BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 04:44 PM

ooptoe's

corrected post (maybe)

pant.pant.pant

I am DONE for the day (unless Hardi can spare me a few minutes to lay 2 rugs and do some hardware).

I piddled around MORE hanging a faux headboard, tiebacks on curtains, etc., pit toghether a clothes rack.... and policed the last corner's dust bunnies/trash. I took apart a bed frame which cleared the space for the puder podium, and zip-tied the folding legs of a table that keeps wanting to fold itself up.

Stuff to be brought down has been identified, packaged, and set to go down. I have been carrying small stuff on every trip-- now we're into the Man Help. Hardi = weightlifter. Two little bulletin boards are up-- so cute. They are plastic placemats roughly circular in the shape of an abstract yellow flower, on which taped items can be displayed so as not to mess up the walls. (Or written on with wipe-off markers.) A music staff in brass is up, and Animaterra's postcard and an old item of Donuel's are next. An item from Sorcha already on that wall-- it's the Catter Wall. (Waul?) Artsy, eclectic, bright, not cluttered. Cheerful. Kat and Seamus books are up there for boredom. UK papers, Rexford town book..... all kinda Catterobilia including a lil punkin the little Ducks decorated.

I got the description/policies drafted in email to send out, and a pricing structure is emerging: base rate plus amenities but amenities can be bartered or paid. Gonna send it to Mmario who has slept there most often (after me and Hardi).

I really like the policies-- they are strict only in safety areas and quite open in some "lifestyle" matters. I am comfortable with what I wrote about the realities of country life in a pastor's home, balanced with liberal doses of privacy. (Su casa su casa.) The references I will request are, according to a student friend, reasonable. (My past daycare clients were more than happy to provide a similar amount of info.) After a FAFSA, hey, what's another application.

After rugs, photo shoot. This will not only promote the ambience but be my documentation of how I want it left when the tenant vacates.

Even nit-picking as I tend to do, there is really not much left up there to do-- mostly cash my grocery check and buy the $34 microwave I spotted last week.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 05:54 PM

You know, I can't help but think that after all of this planning for a tenant in that room that you're still going to end up with someone up there who is a total surprise and none of these rules and arrangements are going to stick.

"Just sayin'," to quote my pal Bobert.

One bandaged dog hanging out on the back porch - she was lying inside with her chin on the door step, poor dear. With it hot she's going to lie around outside or in, but outside she has Poppy for company and more stuff to watch. I'll try to keep her quiet and they'll spend the nights in. That should be interesting.

The vet was going to simply use liquid nitrogen to freeze the tissue behind the split toenail, but ended up digging out the nail bed and cauterizing with silver nitrate. The fleshy bit was too large for just freezing. She's a good girl, he used a local, and out of standard practice they put a muzzle on, but she's so patient they didn't need to. They called me back to see the work he had done, and there were several people standing around the table to help as he worked, but she just lay there quietly and enjoyed getting petted. So much for the fierce reputation pit bulls have. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 07:41 PM

Whew! Got the hang of these events on facebook. I just posted one (I did one a couple of years ago but it didn't really go anywhere. Now I know a lot more about facebook and it was much easier).

So this evening I have stuff to do for myself but I also have stuff to do for work. This evening will be a mixed bag. Laundry is in - I cleared out the couple of bins of water that had garments soaking (antique stuff). It's nice to have the counter space back.

I'm taking ibuprofen and antihistamines to try to keep this cold at bay. I can feel it tickling at the back of my throat.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 09:28 PM

Puir doggie. Tell Cinnamon my Merlee says be a good grryl and it will get all better.:-)

I've been getting the hang of Etsy and the myriad ways they have of helping one another to promote their goods. Thanks to Alice-the-Mentor, I have now created my first "Treasury" which is a grouping of other's items which fit a theme I created called "Polly Put the Kettle On! It's TeaTime!" I wanted to build one around Alice's painting of the little girls having a tea party on the porch, so that's where that came from. The first time, even though I hit SAVE, it was lost. I found out why and recreated it using my browser history. Creating a Treasury is good as you get a chance to look at others' listings, read their descriptions, policies, etc.; a kind of nice way to get the lay of the land and so supportive of one another. If you do a great job of one, it might get featured on the home page. It's a very social, non-competitive place from what I have seen.

I also got my first item listed. I can see it's going to take some time with each item being different. I'll add more when I have time. So far, tomorrow looks good, only one appt. and I am not sure I will have Morgan at all as he may not go to school. They are out on Friday, all day, so I'm thinking my dau. may just keep him home one more day. He sure sounded puny this evening. So, I may have lots of time the next two days. Here's my shop: Kat Laughing.

This morning I got my brother going with a new blog: A Composer's Hobbies. Also started an account for him on myspace, have to upload some music, though. Most of the morning went better than I expected and I *educated* him some more on the internet and social networking/marketing. I have to give him an "A" for effort and willingness to learn.

I have been so busy today I just realised I have not played Reversi or Spider Solitaire once! LOL. Now, off to the shower and relaxation!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 09:31 PM

SRS, if you mean I am going to end up giving away the space and my time, that is not going to happen. I have something available under circumstances that work for me and reason to believe that it is wanted.... I never met a landlady yet who let the tenant set the terms-- I know where I can flex and where I can't. For example I have to pay for their heat out of their rent, so there has to be at least a break-even point.

I was born in the morning-- but not THIS morning.

If you mean that there will be surprises, of course I know that, duh! Human beans is all surprises; that's what I like about them.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 11:37 PM

A busy day running around but the main thing to show for it:

Treasury of things including Kat's china.


A.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 02:41 AM

And my first "Treasury" includes one of my favs. of Alice's paintings. I call the whole thing Polly Put the Kettle On! It's TeaTime!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 09:30 AM

Animaterra,

(BTW, most of the Room stuff here and upthread is written in "I" mode because by agreement it's my job, not Hardi's, and because I'm focusing on my end of the job HERE while I focus on the tenant's end when I meet with THEM-- it's a boundary thing.)


The ad is working for me while I finish work on the Room, and the processes I set in place to deal with the responses are also working-- my cell is the number I ran, and I programmed the outbound greeting to request email to send back the description and an application.

The first call came in last night right after classes and dinner-- the same pattern my aquatic ads had, when people pick up their Wednesday mail or the ad-paper on display at stores and restaurants.

The first run of calls with this paper are usually from folks who have made up their minds to go look, on purpose, for something they want. The paper's casual browsers (and there are many) look at it in the morning over their coffee.

The first caller was young, well-spoken, female, and businesslike-- just what I had "attracted"/prayed and worked towards. The purposeful calls will come again this evening. I'm logging them all as they come in, and prioritizing. (My Presbytera ears can usually discern the difference between a need and a want.)


I have decided that the only "major" appliance supplied will be a brand-new inexpensive nukerator (which I will buy out of the deposit). This is because the wiring up there will take only two heavy-drawing items at a time-- such as the oil rad on one wall and either the nukerator, briefly, OR a laptop on the other. (A smart kollidge kid oughtta be able to make that work-- since lappies haz badderies.) The oil rad will be on an appropriately heavy extension cord rated by the mfr as safe, so they can move it closer to their preferred sitting area, dressing area, etc. The nukerator, ditto.

I'm also purchasing outlet security items (think baby-proofing stuff) to keep the lines set the way we set them. The rest of the "purchases" I listed the other day, I was able to find around the house-- keeping my costs as low as possible.

Those two heavy-draws will run on circuits that stay on when the light-switch kills everything else. I will let the tenant know that the lines are all set up for max usage, and that adding anything will just pop a circuit-breaker Hardi and I may not be able to flip back for them till bedtime. Example: you can try to blowdry your hair and run the nukerator at the same time, but it may not work and it will zap the heater circuit, too.

Our landlord's heating tech is in the basement at the moment so I hope to wake up to a "warm" house (66 degrees) in the morning. I like knowing that our ancient gas furnace's vagaries (main house) will not affect the tenant, and that their electric heat supplemented by a gas wall-heater not on the main furnace line will keep them warm all winter.

I'm off to the day's outside chores (ours and the Room's), punctuated by trips up and down to finish taking down anything up there that does not stay up there.

Hardi did not have any minutes for me last night, so tonight I lay rugs (and gain pain), which will involve moving in ways my still-rehabbing bones and muscles do not handle well, to say the least. Tho my butt muscles have stopped hurting due to the stair-climbs, and the knees are improving from it as well.

So I will appreciate any GOOD thoughts and encouragement from MudBuds.

I hope to get a feedback note today from friend Mmario.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 10:47 AM

SRS, you might find this hilarious; I did.

~S~

=============

Hi Jessica!

You are ON THE CASE, girl!

LOL, I wondered (prayed about) a couple renting it. (It is big enough.) I had not yet set a couple's pricing structure-- I will tho and quote a rate soon.

Watch your email for a description and application.

Please know that as an overbooked pastor's wife, my time is pretty scattered. Therefore I had not planned to show it before Sunday, soonest, and I have work to finish-- and thus the Oct. 1 move-in I planned. If you need it sooner, we're gonna have to work around a couple of things (like my dirty kitchen).

Anyway look over the description (photo's maybe tomorrow).

Go Jessica!

~Susan

----------------

To: [e-mail]
Subject: Room Available
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:19:41 -0400

Hello, My name is Jessica R[xxxxxx]. I recieved your [cell] message this morning and I wanted to email you for more information on the room.
How much is it a month? My fiance and I are looking for something right now, until December. How far from Mansfield would you say it is? And when would be a good time to look at it?
Thank you, Jessica

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 11:48 AM

I remember looking for an apartment in Kentucky when we first arrived there in 1980 for a job. For eight years my now ex-husband and I lived together. We were married for 12 years after that, and now have been divorced for 10 years. Long time. We get along better when we're not married to each other. Anyway, at one of the places advertised, a cute little place that was once a motel but was remade into efficiency apartments, the woman I spoke to asked if we were married. I told her no, and she looked non-plussed. "Well, we could just tell people you're married," she said. I wrote off that place with the answer "why would we want people to think we're married?"

If I were to rent a room in this house it would end up being an exercise in choosing a roommate. There's no isolation of one room from the rest of the house. The temptation to micromanage the process is probably strong, but I was mostly offering that remark with a thought about the amount of "stuff" that people have these days. With "free will" and the tenant's right to enjoy the space they rent there is a possible clash of room arrangements, such as the amount of equipment in place because of what the tenant might bring in. I wonder if anyone these days can really get along with as few always-on plugs as seem to be available in this room. I had extra plugs wired into this room I use as my office for that very reason. I have a quad plug for the computer and music equipment and things are still plugged in around the room to take care of everything that needs juice. Television, VCR, DVD, radio/cd/combo player, etc. plus lamps, computer and peripherals, phone charger, and more.

Cinnamon is limping very heavily on that foot - a combination of the bulk of the bandaging and tenderness of the wound. She's due a painkiller again this morning. They spent a quiet night asleep on the Persian carpet in my bedroom. I let them out at dawn to pee, and they wanted right back in, convincing me that they weren't finished with their night's sleep yet and slept a couple more hours. :-) They're good girls and think sleeping in the house is fun, but they really do prefer to spend the day outside.

I have the box about ready to mail to my son. I've had to find smaller boxes to tuck things into - he asked for a spare router, for example, and that has one of those heavy wall wart plugs that would bash everything else in the box if it weren't anchored in it's own packaging.

I just taped a new sandwich bag over Cinnamon's foot and put a cross-hatch of masking tape on the part of the bag under the foot so she won't tear up the plastic in the yard. If it gets wet or dirty I have to take her in to have it re-bandaged. I gave her a pill that she spit out a couple of times. It never fails to astonish me that animals that lick their own butts and eat dead things will bother to spit out pills. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 12:24 PM

SRS, the "right" tenant I hope to spot will be using the uni library's computers for their big stuff and printing, because unless they pay for a cable modem they will not have internet anyway. But that is part of the free will thing-- the space is the space is the space.

The space itself will control what can run, just as in the main house we ourselves are limited by unrepaired fire damage from 10 years ago-- all peeps gotta deal with what is. And that is why it's a boundary issue and not a control issue-- my job is to set it up to be as safe as I can make it, guided by what I am sure anyone would need because for 2 months out of the year we live up there part-time and we know what we can use and what we wish we could use. What WILL need to be micro-managed is their supplemental heat if it's a bad winter-- which will work for me because I need the exercise.

As far as the volume of their stuff, that's already covered-- extra storage available ($$) onsite but outside the room itself.


Catters who have been here have found that we prep thoroughly and then enjoy Life Happening. That's the dynamic we hope the tenant will enjoy, and so far the continuing correspondence with Jessica indicates this-- with rent still to be set as appropriate to their unique needs. Right now we're discussing an Oct-May deal paid monthly, her preference.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 02:12 PM

For those of you who are using/doing Weight Watchers, look at what I found: Click Here. Kind of neat to read about and great links!

Got the dishes done this morning. Went to my appt. Now, maybe do more Etsy listings. Morgan is still home on 24 hour quarantine from school and me until the throat culture says yea or nay for strep.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 02:55 PM

Spent some quality time giving the dogs a pat and cuddle. I've organized the dog paraphernalia over next to the back door and it looks better. That's next to where the fireplace is and the chair and table I've set up in front of the television. I was able to check and delete email last night while I watched movie. Through NetFlix I had the latest version of Sherlock Holmes in which Guy Ritchie played fast and loose with the characters of Holmes and Watson and sullied Irene Adler's reputation. Lots of flourish and furbelows to bolster a slim plot. I don't know what all of the fuss was about. Sherlock was known for his drug abuse, for his brilliance, for his costumes. Ritchie added martial arts. It didn't improve the story. That film is back in the mail.

I have to clean the countertop and table in the kitchen - stray papers and magazines.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 03:21 PM

I think that almost anyone would want to plug in a laptop rather than drain their batteries...maybe you could just post a sign explaining the circuitry and not to use microwave, hair dryer, iron etc. if the heater is on. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 03:37 PM

RESULT!

I have had an offer accepted on 4 Church St, Belford! It has some (quite a few) issues that need resolving, and will need an in depth survey, but unless they inform me it's going to drop round my ears, I want it! It is in dire need of tlc, and the poor thing has been on sale for 4 years! Several sales have fallen through - some due to survey issues, although the owners have, apparently, addressed some issues; others because the village churchyard is over the road! Quiet neighbours, is the way I see it, and to be honest, it's a wall, some lovely trees, and a green hillside dotted with old graves, surrounding the church. The trees screen quite a bit of it. I think it's a pretty view. I was told they were desperate to sell, so I stuck a cheeky offer in, about 10k below the asking price, which they had recently reduced to.

On the subject of my current house, I still have another surveyor to come round, as the one earlier this week was acting for the purchaser, not the mortgage company.

As regards weight loss? No. I have spent the last couple of days staying in a pub and being fed gargantuan pub meals!

Andrea

Grade 2 listing means that I may have to use specialist contractors to do some of the work,and that won't be cheap, but when I walked through the door, it took my hand and welcomed me graciously. I don't know the date of the building yet, but I guess somewhere between about 1790 and 1830. I should find out on completion, as I will hopefully get the deeds.

So all the mumps and grumps about work in progress look like continuing for a while yet!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 03:56 PM

So, to sum it up, this is the house you offered on?

http://www.primelocation.com/uk-property-for-sale/details/id/SANN999000323

And this isn't the one that has a creek (with fish) that runs through the kitchen every so often? This is the one-butt kitchen with the smaller yard?

And this is how you described it when you found it in the search engine: It is a listed town house, looks a couple of hundred year old, and although the garden isn't very big, the house has oodles of potential; plus there are already plans passed for an extension, which then brings the guest room into the house itself. The room off the main bedroom would make an admirable office/work room (or even en-suite, if the planning regs would allow). I want to go see it on Wednesday. Tried ringing the agent yesterday afternoon, but they were obviously shut.

(I'll ask a mudelf to delete this if I pulled the wrong into together).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 04:21 PM

This day has flown by way too fast. The baby and I both had our shower/bath, ran some errands, had luncheon at church (bring a dish to pass kind of thing) and came home. It's dark and chilly out today...supposed to be a thunderstorm on the way. Jeremiah is down for his nap and I'm going to curl up with a book. No housework today...it's a total snuggle down and stay warm kind of day. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 04:51 PM

Whoo-hoo, Andrea! Giving thanks, here, for all things going as you wish for the highest good of all concerned. That is the one I thought looked most in "move-in" condition and I am like you, I'd LOVE having the churchyard with old gravestones across the street. Usually means quieter neighbours!:-)

I have listed two more items on etsy. A decorative mask from Bali and a lovely old bed jacket, just right for coolish, snuggling up with a good book days/nights.:-) I think I am getting back in the swing of listing things ala ebay only it is a bit more friendly/open, etc on etsy, imo.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 04:54 PM

GO ANDREA!

I hope it IS that house SRS linked-- oooooooooh........ but ANY house if it's yours is a good house!

===

The ROOM

RE: laptop as opposed to batteries, yes, they will be able to do both, and just unplug (as I do) very briefly to run anything else. Space there and elsewhere also to charge things.

No sign needed for now-- the tentatively-committed candidate is smart enough to remember her orientation, but it's a good idea to post a sign for times we let others use the space, including ourselves with our increasing memory issues.

I just got back from the store with various electrical-security items to go tap into place. Hardi has time tonight to help screw-anchor my beloved curtains, and the rugs may go down tonight as well. Also got a little bitty book of RENT RECEIPTS-- a splurge at $3.88!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 07:10 PM

PS on rugs going down. They gotta go up then they can go down (be laid) (not sexy).

What goes up must go down.

Did I mention the stairwell is a scant 23" wide? Bit of a challenge what can fit up in that stairwell to go up there, all along this process.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 07:32 PM

Mailed the box to my son. Note to self: if you get the price for UPS online, that is only if you pay online for the shipping. A trip to the UPS store adds about $3 to the shipping. If you pay for the shipping online and drop it at the same store, that doesn't cost anything extra.

Backslid diet-wise; not that I'm on a diet, just trying in general to eat less, but I did polish off a pint of pralines and cream ice cream this afternoon. I have to mow the lawn, the gas can was filled today, so perhaps I should start that and at least break even. :-/

I have another box to ship. I did shopping that should probably tide me over meat wise (I buy a lot of chicken) for the next couple of weeks. I filled up the gas tank when I got the mower gas. If I can avoid any more emergency trips out of town like last week, September shouldn't be too much involved with credit card purchases. That's the goal, to pace myself and not have to use the cards.

Andrea, I asked earlier but didn't see an answer - are these towns where you looking at houses closer to family or friends, or is this the area where you grew up?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 08:32 PM

Nice house, Andrea!

I really like the stone wall and flowers and lawn and also the cupboards built in to the dining room, the fireplaces.... great find.

Another day with lots of busy work that had to be done, buying ink, seeing my doc, resolving PayPal. Finally with google found a phone number to reach a REAL PERSON at PayPal who resolved the fraud over the phone and helped me put the money back into my bank.

Onward!

A.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 08:55 PM

Yeah, Alice, That's great news about paypal!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Alice
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 09:13 PM

Well, now that PayPal is resolved, I could finally update my art that frustrated me for hours yesterday. I guess the PayPal issue was putting my Etsy in limbo, as they charge 20cents an item to add to your shop, and I think PayPal was blocking it.

So, after spending fruitless hours yesterday, I just got it to work now in a few minutes:

Barbara in the Meadow

Dug up one of my potato plants from the garden and had a rather puny harvest from it. Next year will hopefully be better!

A.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 10:58 PM

Tenant negotiations are progressing nicely. I think she is a cat. She already has me half-convinced her cat and fiancee can come, too.

The motivation has come from the sad occurrence I know too well from my own childhood-- a landowner sells the land one is renting and gives the occupants the shortest possible notice to vacate so the owner can keep it all occupied till the last lucrative minute. I'll drop by there (probably Sunday AM) to meet her cat and sniff around for cat-spray signs, and they will come see the Room Sunday as-is (work on it a lot tomorrow) and we will all sit down Sunday afternoon or evening and make a decision.

Hardi gave me two whole hours of his exhausted end-of-week and precious time to help with the parts that take two pairs of hands. I have a LOT left to do with the help of a neighbor kid I will pay who is tall enough to do the things I cannot reach. The tenant's fiancee looks to barter the last few fixits against her Dec - May rent after he leaves in December. They are both seniors in the local uni; he graduates in December and she in May, then she'll be off to Marriedland downstate where he will have started work and set up housekeeping for her. Aw! And she sent a photo-- I'm calling the Cuteness Police ASAP to report a felony.

The local crap shop is going out of business (Michelle-- it's Otruba's), and for 10 bucks I got some new automotive carpet with a plastic backing that will allow me to cut tread-covers for the Room's stairway and totally cover the two small landings it has-- been dreaming about THAT for years too! Perhaps the fiancee would like to run the staple gun. They look like the poster children for cute young marrieds.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 11:00 PM

Andrea, when we look at the photo of that townhouse, there is a shorter building on the right, then 2 white doors in the taller building. Would you have both doors, or just the door on the right (assuming they took the photo with the property centered in it)?

Nice portrait, Alice. Did you use photographs or memory for that?

Didn't get a lot done this evening. I will work around the house in the morning and then work the afternoon and drive to the library for our Friends meeting. With an injured pooch here I'll make my trip to the library for our speaker fairly brief. Right now there is a tail wagging off of the roller base of my office chair. A sore foot has not impacted the pleasure this pooch has in coming into the house to visit for a while. They're both hanging out on the floor in my office. My 2 shadows. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 12:43 AM

DETAILS, ELECTRICS

Electric update for those following (and my records). Got some great contractor advice at the store, and bought smart.

In the extension cords (correctly rated) that reach from outlets to lamps and clock radio, the joins are all totally away from footstep areas. None are in areas that will get heat accumulation, and I have insulated (rated) staples to tap in that will not compress the cords, etc., or allow them to be moved about.

Where the cord crosses a doorway (no choice) I have a heavy (rated) raceway like you see in offices to sagfeguard cords that run across walkways.... which will also help insulate the drafty bottom of the door, and be screwed into place as a threshold. It used to be in use that way in the main house, for the sailboats room that no longer has working outlets (casualty of fire in 2000; the fixers forgot to rewire that room, LOL, so it's little lamp runs off the outlet one room away.)

At the ext cord joins I have added baby-proofing outlet covers for "open" sections, and then electricians' tape to secure those in place, with tape also holding the plug in the extension cord, for the one thing (i.e. supplied lamp) the ext. cord runs. I put a telltale inside the tape so I will know if anyone tampers with it.

Off one of two open outlets that stay powered-- even when the master wall-switch is flipped turning off all the lights-- will be the oil rad. That rad will be set up on a rated extension cord, so the tenant can roll it to seating areas as needed. (That is the outlet that runs our AC in the summer, and it has never overheated, or had any issues.)

There is a special sooper dooper babylock I can add to keep that rad cord permanently plugged in. That way no one but the landlady can unplug the rad and instead plug in a multi-outlet tap-- like if they want to plug in more stuff WITH the rad that will only pop the circuit-breaker far away in the locked basement.

Across the room, the other always-on outlet will be set up to run the clock radio. If they prefer to leave the laptop plugged in there, charging, there is a battery-operated alarm clock; but the clock radio also plays CDs so the tenant can decide what they want there. That outlet will hold the new outlet-strip with built-in circuit-breaker for blowdryer, shaver, etc..

Oh and I took out the AC myself. Hardi will bring it down tomorrow.


I have one set of cords left to tape up, a mirror to mount with construction adhesive/clips, and curtains (already on curtain rods) to hang on the hardware Hardi installed for me tonight (screw anchors). Cut and install stairway-landing carpet, put one or two last bulky things under a bed, give it all a good cleaning... photograph and I'm DONE-- and back to the main house, just on schedule.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 06:14 AM

Yes it is the one you linked to and I only have the one door!

I've just booked a surveyor to go next Wednesday, and I'll see what horrors he uncovers. The listing means there are certain things I am not allowed to do to it. However, I am not the sort of person who goes ripping out original features! The front door is original, with the old iron door furniture on it. The architraves round the doors are about 3 inches wide! I am expecting problems - old houses are an ongoing piece of work - but I feel up for it... as long as they don't tell me I have to pull down the existing extension! The planned bigger one isn't necessary for me, and I suddenly realised that if I knocked down what was there it would leave no taps or toilet facilities for the duration! This would mean moving out and renting. Both my daughter and the agents said to just live in the place for a couple of years, and then decide whether or not it needs extending. At that point I can get plans done which suit my needs, rather than what the current owners had drawn up, probably to help sell the property (which it didn't). At the moment the cost of doing it wouldn't increase the value of the property by enough to merit the work. It's going to need a new heating system, and a fair bit of exterior work as regards pointing the stonework and repairing weather damage to it.

I have no family as such there, but my sister in law has a holiday home about 20 miles away, which she visits quite frequently. The lure is the nearby gorgeous Northumberland beaches, castles, and relatively easy links up to Edinburgh and Scotland. To get down here, I drive out of Belford, turn onto the A1 highway, and keep going for about 2 and a half hours. I then drive one junction up the M62, and I'm back. Not a complicated route - just tedious.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 08:14 AM

Sounds like GREAT planning. That old house will be in good hands!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 08:33 AM

Excerpt from most recent email to tenant applicant we will meet tomorrow over dessert:

...please know that the whole reason I rent this room out is so I can afford a cleaning lady to do what my ministry schedule and health issues preclude me from doing to my own satisfaction, much less yours, LOL.... if you rent here, you will see your deposit reflected first in the kitchen you will probably want to use after she deep-cleans it!

I used to manage a cleaning service, but you will see a work in progress, here. I hope you will balance your first impressions with your love for your cat! :~)


To be fair, I want to propose that before you agree to anything here, you spend a little time up there just hanging out to see if the space steals your heart and is meant to be yours. You will probably have good ideas for improvement. It's prettiest in the western sun, I think, so will Sunday afternoon work for you? Then I can follow you back to the trailer to meet Felix le Marmaladus, and let him smell our critters on me?

Also please know that one of the reasons I like to handle things in email is because I am also recovering from a few small strokes that affect my short-term memory. Do not ever be shy about taking me back to a prior email, if I seem not to recall a detail-- I probably don't have it in longterm memory yet.


~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 11:31 AM

Up and sick during the night....probably just a bug or something I ate at the church potluck that isn't sitting well with me....still...there's the fear that it's a signal of something more. I'm heading to the clinic next week to have my port flushed so if it continues, I'll seek help.

I have errands to run today....paying for our truck that has been in the shop recently and then on to some groceries. I have the dishes done, laundry gathered and floors swept. Then it's on out of town in search of a decent breadmaker. Mine bit the dust and it's something I use A LOT. Funny how most places don't put them out until around Christmas time. I do have a coupon for 20% at a store that does have the breadmakers in stock....so that's a bonus. I'd really rather stay home today and get over whatever is making me feel kinda gross but I'd rather have the weekend at home (or on the trail) with my honey than going grocery shopping then.

Onward.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 12:17 PM

Susan, you need a Landlady Blog running somewhere, where you can go back and edit one list if you want instead of having to repost a new iteration, and a place to post photos of close details, before and after shots, the details you can't add to Mudcat where we can do some html but not to add photos (alas). Have you looked at Wordpress or Blogger? They give you a fair amount of space in the free accounts. On my blogs I link photos from other free sites (I use Photobucket and Picasa for a lot of photos).

I never figured out what you thought was hilarious in this post, but context is everything. Maybe folks following your blog would have taken the meaning from it? One note of caution - JessicaR may or may not be happy to be quoted or cited here at Mudcat or in the blog, so you might need to make some of that detail pretty generic.

Didn't get my mowing done this morning. I'll do it tomorrow. Gotta go pick the okra before it reaches the moon, though. Must do that at least daily. I mowed a small patch of grass last night so I could move some bags of topsoil that will give me greater access to a weedy spot at the bottom of the garden (I stopped when I got attacked by another mosquito - they're viscous this fall!) I'll at least get those bags moved today so I can mow more easily tomorrow.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 12:23 PM

Of course the "ah ha!" moment came after I hit send. Your blog could be
the Small Strokes Landlady blog. Play on words. All those small
touches you're working on, and the memory process to keep track of
them. People might actually find that very useful - small strokes are
no laughing matter, and you might find a lot of folks traveling the
same road who want to follow your progress.

Just a thought. Keep your chin up, but watch your feet when you're on those stairs.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 02:24 PM

Hope you feel better soon, Michelle. And I hope you found a good breadmaker - mine's a Panasonic, but as there's only me, it doesn't get a lot of use.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 03:19 PM

SRS, you are so good at creative solutions and helpful, too. Great suggestions!

Michelle, it has been my experience that my body is trying to *tell* me something when it is trying to ward off a bug or whatever. When it does, I do well to listen. Were I you, I'd stay in today...giving my bod a rest so that it can stay healthy and ahead of the game.:-) Just my take. Happy finding a breadmaker, etc. regardless.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 03:23 PM

Michelle, I see bread machines at garage sales regularly, usually priced from $5 to $10. I'd start there. I picked up a DAK one recently that looked like it had hardly been used. (DAK was a catalog, Drew A. Kaplan, sold nifty stuff. His machine is made by Welbuilt. I think Sears has those. It's a sturdy machine.) This latest machine is for one of the kids one of these days. I have a couple of my own (yes, that does mean I have 3 bread machines). Mine have been used so much that I figured giving one to the kids it would be nicer to have a less used one. I now don't make bread often, maybe once every couple of weeks. I'm going to start freezing half the loaf. I make pizza dough and make small personal crusts I lightly bake and freeze, and I make pita bread, usually a half batch so I end up with about 6, to go with a batch of baba ghanoush or hummus.

I have two machines because one was mine and one was my father's. And there are times when I have them both set up - Thanksgiving, for other celebrations, I'll make rolls or pizza dough, etc. enough to feed a crowd. I always set it on the manual setting so when it finishes mixing and kneading I take it out and shape it or pit it in the pan I want. I used to make bread the old fashioned way before I had these machines, so I understand well the science and chemistry that goes into good bread or other dough. These are a great tool to speed things along.

I have some public library materials due today, so am ripping two recorded books (Nero Wolfe stories) to load onto my mp3 player. I'll drop it off on my way to my other library tonight. I was also folding laundry, organizing the freezer some, piddly stuff, but now I'm at work, this is a late night with a lecture at my library this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 03:31 PM

Well. I half listened to my body. I took care of the truck business and groceries in town and then came home. I decided the breadmaker can wait. I use mine frequently but we will survive just fine over the weekend with store bought bread. Lately I've been using my breadmaker just about every other day. I've only ever made bread and pizza dough with mine but would LOVE to learn how you make pita bread!!!

I wish I had known my breadmaker was giving out as I'm sure I saw some breadmakers this summer at a few yard sales. It's ok, it's one thing I don't mind paying a little extra for. I've got my eye on an Oster for about $60.00....normally it runs $89.99. I actually had purchased a breadmaker this spring and it worked beautifully...ONCE. After that first use the power would not come on. I have no idea what happened but had saved the receipt so I took it back. Too bad. I bought it because my old breadmaker looked like Hell. Paint peeling off the outside, etc....but it was still working so I decided just to stick with that. I guess that time has now passed.
   I do think I have a bug and I know that Jeremiah also has it. We are staying in. Resting. Taking it easy. I'm seriously hoping it's a 24 hour thing because I want to hit the trail tomorrow and it's supposed to be a BEAUTIFUL day!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 03:37 PM

And thank you for the well wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:)

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 05:52 PM

Refrence checks going well, more from fiancee tomorrow.

And no I do not want to clutter up my online life with one more blog! I'm drowing in several I mod for the parish and friends!

I want to get this DONE and move on to something ELSE, and Jessica and Matt can start a Great Landlady blog if THEY like.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 06:33 PM

Google search on "small strokes blog". Actually, not a bad enterprise at all. You'd be in good company.

Headed to the library to take photos. I'd rather hang out and enjoy a full weekend here at the house. Friday night always sets the pace for the weekend. Bit of a decadent dinner before I go: bacon and eggs. This weekend I'll roast a chicken and get a few of the usual ingredients around that I use for various dishes. Fried rice, quesadillas, sandwiches, etc.

The dogs just enjoyed a roll-scratch-and-tickle session with me in the back yard. Every day is Saturday for them!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 01:54 AM

Set a chair on the kitchen counter to stabilize those antique family photos that I stood up and then photographed with the flash set to bounce off of the ceiling. Hoping to avoid the glare of the direct flash. I'll spend time tomorrow cluttering Moonglow's email with photos to help with costume design.

The dogs are taking to this coming in at night real well. But since they're so unaccustomed to being in the house for long, when I get up to do any small thing, they tag along, to see if what I'm doing is dog-related. They're on the floor behind me now, asleep. Even though I'm up because the lights are on, they're in the habit of heading to the garage to sleep after dark. I should follow their lead!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 02:34 AM

Still here, have decluttered a lot of crud (hence too busy to post here) but have cluttered up life with another year of it... so am busy decluttering the chocolates that came with it. Consequently, the accountability has gone out the window.

Working on some sewing commissions that mean I have to spend almost every spare moment hand sewing (for a re-enactment fan, it has to be authentic, so hand sewing is the thing. Why can't she be doing World War One instead of Waterloo... bloody Waterloo came less than 20 years after the invention of the sewing machine so the general populace didn't have access). The yellow quilt is on standby for that reason, but it will be done by Christmas and I have just succeeded in cluttering up the house further by taking on a jelly roll quilt competition entry, designing a quilt made with 1 jelly roll of fabric. I may cheat and use 2, making 2 quilts.

Anyway... off to declutter the lungs now, singing for a wedding.

Enjoy the day!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 08:09 AM

caravan is now ready for winter except for outside wash which we will do in a couple of weeks

spare room has 1st coat paint

bathroom and kitchen are getting everything moveable removed for dust and scrub

oven to be steam cleaned

intervals of lying down with feet and legs elevated to battle the gravity monster causing serious edema

since doc stopped the blood pressure medicine rash is starting to clear up.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 08:46 AM

Glad things are looking up, Tam. Now, be sure not to overdo. Slow and steady does the trick.

====

Here is where room status and negotiations stand as we begin to let go of our much-loved summer "palace" to become a starter home for the "kids" with whom I hope to close the deal tomorrow:

Jessica and Matt,

... got up early this morning; all the things I was discouraged about last night, up in the room, were easily knocked out in an hour and a half. It will never be "done," but now I can move on to the shared areas I want to show you on Sunday.

Jessica, our agreement with past occupants has always been to leave the space broom-clean, and sometimes they do! :~) As we have been repairing things and removing vac-clogging debris as we go, it's almost up to that level now. :~) Your references all say how clean you keep your home. So-- shall I leave the vacuuming, dusting, and window-washing to you in exchange for a free week after Matt leaves, and can Matt carry up the shop vac or upright you will need? (The electric broom up there is only good for routine maintenance-cleaning.)

Past occupants have left things they expect to find when they come back in July. I will trust your "nose" to set out anything offensive that ought to go to the trash or our camper-- which they also use. I no longer trust my sense of smell (mostly meds issues). This also means we will Febreze the space for you once it's clean, if you want.

Matt, I have a few items still to to carry down, and a ceiling light-globe we broke to sweep up, but the only other jobs left up there just need a tall person to put up a couple of small, lightweight things and a skinny one to tack down some things on the floor. Are you able to help me with those? I do not fit either criteria, LOL.

I was just given some nice scrap carpet to cover the stairway treads and little landings-- to make them quieter and nicer-- but that would not require access into the room as far as I know. I do not expect to get that done before Sunday (my hubby reminded me at bedtime of a big funeral this afternoon), so you will find the stairway broom-clean.

Furniture and locks-- the black cube/hassock isn't up back there yet. (See the space first and decide it you want that.) If you are not bringing a small microwave I will get one out of your deposit. We can decide together what you want for locks and we will install them. Any other furniture you want up there that will actually fit in the narrow stairway-- please know that I might be interested in bartering for it, to keep for the room after you vacate.


Looking forward to meeting you both! See you later tonight,

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 10:28 AM

Animaterra,

One of the references on this Room rental-thing asked me a perfectly reasonable question yesterday, and I found myself floundering to fish up a cogent summary of the MANY uses this space has had, other than our own personal use of it. "Have you rented this room before?" Between strokebrain... and the non-traditional occupancies most folks would not understand without significant explanation sometimes involving confidential ministries... I was left with, "Oh.... it's been re-invented more times than I could list, right off."


So this AM I took some time to list out, "translate," and organize it, like this:

In the two rooms we are now allocating as September-July sublets, the rooms have been set up for/hosted in the past:

<> Month-long and briefer occupancies for local individuals and couples (parishioners, etc.);
<> Vacationing musicians (I listed them for myself to mind me of applicable anecdotes)
<> Large musicians' weekend gatherings, incl one family of 5;
<> House-sitters and pet-sitters for our annual, month-long summer vacations;
<> One adult on a longterm job search (6 months);
<> Extended visits from family members (I listed them for myself to mind me of applicable anecdotes);
<> Band office for songbook publications/arranging music (Susan);
<> Acoustic jam sessions (monthly Porch-Picking)
<> A home office for the Red Cross chapter I directed, where I drafted most of our policy/procedure manuals.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 11:26 AM

Ummm, SRS, I really don't think it'd be a good idea if you slept in the garage.**bg**

We're off to do our usual Saturday errands, plus I am trying to get Rog to agree to cleaning up the driveway and backyard by doing a "dump run."

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 11:32 AM

Beginning day three of a dog with a bandaged foot. It was a little cooler this morning, but still quite muggy. We had a little friskiness once out in the yard, but I think the weather will keep her quiet most of the day. I'm tempted to sew a little dog boot out of some leftover cordura (backpack) nylon and take her for a short walk.

It's supposed to hit 95 today, so fall isn't in the air yet. It does cool a little more at night, that's why the grass is wet with dew, so I'm letting that dry before I mow. My neighbor mowed last night (he'd been out of town so I didn't mow while he was away - easier to let both lawns grow inconspicuously tall than to have one tall and one short to advertise someone is out of town. It's either that, or mow his lawn when I mow my own.) That said, the light is pretty as we get into the autumn end of the calendar. I need to mow and trim then take some photos of the yard.

There's lots to do beyond mowing, but rather than making a list, I'll just report if I got much done today. :)

Liz, I hope you pace yourself with those birthday chocolates. Then you can give yourself some accountability credit under the heading "it could be worse."

Virginia, you're getting a lot accomplished! Your work on the camper reminds me that I want to wash the truck again (what? twice in one year?) to knock off some of the dust from the desert. And I need to rearrange stuff in the garage - one of these years I will have enough of the clutter out of there or all arranged in one area so I can use the workbench and reach tools and saws while the truck is still in the garage. I have an oil radiator so I have a vision of eventually being able to work out there in the winter. For now, when I need to work I move the truck out into the driveway.

Better get moving. My cuppa tea has brewed long enough.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 11:43 AM

Ani/Alli,

Up to warp speed now... just got off the phone with "tenant's" dad. She isn't a "tenant," any more. Many connections I had not spotted... They are now people I can honestly say are our friends. That has significant and specific meaning in these parts. The lines marking that road are fairly narrow.

Gosh he had some great questions to be sure his little girl would be taken are of right. What a great dad. Letting her go and fly, but not letting go of the hand she still puts into his. Not confrontationa], either, just.... right. I love the people here!

So the main need now is cleaning of the shared spaces to show Sunday afternoon. She says she will clean for "rent rebates," but no woman I know wants to take on another woman's mess from the gitgo unless there is serious illness, without super-bucks, plus Jess will be busy moving and settling in. I just got off the phone with a friend who knows someone who will do a 2-hour blitz on those shared spaces AND happily wait the two weeks it will take mt to pay her unless we get a deposit on the room.

That deposit is slated to complete remaining expenses to open the room for occupancy, and the cleaning lady's blitz just fits.

The young man up the road who helps us will be here at 2:30 (I'll rush home from a funeral), to carry the heavy stuff down from the attic (and the heavy shop vac the cleaner will need). Luke will also brig in the great FREE chair we got off the parkway Friday. I rode home from a colleague event in it ydy and need it in the LR! I hurt!


We will start Monday in a clean, tidy downstairs (I'm doing the loo myself), for me and Hardi, AT LAST.

It's been a series of bad messes since vacay return-- and WAY too much ministry to deal with most of it.

But we MIGHT be able to paint the LR this fall after all. Bye-bye weird bird wallpaper (see Gathering pix)! You are on our way OUT!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: mg
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 01:59 PM

If the chair you picked up is upholstered, I would sure check for bedbugs. I would also establish bedbug policies when talking with any potential tenants..such as what can be brought into the house..a quarantine area for any freecycle or yard sale stuff etc....they are spreading like wildfire. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Accountability Sept 2010
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 02:28 PM

Thanks, but no, I sat in it for over an hour ydy with no adverse results, and the bugs are not really in our area yet.

The chair IS suffering from a cat infestation-- both it (and the matching sofa I left for others) have the backs shredded pretty well, but a staple gun and tinfoil will fix THAT.

~Susan