BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 01:57 PM

Cinder blocks + plywood - clutter = new knee-friendly back steps. Need to buy a coupla blocks and shim the whole (Hardi's job), then I'm done.

Measured current dog yard for idfeas on using the chainlink we FC'd in, and found there will be plenty-- slightly bigger dog yard likely but the existing 4x4 posts will stay put and the extra yardage will hoop out from them looking kind neat and curvy. A strip of grass where I can place a coupla wind shelters and the dogs won't tear up the grass, but lounge on it instead. Prolly room for a folding chair for moi, and the new stuff includes a gate. Maybe I'll set out a grooming stand in there too. Heck, I'll just move in.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 03:24 PM

If you check at Home Depot (and probably Lowes) you'll find that there are attachments and elements of chain link fences for sale that you might want to look into. Metal corner posts, for example, and there are things to stabilize the bottom and patch any breaks, etc. Will the dogs tend to try to dig their way out? If not, no problem, but if they want to, then you need to stabilize the bottom of the fence some. And be sure to use lots of the wire ties along the top rail (if you don't use a top rail then the fence is just a big sheet of wire cloth they can go over the top of very easily).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 03:48 PM

Yes, it will be a spring project and we plan to do a lot of research during the winter before proceeding. And yes, there are posts and top rails in the set we received (I thought I'd said so earlier), and we'll have some leftover woven wire we will probably bury along the perimeter for the digger-dog's security as well as some plans to secure the bottom with good tension, etc. (She doesn't dig to escape but just for fun and to explore the sound of rabbit/mole dens under that ground.) The metal posts will be sistered onto the 4x4s at the two corners where the fence meets the ell of the house, since they are well sunk; this way we will not need to punch into the brick on this rented house to secure the metal posts there. The whole thing will be topped with a hotwire they already have, and we will use the heavy lawn tractor to stretch the chainlink fabric to a nice tension.

I've done horse fencing, so I have a few tricks. :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 08:20 PM

You may have mentioned it, but I didn't remember. My mind is a haze, blurred by the political ads and calls and build-up. And the work stuff. Much of it is finished now.

My office computer was de-cluttered to the point of unusability. I've just now got my cookies to stick again. Whew!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 01:01 PM

It's a beautiful day, and a promise of a new beginning. No cash to spare, but a new beginning.

I've set the carcass of a chicken to simmer for stock and I've done the dishes. A quilt barfed on by one of the cats with a full stomach (damn!) is now in soaking to hopefully get the stain out. I'll putter around the yard today and run a few errands. No money to buy anything so it is another weekend of using what is already in place. Not bad, actually, because there are lots of projects here that are all set up but haven't happened yet.

Oh--I opened my electric bill--it is as low as it has been in several years. My various efforts to deal with the summer heat have taken effect. Soon I need to get some good drapes to deal with the cool temperatures that come in on the north side of the house, to keep the winter bills down. I'll have to declutter around those windows to set it up for the drapes.

I noticed on the Secret Santa thread that a few people admit to prolonged holiday seasonal activity in some of their living spaces. Maybe we'll have a few new participants over here soon.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 04:14 PM

I was just thinking about getting some heavy winter drapws up, too, Maggie. It's good to see the differences in your bill when you take measures to reduce, eh?

We took about twenty boxes of stuff to the dumpster, today. They were some of my sisters' stuff that wasn't under tarps, stuff I thought we'd give away, but i was never able to get that together due to heat and ants in the drive-way. Any we went through the ones which had disintegrated because they weren't under the tarps, I lifted a few into the truck, and moved some. Also loaded some more in the trash when we came back from dumpling the first load. It feels good and our drive-way looks better, still a few to go, but it was also hard seeing books, records and other personal things which had been ruined by weather. I was able to save two photo albums which I didn't know were out there this summer when we dumped it all out there. I don't like having to make keep or go decisions for someone else, esp. when they are not here. I have their permission to throw it all out, but I cannot do that, so there it sits in the driveway, most now under the tarps.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 07:31 PM

The front yard is mowed, but not trimmed yet, though I did pull up a long chunk of edging that wasn't serving much purpose in the back yard any more and have started setting it along a new iris bed out front. It got dark so I didn't finish.

Now for an evening indoors. So many things to do. Clean off a few surfaces that are stacked with too much paper, prepare eBay stuff, vacuum, sweep, in general start clearing out for the holiday in a few weeks. Laundry. The usual.

Too bad about that stuff out in the driveway. I've gradually managed to get most things under cover that need cover. I may need to put a few pots on wheels so I can move them in in cold weather. I've seen inexpensive rolling stands at Big Lots.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: MAG
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 08:56 PM

I got all my terra cotta pots moved into the shed. Buried unusable garlic around the roses (it's a pest repellent). Got a load of this week's sweats into the wash. Did my SAD light AND made it to the Y to work out this morning, before work, even.

Still haven't decluttered to the point of finding my missing cell phone. It burns me to think how much I'm paying each day I am without it.

Now I'm going to go veg out with the second half of Prairie Home Companion. His guests lately have been OK.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Nov 08 - 12:30 AM

MAG, is your cellphone on? When we lose one of ours, usually they are on, so we call them until we locate the ringing. Of course, it only works if they are on. Micca lost his over here, but it was off, so it was never found.:-)

I decluttered my mind more than I thought I would, today. I added two more chapters to my novel, using 2911 words, so I am getting near my first 10,000, at 7550 tonight! I will have to average about 2000 per day if I am to reach my goal by the 30th.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Nov 08 - 01:14 AM

Kat, if you need a few extra words you can borrow some from the MOAB. We have lots to spare, and the depth and breadth and range will allow you to do just about anything you want with them. :)

The real trick would be for the cell phone company to have a way to turn on the phone remotely and THEN let you call and see if you can hear it. I had mine in the case in my pocket when I was out in the yard a couple of years ago, and it dropped out. When I realized where it was I was sure it was probably demolished or inside a dog, but I went out back and Cinnamon, the pit bull, was delicately carrying it around and dropped it when she saw me coming. So sweet--I think they sometimes just like to carry our stuff around because it smells like us.

She has destroyed other things left in her area (heaven help any laundry that falls on the ground--she has demolished a sock and a wash cloth so far), so I was just lucky this wasn't one of them.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: mouldy
Date: 09 Nov 08 - 07:40 AM

Take one hunky Moroccan nephew-in-law, delicate (but deceptively strong) niece; add a chain saw, some loppers and some baskets, and I now have a flat garden when an apple tree stood, baskets of small apples (some eminently usable), a swept yard, and all spare wood logged and stacked - All in a day! Then Cat and I still had time to slope off to Goole to have a drool at a particular jewellery shop that she was interested in visiting.

In return I just had to keep them fed and watered.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Nov 08 - 01:03 PM

My daughter and her boyfriend spent the night here after attending a wedding. I sent them off with a care package of a few non-perishable groceries. Seems their house-mate in charge of paying the electric bill the last couple of months has waited too long and it has been turned off twice. They need a new arrangement or it can affect their credit. Part of the learning process in college--how to pay the bills. :-/

I have to trim my yard out front today then mow the back and winterize the mower. And get more stuff listed on eBay. I also have bills to pay. . .

Oy. It's going to be a christmas like no other, I can see that now. I hope those retailers don't put themselves too much into debt ordering stuff no one is going to come in and buy. Just tread water for a while.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Nov 08 - 02:36 PM

Maybe Barack will get the lame duck congress to do one thing nice before they are ousted and pass an economic stimulus package before the holidays. Think of all the spending that would encourage.:-)

We have had a very good morning here. We moved the scanner down to desk level; it had been on a shelf above the printer and not easily accessible from my chair. That required a really good clean up of my desk and some rearranging with Rog having to pull cords out from under the desk and plug them back in, elsewhere. He also moved the external HD so I can save stuff to it from my old computer on the jewellery table. My desk lamp is now on the righthand side which suits me better for reading papers on my pull out shelf above the first drawer - it pulls out like a cutting board, about the same width and size.

I did dishes, a week's worth, while Rog did the litter boxes and trash. He also swept the house and I mopped, again! And, it felt good!

Since the scanner is so easy to reach now, I have put two press passes on ebay from when Palin was here and from McCain's last rally in CO on Election Day. One of my cats has not eaten since yesterday and I think will have to go to the vet tomorrow, so I'm motivated to get more listings up as I don't really have extra cash for him to go. I think it's just a cold which will need antibiotic, but we'll see.

The top of my desk looks so much better now. I will be able to concentrate on writing more easily; thanks for the word loan offer, Maggie!**bg** I am going to do a few more ebay listings and then get to it.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Nov 08 - 04:39 PM

It doesn't seem like much, but I now have three things listed on ebay. More to follow.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Nov 08 - 08:06 PM

I have to do that tonight.

I brought more rocks up from the creek and I think tomorrow I'll finish my little garden and trail area with one last load of gravel. I trimmed around the cactus and trees on one side of the yard, and hopefully they will STAY looking trimmed since the grass is about dormant now.

This week we've had beautiful autumn weather. Lots of leaves on the ground, but we haven't had that storm or wind that makes everything seem to go "plop" at once -- bam, the yards are heaped with them. There are enough leaves down in the back yard that make it really difficult to find the dog droppings in the mix. I'll mow one more time and that will mulch the leaves and the poop. ;-)

I'm feeling a bit down--an argument about money with the ex. I hate to think of going to court--the only one who gets money then is the attorney. I've made some comfort food for dinner, chicken noodle soup (with lots of veggies) and yeast rolls (half of the batch is going to be made into cinnamon rolls for breakfast).

A woman's gotta do what a woman's gotta do.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Nov 08 - 09:20 PM

Take care of yourself, Maggie. I rememebr those days, long ago and wouldn't wish them on anyone. My ex-son-law has finally decided my daughter is not the enemy and has been really good about giving her extra even; they're actually friends, again. Good for them and the boys. Here's to your ex "seeing the Light" and helping you out.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: CamiSu
Date: 09 Nov 08 - 09:20 PM

Tried to declutter the manure from last winter out of the corral, and instead the tractor crapped out and all I was left with a mess in the corral. Rats.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Nov 08 - 10:59 PM

Rats in the corral? I have mice in the compost.

The child support arrives regularly (withheld), it's those extra expenses we're supposed to share that he refuses to pay back.

I looked at your sales, Kat. How did you end up with those passes?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 12:02 AM

Oh, yes, the extra expenses that they non-custodial parent just doesn't understand. Good luck with that.

My Rog got the passes; had to be up at 430a for the one from Nov. 4th! Since he sets up the remote broadcast and all of the engineering, he's point man and boss for that kind of thing. He knows to bring such things home to me.:-) He can't find his Obama one, but I won't sell it when he finds it anyway.

Cami-Sue, maybe it just needs to sit for another winter?:-)

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 02:32 PM

Hmmm...wonder if Rog can get any more press passes from his colleagues/ One of the ones I put up has two people bidding for it and both passes have received bids!

I won't have Morgan this afternoon, due to himhaving a fever, so I am going to write like mad and try to reach 15,000 words by tonight!

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: MAG
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 03:36 PM

I have tried calling my cell phone; nada. I understand that most people who find a cell phone call any of the numbers on the speed dial and let them to let the owner know where it is. That hasn't happened; I think I just dropped it in some fashion somewhere in my crap. Over 2 weeks ago.

Got one kitty to the vey for her operation this morning; I don't think she is preggers after all; no action in the teats. It was more stressful than I thought -- her frantic in the box, telling the vet people how wild she is -- I treated myself to breakfast out.

yeah, the leaves are falling like mad, and that new bag for my shredder has not yet arrived. I'm putting as many as possible in my (off the ground) composter but it's pretty full. Basketing up a lot to dry in the (cleaned out) carport so they will shred better when and if I get my shredder operational.

Have a sore throat and am undecided whether it is PC to go to the Y and use the hot tub, etc. Maybe the leaves is good enough exercise for today.

It's the kind of day where I feel virtuous just keeping the washing machine going, etc.

Happy veterans day everyone, it's an extra day off for me. (USA)

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 05:06 PM

I made one last trip down to the creek bed before heading out for an appointment. The rocky area beside the new iris bed is a beginning. While not building a trail system per se, I'll probably extend the gravel a little in a couple of directions because we tend to walk around to the front or past the bird bath (the dogs have radio collars that keep them in the yard, but when we take walks I remove the collars and we always walk here across the grass and out).

My creek visit was quick because a rain storm was breathing down my neck, a few splats of rain hit, though it held off for a while. The counties west of here are under a tornado watch, so it is no longer safe to go in the creek (flash floods). But I got enough rocks to fill in over the top of the sand that I laid down in the area where I removed the turf and a little soil.

Interesting about those badges, Kat, and actually, quite a nice souvenir, whatever your party.

In this kind of weather I feel like cooking (pot roast tonight), and I'll do more to de-clutter the kitchen. It is already looking a lot better from efforts during the year, but I'm determined to completely clear off the big center counter except for a couple of essentials (the toaster and hot water kettle).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 05:21 PM

That looks beautiful, Maggie! I did a little bit of decluttering in the kitchen this weekend. One bowl I really like but never use had been sitting by the sink, with one of my mom's old bottles sitting it in, for months. I couldn't get the bottle clean and wasn't sure where to put the bowl, so there they sat. No more, I banished them to the giveaway box!

The badges are a neat and fairly unique souvenir, yes. I probably should hang on to them as they might be worth more later, but I had to take a cat, Trsytan, to the vet this morning. It cost me $75 to find out he has too many of the bad bacteria in his gut and needs antibiotics, so, I hope the badges creep up there! I am keeping the Obama one once Rog finds it!

There was a challenge on nanowrimo to reach 15,000 words by tonight. So far, I am at 12,327. Taking a break for a nap.

MAG, I think what you've done today counts for a lot. Good news on the kitty not being preggers!

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: CamiSu
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 09:40 PM

Can't leave it for next year. I am already this year behind in spreading the compost. But I have made a right royal mess out there and need to haul the hay rack in so I can feed the hay all winter. All this stuff David used to do. I just wish I knew HOW!

CamiSu

BTW Kat, Su is my legal middle name. In Turkish (which is the language I was placed in as an exchange student) Sue came out Sooo-eey, so I changed it over 35 years ago...

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 10:15 PM

Did I say something about not having a storm yet that knocked down, by wind or rain, all of those leaves?

It arrived this evening. Plop!

Nice pot of stew is sitting on the back burner, the kind that you dish up and go attempt to eat 15 minutes later. There is something about stew, whether beef or chicken, that holds heat. I have always wondered if the NASA program has done any studies on the density of some foods as far as storing energy (heat). . .

CamiSu, is there a neighbor who can act as mentor on some of these chores that are new to you? It's always easier learning from someone who knows what they're doing than the trial and error method.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 10:39 PM

Cami-Su, sorry 'bout that. I didn't realise I'd added the "e." Thanks and interesting story about how it came to be.:-)

Is there anyone you can afford to hire to help you out and show you the ropes if a neighbour or someone else can't help? I know of a Mudcatter who would jump at the chance but real life is in the way at the moment. Any agricultural colleges or programs nearby? Maybe students from one of them? Good luck.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: maeve
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 06:37 AM

CamiSu- Call the local Cooperative Extension and ask for help from Master Gardeners, 4-Hers, Farming mentors, etc. Call the local Boy Scout /Girl Scout groups. Talk to local churches. Talk to folks at the nearest organic food store. Post a notice at Feed stores, Agway and Tru Value stores, and farming equipment dealerships. Do an online search for farming forums.

Send me a PM if you need more specific help. Keep your chin up. If you can find someone with the right equipment and know-how, the manure can be spread a bit late, and the world won't stop spinning if the manure has to wait until you have the means to deal with it. There will be many things that don't get done this fall.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 10:37 AM

Hardi declutted DR --his drop zone; mine's the LR-- and I swapped a table around necessitated by the new entertainment center.

I declutted the last puder's really nice speakers onto the HD TV-- the TV came with CRAP sound so this is a great improvement. (I'd gotten them free from our puder techie and they're the Good Stuff). We enjoyed the French movie last night-- about a sort of cellist-- and LOVED the sound as the music ran thru the film thruout.

Today I hope to install a huge box I brought home yesterday, direct from the van to the dog porch. Their porch cuts a lot of the wind from their go-outside door and my kitchen, and gives them a good amount of protection when they're left out all day as needed. Adding the box will further cut the drafts caused by the sag of the porch and make an annual winterizing for the dogs a simple thing. It should also make their nights indoors much snugger.

I should have postage money this weekend to start mailing out the tapes I'm giving away. It will be the first grocery check I can recall since vacay that has not had heavy incursions from other expenses.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: CamiSu
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 11:37 AM

My neighbor's tractor is headed to the shop today. I am not so worried about actually spreading the manure--but the middle of the corral is a true mess and I need to wait now until it dries out a bit and either of us have a tractor. I may give the dairy farm up the road a call. I have been way too self-sufficient lately.

CamiSu

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 12:11 PM

Last week on my day off (Tuesdays) I decluttered a couple boxes of books to the town library sale last weekend -- when I wouldn't be able to attend on Saturday because I have to work.

This morning (my day off) I swung by to buy some of the sale leftovers (I've "won" if I buy fewer than I donate), but the library was closed because of Veteran's Day. (I haven't gotten a holiday for Veteran's/Armistice Day since I was in school.)

Ah well, just postponed. I'll stop at the library after work tomorrow (since they're open until 9 pm) and pick up some mysteries and perhaps a couple Christmas presents.

Now off to post some offers on Freecycle.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 03:09 PM

Cleared some paper off of a work space. Not a lot, but it is a busy day. It was a nice departure from what I have been doing, though, to shread a few sheets of paper and stuff some more in the recycle bag.

I wish I could clear my virtual work desk so easily. One item keeps coming back like a bad penny.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: maeve
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 04:04 PM

This morning: I put out the flag to honor the sacrifices of our Veterans and their families.

Then I sorted potted plants, loaded a cart for the compost heaps, sorted pots, moved 6 trays of clethra shrubs to the greenhouse, watered and mulched alpine strawberry seedlings,dug down earth beside the new chicken house/garden shed to redirect water flow, moved the earth to low places and the rose nursery bed, divided and potted 'David' phlox and planted some wildflowers. The chickens enjoyed the chilly but beautiful day ranging far and wide. It was cold enough they returned to their house by lunchtime.

I moved the clothes drying racks out into the sunny, breezy area in back of the house, filled them with newly washed laundry, washed pots and dishes. We hauled some wood.

This afternoon I washed up the dishes again, cut another batch of apples for the dehydrator, brought all the racks of laundry inside due to a threatening sky and strong breeze kicking up. It's time for a cup of tea and a nap.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: mouldy
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 03:33 AM

New mattress arriving today, sometime. Friend arriving any time now to help me shift old one onto Ruth's bed. Peter due any time now too, to begin cupboard.

Salt dough angels to be painted today, more stuff finished tomorrow and Friday - in between riding, taking the dog to kennels, and massage (the day after, in case I hurt). Craft fair Saturday, then off to a convent for 3 days (I was coerced). I'll be on a retreat.
So Friday or Saturday night there will be a blur of activity around my dining table as I shovel the bits of maribou, silver/gold string, merino wool, and escaped glittery stuff off the floor! And that's from the (10 so far) applehead tree decs I have made. Motto on stall to be, "Grace your tree with a granny"!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: maeve
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 06:41 AM

De-cluttered last night's ruined flat tire. Rats.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: maire-aine
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 09:41 AM

I moved the furniture around in the dining room and cleaned the floor. I prefer to have the buffet against the west wall of the room, but in the summer I have to move it away so I can open the windows.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 10:18 AM

Paid bills. That seriously de-clutters the bank account, little wispy moth-like things flutter out when I finish.

I read Max's post last night, and while I see he is approaching a business model for Mudcat that doesn't call on members for donations, I've been saving a few items to put in the auction, figuring this time of year they can do triple-duty as gifts and donations and de-cluttered items. I put up a windbreaker jacket last night (a good size for many of our Mudcat members) and I have a cookbook to list this evening if I get a chance.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 06:10 PM

Moving work projects off of my desk and am investigating the titles of folks on campus with job descriptions similar to mine. It's time to get an accurate description and get the pay right.

Won't happen soon, next year? But at least it is in the works.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: MAG
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 09:24 AM

In setting up the spare room (storage room) for a newly spayed cat, I moved stuff around and found unbelieveable amounts of cat crap hidden behind things. We're talking serious rug shampoo here, not just a sweep and a promise. I don't know when I'm going to get to this since this is a Portland weekend.

Another layer of the ol' onion.

Kitty seems to be doing fine. She is using her (first) catbox. Inside cat is royally pissed.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 10:16 AM

My side-by-side freezer door was stuck last night. I pulled hard to open it and found a frozen puddle in the bottom of the freezer, and upon examination, found the source of the leak. I'll empty the freezer, move the fridge from the wall to take a good look, and probably turn off the water if I can't mend the problem myself. Good thing the big freezer is here to move stuff into. And while I'm at it, it is time to de-clutter the freezers. The stuff that is now freeze dried to a point of inedible cardboard will to thaw in the compost.

The research on possible eBay items can be rather depressing. How many things do we hold onto, thinking they're rare, unique, and valuable, and they sell for $9.99 on eBay? What that market will bear (or is even interested in) can be an eye-opener!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 04:50 PM

A handy tip: when one wants to generate a little activity at eBay, dredging up and relisting the unsold items is a quick way to at least make it look like you've been busy. :)

Now I have to work on the new listings to go with the recycled ones.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: maire-aine
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 08:45 PM

I got the best surprise today. I came home from work (working 2 days a week thru December), and found that all my leaves had been cleaned up and put out to the curb. (The city will vacuum them up from there.) Even out in the back was done. It was the guys from the lawn service, and I hadn't been expecting them, but I'll take it. I'll have to pay for it, but it'll be worth it. I had been watching the weather forecast to see when i'd have a dry enough day to rake them myself. What a great thing to have somebody give me 2 hours that I hadn't counted on.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: CamiSu
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 10:09 PM

I called my neighbor that has a BIG dairy farm up the road and he said they could send a guy with a backhoe to clean up my corral. And I have talked to the gal who owns the ram I will be borrowing (and perhaps buying)so things are looking up on the farm. I do need to declutter some wood into the stove. Got the penultimate batch of dog food in the jars and into the cellar. Just one more batch to cook up and can. YAY! Also need to declutter some lamb out of the freezer yet. And the lamb out of my neighbor's freezer!

Cami

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 10:22 PM

There ya go, Cami-Su! Sometimes it takes so much for us to let go of the "self-sufficiency" and reach out for some assistance. Good for you!

I haven't done anything for two days, trying to get my foot to stop hurting, until today when I decluttered another 1600+words outta my brain.:-)

Tomorrow it's take my five year old grandson out for birthday lunch and his party on Sat. so I don't know if I'll get much done this weekend unless I can light a fire under my Rog.:-)

Maggie, good luck with ebay. I just checked, only 14 hours to go and the bidding has gone up a bit on the Election Day press pass. It is at $10.50, now. The other one is stuck at $1.99...oh well, maybe it will get a flurry of activity near the end.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 11:44 PM

CamiSu, what nice neighbors! And if you hang around when the backhoe arrives, you can watch what the operator does and have a clue for next year. Take a few notes, draw a diagram. (As to the other, I'm guessing you don't have to watch the ram unless you want to--he probably knows what he's doing, also. . .)

Kat, why does your foot hurt? I missed something. Did you kick your word processor for not cranking out enough copy? ;-D

A friend called this evening and asked if I'd vote in their hometown newspaper letter to the editor competition. Each month they pick three non-political letters for readers to vote for. The winner gets an interview article about the topic, and the letter reprinted. She has never asked for a favor before, and this was easy to fulfill. I sent a note to a few friends to ask for their vote. He's ahead by 10 right now. He is hoping to call attention to a historic church in town that may be torn down by a growing hospital because no one is paying attention. His name is Richard H, see the third letter, and you'll find it here: link. You can only vote once.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 12:21 AM

I just voted for him, Maggie. I stepped off a small curb whilst loading the cat into the mini-van on Monday and pulled my Achilles tendon. I didn't think anything of it at the time as it wasn't that painful; just a slight pull, or so I thought. It gets discouraging. I get one part going pretty good and another throws a fit, esp. my feet. You'd think getting the pounds off would improve that! Sorry for the rant; it hurts.:-/

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: mouldy
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 06:52 AM

It's funny how a small rick of the area around the Achilles tendon seems to really hurt - often the day after.
Treat it gently, Kat, in case it decides it hasn't quite finished with you after you think it's gone away!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: mouldy
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 06:55 AM

Also got the new cupboard at last. No shelves in it, however, so I have got to put boxed stuff in it...smallish boxes!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 07:17 AM

3 day headache here - stress related, not due to me falling out of the loft on Sunday... so nothing much done, but I have been using my "new" table to cover a box with pretty papers so that's one Christmas gift wrap sorted!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 08:19 AM

Kat, I hurt my Achilles tendon while running for a bus--about eight weeks ago. It still hurts and I've reinjured it a couple of times (running again). Last week's visit to meet a new doctor included a question about that. I reinjure it, she said, because it isn't flexible enough yet. I've been trying to keep my foot flat, not wearing heels, but she said I need to stretch it 5 or 6 times a day. You know--point your heel and pull your toes up, so the tendon is stretched longer. I'm also on motrin 24/7 for a week or two because part of the pain is tendinitis. I stretch with both feet--might as well keep the other one healthy also. Hope this helps!

Friday is here and with it a busy weekend of the preparation for holiday events. Listings on eBay and cleaning house for visitors. There's not point in trying to mop and sweep while the turkey is baking and the guests haven't arrived yet. The eBay portion of this will still be in the de-cluttering mode. I'll clear off my work table, shake out the sheet that serves as my blue background, and get to work.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: maeve
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 08:38 AM

Cleared up plants, compost materials, made a new cmpost pile, Started another batch of apples drying, cleared out some paperwork... and got rid of this pesky




100!