BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 03:46 PM

Good observation, rags, about the weight/clutter connection. Also about the cost of the kid. I had direct costs for school lunch, allowance, and guitar lessons that have dropped out of the picture now, and when you also figure in a paid off loan then it keeps me at about my normal level of poverty. This is a transitional month, the first one without the full check (and one to be paid back, because the county messed up, but that's another story). After this I should be able to see how things really look with just me in the house. The bills being paid now reflect both the cost of a very hot summer and the two of us still in the house.

Making progress in the front room, and I've identified a few eBay items to list. This may be slow-motion de-cluttering, but it does help the bank account a little.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 03:59 PM

Here I am, out from under the rock that was August. Nothing wrong, just very busy with getting my new Animaterra chorus season underway, and the building of our porch (Latest pics here ).

But now the chorus season has started - a smaller group than last time, but that's not unusual, since so many of the singers are teachers, who often prefer to take it easy in the fall. And the porch is moving along pretty well without me. The house is mostly keeping free from the worst of the clutter, not counting the black hole in space, aka the office. I pick away at it, but I seem to be good at making new piles as fast as I can go through the old ones. Hunt keeps promising to build me some more shelves, but then another series of gorgeous porch-building days come along, so the shelves have to wait.

I waited 30 years for this house, I can wait a bit longer for shelves!!

Best de-clutter re-locating activity of the week: the 3 rockers moved from the kitchen to the porch, and that very day I acquired a loveseat for the kitchen (right in front of the wood stove) from one of the most beloved contra dance callers in the region!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: ragdall
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 06:15 PM

Didn't get outside because it started to rain so climbed the 8 foot ladder inside to the roof space instead and crawled most of the length of the house looking for boxes of my classroom library books. Brought down two boxes of those and one box of "teacher reference" materials. Most of the ref. pages went into the paper recycle box.

The children's novels will go to my son tomorrow for his classroom. They are all stamped with my name when I was married to my son's father, fortunately, I didn't include the "Mrs.". My son's first initial and mine are the same, so the books have his name in them.

I found two teddy bears that my son made, when he was a young teen, (with some help from Mom It was a family project, the three boys each made two bears, I made about a hundred to sell at bazaars.) I repaired the dress on the girl bear. They'll be going for a one way ride with us tomorrow. I hope the grandchildren will be kind to them.

Sun's out -- going to try again to make myself go outside, carry out that 24 foot ladder and go up it to clear blocked roof drains.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 08:54 PM

Goodness, you all have been busy! We had a lovely ride. My first big outing since getting sick a year ago last Spring and I did great. Every time we stopped, I got out, moved around and did some of the more vigorous qi gong and it helped a lot.

It is poignantly beautiful up there; the aspens were gorgeous and I love the susurration their leaves make in the wind. But, there are probably thousands of Ponderosa pines which are completely dead due to the bark beetle infestation and great swathes of them have been cut down, left to lie, some waiting to be sawn up for firewood, but so many it woudl be impossible to get them all. Once proud, very tall trees, towering above all others, standing with brown and brittle limbs devoid of any needles or cones. They are very dense, so it was difficult to find any place for a picture without being confronted by the devastation. Nevertheless, I did get some nice shots of flowers and some scenery which are posted HERE.

I cried because I did not want to come back to this valley. I really am not a valley person and, if it weren't for Morgan and his family, I would move in a heartbeat.:-)I DO feel more determined, though, to get with the decluttering and be a bit ruthless in making up my mind about things which are hanging about! I always get a restless, inspired-to-action feeling when we get out of town.

More, tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 09:01 PM

WOW!   You all have been so busy!!!! Me? Not so much. Today Pete took care of the baby ALL DAY and I was able to get some grocery shopping done and some photos printed up (a mere 168 of them..LOL)....other than that, I slept in, read some in my book for the book club, did a little cooking, relaxed in my recliner with a cup of coffee...ah yes....it was a wonderful, quiet day at home with my family.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 02:27 AM

Kat, I was really hoping you'd have some of those photos of trees. Even after a fire or drought, they can be very dramatic, very powerful. It's like you're looking at the skeleton, and there is beauty there also.

I was researching my phone bill today and realized that I could have upgraded in June. Since these plans are basically priced as if you're paying for a phone (even if it's paid off) I make a point of switching out pretty soon once there is a credit. I have the same phone as before, a newer version, and will have the rebate ready to mail on Tuesday.

I also decided that one way to eat in a healthy way is to eat more whole grains. I have pots and pans and rarely buy "specialized" cookers, but I was reading Roger Ebert's raving about rice cookers (he of Siskel and Ebert fame) and was persuaded to give one a try. And these are the end of any purchases this month (there are still 25 days left in the month, I have to pace myself). I went to test it with some white rice and found the container full of weevils. Again. I just replaced a batch of white rice. The house is so warm in the summer I'm sure it let them hatch. I keep my flour in the freezer until I need it, and I'll have to start doing the same with my white rice.

Still looking for disks for the kid. Still no luck. I suppose I'll have to do a deep de-clutter in there, starting with moving stuff and taking in the broom and mop to conquer the dust kittens (the size of leopards). Looks for stuff that has fallen through the cracks or between the mattress and the wall.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 03:07 AM

Lovely photos, Kat. Blue, blue sky!

My gardening day turned into a trip to Ikea with Eleanor, and I had a call from the agent while I was there to say I had a viewing that night, and I would have to show them round myself, as it was out of office hours. Well I had Freya for a couple of hours after lunch, while Eleanor went to the hairdresser, and then she went in with a vengeance and even more stuff got crammed into cupboards, under Ruth's bedroom furniture, and into the garage.

Well I showed them round, and it appears they would be ready to proceed quite quickly (if they want it, and any offer was good). I await any results...

Anyway, yesterday was a trip to Wolverhampton for Ruth's graduation. Woohoo! I am now officially free from schoolkids/students after 25 years!

Today will be another garden day...hope I can find somewhere for the debris!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: ragdall
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 04:02 AM

Beautiful photos, Kat. I like the yellow flowers with the butterfly. It's amazing that so much beauty can thrive with little more than rocks to grow in.

The eaves troughs on both sides of the house are cleaned. Lots of room in them now for the leaves that will soon be blowing everywhere. The house side of the Crabapple tree was pruned to allow the ladder between it and the house. Dug out along one plastic panel covering the side of the carport. The root that is lifting it was too big to deal with today. A broom handle driven into the ground will hold the plastic in place until I can do more.

Dug up three large Maltese Cross plants, two small lilacs, two small Red-osier Dogwoods, one small Green Ash and five small Mountain Ash, also several clumps of Lily of the Valley and about a dozen Forget-me-not plants. I hope my son and his wife will have room for them in their garden. The ladder was taken apart. Everything is loaded into the station wagon or tied securely on top of it, ready to leave in the morning. The weather forecast is "Cloudy with showers". I'm hoping we'll miss the showers. We're looking forward to finally seeing the house where our son's family will be living for at least the next three years.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 09:27 AM

(((((Tam)))))

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 11:42 AM

Catherine Jayne, are you working in a real estate office or a bank loan office or something along those lines?

Virginia, are you up and moving some, taking advantage of fall weather?

Kat, if you have any photos of those trees, I'd like to see what you were talking about. Would you stick up a couple of them?

I was up this morning to snag a book I wanted on eBay. Fortunately the other two bidders were newbies, one with 0 feedback, the other with 1. Not accustomed to bidding high enough to block someone's popping into the auction in the last 15 seconds and placing a winning bid.

Out to the yard today.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 12:32 PM

It's I, kat. Erased my cookies just as I was posting 'cause it was taking so long!

Thanks, folks. SRS, I have a lot of video I took just holding the camera out as we drove along. I figured some folks in the UK and elsewhere might like to see what that is like. I looked them over last night and, apparently, we were going a lot faster than I thought as the aspen are a blur! I will go into moviemaker, slow them down a bit, and get some still shots. You are right, there is beauty in the skeletal remains, but there were SO many it was overwhelming.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 12:51 PM

Thanks for those photos, Kat- they bring back such memories of autumn in Colorado!

I've been feeling very poignant lately- partly hormonal, partly time of year. Missing my kids- missing loved ones gone "behind the curtain". What helps is to remember the beauty of my present life and all I am grateful for!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 01:02 PM

Apols in advance for unspotted typos. (Eyes not the best today.)

Round One on "Rental Suite" Setup, 2 hours:

<> Stripped our beloved kingbed ("see you next summer, lovie!") and converted it to a stacked 2-mattress daybed, complete with comfy backrest. It can be taken apart to sleep 2 or more-- done. Still have to add linens and stow the underbed storage items (incl the leftover folding twin metal bedframe).
<> Sorted storage shelf: blankets, towels, and linens to leave available, linens to store, linens to wash for camper replenishment-- done.
<> Allocated furniture already up there: one padded tip-back/swivel chair to match ottoman, one wooden folding chair with pillows, one camp chair with pillows, all set. To add, one folding desk chair (have it), one laptop podium (have it, matches chair), one folding camping recliner (have). This will complete the lounging area-- tables/lamps there waiting for books.
<> Snack department allocated and half set up: Micro-fridge ready to plug in-- holds 1-2 cans/jars. Cheap dorm microwave to get for popcorn. Mouse-proof breadbox to clean and take up (have a spare). (No "cooking" policy decided. PB&J welcome.)
<> Ad written to run Tuesday: "Funky, fully furnished sleeping room for female student. Kitchen priv./occ. date negotiable. FMI phone cell: xxx-xxxx"
<> Personal items to store: sorted, ready to box up-- one mere box, yay! I think it will ALL fit under the daybed for summer resumption, and still leave the tenant's double underbed storage free.
<> Trash and laundry ready to move downstairs-- yay!
<> Fridge allocated and partially cleared out, downstairs (shared old bev fridge)
<> Cleaning, smoking, alcohol, pet policies all decided.
<> Rugs allocated to finish covering bare parts of floor-- Hardi will help ease them into place after I super-vacuum them out on the front porch we shored up on Friday. He may carpet the stairs, too.
<> Dressing mirror and clothes rack to assemble (up there already).
<> AC to take out till summer-- Hardi will carry it down.
<> A pair of curtains and tiebacks to hang (they're up there).
<> Hooks for coats, etc. to hang in upper landing between room and stairs-- think I have them already.
<> BR space allocated and ready to clear (5 minutes) (towels, toiletries)
<> Electric blanket to find and install-- think the unopened, brand new one is up there and if not the one in the camper will out after we use it Friday night.

The totality of what "must" come down is nil: will be easy to move back up once we reclaim it for the summer. (Easier than popping up and folding down the damn camper!)


The "room" is 15 x 16 and can still sleep 5 or more with minimal conversion, for "guests" who the tenant will like to let crash. There is a LR zone, a sleeping zone, and a study zone. One switch outside the tenant's door turns off all the lights and any appliances they sneak in. The outlet to run the safe, oil-filled radiator is not on that circuit.

Pluses: We offer snowplowed parking and choice of cats. Low rent, overnight guests welcome, no music is too loud if doors are closed. Free laundry facilities, soap supplied. Use of BBQ grill available. Add'l storage space available. Add'l guest space (parents visiting?) available. Family meals available. Weight room & treadmill available. Pee bucket optional. (WalMart has portapotti's.) Leaving for crimmiss or spring break? Leave yer stuff-- no rent charged!


In sight: MY LONG LOST INCOME STREAM! Even if the winter is "too cold" and the tenant leaves, I ought to get at least a couple of months rent out of it. I've lived in worse and loved it. I've lived up there and loved it.

It just needs the right tenant: a bohemian with serious studying to do-- grad student? (Big teachers' and nursing programs nearby.) If it works out, next is a male tenant for the in-house "sailboats" room near our winter bedroom. If it doesn't, it's all set for HUNTERS (or gas drillers).


Feel free to join me in praying up and discerning the right tenant(s)! Yes I would take a "couple," no questions asked.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 01:26 PM

Susan, I would think twice about gas drillers, or at least do some research first. If they pick up any of the same smells as the oil field folks, you won't be able to get rid of the crude oil smell and it will take over your washer and dryer. And parts of your house. I've camped near an oil field and found the commercial campground in the area was only suitable to people who worked in the oil fields because they were either so used to the smell they didn't mind or they couldn't smell it any more.

Have you rented this particular apartment before? I must say that it has crossed my mind that I could rent a room to a student, but there are too many Seminary students on this side of town and I don't want to fool with the religious arguments. Some of them, when I run into them in the grocery store, are ready to try to convert everyone they meet. "Rent to single female student, no religious preference (meaning I prefer no religion at all)." I can see how that would go in the paper. :)

Mowed the side yard and have been stacking the branches cut up so far for bulky waste. Yes, it is too early, but I need to do this now, not next week. I've come in for some lunch and to sharpen my lopper (pruning tool). I realize I'm cutting more with brute force than with a sharp blade. Gotta fix that.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 03:22 PM

More brush piled out front, and some from the back of the back yard piled on the compost. It's the suckers that popped out of stumps since last spring and they'll mostly disappear in the compost (I hate big sticks in the compost). Once I mow later on the yard will have that nice park-like look that it gets when you have the long view through the backs of several of our yards along the creek. I love the luxury of a slightly tamed wild place.

Nice surprise on the auction - another $100 added to the total. I'll ship it on Tuesday and be glad to have such a beautiful but frankly dangerous thing out of here.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 03:22 PM

Susan, I would think twice about gas drillers, or at least do some research first. ... Have you rented this particular apartment before?

We regularly run into them at local restaurants. You will recall from past posts that I have serious issues with smells-- and I've never picked up a THING off them as I pass by. There are *legal* concerns about some of them... (I understand some of them hit the road to work the gas thing after unresolved problems in their home states). But a background check can be done.

And no, we have not rented out this space per se, but lots of Mudcatters have enjoyed it. Because it is an addition onto the main house, there is zero noise transfer. It was originally built to be farmhand housing on a large working farm, and was originally the enormous bedroom to what would have been a 2-story apartment. The downstairs is where the fridge, Hardi's weight room, and the laundry machines live, as well as the back door into the house and access to "their" interior stairway. (It's the old Mudcat Attic Dorm.)

Supplemental heat will chimney from the laundry room right up their stairwell into their space-- been there, slept that. A young person will not find it "too cold."

Heading back up now for Round Two!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 03:39 PM

SRS....I'm working in a the collection and recoveries section of a bank. It's really interesting as well as challenging. It's a position which has good promotional prospects too!

Done a couple of more exercise classes this weekend. Tomorrow I'm starting to walk home from work. The 6 miles will be a good start for training for the London Moonwalk in May.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 04:57 PM

What a difference a new iron makes.... I did a load of it in half the time it used to take. Still quite a lot more to do, but I feel good getting done what I did.

Stuff is now in caravan and lists made for shopping and taking camping next week.

New sofa bed ordered and arrangements made for friend to take the old sofa away.

Sticking to sensible eating, very small portions, healthy foods, lots of water.

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

1-1/2 hours Round Two

UNmade the daybed to add a dust ruffle-- ouchies with muscles sore from Round One. But it is now dressed in layers from the floor up, with about a dozen pretty pillows Hardi helped me case when he came up to see "where you wife" as we like to say.

While I was up there Sadie was NOT yiking like a fire truck because she was jealous Faulkner had gone up with me-- she desperately needed to be let OUT, as the state of their carpeted corner now makes totally clear. Uh, yum?

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 06:17 PM

Today we did some MAJOR grocery shopping...last night's trip was for minimal amounts of food as I wasn't sure we were going to go grocery shopping today. So...small bits of shopping done locally last night and a trip to the *big city* today. We went to Sam's Club and Wegmans and spent $350.00 between the two. Given all my medical bills and the cash laid out for medications over the past 7 months, our budget has been beyond tight. This is the first month we've had a bit more freedom and my cupboards have been lacking....freezer too. NOT ANYMORE! YAY! We stocked up on essentials besides food too...dish soap, laundry soap, shampoo, enough baby formula for a month (probably much more than a month's supply as he is now eating baby food 3 times a day plus cereal too), paper products....you get the idea. Everything has been put away except for a large amount of canned goods which will wait until tomorrow when I can clean out the pantry and get it all organized. It makes me feel good to have a stocked freezer and pantry!!! Meat will be unpacked, trimmed, divided up and frozen tomorrow too unless I get a big streak of energy.
    Also, on Friday, I spent all day with a friend and Jeremiah hitting up yard sales. I am so addicted. He got 22 articles of clothing (all in great shape)....4 of which are jackets and 5 pairs of cordoroy pants great for winter creeping on wood floors which can get coldish, a laundry basket full of toys.....3 crinkly books are in the wash at the moment and I will be washing down the other toys in the morning, 3 Richard Scarey learning videos, 1 Baby Einstein dvd, 3 movies for mommy and daddy, 2 alarm clocks and a handmade flannel baby quilt all for $16.00....I feel like we hit the jackpot!!!    HOORAY!   I love to shop and I love a good bargain...can you tell? :)
    Anyway, on to the cleaning and preparations for Pete's uncle who is visiting next week! I'm working on the living room tonight...anyone want to come help? ;)

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 07:07 PM

SRS, I captured a couple of shots of the some Ponderosas from the video, but NOT good quality and don't really show the widespread devastation as I wasn't taking pix of them. Rog will be going back up soon, though, before the snow flies as that area is totally closed off and inaccessible when it gets going winter-wise. If I don't go with him, I'll be sure he gets a few pix regardless. I should have used his video camera. It was on the seat next to me, but I am not familiar with it and my camera is so much handier. I do have a raw footage video if anyone wants me to email it. I don't want to put it up anywhere public as I would get laughed at, I am sure, but it does give one an idea of what it looks like to travel along dirt roads up in the high country. Some parts are not too bad, just the whole thing is kind of jerky. I tried slowing it down in moviemaker, but it looked worse, so there ya go.

Rog and I worked from about 10a-4p. We got a huge project done! Went through the rest of the books in the living room and we were ruthless about what little to keep..the rest will be sold, given away, etc. Once we'd almost emptied those shelves, we brought out the library truck which was full and then some. Went through all of those and culled out a bunch more. So, now the truck sits in the LR, draped with plastic to keep out the dust and, still full to the brim with extra books stacked on top. Those are my new job. I will try to get at least 2-3 listed online each day from all of those. There's a lot of research to do AND photos to take as well as deciding where to sell them, but at least they are sorted. We also moved my 3 ring binders of various stuff up one shelf in the office, so the paperbacks for the swap site can be on an easy to get to shelf when I get a request for one of them. We added over thirty new books to that list today, so the shelf is full counting the others I had in boxes.

So, I also listed the thirty at paperbackswap.com AND I entered them and all of the other paperbacks I am giving away or whathaveyou on mylibrary.com list of books read. I cannot believe, but I recruited Morgan to help me by reading the ISBN numbers to me and after we were about halfway through, he asked if he could go home! Hahaha...turns out he was not feeling super and just wanted to go lie down...puir kid.

Anyway, I don't know where we will put the truck to get it out of the LR...it looks like an elephant in the middle of the room:-) but it's not going back in the office. I will just have to hurry up and get the books listed and sold! If they don't sell in a certain time, they will go to friends and/or a public library.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 07:29 PM

Good work, everyone! I finished mowing, and after I cool off a little will take the trimmer out. I put in new string this morning to get ready. It seems the best way to get this one to work is to not put in so much and fill it often, but I was to the end of the roll of string and put it all in. I may regret that.

Cod thawing for dinner, along with the rest of last night's rice and some veggies and fruit. It was a good workout mowing and I might was well keep on that healthy path with a good meal. And I'll walk the dogs before I feed them, so lots and lots of exercise today.

Poor Sadie - she must feel so bad about making a mess in the house.

Michelle, I keep my membership up at Sams Club because it is only a mile or so from here, and because I can run over and pick up one of those rotisserie chickens every so often. Have you tried those?

Allison, that must be a huge kitchen. Three rocking chairs? A loveseat? Wow!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 07:42 PM

SRS,

   Nope, we've never had their rotisserie chicken...probably because we have a 45 minute drive to get home before we'd be able to enjoy it.

I just joined paperbackswap book club too...haven't listed any books yet but it is on my list of things to do!

    Jeremiah is in his jammies (footies jammies....sooooo sweet), has had his dinner (sweet potatoes tonight...his favorite), we've read a story ("That's When I'm Happy) and he's on is way to bed as soon as Daddy is finished hanging out with him.

    Lots of walking for me today.

'Night all!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 09:04 PM

Walking yes, here too-- ought to quantify-- plus the steps. TBTG for Tramadol and French films; Hardi and I just took out a smoked brisket to "rest" for further processing tomorrow. It's a big one!

Office work (and steps up there) resume tomorrow.

New cooking show-- Aarti's Party. Get it if you can.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 11:30 PM

Michelle, I used to sometimes buy two of those chickens, one for the meal that evening and one for leftovers. Even if you take it home in the cooler, you'll find it's nice to have all of that cooked bird for soup or quesadillas or tacos or whatever. I like chicken on pizzas and on salad, there are so many ways to use it and the good thing about those birds (that I've seen here) is that they're in the 5-6 pound range and you can't buy a raw chicken for less than these things cost.

I finished the trimming around the yard and I'll put in a load of laundry. I'll do some puttering around the house, but I've pretty well finished any big jobs for the day. Tomorrow I'd do some weeding.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 11:31 PM

Had to move the storm windows from the deck this morning into the house, as it is forecast to snow tonight. In a couple of days it will be clear and 60 again, then I can finish painting them so we can get them back up on the windows. Can't get enough ventilation to paint them inside until I can leave the door and window open.

Brrrrr! I'm not ready for snow this soon.



A.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 12:14 AM

Already had six requests for books on paperbackswap! That didn't take long. Those will go out the door on Tuesday. Then I will get credit for all six and can request six of whatever is available that I'd like to read.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 03:46 AM

MAjor declutter required.. can barely move in computer room where things got sorted off a shelf and then not put in another place... it's started creeping into the bedroom now! HELP!

Still, at least I deflea'd the cats.

Little bastards repaid me by peeing on my handbag.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 08:25 AM

OMG LtS! ROF, LOL, ROF, LMAO!

There IS someone whose day has begun (or ended) more FUBAR than MINE!

Sympathies,

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 09:26 AM

SNOW! Oh I don't think I'm at all ready for that! We're still in Tees!

The people who came to view the house on Friday are coming back for a second viewing tonight! Things may be moving faster than I anticipated (or not, if they decide against it).

Liz - you've just got typical cats!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 11:49 AM

Good luck, Andrea! That sounds good!

I have had nine books requested, in total, since listed them yesterday! All will go out the door tomorrow.

Rog is mowing and weed-wacking, I am doing dishes, then we are moving a trunk from the foot of our bed and moving a lightweight table to that spot, utting the trunk in our closet, I think. Then the library truck can go into the office where the table was! Then Rog will sweep and I will mop. Have to go finish the dishes, now.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 12:14 PM

One large shelf in the mudroom/pantry has been cleaned off, outdated stuff tossed (not bad, only 3 cans), over 30 cans of soup added, shelf reorganized, some other stuff cleaned out, a rough sweep done and kitchen counter has been almost found. Second load of laundry is going. All new baby toys have been cleaned/bleached/washed...all cloth toys are being air dried by God, hard toys scrubbed, dried, new batteries added where needed and put away by Mommy.

Onward!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 01:37 PM

I had a huge lifetime supply bottle of soy sauce in the fridge that takes so much space that I found an old tall olive oil bottle with a rubber gasket stopper and filled it. There is still another quart of soy sauce to decant into something smaller, so I'm poking around the cupboards. I hate to throw stuff out that is perfectly good, and maybe after ages in the fridge this will need to be tossed, but at least it won't continue to take up so much door real estate.

I don't have room in my closets for trunks, there is so much stuff around the sides on the floor (toy boxes or low clothes rods or shoe racks) already, but this does give me an idea. I could stack a couple at table height in a couple of places and let them act like a taller tabletop instead of leaving them unstacked and more in the coffee table position. I'll report back on this one. Thanks, Kat!

The lawn looks wonderful today. This time of year it is almost dormant, but with occasional heavy rains, it grows in a spotty way and it tends to look scruffy for weeks before I mow.

I haven't smelled any barbecue smoke yet, but I'm sure someone in the neighborhood will be having a party. There was one up the street yesterday evening. We have a tropical storm or hurricane, not sure what it is right now, pushing clouds and rain our way, but today should stay dry. I think I'll go get some country-style ribs to grill and keep in the fridge for this week.

I've almost finished filing a bunch of papers and school stuff to clear off my dining room table. Once it is clear the stuff that is being shipped to my son will go there until I find a box to fit it. He has been waiting for something to be returned from a friend here, but I'd like to get the rest of the stuff to him now.

I didn't do laundry yesterday because I was going to mow (I'd end up kicking dust or grass on the clothes on the line) so I'll do it today. I love hanging laundry on the line, for me it's one of those visceral activities that makes my life feel connected to the planet, if that makes any sense. Taking damp clothes out and hanging them as I listen to the birds and wind chimes and wind in the trees.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 02:25 PM

I don't like weight watchers sausage and mash... Mushrooms were the best part. 3 colleagues commented that I looked like I've lost weight when I walked in the door today. That's a good thing. I am wearing trousers I could not a month ago.

I had rejigged my calorie counter/activity spreadsheet. Few more tweaks and I will set laptop to open on startup. also send copy to a diet buddy.

I am cold and exhausted this evening so doing no work or exercise. I was literally falling asleep on my feet when we did shopping this evening.

I love those rotisserie chickens. Used to buy 2 and pick meat off both as soon as I got them in the door. Freeze most of the meat in little containers to be taken out one at a time for soups, salads, etc. But I think I read somewhere they have a huge amount of fat in them, due to basting and infecting of fat. So every 3 weeks I buy skinless chicken breast fillets and put under broiler with lemon juice and Kroger salt free Zesty Blend. (I need to get my Mom to send me some more of that stuff. I use it on loads of foods and don't need salt. There is nothing comparable in the UK.) Let chicken cool, chop it up and freeze in packs for later use.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 03:45 PM

They aren't basted, it's the rotisserie that keeps them juicy because the bird's own melted fat moves as the bird turns. There is probably a lot of salt, though. They use Lawry's seasoning.

I still roast chickens whole and find I can use the meat during the week in so many different dishes that it doesn't go to waste. But I do need to leave it in front so I remember to use it. When the fridge was always really full I would lose track of things and have to toss them if they were too old. Now that I can see everything without rearranging the containers I hope to throw less away.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 04:15 PM

That happens with me with Rog, SRS. He shoves my stuff to the back when he puts in whatever he has cooked up for himself for the week and I forget I've got a whole new packet of fresh strawberries until they go bad or I go "mining" for a snack!:-)

The trunk I was talking about, which didn't go to the closet, btw, we didn't have room, either, had been in my LR for years and years as a low coffee table. It's too big and heavy, though, and I tired of it always being laden with stuff that had to be moved every time I wanted to get into it, so it went against a wall in our bedroom, with a chair in front of it, which will work out okay for now. It does have a crate of our son's LPs on it, but those are easily moved. Trunks do make great end/lamp tables, too. We did get the table moved out of the office and the library truck went back to that room, but over in the corner now so it's not in the way as it was before. Now all I have to do is figure out where to put everything which wound up piled on my desk..all the jewellery making supplies, more books, ebay stuff, stacking racks for the office, papers to be filed (it's a BIG desk) and a few odds and end. My goal is to get the laptop set up again in there with a regular monitor and track ball, plus have the jewellery stuff to hand should the mood strike. I think I can do that by bringing the ebay stuff out to the rest of the boxes in the LR under the bookshelves and filing a bunch of other stuff as well as get rid of a lot. It will feel so good to have the office back in order, again.

We've had a "cold" front move in, no snow like you, Alice, thank goodness, but nippy this morning and a beautiful, breezy 70s/low80s with sun and a few clouds. Just gorgeous! Yesterday and Sat. were in the 90s.

SRS, forgot to say I put those photos in the album at the myopera link posted before.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 06:07 PM

Today's Rent work was minimal but helpful-- Hardi has a rare day off so we are doing other stuff. I washed out the metal breadbox that will go up there and dug out the boiling pot (labled "water ONLY"), into which I inserted a metal ring to hold canned food to heat up. Thus the opened can goes into a water bath, and the pot never needs to be washed but can warm up all sorts of things as well as water for tea, ramen, etc. The second pot I'd been holding went out to the camper, where we missed it during vacay and which we are using later this week. Also I washed out a spare Brita-type filter pitcher to go to the church thrift shop.

I had a phone chat with my mom today, who vetted the rental plan pretty thoroughly; she concurs. If it passes the Momtest-- with THIS mom-- stats say it's a good plan.

Early this AM I figured out how to work around my use of the spare bedroom near ours where I nap, etc., and I can see that room also being rented out before too long. Blockage: the bookshelves in there hold the books we want to keep post-purge. Don't really want to move them; might get them into a shelf up there-- no, wait, the linen closet we never use! :~) OK, that one can open November 1 (or be the second and more expensive choice for the first tenant if the attic room proves too cold).


I made Peruvian Green Spaghetti today while Hardi nursed his smoked brisket along in its water bath to finish it. Yummy supper!


Keep moving forward, all of you. Remember that any movement forward is momentum and progress, and MUCH better than sliding-backwards momentum. Even holding your place is good-- so you can continue forward movement without having to reverse the whole flow.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 07:59 PM

De-cluttered some files on the computer.

Painted the painting of the day:

No Place Like Home

Planted 15 tulip bulbs in various spots in the yard.

Moved a couple of plants inside to winter over - geraniums.

Put on sweater and turned on the heat :-(

The peaks are white with snow. What fell in the valley overnight quickly melted, but still cold out there. This feels way too early to stay this cold. If it starts even earlier than it did last year, which was the first week of October, the winter snows better melt earlier next spring! This is ridiculous!

A.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 08:13 PM

Alice,

   That is lovely and I love what you wrote with it too!!!   :) Where do you live that you have snow?

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 08:15 PM

I am in western Montana, in the Rocky Mountains.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 08:57 PM

I LOVE it, Alice AND your write-ups really add to the pleasure of viewing, too!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 01:04 AM

Alice, I hope you're getting as much pleasure out of these little painting as we are! May I ask how you're pricing them? You don't need to say here if that is an awkward question, but I'm curious if they're within reach of any of our pocketbooks. I sure like that farmer outstanding in his field. . .

I cooked up a storm tonight. I had the dishes all washed after round one, but then I made my annual ribs and there's another sink full to attack. It was worth it to have my daughter say, when we spoke, "I really like those." Good! I have them here in the freezer - I'll pack them individually in foil, and make sure there is lots of sauce with each one to keep them moist.

The green chile stew is good, but even trying to reduce the recipe I ended up with a lot. A friend has been working on a house remodel for the last two weekends, with several more to come, so I think I'll take a bowl of this over to him in the next day or two. He's my canning mentor. It's nice to be able to send some home cooking to someone who has been too busy for it lately.

One load of laundry finished, another load will go in this evening. I have a really busy week for work this week, but much of it will be done here at home, I hope.

I don't think I'll be doing so much cooking again when it's just me here, but I wanted to try something new (that's a good thing!) and create enough so I don't have to cook as much this week.

Tomorrow I mail a relatively small package, under 1 pound, that brought a very nice sum to my PayPal account, and will move to my next auction items. I have so much stuff around here that needs to go, and maybe the overcast and rain that are predicted will be enough to inspire me to work on my inside the house stuff for a while. When the weather is so nice I tend to head out of doors.

Did anyone else see this Salon article on hoarders? It isn't us, but it is something we always want to keep in mind - I have a room where I have shoved the inheritance overage and I wouldn't want anyone to take a reading on my habits from that room. I love it every week when I can take a whole big trashbag full of recycling stuff to the depot near me. My trash at the curb would be a lot bulkier if I didn't recycle. I think these folks don't know how to recycle. So read the article and congratulate yourselves on simply being modest packrats, and we're all working on reforming ourselves even of that!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 08:05 AM

I watched a few episodes of Hoarders yesterday....definitely inspires me to get busy and to yard sale out any of those things that we don't use.

I love to take food to people too...I think it's good for the person you are taking it too and good for the person making it! Spread the love!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 10:46 AM

I missed the deadline for this week's ad paper, so it goes in Monday to run Wednesday. More time to plan how and what to show, print up pricing options, etc., and get the main house downstairs ready to show for potential kitchen, TV usage, and internet usage. Maybe even the Sailboats room too for "guest of tenant" usage.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 11:50 AM

PS, since most of the deal here is to get bucks for a cleaning lady, I just found a (free) printable cleaning checklist the tenant-applicant can use to suggest a partial barter for the space. Kollidge kids like barter....

http://www.printabletodolist.com/category/checklist

I got a referral to a great cleaning lady and this list will help me plan work with her as well. Perhaps it can be useful to some of us in our declut plans as well....

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 12:27 PM

It appears I have sold the house!(Now I've got to find a new one!)

The couple buying it gave been renting for 18 months and are keen to get moving. I foresee a trip up to Northumberland this Friday....

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 12:34 PM

Wow, Andrea! Congratulations.

A.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 12:36 PM

WOOT! All bloods came back normal except RA factor (I knew inflammation was high by the way I feel) and cholesterol is 5.62. I need to get it down to 5.

Best news - Blood Pressure down to 132 over 92 from 140 over 114 last week.

Walk home from doctor's had my hips seizing up. Took me 3x as long to get home, I am freezing and feet are cramping, ravenously hungry but feel pretty ok otherwise.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 12:41 PM

Tam,

Walk home from doctor's had my hips seizing up. Took me 3x as long to get home....

... and as your body told you, that was too much too soon. One step at a time means one BABY step at a time-- you are worth the careful approach to progress. If you don't think so even for a moment (look out now), remember that you are Andie's living memorial. Please, plan for the long haul.

Been there! Done that! :~)

Love you dear,

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 01:07 PM

Andrea, congratulations!! Now, you will find just the right home to move to and I can't wait for pix!:-)

SRS, I thought THIS was the saddest thing I've ever read about hoarders.

I have a friend whose mother is a hoarder. Not to the extreme that she would be buried under it all, but she and her husband did buy a second house to put all of her stuff in, plus she has started storing some at the church where he is the pastor. My friend and her siblings talked to social services about an intervention, but were told by them AND a lawyer, there was nothing they could really force as she is not considered to be a danger to herself or others. They were successful in getting her to let them take some of the cats to be spayed/neutered and adopted out, but they've given up on anything else. It is really sad.