Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Dec 16 - 08:36 PM

Beaver:
Reality: no energy. Finished finishing the mugs today - finally! Need to fire them but did not want to carry them from studio to kiln shed in snow. Hopefully tomorrow! Need to bisque fire them to take with me to Quebec to glaze fire - easier there and they are less breakable when bisqued.
Not much else done - laundry and some little things. Watching weather to see when I can safely travel to Quebec - after the party at Place for the Arts on Saturday.

Hope everyone saw the amazing video of traffic in Montreal which had 2o million hits. About 6 were mine, trying to figure out where it was and phoning R to tell him about it and to stay off the streets!

As soon as I clear the deck, it snows again!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Dec 16 - 05:47 PM

Ach!

It's been a year of one damned thing (mostly expensive) after another with no time in between to recover. And, while I intended to be HERE more often, it just didn't happen. Seems like I was dancing as fast as I could and Facebook won out. Not enough time for FB and this thread, too. Missed you all.

And it's not over yet. My sister is still in hospital or rehab (currently rehab) for antibiotic therapy for osteomyelitis (serious infection of bone and bone marrow) and learning how to walk again and is looking at being under care for at least another three months, according to her doctor (with whom I wasn't able to speak until I returned to NH). I was able (thanks to my cousin needing to drive to Colby, WI) to hitch a ride to Milwaukee and get to visit her and assess the situation close at hand, meet my brother there for a few hours (he's five hours in the other direction -- first time the three of us sibs were in the same room since my mother's funeral), and get in a good visit with my 96-year-old great aunt.

My current One. More. Thing. is needing a root canal. Right after I returned from Milwaukee, I had an appointment for a crown. The tooth needed to be built up first, so the dentist put in a pin...which poked through into the canal and got sucked in. So...I get 60% off from the community health place I go, but I'll have to pay full rate ($1250) on the root canal at another facility. At first I had no pain or discomfort. Then it started sporadically aching last Saturday. By day before yesterday the pain was in full blast. I called to make sure I was on the list in case of a cancellation and got the original appointment rescheduled for this Thursday at 8 a.m. The pain calmed down...but now it's getting achy again.

So... I had no Thanksgiving to speak of and right now I have absolutely no Christmas spirit. December is just another month in a train of months, all of which were complicated. Maybe I'll feel a little more in the mood when I wrap a few gifts. I've received a couple cards, but feeling really blah about that. (Or maybe a bit guilty because I have no desire to send any.) Sang one seasonal song last week at the Press Room session. (Couldn't go last night because of pain and pain meds.) Didn't make much of a difference. Maybe next week's shanty sing will help -- and the following week's Voicearound.

Right now Christmas is taking up less than 1% of my thoughts...and I'm okay with that. I just have no interest this year and no desire to be interested. And I don't know if that should bother me or not.

Yeah, it's probably a bit of depression -- caused by too many things just hanging right now. Things that I can't do anything about anyway. And Trump, of course. Looming over everything.

I'd like to think things will change for the better once this year is over, but I'm not as optimistic as I usually am.

Ach!

Linn

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Dec 16 - 05:58 PM

Beaver:
So, the energy came back and some things got done. The house is almost ready for me to leave tomorrow - before it snows again. Ready for Dan to work on, that is. And plants and freezables in bathroom which will be only heated area, though I expect Dan will put a fire in the stove while he works. Very chilly here!

Adjusted the kiln and did the bisque firing which is now cooling. I will need to package the pots to take with me for glazing. TRying to balance work needing to be done with wish to leave early enough to go to Quaker Meeting 2 hours en route. Maybe.

I am exhausted from the emotional aspect of getting ready for the art show opening last night and, of course, the actual event. It was a huge success as folks came out to celebrate a local artist of over 40 years. I'll post some of his pics on FB. The biggest stressor was: will the 3 of us actually make it to this evening? Bob's health issues - he died last year and will be in recovery the rest of his life. Then, would the roads be clear???? I was so relieved and happy and elated and ...So I am exhausted. I am hoping to be inspired to finish that drape to put it back up tonight. If the sewing machine behaves and I find a bobbin....!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Dec 16 - 06:00 PM

Oh! Almost forgot the GOOD news!

Had a routine check-in with my doctor this past week (and got a flu shot) and found I've lost 11 pounds since my last check-in in July.

At least I know for sure that the steps I've been taking are working, so if I kick them up a notch, I should lose more weight a little faster. Getting together with my brother (5 years younger than me) and my sister (ten years younger than me and a LOT unhealthier) has really made me aware that I'm the skinny one of the family (at way more poundage than I'd like to be carrying). I've returned from Milwaukee with firm resolution to lose weight and get more fit.

A few months ago I finally got my hips and lower back formally diagnosed -- my hips are fine, but I've got a lot of arthritic deterioration in my lower back. Doctor prescribed physical therapy and it was wildly successful, so that's a start. I can't get back into a walking routine if I'm in pain and I now know how to go about getting into better shape without doing any damage.

I don't want to give the impression I'm totally down in the dumps. Major progress has been made on many fronts this year, although it seems as if each step was a struggle and an expensive one at that. But I don't seem to have time -- mental or physical -- for Christmas.

Linn

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: ranger1
Date: 10 Dec 16 - 08:29 PM

Dumped a bunch of stuff in a bag for Good Will, but haven't gotten it out the door yet. So far, that's the extent of my decluttering. I'm only working two days next week, so hopefully I'll get something accomplished on that front between now and Thursday. But I'm not going to stress about it.

On the fitness end of things, I am finishing week four of the Couch to 5K running program tomorrow. I'm up to 1.4 miles in 21 1/2 minutes now. Five more weeks to go after that, and then my first snowshoe race of the season the following week. Beau's been really good for keeping me on track and on target. I may not want to go out running or walking, but he needs me to. And if I don't make sure the puppy gets exercised, there is no rest for me, and the cat tends to get annoyed when he tries to play with her.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Dec 16 - 08:51 PM

I cleared up the kitchen to fix lunch for a few friends who came over today, and all of the dishes from the meal have been through the dishwasher. Some small throw-rugs went through the wash, and I need to next dust the house, sweep, mop - the usual getting cleared up ready for company at the end of the month.

Some things always seem to require a few steps. I had a lace table cloth on the dining table still, but need to start wrapping gifts there. Today I brought in the needle and thread to mend a couple of rips (it's a very old tablecloth) before I gently soak it to clean and put away.

I have a buildup of eBay items, and need to start listing them with the option to gift wrap. The sunroom is still in excellent shape, and I working on my plants last week, removed a couple, trimmed several, and repotted a christmas cactus. Not the best time to do it, right before it blooms, but it seems to have survived and is putting out buds. I have two of them and I'll leave the second one to repot after it finishes blooming.

The craft room will be used as a bedroom this month, so there's a lot of work to do in there. I started on it last week with a bunch of mending (my clothes closet says "thank you!") and I also have some frames and matte material in there that maybe I should just work with and hang art instead of finding a new place to stash it.

Outside, we've had a couple of hard freezes. I need to haul a lot of garden stuff into the back to the compost, and it's time to plant onions, potatoes, and broccoli. That may not happen until the long holiday break from work. And before then I should probably string a few lights out front for a little holiday spirit.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Dec 16 - 02:22 PM

So where is everybody?

I need to go back upstairs and attack what I sort of started this morning (when I didn't have any time) -- clean out the top drawer of my dresser. Found a lightweight pair of leather gloves that will be very useful in the car (not in the drawer). I really don't like to wear gloves when I drive, but I can deal with these when the temperature goes way down.

Found more stuff for the Goodwill pile, and a few more things to take along with other jewelry to the Press Room this Friday to sell. Oue regular waitress asked me about that a few weeks ago -- last time I brought in jewelry to sell was, I think, about a year before Tom died.

Luck went my way this morning and a pinhole leak in my car's exhaust system turned out to involve just a new clamp -- got out of it for less than $70. All the better in light of tomorrow's major dental expense.

Thing is, I have the energy of a dead haddock. I'd really like to take a nap. Maybe if I throw myself into a couple projects in the bedroom where I can see what I've accomplished, I can beat that.

Oh, and I should wrap a couple Christmas presents. Maybe that will help get me in the spirit. (I wore a red and green sweater today and Christmas earrings, but I don't think it helped.)

Ach! My root canal appointment is so early tomorrow that I have to set my alarm -- first time in ages. (I usually wake up between 5 and 6:30 -- but 6:30 will be too late.)

Linn

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Dec 16 - 05:47 PM

Wrapped some presents. Then pulled some handmade leather belts with brass buckles signed by the artist out of my closet with the intention of taking them along with some vintage jewelry to The Press Room to sell to friends.

Found the artist's name (which I had forgotten) -- Carl Tasha -- and looked up his stuff on eBay. Hmmm. Between $150 and $250 for buckle only. My "Leaping Unicorn" is numbered 82/1000 -- circa 1974 or 1975. Think I'll save them to sell on eBay. I also have a lovely Steve Burr signed buckle.

Pulled some other items out of closet and drawer, but let sloth overtake me -- I started a book instead.

Not sure why I was thinking my root canal is tomorrow morning. It's not -- it's Thursday morning.

Will turn that drawer out tomorrow morning and see what's to be found.

Linn

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: ranger1
Date: 14 Dec 16 - 12:50 PM

Handed off several articles of clothing to a young friend yesterday, as well as a necklace that I've never worn. I still need to get the bag out the door and to Good Will.

In the fitness department, week for of Couch to 5K saw both my fastest mile, and my distance increase to 1.5 miles. I'm managing running five minutes at a stretch with little stress. Today's run will see neither speed nor distance, as there is now six inches of snow on the trails and I'll be running in snowshoes. I'm going to take a break from my own trails and go run on the snowmobile trails today, they'll be harder packed. Running in snowshoes is much harder than running in just running shoes and I don't want to set myself up for failure at this point.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: pattyClink
Date: 14 Dec 16 - 03:49 PM

Hi guys, glad you are all making progress on the declutter. This time of the year it's hard to make that the focus, but I did get some listings up on Ebay, and am learning more about the finer points. Turns out you can ship stereo components, using FedEx ground, less costly than USPS for big/heavy stuff and a substantial discount. I'm fresh out of big ungainly boxes though, will have to round up some new ones.

Have been ripping lots of albums whilst doing paperwork. A few handfuls of the choicer ones will need to be listed for sale, and it will be another adventure learning the drill of packing those to avoid crushed corners etc. It's a daunting stack of stuff to deal with. But I've been enjoying listening to my sweetie's albums, some stuff I'd never heard. Kind of like the olden days when we teenagers would sit around and listen to each other's records.

Today I've had to work on an inventory of the many boxes/batches of 'stuff' I need to deal with, only way I can get a grip is to have a plan for each box or batch.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: ranger1
Date: 14 Dec 16 - 11:41 PM

Well that was an exhausting and brutal workout! Trails were maybe less packed on the snowmobile trail than they are behind the cottage.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: mg
Date: 15 Dec 16 - 01:47 AM

I took a leaky air mattress and put it in the dumpster after trying and trying to find it a new home. The space now is wonderful.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Dec 16 - 12:09 PM

Patty - I also have been working my way through media, converting the analog VHS tapes that are unique (stuff not likely to turn up on DVD or NetFlix that I want to keep). Family videos I'm keeping, but others are going in the e-waste recycle bin at work.

I have a stack of papers that need attention, in particular an account closed once that didn't seem to stay closed, etc. I checked my free credit report and the closed account that isn't closed seems to be undetected by the agencies I looked at. Decluttering accounts that I don't use that are still active is a goal for this month.

I must make myself get back to eBay - the work area is clear and efficient, but it is work and I need to get into the pace of it. I have a few things just just haven't sold - and will have to decide what to do with those. I have a bunch of cardboard book mailers I picked up years ago when they had way too many at the library (they were in the recycle bin). You might ask at your local library about how they mail those materials and if there is any overage that they might share with you.

I have materials for beading and jewelry that I want to get into, I have several projects in mind. But I need to designate a work space and I fear in the next few weeks those spaces will be in demand for a higher calling (the dining table for people to eat at, etc.)   

No snow here, but I need more exercise. You're an inspiration, ranger1!

My Goodwill bin is filling up, time to take the contents over to donate pretty soon. And a bag of recycling needs to be dumped in the bins behind city hall.

It seems time again soon to rearrange furniture. Do I want to put up a tree? If I do, I'll get it very close to xmas and it will be down before New Year's. I find the trees harvested for holiday use make me sneeze a lot, despite having grown up around and having worked in them for many years. The smell is great, the needles not so much. But I'm not to the point of buying an artificial tree, I'd have to store it in the attic and it gets awfully hot up there, probably not good for the man-made tree.

Good luck with the oral surgery, Linn. Once that clears up I'm sure you'll have a lot more energy.

mg, every little bit helps, doesn't it?

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 18 Dec 16 - 05:33 PM

Montreal:

I DID get that drape hemmed at each end before I left! It felt so good to finally get it done!! The dear old featherweight, circa 1954, runs like a top but the foot pedal only worked by hand! I pressed with thumb while moving fabric with other hand. Even after I took it apart and tried to "fix" it. That used to work. Maybe R can look at it when he is up next, hopefully Christmas. In any case, having the drape back on the kitchen door to keep heat in LR - and not having threads hanging down...!!!!

Word from Dan: 15 inches of snow; I phoned "snowplow Mike" and gave Dan his number as it is to do it again! SNOW! Work on wall is progressing. That will be such a treat! He is filling in every possible line of entrance for critters as he goes and putting in four new convenience outlets. Not that I will be plugging in lots of things but will be able to do so without ext cords! It will be wonderful to get the place into its new order!

And Dan will make sure drive is plowed the best way so we can get in when we get there at the end of this week.

I have determined that R really "needs" me here more so am working on being here more. I need a bit more civilization in this crummy house; today he turned on heat in upstairs so I have the option of doing some pottery. The frozen pipes are more of a problem so the alternative is finding a semi rural laundromat - on the way to the mill. My job.

R is so overwhelmed with what he needs to be doing that I hate to ask for anything but PLEASE even out that pile of papers! HE is now having a long nap, much needed! First "day off" in over a week. Yesterday he fell asleep in McD's about 3 pm! Not a first.

With the cold weather, I have only managed one glaze firing and did not even unload it. Tuesday I shall go at it again as it is to warm considerably. I'll do what I can before going to Beaver for Christmas.

As for de-cluttering here? Not my stuff - he put a coule pieces of paper in the recycling.... His brain is too tired or too taken up with necessary thoughts... I need to get more creative...

Google laundromat, Mercier QC!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: ranger1
Date: 21 Dec 16 - 08:31 PM

I found the table briefly yesterday and then lost it again. But I'll have to find it again soon, because Beau is not likely to allow me to wrap presents on the floor without attempting to "help".

On the fitness end, haven't run in a week due to weather - first there were the sub-zero to single digit temps, and then there was snow, followed by rain that turned everything to ice. And I was loathe to try out the spikes I bought to screw into the soles of my running shoes on my $160 pair of trail runners. Bought a cheaper pair today, installing the spikes tonight, and will try them tomorrow AM. Wish me luck!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 16 - 11:51 AM

So many things to work on - I'll be staging some of these things together. I'm still converting VHS tapes to digital files on films that I can't find in any other way (other than too-expensive offerings because of their rarity). I have to file papers so, like ranger1, I can find some of the table and desktops. If I file in the room where the VHS is running (real time conversion) then I can catch it as it concludes and don't have to edit out anything extra (easier said than done).

The entire family, plus two, will be here for a late holiday this year (you do what you must to get them together at the same time). Most of the preparation is food-related.

No way I would try to wrap gifts within reach of these dogs - even as elder representatives of their species, any time I'm on the floor working on something they assume it is an invitation to offer kisses and nuzzles. My dining table has boxes of ornaments, the ones I want will be spread around then the boxes stashed in the office closet until the new year. There are also other projects out that need completion so I can set that table.

Recycling today, and a drop-off at Goodwill with a few things from the laundry room bin. I have to move some things from the fridge to the compost bin at the bottom of the back yard.

That back yard needs to be mowed; the arctic snap passed through, so I can finish the job I started last week (mowing the front). If in my shopping run I find some onion sets I need to plant those, along with some potatoes I've saved for now.

eBay always looms, and will be taken care of as time allows. The more things I list the more space I'll clear on the large table in my sunroom.

For fitness, I've set up some exercise videos on a thumbdrive plugged into my BluRay/DVD player so I can exercise in the space I've cleared for this activity. Now to make myself do it. I've also walked the dogs - these old pooches still love to tour the neighborhood, (there is a signal I give them: if I wiggle my foot at the pitbull when I'm putting on a shoe and she is instantly excited and runs to get the others) so we'll do that on nice days.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 16 - 09:23 PM

The lawn was dormant after a hard freeze last week, so I mowed the dead grass tops and mulched in most of the leaves. I noticed one of the dogs trying to poke her head through a gap in the fence so I repaired that and I've rearranged some of the patio furniture. This is all to make the place look better for guests.

The guest room and the craft room will both be used when they're here so I need to rearrange my sewing and other craft stuff, move everything off of the bed, and see how many of the projects awaiting attention in there can actually be finished and put away.

I'm making a few things ahead for the visit and at the same time trying to clear kitchen counters. A time-lapse view of my kitchen would tend to show a breathing effect as things pile up then dissipate, each time leaving a little more open space. In order for six adults to participate in the meal we're planning to cook, all counters need clearing and the dogs will be confined to the yard for the time being to avoid the tripping hazard.

Now to work on the batch of spritz.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: ranger1
Date: 25 Dec 16 - 10:27 PM

Due to a hectic work schedule the last couple of days, I didn't get out running until this AM. The new shoes and the spikes worked well, I just need to lace the right shoe a little tighter next time.

The cottage looks like a bomb went off, I will need to do some serious organization so that I can find needed things in the next couple of days But the good news is that for once, I took more out of the house than I brought back for Christmas! The other good bit of news was that when I weighed myself at Jason's parents' house after dinner (I don't own a scale and have no place to keep one), I was done another three pounds. So fifteen down, fifteen to go! Yippee!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 16 - 12:07 AM

Excellent, Tami!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Dec 16 - 09:57 PM

Beaver:
As Maggie posts about mowing grass, R is out trying to scrape the almost frozen ice off the deck!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Dec 16 - 05:39 PM

I went out today -- that was my major accomplishment. I've been down with a bug since Saturday. Today was the first time I left the house since I came home from The Press Room session Friday night. I went out to get more garlic tabs because that's my treatment of choice for whatever this is that I've got, but I only went as far as the Walgreen's at Lee Circle rather than the CVS at Stratham that has the tabs I prefer.

Yesterday after a shower and hairwash I DID get the sheets on the bed changed and a load of laundry done. I haven't had the energy, though, to dry and fold the sheets. Read down a pile of magazines to deaccession.

I THINK I'm feeling better...but I said that yesterday before the headache came back. And the iffy tum.

I'd LIKE to say since I have no appetite and a mildly upset stomach that I'm probably losing a couple pounds, but, alas, I've also been searching for the magic food that will make me feel better. And some of what I've been craving (and indulging in) has been sweets.

Finished a book yesterday. Should be finishing another this evening. Need to go brew a cup of tea and retire to my book.

Linn

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Dec 16 - 09:10 PM

Beaver:
Big news! R spent hours on my sewing machine, found a sneaky wire that was shorting in an obscure spot; ALL WELL! Ready to use

but today was another spate of freezing rain until afternoon. Did a load of laundry; one yesterday also; hanging them in the BR so one load at a time fills the line. Then we went foraging. Groceries and the hardware store and home for salad and the veg soup I started before we left. Did a pot of stewed apples as well.

R de-cluttered the roof edge of LOTS of SNOW and the back deck is mostly clear. Light snow again this aft and eve.

The weather is not conducive to anything. Inching the house back to a semblance of order. And enjoying the new wall very much.

Hot bath and now for bed.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 31 Dec 16 - 05:10 PM

Beaver:
Looking at a post from last January, I see progress! Snow removal (more today!) and bringing in wood are still ongoing. No wood shed yet but the heavy cover is wonderful.. The snow is holding it down VERY well! The eaves trough without heat cable were an error and the house one has fallen down from the weight of snow and ice. Next year. Sorting through archives has progressed but still has some to go. No potting wheel in the BR; I took it to Montreal to use when there. Sewing machine is on a TV table, repaired!!!! And ready to use. The kiln room is better organized but not optimum yet. **New thought: that new cabinet (below) might work better in there than what is there now. On a warm day, I can pursue this possibility.

The BR, now that the new wall is in and painted!!, has been re-organized with the bookcase across the foot of the bed raised on 12 inch concrete blocks so things can be stored under the bottom shelf and books on 3 shelves – bed width. The bottom shelf is about level with the surface of the bed; there is just enough space to tuck things down there – about 8 cf of storage! The bookcase will prevent the mattress shifting – sort of a footboard! A tall 28 inch wide antique cabinet is next to that and still leaves good room to see out the window. I will finish loading it today and this will clear most of the BR clutter so I can re-organize the other cabinet and HOPE this will complete de-cluttering of BR.

We now have an empty wall space where the ladder to go to the loft. No furniture planned for there until that job is complete. Book shelves may ensue.   

The studio is in torpor. There is about 2 feet of snow on the roof.. I will use it on warm enough days, use the M one when there and the one at the mill when it is warm enough. I am getting quite taken by the concept: "I'm retired, I don't HAVE to do anything!"

.An article in Bancroft This Week gives hope that the Town might find a better space for the library. Might be time to get folks organized, after this holiday, to work with those "in charge" with the aim of supporting a library for the people. New librarian seems positive addition. Maybe we could take him to lunch for a consult.

Auction this am: one $5 cabinet that can go in shed for better organizing OR I can give it to the friend who was also there and transported it for us; it occurred to me too late that she may have wanted it but she "went to the washroom,,," Otherwise, R bought some things for elsewhere. and we netted a nice hand painted wood loon for here.

R is, "as we speak" putting in new light fixtures in the LR so I can use nice light covers which have moved across the country with me. This de-clutters them from storage to useful.

Just agreed: insulate roof next year.

Speaking of which - MAy everyone hae the best possible New Year!!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jan 17 - 03:50 AM

There's a new thread for 2017.

---

Link repaired.