hats and necklaces.

She's also getting a bag of books and a bodhran tutorial video (since I sold her my bodhran).

Last night went with another friend to see "The Big Short" again, this time at the South Berwick (Maine) library. I had started reading the book but got sidetracked into a couple others, so I should probably start it over again and finish it this time so I can loan it to my friend. I find it amazing that such an entertaining film could be made about what is basically an economics book. The author DID say he wrote it so his mother could understand it.

Been doing mostly maintenance for about a week -- laundry, dishes, cleaning the kitchen counter and the bathtub. Don't feel as if I'm getting anywhere or making any headway. Been having fun, too. Between last Wednesday and Monday I either went to hear live music or participated in the live music. Voicearound last Wednesday, Press Room trad session on Friday, Press Room sea music/shanty singaround on Saturday, went to see Great Bay Sailor at Barley House on Sunday (and ended up singing three songs with them), and Oran Mor at RiRa on Monday. Maybe if I stayed home I'd get more accomplished... (Or maybe if I stayed home I'd just take a nap and fritter the day away.)

Off to bag up the trash and take it up to the road before heading north.

Linn

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Jun 16 - 09:26 PM

Beaver:
OOPS!

Did too much and stressed too much today. Back, throat and head ache. Went to bed at 7 but had to get up to de-clutter my life of the workshop I was going to give tomorrow - clay play. The mere thought of lifting even a 20# bag of clay was too much; getting out of bed was too much but necessary. Found an email address; hope she gets it.

The yard looks SO uncluttered!!! Hope tomorrow is as beautiful as today!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Jun 16 - 05:55 PM

Beaver:
Just finished lunch (5:30 pm) Finally told today's crew to go home, thereby de-cluttering my life of stressor. If a person is working for me at my home, they listen to me about what and how. Phoned a mutual friend in despair, had a meltdown at the lumber yard. Then phoned a friend who had sort of offered to help and whimpered, "I need help." He is coming tomorrow morning. The deck will get done. If Stu wants to work with me on a couple projects, fine. Oh and Tammy said she can help next week!

The thigh high weeds/grasses are being decluttered! This guy is earning his $$$!

The two raised beds are done and one is partly filled with soil. I have a lot of work ahead getting the rest of the soil in since the dump truck did its best... The septic is in the way of the truck being able to get good access. Two yards of soil to move! ICK! Lots of exercise! Still ICK!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Jun 16 - 10:05 AM

Beaver:
little by little is the name of the game!

Yesterday: my friends put an eavestrough over the back door - no more drips on head or on wood! They installed an old shelf unit in kiln room/shed which is already partly organized - need a couple more shelves! And the one in the studio so that is greatly improved. Then started on the 2 10x4 raised beds for south side - one on each side of septic, whihc I have almost gotten all the soil back on top of.

a nice man came about 5 pm and de-cluttered a section of the yard of the almost thigh high weeds which made walking challenging. After an hour, he informed me this would be a $100 job. He also found it challenging. Fine! I raked up some of the grass. Need lawn rake rather than garden rake - will borrow one from neighbour. Dug part of a bed on north side for lettuce; it gets some sun. Went up the hill to other neighbour for the strawberry plants and filled a wash basin. May go for more today. These will go in one of the new raised beds. The other...??? Maybe green and wax beans. Maybe carrots/beets/turnips between?

Worked on stuff all day yesterday and some tired today. Mended a few things but stalled at machine work. Cleared a bit here and there. Down to 60 outside this am. great for working; I am waiting for energy to return.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Jun 16 - 04:54 PM

I am doing a good job of staying on top of daily chores but now I am working on adding a little bit each day....whether it is getting rid of stuff or wiping down every cupboard door, etc. I am getting it done, little by little. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Jun 16 - 05:31 PM

Many years ago I put together a basket for picnics (or lunches at Maine Old Cemeteries Association meetings) that included plates that LOOKED like white ironstone but were actually plastic (and thus, unbreakable). Drinks were served in silver plate goblets, also unbreakable. And I had a tablecloth from The Boar's Head Coffeehouse that used to be in Kennebunk, Maine (I didn't steal it; the owner gave it to me). Stuck it all in a quasi-antique picnic hamper. Made quite a splash at MOCA meetings.

Linn

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Jun 16 - 05:28 PM

Beaver:

WOW! great storm at 4:30 pm. Had to rush and bring in drying clothes, cover wood, close tailgate... Had a great shower! Until the hail started. Now: clothes drying inside; one load still in machine... A bit cooler and the dragon flies are back to work! It might do it again so clothes are staying inside to dry, for now.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Jun 16 - 03:38 PM

Beaver:
So fortunate that house, so far, has not gone over 80 with curtains drawn. Up about 7 am today: moved rest of stove wood, put some of dirt back into septic holes, dug some of comfrey - a pest! Went to post office to see about sending R's keys; purolater suggested so I went there and sent keys - will be there by 5pm tomorrow. I love living where things are a couple minutes apart!

Stopped by car insurance office to find out how to pay on line since the company does not provide that info @#$%^&*idiots! Then to home hardware where 4inch plants are down to 99cents. Bought some strawberry plants and some red verbena - for pretty! - for the beds to be built. Stopped to inquire about possible dirt delivery - no problem - Thurs or Fri!

Had veggie/turkey burger brunch started load of laundry!!!! and did a dump run. Stopped at Community Care to inquire about transport to ophthamologist (sp!) next month. Big hug from new director - I've known her since she was a little kid! Congratulated her with delight! Someone will phone. Cost quoted is $88! I will put a request on FB to see if anyone is going down that day. One of the drawbacks of living in the boonies: one bus a day south, one north - never at the needed times.

Two loads of laundry done; one hung and might be dry already on this breezy - might rain tonight - day! So time to go hand the second. Need better clothes line installation. Maybe my friends will have an idea. NO trees! I have one of those umbrella things in Montreal.... Not being used! If I had asked R to bring it, he either would have forgotten it (as he did the grass cutter) or taken lots longer to get here ....

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: pattyClink
Date: 20 Jun 16 - 12:03 PM

Hot and humid here, I'm getting wrecked trying to get the camper ready to roll, pouring sweat all day. It was a strange week for me, have been acquiring clothing for the trip, and stuff to equip the camper; sewer hose, water hose, etc., and a few cheapo bins to keep things from toppling over while traveling. Strange after spending so much time 'divesting'.

Been a long time since I've bought so much stuff. I did resist the suggestion to buy the teeny tiny dish drainer for the teeny tiny sink. I mean come on, when you're doing just a few dishes what is the point. A drying mat, sure, but a clutzy drainer to take up space in a tiny RV? People are hell bent on taking their home environment with them I guess, 'unitaskers' and all.

The Corelle search was a washout, but found some fresh looking plastic plates and bowls that suit my mood better anyway. Light weight, ready for summer. Okay, A/C break is over, back to work I go!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jun 16 - 11:20 AM

The pest I have to keep out of food here is my chocolate lab. He's a counter surfer. Also eats things like paper towels, dish cloths, anything that smells like food, so it all needs to stay up.

We're in the middle of a heat wave - the actual temperature may be 98, but the air is so humid that it feels like 115. So not a lot of outdoor work underway right now. And when it cools, the mosquitoes come out.

A box is packed, labeled, and ready to go to the post office if the mail carrier doesn't come by the house pretty soon. This is another eBay parcel - I've sold about $100 of estate items this month. It's work to list them, but if they don't sell, they're donated and then the photo and valuation is used to calculate donations at the end of the year for taxes.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Jun 16 - 09:34 PM

Beaver:

Friends came to make a list of what needs to be done. Will be back on Tuesday, at 10 am, to get started. The shelves in kiln room and studio are first - so tools can be organized, and I feel like I have room for more pots. Then the raised beds - at least two can be made from our $40 of rough 2x something lumber - cedar. Need to call tomorrow re soil delivery later in week. A friend has offered strawberry plants - but soon!

Then the deck so I can order stove wood. I moved a pile of stove wood out of the way tonight - after it "cooled" a bit. Do the rest, hopefully, in the am before it gets too hot.

Need to clear the area for shelf unit in kiln room on Tues am - everything has to go outside and it might rain Monday night.

R left about 4 pm after putting finishing touches on septic but not putting soil back in holes - My job. He put up two corner cabinets in K before leaving and they are now full. Nice addition! They do not hold a great deal but they look nice and give me the sense that the K it complete. They each have a closed shelf - handy for avocados, sunflower seeds and other things I like near sink but away from critters. The squirrel could open a screw top bottle to get at sunflower seeds, or almonds!

An hour long call with friend we visited last week - visit and support/encouragement for her.

Soon to bed so I can get up in the cool of the morning.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jun 16 - 11:28 PM

That is welcome news, Dorothy! And what a difficult job - having ice cream as a reward for the hard work is the least you can do!

I agree about thrift stores - when years ago it seemed like much of what was there was heavily used but still had some life in it, now many things have clearly never been used. I have filled out sets of glassware by visiting various Goodwills and Salvation Army stores in the area. Never make a special trip, just stop in if I'm in the neighborhood.

One eBay item out of the house today and a couple of others have watchers. I need to have enough things listed so a steady income comes in. Now if I sell one thing, but then end up at the grocery store spending the same amount, it feels like they just cancelled each other out. The trick is to be constantly selling and building the PayPal account. I use PayPal to pay for quite a few things, don't even bother to transfer to the bank first. It's great for things like paying for online USPS postage.

Dorothy, I'll put another photo of that home-made awning up on facebook so you can get a look at it. The tarp came from Harbor Freight and they always have 20% off coupons around (you can print them from the site online also). If there isn't a store in Canada, next time you're in the US, it's a great place for a number of everyday tool-like items.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Jun 16 - 09:18 PM

Beaver:

Boy, do I know about that one day on, one day off! Mostly off since returning from "vacation"!

Big news! This eve at 7:20, R came in and announced it was done! We now have a functioning septic system! Flushed the toilet a coule times so he could see it go into the tank. Talked about taking a bath! not having to empty buckets! Had a nice supper and celebratory ice cream! The borrowed sump pump is washed in prep for returning tomorrow.

I did a bisque firing this week but have not unloaded it. Not enough energy. Still trying to get someone to de-clutter the yard of weeds/tall grass. Still waiting for friends to have time to do the myriad other jobs that will help with organizing various areas.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Jun 16 - 07:11 PM

Yesterday was a "good" day...got a lot accomplished during the day. Brought in more stuff from the deck (some of which will go directly to Goodwill unless I decide to keep them around until I have a yardsale -- which I can't have until I have possession of the deck again) and started raking the twigs out of the driveway and leaves in the rockery.

Last night's Voicearound was a delight. Sure, it was fewer people than we'd been averaging because it's summer and the weather is nice and some have gigs or other social events they'd rather go to, but we had two NEW people (new to the Voicearound, but not new to me) finally get there -- welcomed additions. We put the table in the middle and a couple of us brought snacks to share and we maybe did a bit more talking (rather than singing or reading poetry) than we usually do, but it was a very enjoyable evening.

Then today I had to force myself to do absolutely anything. AND I ended up taking a nap because I couldn't keep my eyes open. Ate lunch on the deck steps, but I just finished supper here at the computer (which I'm trying to avoid). Too tired to even read. It seems to be one day on, one day off lately. And I still can't figure out how to "relax"...meaning getting rid of the feeling that things are still hanging over my head.

I don't know...am I depressed? It's different from the "grief days" I had in the first two years after Tom died. I didn't take my St. John's wort this morning, but that shouldn't have made a difference.

Hope I'm more energetic for tomorrow's Friday session and Saturday's sea music singaround.

Going upstairs now to listen to some music and either read or chat with friends in the online coffeehouse at Nick Noble's "The Folk Revival" (WICN) Facebook page.

Linn

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Jun 16 - 01:32 PM

Beaver:

Wonderful inspiring posts from Linn and Patty! And M's gave me an idea for a porch shade project = after a bunch of other things!

There is VERY little in our home - any of them - that did not come from a thrift shop. If we decide something does not suit, it simply goes nack to a thrift shop. I am chronically stunned by the amount of fine goods, and junk, in the several thrift shops in this rural area. I am shopping less now as we seem to have plenty of everything, even the shelves I needed so badly.

Said shelves now need to be put in place and I am waiting for my friends to have time to do chores for me, that I simply do not have the energy or strength for.

R is on the 4th day of repairing the septic. The problem seems to stem back to a time when someone, told not to ... did. They broke through the lid of the tank and "repaired" it; There are small stones in the tank and one about an inch in diameter was inside the pump, thus destroying it in the long term. When R is finished, we should be ready for the next millennium! We have been fortunate to have clear days - but hot. HAT ON! Bugs are pretty plentiful in spite of the dragonflies doing their best. Every time he needs to make another trip, we are grateful that is only a few minutes away.

Someone is coming by tonight (?) to see about de-cluttering the knee high grass/weeds! I did not bother last year but this year I seem to need less, esp when needing to walk up to the, now level!, outhouse, which still needs cleaning, a window and siding. Siding and wood for deck extension are here, awaiting helpers. I am trying to not be too frustrated by a half dozen "I cannot do this until that is done..." projects - that I cannot do alone. R is going to deserve another vacation after his project!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: pattyClink
Date: 16 Jun 16 - 09:46 AM

Thanks Acme, I will do some strategic buying at places I'm usually dropping stuff off. And I'll keep an eagle eye out for your green stuff!

My favorite dishes to use are the handpicked odd pieces, I love the odd clear glassware that winds up in the Goodwill and other resale shops. I grabbed 2 old molded glass banana-split dishes, that have turned out to be really handy as 'sidecars' holding bulky raw veggies, pickle spears, melon chunks, etc. alongside a lunch plate.    Also love the little sauce/nut cups you can get at restaurant supply stores, handy for salsa/dressings/dips, nuts, etc.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jun 16 - 11:19 PM

Try Goodwill or Salvation Army, and the patterns don't need to match, not in the camper! I picked up a handful of Corelle saucers last winter, the stack probably cost me under $5, but I use them for everything. When it's just me, even when I'm cooking, lots of times a saucer or a custard cup is all I need to hold ingredients, or to heat up a snack. I found several salad or lunch-sized plates in a pattern of stoneware I like, but wouldn't it turn out they're fairly scarce. I have a tan colored set of 5, here are six in a nice green color. I may only ever have just the five. :)

An eBay item sold and was paid for this afternoon, so I ship the box tomorrow. The Tupperware tub that wasn't doing anything useful here will go to a new home.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: pattyClink
Date: 15 Jun 16 - 09:00 AM

Thank you Ms. Goddess for posting that, it made me feel less alone in what I'm struggling with! I've been trying to rehab and downsize out of the house I shared with my late beloved for a few decades, and it's been a far longer and far more difficult process than I ever could have imagined. Yes, it's SO hard to get flooring replaced while still living in a place! And I still, 3 years later, careen around alternately bursting into tears because I miss him and cussing him out for some of the crazy 'fixes' he did or didn't do.

Just got an inspection done (a practice run by a fledgling inspector), and looks like the incompetent roofers of last winter are going to cost me even more money before it's all over with. It doesn't take much to get overwhelmed and depressed. Just having handymen/contractors in and out for weeks on end, you lose all control of your schedule and life. Times when I am alone with a lot of unstructured days, then at least I can sit down with a notebook first thing in the morning and assess what's going on and what needs to happen next. In a way, having the pressure to get things done and get out at least is forcing me to focus, or I would be questioning the point of getting out of bed.

This spring in an attempt to make deadlines, I resorted to 'Orders of the Day' on a bulletin board, where I would pick a few key things to get done, tack up colorful pieces of paper with one or two word tasks, "Scan" or "Paint" or "Calls". Helps to focus on just a couple items, and get the rest of the goblins out of your mind til their turn comes around.

Acme & other declutterers, I've made some progress since last post. A lot of it was delegated to contractors, but at least it's done. 4 new floors, 1 room painted, countertops rehabbed, lots of things fixed, garage half-emptied, a POD in the driveway to put stuff while the interior gets worked on, and the new house-on-wheels in the driveway. Essentially the bedrooms are empty or minimalist, and I am loath to put anything back in that is cluttery or heavy looking.   Ebaying is on hold til after a trip I have to take this month, but high hopes to work through a big stack.

Visited a home store yesterday looking for Corelle for the travel trailer, instead found lots of heavy bulky 'stuff' to put in houses, I wish the people shopping there could see how much of it they REALLY don't want to take into their house in the long run. I'll try a resale shop next, I probably don't need a full 'service for 4' anyway, just a couple plates, couple bowls.

Stay as cool and hydrated as you can, guys!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jun 16 - 10:59 PM

Wow. I knew you were working on various things, but not all of them. You accomplished a great deal - and learning to relax will mean deciding when to be sociable and when to hunker down and work on exactly what you want to work on at home by yourself with whatever audible accompaniment (or none). I find I have to build in the social activities - going to work every day is not my idea of "society," though I enjoy many of my co-workers. At home, I putter around the house with the radio on, or CDs playing, but mostly radio. Society last weekend was attending a dance performance with my daughter, then coming back to the house to eat our annual "Welcome Summer" BLTs.

We have a hot spell coming (at last! Maybe it will dry up some of this humidity!) so this evening I put up my home-made sun shade on the side of the patio. One of these days I'll figure out a more attractive system than pvc pipe and leftover two-by-fours with a mesh tarp suspended from the patio cover roof out over the horizontal pvc and hanging a couple of feet clear of the ground so the dogs can run past without entangling in it. It felt several degrees cooler as I worked behind it while I put it in place.