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BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September
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Subject: BS: De-cluttering in Ernest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 31 Aug 08 - 11:21 AM It looks like Autumn, if you ignore the heat and humidity. Flowers are full-blown and beyond, the veggie garden is huge, it has been producing for so long, but languid as some plants have been for a while, they are beginning to get their second wind for a fall crop. It's a little cooler at night. The kids have gone back to school, and the semester has begun again at my university. Preparations for the holidays will be underway any time now. Do we have the room to stage the events we would like to host? Room at the table for meals we want to share? Room to walk into the area where last year's holiday decorations are stored to easily get what we want, and are we keeping only the ornaments we actually use? I'm getting a bit of a jump on September--it's because it's the 31st. I'm in an even/odd watering area and it means two days without setting up sprinklers to water my garden, should I wish to, unless I fudge and treat today like a free day. So along with running my sprinkler, I'm getting a start on September's de-cluttering. I'm finding more outlets for some of the things I want to move out. eBay, consignment store, Craig's list, garage sale (finally cool enough again soon), donation, or just leave it at the curb to be hauled away or picked up by a passer-by. There is light at the end of this tunnel. I had guests over for dinner last week and the table and counters in the combination kitchen/dining area are still relatively clear. There wasn't as much junk that had to be put back on the table after the guests left. Fall is when I finally have real energy--I crave that first cool, crisp, clear day when the air crackles with fall color and carries the smells of leaves on the ground. When I get out my sweaters and blankets later this month or in October, I'll look to see what else is in there with them, and see what can leave permanently. (eBay is setting up a couple of new categories for antique and collectible linens--I have quite a few that could go that way.) Okay, booster speech is over. Good luck, all! SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Ernest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 31 Aug 08 - 11:31 AM I suppose if people are fleeing Gustav, another way to de-clutter is to send extra stuff down there in the aftermath. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Ernest - September From: wysiwyg Date: 31 Aug 08 - 01:42 PM (E-A-rnest) ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Ernest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 31 Aug 08 - 02:46 PM I ran a spell check, but of course it didn't parse the name version from the other one. And it became a thread before I could get back to fix it. Kat can tidy up, if she'd like. (Dyslexia is a wonderful ice breaker, don't you think?) |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Ernest - September From: Charmion Date: 31 Aug 08 - 04:17 PM I spent all day yesterday tidying the downstairs library, the one with reference books, history, and Edmund's collection of Notable British Trials and other stuff about crime and law. How did I end up with so many reference books I don't use? That's easy -- Google and Wikipedia. On Tuesday I shall phone up my old high school and offer a library donation. One grim job I haven't even cracked is sorting out the thousands of photographs I have taken over the 35 years since I got my first camera. Most of the early ones are awful, but some are quite good and even some of the awful ones have interesting information in them. I also have rather a lot of old family photos going back to Great-Uncle Harold, M.D., in his Canadian Army Medical Corps uniform circa 1916 -- a really nice portrait by a high-class Montreal studio, but what in blazes to do with it? The whole lot is bundled into two large plastic bins, now stashed in the cellar. At least they're safe from damp, which is better than before. The space under the cellar stairs is now empty. The last of the stuff that was stashed there is boxed up and awaiting pick-up, thanks to Freecycle. Bye-bye 15-year-old duvet (leaks feathers, but warm and pretty clean considering; replaced with washable silk-fibre quilt). Farewell, the three-generation accumulation of table linen that ends with me. Only a fool would use cloth table mats when her otherwise wonderful spouse insists on putting his used cutlery down on the table instead of his plate, and I ain't no fool. |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Earnest - September From: katlaughing Date: 31 Aug 08 - 05:37 PM LOL...I have some of that linen to go through, soon! I shall follow your example, I hope! We played today, so I hope we get to some of it, tomorrow. I don't know for sure, but I think Rog wishes this thread would go away.:-) Maggie, since my Rog's middle name is "Ernest" I didn't even notice...it looked "as usual" to me, though I have fixed it...I think my fingers are dyslexic on their own, my typing is always backwards! |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 31 Aug 08 - 07:01 PM On August 26 in the eBay announcements they published:
ANTIQUES We're building a brand-new section for pre-1930 Bed & Bath Linens. COLLECTIBLES Look for category additions in almost every section, including a reconstruction of Vintage Bed & Bath Linens and new section for Souvenirs & Travel Memorabilia. In case what you have is of the antique variety. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Earnest - September From: katlaughing Date: 31 Aug 08 - 08:46 PM Hey! I've got stuff for both of those categories! |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Earnest - September From: Liz the Squeak Date: 01 Sep 08 - 03:13 AM I suppose I should be starting on my dining room.. it's needed soon for a meeting and a session... there's lots of old nasty glasses that could be reloved elsewhere, part sets that are never used, odd mugs and so on.. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Earnest - September From: freda underhill Date: 01 Sep 08 - 04:01 AM I did some de cluttering on the weekend, after a period of intensive neglect through socialising. I weeded the garden, and cleared books from my table and folded washing that was on the couch. Doesn't sound like much but it feels good. in the process gave away and threw away various strage objects. I'm also taking australian wildflower essences to clear out my brain - it feels good. my granddaughter rosie assisted the clearing process by doing great frog imitations (body, sound and bounce) and jumping all over my bed, which made me laugh, laugh and laugh. :-) freda |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Earnest - September From: mouldy Date: 01 Sep 08 - 05:39 AM I did York Boot Fair on saturday and what didn't sell has either gone to the tip, or is in the car ready to go to a charity (thrift) shop. The hall is now reasonably clear, but I have come across the big bag of stuff that should have gone on saturday, and which got hidden behind a door by accident. That'll have to join the other stuff in the car. All I have to do for the hall is to get Ruth to assist me upstairs with some book shelves that are destined for a spare bedroom, and then I can clean the floor. I have my financial advisor coming tomorrow (I have to sign a form so that he can do Ian's last tax return - the guy's dead, but the taxman still wants him!) and this means I have to have a usable surface with seating around it - aka the dining table, which is under a load of old post and other detritus. Stan will want to go through other stuff too - he comes a long way, and doesn't just stay 5 minutes. So that's another job for today. If I get chance I will start on one of the 2 remaining upstairs rooms that need sorting. I am in a mood to fill the car and offload some crap! Andrea PS the cat seems to be settling in well. |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Earnest - September From: GUEST,Charmion's brother Andrew Date: 01 Sep 08 - 08:08 AM Charmion, concerning the portrait of our late great-uncle, why not ask our cousins if they have a copy? Some will, I am sure, but most won't. Maybe Wakefield hospital could give it room. Let me scan it first, though. |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Earnest - September From: maeve Date: 01 Sep 08 - 08:42 AM What is it about old books that makes them so very difficult to give up? We have hundreds in boxes, and a few hundred more already shelved and stacked, and we have just begun going through them to acertain which we keep and which must leave forthwith. Here's a copy of "Blakiston's New Gould Medical Dictionary", complete with line drawings and color plates and printed in 1949 (3rd printing). Not a bedtime reading choice, but full of interesting tidbits. And this one: "Travels of William Bartram" in a paperback Dover edition, unabridged with all original illustrations. Not worth more than a couple of dollars, but wonderful reading. One more: "The Fern Allies of North America North of Mexico", printed in 1904, written by Willard Nelson Clute and more than 150 illustrations by Ida Martin Chute. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Earnest - September From: maire-aine Date: 01 Sep 08 - 07:36 PM Not having much success today. I tried organizing the bookshelves, but didn't really get anywhere. I boxed up some of the knick-knacks at the edge of the shelves, but that didn't free up any space. But I did get the books a little more organized by subjects. I'm sort of paralyzed by them, because I don't want to give them up, but I have no place for them. Aargh! Will be off tomorrow, too, so I'll try something else then. Maryanne |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Earnest - September From: maeve Date: 01 Sep 08 - 09:21 PM I gave myself permission to keep half of that batch of books, and ended up keeping a bit less than that. |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Ernest - September From: maeve Date: 01 Sep 08 - 09:25 PM And we are still decluttering "Earnest" :) |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 02 Sep 08 - 12:01 AM I swapped out my old flatbed scanner this evening, and the number and tangle of cables and electric cords behind my computer desk is astonishing. The hardest part of this was unthreading the old power cord. There's no removing any of these--they all are employed. I repositioned the scanner to a new shelf and now I have a basket full of floppies, zip disks, and CDs, most of which get used but that aren't organized. I'm going to have to compress stuff and get this basket off of the floor. The old scanner works still, slowly, and Goodwill will get it and someone else can fight with it. I cleaned out my veggie garden, moved out most of the huge leggy and non-productive tomatoes. There are cantaloupe everywhere out there--I don't know how many will mature. I'll put in a lot of compost and dig it in deep, and put in some fall crops. We're due for rain from Gustav the next couple of days so the garden will have to wait, and I have to go into the office, but I'll plan to do some rearranging in the evening. I've been itching to attack my sun room again to make the eBay sales items more reachable. They're still scattered around the house and the sun room is stacked with shipping boxes. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in Earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 02 Sep 08 - 10:03 AM I was tired last night, and decided I didn't want a long account so I chopped out bits, giving it a stream-of-consciousness feel. The new scanner is so welcome--the old one made my job difficult, so swapping out one that still worked was worth it. The sun room is like the leggy tomatoes--a lot of bulk but it isn't doing anything. I'll nest or flatten boxes, re-stack the bins of sewing stuff and work out some shelves for more of the eBay items. When they're around the house I'm less likely to remember to list them when I get going on that job. The calendar says September and a couple of days of cooling from the tropical storm will give us a faux autumn feel. Every fall I feel like rearranging for the holidays. Maybe I can put that impulse to good use and pull out more donations and eBay items as I encounter them. And set aside a nice Secret Santa item. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: maeve Date: 02 Sep 08 - 11:37 AM This morning I planned for returning to bed for a nap, after my late night walking the garden borders. Instead, I spent the morning searching out things like our big food grinder, in preparation for putting food by. Along the way I packed up most of the seed collection and tucked it into the wooden trunk we found for the purpose a few months ago. I boxed up the summer's accumulation of paint for outdoor equipment and seating and TL tucked it away, and we did the same for our dormant oil and such for the orchard and garden. The results in clude a cleaner kitchen and three more boxes of odds and ends of canning supplies we don't need. Get 'em out of here! |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 02 Sep 08 - 01:32 PM And here I'm building up a box of canning supplies. You don't have a steam pressure canner, do you? Off to pick up the newly-repaired vacuum and some ring lights for the kitchen. And a ballast. I finally am down to no overhead lights--if this doesn't work, I'm calling the electrician. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: maeve Date: 02 Sep 08 - 01:46 PM Sorry, a pressure canne is one of our farm purchases this year. We chose one from Lehman's, partly because it is the metal-to-metal variety that does not require a gasket. It's a very good value that will also save energy compared to our old graniteware waterbath canner. I hope you find what you need! |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 02 Sep 08 - 11:39 PM Let there be light! Yesterday morning when I got up I discovered that in the kitchen one remaining circle bulb in the fixture over the main counter (two circle lights under a translucent plastic cover) wasn't lighting. And the 2-circle light fixture in the middle of the room (also under a translucent cover) had been on the fritz for months. That one was the ballast--it gave an eerie low light that was weird on the eyes. The wall switch died for the halogen spot light over the sink (I think it was ants in that wall last summer). Pretty pathetic, the dim light I've had--there are two halogen bulbs on my cook top and that was it. Tonight I replaced the bulbs over the counter and I changed out the entire fixture in the middle of the room. When I remodeled my contractor kept saying "it's easy--black wire to black wire, white wire to white wire, ground to ground." I finally did it, and though getting the screws to line up to hold it to the ceiling was a headache, it is all up and running. I feel like a bat entering daylight in there. I still have a list for the electrician, but it just got shorter! (Now I can really see the clutter. . . ) SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: katlaughing Date: 03 Sep 08 - 12:23 AM Whoo-hoo, Maggie! Whoo-Hoo, Everyone! I made a list this morning and set my timer, once. The timer didn't work out well as I just wasn't done when it went off, so...we'll see. I scanned in my brother's symphonic tone poem program notes so they can go back into the storage suitcase and it can get put away. Then I emailed them off to the local radio station in Denver. I boxed up about 6 books and got them ready to send to my sister, so that's clutter gone from the top of my dresser. And, I put away some books which were piled up on my desk. Then I started a blog! It's been "cookin'" in my brain for about a week and I felt today was the right day to start it. So, that's 2-3 things marked off the list. Little bits like little acorns...I hope they grow! |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 03 Sep 08 - 12:32 AM When you fix that "it's be[en] 'cooking' in my brain" typo maybe you can step up and catch my "an translucent" in the one above? I think it's allergies, on top of editing out stuff and missing the original transitions. I'm trying to not send such long posts (Mark Twain said "I'm writing you a long letter because I don't have time to write a short one.") It takes time to edit, but if your brain is fuzzy, it misses a few things. I'm making myself go to bed earlier these days. It's supposed to help a lot of things, getting enough sleep. Tomorrow I'm going to drop by the recycle center and drop off a bunch of stuff that has been collecting in a bin outside--let's hope the sleep takes care of the clutter that my brain is accumulating inside! SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: mouldy Date: 03 Sep 08 - 04:43 AM Ruth has sorted her room out! Rejoice, O ye citizens of Earth! The wheelie bin is now full, and there's still more to get dumped, but I am going to drag her out with me today, and she can help me take stuff to the relevant places, be it dump or charity shop. I am also going to take a load of old videos and such to our doctor's. In the waiting room there are shelves with books and jigsaws, and I put a box in for videos and cds. They charge a nominal price for them, but the money it makes is amazing, and helps buy new equipment for the surgery. Now I've just got the other bedrooms to get to grips with, have extra power points put in, and then decorate....and the upstairs is just about finished! One of my kitchen lights is gone, but there's still one working, so I will sort it later in the year when I need more light. Andrea |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 03 Sep 08 - 10:30 AM Awww, Andrea! Did my kitchen light tidings make your kitchen lights envious? It is marvelous to have that much light again all at once. It makes me realize how gradually those rings had been going out. I am pleased with myself that I did the replacement on my own. :) I have to drive to work today, so I'll find a few things to drop off en-route to get more bang for my driving buck. Even though prices are slowly subsiding, I don't consider $3.459 a bargain! I'll call the consignment shop, see if they want this set of shelves and cupboard. That would make the trip worth-while, to have that square footage freed up in the garage. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: mouldy Date: 03 Sep 08 - 12:08 PM The kitchen light's been broke for a month or two - I have 2 fluorescent tubes. One's still hanging in there. I thought it was the starter unit, but changing it didn't work, so I have to get up there some time and replace the tube. I might investigate putting in an LED spotlight unit instead, but doing the tube would be easier, especially as I am intending to sell the house some time next year. Got all the videos dropped off at the doc's. The rest of the stuff went to the tip, but they separate it out, recycle, and also send some to charities. We had half a supermarket trolley of little cuddly toys - the things teenage girls accumulate! (Actually, she's now 22, so that is probably the reason for her own de-cluttering). Andrea |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: katlaughing Date: 03 Sep 08 - 01:38 PM I was just going to ask you if you were getting the house ready to sell, Andrea.:-) Maggie, got both our typos. I'm always up for that.**bg** Thanks for spotting that one for me. |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 03 Sep 08 - 04:29 PM The shop owner I emailed said he doesn't think he can sell that, but gave me the name of another place to try. It's closer to me than the first place--I'll swing by and take a look and see if it might fit in. Otherwise, I'll donate it and take a heft tax deduction. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 04 Sep 08 - 12:20 AM Kat--I had an ah-ha! moment this evening--I identified the dulcimer that I am next going to sell. It isn't commonplace at all, at least not at eBay. It's a piano dulcimer, with one bridge. Quite unusual compared to the more standard hammered dulcimers with two or more bridges. This dulcimer is meant to be played easily by someone who already knows how to play the piano. The buy-it-now price will be a lot more substantial this time, or it will have a high reserve. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: mouldy Date: 04 Sep 08 - 04:30 AM Yes, Kat, I am planning to move further north to the wilds of Northumberland. Alex would like me to go to NZ, but he can't sponsor me for at least 4 years, and I need to move on. The only reason I have been 21 years in this village is because of firstly, the schools, and secondly, the easy links to the motorway network and especially the M62, which heads towards Manchester airport. This is not important now that the traveller is no longer with us, and Newcastle has a perfectly good airport for my needs! Also, my niece lives in Newcastle, and my sister in law is planning to move across from Scotland when her husband retires (he's Northumbrian). My nephew works as a chartered surveyor in London, but is planning to build a client base up north, and lastly, Eleanor would like to move up that way in a few years. Most of the work on the house is cosmetic, but I have a severe damp problem in the kitchen and dining room which may be linked to ground water. I am going to get professional advice on this one. The house sits higher than the road level, but is on an old farm yard. The ground is compacted about 2 feet down, and seems to have, unlike most of this area, a fair bit of clay in it. Couple that with a lot of old soakaway rainwater drains, and I think that we have a problem, Houston! Especially as we are getting higher rainfall these days. I just ask myself if I would want to buy the house with this problem... Hopefully this time next year it will be on the market. Andrea |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: katlaughing Date: 04 Sep 08 - 10:33 AM Andrea, good luck with that. I am sure it will work out well for you and it sounds exciting! Maggie, I didn't know they even made such things. I could actually learn to play one easily, then, as I've played piano since I was 8! (I just took a look at one at Dusty Strings. Kewl!) We got one thing done last night. We tied a support rope across the bow for the sunflowers. Their heads are so heavy, they were dropping badly.:-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: MAG Date: 04 Sep 08 - 11:39 AM I gave myself the day off today; it being trash day, my goal is to get the trash can (dustbin to you across the pond) filled with yard trash, especially theweeds with those big heads of seeds. You can actually walk across my living room now without having to walk around stuff. I have this persistent shoulder problem which makes it difficult to do any sustained practice. I've tried everything: PT, arnica, acupuncture, (no more cortisone shots because of my diabetes), you name it. This is my biggest hangup these days. Yardwork does not help. I've been feeding a stray cat, trying to get her tamed down enough to get her fixed. a month ago she had three kittens trailing along after her; they have disappeared. I am trying to prevent a feral cat problem (as well as being a humanitarian). My ex-tomcat Scamp is not real pleased, even though they look very much alike and I am convinced they are related. Any thoughts on stray cats? |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: katlaughing Date: 04 Sep 08 - 12:06 PM For you shoulder: Zheng Gu Shui. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It really works. I had a sore shoulder and neck for years. I used this for awhile and they got better. Now, with gentle exercise I do well and if it flares up, a night or two of applying the "zen-goo-schwee" takes care of it. I also keep the sore part moving, gently. I used to freeze up and try not to move/use it, but that never worked.:-) I was able to clean up the kitchen this morning! Two loads of laundry, all of the silverware and dishes, washed off the stove, counters, and table. Stuff Rog never remembers to do. Oh, yeah, emptied the kitchen trash. (My toes and thumb went to sleep while i did the dishes, but they're better now!) |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Bat Goddess Date: 04 Sep 08 - 04:36 PM One step forward, two steps back. Sigh. Tuesday night -- I work until 8 p.m. and have to open the next day -- I crawled up to bed to discover cat barf on the floor next to the bed. Growled and cleaned it up. Then attempted to actually get into bed when I discovered a fresh puddle o' puke ON the bed -- soaked through the quilt, two layers of sheets and into the mattress pad. Sigh. Changed the damned bed. (Glared at the cat -- I think it was Rufus rather than Sabine.) All I wanted to do was wind down enough to get to sleep! Then, the very next morning, there was a crash at the foot of the stairs while I was getting ready for work. A terracotta head (planter) full of dirt, etc. had lept off the wall (it may have been cat-assisted) and landed on several piles of books, a formerly attractive chunk of barnacles, piece of coral, now ex-ceramic cat head candle holder, etcet etcet, breaking most of the breakables (barnacles and coral salvagable) and scattering potting soil and shards all over the lower landing. Naturally, I had just vacuumed that a couple days before. (Double sigh.) Today I've managed to get a lot done, but not, alas, the stuff that was on my to-do list. However I DID solve my computer wonkiness of late -- my keyboard is only partially functional. Meaning it's working okay as a keyboard, but I can't plug my mouse into it or it makes the mouse terminally squirrelly (and making anything done here at the computer very non-productive). So...I can't afford a new keyboard (or even a used one) right now but he workaround (that's actually WORKING) is to plug my non-Apple "spare" mouse (because it has a longer cord) into the hub (because it definitely won't reach to the back of the computer). A little awkward, but it works. And a couple friends have emailed me that they've got keyboards for me. (Deep sigh of relief.) Got a bunch of weeds pulled and piles of leaves next to the driveway schlepped to a dumping spot, and driveway dirt that had been pushed up by the snowplow last winter levelled out, too. And I got an under the counter fluorescent light fixture & spare bulb listed on Freecycle and too the milk crate and metal stand with the FREE stuff in it up to the head of the driveway. Now all I need to do is go down in the cellar and do a few things that were actually on my list for today and start working on the piles of papers here by the computer and on the table. I DID update my resume this morning so I can start looking (again -- still) for another job, this time one that actually pays a living wage. But at least this job enables me to call potential employers and go on interviews while I'm still pulling in a paycheck. Linn |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 04 Sep 08 - 05:25 PM Linn, if these cats of mine weren't so old I'd try to give them away. I'm sick to death of the fur ball vomit at least once EVERY SINGLE DAY. They're turning the house into a vomitorium. On the tile, on the wood furniture, on the upholstery, on the bed, on the rugs. Doesn't matter where they are, they let it fly. Yes, we've tried lots of fur ball treatments and brushing the cats. I can't afford more vet bills but I will ask if they might have a stomach ailment or something that can be treated. They've been banned to one room with water, their box, food, a tile floor and a window to look out of. Then there is the corner on the one wall-to-wall carpet in the house where they have apparently routinely been peeing for the last two weeks. Not every time, there has been something to collect in the litter box, but enough to really sour the room. I'm going to rent a carpet cleaner and if I can't get it out I'm going to tear up the carpet and turn that room to tile also. I like having one carpet, but I can't stand the stink. At this point, I'd rather have the carpet than the cats. Since I've had one of these cats (most likely the culprit) almost all of my children's lives, I don't think they'd happily part with this guy. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Bat Goddess Date: 04 Sep 08 - 07:14 PM That's what cats do -- vomit. This wasn't a hairball problem. More likely ate his sister's food way too fast, then made it as far as the bedroom to barf it up. (So it had a few minutes more to digest than when they do it a couple feet from the food dish.) Usually that's Sabine's trick -- especially if she's hunted some fine example of small woodland creature and can hack it up again on the rug -- or right where you'd put your bare foot when you get out of bed. I've got at least one taker for the fluorescent fixture so it'll be gone sometime soon. Linn |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: maire-aine Date: 04 Sep 08 - 08:38 PM Hi, all. My de-cluttering train is back on track, finally. I got home from work about an hour early, so I started cleaning out the closets in the 2nd & 3rd bedroom (one is the "music" room & the other is a guest room without any guests). I got one bagful of clothes for charity (and they called me this evening to see if I had anything to donate, so they'll pick it up next week-- timing is everything). Now I can put all of my short-sleeved shirts into the spare bedroom closet as I finish the laundry. I also went thru a whole lot of craft stuff, like ribbons & yarn & lace, etc. Most were things my mother had bought but never used. She wanted to do "crafty" projects, but never had enough time. And I'm even less inclined to make things, so most of the stuff will go to the senior center. They make lots of things for their spring fund-raiser. I did, however, keep some of the needlepoint chair covers-- 2 are done and two haven't been started. I used to do a lot of needlepoint, until I got the cats. With 4 cats under foot, needlepoint was out of the question, as were jigsaw puzzles. Now that I only have one cat, and she stays upstairs most of the time, I can start doing it again. Maryanne |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: MAG Date: 04 Sep 08 - 08:50 PM I actually pulled weeds until the truck came at 2:00; it's amazing how they compact when you dump more on top. I actually got most all the ones going to seed. "One year to seed; seven years to weed." My kitty Scamped2s1x (he did that) is just rabid about sharing me with the computer. or the phone. I pretty much have to put him outside when I'm on. He has figured out axactly which button to push to break the phone connection. My shrink says it's probably Freudian. :) The kitchen sink, I didn't get to. I am totally neurotic about dishes. |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: katlaughing Date: 04 Sep 08 - 09:58 PM Find some good, round stones to put in your cat food dishes, Maggie and Linn. They have to work to get to the kibbles and thus eat more slowly and that cuts down on the "womiting." Maggie, the other thing to do with the pee is clean it, down to the boards with Nature's Miracle. If that doesn't stop them, you may have to get some Kilz and coat the floor to block the scent. Is the peeing something new? Cats are terrible about change. Has something happened recently that may have upset them? Do they get to come out for petting, etc.? My floors got cleaned today but i didn't do them.:-) My housecleaner was here for her every other week do the floors day. Yippee! |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 04 Sep 08 - 10:52 PM I had an enzyme product that worked marginally, but the other day I did pick up some of that Nature's Miracle. I had a spot steam cleaner that died (the old battery won't hold a charge) so I'll have to go to the rental machine to clean it. This is an episodic thing, we've been here before and solved it over the years, but when there is a new outbreak it's just so damned annoying. It started when I completely cleaned both boxes in the same day. I'll spare you the rest of the details, but I do have another problem to solve--they're in the guest room (my daughter's old room) and she's coming home tomorrow night. The other room where I put guests is the one they peed in. It's blocked to them for now, but it looks like they'll be out and we'll completely clean her room for her. I'd really rather be doing some meaningful clearing out of stuff, not going over old ground. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 05 Sep 08 - 10:21 AM We're having a little preview of what Autumn will be like in a month or more, so this morning I looked at the upper shelves in my closet to see what are the clothes I'll pull down to use and what are the things up there that I never actually get around to using. This kind of limbo-like "reserve" is clutter and includes an electric blanket (rarely if ever necessary in Texas!) and a sweater from L.L. Bean that was my Dad's that he never wore. He bought two and had worn one but not this one yet. It's a larger version of one he sent me that I really liked and wore out. Bean doesn't carry them any more, but I've never worn this because it is too big. I think it's time for eBay pass along both of these. More information about the dulcimer from the guy who made it--very helpful! I asked him a couple of more questions and when I hear back I'll be ready to list it. I've worked out the packing and will do some detailed photographs and launch this beauty back into the world. My son asked this morning if I was selling another dulcimer, using a tone that gently questioned selling a perfectly good instrument--I think it is the acquisitive instinct to keep it even if we don't use it. I asked if he thought he'd ever be interested in playing a dulcimer and he didn't answer. I told him that if we decide in the future that we need a dulcimer, there are more to be had out there, but for something we never use it is taking space and has to be protected, meaning it requires more attention than I want to continue to give it. Got a carpet cleaner from the grocery store this morning. I know how my afternoon will be spent. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: maeve Date: 05 Sep 08 - 11:03 AM Laundry night and laundry day. I've gotten to towels, sheets, and work jeans are next this morning. Old frozen fruit from the freezer is gently simmering on the stove, reducing to the point of jam.I need freezer space for this year's veggies and fruit. |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: maeve Date: 05 Sep 08 - 07:04 PM I'd love to declutter my badly swollen feet and ankles. Picked our blackberries this agternoon and frose/bagged them for later use. I also picked elderberries and handled them the same. I have too many tomatoes to process, along with summer squash, to worry about much beyond freezing windfall berries. I keep adding things to the swap shop box by the door. |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 06 Sep 08 - 01:33 AM My daughter is here tonight and for a while tomorrow, so I'll have her help load the cabinets in the pickup. They'll either go to the consignment store or the Goodwill. More news on the instrument--despite the photos, it isn't a piano dulcimer--in answer to my question, the builder said he thinks those are a clever idea, but this is a different kind of dulcimer, a simpler student's dulcimer. He said they're much easier to teach with and you can play a lot of stuff with them, but in two keys only. I'll use his remarks in my auction, probably put it up tomorrow. Carpet has been cleaned, cleaner goes back first thing in the morning. I'll do one last pass over the corner before I load it up to take it back. I'm going to rearrange that room instead of putting things like they were before. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: maeve Date: 06 Sep 08 - 06:28 PM We took boxes of books and LP records, 2 extra food grinders, curtain rods, clothing, and heaven knows what else to the swap shop. |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Liz the Squeak Date: 06 Sep 08 - 07:37 PM Glasses sorted, space filled, found the table under a huge cardboard box and actually polished it. Then closed the door so the cats won't get in and fuzz up the seats again! LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: maire-aine Date: 06 Sep 08 - 08:31 PM Got a phonecall from work at 7am this morning, saying one of my jobs failed-- 3 hours (online from home, thankfully) to get that sorted out. I sure won't miss this. Had to get a sewer guy out today-- tree roots finally blocked it up completely. But he was here and gone by 1pm. Got all of the ingredients for making my Apple-Ginger Chutney next weekend, except the apples & I'll get them at the farmer's market next week. Just took the last of my home-made sausage out of the freezer for breakfast tomorrow, so I'm about due to make some more. Will need to make some work space in the kitchen, for a staging area, but maybe a cardtable will be enough. Got the newspapers, etc. to the recylcing center. And got everything up off the kitchen floor; will wash it in the morning. Maryanne |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: LilyFestre Date: 06 Sep 08 - 08:33 PM Just cleaned out my car (cleaned it too!) for an upcoming kayak adventure with friends, bring on the sunshine!!!! Michelle |
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Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering in earnest - September From: Stilly River Sage Date: 06 Sep 08 - 08:52 PM You've all been so efficient! Me, I wonder. . . I did finally get rid of the shelves and cabinet. Goodwill wouldn't take it because of the number of pieces--the woman (probably rightly) assumed the workers wouldn't manage to keep all of the pieces together until someone bought it. After this discussion, my daughter decided she could use them in the house that she shares with five others. A house that is full of so much stuff, but I understood her reasoning, so said okay. They have one friend moving to an apartment, a guy who loaned them a nice wooden kitchen table. It has been used as a desk, actually, off to the side in their back living area. The table will leave and my set of shelves and tabletop will go in the same corner to be used as a desk and storage. There is a drawer and doored cabinet along with it that can sit to the right-hand side of the shelves and tabletop. I set it freestanding along a blank wall, pushed it back and put the top on it--Moonglow and I both predict it will remain there until the house is emptied again. In the age-old process of college furnishings, this is probably going to be useful for any number of uses. I told her that if she wants to give this to the friend who will use it, fine, make it clear that he has to load it all up and move it somewhere when the house is vacated finally. Whatever it's disposition, even if she decides to keep it, it isn't to end up back at my house! (It is nice to have something her grandfather designed set up in her house, though!) I returned home (the drive up and back was accompanied by a new recorded book of a Tony Hillerman mystery I haven't heard before) and removed a shelf that was blocking the orderly stacking of stuff along the side wall, and rearranged the furniture and lumber out there. More room again for the pickup. I've been breaking down boxes and storing them beside the table where I do most of my eBay work, and I'm going to move all of the toys out, photograph, and donate them. I don't think I'll ever get them sold at a garage sale, I might as well let the Goodwill folks have them. The carpet seems dry; now it smells like carpet cleaner, I'll have to see if the cat pee smell is really gone as that dissipates. I'm going to pull up the pad under that patch of carpet and replace it with new, then put a piece of furniture over it, something low or on wheels that will let air circulate but won't let cats under. I have more plans, but I'll report as I get things done; I could fill pages with what I want to do, the trick is to do it and then report. Keep up the good work, all of you--when you describe your work I can visualize it--you're making wonderful progress! SRS |
