BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 11:29 AM

Yep, that's what he was doing. They are firms of chartered surveyors who do all levels of surveys, according to what's needed. He was assessing the general condition of the house and checking stuff so that the bank would lend money. The survey last week was a "homebuyer's survey", for the purchaser's own information, which was a bit more in depth and looked at damp levels, cracks, etc. The one I am having done for me is a buildings survey, which will look as far as it's possible to access into the structure of the building and suggest work that needs doing.

We have building inspectors who come on site if there is any work that has to comply with the current building regulations (foundations, drains, and other stuff, for example). They have to approve what has been done before the work moves on to the next stage. They usually work through the planning departments of the local councils.

Anyhow, he left in time for me to go to my class, and I have put 5 trays of apple slices on to dry out in my machine, since my return.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 11:52 AM

Andrea,

Thanks for putting the processes in parallel; I *thought* I understood but wanted to be sure-- I am trying to follow your progress closely (OK to pray?), as it's the one "journey" I most relate to out of the many other efforts ongoing thru this thread.

I'd love to track them all as close as some of you here do, but I'm decluttering fluid from my legs and that limits desk/puder time severely and emphasizes walking/stair-climbing time.

Hey, that Animaterra postcard? I pinned it to the wall in the Room a few days ago; when I wonder what improvement might be next up there (and how to do it), I look at the postcard for inspiration. The acoustic panel for instance-- my eye fell upon a very large oval embroidery hoop waiting for a purpose, in a window in my LR-- perfect fit for the place in the stairwell that most needs dampening. Easily stuffed with a leftover piece of Celotex (styro insulator) covered with pretty, available white fabric. So: fasten Celo to wall; insert fabric in hoop; hang covered hoop upon and over Celo to change as needed. Use markers to write mottos to change as needed. The first: "Let your yes be yes and your no be no."

Anyway-- GOGOGOGO! You will continue to be in my thoughts.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 01:14 PM

Susan, all this house fixing you are doing reminds me of the things that need to be done in my basement where I once rented to roommates.
It is not up to the new codes the city requires for rental, so I can't rent it again (without $50,000 worth of remodel for safety).

The last tenant had a small dog that she would not housebreak. She would put newspaper down on the laundry room floor (painted concrete) and let him go there. I cleaned it like crazy when she moved out, but the floor really needs to be re-painted. Nothing like a coat of paint to make things look new and fresh.

Just added today's upload to the shop. I got a tip that listing at least once a day, even if you have to de-list and re-list helps in Etsy.

Fan and Tea

I have to go to Billings tomorrow. Not looking forward to the 350 mile round trip drive. My son stays home and holds the fort.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 01:24 PM

Thanks for your comments, Alice. I may have BEEN that tenant, LOL-- but it's not funny. Earlier in life I thought it was OK to let the dog repay the lecherous landlord who offered to be my sugar daddy to excuse my late rent one month. Chicago can be icky.

Since my last post I just finished taking the "before" pictures with good ole Faulkner-dog to show the scale-- and his welcome-face puppydog eyes. The music under the pix at the moment is Mudcatter stuff (you know who you are), which I will credit in the montage when I'm done fiddling around with the thing. The first song is Swedish, for a nod at my heritage and Ani's postcard.

Right now it's just a rough upload, but at least Faulkner looks handsome and is rotated correctly:

http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/auth_preview?work_id=12617593

It is meant to depict how NOT to leave a space "broom-clean," and is the "before" group of shots that will be followed (soon I hope) by some "after-cleaning" shots. I'll work on it some more on the better monitor in the office, with the new GLASSES I got yesterday.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 01:36 PM

New neighbours seem to be almost finished with remodeling/upgrades and so, as of last night, are now sleeping over leaving on their side door porch light which shines right into my eyes in the bedroom. For some reason, it seems to have come on around 2a as that is what woke me up then. It was not on when we went to bed. So, I didn't get back to sleep until about 5a, up at 650a. Will have to watch and go talk with them when they are outside. I am sure they don't realise it shines through. I can just lower the shade which I did last night, but then the fresh air is more blocked. With cool weather it won't matter as much as I will have it almost closed and the glass is covered with art paper for privacy anyway.

So...after a s-l-o-w start, I have put away two baskets of laundry, researched some things I will be selling on ebay and etsy and listed about six more books on paperbackswap, so they are off my desk and on the shelf waiting to be requested. I also had one requested this morning, had it packaged up, postage paid, and in the mail on the way to take Morgan to school this morning.

Beautiful, again, Alice. Thanks for the tip on listing etc. I will try to get a 1950s aluminum/aluminium serving tray listed and, possibly, a book appropriate for Halloween.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 03:26 PM

This morning I was picking okra when the village maintenance guy slowed in front of the house and then stopped. I walked over to meet him at the pickup - he hadn't seen me in the garden, but was there because his boss, the village idiot (aka public works director), had called him and told him to come clear across town and put a note on my door that there were grass trimmings in the street.

Village Idiot must have seen them there yesterday morning because by mid-day I had picked them up by hand. I don't use and will never use a blower, and didn't feel like getting the broom cause there wasn't much there. Since then, someone's dog probably peed at the hydrant at that corner of the yard and knocked a clump off the lawn next to the curb. So this guy is basically sent to issue a warning based up a single handful of dry grass. (This is probably because the Village Idiot knows I think he'd the Village Idiot.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 06:10 PM

Today was a trip to the clinic to have my port accessed so there has been very little time at home today. I made plenty of food last night for dinner so there are healthy leftovers for tonight's dinner and I don't have to cook. There are dishes in the sink and I always have laundry but that can wait until tomorrow. It's been a long but pleasant day and I'm tuckered.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 08:28 PM

Played hookey from loo-cleaning today for a ride thru foliage with Hardi and dinner at a favorite spot near Dharmabum's adjoining cabin and road-spring. I'll pay for that tomorrow with an all day cleaning hard on the knees-- but so worth the time (we worked on duets in the car) and NFU water: 3x7 gal + 2x5 gal = 3 gal + 9 individual gallons = 42 gallons? Times 8 lbs/gallon.... 336 pounds of man-lifting?

Planned how we will do it for winter water-trips-- take largest containers only for minimal hand-wetting, and cut the result with town water to stretch it and reduce the town-water chlorine taste (unless Poland Spring is on sale). More trips, less hand-wets per trip unless "warm" and dry. The weather over at Ron's is so far away that we cannot know what it is till there, so maybe take all 3-gal or larger containers but fill what we can.

It was in the upper 30's last night so it won't be long till water fetches are not fun hereabouts.

And the occupants will be on their own: drink the house's well water with supplied Brita filter pitcher, or supply own filtered pitcher, or buy water, or help make runs for spring water. (There is a 2-1/2 gal container of Poland Spring already up there to start them off.)

Oh! Did I mention we will add a sending unit for wireless monitoring of temps up there? Good chat about it in the car. We already use two of these in other parts of the house-- easy to add one more. I'll put it up by the smoke alarm.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 08:39 PM

I wish we had fall colors down here, but it is muted at best. I had a sweetgum in the yard at my last house (the one where my ex lives) that has wonderful red leaves each fall. If I ever get rid of the hackberries around here, a sweetgum and a lacebark elm (with lovely yellow leaves) are going in around the outer edge of the back yard.

Finished a couple of big projects, but have another one to put together this evening. And then a lot of photos. Busy week.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 02:22 AM

My computer has been so slow. Turns out the files I thought I had going to the huge D: drive were actually piling up on the small C: drive (wher the OS lives). It was jam packed full when I got an error message this evening. So I've been doing a virtual declutter, moving to folders in D so I can find them again, and then deleting from the C: desktop. About 60 Gig so far.

The drive is defragging now. This explains a lot, and I should have paid attention. I have the system set to automatically defrag once a month, but by doing this I wasn't noticing the state of the crowded drive. I'll leave it on auto, but I'll go in and check in manually also.

Tomorrow I'll finish the photo work I wanted to do. This declutter is counting itself down in fractions of percentages, meaning it will take a while. It's at 2% after 20 minutes. Might run all night.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 08:47 AM

My old neighbors had the spotlight from hell on their garage. It lit up my entire room and made it impossible to sit on my back porch at night. When they sold, I prayed it would go with them but the new owner couldn't reach it - at the peak of the garage. Finally, when they were having some tree work done, they used the bucket to turn off the light. Must have driven them nuts too.

I did nothing yesterday after work. Felt good.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 10:55 AM

Prayers are VERY welcome, Susan. (Hope the legs are better, by the way).

Got rid of a load of cutlery and glasses for the British Heart Foundation collection tomorrow morning. I will have a go at bedding and table linen next.
Heard via the agent that the washing machine and dishwasher are being left in the kitchen, so I will be able to offload mine to various people. I'm going to take the tumble dryer cos I can put that in a shed and run an extension cable out to it if I need to use it. Bear in mind that I am planning to move into an old house at the onset of winter, and the heating may (will) need replacing, so there is every chance that there will be nowhere to dry stuff indoors much at first.

Now I just have to wait until I get the results of the survey, which should be early next week, I hope.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 11:05 AM

There was a light on a pole like that in the yard of a place I lived many years ago. I think they have quite an impact on the light bill also, so the neighbors maybe had a couple of reasons to get rid of it.

Horrible night's sleep last night. This sleeping with dogs in the house is something that I'm just not accustomed to and I have my fingers crossed that the bandage comes off today and the foot is ready to go. She can stay outside safely soon, if not tonight. At least I'd like to give them baths as soon as possible!

4d 11h from now I suspect I'll see movement on that auction. For now, there are watchers and the look numbers are creeping up. It's hurry up and wait. I did go in last night and get all of the parts packed carefully to avoid jostling during shipping. I'll decide on the final outer box once I know where it's going. If I ship overseas, I tend to use a bit larger box with more padding just to play it safe since the item will be in transit much longer.

I'll put the items I cleaned up from the recycle center into the pickup today so they're available to deliver to my friend's house since I'll be near there every day the rest of the week; tomorrow is probably actually the best opportunity. It'll be nice to have these out of the garage, and it'll be nice to offer some items that still have a lot of use to a friend who can indeed use them.

Better get ready to go take photos. It's a busy afternoon.

Andrea, how did the inspection go? Do you have an idea of what they found, or do you wait for a written report?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 11:06 AM

... there will be nowhere to dry stuff indoors much at first...

Yes.....

If the initial heating is poor, keep in mind how a dryer though puts out quite a bit if heat. Not only thru the metal housing giving off heat but, if you filter it and can welcome the moisture in the air, thru the outflow hose.

The back of a fridge does too. A fan set to direct it your way works-- we do that in Fall camping in our tent-camper with the heat-pump end of the electric cooler.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 11:37 AM

Cross posted with Andrea. We're all waiting with you to hear that report! Take a look at the appliances being left behind before you distribute yours. Word to the wise. I was considering accepting the appliances in one house I made a bid on years ago, but they were ancient, fire hazards and probably on their last legs. I'd have soon had to replace them.

I had a chimney sweep inspect my fireplace when I moved in here. It looked okay and had a cap on top to keep birds out, but actually, it doesn't draw well and the glass front doesn't seal off the space when there isn't a fire. In summer heat and humidity seep into the room (there is a conduit through the back of the hearth to push out ashes, and an ill-fitting rusted door on the outside that mice and roaches can and do get through). If I ever get the money, I'll tear down the facing in the house and re do it, and rework the outer door closure. Put in a heat-a-lator (a system of tubes around the fire and a blower sending the heat into the house) and insulate the glass door well. I wouldn't ever try to rely on this fireplace as a source of heat if the power went out. Better to get out the down sleeping bags.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 11:43 AM

Sins, where's a kid with a BB gun when ya need one, eh? IF it were a spotlight from hell, I'd be over there in a heartbeat. This one is just a regular, bright lightbulb, but bad enough as it is. They must not go to bed until very late. We turned in about 1030p. I read and was up and down until about midnight. BY 1230a, it was on and I lowered the blind, so I did sleep, just miss the full fresh air. They seem nice enough, so I suspect when we talk with them it will help.

Have one load in the wash and have been answering emails and PMs this morning. I get Morgan early today as school lets out at 150p, so am working on a listing or two for etsy BEFORE lunchtime. Better get going!

Andrea, this or something better for the highest good of all concerned...may it continue to progress well, with ease, and quickly.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 12:35 PM

Ani/Alli,

I just decluttered what has been a HUGE problem for me since we got back from vacay-- my schedule!

I have never, until this last year, really been much of a scheduled person. More responsive to the moment/needs. Well of course that had its own problems, and the day came when it didn't work, and I was ready to take a step. So in the last year I have been relying on a nice, self-designed structure working my "lifestyle" and health towards fulltime employment, that really WORKED for me... and supported all my goals and commitments.


But-- Hardi and I arrived at a fresh set of shared visions, goals, and commitments during vacay, that took my schedule almost completely apart. The new initiatives went well... and most of the prior-sched stuff did fit in... but it was.... all jambled! And I was all jangled!

I worked away on trying to see the new structure... it's not been about discipline-- had plenty of that-- but structure.


The last bits finally fell into place today with a call from a newly-appointed Diocesan exec who one of my bigger "responsibilities" reports to-- apparently today was the day he got his arms around the stuff I had been working on with his retired predecessor.

In his a 5-minute, FUN phone call, the last items clicked into place and I HAVE my "new" structure! WITH the needs of the shared room(s) accounted for! And stewardship of all current ministry commitments!

(And NOW I know when I can fit in lunch with galpals!)


After brekky, AM's: Thaw dinner. OT homework (Mon-Thu; Fri optional)

After lunch, afternoons:
<> Sundays: My office: spirituals, anti-racism commission, commission on ministry tasks, Presbytera blog.
<> Mondays: My office: parish website, upstairs chores, clergy blogs, convocation communications, cleaning for downstairs.
<> Tuesdays: Wellsboro activities: Tyoga Ofc Prod., church mtgs, pool, George's with Hardi, offertories with Hardi, Weis groceries (sale flyer).
<> Wednesdays: Mansfield/Blossburg errands, put away all groceries, trips for FreeCycle with Ed and Darlene as needed.
<> Thursdays: Sublets administration, prep downstairs for cleaning lady.
<> Fridays: OFF, with Hardi
<> Saturdays: Diocesan monthly class, porch/camper/van chores, yardwork.


Yippee-Yay!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 01:06 PM

Traveled to Jeremiah's doctor's office this morning for his 6 month check up and booster shots. Poor little boy had to get 4 immunizations. It was painful for him and difficult for me to watch his face and hear that cry. The nurse left the office and I hugged my baby close and cried right along with him.

He fell asleep almost instantly on the long ride home. He let me carry him in the house and put him right to bed (usually he wakes up when the car stops and then he's awake for time at home). I'm going to let the dishes sit in the sink a bit longer and take a nap myself.

My new breadmaker arrived today. Pete went ahead and ordered one...does that tell you how much he misses my bread? LOL No he's talking about getting a new microwave (ours is probably 15 years old and is no longer reliable...coffee can be boiling hot in 15 seconds or it might take 3 minutes).....but he wants one that goes over top of the stove so it will free up some counter space. Anyone have a microwave like that? Likes? Dislikes? More than likely it will come from Sears or Lowes.

Now...on to that nap....everyone keeps telling me I should sleep when the baby does and today is the first time I (think) can do that!

Sweet dreams all!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 01:31 PM

"Everybody" is right, Michelle...sometimes it might be the ONLY chance you get for some sleep.**bg**

I will be glad when I get up to speed and the etsy listings go up faster. Took me a while to get a new item up...a photo of aspen trees against a blue, blue Colorado sky; not what I thought I'd get up, but I wnat to do one item per day, if possible, and time was ltd., so that was the quickest.:-)

Now for a quick catnap, lunch with Rog, then my boy'o!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 02:20 PM

Help, I'm in the loo and I can't get out!

(Where did I set those old specs that made the grime so invisible??? And will our subletters wear them?)

As I run from the fumes I set into the air with cleaning products-- yes I know Green is out there-- I can only think this: "This is the prep I owe to my future cleaning lady, and dollars I will save not having to pay her to do this deep a cleaning."

In the loo I do have space for two subletters's stuff-- already set aside for many a MudVisit. Six hooks for towels/etc., a horizontal towel bar, and two sections of windowsill for toiletries: one for Room #1 and one for Room #2.


Folks, IMO what we all need is a pet giraffe/anteater hybrid to lick off the dirt after we spray it with, I dunno, some leafy extract they'd like to eat up. And find the dust bunnies for dessert. (Why can't my dust bunnies eat dirt?)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 03:54 PM

is there just the one bathroom that you all have to share?

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 03:59 PM

It started to rain just after I came home from my noon photo shoot. The dogs went into the garage, and though the sun is out, I hope they'll stay put for a little while longer. I leave in about an hour to get Cinnamon's foot recheck.

I know the motivation to have the worst of the dirt or mess up for the cleaning person who is coming it, but really is a waste of your time if you're serious about why you want the help. You're hiring someone to come in an clean and who can probably tackle this room more efficiently and do it faster. You're not hiring someone to come in and admire your housekeeping, you're hiring a partner to keep a baseline level of clean. Letting them establish that level for you can be part of the job. In My Humble Opinion.

I need a nap also. Less caffeine today and I made sure to take my antihistamine early in the morning. Here's an article about the value of naps. For everyone, were they/we so inclined. Harvard Business Review, Sept. 22, 2010.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 04:27 PM

MG, if that was directed to me--

There is one bath on the second floor near our bedroom in addition to a potty-only in our room.

The downstairs, shared bath (shower) is not a problem, because I spend most of each morning upstairs leaving it free for Hardi's early brush-teeth and go and one other person to use.

This bath is the last "room" in a separated-from-the-rest-of-the-downstairs area that closes off.

For years, since we had a pet that used to get sick from drinking out of the toilet, the deal has been that the bathroom door is kept closed and people knock before entering-- it's usually empty. So when we are in the LRE and hear that knock we know the bath is off limits for awhile.

It wasn't an issue when thre were 5 of uslioving here and I do not expect any trouble with 1 person moving in-- we are not runnig a bed and breakfast or a motel where each bedroom requires (by zoning) a private bathroom. If an applicant only wants a really private bath-- then we understand this will not be the house for them, and we know it will affect the "value," too.

OTOH Room #1 is so large and private that if it had plumbing, it would be a studio apartment. Wish it was our house-- we'd put it right in! And probably make THAT our master bedroom and rent the main-house bedrooms out! :~) The bath for the "master" is a shared bath too, but we've never run into any Mudcatters in the middle of the night even when we've had a very full house.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 06:08 PM

Lily.
Be very careful with that microwave over the counter. We have them at the office and it is too easy to grab something hot and drop it - usually on yourself. Get it set as low as possible.
SRS - be patient. The most serious bidders have software that bids up to their set limit up to the last second.
Very interesting and exciting item.
I set a rule for myself many years ago - I never do the same thing on the same day at the same time. Strict organization strangles me. Of course, that is why I frantically clean just before guests arrive.
They don't usually mind unless they are allergic to cats. Cat hair rules no matter what I do.
I am always fascinated at the amount of "stuff" I get done and still hold down a full-time job. Which reminds me - Jacqui and I may be announcing a Portland Harbor Maritime Festival for 2012. WHOO WHOO!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 07:29 PM

If there was any way to avoid sharing bathrooms, I would sure do it. But then I can't stand to share bathrooms. Lots of people hate it period, but if true love is involved then they can. I would seriously look at dividing them up for privacy...and maybe not by what is closest since you ahve hip problems and might not want to go up and downstairs. If it was me, with everyting you have described, I might keep the downstairs for myself and husband and let the renters have the full use of the one nearest your bedroom since you already have a toilet in your bedroom so you would be OK on either floor. This will open up your client base considerably and spare you the annoyances of shared bathrooms, and lack of privacy, especially from the opposite sex. A young female renter is not going to want to share a private space with an older man, although it is not as bad the other way except for housekeeping issues. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 08:06 PM

mg, yes, I understand, but the layout of the house precludes your excellent suggestion.

Thing is, the apartment market here is squeezed past the max, due to the gas drilling encroaching on what is usually student or newlywed housing.

So for the right person, Room #1 is going to be a palace and an adventure.

I think my biggest encouragement has come from the two people who have seen it in mid-project, who are the age and lifestyle we want to attract. They each said they would live there in a heartbeat-- even with the "problems" we agree that it has.


The single biggest draw is the privacy this room offers. It is so separate from the rest of the house. And the excellent storage it has, plus storage elsewhere on the property-- those, and the snowplowing.

There is a very good chance that this room will not go to a student at all-- this year-- because we were ready a few weeks after they all hit the campus. I am taking a very long view. For this time of year a sign in the front yard welcoming hunters to inquire for next year should book it up tight for the hunting season. If not, I'll advertise next year earlier, for students. Really, just to have finished the things I needed to do before I could sublet it at all, I am happy to be ready for next year; it won't cost me a thing this year if no one is in there.

But there are always the gas drillers.... whose HQ is 1/2 mile up the road. I have not yet begun to market it to THEM.

For that, the thing I REALLY have to focus on is putting a TV up there. We do have a spare, but I do not want to foot the bill for cable till I get an occupant and a deposit. Hm, I should put a small one in there just to take the picture..... and maybe my little microwave and stage it as ready for a meal.

Room #2 will be ready in November, and adjoins the upstairs bathroom. That has to be a male tenant (for the reasons you already stated).

The other thing we have to discuss here at home is how much we will share the LR. (The couple who had applied blew my mind-- they wanted to hang out with us!) The door dividing it from the kitchen and bath makes it also quite private, and I am not sure that Hardi is ready for that to change. Yet. :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 08:17 PM

I would say if you do not currently have cable there is no reason for you to foot the bill...just have them pay for it etc. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 08:21 PM

We have it elsewhere in the house but there is a fee to add a line.-- (Again, out of the deposit.) I believe they also can get a separate line, but I have to see if the wireless works first (deposit needed) before I tell them to order their own cable for TV/modem.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 08:49 PM

You're right, Mary. All I can do is wait. I have been looking at some completely different items to list (some fast food t-shirts, for those who collect advertising materials, etc.) just to keep it moving.

Rain this evening. Good timing. The bandage is off. The toe isn't completely healed, the swelling has returned some. I'll be using a disinfectant to add to a pan of water and sit with her foot in it for about 10 minutes once or twice a day. She may have some kind of a yeast infection (not the kind that is cured by yogurt) that the disinfectant might cure. If not, he may have to take the nail off completely back to the nail bed. After payday, if that happens.

Anyway, the foot is stinky after being bandaged for a week. I gave Poppy a bath (I have to declutter the drain strainer of lots of dog hair) and I'll give Cinnamon one also. Though it's wet, it's warm out, and she'll dry quickly since her coat is so slight. I'm not sure if I'll have them in tonight or not, but if so, they'll smell better. They weren't stinky before, but they were definitely doggy scented.

Oh, to keep her from licking the foot, he said either the bitter apple spray from the pet store, or rub some roll-on (not any other type) deodorant on the foot. Something about one ingredient that tastes bitter. Old Spice, here I come! I think my son might have left some in his room.

(Modem was out so took a while before I could send this)
SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 10:37 PM

mg,

The Room #1 video montage is a little better now: http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/auth_preview?work_id=12617593&autoplay#visualMedia_1

From an earlier-posted montage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocjMckTtZ1Y&feature=related

The addition shows briefly in that one, at about 1:21. Room #1 is the second floor window you see up top.(The optional cats are at 1:34.) The steep stairs are at 3:01. You can see the same window from the inside at 3:21. The multiple-twinbed dormstyle setup it can also have is shown from 3:24 - 3:35, and the occupant can convert it at will.

Still to add are better pix and some outside shots of the house and property, plus shared kitchen and loo.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mg
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 11:00 PM

I could only see the second one, which is great for friends and family but I think if you are trying to attract renters it is way too confusing and way too many pictures of cats and guitar players..one or two fine..and I don't understand that film clip at the beginning and end..
e
I would want to know what the house looks like, what the bathrooms look like, what the rooms look like. They look nicee It is not clear whether the scenery is close by or just pretty pictures you put in...

I would save this one for other purposes and streamline it to one lminute or so...but that is just my opinion. mg

And is anyoen else having trouble typing nowadays? Is it something to do with that new google typing stuff in for you?

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 12:45 AM

I had trouble with a different program this evening. So far this one is working like usual.

I decluttered the fridge of two large cauliflower heads this evening. It was buy one get one free, and I knew I couldn't eat that much at a stretch but I hated to leave one behind, so I pulled out the Blue Book to see what it said about freezing cauliflower. I scalded florets for about 4 minutes (not letting it quite boil) and then cooled and bagged and it's in the freezer.

I'm supposed to finish a poster but I'm tired. I think I'll get up early to work on it instead of nodding over the keyboard tonight.

Night, all!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 04:21 AM

The report will take a few days, and come in the post.

The dishwasher being left is a Bosch, a newer model than my previous one here. Can't remember what the washing machine is, but the kitchen (including integral fridge) was only fitted in 2008, and my appliances back here are getting on for 10 years old. I will take my chances! I have a Hotpoint dishwasher at the moment, which is supposedly the same company now as Bosch, and made from the same components, but my old Bosch was far superior. My iron is a Bosch too...I've had a couple over the years, and they are good. I intend to take my dryer with me, and will park it in one of the outbuildings. It may come in useful for drying bedding on a wet winter day!

I have a theory that there is somebody for every property: it's just bringing the two together that's the art! And I swear that applies to rental rooms too! It is just so very difficult second-guessing what will attract people, because everyone has different tastes and requirements.

However, saying that, it went totally against the grain with me to de-clutter and "neutralise" the house. (I love colour, and I love my "stuff"). But maybe because it was a fairly gradual process, I have grown to really like it as a background onto which I can place splashes of colour, such as rugs and selected pictures. Trouble is, there are about 20 other pictures to make the journey up north with me because, apart from a few, I won't know what will look right till I try them. Something is telling me that the ones that are up now will be the best choice (including the two 17th century maps - one of Northumberland). So I am going to find out where the nearest car boot sales are held! Happily, I think I may have found somewhere for my Staffordshire figures - there's a plate rack high along the length of the hallway. That will save buying a cabinet for them!

Andrea

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 10:02 AM

Andrea, that sounds so lovely!

I am about to get some more listings on etsy...some jewellery findings and maybe a book or two, or another photographic print. The laundry is all done, folded, so I'll put it away this morning, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 10:07 AM

MG and Andrea (GO ANDREA!)

Yes, it is about attracting the RIGHT subletter. Till they arrive on the horizon I just keep the costs slashed-- slow and steady does it. Right now Room #1 has cost me about $40 and I do not anticipate another dime till I have a deposit and/or a barter in writing.

Might run an ad now for hunters-- must check season dates. Buck Day has traditionally been Thanksgiving weekend, so I'm still in time to post a sign in the yard (have signboard), and a classified ad downstate. There IS a beer fridge, LOL, and they don't stay long-- iz city folks whut want the reel contreh experience. For them I can cook a good brekky to order.

The montage you saw is not yet available for applicants to view, it's just where I can stash pix till other pix join it for what WILL be given to an applicant-- and a place where friends can offer their thoughts as a few have been doing (thank you) here and/or in PMs.

MG, I do have BTW most of the other pix you thought the montage ought to have, on another computer not online right now; the long one in the link above was created for other purposes and is no part of this Plan. Just so y'all could see the pieces I'm working with and the "milieu" of our "market."

We need to deal with our own wireless and I think I know how it will also send signal up to Room #1 (which we need in summer for ourselves), so I'm gonna let Hardi spring for the cabling to do that, tomorrow.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 10:42 AM

PS, "staging" a property. Not false advertising, but showcasing the actual benefits. Marketing, not journalism.


The loo is clean enough now to photo-shoot, and as I do each section of the kitchen it will be snapped, too.

A, I will get pix for promotion.
B, I will get surfaces clean enough for the PAID cleaning lady to maintain.
C, some of this work is also paint-prep.

I would not SHOW it in this condition, but I can catch the pix while the surfaces are neat and clean enough to photograph adequately-- and I will not slow down long enough to afford a great camera that would show ALL the flyspecks!

Example, the montage pix MG could/did not see-- in person I see dirt on the rug and have negotiated a bartered cleaning with Jess and Matt. In the photos I see light and color, and how NOT to leave a space at move-out.

So the first pix today will be ydy's loo-cleaning, before it gets any messier and before I vacuum (it will HURT). The next will be shared kitchen spaces: microwave, sink, stovetop, counterspace, first.

THEN after the kitchen is up to the loo's condition they will be vac'd together, because they are one continuous floor-space with a connecting hallway that stops at the door to the LR area.

I know where a subletter's kitchen stuff will go too, and I'll clear/clean/snap that next.

Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 11:11 AM

Andrea, it will be interesting watching from afar the process as you complete the sale, the purchase, the move, and then the settling in. Good drama for the coming months! You know how years ago people realized that little kids like watching things like bulldozers and trains and tractors work so they made long kind of otherwise-boring films of tractors at work and such and kids loved them? I think you could do a film about the process you're talking about and keep me happy. :)

It's autumn now. Though it's overcast outside, it's about 80% humidity after last night's rain and it is forecast to reach 90 today. There is so much work to do in the yard, weeding and putting in autumn plantings. It's difficult to get much of that done when it's hot (especially when it hasn't rained and the dirt is like concrete) but pretty soon it will be good working conditions again.

Yesterday I handed the recycled items over to the friend who can use them. His porch has a low hedge around it so I concealed them out of sight of the street. I can visualize the next fancy meal he prepares will have these warming pans set up on one of the counters or in the middle of the dining table.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter TIP She WINS Again!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 12:11 PM

AniAlli, MG, Andrea,

That was quick!

Hey! It's a lot more fun to take pictures than to clean, but you can clean as you go! OK, OK, so I didn't "snap" the big box of stuff I have to sort thru-- that's not part of the shared space! :~)

This is a great declut process all by itself, folks. Clear it, clean it, snap it, set aside the mess for a day when you feel like a big purge, and purge that THEN. Use the snaps as a personal screensaver to remind yo of the total effect you're going for, room by room.

For MY plan I still need to snap the breakfast bar and the fridge space dedicated to Room #1, but I might post the montage link again without them in it. I gotta leave SOME surprises for the applicants!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 01:45 PM

Kat and Alice, with all of the setting up items for sale at etsy, are you getting any sales yet? Can you see how many people view or link to your pages?

Dug out some advertising cards designed for campus and library events in the last couple of years. Some things are best kept, not decluttered! I am always glad when I have something here that I can copy or riff off of when designing cards and posters.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 02:01 PM

OK. This is the montage in progress, with music from Open Mike (She's OKd it) and Animaterra (OK Ani?).

Music credits to be added after more OKs. THIS IS A DRAFT.

Room #1, spacious shared kitchen and bath.

Depicted:

Door to room. Not shown: locks.
Door open with Faulkner, our dog, for scale. (He's a 70 lb shepherd mix.)

Looking around inside:
On the west wall, the area inside door with mirror and clock radio;
Computer podium and chair (ask about alternate chairs to choose from);
On the south wall: (linens on) yellow daybed across from entry door;
One of two wooden storage cubes/lamps beside daybed;

Looking now across from the daybed, on the north wall, the blue double bed (linens &thermal blanket on) with Faulkner for scale;
Looking diagonally toward southwest corner dressing area;
Southwest corner: storage shelves/cubes beyond double garment racks; note supplied linens;
The west wall: dressing/linen shelves, supplemental "rolling" heater and ext. cord (oil-filled rad), double-hung window with screen, black storage cube/hassock/TV stand, storage bins, and tall pantry/TV shelves with supplied cleaning equipment;
Northwest corner next to pantry shelves: large work/dining table with floor lamp, bookshelf, chair;
More of double bed on north wall, with nightstand/lamp table;
Yellow daybed, again with dog for scale and "extra" pillows supplied. (The daybed can be two twins plus a twin-sized bedroll on boxspring, or a kingbed and bedroll/boxspring);
Lamp with ceiling angle shown, resulting in roomy headspace-- 4' wall min soars above beds to a comfortable center height, according to young 6'3" Luke who would love to move in;
Northwest corner with 3-shelf nightstand/drawer, low fixed window with deep, cold ledge for winter food storage;
Three hooks inside room door; capacity 25 lbs. each
Landing outside room door, looking down private entry stairs (carpeting to come, your portapotti not shown);
Five hooks in landing, with antique mandolin for scale; capacity 25 lbs each;
Looking down steps leading to adjoining kitchen facilities (your dedicated fridge not shown);
Enormous hutch inside kitchen door at foot of steps-- watch for this later in montage (adjoining trash bin and double oven not shown);
Your silverware/spice drawer which adjoins cooktop;
Kitchen counter, L to R with panini press/"George Foreman" type grill first;
Four-burner cooktop I photographed while cleaning. Scale: note 12" cast iron frypan on back burner, 18" stewpot on back burner, ample counterspace & microwave beyond cooktop;
(Not shown, our cabinetry)
Your "speckle pot" (a large canning pot) for soaking your dishes (your spare "sink" in case main sink is full);
Main stainless steel sink with window (note generous shared space in bright windowsill; garbage disposal not shown)
Shared dishwasher with room to add your dishes and start it up;
Not shown: large enamel-topped island with breakfast bar for two with 1-2 stools;
Not shown: dogfood bins and dog corner with exit to their Dog World;
Not shown: coffee/appliance counter with "house rules" and decor posted overhead;
The Huge Hutch, again. Space negotiable inside cabinet and drawers. Shared charging station, digital monitor of Room #1 heating;
Back left section of your countertop in the hutch, with our 12" frypan and your gadget bin for scale;
Your countertop for scale-- the base is a double kitchen cabinet;
Close-up of shared charging station and heating monitor.

Looking past that panini press into the shared bathroom, decorated like an old train station bathroom;
Shared sink, shown with our toiletries;
L to R: wide, deep adjoining south windowsill for your toiletries, and my basket. A second guest's toiletries space next to my basket and your shelf;
Two towel sets on one closet door-- room for two guests, with 3 hooks each.
One of our rosepink towel/washcloths on the second closet door, showing the 6 hooks a little better;
Train poster framed behind bathroom door (bathroom wastebasket and antique pachinko-type game not shown);
One of several available shower mats, shown hanging in south window; pre-warm your towel there above the floor radiator.

Looking up into the large shared shower. Brain, then a +400 lb person, fit in there with no trouble. Not shown, guest toiletries rack above R shower wall;
Shower floor. Note large laundry soap shown for scale and old, sanitized well-water stains;
Inside the shower: our toiletries spaces and shared hand-held shower on x-long hose;
Decor above commode: "This is a classy place. Act respectable!" and old hobnailed milkglass sconce (one of two);
Hallway connecting kitchen and bath, with door to our LR beyond. (Use of LR negotiable).

===

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 02:10 PM

There is enough material here for a blog, I have to acknowledge that. The "not shown" stuff is kind of confusing, especially if you are compiling photos. Words would cover what photos don't.

Took a power nap, sorted out some image uses I've been mulling over.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 02:11 PM

Not yet, SRS. Yes, you can see how many times your item has been viewed. I could write a book about it, but won't, would be happy to PM more if you'd like. They have a ton of help info forums, etc.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 02:35 PM

Old MudWisdom: If it's not for you, SKIP it.

Not the first long story this clutter community has encompassed, freedom of speech, blah blah blah.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 04:37 PM

Exercise - took a long walk around the neighborhood up and down the alleys looking at back gardens. There was one I had to go back and look at again... gorgeous and TALL... I have no idea how she got everything so tall and lush with all the hail we've had this summer.
It was the only garden that didn't look ragged and beaten in some way.

Sat in the car and in a meeting ALL day yesterday, about 13 hours, and I had to walk out the stiff joints and muscles today.

I made this etsy treasury about winter whites on Tuesday,
curated etsy items by alice

I really like how etsy is set up for us to promote strangers' work, just because it is creative.

Posted an item today from my small paintings
old camera is old


Pulled the last of the carrots in the garden and trained some more strawberry runners into nearby pots.

Had a flat tire on my car that had to be fixed, so I'm off to walk over to the tire shop and pick up the car.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 04:41 PM

Accountability has gone out the window for me and my food plan. Between the steroids, stress and inability to really do much in the way of exercise, I've gained 30ish pounds. ARG.

Ok. Well. That was then and today is a new day. My current WW group has changed to a day and time that doesn't work for me so I went in search of a new group today and found a wonderful leader (very engaging) and a table full of new friends. Excellent. I explained my situation and we agreed that a new book to start was the way to go. HOORAY! I'm feeling really good about this and am proud of myself for going despite KNOWING what the scale would have to say and how disappointed I am in myself.

Onward!!!

Dinner tonight? Grilled salmon, baked potato and broccoli. Pears for desert if I'm still hungry.

And yesterday I went to yoga...90 minutes of deep, intensive stretches....YUM.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 04:53 PM

The next section of cleaning/snapping is done-- a cleaner cooktop amd the breakfast bar-- to fill in areas texted below as "not shown."

One applicant is reviewing it all now (not from here-- via email) for feedback, as-is, understanding that it is a work in progress.

I'll add the new pix to the montage footage at the end and work them in as I get batches that apply to her feedback.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 05:06 PM

Nice Treasury, Alice. And, thanks for including your camera painting. I added it to my A Smile is Worth A Million Bucks! treasury. Oh, and yesterday, when I went to the Etsy Home page, your shop showed up on the front page, I think under Suggestions? (Sorry, can't remember the designation.) I was excited to see that!

Spent the morning staging and photographing different beads and buttons and listing them at etsy. Sent out a couple of more books, yesterday. Also photographed some books, getting them ready to list, too.

Slowly getting stuff off of my office desk. I can now sit at it and work on jewellery!

Michelle, good for you! Steroids can be SO difficult when working on losing weight; keep being patient with yourself, okay?:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 07:19 PM

I suddenly see that others are also "staging." Good!


Anyone who has cooked with us in this kitchen (Mmario, Dharmabum, Bert, BillD, Dick and Susan, parish class members, local jam groups, etc.) will understand the gargantuan task I began today; this kitchen was built to feed 35 residents plus a host of harvest-workers on the farm.

We ourselves use it, therefore, in the bulk-cooking mode I've posted about before.

WE (and close friends) know it as a kitchen with room for many others to use at the same time we use it. But the average person cannot know this until they see it.

Because the average person does not run a farm operation or a parish kitchen, as we do.


So... we have enough XL appliances to set up a photo shoot tomorrow on the last counter yet to clean and stage. It's the "extra" counter not really needed due to the island I put in (smartest thing in home design I ever did-- spotted an unused double-base cabinet, topped it with enamel, and viola!).

This extra counter is there because, in the last occupancy-era about 30 years ago (several tenants before us), they too had a "little fire." With that fire, the owner closed in the kitchen differently-- it was a kitchen fire. I think they had torn out an old kitchen or two elsewhere and wanted to re-use the cabinetry, because there is a LOT of it, actually two different styles that are almost identical. The laundry room is also full of it and was, before OUR fire, wired for appliances. (We brought some of that cabinetry in to add a second pantry.)

So we have a copious counter between pantries and double ovens (there are two swallow-anything pantries and one has storage on top of it too), where things pile up "a la crap" because we usually use the island and keep THAT "clean enough."


Mudcatters have only seen that extra counter cleared and set up for large-group buffet-ing. I used to try to keep it clear when the hungry teens lived here, but I know that because it is "extra," it will never stay clean for long.

Well, it has room for the very nice 2-burner portakitchen cooktop my son gave me from his Japan-apartment years in the Navy. It is called a hotplate but it ain't like any other hotplate I ever saw. It provides for a whole second cooktop zone on that extra counter, plus electric frypan, roaster, crockpot..... lot of different combos would make sense, and we have them all. Oh and the island is right there adjoining, to work upon as well.

We lost the first applicants partly because they could not envision a kitchen like that. And I do not blame them-- I didn't describe it well enough for them to come SEE it, but now they are sorry to be committed to another lease. Becasue they not only cook, they cook athletic healthfood just like ours. (sniff)

This place cooks like a restaurant kitchen but looks like the ambience of any old farmhouse kitchen. But it has so much storage that there are serious and large pans and appliances under all the counters and island, plus what we stowed in the huge hutch my sister built for us... not even counting Hardi's great all-weather porch grill and stacking cast iron Dutch ovens.....


So tomorrow should be FUN!

After I clean and snap (Hardi helped me clear it tonight), a quick vac job on the kitchen and bath, and I'll be ready for The Blessed Cleaning Lady to keep it all up. Her $$ is gonna come out of the grocery budget till we get a paying roommate. Some people do an annual Spring Cleaning-- I've always been a Fall Cleaning girl myself. I think this is the last year I can (or will have to) do it without paid help.

This house, Hardi finally understands, is not too big for one person to keep up, or two, or even three. At our ages and health situations, this house is too much house for 5 people or more, and if we are to stay in it, something's gotta give.

And we prefer not to move, as if we even could.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 09:05 PM

Miss Kitty, Etsy is new to me. First heard of it on MSNBC and got the impression it was an auction website for "esoteric" crap. Is there a chance I can sell off some of the unusual items that have collected around here?
How do you "stage" a bead? I have visions of stop footage with Mr. Bill dropping cars on things.
Any suggestions on staging a 4" bamboo peacock in teal blue with gold trim? I want it to look its best.
Should I hold it up so they can get a true size perspective? In the kitchen against a pile of dirty dishes? Or the living room amid the dust mites? I want to get this right.
Maybe I can display it against my boobs for size comparison? With a note 46DD? Or should I just have Alice sit with it?
Your professional input would be appreciated.
SINS, the Silly Evil Twin

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 09:20 PM

Just signed Jeremiah and I up for a Mommy and Me (exercise) class, twice a week! YAY!! Can't wait to go!!!

Michelle