BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009

Subject: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 02:42 AM

It's the First of June, midsummer is a scant 3 weeks away, and those Declutter bugs should be bursting out of their cupboards about now!

Anyone else putting away winter stuff? Isn't it time you went over all the stuff you didn't use this winter and see if it can't be donated, decluttered or downright dumped?!

I'm starting by making 3 new pairs of trousers today and dumping those I'm no longer able to wear (mainly because I've worn them so thin you could read a newspaper through the seat!) and putting winter jumpers and coats into vacuum bags to save space. Then there's the blanket that I'm giving a new lease of life to, by using it as the batting in a quilt I'm making.

But the most important bit of decluttering... take 10 or 20 minutes out of each day to just sit and declutter your brain; sit by a pond, lie in the sun, snuggle up to a best beloved or just ponder with a favourite iced drink of your choice and be still.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here!
From: mouldy
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 05:44 AM

I couldn't agree more. Now is the time to recharge and clutter the cobwebs out of your mind.

I am starting to see the spare room as a decorating project rather than a de-cluttering project, so it must be progress!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 08:11 AM

I'm decluttering the computer today... running a much needed de-frag and deleting a whole heap of unrequired garbage...

Thank the deities for external hard drives and backups!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 04:07 PM

We were going to let the other one run a while and not update every month. Ask someone to put the year in it so we can tell it apart from the rest, and is this going to run for more than just June?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 05:29 PM

Opened the camper last week. Everything looks good, no cluttrer in THERE!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 06:21 PM

Ah.. I dunno, no-one tells me nuffink around here... mutter mutter, mumble mumble...


LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 06:32 PM

Still, the last one was over 200 posts and taking a while to load, so I consider this a de-clutter.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 07:02 PM

I guess I'll have to get something de-cluttered then.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 03:04 AM

We could run it til autumn... September time? Need to declutter the freezer some time this weekend... lots of icecreams in there that have definately been there a while. Trouble is, I'm too mean to throw them all away without at least testing some of them!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here!
From: mouldy
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 04:34 AM

In the next couple of weeks I have to start going through the mountains of camping equipment in the shed to sort what I need for my 2+ weeks in Scotland in July. No amenities except for a tap at the gate and a dump point for the porta-potti, so all sorts of ephemera has to go along too!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 05:55 AM

Ephemera.. that's a new word for toilet paper!

We could do with sorting our camping stuff out, but Manitas will insist on 'keep it, it might be useful' whilst disposing of the stuff we actually use...

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here!
From: freda underhill
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 07:49 AM

thanks for decluttering this dreadfully overburdened thread, LtS.

I have been remarkably silent on decluttering threads in recent months, a guilty silence you could say, because












I've been accumulating clutter.




Not meaningful clutter.

Not good things waiting to find their place.

No.

Useless, pathetic bits of shambley clutter. odds and ends, and not even very odd ends, which would be interesting. crappy bits of stuff, and pieces of nothing much.

But, at least now I've confessed it. And hope follows.. On the weekend I found a beautiful, large, wooden storage cupboard for CDs (fits 600) and DVDs (a few hundred). All I have to do is pay it off, find room for it in my living room, and take all the CDs out of my stained glass cabinet, where I can never find anything when I want it, and reorganise all my CDs into the new wooden cupboard. I can then move my art gear into the stained glass cabinet (by the back door!)

and, while this is good, it's not a summery sort of good, it's a wintery good, down here in Oz. I still have a jacket in a box somewhere that I haven't found since the renovations.

:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 10:38 AM

The floors have been swept, laundry has been done, dishes are done, the bread is rising and some dusting has been completed. Our annual yard sale is coming up next month so I'm setting a goal of one bag of yard sale stuff is packed up every day. One bag. I can do one bag. I'm talking a shopping bag. Easy. And...if know myself, I'll start with the one bag and it will easily lead to others. Today I am parting with Mikasa plate settings that are beautiful but I never use them. They are OUTTA HERE!!!! I have other china that has more sentimental meaning if I want to have a fancy dinner. Pretty takes up space and is of no use (lord...if that isn't the truth about SO many things). Don't misunderstand me, I'm keeping plenty of my pretty, useless stuff...but those place settings aren't one of them!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 01:37 PM

I've decluttered my personal page of a thread I didn't get a lot of chance to enjoy, too many poachers trying to change the subject. Susan Boyle will have to fend for herself.

Meeting at work today in which a new mucky-muck from the administration office basically has the intention of taking over everything I do for the institution. I wasn't able to get there for the first 30 minutes of this career affecting meeting--the heavens intervened and poured so much rain and lightning at school bus time that I couldn't leave my son in the weather so I took him to school. By the time I got to the meeting they had covered most of my job. I still have a job, but I will have to make it clear to these folks that I plan to continue doing it, I'm not handing my editing, design, and printing press oversight over to their new editors. It has been my experience that they don't proof-read closely, and they won't recognize the errors they've built in if they do as they ahve suggested and take everything and produce the finished product with no more department input. I will not go for that, or I'll spend all of my time correcting their errors. I've learned this job from the ground up and I suspect a lot of these folks are short-timers--they're here in the newest fad of "branding" going on. They're in place so the departments that don't have someone like me will have more uniform and professionally prepared print and web documents. Theses folks don't have the library insider knowledge so unless the university is defaulting to lite everything, little meaningful content in the printed word, they need to just back off and let me do my job.

Hmmmph.

Off of my soap box.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 03:12 PM

Shoulda run that through spell check. . .

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 05:04 PM

It looks like it's going to be one of those weeks.

I've been fighting with the power company. I paid the friggin' bill 3 times last month! Their web site keeps changing. For years I had my bank account information saved there and every month I went in and initiated the payment (I don't have them automatically deduct it). In April my saved information wasn't there so I had to redo it, and I paid the bill. Over this last month my payment wasn't going anywhere, but I can't open their record for my bank account to see if there is a problem. They want to charge a $50 penalty for this, and I'm telling them I'll change companies first. We are at a standoff right now.

I think I need to go visit Janie's quarrelsome thread.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: MAG
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 03:49 PM

Did I say I declutterd a large trash can full of berry brambles, buttercups, and quack grass on Sunday?

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 04:27 PM

The landscapers have finished, and the year looks wonderful. The ended up hauling away 2.5 truckfuls of trees/branches/weeds/grapevines. They edged all around the yard, but left all the hostas around the garage & driveway. They cleaned up the area behind the garage & trimmed the rosebush.

They dug up and saved some of the sun-loving perenials, added some new plants, and re-planted them in the new raised flowerbed. On the shady side, we saved a few of those plants, replaced the (very rocky) dirt with new topsoil, and replanted that. Then they mulched everything.

I took before pictures, and I'll take the after pictures tomorrow-- I'll give them some time to recover.

If any of you can suggest a place to post photos, PM me.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 04:36 PM

Maryanne, just sent you a PM about myopera.com

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 07:05 PM

I really like Photobucket. I have several accounts over there to sort out the photos I post for different reasons.

WELL IT IS OFFICIAL. The house is a gawdawful mess. I think being at the end of the school year has something to do with it. Tomorrow is the last day. My semester already ended, but until the Boy is out of school, we are in chaos.

I think I'll take Friday off to work around here. We've had really heavy thunderstorms the last 24 hours, and maybe by Friday I can get out and do some work without sinking in the mud around the garden or into soft turf. And in the meantime, I'll alternately list stuff on eBay and work around the house.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 11:55 PM

It's going around. My brother was saying tonight his house just seems stale, messy, cluttered and just yucky. I laughed and told him about this thread and how I felt the same way about my house! Ugh...maybe on the weekend we'll get more done. I have decided one and for all to sell the treadmill as soon as Rog helps me clean it of dust etc. That will be a major decluttering!

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: mouldy
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 04:28 AM

Managed to offload the old electric train set to a collector/dealer last night thanks to an ad in the local parish mag. Plumber is here at the mo and has managed to de-gunk a load of rust out of the heating system.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 10:47 AM

Ah yes.

Life is good and I have been brave.

Today, I faced the deep, dark depths of.......wait for it.....my purse!!! ****GASP****** Oh the horror of it all!!!! I dug way down into every tiny pocket and crevice...emptied the entire bag!!!

WHOA. How is it that we (or maybe it's just me) collect SO MUCH stuff in our purses & wallets?

I had purchased a special purse for ease of use when I would be hauling around an infant and all his gear...and this little bag...it was sweet! It had really LONG adjustable straps so I could wear it as a sling, it had TWO pockets on the outside, conveniently sized to carry a baby bottle or a mommy bottle and the inside had decent compartments to keep things in (somewhat of an) order...also, it was long enough to hold a few diapers easily. I didn't find it a baby department or baby catalog, but rather from an outfitters shop...NICE! Anyway, I really DID purchase this to make life a little more easy for when the baby arrived so today I have cleaned it out and am tucking it aside for the day when our child does arrive.

While I was emptying out the bag, I decided it was time to streamline my wallet as well. Ahhhhhhh. This is MUCH better.

Yes, de-cluttering is good....very, very good!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 12:28 PM

It took me quite a few tries to find a wallet I could work with, and one day in O'Hare Airport on my way to New York I was passing by Wilson Leather and I spotted it, and not bad, in the $20 - $25 range. A snapping small tri-fold woman's wallet with the right configuration of slots inside, a bill holder, and a zippered coin holder. But I put my coins in a separate coin purse and put various cards lumped together in the zipper coin holder (library, Sam's Club, memberships, etc.). The cards that go in the card slots inside are the four I used most often or need to find without any fuss (debit, insurance, credit). It has a pocket so my driver's license is visible, and in front of that a little zipper where I keep a couple of dollar coins and a spare house and truck key. I rarely carry a check book any more, so that's why I was able to downsize so efficiently.

I do have to be sure my coin purse isn't too full or it sinks to the bottom and is difficult to find.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 04:34 PM

That's it... decluttered the garden of the last of the plants to pot. The snails have decluttered one of my pots of the lobelia (they like the fleshy leaves - they've not touched the hairy leaved verbena) and they were starting on the marigolds so they've been moved.

Hopefully in a couple of weeks, I can sit and enjoy the flowers.

The house is still fairly cluttered but at least I made 3 pairs of trousers and have the quilt pieced ready to do.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 06:28 PM

We just cluttered up our workout room with a lovely weight-lifting-bar rack (safety and storage--just for Hardi for now, to go with his bench) and a triceps lifting bar for me. My program shifts now to weights as we take up the summer aerobic activities outside-- yay, things we can do together; I love it when our programs "intersect" like that as they do, these days, more and more.

Faulkner is quite amused at the grunting that goes with weights BTW, and can't decide: "Does my man need a face lick when he does that.... or.... maybe not?" :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 06:29 PM

Oh and summer sleeping-attic re-config is well underway as it usually is just AFTER the days are hot enuf for AC-- early this year, a welcome development. Major muscle work on this project for both of us.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 06:41 PM

Today I cleaned out the kayak gear box that tends to live in the back of my Subaru until mid-October or so. I am participating in a 10 mile paddle on the Chemung River in the Elmira, NY area this weekend with a bunch of friends so my goal was to get everything organized and cleaned up a bit. Pockets of the PFD have been emptied from last year's stash of must-haves, the first aid kit has been restocked and bubbles have been restocked (yes...BUBBLES!!! YAY!). I removed a few hats that I don't wear (I have one I almost always wear and another for rougher, wetter, weather) and did some condensing of Otter boxes, dry bags and such.
    On of my friends is borrowing one of our kayaks so I wanted to be extra sure that all we in good, clean (read: no fish guts), working order!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 12:35 AM

Taking tomorrow off to work on the house. I'm not even doing the dishes tonight, I'll wait till morning.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 07:29 AM

Don't blame you Stilly, I intend to do something very similar with my desk here in about 2 hours!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 11:06 AM

It's beautiful but going to be a hot one. I cleaned the kitchen, and will go mow this morning. My son, now out of school for the summer, just came in and asked what there is to eat. We're going to have to work on this. At 17 he's like the big "baby" bird out nudging the smaller mom in the yard trying to get her to stuff bugs down his throat. Know what I mean?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 02:43 PM

Didn't get out in time to mow before it was too hot. I'll mow this evening, but I'm still puttering in the yard. Just did the second repair on the soaker hose (the first one split) and I'm trimming the shrubs to give easier access to some parts of the yard.

I need to de-clutter in the garage this afternoon, and also, to rearrange the shelves beside the driveway door. It has been functioning very well, but now I need to have a few of the bottles and tape for bug removal or treatment where I can pick them up easily. If they're ready it is easier to get out when I'm thinking of it to do the work. Otherwise I'm liable to be distracted by something else. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. So, the shelves are due for a tune-up.

Finally, there is a spot in the new garden that is imply mulch over paper, put down to kill grass around the roots of the now-removed redbud. I'm going to put a pretty blue ceramic pot over there and start some portulaca in it. A nice accent of color and at the same time, a great attractor of bees to the garden. I'm going to put some alyssum in around the beans for the same reason.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 01:04 AM

I love your description of your son being the baby bird, Maggie.:-) Morgan seems like that almost all of the time...he always want to eat over here, mostly I think because he likes my from-scratch oatmeal and the time we have to take for each meal; never rushed at Mama's.

He was over today and wanted to earn some money, so he vacuumed, watered outside, and emptied a couple of trash cans for me. I did a couple of loads of laundry.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 06:38 AM

Kat, you could make a small fortune loaning this boy out to various Mudcatters who need that little bit of assistance to get their asses in gear!

Am sewing the quilt together today... it's going pretty well if only I didn't keep getting interrupted.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 12:55 PM

And Kat, he's small enough, you could probably get away with dropping him in the mail, book rate.   :)

Hot this weekend and I have to mow the back, so I'm pacing myself. Mowed a bit, now in to cool off. While I'm in I'll be picking up around the house. I've cleared up several kitchen counters so far.

My seed de-clutter didn't work in the pots outside, few of the really old seeds have sprouted, so I'll run through some more recent ones or may go buy some. But I'm doing a lot of seed versus established plant gardening this year.

Ewwww--I have Wait Wait Don't Tell Me on. A question on the last quiz included one in which IL gov' Blagojevich was proud that his wife ate a tarantula on a "reality" show. Oh! Poor spider!

Sweat dripping as I sit here cooling off. Time to make a big tankard of iced tea and keep it nearby as I work. I brewed a nice mix this weekend--green tea and lemon balm.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 10:48 PM

I can see it now...granny caught pimping out her house-cleaning five year grandson - child services moves in on her!**bg**


I managed to clear off the table by the front door as we are going to move it to make room for the treadmill. I want it by the front door, so it is ready to go out the door when I sell it. So, I now have a pile of CDs by the computer which I am loading into it, then they will be ready for Great Alphabetising Scheme which will see them all loaded into the changer, dust and hands-free! I figure it's a good way to store them if nothing else, though I do use it pretty often as a music source in the LR and Kitchen.

Cleared off a bunch of other small things lying about the house...detritus of the past few weeks of my not doing much. Nice to get some of it out of the way.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jun 09 - 11:13 AM

Kat, good luck on alphabetizing your CDs. If ever a project sounded like herding cats, that one does. Do you go by artist, by song, and if there are more than one artist, default to whom? ;-D

My organizing isn't perfect but not bad. It took opening only three boxes in the office closet to find the little metal things you use to put the mini christmas lights along a garden border or cement path, etc. I used them once but decided they were a tripping hazard so haven't used them again, but I didn't toss them either. I have a project in mind in the garden.

It's getting hot out there these days. I'll do more stuff in the house this afternoon, I do predict. I was going to head over to the Scottish Festival on campus today, but I have work to do here and no money to spend over there. That kind of settles it.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jun 09 - 01:09 PM

The dogs enjoyed a morning ramble through our woods and across the boulevard to the prairie. I picked up a couple of seed heads (milkweed and yucca). A friend up the street wants to attract butterflies--the native milkweed will do it! The yucca I'm going to toss in the dry back end of the yard and see if they come up.

Been rearranging a piece of back porch (patio) clutter. There was a concrete cinder block wall around the house when I moved in. If I'd thought about it, I'd have had the guys leave the wall here and reuse the blocks. There was one section that was kind of handy next to the door that we left, but I've moved it since. Now I'm struggling (got a big piece of cardboard to slide under it, but with little effect) to move about 20 feet where I'll use it to prop up the various brass fittings I use at the faucet. I'm using one hose (cheap PVC) for the yard and a better rubber one for the dogs. And sometimes I just want access to water without a hose, so I have one of those four-spigot brass things to use back there. All of this can weigh down a spigot, so the little chunk of wall (about 7 cinder blocks total, still mortared together) will serve right there.

For this afternoon, there are a number of possibilities. It's a beautiful but very hot day, so any outside stuff will be brief. I can finish clearing up in front of my porch--that's in the shade in the afternoon. I can see already that this will be lovely. I need at least two more stepping stones and another bag of decomposed granite and I'm finished.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Jun 09 - 07:21 PM

Good question, SRS. I had thought I'd do it according to artist, but now that I think about it, a lot of them I know by the CD title, not the artist. Hmmmm...first thing I'll take them out and put them in the storage box I bought with the alphabet index cards and see how they feel in various ways, then I'll know how to put them in the changer. I had done a sort of grouping when I first loaded it, i.e. Mudcatters one after another, then Native American, classical, etc. I didn't code them each like I should have, though. Ya know it might be easier if I just remember how to code them by groups, genre, etc. and leave them in whatever order as the player will play whatever I tell it to. Hmmmm...thanks, I think!**bg**

We did the dishes, laundry and Rog moved the treadmill for me, while I moved the table. I also straightened up with Morgan's slight help. He wasn't really having it, today.:-)Anyway things look better.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jun 09 - 09:55 PM

Oops--I said there was a wall around the house, but there wasn't. There was a low wall around the patio in the back, meant to keep water from the creek from coming in, I think. The insurance company didn't buy it as a way to reduce flood insurance, so I took it down.

Got a lot finished today. The wall section (only 4 cinder blocks, not 7, but still heavy) is in place and the hoses are efficient. I finished putting in stepping stones, sand, decomposed gravel and even some mulch to finish off the area in front of the front porch. I've literally buried the "bad dirt" filled with bits from the old roof under several inches of good dirt, sand, etc. I hope that if it rains it won't all wash away but will spread into the garden in front of this space I worked on, and gradually build a slope so it drains better. I have photos to process and maybe I'll get one posted later.

A couple of loads of laundry were washed then dried on the line out back this weekend. I got some weeding and trimming and planting done in the veggie gardens (put in seeds for corn and coriander), and I'll be cleaning out the fridge tonight because tomorrow is trash day.

Of course the house is still messy, but it's better than it was. To many little things to catalog, but I suspect I'll keep moving around doing various things until I crash. My son is out of school now, so I have to set some limits or he'd stay up all night (disturbing my sleep and burning the lights and running the computer) and sleep all day (wasting perfectly good daylight!)

Gotta get that kid a job. I have my eye on one I hope he'll find suitable, we'll have to see what happens. I think a paycheck will go along way to convince him it's time.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 11:00 AM

I'm starting from the baseline of a clean kitchen. Will fight my way outward from there later today.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 11:38 AM

I am doing some computer work, today...stuff I've been putting off. While doing that, I am loading more CDs onto the harddrive.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 01:15 PM

Quilt is 2/3rds done, finished 2 of the 4 baskets I need for 2 weeks time, but I want to line them with the green fabric I'm using on the quilt, but need to finish that before I dare cut anything out for the baskets.... if only I didn't have to go to work!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 01:41 PM

Since hoarding and OCD have been mentioned in past clut-threads, I thought I'd plunk this quite here from an OCD self-help forum I came across, looking for something else:

....My mother has OCD Hoarding but it has gone undiagnosed as yet since she is lying to her doctors about it. I can easily recognize it. She obsessively buys things from QVC and Infomercials, rarely opens them except to get the 'receipt' out for filing. She has squandered her entire retirement fund by doing this in the last 5 years. She even has the body of her old cat, burried in a large pot with a plant.

.... oh... my... GOD...... Fluffy.... where are you..... I would never have looked THERE!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 09:41 PM

My last cat is under some daffodils in the front yard. Better, if you're a packrat, to not bury deceased pets IN the house.

Prickly heat this evening, and I wasn't working out in it much. I feel like I'm allergic to my skin. It's humid as hell and chance of thunderstorms overnight. I hate this feeling.

I have Moonglow on assignment, after I called the local DQ to ask when the owner will next be in and not getting a definite answer. I'd like to take my son over to meet the guy (the owner knows Moonglow--she worked out there off and on for a couple of years, even coming to town to work weekends in her first year at college). Mall work is all low-level and the staff can be snoopy, gossipy, whatever. I want my son to make an impression on the owner when he goes out to turn in the application. I am just Mom's Taxi in this, once he lands a job, but I'll try to stage-manage when they meet so the owner can get the best first impression. She will simply ask the guy when would be a good time for my son to go out and meet and turn in the application, that's all I need.

I don't think I'm nuts--it always helps to have connections and a face to place with the name, especially a responsible and (for 17) quite mature face. (I want this kid to get a job and have something to do during the day!)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: MAG
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 12:25 AM

Gone 2 days; kindling type wood 1 bundle decluttered to friend I stayed with, and we swapped herb starts from our gardens (I got lemon balm, after SRS raved about it, and gave woodruff).

Otherwise, nada.

Except decluttering my head.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 09:26 AM

On the attic-opening, we re-configured the beds last couple of weeks (used to be mainly the Mudcat Dorm), to make our own kingbed nicer and the double bed nicer, too-- adjusting the heights and, last night, adding a dust ruffle to the kingbed to improve it as a storage area (not out of sight/out of mind-- just harder to just kick stuff under there without thinking). The "MudDorm" still sleeps 5 or more, just not all in the single beds it used to hold. We added, also, a bedrail to the double in case of visitors with little ones.

The next project up there is a set of shelves to convert what had been large milk-crate linen storage into shelves across the crates, for more convenient and prettier linen storage-- the colors are so pretty that it will be nice to be able to see them stacked up on the shelves, interspersed with other supplies and stuff displayed nicely. And a rug that has outlived its downstairs usefulness will be sliced up to nicen up some of the bare plank floor (not a pretty plank either).

===
[SQUEAM ALERT ON]

We're considering adding another portapotti up there, since we like the one in the camper so much. I found an "orange"-scented tank deodorizer that actually HAS no odor. I finally knocked over a pee bucket one night, not a very full one thank God, but I really don't care to do THAT again-- it's so hard to clean up in the dark when Hardi is fast asleep! (It didn't get knocked over up there.) The attic floor is so not-level.... the portapotti bases are square, DUH!

[SQUEAM ALERT OFF]
===


For pickup later today is a Freecycled swimming pool filter and pool accessories. (Next year, the pool to go with them.)


A re-do of the dog yard is in the offing, with Freecycled chainlink. A local HS kid is going to make panels (like the large dog runs you see at WalMart, etc.), which will be erected to replace the current collection of fencing layers necessitated by getting larger and larger dogs after the first yard was set up for little Ruby-- we'd just added layers of taller fencing. These panels will be removable for the addition, before the next wet season, of gravel to keep the dust down. Back a truck right in and let IT do most of the work spreading it, then let the landlord's little Bobcat in to finish the job.

I think the panels will be made while we are away on vacay, since this young man also feeds the dogs when we are gone-- and then we can come back and direct the deployment of the panels when we see how many were made out of the available chainlink, peg them into place, move the doghouse, etc., add a sitting chair, and-- if there is enough money left from vacation expenses-- have the first load of gravel delivered the same day we take down the old fence. And THAT old fence has plans for it, as well.

BTW, all these separate dwellings we have on the one property-- they tend to stay decluttered. Especially from one season to the next as each area gets better storage furniture. Pro organizers say we should treat ourselves like guests. It's true!


The Wonderful Amazing Clothing Closet is still working well, and as weight loss continues and older clothes wear out, I'm actually throwing a few pieces away. Some of the more dearly-loved are being sliced up for a quilt-like framed project to add a little more color to the attic bedroom-- I don't quilt and some of the fabrics are too fragile anyway. They will be a visual reminder of what I have accomplished.


Here's a nice project for quilters tho-- a friend of mine took all her dad's clothing when he passed, and a sister quilted samples all up into a set of framed panels for family, with other mementoes stitched on such as medals, award ribbons, etc. Each panel is unique altho they all resemble each other somewhat, since each was made with each particular relationship in mind, and the hobbies each one esp. shared with him. The finished, framed panels were about 18 x 18-- framed to keep them forever, dust-free, but easily opened for tactile memories, too. They did not re-clean the clothes first-- they WERE clean in the closet-- but the dau's say they can still smell his aftershave on his soft, old wool and flannel and dress shirts, hunting jacket, etc.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 02:34 PM

I have spent the last few hours working in my office. There is another nice pile ready to go to the yard sale which is next month (so I'll be more focused in the next few weeks to get this stuff out of my house!). In addition, I sorted out a few (very full) baskets of paperwork, some business, many cards and letters. I have to admit, when it comes to cards and letters, I keep them all. I love them!!! Today I took out the extra special ones (letters from my Love and Veronica, a video of my best friend who died 10 years ago, etc) and am taking them to the safety deposit box at the bank. When I die, whoever goes into my safety deposit box better not be looking for money or they will be sorely disappointed...it's all irreplaceable stuff that brings me great joy to hold and read. Anyway, that's all been sorted out...at least the ones that were in my office. I have a large plastic tote full of cards and notes in our bedroom closet too...but those were previously sorted.
    Ultimately my goal is to get my office condensed enough that we can move everything into Pete's office. We have opened up our adoption options a bit and one of the things we are open to is siblings...this means I need that extra space to be empty. It's slow going, but it's going and I'm quite happy with my progress!

Michelle

PS. My sweet, Ellie's cremated remains are in my office....in a metal box, inside a maroon velvet bag. She will be buried outside soon....most likely under the cherry tree. I know it sounds odd but really, I wasn't about to leave her outside all winter (where other animals may dig at the remains).

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 02:34 PM

PS. Ellie is a cat...a beautiful, loving black cat. =^..^=

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 03:27 PM

Just want you all to know: I am taking a week off from Mudcat and other internet environs. I will still be checking email. Have fun!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 03:31 PM

Enjoy your week off Kat!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 10:09 PM

Sounds like a good idea. The Internet has gotten a little busier for me lately.

I've been tired, I think it's because I'm trying a new antihistamine. An OTC one (Zyrtec) that used to be Rx. Anyone have any reports on this? I've been using Allegra, and it isn't that expensive these days at the mail-order pharmacy, but I thought I'd see how the others behaved. (Actually, at this point, the knock-off brand of Zyrtec and Allegra cost about the same, so it is a matter of choosing which works better for me).

Shifting gears into summer. I think I'll have something to report on the shifting of chores by the weekend. I might have a little more time for other stuff if I'm not the only one washing the dishes. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 11:58 PM

I've been suffering from de-cluttering inertia lately, but I'm better now. I had a small desk with a hutch that was in the upstairs hallway, along with an antique trunk and several boxes of magazines. I decided to move the desk into the guest-room, and it fits in there just fine. The storage boxes fit under the desk, so it doesn't take up any more room.

I'm still collecting books to go to the library; the bag is about half full. A week from Thursday, our local Irish Cultural Forum is staging a Bloomsday celebration, and they're going to have an Irish used book sale, so I've got some books set aside for that too.

Cleaned the bathroom from top to bottom, and made some improvement in the kitchen as well.

The plants are recovering nicely, but I haven't taken the "after" pictures yet. I may wait for some of them to bloom.

Have a good week off, Kat.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 09:16 AM

That reminds me-- altho it took me until this spring to learn the particulars, I've decluttered my online life quite a bit by letting my email notify people when I am less-than-usually-available. I had not realized that an auto-away-reply does not stop the messages from landing in my inbox, so that I can still watch for anything really important and, if I have a moment, briefly respond to it. I had always assumed that the auto-reply blocked the messages from arriving.

I learned how to use it well by watching the flurry of these I get from other people with similar professional lives to ours-- the way they shade the auto-reply text to be clear about how "away" they really will be. NOW I understand how I would use email-by-cell-phone, if we had it. NOW it is a tool that I could use to support what I do instead of distracting me from what I do.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 02:38 PM

This morning I took a quick swipe at the master bath. It's dusted, arranged, everything put away. A small step forward again.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jun 09 - 12:47 PM

Heavy storms last night and again today. I may have no choice but to stay inside to work on the house this evening (I need to mow). And then, when it dries up for the weekend, guess what! It's supposed to get up to 100.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 11 Jun 09 - 01:13 PM

We're getting rain this morning, too. Not bad storms, just light rain. But enough to prevent mowing. Here it is, the 11th of June, and I'm still wearing sweatshirts; it's still only in the 60's-- maybe it'll make it to 72F (22C) over the weekend.

Got my teeth cleaned at the dentist this morning-- a de-cluttering of sorts.

I finally hooked up the digital/analog converter box to the TV in my bedroom, altho I'm not watching much TV at night any more. Mostly use it in the early morning, so I get the weather forecast.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Jun 09 - 06:38 PM

Quilt is finished, more or less, thus removing several pieces of fabric and an old blanket and giving them a new lease of life. Just the actual quilting bit to do now, the hardest bit in a small space... I may just move it outside tomorrow if the weather is nice.

Then I suppose I'd better get on and empty a few more cupboards...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 11 Jun 09 - 11:36 PM

It rained all day today, but the good news is the grass-seed (to fill in the bare spots) has started to sprout. It's up about an inch in some places. And all the laundry is done, too.

M

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 08:14 PM

I have several times considered de-cluttering a 3-tined spade fork, I have two others that aren't missing a tine. But it saved the day today, I was able to weave the handle up through a tomato cage and past branches and then push it into the ground to support a plant that had slid sideways onto a smallish patch of carrots. And several beautiful green tomatoes were resting on the ground. It's ready to storm--again. I hope the fork holds it up! I may have to get out there with some of those bird feeder shepherd's crook things I'm not using and suspend them from above, otherwise.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Slag
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 01:16 AM

I'm sorry. I have to admit up front that I have only read the first six or seven posts so if someone else has already covered this, please forgive me. MID-summer is not until about August 5th or 6th.

So let's not rush this thing. In fact I want to opt out! I love my clutter. It's arranged the way my mind is a- (not "de-") rranged. I know where everything is and I can put my fingers on it within seconds, well, minutes or a few hours at most, BUT I know ABOUT where it is! Sometimes days or weeks, but that is stuff I don't use much. OK, but I can still find my way to this here keyboard.

And the stuff I can't find I either didn't need it or it's just waiting for me to rediscover it.... like a time capsule. That alone is worth the mess. It's like an archaeological dig, if you know what I mean.

Some day my kids are going to have a blast going through all this stuff. Historical, some of it is.


There's always 2010, ya know...

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 10:20 AM

Well Slag, it depends entirely which calendar you use, and where you are in the world. I'm in the UK and the calendar says that midsummer is 21st June, at the solstice. You might be happier calling it Midyear day, because it's all downhill from there to Christmas!

I have the 'time capsule' in mind too, but I really don't know why I should burden my only child with the legacy of 9 ice cube trays (I know I said 8, but I found another one), of which only 4 are any use.

Not so much historical as hysterical.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 12:15 PM

Slag, you're a clutter-enabler, I can see it from here. Get professional help. I suggest starting with a book by Don Aslett, Clutters Last Stand. He covers a lot of philosophy to help you see the error of your ways. (We've all been there!)

I filed and shredded paper in the office last night. Years ago I had some experimental email accounts and I just found the file with all of those old passwords. I'm sure they're defunct, I don't plan to revive any, so into the trash they go. I'll clear my computer work surface then head into the yard, which is hot and muggy and soggy after thunder storms last night. Can't do much out there, but maybe I'll restring the string trimmer and clear the garage. The ex needs to load a bunch of brush in the pickup to take to the dump, so I'll empty out the back of the pickup in preparation for that. And the neighbor wants a load of mulch, so maybe I can swing by and pickup that for her after the dump. Have the ex help me shovel it. Good exchange, eh?

I wonder how Kat's week has gone? Made any progress on whatever took you away?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 05:47 PM

De-cluttered the ex's back yard of a pickup full of brush and an old broken down compost thing that I had hoped to rescue one of these days and reuse. Took them to the bulky waste station near here. My compost bin was too far gone from being left in one spot in his yard for years. Oh, well.

Hot as hell out there. I finished those chores by picking up some free compost for the neighbor and myself, but now I think I'll shower, then it'll be a little shopping and an evening in. I'd like to mow, but the weather says rain again this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 06:40 PM

Oh, and of those 9 ice cube trays, guess how many were actually in the freezer full of ice?... go on... guess!






























Yup.. nary a one.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 11:22 AM

I have to defrost my freezer again, and one of these days get the drain system from the defroster repaired. I am using ice cube trays because I disconnected my ice maker from the wall water for the time being.

Kitchen is looking good, and I moved a couple of rolling storage things out to see if I can use them somewhere else since they aren't needed in the kitchen any more. I am looking for a way to store produce, so I may set them up in some coolish place for the onions that will soon be coming in from the garden. I wish I had a root cellar, or any kind of cellar, but all of the houses around here are built on slabs. Best I can do is find a interior closet and roll these in. I do have one, but the vacuum cleaners live there right now.

Out to the yard, to finish mowing before noon. I'll take the dogs over into the woods for a little stroll also, but it's too hot out in the open for anyone nowadays.

Afternoon work in the house. I have a hose clamp to put on a nice stand fan I found for $3 at a garage sale, but the collar that attaches to the stand is cracked. I have rubber bands, but realized I could hold it with a hose clamp over a rubber band and it will hold great and look kind of interesting.

I'm kicking myself--I let the dog pool fill and forgot about it for several hours. I could hear water running when I was going to bed hours later and realized the hose was still running hard in the yard. Damn damn damn. That's more than a week's worth of showers for my son right there (at an hour a pop)--the bill will be high this month if I don't get him to cut them down by half for the rest of the month. I'll see what I can do.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 01:11 PM

I boxed up all of the programming & other work-related books that I brought home when I retired. I'm not sure where I'll put them (maybe I'll just throw a table cloth over them) but they're in the hallway for now. Then I unpacked all of my Irish language books and tapes, and put them on the bookcase where the work books had been. I even hooked up a radio/cassette-player, but discovered that the radio plays, but it won't play cassettes any more. Bummer, but I found a small cassette player to serve in the meantime. Now I have to quit de-cluttering and concentrate on my Irish studies.

I also cleaned out 2 dresser drawers in the guest-room. At least now a guest could have a little space to unpack. Still have 2 more drawers to go thru-- mostly papers of my mother's.

Yesterday I started going thru drawers in a dresser in the "music" room. I emptied one drawer and reloaded it with all of my Christmas music cassettes, which just fit, so they're all in one place-- what a radical idea. The other drawers contain old tax returns and bills/receipts, so I'll need to pull all of that out and box up what I need to keep & recycle the rest.

It's quiet & peaceful on the street this afternoon, so I'll wait until tomorrow to run the lawnmower.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 09:49 PM

My de-cluttering was outside today in a space beside the garage that is a catch-all for gardening stuff. Extra trash bins, buckets, planting containers, stakes and cages for the garden, etc. And I had two 18-gallon bins over there since last fall for my compost experiment. I started with one bin, but by the time I had filled it there was still too much stuff that wasn't broken down so I got another and set it on top. Kitchen waste (I don't put in meat or grease, the veggie stuff is enough) goes out at least once a day.

Today I decided I would empty the lower bin. It weighed a ton, and when I opened it, it was a liquid stinky sea of wiggling stuff. Maggots, I guess. Yeeecchh! Into the house for orange oil and a watering can, and I poured a powerful dose in to knock out those critters. I then got a bucket and slowly poured it off out of one corner and carried a couple of buckets full into the back where I had excavated a large hole in the compost pile and I poured it in. When the bin was light enough so I could heft it into the wheelbarrow I lugged it back and the contents went into the compost, to be covered over. Bin was washed out and is airing. The second bin was also emptied--in this heat, and with that reaction, there is no way I'm going to continue that experiment. For now I'll dump kitchen waste into a 5-gallon covered bucket and every few days I'll bury it in the compost where the dogs can't reach it.

But after those were gone and I moved an iron wood storage rack with grass and vines around it I mowed and trimmed and it looks quite tidy. I poured a bucket of mulch/compost (from a different source than the compost pile) over the spot where the bins used to stand. Swept up (I mowed this morning) and put everything back and it looks really good. I've finally cleared the extra bags of mulch and manure away from the veggie garden edge and it is an interesting looking space now. I'll get a photo in the morning when the light is mellow on that side of the house.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 11:56 PM

Went through a bunch of work-related material--mostly 401(k) statements and assorted bulletins from the HR department. Since I've rolled over my retirement account, I can get rid of most of this stuff. Will shred the stuff with SS#/birthdates, and send the rest to the recycling center. Found tax returns that go back to 1984, so most of that will be shredded, too.

M

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 01:11 AM

I forgot to mention earlier--that area beside the garage had a lot of things in storage--including the kitchen sink! I took it out when I remodeled, and I'll use it for a potting bench one of these days.

In the last couple of years I've been shredding lots of old documents also. I sometimes stumbled on memories as I worked, but none of it is anything that is archival, just personal, and problematic if the numbers to walkabout. Best to shred all of that stuff.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 03:19 AM

STilly - did you add any soil to your compost? Sometimes, dropping a couple of shovels of garden soil (not compost or peat) in on top of a pile of freshly added refuse or grass clippings will help it to rot down... enzymes in the soil or something.

Maggots tend to prefer rotting meat or faeces so either your compost wasn't as vegetarian as you thought or else you got another larvae altogether... my favourite would be hover fly larvae, otherwise known as rat tailed maggots. They're harmless and do a lot of good with pollination in the garden, but the maggots/larvae do look a bit icky. They like wet/soggy soil so I'd work on improving the drainage in your compost bin before you start to fill it again.

I am at home for a week or so, for various reasons so I really should be doing some sorting of my own... trouble is, I just don't have the energy!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 09:04 AM

Er.. is this the decluttering or gardening thread?

Prerhaps someone should declutter the gardening thread...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 01:11 PM

I was de-cluttering beside the garage when I moved these plastic bins, and that's when I discovered these things in the bottom one. Inch long, whitish, not segmented but with the lines across like the pupa stage of some bugs, wiggling/swimming in the primordial soup. There is no meat or grease in those, only plant trimmings, peels, fruit cores, skins, etc. I think as it broke down and maybe rain got it became so soupy. I have a regular compost pile in back but the dogs get into it if I throw the food scraps out, even if it is banana peels and onion skins. That's why I had this bin going, to let it break down to something that they wouldn't be interested in. It worked during the winter months, but this time of it my plan exceeded my wildest dreams. . .

Really hot here now, so I'll be doing more indoor work. I have ceiling fans in all of the house except the bathrooms and kitchen. They'll be going quite a bit now and I'll try to achieve the cool interior with interesting views out of the various windows. Think Hemingway's house or a desert adobe thick-walled house with wide verandas or brush arbors to shade windows and doors.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: MAG
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 02:54 PM

SRS, they sound a bit like the larvae of root weevils -- a pic should be on the net somewhere.

They're pretty noxious, especially if you have strawberries.

Good luck.

I am fighting a cold/sore throat; didn't do a thing yesterday, but had in my helper guy, who deadheaded the roses, did some weeding, threw a couple loads of laundry in the wash, warmed up some hot soup for me, vacuumed, and changed the bed.

I love beinf waited on, not that it happens that often.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: MAG
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 03:01 PM

Oh; P.S.: the answer to this week's weekend Sunday puzzle is:

tempest
storm

if I'm right anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 04:38 PM

98 out, the dogs are moving from shady spot to shady spot outside. They do okay when they are acclimated. I try to not have the AC down so low in here that there is a huge difference between indoors and outdoors. 10 or 15 degrees can make it a lot more comfortable but not break the bank (I have friends who keep it cranked down to 68 and sleep with a blanket in summer--how silly.) Better a sheet and a ceiling fan with the AC set so the room is just comfortable.

My son emptied his closet of all of the clothes he can't or won't wear any more, and that amounts to quite a stack of t-shirts and pants. I'll see if any of them are eBay material, but I think I'm better off leaving these in the local economy and taking the donation to Goodwill on my taxes. These are, of course, piled on that love seat by the door, and there are other clothes over there as well. Something to do over the weekend, I think.

I have been rearranging my closet, pulling out shorts and putting up sweaters. Those plastic boxes of mine help a lot. Now I need to lose a few pounds so I can wear the shorts comfortably. :-/

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 06:37 PM

I decided to take the little bit of tax material up to the recycling center, so I could use their diamond-cut shredder. There are only 2 machines, and there were 2 guys, one at each machine, each shredding a boxful of stuff. I waited for 30 minutes (I thought they were both pretty rude to monopolize the machines that way), and they were still at it, and then the one guy BROKE the diamond-cut shredder. I was so disgusted, that I just walked away. I went and ran the rest of my errands, and then came back to see if there was still a line. The two guys were gone, and this nice young woman let me use the one working shredder (while she dumped a bag), since I only needed less than 5 minutes.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 06:58 PM

Isn't there a rule that suggests 10 minutes at a time? Heck, the thrift store I go to has a sign "three items/not more than 10 minutes." We interpret this loosely to mean we can try on as many things as we can in 10 minutes, but try not to be too conspicuous about taking in a dozen garments. :)

My son has a job interview on Wednesday! His first one (he's 17).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 10:57 PM

We shouldn't really need a time limit, but I guess "common courtesy" isn't as common as it used to be.

m

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 02:33 PM

I am back. Haven't done much and probably won't for awhile, but I didn't want you all worrying or anything. I am okay, just needed a break. Too many threads which seemed negative/sad/political infighting/newsy and I think I was on overload.:-) I am taking it in small doses now. So will see you round. Thanks for your notes.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 02:52 PM

Thanks for the update, Kat, and good to know you're back. I can certainly understand the need to clear one's head once in a while.

I had lunch with some folks I used to work with. They're still there, and I'm so happy that I'm not. I'd much rather see them socially than occupationally (is that a word?).

After lunch, they went back to work and I went off to the garden center-- bought a few (okay, 8) small perennials that were on sale cheap. Hope to plant them tomorrow, before the rain starts.

Got another dresser draw emptied out (temporarily); I think I'll fill it back up with genealogy stuff, then that milkcrate will be off of the floor.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 12:34 AM

I've been quite busy with work stuff this week; I don't see much let-up for anything else before tomorrow afternoon, after the interview. I'll probably have to take my son shopping if he gets the job--he has a favorite pair of Vans suede shoes that will not hold up under the assault of dropped and spilled dairy and pop and other food items. So, he'll have work shoes and everyday shoes. First time I'll have been able to convince this kid that having more than one pair of shoes at a time is a good thing. . .

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 10:42 PM

This week just doesn't look like it's going to slow down, so I'm taking Friday off. I have use or loose time to finish up this summer (our fiscal year starts Sept. 1). It's the only way I'm going to get anything done around here.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:21 AM

I finally put an ad in the paper for the treadmill and another one for the antique glass bottles...the ones I had decided to keep. They are just collecting dust. I've had two calls on them. The ads just came out today and it is a week-long shopper.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:27 AM

That's good news! I have a few things I might list on Craig's List soon. I spoke with a neighbor about it one day--she said her technique is to post the listings when she has some time to hover at the computer, because generally the sales she makes come very soon after an item is listed. Makes sense--listings drop lower as new ones appear; even when posted to a category, it still drops out of sight quickly.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: MAG
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 10:59 AM

Good decision, SRS, to take time rather than lose it.

Imagine! Takingtime and not feeling like you are playing hookey.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: GUEST,Bizibod
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 03:50 PM

I'm liking the idea of loose time SRS .........sounds like it could be really useful!

Inspired by all of youse efforts, I'm having a yard sale myself this weekend- I am d-row-n-i-ng in STUFF !!!
The more I look around the more I think I see stuff I really don't want/need/care about anymore- and what's more I AM NOT going to take in any more unloved/unwanted stuff of anybody else's just because I feel sorry for it- what was I thinking of ?!

This weekend could be the making of me!

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: MAG
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 10:31 PM

I can sure relate to that; stuff that looks forlorn is so pity inducing.

That is unfortunately how I ended up with 5 rescue cats.

They drive me nuts and I actively encourage them to spend time outside.

Then I find myself outside shooing away the birds so I don't induce more guilt in myself.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 10:16 AM

Sold the treadmill with the first call on it! It is gone, outta here!

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 04:28 PM

Took a dozen books (for the used book sale) to the Bloomsday event yesterday, and all of them were sold. I only bought a 50-cent Irish cookbook.

Big, loud thunderstorms woke me up before dawn this morning. Pulled the covers over my head, snuggled up with the cat and went back to sleep. It cleared up long enough for me to take the trash out, and do some grocery shopping, but it just now started raining again. Catching up on laundry today.

M.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 09:15 PM

Had Morgan today. I sat in my chair and *directed* him in cleaning out the corner of the LR where he had toys piled near to the ceiling. (Well, it seemed like that high!)

I'd been threatening to throw them all out if we didn't go through them, soon. He did a GRAND job! Brought it all over by me with the trash can. We went through everything and filled a garbage bag and a half with broken toys, parts, etc. He took out an old trunk, insisted he could do it alone and pulled it right out the front door, down the three steps to the grass where I told him to leave it. He looked like a mighty hunter or a stevedore dragging it out. His corner is now all nice and neat. Hope we can keep it that way for a while.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 02:02 PM

I'm in the house to cool down after finishing mowing the front yard in this very hot and sunny Texas day. Is it summer yet?

I'll be taking days off a lot this summer, because I have nearly 3 weeks of days to use up. Loose/lose, great what spell check doesn't catch, isn't it?

My day off was productive and busy, though it was not without expense. One savings--I bought a push mower for Moonglow on Wednesday, that was in the box in my back seat until she picked it up. Yesterday morning I swung by a couple of garage sales and spent $12 on her behalf. Found a nice little Mouli cheese grater ($2) and a Craftsman push lawnmower ($10). I literally snatched that from under my neighbor's nose--this after we visited and I pointed out that she had the habit bad, because I was at her garage sale last month and saw how much stuff she had stuffed in her garage (she used to run booths in antique malls). She had just asked if the mower worked and I literally handed my $10 over to the seller and said "I need to buy that mower." Neighbor was kind of startled, but I told her this was for a daughter in college with a neighborhood association breathing down her neck for tall grass. We pitched the last mower that died after it couldn't be repaired. No oil or gas or spark plugs to fool with on this one. The new one went back to Sears last night.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 07:58 PM

Nearly 4.5 hours later and another cool-down. I've been out de-cluttering last year's compost pile. I usually have a new pile each year and they go back for at least three years, then no matter how slow they're working, by the third year it is usable. I'm working on this year's a little more intently, it hasn't been steaming (too hot to see any steam!) but to let it cook a little better. The first part of fixing that heap was to pull out all of the wood. Over the last couple of weeks I've moved all of those branches down to the curb to go out in the trash. I wish I had a chipper.

I picked up the rest of this entry and stuck it over on the gardening thread. You get the drift. The back yard looks better.

Once I get a shower I won't be out working there more tonight, so maybe I'll get a little more eBay listed.

Kat, that sounds like you got a lot of work done with Morgan. How is all of this straightening showing up at his room at home? Does he keep it neat?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: MAG
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 03:59 PM

It's raining here today; I got a few weeds pulled before it started, now inside.

Actually just now bagging up sweaters for next winter.

Cat knocked over everything in sight and I just can't whomp up the energy to deal with it just yet. (He needed to be dusted for fleas; not a happy cat. Thought he will feel a whole lot better.)

Did get the glass from a glass I dropped cleaned up.

One pile of clothes in the dryer to de-cat hair them.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 04:11 PM

I swung by Academy to buy myself a few inexpensive pairs of shorts to wear out in the yard. I have to lose weight--those dressing room mirrors don't lie.

I'm moving things around, trying to figure a good place to store my onions while they dry. I harvested maybe 15 - 20%, the ones that are absolutely finished growing. This is the time of year when one goes in the yard with a bucket and snippers. And shorts that don't have ripped out seats.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 07:29 PM

I look at the books all around me, and I know that half (at least) will never be read. Many were bought at the used book store, where you buy it when you see it, because it'll be gone by the time you visit again. Some of them relate to topics I've since lost interest in, and I'll never read them, so I'll try to pass them on. I filled up a second bag for the library, and I'm going for a third.

I cleared off enough space to move the gardening books together on another shelf, and now I've put the VHS tapes on the bookcase with the TV/videoplayer. Even though I can't get a TV signal, I can still play the VHS tapes. I just need to find a comfy chair that doesn't take up too much room.

M

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 07:32 PM

Pulled out more onions so I could work on a couple of zones for replanting (more onions and carrots). And I put some squash seeds in a mound that wasn't working out for something else. I hadn't planned to plant zucchini this year, but heard a great answer to the squash beetle killing the plants. Use a syringe and insert a dose of BT into the hollow stem once it gets big enough. That kills off the caterpillar that reams it out (usually after you've gotten one squash--then seemingly overnight it goes from being a healthy plant to being a wilted mess in the garden).

Indoor stuff tonight, after I pick up my son and walk the dogs. Gotta remember this is Sunday, so tomorrow is a work day. With school out, there are fewer day of the week markers around. ;)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 09:34 PM

Supposed to reach and stay at 100 degrees this week. Joy. Will find indoor pursuits.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jun 09 - 01:41 PM

SRS, I don't know how Morgan is with his room; I hardly ever go over and inside to visit. I think he probably does a pretty good job as they have regular clean the house days.:-)

Yesterday, Rog and I did laundry, including all of our bedding, swept, mopped, shopped, put away clean clothes, and generally cleaned house.

This morning, I did the week's dishes, more laundry, and cleaned the kitchen. More activity than I have been able to do in a long time, it feels. I also washed my hair which I usually do every morning, but the effort, lately, has been too much, so that feels good, too!

My ad for the bottles ends this Wednesday. If I don't sell them, I have decided I will box them and some books up and donate them to a local benefit pets thrift store and/or hospice. It's just not worth having them sitting around.

This past week, I sent three really pretty sun catchers, leaded glass with dried flowers, to a friend.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: MAG
Date: 22 Jun 09 - 03:03 PM

Half a boxful of clothes to a city co-worker who got burned out. Waiting to hear what else they need.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jun 09 - 05:46 PM

Oh, I also watered my houseplants this morning. Phew!

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 03:35 PM

Someone please de-clutter my driving schedule! My son is taking a morning class this week and next (mornings), he's started a new job (part time, training afternoons this week) and on Tuesday evenings he has guitar lessons. I feel like a regular taxi service.

Since he's at work now for a few hours I can do some baking. I had a couple of bags of ripe bananas here (Albertson's is great for those--99 cents for a bag that probably has five pounds at least in it) so I made a huge batch of bread. Barely enough room in the oven, and one in the convection oven. I'll have three large loaves and (I think) five small ones. Most will go in the freezer and will be for quick breakfasts this summer with all of our coming and going.

I'll do dishes later.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 03:45 PM

Mmmmmmmmm   I can almost smell that banana bread from here!!!

Not much de-cluttering going on around here lately. I'm been dragging and today I found out why...I have caught myself a full blown summer cold. Sneezing. Tired. Sore Throat. I did clean out my magazine basket (and all daily chores are complete). That yard sale of ours is coming up quick and I really need to get on it....but not today. I'm going back to bed.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 03:48 PM

Mostly I'm working thru a list of things I need to do before Thursday. I mowed the back grass & I'll do the front tomorrow. I brought 2 25-pound bags of cat litter upstairs, since I won't be able to lift anything heavy for a while. I'll give the bedroom a more-thorough than usually cleaning tomorrow, and put clean sheets on the bed. I bought a few extra groceries, since I don't know when I'll be allowed to drive.

M

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 09:05 PM

I edited wrong. _Driving_ in the mornings. Mornings in the mornings is more than I need. :)

Take care of yourselves, de-clutterers!

My sink is heaped with pans and bowls. It'll take a while to work through all of that baking gear. I pulled out all of the stops, mixed the batter in a huge steel bowl I sometimes used to use for making yeast bread (several loaves). It works equally well for soda bread. Had big bowls of mashed fruit and beaten eggs and flour and butter all around. Just like on the TV when they make great things. I just don't have a cleanup crew here to come in behind and take care of that mess.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: JennieG
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 08:15 AM

We have started the big clean-out....amazing how much collects after living in a house for 22 years. Baby steps still, but it's surprising how much better it looks already! Today we sorted out our CDs, neither of us had any idea we had so many - when they were in piles all over the house it was easy to forget how many were there -

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: MAG
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 02:57 PM

Cleaning out unused CDs -- now there's a thought.

I'll wait until some music (folk) group I know is having a rummage sale.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 07:30 PM

I've been organizing my CDs--they look so nice on shelving where I can see them all and actually FIND what I'm looking for! Go figure!

It's nearly time to organize my canning stuff and defrost my big freezer. I'm defrosting instead of shopping for new, I'll put some packages in my side-by-side freezer, but I don't want to have to make elaborate arrangements to move food into coolers.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 09:30 PM

My ex decluttered our backyard, yesterday. He came over and took two old metal lawn chairs and a gun safe which I'd told him he could have 2-3 months ago. Yippee!

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 11:18 AM

I've reached the time of year where it is so hot out that I have to get up early to do any yard work or dog walking. And I have worked to create a look in the yard so when one sits inside and looks out the view is attractive. Native plants that can survive the heat, or beautiful plants that are close to the house where I use soaker hoses around the foundation. I'll have to de-clutter the sun room so I can sit in there and look out at the vegetable garden and the potted plants around the door.

The sun room will be a major job. It has accumulated a lot of stuff during the winter and spring months.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 01:58 PM

I'm back home, and the doctor said the cataract surgery went well. My eye aches a bit. Tylenol is the only thing I can take, and it is the only thing I don't have, but I'll live. I can't drive or ride my bike to the drugstore & it's too hot outside to walk. But it's not too bad, & I've got something to take before bed. I'll see the doctor at his office tomorrow.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 02:16 PM

Some drugstores might still deliver. It's a small order, but if you explain, maybe they'll make a trip for you?

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 03:18 PM

Yes, we have one drug store which does deliveries, no matter how small, with no charge. Or, maybe a friend? Good that the surgery went well.

After half of June being relatively coolish in the low 80s and 60s at night, we got up to 96 yesterday and it's almost 90, today. So, I hear ya about doing things in the early morning then staying in, SRS. I managed to do that this morning; planted the marigolds and pansies my brother brought over. I've had trouble getting everything watered every day because my O2 line doesn't reach everywhere, Morgan isn't here for part of the week, and Rog forgets. So the pansies were very droopy from missing one day only of water. They were still alive, though not much, this morning. I hope I got them planted in time to save.

I feel better enough that I have a small declutter list: organise books to give to library or pet thrift store, clear off the library table and rearrange the jewellery supplies on it, plus fold up Morgan's little table, move in some bookshelves from daughter and organise those shelves. My office will look much nicer when I get that done. With Morgan not over so much, it just makes sense to reclaim some of that space. He's still got a whole corner plus in the living room and will still have a spot in the office, plus he's got his own drawer in my desk.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 11:40 AM

It has been a long strange week and I need to do some catching up, including de-cluttering this weekend. I'll start with clearing my desk of forms from donations. They need to be filled out (amount of donation, and attach my description with photos) and filed.

103 today.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 11:25 AM

Lots of little stuff on my list and it's hot out, so I'll do some of this in the house stuff today and think about mowing this evening.

First up: computer stuff. Cleaning a few files and printouts of stuff I need to finish and file. Some blog work. Processing photos. The house needs work also, so when I need to rest my eyes from computing I'll go clean house. (My son had a huge buildup of spider webs and dead bugs under his dresser when I looked yesterday. I think this means everything in his room needs to be moved and needs a good sweep out.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 07:04 PM

I filled three empty pots with pansies, dianthus, and wishbone flowers this afternoon, so our front step and picnic table look better, decluttered.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 09:05 PM

Some paper off of the computer desk, a few seeds put in a front bed to fill gaps (where another sort didn't come up), and I've picked a few tomatoes. :) BLTs tomorrow when Moonglow comes down for a visit.

I hung up some laundry, did some work in the kitchen, and wrote some for the blog (the Woman of Many Parts one). More garden stuff.

We're going over to get new phones tomorrow. It's tempting to move up the next step to the smart phone. It's $30 more a month on our family plan, but it adds up to enough during the year that it amounts to a payment on several things. We'll probably stick with the regular plan and get new traditional phones. Since I'm on the computer all day it would be silly to add one more networked device. I'd have to interrupt my computer work to play with the phone. :-/

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jun 09 - 12:25 AM

Sorted some old bills, shredded and filed papers. A small step, but it is nice to get some of the paper out of the way.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jun 09 - 11:03 AM

Dishes out of the way, bread made, fresh ripe garden tomatoes ready to go for our official summer food--BLT!

I have a bunch of recycling stuff to load into the pickup, and a stash of newspaper to take out to the garage that I'll use for putting under mulch for weed control or for no-till gardening. I'm tired of tripping over the box in the house.

I'm caught up on the paper work on Goodwill donations, but my level of donations is way down this year. I have stuff to take so I'll photograph it and maybe take it over this afternoon.
SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 28 Jun 09 - 11:58 PM

Lately I've been taking it easy on Sundays. Just church in the morning, and an occasional meeting in the afternoon.

But I rounded up all of my canning jars (I think I've got 36 quart jars) and they've lined up on the diningroom table to be washed. I'll most likely need to get new lids-- I wouldn't want to ruin everything with lids that won't hold a seal because they're too old. I'm planning to do chili sauce, tomatoes, and peaches.

I found out that the church is having a rummage sale the last weekend in August, so I'll pass along some "valuable treasures" to them.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 12:36 AM

You don't re-use the flat part of the lid, do you? I was told those always have to be replaced, should only be used once, for the reason you state.

I've picked up a bunch of half-pint jars. Some of the things I cook don't need a lot of whatever it is that was canned, so I'm going small on some. I have pint jars also, but nothing larger. I'm keeping a close eye on the grapes across the road; they're beautiful green things right now. Last year we picked starting in mid-July, and I think it will be the same this year. Mustang grape jelly is marvelous.

I'm learning a new cell phone; Moonglow and I both picked up new ones as we extend our phone plan. Did a lot of comparing and didn't find anything that would give us a better price on the aspects of this plan we want. These phones do more stuff--and this LG takes huge photos compared to the last one. I don't expect it is a great lens, but at least with this one I can take out the SD card and put them in the computer if I want. It takes them much faster than the old one, and I finally learned not only how to send picture mail, but how to mail them to myself. All of this while trying to stay within the plan and not incur data charges.

I have another really hectic week coming up, then a week when the kids go to see their grandmother. Peace and quiet, one hopes!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 11:18 AM

No, I don't re-use the lids (the flat part), but do re-use the rings (that hold the lids in place) until they get dirty & corroded. But I've got a lot of very old (but never used) lids, and I'm concerned that they might not create a good seal if the "rubber" is old.

M

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 11:42 AM

I see! Yes, I agree. I have boxes of newer ones because I just started canning, but that makes good sense. Also, fresh pectin for jelly and jam, according to my friend who has been teaching me canning. If it is more than a year old, use it for salad dressing, he says.

I am de-cluttering my diet, should probably report in on the accountability thread. I've cut down to one canned soft drink a day, the rest of the time I'm mostly drinking water, after my morning cuppa tea. And I'm not making the full pot. I'm gradually cutting out the amount of caffeine, and I'm reducing the amount of artifical sweetner (splenda, saccharine) I drink. I've lost a few pounds, mostly from drinking enough water that I'm not retaining water. I still have plenty of weight to loose, but I thought I'd start be simplifying the stuff I'm eating and drinking.

I'll be dropping off recycling today, clearing some space in the sun room. Nothing major, I have a lot of work to catch up on at the office after all of last week's driving around.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 02:27 PM

Haven't posted for 2 weeks because I've done nothing for 2 weeks... literally!

And there's another 2 weeks enforced doing nothing to come. I may make it to clearing a drawer out, but that'll be it.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 02:47 PM

I hope all is well and you're enjoying this time as a slacker! ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 04:01 PM

When is a clutter not a clutter? When it's well stored, and when you are thrilled to be able to find it easily and put it back into use.


Case in point (flunk)-- my mom's almost-antique waffle iron. I BET I put it in a cool, dry place the day we moved into this house in 1994. In plain sight. Where I could not SEE it until yesterday.... because I did not label the box that I'd stowed safely in a lower kitchen cabinet. Out it comes, and the crappy new one goes in the camper, forthwith!

Case in point (pass)-- The CPU tower that still does some things VERY well which we replaced when we mistakenly thought it had died, which is right where it will end up being used-- a handy storage shelf in the home office upstairs-- now that a friend is donating a monitor to go with the already-donated printer up there that I have been running off laptops that will be better used elsewhere. Especially if I can figure out how to make its internet wireless (I think Hardi has to buy me another wireless card). Aw heck I'll let HIM figure it out, the dear. (He doesn't have strokebrain!)


A drawer we dedicated in the kitchen is working well-- all the portability-accessories for digital tools. Where is the "XYZ"??? It's probably in there-- and it IS! Where does THIS "XYZ" go? In there; I bet it will fit and it DOES! Right where I will look for it NEXT time!


Another crashing success-- the new sheet of plywood ripped to 16" x 76" shelves to stretch across the pretty XL milkcrates that used to be linen storage at the foot of the MudDorm beds. They're still in the Dorm, but now they support the shelves. The shelves replace a twin bed that used to sit right over the least-well-supported section of floor. We gave away the cheap twin mattress, and turned the box spring into a headboard for our kingbed which also creates a little shelf for cell phones, etc. There is a twin-sized bedroll up there to roll ouit onto the box spring if we get a real crowd-- it's made from quilted furniture pads left over from a past move.

The 92-billion little bags of clean linens and stuff sent upstairs the last 6 months are all unpacked neatly onto the new shelves, with a top shelf left over for display of pretty personal items and decor. The scrap-ends of the plywood went under the extra-wide bedrisers we got cheap, and a whole LOT of ugly but needed stuff went under the beds in easy-to-pull-out boxes turned into drawers (love the dust ruffle!).

This leaves an empty corner for.... a recliner (camp chair and thrift shop ottoman)! I can SEE all my pretty thrift-shop linens. I can look, and know which ones are surplus, which are just right, and which sizes need more added as I come across them. The linens I just don't like anymore-- they'll go back to the thrift shop! :~)

The box of gospel CDs I lent a band member just came back from the house where THEY had been buried, and I found an extension cord for the CD player up there-- cool music reviewing on a hot or humid day.

The new AC up there has an automatic feature that turns on the AC ahead of time for us on hot days. The Dorm is so well insulated that it would have to be scorching enough for us to have to sleep up there for that AC to turn on the compressor and fan. Instant gratification on a hot day, instead of having to go up there and turn it on and pray that it works quickly.

The LR rugs are just dead enough now to go up to cover the still-bare portions of the stained plank floor not worth sanding. As soon as a big enough rug comes up on Freecycle we'll make the switch.


Have you ever noticed the human tendency to turn any living space into a 1-room-cabin equivalent? (Getting ready for our nursing home rooms, maybe?)

~S~


PS to MAIRE-ANNE-- the hankie thing you started for me caught on so big I have to order them online in 24-packs now!

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 05:42 PM

Today I de-cluttered a drawer full of adoption paperwork. There were several things required of this packet and it finally all is here (some certified copies of things needed to be sent for)!!! All parts of the requested package were sent out today!!

YAY! One step closer!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maeve
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 05:53 PM

Good for you, Michelle!

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: maire-aine
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 06:20 PM

Oh, my. Who knew??? Un-intended consequences, but I'm glad to know the originals found good use.

I took some stuff to the recycling drop-off center earlier, then made a few stops. It keeps looking like it will rain any minute. Probably as soon as I go back out.

My black raspberries are starting to go from pink to dark red, but they're not quite ready yet. They need few more days. I checked with my doctor, and he said it's okay for me to eat the berries, in spite of the diverticulosis. Yippee.

And in case there are too many to eat, I resurrected my old Donvier icecream freezer thing from the basement. Everything looks good, the freezer part seems solid with no leaks, so I can try making fruit sorbet. I found 20+ recipe clippings in the bottom of the box.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 09:25 PM

That sounds wonderful! I love raspberries (I grew up in Washington State, where I think about 99% of the commercial raspberries come from these days).

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: MAG
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 02:28 PM

I took a bag of stuff over to St. Vinnie's but they told me they are backed up and not taking anything right now.

It has to be all the families that are moving and dumping whatever off there.

Someone on freecycle is asking for canning jars; if they want glass mayo jars and tomato sauce jars they are going. I'm waiting to hear.

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 03:25 PM

The used monitor a friend donated is a FLAT PANEL!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Midsummer De-Clutterbugs are here! 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 03:43 PM

I gave a friend a flat panel that seemed to have some problems for the job I needed it for (resolution), but it still worked okay otherwise. Later I learned it was operator error and he has a perfectly good panel, though it wasn't in sync with my second one and now I have a pair that work better as a desktop. They are so nice after working with those hefty CRT monitors, aren't they?

For the minor investment of $10 a month extra on my bill I added a friend onto my phone family plan and now he will be back in the real world with a working phone and all of the applications that go with it. I don't have a web plan, so he'll turn off the things that cost extra, but those are still available for any of us (my daughter is also in the plan) to use in case of urgent need or emergency. Like being lost in the middle of nowhere on a dark night--by all means fire up the phone and use the GPS and map to find your way out again. This phone should help him de-clutter some of the confusion in his life, and I'm glad to be able to do a favor that has such meaning and actually wasn't difficult at all to set up. We talked it over, and asked the phone guy a lot of questions, to be sure we all understood what we were doing. And since it is the last day of the month and they have a few extra perks to make the month sales figures look good, he didn't have a rebate or cost, the phone was free. I paid $50 (after rebate) for the same phone as my upgrade on Sunday.

Nothing much will get done until the weekend, and I am thinking of taking a day or two off next week. The kids are going on vacation and chances are they'll need a little help getting everything ready to go.

SRS