Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Apr 16 - 10:01 PM

Michelle, you're making a lot of progress on a lot of fronts, and those bags of clothes and toys sound like excellent decluttering. The earth moving sounds like a great improvement - the idea of rolling a tractor when getting into a difficult spot is something no one wants to contemplate.

Dorothy, I'll have to go to your facebook page to see if you have posted any photos of all of these pots you're working on.

My garden is about 2/3 planted now, with a pause for rainy weather this week. Hail smashed some bedding plants a few weeks ago, they have been replaced, and will go in as soon as I can walk into the garden without wearing hip waders. I have a souvenir from mowing on Saturday - tall grass sometimes has chiggers, and I have an uber itchy spot right near my pants waistline.

More listings going up on eBay. Finally.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 18 Apr 16 - 09:36 PM

Mill:
Geez, Michelle, sounds to me like you are doing very well! Down 6 pounds and leaf bags full of stuff!!!

I really was low on energy Thurs until today; back to very good energy today. Saturday I did a bisque firing, with a few left over. And Sunday did glazing and fired, opening this morning was wonderful! Another one is on the go now. Otherwise, accomplished some cleaning up and organizing and lots of visiting and great music on Friday night. Doing pretty well in the eat and fast dept. So, in all, not too bad.

A friend's dad has just come off a 25 day water fast. She said he wanted to beat his sugar addiction, and has. Started eating again VERY carefully, to the relief of family and friends. She admits he had researched it carefully and knew what he was doing. He is in a position where he does not need to do anything at all; just read and took short walks. Not something most of us could manage!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Apr 16 - 02:27 PM

I haven't been doing much decluttering lately although I am doing well with keeping up with daily chores. My energy is higher than it has been in awhile and I'm feeling great! I'm down about 6 pounds in the last 3 weeks. I'm still doing Weight Watchers and love my group...very friendly bunch. I recently celebrated my birthday and my mom got me a FitBit Charge HR. I've looked at them on and off but couldn't justify the cost with my budget....I didn't think it would make that big of a difference to me but I was quite wrong! I set my own step goal and worked at that for a few weeks and was pleasantly surprised that I was meeting it daily. I have since set my goal 25% higher and am doing well reaching that goal as well although sometimes I have to push myself a little bit to get moving. I live out in the sticks where there are no sidewalks and we do have bears. I walk our driveway (which is 1/10th of a mile) and part of our property line. One day I was out walking and the township trucks were widening the road, doing some mowing and some banking. They took out a chunk at the end of the driveway. I wasn't really upset about it as they do this every few years to help with drainage but one of the guys came over to talk to me about it. Turns out he is a neighbor he has been here 35 years and we have been here about 18...people tend to keep to themselves) and we chatted up a storm. He asked if we would like any of the dirt as they were scraping off the top layer along our frontage. I said sure and he asked where to put it. I wasn't sure so I waited to talk to Pete. The next day we were going out so I left the guy a note about putting the dirt at a certain edge along our field. I explained that Pete wanted to make a a spot wide enough to drive the tractor down into the field as that field has a somewhat steep drop which makes getting in there almost impossible. We came home and now only had he put the dirt where we asked but he packed it down so now we can get the tractor and bush hog down in the field easily and safely!!! All that because I was out for a walk!! :)

I still haven't gotten to the shoe rack but Jeremiah and I did an all day, big time clean out and up of his room. I have 3 large leaf bags full of clothes and toys that are going to go. I was going to take them directly to the Salvation Army but there is a new kid's consignment shop in town and I think I'll take some of the better toys and clothes there. They will either give cash at the moment or you can get more bang for your buck and let them open an account for you which you can use towards future purchases. I think I will do the latter as she has nice stuff and since this is her second store (the other is about 40 miles away), I know she'll be in business awhile....even if she were to close this location, the other has been around for years and my credit would be good there as well. Anyway....Jeremiah's room looks FABULOUS!!!! I took out the changing table and will be selling that outright. It was barely used except for holding blankets, etc. In it's place, I built a large garment rack....really intended to have a cover over it for long term storage...I didn't like the zip up cover so just got rid of that part. It is very sturdy and I have a board across the top for added storage space and since Jeremiah's hanging shirts and pants are short, I put a dresser underneath where those are hanging. I have a basket on top of the drawers for mittens, hats and that kind of thing. It worked out better than I had imagined.

This weekend Spring made her return!! Jeremiah had a play date on Saturday so Pete and I went for a walk on the Rails to Trails. We did 3.8 miles. On Sunday, after church, we went for a walk called the Lamb's Creek Trail. Jeremiah rode his bike and we walked maybe 2 miles or so. I am really enjoying going with my family.

So....decluttering has slowed down some and my activity is picking up in a big way! In the end, I'm feeling good and that's what is important to me!

Be well!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Apr 16 - 02:13 PM

I'm still drawing down the produce in my large upright freezer; the garden is going in, and though it will be a while until I have crops to preserve, that time will be here soon enough. A batch of beans is finished (rid kidney beans, with mostly Puerto Rican seasonings and poblano and Jalapeño peppers for some heat). This will be frozen in 12 oz jars to take for lunch over the next few weeks. Next, a beef dish with a similar version of seasoning (hotter and spicier) to use for meals at home during the week. That will also use up more stuff from the freezer and pantry.

We have entered what forecasters say will be a week of rain, but before it started I'd made progress in planting the garden. Tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, beans, chard, some of all of that is in - the bedding plants for squash, cucumbers, eggplant, await a couple of dry days for working in the soil.

I'm sticking to the shopping list pretty well when I shop, and making a point of only bringing home things I'm going to work with right away. No more saving up for future projects, too often those items are pushed to the background and not used. Money wasted, space occupied.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 14 Apr 16 - 07:58 PM

Mill:
A few busy days. I was so encouraged by selling pots wholesale that I made a bunch more at Beaver, of the sorts Lillian suggested, and brought them down here to fire. A stained glass pro came by and discussed the piece I need repaired and took it away to do so. I showed him drying pots and he got quite excited and offered to do a trade for some of the fee. But these were not glazed and I started wondering if I could make them look more like they do "raw". So will be mixing a new/old glaze to try out. Tomorrow!

Yesterday was LONG: trimming pots, went for tetanus shot, trimmed more pots, loaded car and dashed away to dental clinic, a totally positive experience, then wended my way here, arriving at 9 pm. Today - taking a break but also did a bit of sorting and organizing of stuff. This thread reminds me I have a very large microwave around here somewhere; maybe I could put it in the studio; I hear one can dry pots with it.

I tend to move from area to area, doing what I can, then running out of ideas for that area, move on to another, just looking for what I have the energy - physical and mental - to accomplish.

Four hours on the computer is long enough!!!! Time for supper and a book.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: pattyClink
Date: 14 Apr 16 - 10:47 AM

Donuel, I agree with mg's post, good summary of what needs to be done. When you are first tackling decluttering particularly, I do think it's more productive to go through the house 'fishing out' items that need to go elsewhere, whether that be to give to a friend, relative, or charity, check what it might be worth on Ebay, or simply bag up for trash or recycling. As you go, put the items which will leave the house into a staging area, such as the front hall or in the car, so you're not tempted to re-store anything.

Other people ascribe to the 'process one spot completely' approach, where you take a closet or whatever and sort everything into what's to be done with it; maybe 5 boxes/piles such as trash, sell, repair, give away, and 'put somewhere else in the house'. To me this is tough because you create a big mess until you can get it all dealt with, but some people like it because then that spot is 'done'. But if you're a busy person prone to clutter, you can just wind up halfway done, with messy piles or reboxed stuff that is still in the way.

So you might want to try both approaches and see which one suits you.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Apr 16 - 08:22 AM

Good luck with the transplants.

I agree with Mary - go through the big stuff that you can see, clear out what you can there first. If it is a matter of navigating through papers out on flat surfaces, get a few boxes and box them up until you can go through them properly, but they'll be up and out of harms way, and out of your way, until you can file. (The alternative being, if you decide in the future that none of the papers is worth the trouble, you can send the boxes to be shredded).

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: mg
Date: 13 Apr 16 - 02:52 PM

There is although everyone differs. First go through and get rid of garbage. Then recycling. Just get it gone. Then stuff for charity...like today I will gather up some bags for goodwill. Keep going and going. Set papers aside for now. Set small sentimental objects aside. Look closely at getting rid of large objects..old appliances, chairs with stuffing coming out. Either sell or donate. Do not try to do a small area again and again. Get rid of objects that have little financial or sentimental worth. Keep setting aside smaller objects to sell or decide on. Look around with your family and see what is important to them and what annoys them.

Certainly music can be done with low or no sight...Not sure of other things...needlepoint might be out ...

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Donuel
Date: 13 Apr 16 - 10:22 AM

I have about five years to declutter to a level of organized space I can navigated without detailed vision. Pinning all my hopes on transplants would be short sighted so I hope to keep materials for at least two sight intensive bobbies while eliminating the rest.

Is there a superior method to accomplish this task?

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Apr 16 - 08:48 PM

There is a learning curve that comes with smart phones, it's more like having a computer than a phone in your pocket.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: pattyClink
Date: 12 Apr 16 - 07:15 PM

Thanks acme, good ideas. I guess Ebay local would be a good option for the decent microwave. And I'll check out that app, if I can forge ahead and activate my first little smartphone I got. Geez I dread it, but the old flip has about had it.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Apr 16 - 07:56 PM

Around my area (this region in North Texas) it is understood that if a device or object is left at the curb a day or two before trash day, that it is free for the taking. And if you put a note that says "free" on it, all the better. Perhaps someone else will take it off your hands and recycle or reuse or re-sell the old microwave?

You can sell things on eBay for "local pickup only." And I'm hearing ads these days about a new phone ap called "Five Miles." I just looked it up: https://www.5milesapp.com/. Craig's List is an asylum run by inmates. I rarely look at the site any more.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: pattyClink
Date: 11 Apr 16 - 09:18 AM

Another three barrels of stuff went into the trash this week, but a lot of it was debris from drywall and counter contractors. So much clearing and cleaning was done to get ready for them.

But now I have two more old sinks and a dead microwave that need to go to the metal yard, and a giant countertop microwave that needs a new home.   I dread the whole Craigslist concept of entertaining random strangers, but the zapper seems way too big and heavy to go Ebay.

And a HUGE box of spices to dig through because the big spice rack had to come down. Chuck them all except the often-used handful, or reserve the fresher ones for family-come-get-stuff day at the end of the process? I know there are lots of things like garden and shop tools that would be best just divvied up to family after the house is sold.

Well I digress. Let me go get dressed before the drywaller shows up one last time, and start phoning to see if I'm really supposed to go more than 6 days without a kitchen sink.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Apr 16 - 11:02 AM

Kijiji never took off in the US, you can't find it here now, but it seems to be a good option in Canada.

I ran out of picante sauce and am going to make a batch instead of buying more. I found a recipe for a cooked/canned sauce that I'll try this afternoon.

Out to the garden to weed and plant.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Apr 16 - 09:45 AM

Beaver:

There has been a discussion on clayart.org about the failure of plastic to maintain moisture in or keep it out. I have found a wonderful bunch of ceramic jars with sealed lids held in place by metal clips. But a first-on-the-list chore for today is to but two bags of clay into a bucket of water; the limit on how long a really good plastic bag maintained adequate moisture has passed.

The sewing is set up but not started. Yesterday's pancake BF blew my fasting day but was great, with Tammie and Georgia joining me and meeting my Grove friends. Real Fresh maple syrup from the bush up the road, harvested by Joe, whom I have known since he was 10. He and his family were very present at the BF. The local Catholic priest sat across from me and we had a good chat and hours later I remembered I had known him better in the past I made simple candlesticks for the wee church in the 90s. Tried for a baptismal font but could not, still cannot, throw large enough.

Then to the Market in Maynooth to visit with many friends there and home to rest and then throw a few pots while the heat held in the studio. Then not quite enough energy to sew but enough to set up talbe and see a start.

Broke my "do not buy books" rule and bought an autobio from a local woman which I read most of yesterday. "A Magnificent Life" by Lea Kitler, who lives at Magnificent Hill Farm on Magnificent Road. (they named the road for her farm. So many ways to abuse a person. Well written; it gives surprising insights into a person I have found rather prickly. She is doing with her farm what I would have liked to have done...

Tam has found she can sell "junk" on Kijiji; perhaps she will give me lessons. I find it easier to jus give it away.

Sunny day again. Was 14F this morning but the studio should be warm enough to work by about 2 pm.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Apr 16 - 06:22 PM

I decided that some of the things in the garage for an eventual garage sale weren't worth holding onto, so they've now gone to Goodwill, and I did spend time in the thrift store, picking up a couple of items to sell on eBay.

That same run included library and shopping and my last stop was at the city park department's free mulch site. I had a heavy duty trash bag and several bins to fill. I used to get a lot more at a time with the pickup, but even these modest amounts are helpful. The site is only a mile or so away, so there isn't much fuel involved (no point in driving a long way to get something free if you can buy it nearby and break even).

It's raining this afternoon, but since they are small storms that pass over every so often, next clear spell I'll take some newspaper out and pull weeds, put down several sheets of paper, then spread mulch on top, to make the paths through the garden. I use a different type of mulch right up against the crop plants (a home-chipped hardwood mulch).

Also, I picked up a couple of air-tight glass storage containers. I've gradually built up my supply of those, glass or acrylic with silicone ring gaskets, because I find the dry foods I keep here will last longer in a sealed container instead of in the original plastic packaging with a clothespin or rubber band keeping it closed. Now that it's mostly just me here, I don't use noodles, rice, various types of flour as fast, so they need to be stored in a way they stay fresher longer.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Apr 16 - 08:15 PM

Beaver:
Trying to keep going in order to go to music at 9 pm! Need a nap!

Did some useful errands but did not get sewing set up. Took a beautiful pottery tea set (not made by me) for the fundraising auction. Brought in wood; ate moderately. Ate a bagel at lunch, with chili, and came home and fell asleep?? Maybe the bagel; the rest of the week has gone so well. Oh, so I already had a nap. Darn. Need another to get through the evening.

So I went and deleted a whole bunch of old emails! Time to leave.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Apr 16 - 09:55 PM

Beaver:
Took the duvet cover apart while volunteering at A Place for the Arts; very quiet afternoon. I am used to taking out seams with a razor blade; the young man at the shop suggested an exacto knife when I balked at the absurd price of razor blades ($9!). The exacto knives - 3 for $1.49 - worked great! I have enough fancy fabric for two garments - still cogitating on the how of harem pants and may make a skirt out of other half. Yep, I googled for a pattern - fed up with nonsense but I think I know where I am going. Need to re-arrange stuff to set up sewing machine - a morning job. Also, the brown cotton of the other side, which may go to thrift shop if I cannot soon think of a use for it.

Stopped into a community org - "Lifehouse"; it appears to provide cheap lunches and a place to hang out - mainly geared to mental health, I think. But they offer free use of a washer and dryer! "call on Friday for an appointment." So I shall - just to de-clutter one load would be great!

Fifth day of "diet". I think I am doing well. Almost used to feeling hungry and realizing I CAN get by. Tomorrow is feast day - but moderately.

Drizzled today but snow did not go away and freezing tonight. Brought in more wood.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Apr 16 - 07:49 PM

Spring is in full swing here now, the days are in the high-70s. I have gardening goals and inside-the-house goals that will be met according to the weather and temperature outside. I have crossed a couple of more items off of my list I made for things (involving little or no cost) that I want to do this year.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Apr 16 - 11:31 AM

Beaver:
I saw that book on line also. I am going to take a bit from here and there, including the article which explains research wherein mice did not gain weight if they only ate within a 12 hour/day. I have heard for years about the dangers of those late night snacks. So, on my own, I can have BF about 8 am and nothing after. If I start to lose, I shall feel more determination and less apt to slip.

About 6 inches of heavy snow yesterday; beautiful coming down but not so beautiful to move. Small shovels fulls and I was clear. If only the snowplow ... But while I was still out there, my wonderful neighbour came along with plow equipped ATV and did some extra clearing - toward the down hill side so as it melts today, it will run into the stream rather than across the drive. That was today's exercise! And de-cluttering! So far.

Then I zipped into town to be sure Iny, volunteer, had made it to A Place for the Arts. She had, so I checked out the thrift shop across the street and found two wonderful T-shirts - one with wolves and one with a black bear! - and a duvet cover in marvellous strips of sort of taffeta in shades of red and brown. Harem pants?? My contract with self is that I must start this today. I am contemplating the How of this.

Yesterday   was fairly lost: I thought I would pot but it did not get warm enough and I simply could not get inspired to sew any of the numerous projects. Lying in bed contemplating the why of that: I went to the Town council meeting at 9 am and got home in time for lunch; morning is my most active time ---SO go set up sewing machine and cut up material.... Go, Dorothy, Go!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Apr 16 - 07:23 PM

The physician who did that video later did a couple of books. Look up Michael Mosley at Amazon. I think he modified it to a 2/5 pattern when he worked on the book.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Apr 16 - 04:41 PM

Beaver:
Thank you, M. I cannot watch a video that long; the flashing of changing scenes makes my brain hurt; the dialogue is hard for me to follow and, hence, also hurts my brain.These are a direct result of the brain damage done in 2000 by environmental toxins.

However, when I considered fasting, I googled it and found the most helpful thing for me was the Every Other Day plan. It has a FB page which I found encouraging, almost a support group sort of thing. This grou is my primary support group. So I am here to say, I am making it through the 2nd fast day with determination, telling myself the hunger I feel is for a good cause! Using the computer and reading to take my mind off it.

BEst of all was the high energy level yesterday, when I still managed to eat conservatively and throw some pots, wash the dishes and more. Felt great all day; keeping that in mind, I am getting through today. Managed errands this am: the 50% sale at the Thrift Warehouse (spent $4 on useful items) and was not tempted by their 1st anniversary cake (it wasn't chocolate!), took a couple dozen empty salsa bottles to the Food Bank (they were appreciative), bought onions and apples and made a batch of stewed apples, had my hair de-cluttered but not my brain. got a project idea from the hair-cutter, picked up my new Canadian passport at the post office(!!!), phoned R to tell him, trimmed yesterday's pots, brought in more wood as snow is in the offing, and ran out of steam.

I continue to do little organizing things as the spirit moves me, finding bits to be sent elsewhere. Every little bit helps! Gorgeous day but below freezing. I watch the west hill daily for a tinge of green. Friday was the first anniversary of owning this house; we are doing OK!.

Now I shall go investigate further.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Apr 16 - 11:52 PM

Here's a start.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 03 Apr 16 - 09:54 PM

Beaver:
No warm weather! We have had the first and second snows of April but only one inch and then half an inch with a thawing day between.Today was cold and damp. The river is high and our tiny stream was very wide but now down about 10 inches so maybe the river will go down also. The yard will not be de-cluttered of standing water for another month.

After reading a good article, from Atlantic,about fasting, I am taking a hard look at the Every Other Day diet. This after finding my weight has surpassed the life record by a couple pounds. Crisis! Can I maintain my determination???? 15 minutes on the cycle this am and nothing but tea water and miso broth, now broth with some millet and carrots, cooked for a meal on Monday.

Phoned friends this am trying to find a commode to borrow for the duration of our septic problem. One informed me she has a membership to use pool/sauna/ exercise room at a local motel so I stopped in to check it out. Considering it. Swimming would be helpful but only if I did it regularly - and often enough to justify the expense. No commode but a another idea that can work. We have an outhouse but it needs re-furbishing so this is at the top of the list for when our friends have time.

Vacuumed! And got a little entry rug to replace tatty Christmas one. Brought in wood. Keep sorting out bits to take to thrift shops or send to the sons. Two local families had the ultimate de-clutter when their houses - next to each other- burned yesterday.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Apr 16 - 01:01 PM

Now that we're into warm weather again it is much easier to make the alternate-day modified fast work as far as weight loss (regular eating one day, 500 calories in one or two small meals the next, repeat). And though I'm not quite there yet, I'm expecting a bump in energy level after the first few pounds drop away.

It's the same old story - there are about 30 pounds that need to go, and while I'm not near the weight I was several years ago, some of it has crept back slowly. One of these days I'll step on the scale, but not until I'm into some of the pairs of pants that have waited at the back of the closet for many months. :)

Weeding the garden, mowing (good activity on a fasting day), and transplanting. The house is a sea of dog hair, so I'll declutter that and empty the vacuum in time for tomorrow's trash pickup.

I don't expect to see as many people drop in now that you must be registered to share in the BS conversations, but good wishes, and do drop in if you get a chance, decluttering lurkers! You provide some of the best stories for everyone else to take inspiration from!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 31 Mar 16 - 01:06 PM

Beaver:
After a very slow start to this day, I remembered a conversation yesterday about using green tea for weather related discomfort. I found energy in a cup of green tea! And cleared a bunch of stuff in BR and K, worked on calendar for next few weeks, made phone calls re dentist and eye check appointments and the where of the septic pump - four feet out from bathroom window and ONLY 18 incHes down! SO happy!

R is safely in Montreal after a 15 hour trip with numerous fun and business related stops. It takes me five hours but he had fun!

There is a four inch deep moat outside the front door. If it ever stops raining, I shall move some of the crushed stone to this area! At least the drive is covered with stone, otherwise it would be a morass. That stone was a wonderful de-cluttering!

Now to the library.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Mar 16 - 08:15 PM

Beaver:
Thanks, M! Our mutual friend does have my very useful email address! I shall check out those sites and send them to R who went back to Montreal today. In the meantime, I will check the thrift shops for another commode.

In any case, we cannot do anything until the ground thaws . Tomorrow, I shall phone the former owner about it. We talked to her mother and she had some clues. I suspect the critical area is that where the snow left most quickly, both yesterday and a few weeks ago - before the storms. If it is really down four feet as we were told yesterday, I will seek someone to do the job sooner rather than later! And rather than R having to dig that much.

Wonderful to have the larger frig and it is on its sturdy pedestal so I don't have to get on my knees to it! I managed a bit more straightening up while R was here. The warmer weather and lessening snow cover enabled removal to outdoor sheds of some things. I have a bureau in the BR with nothing in it - R brought it and I am not sure I want it.... Things are reasonably tidy for now.

Snow is mostly gone BUT could happen again. The snowbirds are returning from points south - geese, humans and others.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Mar 16 - 08:43 PM

Dorothy, our mutual friend # sent me a note to pass along.

You might find these links helpful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhdRJ8KCB3E

There are also some excellent diagrams on Wikipedia

https://www.google.ca/search?
q=Images+for+mound+septic+system&rlz=1C1CHNY_enCA587CA5
87&oq=Images+for+mound+septic+system&aqs=chrome..69i57&sour
ceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Mar 16 - 05:04 PM

Well, I didn't get to the shoe rack yet.

I spent time spring cleaning the inside freezer today. Tomorrow we shall tackle the big one outside.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Mar 16 - 01:05 AM

I saw the photos on facebook, Michelle - it looks like your little guy had a lot of fun finding and opening those eggs.

Dorothy, sounds like you're gradually getting that place pulled together, but I hope you get the septic system working ASAP!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Mar 16 - 09:28 PM

Beaver:

R arrived at midnight Saturday. With larger, but still small, frig and a mid sized freezer. Although Sunday was another "first day of spring", sunny and warm, we spent a great part of the day clearing ice and snow from deck and woodpile. R investigated the water heater problem but no stores open so ...

It started pouring in the night and rained all day until - "Oh, it stopped!" Then half an hour later is started snowing and did that until about 7 pm. Put a real damper on getting things done. And still a foot of snow on most of the yard.

The frig is in the K but needs a platform under it to make it convenient; R will build it any hour now. The freezer is on the shadiest part of the deck. I will ask B&T to put a roof over it. The hot water heater is working after a consult with our friend at the hardware store, and a new element.

BUT the pump for the mound septic has quit; that requires digging a hole to find the pump. We don't know where to dig and I asked R to go see the neighbour who grew up here - at 7 pm.... Then we both forgot. Now it is too late and tomorrow he will be at work. And R is supposed to go back to Montreal. Until that is fixed, the toilet cannot be flushed - we went to town to use facilities today!

Well, we had 3 good meals from the chicken and stuffing I cooked on Saturday.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Mar 16 - 01:10 PM

Life has been busy here. Spring cleaning has started which includes going through my cupboards to get rid of things I simply don't use, going through Jeremiah's clothes and toys and today, the dreaded shoe rack. I don't want to go through it but I NEED to. The poor shoe rack is about to collapse, we can't find what we are looking for and for goodness sake, there are quite a few pairs of shoes that Jeremiah can't even wear anymore! It's mostly a collection of farm boots.....I'm gonna heave ho the ones that are long overdue. They are dusty and icky and I am going to move all of it and mop (after they have been sorted). It's almost as though no one but me sees it. I'm tired of looking at it and since it's not bothering anyone else,I guess I'll be the one to clean it out.

Easter weekend was fabulous for our family. We went to church and all of us participated in the service. It was supposed to be 60 and sunny yesterday and so we planned our Lawrence Family Easter Picnic. It was gray and cold. No matter....we enjoyed ourselves anyway...just cut the day a little short. I hope you all had a nice Easter as well!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Mar 16 - 09:32 PM

Most of the weekend was unproductive - catching up on a DVD series I started watching via NetFlix. I found the public library has the programs also, and after a couple of tries figured out how they package them (a five disk season is in three boxes, vol 1 has 1 & 2, vol 2 has 3 & 4, and vol 3 has 1 disk.) NetFlix's streaming trumps running to the library, but the library beats waiting for two at a time from NetFlix to arrive through the postal mail.

Today the front lawn was mowed, and more importantly, I FINALLY got out there at the curb with the loppers and pruned the limbs of a huge rosemary bush out of the street. The village code enforcement folks would eventually come along and post a notice on the door saying plants need to be out of the street (even though it looks lovely and softens the edges of the landscaping). There was a lot of accumulated leaf mulch and compost under all of it (two wheelbarrows full) that is now shoveled into the front flower and asparagus bed.

Purchases are still in the minimal category - a garden hose, dog food, and gasoline this weekend. Last year I stretched a hose to water the vegetable garden but ruined a portion of it by driving over the top of it all summer (I've cut and mended it into shorter pieces) so I'm running a long hose around the garage and down the far side of the driveway this growing season.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Mar 16 - 11:10 PM

Beaver:
We have been walking on water the last couple days: the ice pellets formed a crust on the snow that even the car had trouble getting through. The sanding/plow truck had trouble getting up the hill yesterday morning and had to make 3 trips to get through and sand. I went no where until the evening when the roads were clear and I managed to get out of the driveway to go to the music. Whew!

Above freezing today and the deck is clear and the roof as well by early eve. Then I brought in some wood; I really hate water dripping on my head! It is still 40F and tomorrow meant to be warmer!!! That south side might get free of snow again. Today felt like the first day of spring - again! I wonder how many we shall have before actually having spring.

Wonderful pancake BF and flea market this am in Wilberforce and visits along the way back - dropping off boxes for antique store friends who always need them for shipping. I collect them from grocery when available.

R is on his way from Montreal with a larger frig and a small freezer - for freezing good local produce this summer. I did not get much done today after I got home as I thought he might be here by 6. He finally phoned about 8; I had a moment of considering de-cluttering my life... He might be here by midnight if he does not have to stop and sleep. Had I known sooner, I would have made some pots; the studio was still 60 at 7 pm from solar gain. Chicken is nicely cooked - for tomorrow! Goin' to bed!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 16 - 01:18 PM

It's time to change name of this thread to keep it going. Our participation is slow but steady, so just having a declutter thread for 2016 is probably enough. We were ahead of the curve, discussing this before the most trendy books came out.

Last night my daughter and a couple of other friends were here for dinner, and afterward we dove into some of the trunks of antiques I brought back in the early 1980s from a great aunt's estate on the east coast. Every few years, as the kids grew (but in particular my daughter) we find new treasures that suit our current activities. As a theater arts major and costume designer, the late-Victorian hand-made bodices, skirts, and blouses are fascinating to her. And several of them fit her - it was amazing to see them on someone all of these years later. I still hold them here, but they are of course hers - so when she has a place where she can safely store these items, they'll move to a new home. And still probably smell like cedar chest and have fragments of antique ostrich plumes clinging to them.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 16 - 12:23 AM

Don,

Are you moving? Do you have the leisure to sort and donate or sell what you don't want or need?

There is a book that I recommend to people, it helps not only declutter, but decide why you're keeping the things that you are, and if you really need to. Don Aslett's Clutter's Last Stand, found easily in many used bookstores, or used online.

If you have time to approach it logically, then you might enjoy the process. If you want it all done quickly in one fell swoop, then you need to plan how you'll identify the things that go, and what to do with them (donate is fastest, and you can get a tax credit depending on garage sale prices, ebay, consignment shop, etc. - you choose but document your reasoning and keep photos and information together in your tax files).

Good luck!

My tidy kitchen made it easy to fix an impromptu meal for five this evening. We kind of scrounged around in the freezer and pantry but ended up with a pretty good spread. And now all of the dishes are washed and the counter is once again clear. But the laundry from last week still hasn't been folded, so it isn't like I was efficient in all areas of housekeeping.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: pattyClink
Date: 25 Mar 16 - 10:22 PM

Donuel, are you talking about downsizing to a smaller place?   I'm not much of an expert, just bumbling along, and appalled at how much time can be consumed by just trying to empty out one very ordinary house.

A little progress this week. Several more shelves and a credenza were gone through and cleared out.   Several more boxes went to storage. Many albums got 'ripped' while I was doing other things.

A whole SUV full of printers and electronic crap went to the toxic waste collection place. And another SUV load of stuff got donated to the shop run by the women's shelter.   So yeah, feels good to have more living 'space' and to have tried a lot, even if a mountain still remains.

I was talking to the lady at the shop about how I was sure they didn't want winter clothes donations at this time, but she said no, they have offsite storage and they do take in the stuff whenever people can clean out their closets and then they'll hold it for fall. So that's good to know. Never assume...

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Donuel
Date: 25 Mar 16 - 05:08 PM

The great purge to prepare for old age begins this spring.

Any do's and dont's suggestions from the experts here???

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: MAG
Date: 25 Mar 16 - 12:38 PM

Cat has clean box, car is packed, one last check around before i take off for a weekend that is always a blast!

Did i mention that squirrels got into my garage? sleeping bag and various garden supplies not toast. I'll deal w/ it when i get back ...

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 03:03 PM

Beaver:
Still recouping from trip but most of this trip's load of stuff is put away - pile set aside to send to #1 son and a couple shopping bags full for thrift shops. Back to snow clearing and bringing in wood! Snowed a couple inches on Tuesday, melted on Weds and has been snowing all day today. Plow just went up the hill and back.Took car in for service this morning - noisy exhaust and oil change.

Checked at Township about paying taxes on line but took a second call to credit union - Done! Emsiled friends re getting more work done here - after the snow stops! Great visit with friends yesterday aft, supper at Chinese and we went to the movie at Place for the Arts - Black Swan, a horror!

The latest Af violet had made two trips to Quebec and back on the front seat and is doing nicely! A lot of pleasure for $1.49!

The south wall of house is/was clear of snow and soon will be again. Then I can dig up a comfrey for neighbours in Quebec. Chickpeas in slow cooker. Today's storm may or may not be bad.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Mar 16 - 10:20 PM

Good to hear from you, Mary Ann! It sounds like you're enjoying yourself! And Dorothy, watch out for those carbs!

I dropped off items at a thrift donation station, and am back to documenting each donation (a photo is pasted into a Word document to itemize each piece, state a garage sale or eBay price, then file it).

We had a huge hail storm here last week, so it knocked some of my plans for a loop - I took several days off to work in the garden, but mostly cleaned up millions of twigs and branches strewn over the yard. The car was in the garage and the roof is new and hurricane rated, so we're okay. It was the noisiest storm I've ever heard, and the dogs were very unhappy during the 20 minutes of pounding by hail stones up to golf ball size.

Today I set up the automated sprinkler timer thing in the back yard, with only two zones watered by it right now. Next weekend I'll probably have to extend the range as I put in more plants and start some things by seed. Spring arrived with an overnight frost after a very warm winter. The soil is probably warm enough now that I can plant my tomatoes.

My kitchen counter/peninsula is completely cleared as of last weekend, and I'm trying to keep both it and the kitchen sink free of stuff piling up. much of the mail that comes to the house goes straight into the recycle bin, and I have a basket for the few pieces I actually have to do something with.

I'm back doing the alternate day fasting, and with the weather we've had, I get plenty of exercise mowing the lawn a couple of times a week. There are always a few pounds to declutter. My fitness routine has always been a "no spend" one.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Mar 16 - 08:57 PM

Beaver:
Neglected to mention the bagel/pottery mailing excursion to NYS: de-cluttered wallet, and my mind of wanting to send the sons pottery and bagels. Phone call from #1 today full of thanks and extolling the beauty of the bowls I sent him. He was talking with mouth full of bagel! I will be making more of that style. I also sent family pics to each so that de-clutters me a bit. I know #1 will keep nothing unless he really wants it!

During the drive from Quebec, I watched the clouds in the sky and thought about how to glaze to approximate that. And thought about it today as I was at the Gallery. I am getting some good ideas and need to make a bunch of flattish white bowls to try on. Then saw on FB an incredible plate on which a long ago potter did exactly what I want. Light at the end of the tunnel; experimentation is in my future!

Starting to sort the piles of stuff I brought newly here: a box of stuff I have not seen since it was packed on Whidbey 7 years ago. Some useful objects, some definite keepers, some need to be put away until the other pieces of whatever it is show up!

Tomorrow will be a clearing up day - of stuff I brought and arranging car repairs and getting back into gear re some writing. I found it impossible to think "here" while I was "there". Even failed to email to renew a book here. This is a de-cluttering of the brain - too hard to think of both. Be here now is the idea and then be here now, there!

It is snowing - since 5 pm - so I will not be thinking potting for a few days. Maybe I can re-do those 4 directors chairs.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: MAG
Date: 21 Mar 16 - 05:17 PM

Haven't posted for awhile, tho' I do silently read at times

I have been absolutely nuts getting ready for Our annual weekend gathering for singing:

trying to herd a bunch of very opinionated volunteers

last minute drastic changes

etc etc

I am eating over it, which is a disaster as I have an overeating disorder.

yes, our bulbs and other flowers are all up here in Portland; today is the first day of spring; I am about to print out a bunch of lyrics which i will have to read out this weekend since i have not had any time to learn them off book;

life is good. life is good. life is good.

MA, whose back is killing her from yanking out the dandelions. (They come up so easily when the ground is saturated ...)

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Mar 16 - 08:49 PM

Mill:
We are pretty good at the "no spend", rarely buying anything new when something from a thrift shop will do. I am getting better at avoiding thrift shops lately. Do not feel as though I need anything. Just need to sort out what I have and jetison as much as possible.

Busy week: three days in Montreal getting things done: finalized passport application, visited friend who bought enough pots to pay for passport! Much needed new cord for Mac, various food stuffs and down to mill for music. Another trip to good butcher for their nitrite-free sausages - this lot to take to Beaver - and visit to local potter where I obtained much needed supplies and a bottle of purple underglaze to try out. Went to our fav pizza place and --- the pizza knocked us both out for several hours so we missed the Saturday eve music event, did not get glazing done, and forgot to go to the farm market today. Worse than the pasta last month. That was NOT de-cluttering!

Glazed today and a firing is underway, with 3 trial pieces. Second glaze firing will have to wait 'til next trip. Four loads of laundry done; drying has been tedious. Dishes need to be washed before I leave for Beaver in the morning. Looking forward to seeing how much the snow has de-cluttered up there! There is none here though we had another inch yesterday. Still below freezing nights.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Mar 16 - 12:27 AM

Under the heading "all things are created equal," I've managed to find projects to work on and finish here that were equally important when compared to projects that require the purchase of new or additional materials. So I've extended this "no spend challenge" into this month by simply looking for parts purchased and stashed in the garage or greenhouse or laundry room, and finish the projects they were intended for. It's good for morale and good for the pocketbook. Most recent project, adding a lower shelf to the potting bench I use every spring and summer. I doubled the space by identifying the old lumber to use as slats, with a cross-member to hold them in place, drilling a few holes and inserting carriage bolt anchors. My plants will be happy.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Mar 16 - 08:30 PM

Mill:
Pottery drying. Planning to get a bunch of stuff in various geographical areas over the next couple days; very busy three days planned, hopefully. "planted potatoes" - threw them on the ground in one of the beds, covered with straw and some soil and walked away. They are protected against a south wall and will either grow or not. Of the many plants in the sunroom - ONE geranium survived the freeze! And the asparagus fern and sedum. That geranium is a lovely red and I have hopes of regaining some as it grows.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Mar 16 - 08:43 AM

The dog hair is piling up in the house but the garden calls - we are into the season of nice weather spent outside, rainy weather spent indoors. I don't think we had any snow this winter, and only saw hail one time. We're still in the zone where a late frost could clobber a lot of stuff, so we have our collective fingers crossed here. All of the potatoes are sprouting, onions are in, and seeds are going in this week.

I have some things that didn't sell on eBay, and other things that have waited for a garage sale that just isn't going to happen, all going into the donation bin.

The USPS folks can trash items, no doubt about it. Years ago someone managed to fold a flat box with a hardcover book and jam it into my post office box. There was no way I could pull it past the rim, so I had one of them pry it out from their side, then complained to the manager. He just shrugged and showed it to a couple of people and said "don't do it again." The idea that someone had the strength to bend the book but not the intelligence to know not to do it meant there was a strong stupid person loose on the street. :-/

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 12 Mar 16 - 07:59 PM

Mill:
Came down on Tuesday to get some pots mad. Have done so. Will make more but have a good bunch drying. Sorting out bits and pieces here to take back to Beaver. Scanned some photos and put aside a bunch to send to one sun with the pottery I shall send him next week. Hope to finish the pots for #2 son and send them along with bagels for his birthday. This is the pottery that was a fiasco last year: I sent it to wrong address and after USPS said it would be sent to corrected, it came back to Canada in myriad pieces - and a return cost of $50. I will get the address correct this time! And package even better. I think it was used as a football on the return trip!

The warmer weather is helpful! Most of snow it gone and there are things coming up in the flower bed - very protected against a concrete wall, facing south. Rather miss being at Beaver to watch the thaw there. The de-cluttering of winter is a wonderful thing!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Mar 16 - 08:27 PM

My friend Susie decluttered herself of an entire house, but it wasn't without a lot of drama. She spent the weekend with me, and her little dog too (who, I just discovered, found a corner to poo in, rather than wait till we could send her into the yard). :-(

She's a free agent this month, stuff in storage, mostly spending time with her sister several states away. When she returns she'll have to find a place, and I'd hope a number of folks will counsel her that she's better off keeping family and not stressing over the furniture. If they don't want family heirlooms, that's sad, but it's sadder to be estranged from family over it.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Mar 16 - 06:34 PM

Beaver:

Beautiful thawing day!!! New modem, as off today. Cancelled bloomin' Bell; How they try to keep you - what about this, or that PHOOEY! And I kept saying "I just want to cancel!" Done! Now if anything goes wrong, Patricia can mediate. She was wonderful on the phone with the Telus guy in Central America and tells me she got me a great rate - because of all the business she does with them. De-cluttered my wallet and my stress level. Fair trade.

I did get some things into better places and sorted a good bit so the house is ready for the next load. Supposed to be above freezing for the next week! I shall go to Quebec tomorrow and try to complete some pottery for my son; birthday on 1 April, I might make it! May be able to send him bagels as well.

I can now see a few sf of the deck. Pink glow in the west.

Thought I had closed up the places Sassy gets down from upstairs but still manages!