BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 06:19 PM

Here it is.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 05:43 PM

I just started a new one.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 05:41 PM

H'ain't seen the new thread so I'll put it here, since it goes with prior posts-- the rugs were indeed cut and allocated as planned. I took the biggest one for my cold office and have heavy, winter curtains ON HAND to MATCH!!!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 12:36 PM

Delightful evening.... 'nuff said!

Portuguese eggs sounds a bit like how we do P-Vine's Egg Gravy (I've posted about it often).

Today's chores (Hardi is home) include packing up that beef we roasted. Roasted it plain, and now the slices will be post-marinated before freezing.

(The new freezer has a LIGHT inside!!!)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 10:05 AM

Hard cooked eggs sliced in half, baked in a cheese sauce. TSO's mum makes them. Now I do too.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 08:23 AM

What are Portuguese eggs?

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 05:42 AM

GOOD NEWS, Michelle. What a great way to start the New Year.

I made double batch of vegetarian chili last night. Two portions now frozen for future. Made a very good start on first jigsaw (Cats of the World) and found it wonderfully relaxing.

Watched/listened to Jools Holland. Rather enjoyed Florence and the Machine. She has a Gracie Slick flava. Paloma Faith was fun and very retro with TV is the Thing This Year. Kasabian was a bit derivative, Boy George was disappointing (very surprising to me because I used to like his stuff).

Rodrigo y Gabriella were utterly .... wonderful falls short... words fail CLICK

I love Paulo Nutini Pencil Full Of Lead

And Ruby Turner... Damn! That mamma can wail!

Dizzy Rascal don't get a mention. Sorry mate, not my cup of poison.

Then we watched the fireworks set off from London Eye on TV and were so happy we were not with the people who had been waiting for 8 hours jealously guarding their front row spots, standing in cold and showers. But now I wish I was young and fit enough to do that, if only once.

Woke about 4 times last night. Treated to full moon shining down on frosting of snow at about 3:50am. That has to be a good omen for 2010.

TODAY -
Brekkers was pancakes with lemon and sugar (I know it is not Shrove Tuesday - I just fancied them). A long leisurely bath with book and cup of hazelnut coffee beckons. More puzzle fun. Dinner will be Portugese eggs, jacket potatoes and roasted red and yellow peppers and red onion.

Happy New Year everyone.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 10:58 PM

It's a good thing I'm not a traditional Scot. But I did catch up on all my bills today, and dropped the payments in the mail. My friend & I went to the movies (Sherlock Holmes) this afternoon, and got sandwiches for supper. We stopped at one place that had a special NYE dinner, and I almost choked when I saw the prices. I said "let's get out of here". I was home by 8pm. If I'm still awake at midnight, I'll go out on the porch and ring my big brass bell.

Happy New Year, everybody.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:22 PM

Oh and as far as New Year's goes....I made Shrimp Scampi and am all cozy in my jammies sitting in front of the fire.

Somebody count down the last few seconds of the year for me....I'm pretty sure I'll be sound asleep by then...happens just about every year....I have the best of intentions but never quite make it!

Happy New Year My Friends,

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:19 PM

I had another day of doing absolutely nothing around the house....unless shaving my legs counts! ;P

I had my pre-op physical today and all medical clearances have been signed. Also, my Dr. gave me additional meds to go with the Xanax so there might be a slight possibility of me being able to pull my head out of my ass for a few minutes a day at the very least.

Seriously though, I'm looking forward to some relief. I've done everything my Dr., priest and family have suggested. I clearly need a little extra help and I'm very thankful for that.

Also, some very excellent medical news IN WRITING from my surgeon. I still need surgery but a great deal of stress has been lifted. Praise God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 07:55 PM

I'm back from the second trip out on this cold drippy blustery evening. I forgot the apple juice (it's so cold it seems a good evening to warm a pan of apple juice and put some mulling spices in) and the chips. We have a couple of types of dip. And for dinner, it will be "surf and turf" in a nice steak and I have some breaded popcorn shrimp (yes, I know, it's not like the fancy restaurants, but it'll work for a 17-year-old). A nice salad (have to begin as we mean to continue, by eating something healthy) along with it.

I haven't gotten a lot of cleaning done, but I did pick up the pump soap dispensers I'm going to try with some of Dr. Bronner's healthy soaps, to see if that helps my hands. But until he walks in the door, I think I'll sweep and dust and vacuum and see how much I can get done. (He has been over at his dad's house today. Usually he spends New Year's eve and stays overnight there, so I'm not sure why I got lucky, but I'll try to make it festive).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 11:45 AM

Our view has always been that our real ission in camping is to transfer dust and dirt from state to state. In support of a diversified ecosytem of course. Must not clean camper before leaving any campground-- must take to the next and track the dust all over that campsite, and so forth.

For that paragraph, I'm taking out a big grocery bag of glass noodles and giving it to our favorite chef for his New Year's party plan. Off now to go play with it in HIS kitchen. :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 10:55 AM

It seems that all the random dust in the universe finds it way to our house.

Sorry Michelle - the dust I just eschewed from our flat might very well be on its way to you now.

Kat - good to know I am following tradition. Was planning an early night but now I think I will watch Jools Holland Hootenanny (Hogmany celebration) tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 10:38 AM

The Scottish tradition of Hogmanay includes cleaning house top to bottom before the New Year: CLICK.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 10:21 AM

I'd love to have shelves like the ones that have been posted except that I would need to have doors on them. It seems that all the random dust in the universe finds it way to our house. I had a lovely wine rack but because it was open faced, it was nothing more than a giant dust collector. I had to wash the bottles of wine before we opened them! EW! I got rid of that. Wine racks are great ideas but they need doors! It's not so much of a big deal here as we are not big drinkers...might have a bottle every 3 months or so.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 10:03 AM

A new cheese to hunt!

Licking my screen,

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: ragdall
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 09:02 AM

SRS,
Those cubbies look wonderful! Does your daughter actually put everything in place in them, or do you have to do some of the tidying?

My closet shelves are free standing. Bolting supports to the wall isn't an option. I did add a cross member to the middle of each shelf with the thought that I could add another leg there for added support if needed. So far they don't seem to need any support other than the legs at either end.

Over the years I've built whatever was needed and a few items to amuse and occupy various children. Sometime it might be fun to try to locate old photos, scan and compile a visual record. It's easy to forget ones accomplishments.

The task at hand, however, is to try to get the home dusted and tidy before midnight if I can get pain under control and sleep a little.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:54 AM

Wikipedia description follows:

Tintern is a blended mature creamy Cheddar cheese flavoured with fresh chives and shallots, made by Abergavenny Fine Foods. Typically produced in wheels of 2.25kg, it is sold in a distinctive lime green wax covering.
It takes its name from the village of Tintern on the River Wye, in Monmouthshire, Wales. The monks of Tintern Abbey are said to have farmed shallots in the abbey gardens in the grounds.

Tintern photo

It's yummy. Only a small cube was wasted.

Freecycle - Doh! I didn't think of that. I will in future though, Thanks.

Another load of clothes in machine. Bathroom, front hall, spare room all shiny clean from top to bottom. Does pitching out dust, hair and grime count as decluttering? Kitchen clean except cooker which will be Saturday jobbie. Will steam clean in and out. Also will start working on the dirty areas of the (ugh) white carpet in our lounge. I didn't choose the carpet. TSO did before I moved to UK.

I feel really good about moving into 2010 with a really clean home.

Think I will wait on the ironing though. I am knackered. Jigsaw puzzle here I come. I may be some time.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 06:18 AM

VT, what is titanium cheese, and do you have FreeCycle there?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 06:16 AM

Hil is home safe after late departure and arrival and a second security check at destination. She had near 3 hour ride (lucky a friend collected her) to Augusta and got in around midnight. I booked the flight she had so her friend would not be so put out by having to drive late. That didn't work, so I've asked Hilary to get her a gift certificate for a nice shop on me.

I am already weepy because I know it will be more than a year before I see my Hilliebug again. Some how it is particularly strong sorrow this time.

Well we got rid of some fairy light strings. Decided not to use them any more. Unfortunately you cannot donate electrical items to charity shops, so they had to go to tip. Maybe someone else will pick them up and reuse.

I sorted through and neatened up all the recyclable gift wrap, tags, ribbons and bows. Yes we recycle tags by putting a sticky white labels over written messages. Recycle Christmas cards the same way into gift tags. Cut really creased up wrap into strips to use for making bows next year.

Grocery shopping is now done and found in the clothing sales (Sainsbury's sells everything) a really smart tan macintosh/trench coat on offer for £15, simply because it had some dirty marks near hem on left side. Easy to clean off. So I have a nice rain coat for spring.

Some left over tintern cheese (it got rock hard) and some red grapes (way past fresh) hit the bin. 2 loads of wash done and 2 more to go. Dishes done, and most counters cleared and wiped down. How does so much crumb and crud magically appear every other day?

Next, clean bathroom top to bottom and do some ironing.

Then I get to start a jigsaw puzzle. Yippee!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 10:01 PM

My challenge to us all: to pitch one item or more (set your goal for how many) for each reasonable-length paragraph you post in this thread. :~)

Me, I gonna (unload with or without help and) sort my new rugs tomorrow, roll up (or let Hardi roll) the ones not being laid the same weekend, and give away (via FC) any not allocated IN ADVANCE (tmrw), by mid-week of next week. (I can dump rugs when I pick up the one out being cleaned.)

And back to pool at least 2 days per week next week, and back to the normal FOUR pool visits per week by the week after. Cuz the fat pants have been on my butt too many days now, no matter how much I may want to "play office." (I DO need to print a new Africa map I found for the pool.) The program I am designing won't work without me, so I gotta still be alive when it rolls out. [shrug] Oh well! :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 07:50 PM

Showoff.












;-D

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 06:57 PM

Michelle, does tylenol help? I ask because I have chronic pain which was keeping me awake too much. I was so proud of myself for stopping nightly tylenol and benadryl a few months ago. I was proving a point to a friend who could care less...dummy me. Anyway, last night I had a brain and took some tylenol which allowed me to sleep pain free! Duh! Anyhow, I hope you feel better.

I took everything off the Christmas tree and put them in the bin. It is ready for Rog to take out. We leave it in the stand and set it out for the birds to nestle in. When it gets too dry, then we'll recycle it.

Today was weigh-in for me. I've lost another .9 of a lb.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 05:53 PM

I did absolutely nothing around the house today. Nothing. I may have to tidy up the kitchen table because it's driving me batty....just magazines, mail...that kind of thing. I want it cleared!

I did go to a healing service at my church today. Got there a little early...maybe 20 minutes or so and was having quite a bit of pain so I sat in my car and tried to breathe it away. I think I fell asleep twice. I went to the service, still felt yucky by the time I got home so I heated up my corn pad, grabbed a blanket and curled up in my chair for a nap. We were supposed to run some errands this afternoon but I'm sure they will wait until tomorrow. I'm finally starting to feel a little better but that pain ate up most of my day.

I am really liking my living room with the tree down and the new recliner in place....it's homey. :) The treadmill has been pushed to the side to make room for all 3 chairs but I'm not supposed to be using it anyway, so that's ok.

There are a few dishes in the sink and I have laundry in the dryer that I really should fold....maybe later tonight. We'll see.

Food still isn't of much interest. I am eating just enough so I can take my meds in hopes of avoiding any further stomach upset. BLAH.

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 04:34 PM

How neat, SRS!

VTam, I've loved your headdresses since I first saw them. SO beautiful.

Something clicked in my brain and motivated me a little bit, today. I have cleaned the bathroom, put away the clean clothes, and picked up and put away a few other things. It feels good to feel like doing it AND to be more physical. Only about 16 days left and the zoloft is supposed to really kick in...I am getting my improved olde self back.:-)

SRS, I am way past due for a blog entry. I keep thinking I'll get to it. Glad to see you have another. I will read it before next year.*bg*

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 04:25 PM

VT: Creative minds think alike! I made a set of butterfly wings very similar to those years ago for a Halloween costume. I couldn't find them again when my small (at the time) daughter required a pair of wings, so I bent some more hangers, found a pretty gauzy fabric, and made her a pair. I tend to think that that episode was the beginning of her interest in costumes--that pair of wings is still hanging in her closet, even though they'd be way small for her now. And they're in good company with a lot of other wings and headdresses and ears and tails she has made over the years. :)

Well here's my happy happy mom story for you all (I clipped this from a PM I was sending to Micca, because it's too good a story to not share):

This has been a week for happy children. My son has been taking guitar lessons for four years from a very good teacher here in Fort Worth. I've wanted him to have those lessons and through financial hard times we've cut other things to keep up the lessons (cable TV is highly over-rated anyway!) We chose Michael because he teaches music, theory, technique, all of those things you generally miss when you take lessons down at the local mass-music store and learn a few songs. Michael gave Dylan a loaner guitar to use (it is a flamenco guitar, one that at the time he said was worth about $1,500 but had "some issues.") Through his studio we had a guitar on order from a Spanish maker, but it never came in, and we've continued with this guitar over the years. Today I figured I'd better set the wheels in motion to get him a classical of his own, because come August he'll be heading to college, and I'd like him to have the classical as well as the electric. Michael responded "I've thought of that as Dylan's guitar for years. It's his."

I am so grateful! And Dylan, also, I think, was surprised, though he didn't show much. But what a tremendous gift. (I was going to ask if I could continue to pay him monthly for the next year after Dylan goes on to college to cover the cost of it.)

This is truly my best christmas gift this year!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 01:51 PM

Thanks friends

I found pics of some fairies I made 2 years ago. I have been sending to TSO's Mum, and my Mom to give to nursing homes. Sent some fairies as well as headdresses and loads of wings to MBSLYNNE for her daughter and friends to raise money for Alicia. Sent 25 fairies and ingrdients for about 50 more with Hillie who has orders from colleagues. Any money she makes she will save for her move back to Virginia.

one pic of wings and some fairies
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42775227@N08/sets/72157623102156568/

headdresses
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42775227@N08/sets/72157622647117078/

Starting to fancy making some more headdresses now, but I fancy starting a jigsaw puzzle more, now i have a porta puzzle board to do it on.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 11:40 AM

Oh, with the time change I'm in time to pray Hil's safe landing.

Today is my first time of "complete-morning" resources in the upstairs office. I spent the first half hour measuring and figgering for the new rug. Ydy we took the largest one off the van roof at the cleaner's, and that one is allocated to LR. There are now three in the back of the van to haul out, evaluate, and allocate. The cool news is that there is already a freecycler waiting for any usable scraps I don't want or use!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 11:35 AM

SRS, my last "WOW" was for your shelves. :-)

VTam, good thoughts and thanksgivings that Hil lands safely with ease and comfort.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 11:30 AM

Hil's flight was hour and half late taking off. I have taken down all decorations and put away. All fairy making stuff in the spare room now which as also been tidied after Hil left. 1 load of laundry done and lounge dusted and vacuumed.

Sitting and watching film now and waiting for midnight UK time so I can see that she landed safely.

Sigh.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 04:33 AM

Absolutely, VT!

Finally got another blog entry up. Kind of embarrassed, but what the heck.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 02:59 AM

I am uber impressed by the carpentry skills in this thread. I have designed a entertainment unit and TSO built it to my specs to fit our oddly shaped/sized AV entertainment stuff. I stained and polished it.

Hil flies back today on BA0227 Heathrow to Atlanta 2:30pm Greenwich Mean Time (9:30am Eastern Standard). Security on all trans-Atlantic flights is stepped up due to attempted terrorist bomber in Detroit last week. This will probably delay her flight by hour or so, if news reports are correct.

So thoughts directed toward her safe travel are gratefully wished for.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 08:04 PM

Wow!

Morgan came over and helped me do the dishes. I also remembered to water my houseplants.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 07:47 PM

SRS...how cool is that? I need one of those shelves...maybe more!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 05:18 PM

Ragdall, are you going to support those closet shelves, or is there a brace that doesn't show? I used some of those closet pole supports (image) screwed into a stud to reinforce shelves I built in an office closet. They make these without the hook on the end also.

They are beautiful shelves, and that's a great little box! Last year I saw some shelves built by a neighbor that also uses multiple smaller planks instead of one large board, and gave me an idea. The project of his I want to duplicate is to use 2" cedar fur strips, mounted side-by-side so the narrow side is up, placed into a potting table for the gardening cart I want to build for myself. I also have an old kitchen sink to use in said cart (so dirt can be pushed through the drain into a bucket below, etc). I haven't built anything for a while, though I do always enjoy the process. I built a large set of shelves for my daughter shortly after we moved in here, though it took quite a while.

I finally got back to finishing this post, and in the meantime I took a photo of that shelf I built.

What else have you built?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 11:13 AM

Well done, Ragdall! It's neat to see pix of the things we work on.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 07:34 AM

Impressive!!!!! Love the treasure box!!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: ragdall
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 04:19 AM

I built shelves for the closet in this room to hold 12 copy paper boxes, and assorted smaller items, so that I will be able to organize some of the clutter which has been piling up on the floor. It was a struggle to get the shelves into the closet, requiring that I remove everything from a nearby bookshelf then move the bookshelf itself. This resulted in a temporarily cluttered hallway and kitchen counter.

I also made a small difference in the clutter in the carport and basement by using scraps of plywood and some surplus hardware to build a "treasure chest" for a young boy.   

project photos (click "detail")

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 03:15 AM

this is going to sound weird... but here goes.

I wish the de-clutter fairy would tidy up all the fairy making paraphernalia with which I make fairies out of stuff I am trying to de-clutter.

vicious cycle, this.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 10:26 PM

That is nice! With all of my tile floors, I think the kids would appreciate more carpets. I've been planning to put tile in two more rooms, but I've lately been thinking maybe I should do those in wood, since they're the highest part of the house and less likely to ever see flood waters.

Got some shopping in today, and loaded up on various cleaning materials I seemed to be running out of all at once.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 08:49 PM

THREE 11 x 11 ALMOST NEW CARPETS FreeCycled in!

Plus a 12 x 20! All in perfect colors! From nice folks who helped load/stuff my van!

Sorry about the caps,

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 05:06 PM

We only got a light dusting of snow, so I was able to clear it away with just a broom. But it kept falling lightly until mid-afternoon, which meant that the streets stayed just a little slippery. Aside from sweeping the snow, I've stayed in all day.

M

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 05:00 PM

It warmed up here enough today that I was able to bring the dogs in for a bath. They're getting a new heart worm/flea treatment called Advantage, and unlike Revolution, that was put on the dogs between baths so the coat's oil would help soak it in, this has oil in it and is supposed to be put on a clean dog. And they stay apart for 30 minutes so they won't groom it off of each other. So far, the dogs have been bathed and the allotted time passed, but now the bathroom needs cleaning and I need a bath!

Today we begin the laundry routine with my son doing his own. This is so he becomes familiar with the process. He has a basket for stuff in his room, and to make a reasonable load, he will be encouraged to add towels and such from the hall basket. We'll also do more cooking. He knows how to make a few things, but I'll teach him more. We must have him up to speed in the next 9 months, because he'll be going to college.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 04:15 PM

Just keeping up with the usual daily stuff: load of wash in the dryer, another in the washer; Christmas dishes soaking in the sink (not very many); cleaned off the dining table cum Rog's desk; picked up the wrapping paper which had been left down for the puss-seens to play with. It's too cold to do much outside unless one is into going up the mtn. to ski (not I!). I am like my cats, if I don't have to go out in it, I won't.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 02:18 PM

I wish the Declutter Fairy would help me organize the 3 milkcrates of vinyl albums that I have in the "music/computer" room. I buy them at the used record store, because they're something old or out of print by somebody special. Usually I figure there'll be something that I'd like to learn. But I haven't even listened to all of them yet. And I need someplace to store them. I can't put them out in the garage or in the basement.

I haven't done much decluttering over the last week, so haven't had anything to post. Since I didn't clutter up the house too much, there's not much to clean up. I don't want to take down the tree-- it looks so pretty-- so I'll leave it up until after 6th, or maybe longer.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 12:05 PM

The de-clutter fairy is going to give away the remaining cookies today because they are too big of a temptation.

I've been working on my music room. That would be the front room where the futon is (we use it as a guest room, in addition to my daughter's room as guest room). I have to go through the VCR tapes and thin out the ones I won't watch because I have them on DVD, etc. or because I just won't watch them. If the fairies would restore my old upright grand, I'd be in seventh heaven. It needs several thousands of dollars worth of work.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 11:36 AM

If the Declutter Fairy was to visit out home, the ONE thing I would want help with is our music room. It seems to be more of my husband's room so I don't mess with it too much. However, SOME of the mess in there IS mine and I could use a hand with that!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 10:41 AM

"Make me a fairy, flies thru Montgomery...."

That song done run thru mah haid. :~) (Izzat fairy does pickups?)


Make me a jester at an old rodeo....
Just give me one thing that I can recycle....
To continue declutters is just a long way to go....

===

OK, if the Declutter Fairies were at YOUR place right now, how many would it take, what is the ONE thing you would want them to pick up, and where would you like them to deliver it?

GROSS ALERT... Mine-- Sadie when she upchucks her dog corner, till she's done upping, wing-sweeping up the dried-up remains as they go, take her for a little tour of doggie-entertainment, then drop 'er back down in that corner. Lessen she needs more upping in which case I can't really say WHERE I'd like her to be toured.... :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 10:12 AM

waaahhhh! only one day left with my hilliebean. we did Hampton Court Palace yesterday. shopping today. museums tomorrow so must make very early start.

we've made about 25 fairies. she did the dishes, i did laundry.

congrats to SRS and progeny for the applications work. good thoughts zooming towards Michelle and her surgical team. The date is marked for extra special direction.

hugs to Kat, Maeve, Susan and others.

back to fairy making now.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 12:37 AM

"Better living through chemistry" ha! A glass of wine has the same effect, and is a commonplace occurrence here. :)

Michelle, I sent a PM. Sorry it went so long. But anyway, good for you in addressing the anxiety, and I agree, the tennis game in the Wii is a good move. I have several neighbors who use that, though my son hasn't set up his Wii in the front room yet where I can get my hands on it. Maybe I'll have to buy myself the player one of these days. Something that will also let me stream NetFlix, to kill two birds with one stone.

I went to see Avatar this evening, and ended up staying to see it twice. I have a lot of thoughts about it, so I'm going to write a review (a scholarly one, with citations, and it will have spoilers, so I won't post it on a fan site). It was interesting on many levels. It's nice to feel like doing more of my own writing.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 08:42 PM

We forget that deep breathing thing, don't we?:-) Glad you decided on "better living through chemistry" for the time being. Normally I eschew any kinds of meds I don't absolutely have to take, but when things ain't normal they sure do help! I still take a xanax at night.

I did one load of laundry, played a bit with Morgan, went shopping for essentials and for a Sunday drive and that is it!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 07:37 PM

I got a very nice PM (which I will answer soon) today and I've decided to take the Xanax that I have. What a difference! Afterwards, my husband set up the Wii that he got me for Christmas and we've been playing all afternoon. I'm not allowed to do yoga (too much jumping, squeezing, bending, etc) but I think the Wii is ok...mostly it's me swinging my arms around like a crazy woman...maybe a step or two forward or back....I LOVE THE TENNIS GAME!!!!! It feels SO GOOD to get up out of my chair and actually DO something!

Also, we took the Christmas tree totally down (this morning I just did the ornaments and lights) and the sunshine is such a welcome addition! I cleaned the sliders (inside and out) and am looking forward to the new recliner that will go there. More laundry is going and I think I'll wash up all the throw rugs in the kitchen tonight too.

Breathing fully is a good thing too. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 03:57 PM

My son has seen Avatar so we'll probably go see something else together this week. I may go this afternoon on my own. It's nice to get out of the house, and off of the planet every so often. :)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 01:00 PM

The sun is coming through my office window full strength, though it's still cold out there. The kitchen is still pretty clear, and I've been packing up the wrappings and spare boxes.

Last night I moved around some of the books and things that need to go on the shelves in the front room (you'll recall I rearranged and enlarged the amount of shelf space in there), and then dusted and started rearranging the fancy shelves in the larger living room (den) where I've placed my dining room table. I have a large oval mirror (originally there were two of these hanging in the hall bathroom) that I hung near the dining table and it looks good--turns that area into a more distinctive "zone" in the room. And if I rearrange the shelves to the side of the table it will look more sophisticated as well. It is a lot of collectible stuff that is arranged kind of haphazardly (each category on a shelf--it's a 3-tiered built in cabinet with about 6 or 7 shelves each).

This is the time of the year where the blues to some degree hit just about everyone. It's a typical response to the let down after the build up we all have to the holidays. I wonder if it is less pronounced in the southern hemisphere, where the year is in full summer with heat and bright light longer in the day? Just thinking about it feels like this would be the case.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 11:22 AM

Michelle, when I was waiting for surgery and couldn't stand the thought of food, I had to drink Ensure just to get some nutrients, as you say. I got the kind with fiber which helped to keep things "moving." I know it's not the greatest as it is very sweet, but the vanilla is not too bad. I hated the chocolate flavour and chocolate is a major food group, imo! You might also look into some of the other drinks which are out now. There's one which has all of your daily requirements for veggies that's pretty tasty. What about fruit smoothies? I do almond milk, two dried figs, blueberries and rice protein powder and it is delicious. There's also extra nutritious breads such as Ezekiel bread which has a good dose of protein in it. Their raisin bread is really good toasted.

SRS, thank you. I did get more sleep last night. Little bit shaky still and I hurt my shoulder, but even it is better. Today will be a light day. I don't think we'll do much but go for a ride and maybe watch a movie. I expect we'll hear from Morgan at some point. I'd take the tree down were it not for him.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 10:57 AM

Dishes are done, floors are swept and I undecorated the tree this morning. One of my Christmas gifts was a new recliner (so I have a comfy spot to relax and heal after my surgery) and it is coming tomorrow. The only spot I have for it is where the Christmas tree is. I'll leave up the nativities and other things but the tree has to come down. I'm kind of glad in a way because it is in front of a sliding glass door and blocks out a good deal of sunlight which I have been missing.

I got in 2 meals yesterday...on the small side but at least it was something. I had breakfast this morning too...not really hungry but knowing I need to get in some kind of nutrients plus enough food to go with my meds so I don't feel so sick.

I continue to struggle with a lot of anxiety...it seems to kick in first thing in the morning and then again when the sun starts to go down. I am missing my yoga which is a huge stress reliever for me, the more physical, the better and right now, I'm not to do that. I have some prayers to meditate on and combine with my breathing....I've done that until I've breathed my throat sore and that helps some. I just don't know what to do with this panic....it's overwhelming, exhausting and I can't stand myself like this.

Anyway, I suppose this isn't the place for all that. I did my decluttering this morning and am trying to be accountable by getting in some decent nutrition which is really hard to do when carrying around all this panic inside me. I just have no interest in food.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 05:58 AM

Luckily all my Christmas gifts fit into a small carrier bag, so there will be no wondering where the hell I am going to fit 'em! With no kids resident any more there isn't their new stuff to store, either.

Ruth and Paul will be going back south on 30th, so the place will seem very empty again on that day. However, there will be a load of people around on New Year's Eve, and so I have to busy myself with prepping for that.

The old behemoth of a 3 piece suite will hopefully be going at the end of next month, and so when I get back from NZ I should actually have some storage in my small garage again, and be able to get boxes of antiquey stuff that were brought in to make room for it out of the house once again! In the meantime, I will have a load more stuff to prune out of the study, and new power sockets for 2 rooms to organise.

I'm not thinking of the waistline like I should. I have been "grazing" and that's fatal, especially like yesterday, when we were all (10 of us) sitting round a kitchen table playing games, and nibbles were put on the table.... I only had ONE brownie, honest, but the Pringles were a bit moreish!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 02:20 AM

Tomorrow I'll find places to give away cookies so I won't blast all of my progress out of the water. If it would only warm up again, I have a lot of work in the yard that is great exercise.

Take care, Kat, and get past this cruddy period and back to your old self ASAP.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 11:27 PM

It's a big change to not have a child in the house any more. In our case, the last one was acting so horribly, she always does when there's big change - makes it easier to not have to go through emotional goodbyes, it was rather peaceful and welcome.

I overdid it a bit, yesterday, first to Morgan's, then home for early dinner with my brother and Rog who cooked it all, then short nap, then off to our son's which was really fun, but we figured out when we left my O2 wasn't working right which explained why I was feeling so cruddy. I couldn't tell it wasn't working before because we were all talking, playing games and making lots of noise. I even got my fiddle out, but was too weak to make much more than a squeak. Today it has been hard to keep my eyes opne, but I'll be okay with a better night's sleep.

Rog has already rendered the turkey, we've had leftovers twice, yummy, and my pies turned out good - could have had more spices, but still good. I have a few dishes to wash tomorrow. We may go through some stuff in a closet, but Roger is really enjoying his time off, so I may just leave him alone tomorrow. See if there is anything I can do without his help.

Hope you are all keeping well. So far, I've stuck within my points range this week!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 08:44 PM

The house is so quiet, I suppose it is the emptiness of imagining my son away at school next year. If we got the forms in right. So many possibilities. Anyway, I thought about escaping for a while and going to a movie, but it is really cold out there tonight. I should putter around the house and go to the movies tomorrow afternoon instead. There are several interesting ones playing (though some of them won't make it to our lowest-common-denominator local theaters).

I need to clear up some of the holiday clutter and do some more vacuuming and mopping. And I would enjoy a long hot soak in the tub.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 04:15 PM

oh they are all yelling at me... TSO, Lunarfairy and the voices in my head, cuz I won't nap.

Now you Mudcat lot too!?!?! Get in line.

:>)

we made 15 fairies - 5 were boys.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 02:51 PM

I did some cleaning today not because it was in the plans, but because I could smell salmon in the kitchen and wanted to eliminate the smell. Part of my brother's gift this year (in addition to cash for the kids--they love how 1 size fits all) was a box of smoked salmon. Moonglow and her boyfriend had to drive to the next county for his family celebration, but they were leaving some food in my fridge so they planned to swing past on their way back to their house at college. "I'll be back for some of that" she said, pointing at the salmon. :)

So we all stood in the kitchen around midnight, eating salmon, and this morning the kitchen still smelled like it. I cleaned down the countertop, I swept and mopped the floor. I even got a brush and scrubber sponge and cleaned the front of the drawers and the ornate pull handles. After all of that I realized the smell was coming from a dish towel over by the sink.

Oy. It went into the laundry and that problem is now solved. And the kitchen looks great!

Michelle and Virginia, I usually subscribe to 15 minute power naps as a way to energize myself during "normal" days, though when I had that cold I had to forget the short naps and sleep for an hour or so at a time. I hope you're pampering yourselves with good naps and napping spots (I have several nap spots around the house, not just going to my bedroom) to get over this stuff.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 11:00 AM

Dear everyone who posted on Christmas Day....

Got to hand it to you... Even if I had been where there was a interwub, I wouldn't have had the 'nergy to turn on the PC much less think up something to post.

But then I was suffering from worst day of cold.

Today? I am almost human again. YaY! Discovered a budding interest in Jazz, listening to (Christmas prezzies to TSO) Gwilym Simcock and John Scofield in the car on the way back from Stratford u Avon.

Fingers crossed I did not share my cold.

Plans for today, though it is late, dig out the fairy making paraphernalia and teach Hilary how to make them.

Tomorrow - no decluttering as we are at Victoria and Albert and Natural History museums. Hampton Court Palace on Monday. Maybe shopping Tuesday as it is Hilary's last day. Then I have Thursday through Sunday to declutter.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 09:43 AM

We worked together to put away Christmas gifts, some of which are still out and about being enjoyed. The dishwasher is running as are the washing machine and dryer.

I'm not feeling so hot today.....upset stomach, anxious, etc. I seem to wake up this way. :( I'm not sure if it's caused by some new medications or just from my own nervousness...either way, I'm uncomfortable and can't seem to find myself....kinda feel like I'm drowning.

I also cleaned off the top of our entertainment center this morning (have a new something special to go there) and did some dusting in the living room.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 09:26 AM

SRS....HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good for both of you!!!!! :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 06:39 AM

SRS, that is SUPERB!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 02:58 AM

He finished the applications!

I paid the application fees. Breathes a sigh of relief. Now we'll start on the Gates Millennium Scholars application. Due Jan. 11. Three forms, one of them very long.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 12:09 AM

Caution: Caps used for emphasis.


Remember an old post of mine about decluts where I described my paper-mgmt policy/structure?

I've spent many "stolen" moments in the last week going thru the first box of that system, "looking" for "one" item. I found it, but I found a bunch of other real goldmines, too, no matter what anyone else thought/will think of them. Some of it's heavy going, and some of it is very inspiring, though daunting.

However, it IS a substantial re-connection with the past/professional successes I dropped in a heartbeat the moment I met Hardi and God (I gotta say this MY way) gave me the man, the marriage, and the ministries that flowed out of that meeting. (No one thought much of THAT action at that time, either, LOL.)

===

Maxine (of card, calendar, and email fame) sez it this way: Live so that Satan says, when he hears your feet hit the floor each morning, "Oh no! She's awake!"

Maxine's wisdom has been living on my up-office desk since she arrived one day in email. I could not print, then, from the web, but a good buddy could and did. That same night I cut out the 6 best cartoons from the email, laminated them, and made myself a desk cube out of them. JUST IN CASE I FORGET. I also ordered a cheap Amazon-seller old Maxine calendar so I can get MORE wisdom. Oh yeah. She lives in the screensaver on this puder too.

THIS OFFICE PUDER (yes thank you I AM shouting) that Hardi caused to be ONLINE wirelessly (USB) for Christmas, tho he was more exhausted than I.

===

And in the process of working together to accomplish this, I spotted a HUGE insight that I think I will run on, for years. And that is-- I have GOT to stay non-ordained (and enough out of his ministries) to be able to be the one (most days the only one) who will remind him that there is life outside that collar. Sounds simple. Hasn't been!!!

Oh and BTW the new meds arrived and I adore them! My own personal "Amazing Slower-Downer!"

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Alice
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 11:22 PM

Starting yesterday morning, I cleaned out the bathroom cupboards, tossed old stuff, reorganized, put everything back. Then moved on to the living room, where I moved furniture, rearranged books and set aside Architectural Digests to donate to the library.

Next will be purging file folders from work (sigh) which will be a long project.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 09:39 PM

Progressing through the evening, fingers crossed we can pay for and set the applications behind us for a little while. I'm so proud of this kid--he's doing a great job.

Laundry going, kitchen clean. Must do some work for work this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 07:07 PM

[to no one in particular]

sheeshe!

Details tomorrow, maybe!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 07:01 PM

I have cleaned up after baking the last of the cookies. I have a couple of plates to take over to neighbors who weren't home today. And I moved stuff out of the front hall and vacuumed and then mopped. I think for this holiday break I'll finish that floor. Most of the tiles are already down and the edge tiles are already cut, so the thinset needs to be mixed to stick them down, and then the grout needs to be mixed, spread, and wiped up. I didn't make any plans for what work I would do over the break, but I'll approach the time with an eye to finishing up projects that actually can be finished.

I didn't drive to Dallas. My son didn't want to go and I want him to work on his applications some more. He's playing a new video game right now, but soon I'll fix dinner, then he'll work on it for a while. This is a team effort, something we'll all appreciate in the future.

There is still snow on the ground and it is icy in spots. It smells wintery with the sublimating snow outside.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 11:53 PM

I was due to drive to Dallas for dinner tomorrow, but if this sticks around I'll stick around the house also.

Playing old movies, finishing the wrapping.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 11:04 PM

We are just ready to tuck into bed. Morgan and his parental units came over at 4p. The gifts were a big hit with him and his dad whom I didn't know likes to paint, too. I made pies earlier. Did all of the dishes but the silverware and some cookware of Roger's which he did. We will put them all away tomorrow before our noon Christmas dinner here with my brother. We stuffed celery tonight, also, so that is done. We used Rog's mom's recipe: cream cheese with chopped green olives and pimento stirred in. Yummy! (We rinse the olives to wash away a lot of the salt.)
The cats got an early present, a new cardboard scratcher box with catnip. They have been hilarious to watch all day!

I've heard from, or seen, all of my kids, so my heart is easy and excited for the morrow. It will be busy with restful bits in between. Merry Christmas to you all. Stay safe!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 09:39 PM

Baking cookies this afternoon and evening. Finished the gingerbread, waiting for the butter to soften a bit more before making another batch of spritz. The first batch was given away. The kids are at their father's for xmas eve, then come back here for the night and to open gifts in the morning. Treacherous drive tonight, we're having a full-strength honest-to-gosh white xmas here.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 02:56 PM

I made 5 loaves of date bread this morning. Used my mother's recipe, which I've never made before. They smell like they're supposed to, but I haven't cut into one yet.

Otherwise, not doing too much. I have to send off some emails this afternoon.

Merry Christmas to all of you,

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 02:13 PM

Take an antihistamine like benadryl. Get some of that pressurized(so you don't get backwash in the bottle) of saline nasal spray and use it as often as you can. It will make you blow your nose more, but it will also be clearing out the germs more as you do. I use that to keep my nose moist, but also if I feel a cold coming on, I start using it and hardly ever get a flow blown cold. I was going to say garlic for antibiotic, but you already did that. Good gyrl!

As long as you wash your hands a lot, you probably will not spread any germs unless you cough or sneeze in their direction or their area. Leave the room if you have to. Do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Use a tissue or your shoulder. Then wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer. I have to be hyper-vigilant that I don't pick up things form Morgan and you know they pass lots of stuff around at school. We've all been really good about washing hands and throwing away tissues properly, etc. and so far, thankfully, we've all been okay.

Heal!*bg*

We went out at 8a this morning to get one of two bean bag chairs left in this whole valley. We got there; it was purple, no problem, BUT it had flowers all over it. Even at Mama and Papa's house, that wouldn't fly with Morgan or his parents, so we went to a couple of other stores and wound up getting him a table top easel, water colours and paper. Rog just came in with the last bits of groceries. I have two pies to make and dishes to do. Rog has to sweep and I think we'll be ready.

I walked about an hour today.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 12:05 PM

TSO finished the prezzie wrapping. He is such a darling.

Made and had chicken soup with loads of garlic and onion. Took a Beechams cold and flu. Eased the sinus headache a bit. But nose is like leaky tap. I have had tissues stuffed up my nose all day. Most attractive. Don't know what to do tomorrow.

His parents are determined that we should go regardless of my cold. I don't think the B & B people are going to be too pleased with my germy presence.

What can I do to stop the dripping nose?

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 11:30 AM

Virginia, I don't think the raw onions are going to keep the germs from your elderly in-laws. Sad to say. Maybe you can plan a New Year's visit? If you have the cold I had a couple of weeks ago, I understand exactly the suffering that goes with it, and you don't want to give it to that pair. I sucked on zinc lozenges, but got to them too late to really head it off. Vitamin C can help boost your immune system. Anything with caffeine doesn't sound friendly to a cold, does it?

I'll make a trip to the grocery store and call it quits for my holiday planning. I'll plan to pick up some eggs and more buttermilk and that's about it.

My Secret Santa package arrived, miraculously, on xmas eve in Australia, such a gamble to mail it now, but it paid off. I also made sure it was a light enough parcel that they'd throw it in the regular mail and not make it ride in back with the packages.

Baking cookies this afternoon, then checking out a friend's Internet connection. It seems to be running slow. And finishing college applications. All on my "to do" list for today.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 03:41 AM

raggin blastic nargle frictures #%*&@$^

scuse my stream of blasphemies.

I have the fully fledged, sneezy, runny nose, I cannot sleep or lie down at all, kind of cold now.

Took cold and flu formula paracetamol (tylenol) last night and the caffeine kept me in palpitations from midnight to 3am and did nothing to the runny nose.

So now, I need to wrap prezzies but afraid to touch and infect them. Guess I will stuff tissues up my nose, tie hankie around my mouth and nose, wash my hands twice and go from there.

Another problem... Do I risk carrying this cold to Stratford upon Avon tomorrow and TSO's parents who are 82 and 91? TSO says, "Yes I must go."   But they have both been so frail and ill this last year, I am really worried about visiting them with this cold.

What to do? What to do? I have been augmenting diet with raw onions, orange and purple grape juice as well as more water in the hopes of kicking it quick. Not going to happen.

b*gg*r

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 01:26 AM

Finished the bookstore trips. Finished shopping, except for a couple of small things.

De-clutter isn't far from my thoughts--this decorative stuff around here will have to be put away after the holidays. This evening I began again; I started with the smallest room (the laundry room) and cleared out a shelf above the dryer. Overall, in the last year the house is doing a lot better, but it has gotten messy again, even if there is a bit less stuff in it. So I started in that room, it took only a couple of trips, a few minutes each time, to straighten the shelf and put the contents in a basket and a box that were handy. It looks much better than just stuff shoved on the shelf.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 08:32 PM

Taking a pause before heading out to do a little more shopping. Horrible evening to have to go near a mall. I'll see if I can get to my destination without actually passing the mall. Staying in surface streets (vs the highway) will help.

Have wrapped most of the stuff around here so far, or hidden the unwrappable ones.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 07:10 PM

Well, I lost my excuse as Rog brought home flour at lunchtime.:-) I still didn't make pies, today, though. They will keep until tomorrow. Today, Morgan begged to come over, again..it's so boring at his house 'cause he had to clean up his room with company coming and all. I would have baked with him, but he is SURE he knows how to do it all without any instructions and I wasn't up for that so, at his request, we practised on my fiddle, again!

I may do the dishes tonight, except it is dark over the sink it's hard to tell if they are clean or not. (Excuses, excuses, right?:->

I did work on my manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination playing Asteroids with him. I am getting better at it!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 06:12 PM

It's a lovely warm day here in North Texas, but it is supposed to get cold and rainy again soon. I need to get out and enjoy it. I bought an expensive bird feeder last year and it died, so I bought a cheap one this year. It'll probably last as long. And it is up in the yard for the birds, now that we're into winter weather.

The house is a mess, so I'll be playing holiday movies and working around, cleaning, mopping, vacuuming. It should look good by xmas morning.

But now--back out into the fray for a couple of more things.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 06:09 PM

It has been the most delightful day here in SE Michigan. The sun was out, the streets were dry, the temp was chilly (but no wind to speak of). So I went out and braved the mall. Found a few things for myself, and got a few small gifts for my neighbors. So even if I don't get a chance to bake, I've got something to give them.

Maeve, I don't know what to say, except I'm so glad that you both are okay. If there's anything I can do, I'll be glad to help.

Kat, I was going to use "no flour" as an excuse for not baking, but I found a full bag that I bought at Thanksgiving.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 11:38 AM

I was going to make pies this morning only to find we are out of flour and neither of us can remember when that happened! Shows ya how much I bake.:-)

So, I did 30 min. of qi gong instead and some yoga stretches. Oh, and not trying to be smarmy, but it was 1.9 lbs lost this week.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 11:27 AM

maeve, I'll go look for that thread now. I've been sitting on my hands waiting until you could say something. Yes, I think you've chosen the most drastic form of de-cluttering known to man.

More applications closer to finished. Fingers crossed today is the day.

I have shopping, and I have to drop son off at driving school for his last three hours and then he's finished, ready to get his driver's license. That will be nice to finish (though insuring him isn't cheap.)

I have a few items to pick up, but I'm also headed over to the thrift store to bulk up some of the giving with great used garments the kids always like.

This morning I'll mix up a batch of muffins, shower while they bake, then take the dogs for a long walk before I hit the road. I'll be back in time for his driving class, and then I'll do a little more shopping. I hope to have it finished by this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 11:27 AM

Hell of a way to win it though.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 10:46 AM

{{{maeve}}}

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 10:39 AM

That's exactly what I was thinking, maeve. How are any of us supposed to top that?!**bg** So glad you are all safe!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 10:17 AM

Thats one hell of a way to declutter Maeve! Glad you are ok (((hugs))

(((Michelle)))

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 08:31 AM

Hello friends. I've posted a new thread up above so anyone who had an inkling that something was happening here on the farm can be informed without any further worry. Just look for "Tribulations and Blessings".

We are well and thankful. I do have one question for y'all, though:
















Do I win the decluttering prize?

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 07:07 AM

Bingo wings? LOL I don't think I've ever heard that term before! My friend and I like to say we have bat wings! I swear that someday when I'm all excited about something and waving my arms about, I might just take off into the wild blue yonder!!!

I've lost weight (14 to 17 pounds in under 2 weeks) but it's totally from nerves....I can't eat when I am panicky. I'm still fighting with that but am working on the nutrition end. Yesterday I had (very small amounts) fresh fruit, fresh veggies (spinach and broccoli) and some fish. I can almost feel my body thanking me for that this morning.

My husband made some cookies this past week but they just haven't interested me (which is REALLY unusual...he's an incredible baker).

I am off to the Dr. this morning. My blood sugars have been running a little high and my blood pressure has been out of sight....gonna get those reigned in.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 06:56 AM

And lovely silky melting chocolate oozing its way down a sore throat is very, very nice! However, dairyish things are not recommended for cataarh and the like. If your nose is starting to run, that to me means that you are going into the next stage, which is unpleasant, but less painful!

I heard somewhere many moons ago that the average cold is 3 days incubating, 3 days coming on, 3 days full-on, and 3 days dying down.

Ruth and Paul are setting off any time to drive the 150+ miles up here. This means I have to start proper cooking again! Bye-bye ready meals for now!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 04:02 AM

Still not fancying choccies.. or anything fatty. My throat is still a bit sore, nose starting to run a bit. Plan to eat a raw red onion in my turkey and lettuce salad at lunch.

Going into town this morning for last minute mania. It is bitter cold out there so must wrap up warm.

Not losing weight, but not gaining it either which is something. Funny thing, my calves are almost thin again. The muscles had been so big that I could not wear boots, not even wellies. But now they are getting small again. Think the fat has floated up to my upper arms. I have terrible case of bingo wings.

One load laundry down yesterday, one in wash now, one to do when I get back from town.

Then (BLEAGH) wrapping prezzies.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 12:42 AM

Mouldy - only a pound and a half? I have eaten that in chocolate at one sitting this week... Like Santa above, I'm heartily sick of party food, it's been almost nothing but leftovers and tiny sandwiches for a week now. I'm starting to crave lettuce and cauliflower....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 12:15 AM

We've been doing the team approach to the college applications. They aren't simple, and stuff is tucked in all sorts of odd pages, so we've been knocking off the bits and pieces. They will probably be submitted all at once because it says you can't edit a version once it is submitted--if that means you have to work up a new version, no thanks. We'll finish it all (my part is the technical stuff, family info, history, etc. He is doing the hard part--writing essays, answering career goal questions, etc.) I'd really like to have this over with.

I have wrapped a fair amount of what I have here, but since one recipient is in the house, I'll finish some of it in my room tomorrow. Alas, I do have more shopping to do. Being sick for over a week right before the holidays was such a bummer--now I have to finish my shopping in the worst of the crowds.

I have to write a holiday letter. I haven't for several years. It's about time!

I know I've gained back some weight, but I think not so bad as some years. I haven't eaten too many cookies (it's the wine that is the culprit in the evenings. . . ) but I'm going to be on the diet again before the holiday break is over. I feel motivated, but it is so difficult with fancy meals and all of the baking. Someone pointed out (was it here, or on Facebook) it's not the time between Christmas and New Year's to worry about, as much as it is the time between New Year's and Christmas that will get you into real trouble (one year minus one week, in other words. In case anyone is too tired to do the math.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 07:08 PM

My new beddy-bye winter meds arrived today. Been so long since the last time I took 'em, I don't know how I'm gonna feel in the AM-- should be interesting.

I think I figgered out where to put the old scanner in the upper office, which is HUGE because a few days ago the first of my old-career-archive boxes came upstairs, and I already found THREE goldmines to scan into text. Four boxes yet to go through. So glad I saved them after the fire in 2000, because I had forgotten what a pistol I was and how much MONEY I made in those years!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 04:27 PM

I got the Christmas letters out yesterday and a couple more cards, today. My elderly aunt is mostly blind, so I buy her one of those kind which has music and on which you can record a ten second message. Morgan always records it with me. She's getting a "Merry Christmas Aunt Helen. We love you!" and then the music. I love those cards.

I had him over most of the morning and it turned into an impromptu concert/practice with dulcimers, Native American flute, and fiddle. It was a blast, but the only decluttering was making sure he put everything away before he went home. The kid is getting to the point where he understands the theory better and wants to practice.

We did put away some laundry, yesterday, which had been sitting there for a couple of weeks and I did a load this morning, plus dried a load from yesterday. I also did my simple yoga stretches for my low back.

I have lost another pound. Seven more to go and I will be where I was before I got sick. THEN I can start working on getting off the daytime O2!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 03:38 PM

I'm saying nothing about the pound and a half I have put back on, and that before the festivities get going!
However, the (rather small this year) cake is roughly iced, and I have made a batch of orange cookies as a gift for Ruth's boyfriend (he really likes them). Trouble is, I have been eating the mis-shapes...

Tomorrow morning I blitz through the house, and get the last of the washing done. Mince pies will be done either tomorrow or Christmas Eve. I'm not doing the WW filo ones this year - got covered in pastry shrapnel last year! Anyway, Ruth doesn't like mincemeat, so I'll not make many.

I hope those of you who are not feeling right at the moment feel better very soon. Or at least enough to get some enjoyment from the festive season. Hell, VT, if you can't even fancy the ambrosia which is Thornton's.......

((((poorly ones))))

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 01:29 PM

Whoa, that woman is definitely ill, if chocolate doesn't appeal!

I forgot to mention that I did get a couple of packages mailed this morning. Cookies (and nifty storage containers that I put them in) are on their way to the sibs. Hopefully arriving on Thursday.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 12:47 PM

TY Catherine Jayne

BTW cakes are beautiful to look at. Sadly, (or maybe not) I don't even fancy a Yule Log which being chocolate is my favourite.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 12:43 PM

This does seem to have been the December from Hell for a number of us, doesn't it? Fortunately, this stuff clears up after a while. The cold is mostly gone, the sense of smell is returning.

Virginia, maeve, Michelle, take good care of yourselves. Santa, we'll let you fend for yourself. I think you have some hidden resources to tap into. (I saw The Santa Clause - what a facility!)

Working today, break begins tomorrow, but I'll be teaching myself some new software so it won't all be time off.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 11:44 AM

((((Tam))))

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 11:34 AM

I haven't eaten much of weird holiday food yet, but already feel awful tummy wise.

NEED SLEEP and still can't. I had a weepy breakdown this morning. I think it is exhaustion based.

Just want this time to be over. Too much stress. Did I get everyone's gifts. Will they like them? Did I miss any one off my Christmas card list? Laundry calls, gift wrapping calls, de-cluttering calls. ARRRGHHH!

My guitar, due probably to travelling in car this weekend, got too cold and string broke. 2 weeks before I can get new set of Newtone Heritage 12-51. I ordered 2 sets. But no guitar just now when I need it most. BOOHOO! Things must be really bad. TSO offered me a Thornton's chocolate and I declined.

Oh dear... so so sore throat and I feel like weeping again. Think I will have weetabix, fresh blueberries and skim milk and a pink lady apple for dinner tonight.

Big hugz to everyone except to Michelle who may benefit more from gentle hugz. Take care of yourself, Honey.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 10:00 AM

Well, Santa, you've certainly done your homework on Mudcat..apparently you really get around the threads! Thanks for catching us up on your own attempts to de-clutter!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 03:58 AM

I've added a couple more cakes to the page!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 03:42 AM

Awww thank you! I really enjoy baking and have got into cake decorating over the past couple of years...kids birthday cakes! That reminds me I should put a picture of the train I did for Harry's birthday this year.

Presents almost all wrapped. Some are rather large and I need Paul to help but it took him 3 and a half hours to get home last night in the snow. WHy does London and the surrounding areas come to a stand still everytime we have snow?!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: GUEST,Santa
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 02:08 AM

My worst time of year for accountability, what with all them mince pies and things. Missus Claus says I should eat the carrots the kiddies put out for Rudolph and the others, but frankly, I needs the sugar energy, and that sherry keeps out the cold. Not that I wouldn't like a nice malt whisky every now and then, but it plays havoc with me bells and I has to have a whizz about halfway round. Don't tell Sweden, they think it's enviromentally caused acid rain. And don't even ask what all them carrots do to Donder and Blitzen.

As for decluttering, well, it's the best time for that! We can get rid of all those toys and things from the workshop, including that ridiculous flamingo in sunnies and the pile of mini-nuns. It's amazing the tat some folks'll ask for for christmas. And who the heck asks for a fake log that smells of pee and a pepper spray? Some Viking bloke has even been asking for snow! I had a word with Jack Frost, but his sat-nav has been giving him trouble and he may have gone left instead of right at Denmark.

Well, better get going, the elves are looking shifty again, have been all week. The Forelf went on a scouting mission last Friday to Europe. We're trying to be green so he went by train instead of taking the sleigh. He says he's still stuck on the train but for 2 days? I reckon he found a floozy in France. Trouble is, till he gets back, I won't get my list finished. Ho ho ho.

Santa

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 01:29 AM

Cookies are packed ready to go in the mail tomorrow. Furnace repair guy should be back with the little part that needs replacing on the blower--relatively inexpensive, he said. I sure hope so! And in the morning the transcripts go in the mail as well. I have to work for work, but then it's the long break. Let's hope the rest of this stupid cold clears out. It's still making me pretty tired.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 12:17 AM

I am so looking forward to next week when I don't have anything to do... literally.. nothing.

Been so busy this last 2 weeks that I havent' even had time to put up the majority of the decorations and the tree I bought is still outside in its pot, getting alternately frozen and covered in snow!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 11:12 PM

Michelle, it's good to see you posting.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 08:53 PM

Catherine,

   Your cakes are BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!

Michelle

PS. Love the race photos too...you rock!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 10:28 AM

Those are impressive cakes!

Tasks for what is the usable part of the week include getting advice on repairing the heat pump, finishing baking and shipping cookies, and finishing college applications. The rest comes after that.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 03:31 AM

Made the Chocolate Yule Log and decorated the cake....here's a LINK to the photos

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 11:35 PM

Been living off left over party food and tiny sandwiches from the Ritz Hotel (yes, the big, uber-posh one in the West End, where they charge £50 for afternoon tea...) so accountability is out the window....

Been so busy with Christmas Carolling at the Ritz that all I've decluttered is my post tray...

But what a way to go!!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 09:09 PM

Another day of taking it easy here. I did some dishes and laundry. I can wash and fold, while my husband has to tend to any lifting over about 5 pounds. He has been cooking and moving things without complaint. He also holds my arm as I make my way down our icy yard. He is loved and appreciated beyond measure!!!!

I did better with the food today. Breakfast was 1 egg and 3/4 slice of dry toast. Lunch was 3/4 of a whole wheat tortilla baked with some tomato slices, diced green peppers and mozzarella cheese. Dinner was an Activia cherry yogurt. I also had an oatmeal cookie and glass of milk in the late afternoon. I have bottles of water all over the house and making sure to keep sipping. This is probably the closest to 3 meals I've had in the last 11 days.

My surgery is scheduled for mid January. I have some other tests to do during the first week of January and pre-op stuff.

I'm still having some panic but it's better. I have anti-anxiety meds but hesitate to take them because they knock me out...I'm not complaining....and I do use them when I absolutely can't stand it or myself any more.

So.....I have a clean table to sit at, an almost empty sink, clean clothes, somewhat dog hair free floors and a fresh pot of coffee.....everything I need in case company stops by.

Be well, all of you.....be very well.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 08:49 PM

A new tradition here. Or an extension of MudGifting.

We don't do the Mudcat Secret Santa thing, because I know our scheds will.... slip.... (crash) out of sync with it.

But what I do is take the BEST thing I got all year, from a Catter or someone in my community, and make a gorgeous package out of it to send faraway friends and fam. Some of these become annual traditions, and today a new one took shape. It's not "re-gifting" trash. It's sharing a blessing that was shared with us.

This one--

Karen, in our parish choir, takes my breath away as a hostess. I can't say enough about what I admire there, and what I learn. She's hostessed a parich choir party now for several years running, and each year thee's been a gorgeous "new antique" ornament she's "run up" in her spare time-- we find these as party favors on the dinner table. The first year it was waxen, molded angels from her previous parish, melted down from altar-candle stubs-- a beautifully made and presented, blessed item. Another year it was a large soft-sculpted Christmas tree with bells for ornaments and a pine stick for a trunk, a metal star glued at the top and a wire hanger.

These are always WAY too huge for our miniscule table-tree, so I hung the tree on the front doorknob. At the time I put it there so I would not lose it. I came to treasure seeing it there to remind me of Karen's home as I worked on mine-- the HEART.

I was sick for this year's party, but Friday night Hardi came home with a similarly-scaled French Hen Karen had made and initialled. Its wing is folded and glued MUSIC paper! One side is a needlepointed, winged greeting and the other a flat side (no wing), in a contrasting fabric.

And BAM! The perfect gift for the "don't buy me things" Mom in Californy!!! She's DOPNE decluttering so gifts are a real challenge. (Ssssh! I haven't told Karen yet.)

Each of thse is a collector's item-- she's that good a crafter. But I don'pt think I will ever have a tree large enough for them.

So with great regret and love, LAST YEAR's tree ornament goes to my mom, to hold in trust for the now-16 nephew who needs to start accumulating the tangibles for HIS happy Christmas memories. I wrapped it in lovely angel paper, and on the oversize bow is stencilled, "To Mom, in Trust for Nick." She can give it to HIM next year, because I'll be sending HER that French Hen after enjoying it for a year on MY front door. Cuz I think Karen is gonna keep up her end of that tradition!

===

It's all about the flow, as I have written so many times. Today I also wrapped the perfect gift for our Bishop-- a craftwork remembrance that is SO "our town." Similarly, someone gave it to us, years ago. We don't need the scrap to remember her. She's too deep in our hearts!

===

What it has to do with MudPrezzies? Seamus Kennedy just sent me a 4-VHS "Irish" series for my multicultural library. The box fit my mom's tree, to the inch! :~)

Flow, baby, flow....>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> OUT.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 07:45 PM

I went to a holiday/solstace concert last night. It was performed by some very good friends, so it was nice to see them again. And they always put on a good show.

I had about 1/2 cup of sweet potatoes from last night's supper, so I made waffles for lunch today and added the mashed potatoes. Very tasty; they had some pumpkin pie seasoning in them.

I've been having some problems with my car for the past couple days. It starts okay, but as soon as I take my foot off the gas, it stalls. When I went out this morning to go to church, I had to wait until it was completely warmed up before I could drive away. It's off to the repair shop in the morning. I just hope I'll get it back before Christmas.

Michelle, all good wishes to you.

To everyone else, I hope everybody is feeling well soon.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 05:55 PM

Note to self: eating most of a baked sweet potato for breakfast because you'd like to clear it out of the fridge is NOT necessarily a good idea. It will come back to haunt you later in the day. (A couple of dashed trips to the wash room when I was out shopping just now). I did finish cutting up and freezing my peppers and the counter is looking good. Out come the cookbooks and I'll get several batches of different cookies going. I picked up a fresh bottle of vanilla (nothing wrong with the old one, but it is nearly empty) and 10 pounds of good organic white flour. I'll send healthy cookies (well, if you don't count the sugar, that is).

Michelle, I hope you're feeling better and eating a little more today. Let us know a rough schedule (even if you send a PM) for your surgery and such.

maeve, please send a PM when you can.

The rest of you home remodelers, movers, painters, beaders, etc., take it easy.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 04:30 PM

Michelle, while you were away from the keyboard a number of people (and I) PMed-around some good thoughts for/about you, because a number of THEM were heading away from THEIR keyboards for awhile. So even if you do not see posts to that effect, please know that there has been a wraparound of prayer and good thoughts around this place, that continues offCat while folks are away.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 12:33 PM

Don't forget to stop and relax a little..it's good for ya, SRS.:-)

A bit of a red letter day for me. For the first time since late October, I have started up my qi gong, again. Just did 30 minutes. I have been so stoved up in my lower back, it was getting really hard to get out of bed, up from a chair, and to sit at all. So I started out, in bed, doing a couple of yoga stretches, then the qi gong in the LR. It feels so good, mentally AND physically. Much better. I feel as though I've broken through some more depression fog.

Everyone take care and let's keep good thoughts going round to one another. I think we could all use them this week, esp.

Thanks and luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 12:10 PM

I was so tired when I was closing down the computer last night, I'm glad to read that that remark made some sense. I edited out more because I could hardly focus my eyes. It was a busy day.

The last of the peppers that were picked after Thanksgiving have been in bowls in the fridge, and I'm cutting them up in batches and slicing them onto cookie pans and freezing them. Then each pan of slices goes into a labeled quart freezer bag. This way I'll get my bowl back for making cookie dough.

Yesterday I rearranged the furniture (slightly) in my bedroom. I put a low trunk at the foot of the bed, then called the cat over and had him try using it as a step a couple of times. He's so old now he can't quite make the leap from the floor to the bed. We'll be building steps for him in each bedroom.

It's a lovely cold sunny day. I looked out my bedroom window and could barely see for the hedge that has grown up (a rock rose shrub) so will go out and prune that this afternoon. And tomorrow I'll have to call the heating/air conditioning company that put in my heat pumps seven years ago. We have a burned out motor on the big unit. At least I have the other one as a backup so half of the house is warm and warmth can drift into the bedroom area. I love sleeping in cold weather and have a down comforter on my bed, and I'll get out another one for my son who usually prefers just blankets. He's back home this evening.

I need to finish cleaning surfaces in the kitchen and I'm looking at doing a major clean up in my office. I haven't named any particular tasks to do over my break; inevitably if I do plan, and especially if I spend money in preparation for those plans, something else comes along and gets in the way of the work I planned. So I'm not planning, I have plenty of projects I can simply work on to finish. That will be enough. My break begins on Wednesday.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 01:33 AM

Michelle,

Surgery took care of my cancer, but that process was life changing. I don't know your diagnosis; for this remark it is only enough to know that you've felt bad, and had a scare when trying to learn what the problem is. You'll come out of this stronger.

Everyone, take it easy out there. This is a tough week, no matter your health.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 09:51 PM

Michelle, it is really good to hear from you. Having been through major surgery (very scary!) and recent panic attacks and depression, I am here to say ask your docs to give you something to help with the panic and anxiety. We beat up on ourselves for being afraid and not "soldiering" through when we need to be really kind to ourselves. There is help if we ask for it. Just my two cents.:-) {{{{{Michelle}}}}

We cleaned house this morning which consisted of me doing dishes for the third time since Tksgiving (ol' depression sure snuck up on me!), picking and straightening the LR while Rog changed the litter boxes and swept. I also cleaned off my DR desk yesterday. Oh, an Rog finally put up the Christmas lights along the top of our white-needs-to-be-painted-again picket fence.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 09:17 PM

After some really scary medical news, more testing and a visit to a specialist, I had my first day of being able to breathe...to take in what I was told and to trust that it is true...it's either that or lose my mind.

I have been moping. Crying. Sleeping. Panicking. Sleeping. Not eating (just can't seem to choke anything down). I'm down 15 pounds in the last 9 days. Not good. I know. I'm working on it. I have to get some nutrition in for many reasons. I know this logically and am working with my body to cooperate. Today is the first time in those 9 days that I have any feelings of hunger at all. My husband was over-joyed!

I haven't posted as I've not done anything other than what I've already written...I've not been accountable for ANYTHING and the most work I've done is the dishes and THAT makes me tired. Ok...I did sweep some. I'm not supposed to do much of anything until after my surgery.

Tonight I drove myself to the next town over to go to church. I did about 20 minutes of Christmas shopping and walked to church from there (a few blocks). It felt good to be out in the cold, night air. However....I did accept a ride back to the car afterwards. Standing through the service created some pain...so I just sat down. I figured walking one way was enough for now.

My husband had asked me before I left if I would want dinner. I told him that I thought some winter squash sounded good. When I got home, he had it all peeled, seeded, chopped and in the pan. He's got a baked potato ready (we'll split it) and pork chops on the grill. I'm sure I'll have 2 bites of each thing and will be full....that's ok..it's more than I've done in the last few days. A little bit in the right direction....it's the best I can do for now.

Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes.....they mean so much to me.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 03:24 AM

Had a wonderful time in historic York when I went to the pantomime on Thursday night with my younger daughter and another young friend. Christmas lights, beautiful mediaeval buildings, and the first snow of the year - magic! As Ruth said, "NOW Christmas has started!" I was in full agreement until the badly designed grips on my sheepskin boots allowed my feet to slip sideways on some wet snow, and I fell hard on my left hip! Luckily I was next to a pub at the time, and once my shoulders got to a couple of feet above the deck, I slid the rest of the way down the wall! Much hilarity from my companions, and a nice painful butt cheek for me, plus, as my left arm ended up above my head, I pulled that a bit, having been bent into an extreme version of the yoga "moon" pose. It'll ease off soon, I hope.

To add insult to injury, we had just about got back to the car and it happened again onto the other hip! Luckily that wasn't such a wallop! Good job I was wearing my down-filled coat!

Yesterday was Freya's first birthday and so the family braved the cold and went to a children's little theme park about an hour from us. It was lightly dusted with snow, and if my girls don't stop telling me to be careful I don't fall....!!!

Anyway, tonight I am off to see an all-girl band called the Shee, who, I am assured are good. Before that I am going to ice the two small cakes I've done, wrap the last presents, and hopefully hand deliver cards round the village. I am going to make some biscuits too, this week, to give as a gift.
We have about an inch of snow, with some showers forecast for today, but the temperature is hovering around freezing. I know you all over there in the States have it much worse, but in the last couple of decades our winters have become much milder, and we somehow forget how to cope with even a small amount! Pathetic, really!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 01:37 AM

Moonglow and her boyfriend arrived late this evening. We visited and they ate, and it was a great opportunity to de-clutter the fridge. They went through quite a few containers of leftovers. :)

They're down tonight so they don't need to get up early to drive here in the morning. We're going to the ballet tomorrow afternoon.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 07:09 PM

Went over to work today and added a few figures (they had been in an old box of toys in the garage) to a friend's bookshelf diorama. And a co-worker heard what I was doing so he donated one of his figures (looks just like Chauncey Gardener in Being There). So I left him a figure of a cow. So we've cross pollinated various scenery spots today.

Wrapping stuff tonight, to move it out of the way before company comes and sees it. Thought my daughter might not make it tonight, they were sure the starter was dead in their car. I kept telling her to check the battery. "No, it isn't the battery, it was new last year." But when they had both checked, it was the battery and it was replaced free. We all dodged that bullet, because I would have been in $100 toward the new starter. Sometimes Mom really does know best! :)

I picked up a couple of blinking light things for the dogs' collars, so we're going to go for a little walk before they get fed. See how well they work.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 06:42 PM

I crashed and burned today on too much fun-- got the last box shipped today, had lunch with Hardi then came home to a major IBS-rebellion. Missing the annual choir party (Hardi went) which is FUN and a nice date each year with Hardi at a parishioners' home with great dogs and great company.... boohoo, he took the Stilton with him!

Take it easy, all.

Wish we were hearing from LF. Prayers continue, folks.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 01:04 PM

I'm here, Maggie, thanks. Just went out on my own since the "big" snowfall. I could've gone out earlier than today, but Rog isn't very good at getting rid of snow and ice, so I preferred to go out with him, in his truck, plus we upped the meds and I wasn't too keen on driving while i worked through the sleepy-making side effects. But the streets are fine now..it's only our driveway which is still treacherous in spots. I manage.

I am being kind to myself and not worrying about getting back to qi gong until I've been on the zoloft a full month which is when the docs all say it should really kick in. That will be around the end of the month, great timing for a brand new year!

I made one sister a bracelet of black onyx hearts with red glass hearts and little tiny silver beads in between. The other is getting earrings made with silver and cobalt beads and tiny bells from India. Morgan designed a pair for my other sister with red and black glass beads. He was so proud that he knew his pattern for the second one and didn't even have to look at the other one to get it right. We've been learning how to use the bead board to plan out our patterns. It's pretty neat. I don't know about next week, yet, have to talk with my daughter. I am sure he will be over here, though. Yesterday he brought his goody bag from the school holiday party and shared his treats with me. "Mama" rates!

One other benefit I have noticed with the lifting of depression: my diet is much better and I am eating because I am hungry not because of emotions! I cannot count the number of times I have mentally beat on myself for not doing a better job. I will be writing more about this on my blog, I think.

I have a few books to wrap, then will close up the boxes to be mailed and be done except for getting Morgan's presents.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 12:14 PM

My house has slid downhill dust and clutter-wise during this cold, but I think this evening I'll be able to beat back some of the mess. My sense of smell is still off, my son thought he smelled something odd this morning (might be the air filter on the heater) so I'll poke around. And I'll drag the vacuum cleaner with me.

Michelle, how are those birds of yours? I have to put up the bird feeder now that much of the garden is finished (they scatter seeds in the working garden and end up perching and pooping on things I don't want poop on when the garden is going). Do you have a camera handy? I would love to see what it looks like when a rooster chases a squirrel! And are you still sitting in yoga doing your deep breathing or meditating?

Kat, how's the jewelry making, and how are you feeling? Will Morgan be over to spend more time with you next week?

I'm going to have to continue to lean on my son to get these applications finished. And I'll be mailing transcripts to all of the schools. We got a bunch of certified copies last week.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 11:57 AM

Hil's here... what's left of her. She's lost so much weight. 82 lbs (5 stone 12 lbs for my UK friends) and 66 inches.

She is still short though.

Flight landed at 11:38, but she didn't get into terminal 5 concourse until after 1pm.

I am tired... she is tired.... TSO is tired.

Things still to do. Vacuum spare room and set up her bed. Wash dishes and make dinner. Pack stuff for Good intent Uk Wassail and practice for same.

Thank you for all the good wishes. I may now be more off than on forum now she's here.

Lovely holiday to you all.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 09:41 AM

Plan of action for the weekend is...decorate the cake, bake the yule log and decorate it. Lunch with some good friends on Saturday. Double exercise class on Sunday, one on Monday and one on Tuesday for good measure to keep those extra lbs at bay.

Most of the presents are wrapped but it seems a never ending mountain especially as my family keep buying presents for the kids online and having them delivered to ours, although they do write out tags and send them!

At the beginning of December we made a holly wreath and a holly pentagram to go on the front door and they haven't fallen apart! Looks great!

New Years Eve gathering has been arranged. The desert part has been sorted but need to sort out lots of party food.

I managed to pull a muscle in my chest the other day picking up a very heavy bag containing lots of bottles of wine. Should have asked Paul to get it out of the boot of the car.

There is a blanket of snow outside which is making everything look pretty.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 09:14 AM

What news of your daughter, Tamara?

maeve

PS Did you know that when you fight the weather instead of baking cookies for a cookie swap wonderous things can be crafted quickly with cake mix (homemade or boxed) and a few key ingredients?

...fortunately.

m

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 03:44 AM

Keep breathing, Tam. Have a cup of tea and listen to something wonderful.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 03:17 AM

Christmas cards for folk friends at Wassail this Saturday all done.

Ironing just finished and TSO helped.

Hil's flight delayed arrival by 2+ hours. Going to dust and vac master bedroom and take a shower and twiddle my thumbs.

Worry worry.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 01:03 AM

It works to a point, but I think the mineral oil/glycerin combination seems to attack the problem most directly. That thick Eucerin seems to be the best overall, though I sometimes mix it with bag balm or aloe.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 07:24 PM

Maggie, if you aren't allergic to lanolin, Bag Balm works well. The swim team at Smith College uses it.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 07:20 PM

Got some more shopping in, but I always try to head home before rush hour brings not only regular commuters but the shoppers to my intersection. I'll try to finish tomorrow. There are a couple of things I've been looking for.

Will be making cookies on the weekend, and Moonglow is coming down to help tomorrow night. She and her boyfriend and I are going to a matinee performance of the Nutcracker on Saturday. I haven't ever been to that live. It'll be fun (and for some reason our relatively unknown community, Arlington, Texas, has a ballet troop that includes a lot of ex-Bolshoi dancers. There seems to have been some mass migration a few years ago.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 03:50 PM

Virginia, I have a pair of gloves just like you describe. A friend of mine was here last week and gave them to me--they're one of her pairs. She buys them at resale shops, and they're the type you describe. I'll see about the zinc oxide--I have a tube and I think it doesn't go bad. It's also good for if you're catching a cold (zinc lozenges). Maybe if I'd been treating my hands earlier I wouldn't have caught this cold?

I'm about over it, but it hasn't let go completely. I had to go take a nap this afternoon, the kind where you pull your covers up over your head so the whole thing can warm up. (Just don't fart while you're under there!) ;-D

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 03:49 PM

Make them ALL mp3s, you'll see! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 03:37 PM

Thanks, Tam. I am accepting Susan's offer. And I don't think there will be any problem keeping the songs- maybe turn the good ones into mp3s with the magic gizmo, then also make a cassette/cd of all the bits and pieces for future development.

Have a happy time with your Hil.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 02:13 PM

Susan - thanks for pushing Hil to me.

I like a post filled with sparkles and angels.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 02:10 PM

Oops, missed Kat.

&=========*=======*===*@YMMV@*===*=======*=========%

Go Kat!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 01:52 PM

.................>>>>>>>>>>>> Hil>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>TAM!

*************************************************
***********[prayersparkles]*******Michelle*******
*************************************************

Yer surrounded-- come out with your hands UP! :~)

=====

Missed a few posts, dunno if I'm caught up.

Nope, Maeve: """""""""singing""""""""""" You don't HAVE to send me a CD of what you get, but I'd love it if you did....... :~)

====

Miss anyone else?

+++++

My Xmas Murrakkalees-- Ydy with so-sore shoulders I was in a WalMart scooter fetching Hardi's make-it-thru-Xmas goodies, looking up, despairingly, at top-shelf items I usually have no trouble knocking down for myself. Trying to think how I'd get them, close to tears of burnout. Before I gave up, a nice passerby asked if they could please help me, and did I need anything else?

That happened at least 8 different times. WalMart's big. Each of those were palatable sweets for my diabetic sweetie. And good for him.

Then, the checkout lady marshaled a rare helper to unload my scooter, a preggie girl with SUCH a great attitude. "Yes, and it's a boy, and a proud one. On the ultrasound yesterday he did THIS." {she strikes a wacky pose)

And then ANOTHER angel-- a big strong one-- materialized to take my cart to the van and load the van, with a GREAT attitude.

At WALMART!

So when I got home and realized I'd not mailed the CD I owed OPen Mike, I turned around in the driveway (Hardi was on the cellphone then, asking me about the specs on the new FREEZER I wanted), and when to a closer one I'd never visited which is close and tiny and GREAT, with a RAMP!

Freezer due Sat. AM, they'll cart off the old one, and it's 2 cubic feet bigger than the one I have, so that the dying Mudcat-beverage fridge can be discarded as needed (been using its freezer shelf for bread).

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 01:28 PM

God Maggie - you got me weeping happy juice too.

There really are wonderful people out there in the world. I want to hug that lovely dentist.

Also Maggie - When I had the crack and peel and bleed skin on my hands, I used zinc oxide with cod liver oil and kept my hands inside of white 100 % cotton gloves. not the fuzzy ones archivists use but the women wore in 1940s. Usually did the trick.

Really funny story about one of those periods of hand peeling. I was about 24 or 25.   My mom invited me over for a Mary Kay make up party and the rep, noticed I was leaning my face on my palm. She chastised me for getting oil from my hands onto my face, saying it would cause acne. I held up my peeling hands and exclaimed that I really wish there was enough oil in my hands to cause such a problem.

Glad to read Susan so boyant today. Long may it reign and hope the upstairs purry companion happens for you.

Maeve - please take Susan up in the offer of digi recorder. Please don't toss anything away. No matter how you feel about it now, chances are you won't feel the same at some other time. Besides that is history of your art. Needs to be properly archived for future generations.

I so wish there were recordings or even print copies of my grandmother's songs. There is nothing, not even a vague memory from my mom who is now 82.

My daughter should be on her way to Atlanta airport right now actually might arriving at this moment. Her flight is BA0226 at 8:35 pm. She should arrive at Heathrow at 9:35am Greenwich Mean Time tomorrow.

We have severe winter storm warnings in the area for tonight and tomorrow... Thoughts and/or prayers please for her safe landing and our safe travel to and from Heathrow to collect her.

Hugs to all.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 12:52 PM

Yes please, Maggie. It's another very enjoyable thread- full of great stories and virtual feasts.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 12:47 PM

I haven't participated in that one--should I just plonk it down and say maeve sent me? :)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 12:35 PM

That is a wonderful story, Maggie. Would you consider reposting it on Jerry's Kitchen Table thread?

My piano is always blocked by boxes and laundry. Like yours, mine is about to emerge. I'll start out playing it when my Truelove leaves for work early in the morning.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 11:29 AM

Musical minds think alike! I've been rearranging furniture in that front with with an eye to reaching the piano easily. It needs to be restored, it is out of tune (though it is ~ in tune with itself and has held what it has remarkably well, all things considered) and has a high C that doesn't play, but I've been meaning to sit down and play more, get my hands back into shape. Just yesterday I was debating hauling out music while my son is at school so he doesn't have to suffer through my limbering up. ;-)

---

I made a wonderful discovery today when I was shopping. I go to a small store called Save A Lot; they don't have every brand, or even every size and flavor of the brands they carry; it is a place to buy the staples, and it gets me through most weeks. There is a clerk there who I first met at another of their stores that closed. She's a beautiful young woman who had one glaring problem--really bad teeth. One in front on top that was clearly rotted more than half through and kind of a snaggletooth. I always wished there was a way the store would get dental insurance because clearly she needed a lot of work.

I was over there today in her checkout line, and I remarked that I hadn't seen her for a while, I've been through on a different shift. And then it hit me, she had a perfect smile. I pointed and asked her when this happened, and she is so pleased to have this work done (and noticed!) that it wasn't an imposition for me to remark. I did also tell her that I thought she was a beautiful woman and had always hoped she'd be able to do this. She needed to hear that.

The story is the remarkable part. She had a customer come through her line in September--she named the day--and he told her he was a dentist and that she needed to make an appointment with him. She held onto his card for a week before calling, and her co-workers urged her to call. When she made the appointment he did the xrays and told her what he proposed--her teeth were in bad enough shape that she needed a full plate on top and would also lose a couple of lower molars. It took a couple of months for the entire process, she said.

I moved from the register with my groceries and began to pack them nearby, and we were talking across the space between us. I asked if SaveALot had put in insurance to help her cover this? She said no, and that was the amazing thing, this dentist offered to do it for free--no cost beyond what her medicaid covers. We both burst into tears right there in the store and I had to give her big hug. That was such a generous thing for him to do--she knew this was a lot more work than normally would be covered.

I took my groceries out to the truck then returned with my camera phone and sent one of my twitpic posts to Twitter. She pulled out his card for the spelling--this man is a member of a family well known for good dental work here in town. His brother is an orthodontist we consulted (it was a long drive to get over there, which is why we ended up going somewhere closer). To go from broken, blackened teeth to a beautiful smile--it isn't just a vanity issue, it is a major health issue and such a huge psychological boost. And I am so happy to be able to share this story with each of you.

Go through the day with a smile!

Maggie

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 11:21 AM

Maeve, I have a spare digital recorder that can convert those off a tape player and into MP3s. Then you can keep them ALL. (Ask Janie-- you should!!!) It's so easy to use. Shall I send it?

===

I had hoped we would hear from LilyFestre by now. Since we have not, let's keep a good thought for her. In my case, that will be prayer (as I go about busy activities) that she be surrounded on all sides and in all dimensions by pure positivity in every form imaginable, and then some-- may she have more than enough, Amen.

===

We have godkids this year, for the first time. I'm slow. I got stocking stuffers ydy to mail tdy or tmrw and 2 more books in a series we give the two of them for b'days, etc., that will arrive here and be sent in a few days.

The stuffers are tiny and were QUITE affordable (begin as you mean to go on), and the books were BEST quality (Helen Caswell illus) gotten via MudLinked Amazon sellers.

One annual gifting has been 1 tiny ornament at a time-- I buy a different set of mini's each year. I get a set or two and put one ornament on our tree, and give the rest away (1 to each person) as a sign of our growing circle of dear friends.

In a lucky year I can find these in a flat design that goes in a card, so they do not feel obligated to "gift" back to us. In other years when the ornaments have been a little bulkier, they go in shipping bags from Catter-CDs that have arrived thru the year-- more evidence of growth in the circle. These dear ones really only care that we thought about them, and they know how short we are on time. That we send anything out of that busy-ness is always treasured, but they seldom take credit for the treasures they are, to us. Some of them are canners, tho, and have "gifted" us in that way at odd moments just when we need them. Our little tradition is just a way of re-'membrancing that closeness. Sans clutter! :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 10:51 AM

maeve, that is wonderful about your violin! I have been feeling guilty for not playing my dad's and, even my old one which I learned on. Maybe...I'll be inspired by you and get one of them out, soon. Morgan wants to play one, but he's a tad too small, yet and I took the little rental one back as he wasn't into practising at the time.

I decluttered a few more beads yesterday making jewellery for my sisters. A little bit more to do on that this morning, then I will box up the gifts and get them out by tomorrow, I hope.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 09:59 AM

P.S. I also found, in said storage room, my cassette tapes of a bunch of early songs I wrote 12 or so years ago. I might keep a few.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 09:30 AM

Well, I MADE myself finish sleeping this AM and am much the better for it.

"No, brilliant minsd, I do NOT want to come out and play just yet! I'll be ready to play around 11, our usual time!!!"

"Oh! Righto, then, see you then!"


I don't mind having two heads but sometimes I wish they were the same age!

I think most of the sleep issue would be improved with an Upstairs Cat. I just have to figger out how to get one into the mix that will not upset Hardi. He's not one for upstairs pets. I know which cat-- have one waiting for me-- but the logistics are tricky.


~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 08:20 AM

Thanks, Maggie. I'm glad Khatt's friend has delivered successfully.

I have done something... dug my violin out of storage in the nursery/guest/storage room. Haven't really played it for years, and I can't do much with it yet because of the wrist, but so fun to try it out again! One it warmed up (it's cold in that room, having been closed up for so long) I was able to tune it back to pitch without breaking strings or pegs. If I decide I still am not happy with the tone I may see if I can trade for a better quality fiddle, or go for a viola. For now I'll use the mute.

I also pulled out two big bags of clothing to get rid of. Maybe moving forward again; just a little.

How are y'all?

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 12:32 AM

Okay, the dishes are washed. A few gifts are wrapped and bagged. Another early day tomorrow, but the weather should be warmer. That always helps perk things up.

Sleep tight, everyone, and DON'T OVERDO it! :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 09:31 PM

maeve, I saw on her facebook page that her friend had the babies several days ago.

VTam, that's a bummer, and it sounds like something you should ask your ob/gyn about. Or a urologist.

My hands are so cracked and dry because of the time of year and just because they're doing this a lot. I put on the intense hand cream (Eucerine) and a pair of vinyl gloves so it can sink in and not smear grease on things I touch.

Shopping for incredibly practical gifts this year. I won't name any because Moonglow does sometimes read over here at Mudcat. Must wrap before my son gets home in the next hour, so I'll check in later. There has been some more progress, but you wouldn't know it from looking at the state of the dishes in my kitchen sink.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 05:06 PM

VTam, I know that there are waterproof pants used with incontinent folk during aquatic therapy, but I dunno if they keep water OUT as well or if they are just meant to absorb accidents. If you can locate an aquatic therapy physical therapist, they might know.

As for pooltime, there are several stretching/relaxation programs; look into Ai Chi which is so gentle you might sleep during it. For more vigorous aquatics there are several modes more vigorous (and fun!) than swimming, and I have lots of info on those.

And for anyone for whom hypertension is an issue-- I have LOTS of info, but the main thing is that aquatics done vertically reduces BP markedly even during high heart-rate aerobics, while aquatics done vertically (such as swimming) increases cardiac load rather than relieving it, tho it is good exercise otherwise.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 04:57 PM

Khatt- How is your expectant friend?

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 02:26 PM

Well done Kat!
I just hope I can get through the festive season on damage limitation.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 01:57 PM

ok I am gonna get icky for a minute...

Planning to do pool time 2 nights a week with TSO after New Year (well after they reopen the Riverside Ice and Leisure pool (managed by Chelmsford Borough Council). It is being redecorated from now through 23 January.

Anyway, in past every time I went on vacation and used time share pools, I got UTI. I am worried about a repeat of this problem, because as we all know, antibiotics cause yeast infections. When I get this it tends to be systemic, affects my whole body.

Is there any trick to avoid getting UTI from bacteria in public pools? Some kind of protective or preventative treatment.

I know about cranberry juice (both uses).

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 11:20 AM

Maeve,

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: WYSIWYG - PM
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 11:31 AM

And I DID get to the post office ydy, AND the pool.

~S~

Pooltime will resume Monday if not sooner. I'm dealing with some fibromyalgia-like shoulder issues (meds are on the way via mail) and I did establish a workable pool approach to it (alt heat/cold with the right movement pattern) that has let me do daily chores again.

Ydy I was able to play music HARD for a gig. Shoulders were sore as hell after, but I know it's improving with the current regimen because it only took anti-inflammatories to make it right by bedtime, and I didn't have to take pain meds at all, even in the night after sleeping on it for hours, and woke up feeling fine.

Today is land-based-- grocery day with extra stops.

===

I have a really good, scholarly article in a book here that goes into detail about restorative sleep. I MIGHT be able to get the scanner hooked up soon, to get the text, so I can post that. I prefer to set that scanner up in the upstairs office, but it's whistling cold wind up there today. In a few short days I'll be in the weekend-interruptus mode again and trying to restart my other priorities again on Monday. That's another whole kinda cycle, but I added some select Maxines to my screensaver up there early this AM and she may work wonders! :~)


~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 10:38 AM

And Kat is out in front, leading the pack as we crawl and roll over on our sides moving toward the new year. . . (laughing!) Anyone unfamiliar with us, visiting Mudcat and reading all of these threads might be tempted to send the ambulances or spike our IVs after this month's entries. We'll get through the season. It's a convergence of stuff that I'm certain is seasonal.

Each day is a little easier. I don't catch colds often, and I've been very careful to try to contain this one. My whole face has felt kind of chapped the last few days because it has been so cold out, but I've set the heavy duty guiafed aside and am taking the Robitussin knock-off for cough and cold, and that seems to be helping (probably has as much guiafed as expectorant, but it's good for cough.)

I made the banana bread last night, and I had just enough batter for the loaves to take to work for co-worker gifts. My son was dying to eat one, but I told him I didn't have any to spare. Last night I pulled one out of the freezer, but it just isn't the same. I felt so sorry for him, munching the older loaf. So I've made some cookies to go to work also, and am going to take a plate past and leave at his father's house. He goes there after school, and Wednesday he spends part of the evening there. So he'll at least have a fresh batch of homemade Christmas tree (almond) cookies for himself.

I've begun wrapping a few things, to place in a hanging basket we always use. It has lights running up and down the macrame and they chase and blink and such. I fill the basket with small gifts. If I have a tree, we always open those gifts first (or otherwise, they're on the hearth) and then we always remember a few more in the basket. It's a lean year, but I can still put gifts in to make it look right.

Gotta shower and head over to work. With lots of baked goods.

Michelle, how are you feeling today? I think all other counties have been heard from. And what part of the country are you in, anyway? Are any of us close-by to stop in and offer some cookies or banana bread? (I make bread with splenda to cut the calories for friends with that requirement, and use some whole wheat to make it a little healthier). PM your address and I'll mail a loaf, or at least post a couple of recipes. (My boss's wife is diabetic, but 5 years ago she had breast cancer and was having a hard time eating when she was going through chemo. I really worked on a recipe that I could send home with him to her, that had as little sugar as possible, because all through it she loved and could eat the banana bread, but we didn't want her diabetes to spiral out of control. It was a tough call.

SRS, food scientist and kitchen wizard. . .

Subject: RE: BS: Athletic Wisdom
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 10:36 AM

TIPS

Pro athletes say that 5-10 lbs gained "back" in the offseason are no problem as long as training for the new season occurs-- when the "extra" pounds will melt right off on their own. The annual cycle in that gain/lose range is normal for them.

So TRUST that one's normal season of highest activity CAN keep one approx. where one is.

There is also the good news that a speeded-up metabolism due to muscle-mass increase will last 6 weeks, so a short layoff from vigorous activity is not a crisis.

On the other hand, athletes who take a layoff say that anything longer than 2 weeks will need to be rehabbed and/or retrained back up to the pre-breaktime level.

They ALL say that as we age, we FEEL the breaktime loss of muscle-flexibility is felt in function, sooner and sooner.

There is also info out there that the slower the weight loss, the better for our health, and that periods of loss followed by periods of maintenance are GOOD for us in many ways.


One way I monitor all that is that I own ONE pair of "fat pants" that can be worn when my tummy's acting up or I have all-night-sitting to do. They fit like pajamas. I have FOUR pairs of jeans/trousers that are snug. The day I have to put on a pair of fat pants to do a non-fatpant activity comfortably-- that's the day I drop everything and get back to the pool NO MATTER WHAT, and I stay on the pool schedule till I feel so damn fit I want to get out of the water and DO stuff. Then I slack off pooltime in favor of land-based muscly work/fun.


In the high-activity phase I eat (healthy) when I'm hungry, day or night. I'm feeding a fast metabolism. In the low-activity phase I eat as many tiny (healthy) mini-meals as my shrunken tummy requests, because I am feeding a metabolism that may slow a bit.

Because the MAIN thing that gives me feedback is my tummy. Now that I don't fight with it any more, it gives me good info on when to stop, and it hurts if I ignore it. :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 10:19 AM

Thanks for asking, Maeve. The songbook is "Songs of the Workers to Fan the Flames of Discontent", the Little Red Songbook of the IWW, 2005 ed. The trouble was, the book is only 5-inches square and thin, so it was hard to spot among all the other material. I want to do more labor-oriented songs, considering I live in the Detroit area. I am putting together a set of social justice songs, using Rick Fielding's song "Voices of Struggle" as the backbone, then adding the songs that he referenced or some similar songs.

I tried to find a link to Rick's song, in case anybody isn't familiar with it, but something seems to be wrong with "Search" right now, because nothing came up. I can post the lyrics, if anybody wants them.

M

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 09:51 AM

Thanks, maeve. I am a happy camper this morning, at least. It is weigh-in day and finally I have shifted some more...lost 2.8lbs!

I had a hard time, yesterday, staying out of a mental fog long enough to sign 19 Christmas letters with added handwritten noted and get them all addressed, ready to go. It is one thing I love to do, but it was difficult...felt as though I was slogging through some really wet, deep snow. I had some laughs after, though, watching that clever octopus and its coconut shells. Looked like an old lady hiking up her skirts and running.:-)

My best to you all.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 05:50 AM

VTam- I went years without writing, and it only began a couple of years ago when I escaped from years of chronic migraines. Friends here provide important encouragement; I also began to finish grieving for my dad and some other loved ones.

The first songs grew out of a lovely vivid dream. Others are old poems retuned to who I am today. Be patient with yourself; your words will emerge, and we will love to see your laughter in song.

SRS- How are you feeling today? Guaifenesin makes a difference for me- thins the mucus. Sage/raspberry leaf tea with honey has also helped me a lot.

Susan- Looking for "Pooltime" posts by Monday. Take care. Sleep.

Andrea- Hurt my back the same way. I hope yours is feeling better.

Maryanne- Care to say what songs you got from the songbook? Good for you finding it so soon.

Michelle- Keep breathing, find that pool of quiet inside you.

Kat- "Step be step, row by row" works for gardens and ourselves.

maeve, who needs sleep too.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 02:56 AM

oh I am so envious... writing songs. Would so love to be able to do this.. funny ones.. ones that make people roll with laughter.

I used to write poetry but now in too much of brain fog to do it.

Stilly... please please please look after that chesty cough.


huggles to everyone from the mad goober of virginia

:~}

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 11:59 PM

As of tonight, yes. I've written more songs in the last 6 months than I had written in the last ten years. And I can remember some of the traditional songs I used to know, now the migraines don't run my life.

Still, there's a lot of work needing doing. Sigh. Time for sleep.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 11:38 PM

Music wins, hands down, right?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 10:33 PM

Fighting an inner battle here between the clearing out/regular chores and my instrumental practice/songwriting. The first are necessary for our comfort; the second for my well-being.

Courage to those of us in need of it, good health and peace to us all.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:52 PM

The cold is moving along, but that means the coughing needs to be kept at bay. I hate waking up in the middle of the night with an explosive cough. It disturbed the cat, also, who as he gets older and more frail, wants to sleep right on top of us.

I went over the mantle last night and dusted then carefully washed all of the crystal. I left it there during the year, but without the seasonal color. So now I'm putting glass balls and colorful ornaments into some of the cut and molded glass containers. And I found a couple of new lovely pieces to add to it. A few of the nutcrackers are also out.

Had a meeting at work, then dashed home, printed up a mailing envelope, and went to school to get the stack of sealed high school transcripts. I hope being postmarked on the last day is okay. He sent his first one in late last night, and this is part of it. Now all week we're going to be finishing up more. I hope. I hope. I hope. I want to have some of my break for something else, like researching scholarships. . .

Because I've had a cold I have been dragging. A bit of a nap this afternoon helped, will tide me over for a while. I hope my son doesn't catch it. I've tried to avoid spreading it.

I am way behind on my shopping, baking, etc. Tonight I'll be doing some baking to take to work tomorrow. I think I'll pick up some foil baking containers so I don't have to wait to bake the next batch after I empty and wash the pans. I make small loaves of banana bread and take them to work. The office party is tomorrow.

I'm going to bake this weekend and pack up and mail boxes of cookies to family. We are simply bleeding cash with all of the college tests, applications, etc, and I don't have the time or the energy to figure out clever thoughtful inexpensive gifts I can pack up and send this year. So it'll be nice food containers and cookies inside. (Some of our favorite family recipes). I'll send them well-padded and priority, so they're still fresh.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:27 PM

James was at my elbow all during the senior-home concert/singalong we just did, watching my fingers. It will be so easy to work with him!

He's also the most joyously patient person I know in music! "~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 02:54 PM

Susan - lovely idea that gift. Wish I could settle to learning my lap dulcimer. Maybe after Hilary leaves.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 01:20 PM

For me, and I suspect most of us, "starting" to recover isn't quite it.... it's ongoing and always vulnerable to life crap (like when work stuff has hills and valleys). I AM having a good day. Some of that is the result of holding firm on some potential crazy-making crap that was offered to me. Mostly it's that I trusted my best thought that SLEEP is, as I thought, ESSENTIAL and notnotnot a frill. For me.

I did talk to my great doc today and got a use-as-needed scrip to shore up a few loose boards. :~)

But the BEST of the day has been figgering out the perfect Xmas gift for a dev-disabled band member/roadie. Roadie who wants to PLAY music. James RULES, and he's getting Edith's (our band founder's late wife's) autoharp, with lessons starting in January, and we'll present it Sat. Night as a surprise with his mom in town to be there as well.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 11:55 AM

I found the songbook! Yippee!

M

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 11:46 AM

Sometimes I wonder if I have adult attention-deficit disorder.... I came into the computer/music room, to tidy up, and I can't even figure out where to start. I need to practice the songs I know, and learn a few more. But I can't get out the guitar and set up the music until I clear some space, so I cleaned up a corner. Now I'm looking for a songbook that's around here somewhere. Maybe I'll get some practice in before the day is over.

Maryanne

I hope the today's postings mean that folks are starting to recover.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 11:31 AM

And I DID get to the post office ydy, AND the pool.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 11:28 AM

Kat, the imagery-- did Rog in the chair fly, or were did they stay on the ground? :~)

(Movie, Danny Deckchair)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 11:15 AM

Did my normal morning chores today....it seems that doing that kind of stuff helps to ease my mind a little bit. I have pain meds that also help to ease my mind but I'm kind of reluctant to use them.

I went to yoga last night and prayed/meditated while my fellow yogarians held a beautiful practice. Since I won't be allowed to do yoga for several weeks, I asked if I could come sit in the back and meditate. I asked this because I don't want to get out of the habit of going to yoga, I miss the people, the space and the energy and right now I need all of those things very much. My yoga teacher said of course I could come...she said I could color, knit baby blankets, drink pina coladas....but just to come! So...I did go last night and it was good for me in so many ways. A little strange to be sitting while everyone is in triangle or down dog.....but I'm glad I went anyway. Other than that, I'm taking it easy and am working hard to not fall into panic attacks.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 11:09 AM

An old office chair went out the door with Rog this morning. We also moved a few more things back to the old office until the holidays are over. I did five loads of laundry, yesterday.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 10:20 AM

Decluttered a HUGE piece of lay ministry today. Snip, snip, snip. Like taking off one's own skin tags without a stiptic pencil. Neatened things up quite a bit that had gotten VERY messy.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 12:33 AM

I pulled a few glass items out of a trunk from my great aunt's house. A friend packed it for me in 1984 and I didn't even know what all was in here. Some pretty depression glass and crystal. It will go on the mantle with stuff I have already and some ornaments for nice color accents.

Still fighting this cold, though it's getting a little better. And still struggling to get applications finished. Not one has been turned in yet. One must go tonight because the deadline is tomorrow. And it will be a squeaker.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 04:00 PM

Go Andrea GO!!!!   :) That's awesome!!!!!!!!!

And Susan, the pool sounds wonderful right about now!

I did some grocery shopping today and was very good about asking them to not bag much weight at a time....I just can't do it right now. I used a sled to haul groceries down to the house and I think I did it without causing more harm.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 03:47 PM

Another pound and a half gone! That's a stone and a half!

11st 9lb now. BMI is just a little over 25, I think. I'd like to shift another stone if I can...

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 10:00 AM

Some more progress on equipping the office ydy and late last night. Involved revisiting some old business and re-purposing/gifting some of the "evidence" of the past.

And adding some more storage furniture, even tho I had to leave the result in mid-mess. I DID leave it better than I found it, and did that as well all over the house in may spots ydy. I also made myself a desk cube (toy) of a series of Maxine cartoons and ordered a desktop Maxine from Amazon!

Today's plan is to finish packing and addressing trwo boxes, take them to post office next to pool and then POOL. Then meet Band for loaduip and delivery of sound stuff for a gig tomrorrow. MUCH bettyer to drop off the heavy bits the night before!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 09:41 AM

I'm sat here waiting for my friend to call, she went into hospital yesterday morning to be induced to have her twins. At about 4am this morning her waters finally broke and she went onto the labour ward. We haven't heard anything since, niether has her sister. Sitting here hoping everything is all well.

I have baked cherry scones this morning with the kids. The tree is still standing although the kids do like to hide underneath it. Most of the presents are wrapped and in their hiding places. Yesterday we delivered presents to those that needed delivering.

Paul cut back the apple tree and the grape vine, the garden looks so much bigger. New stair case is being fitted next week!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 09:27 AM

Wheels on the Bus is indeed pizza dough.

It's a concept rather than a recipe. You can put ANYhting into it and make the dough thick or thin. The main thing is good stretchy dough so the roll-up will hold the stuffings closely, and not trying to pack in too thick a stuffing. Just try it with a usual pizza recipe, but make the dough square.

Leave one edge naked, to seal well at the end of the rollup, but when the pizza is decorated, roll it up tight, slice it into sections that will hold together when set flat, and let it all rise. Then bake. If you make the sections too thick you'll need to turn them over once during the baking. If you use a lot of cheese it will ooze out the bottoms and make a toasted-cheese base. But it's all good. Leftovers go well in there.

The first one he made per my request included crispy, flash-fried shredded onions in the filling, and all the minced beef ended up in the center of the rollup looking like a chewy center. The next one he made, for himself, was a wet mess loaded with prosciutto because he's a sauce lover. It's all good.

They're fine alone, and/or great with a dipping sauce that contrasts with the fillings. Like applesauce for a pork sausage, or a hollandaise for a fishy one (for the lemon), etc. Just play! Lump crab was yummy.....

It could be done with dessert items too of course, meatless.

Or a holiday one with mincemeat.....

It's an adaptation of another local delicacy called Bocaccino's. (Bo-kah-chee-no) Which I believe is "Little Mouthful."

Size also can vary from cocktail munchy-tiny with thin dough to a plate-sized giant.

The big ones squash when sliced, but if sections are gently pushed back into circles, the rising takes care of most of the fall-apart, and toothpicks or cotton string may come in handy at first makings. Don't crowd the baking sheet-- they need a little room to expand and heat evenly.

Just think truck tires and what kind of bus you need to drive or ride in on any given day-- and stuff these accordingly. Be sure to make as many as your bus needs, to get you there, and don't forget the spare. :~)


~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 04:29 AM

Hilary is my youngest. Andie's little sister. She is coming to UK for visit from 18 through 30 December. I have not seen her, hugged her since July 2008.

She has lost a lot of weight since I last saw her. Afraid I won't recognise her.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 03:46 AM

The Secret Garden

My favourite book (an my Mom's) as a child) I love that film. It does give tingles doesn't it?

Another I want is Fairy Tale: A True Story with Peter O'Toole as Arthur Conan Doyle and Harvey Keitel as Harry Houdini. Film about the little girls in 1917 producing photographic evidence of fairies which caused a media stir.

Really lovely film. Damned aggravating though, because I cannot get a copy in UK that will play on our Sony DVD player.

I wan the recipe for the wheels on the bus. Is it pizza dough? I think I will experiment with that one.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 03:31 AM

Rocky Road Candy

2 big bars of dark chocolate melted
chopped brazil nuts
dried cranberries
miniature marshmallows

mix all and pour/scoop (it should be fairly thick and chunky) onto buttered wax paper in baking sheet or jelly roll pan

chill and chop into pieces with a hot knife

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 03:26 AM

Almond Toffee Bark - USA recipe

1 cup Butter
1 1/3 cup Sugar                
3 tablespoon kayro white corn Syrup
1 tablespoon Water
1 cup Almond flakes
1 giant Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar
½ cup ml Almond flakes (topping)



Almond Toffee Bark - UK recipe

236 ml Butter
307 ml Sugar                
48 ml Golden Syrup        
16 ml Water
240 ml Almond flakes
227 gm Milk Chocolate
120 ml Almond flakes (topping)


   Melt butter, sugar, syrup and water together in medium saucepan
   Cook to a rolling boil until the candy reaches 149 degrees Celsius or becomes medium brown toffee colour *.
   Remove from heat and quickly stir in 240 ml (1 cup) almond flakes
   Immediately pour mixture into well greased 33cm X48cm or jellyroll pan or baking sheet with raised rim.
   Spread evenly while mixture is still hot
   Mixture should be approximately 1.3 cm thick
   Allow to cool completely
   Melt chocolate and spread over toffee
   Press remaining almond flakes into melted chocolate
   Refrigerate until chocolate is solid
   Break into large bark like pieces
   Put a few pieces into tissue paper lined mini gift bags

A lower candy temperature will make fudge consistency rather than toffee if you are worried about dental work.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 13 Dec 09 - 10:15 PM

Went to a pot-luck lunch this afternoon, and had a nice visit with friends. Then went to the "Poinsettia Soiree", a fund-raiser for the Belle Isle Conservatory. I even won a door-prize, a nice fuzzy scarf with a poinsettia print design. I wore it home, too.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Dec 09 - 09:40 PM

Susan, that is quite an operation to open the sinuses! I do use hot water and steam--I had a bowl of water and a towel in the kitchen the other day and that felt wonderful. But I think I'll take a bucket of hot water and a couple of cloths into the shower tonight before I go to bed. And I'll take several big drinks of water, because by morning I'm thirsty and my sinuses hurt from the dryness.

I felt better today and did move around enough outside to cut down the canna lily clutter (after the freeze it turns to mush) and some of the garden plants (tomato vines, pepper plants, the woody basil plants). All into the compost. I have been intending to put up a panel of lights, and this evening I did it. On the front porch I have a piece of 2x4 on the floor and a hook from the ceiling. I spaced the lights so they looped under the board and all moved up to the hook, resulting in a tall pyramid, ala lighted stylized tree. My porch light is a motion detector and is still working even with these lights, so while it's off most of the time, if someone approaches, the porch light turns on.

I walked the dogs around the block, and that about was it. I'm going to head to bed early; I have to take my son to school in the morning and order his high school transcripts to be sent to several schools. We'll see if they can do it electronically and we will provide the account numbers we have so far. I think he's finally getting more excited about it, and is feeling the pressure to do this. He has two in the bag, it isn't like he won't go to college for free. But we are going to apply to Princeton, Yale, and Stanford (I think Stanford would be perfect for him). If he can get accepted these schools have a policy to fund the students if their parents are low income. They don't expect kids to take out loans; if you have a high power degree and have to take just any job to pay your loans, you lose time and momentum. I think they know this. And I think the important lesson in all of this application process is for him to learn when to pay attention and when to do the work on time for his own behalf.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 13 Dec 09 - 05:44 PM

Hang out the flags! I have cleared the ironing! Now I've got to take it all upstairs and actually PUT IT AWAY!

It is now 10.30 pm, and I need to be up early tomorrow to get the place sorted for my 360 day old granddaughter coming for the day around the same time as my financial advisor is due to pick up and sort out my income tax paperwork, which I have been nagging him to do for 2 months. he's gone into panic mode because he's going on holiday for 3 or 4 weeks in 5 days' time, and when he comes back he will be entering a load of tax returns online for the 31st Jan deadline, so won't have time to come and see me - and I go to NZ in 6 weeks or so.

All of a sudden he has cleared space in his diary and is able to come (he's based about 70 miles away). Apparently he has worked out Ian's last tax return, but hasn't submitted it yet. It was due in 2 years ago! As I haven't heard a murmur from the revenuers, I thought it was all sorted and was just a bit miffed that they were taking their time returning any tax overpaid...

Oh well, it'll be nice when I get it, and hopefully I am paying too much as well!

Carol service went well, and I have also managed to quickly rig up my illuminated door wreath. I am starting to feel in a bit more of a festive mood as I am off to the pantomime on Thursday evening. By then I will have hopefully survived Tuesday night's "Christmas Cracker" making session with the local Homestart group's parents. I still have to work out how many tubes I can get sorted to fit one inside the other, and cut a load of papers to fit so that they can be covered. I will probably do it with my usual "fly by the seat of my pants" method!

Andrea

Subject: Wheels on the Bus & Foolproof OUTs
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Dec 09 - 12:46 PM

My favorite chef makes a dish we named, "Wheels on the Bus." Becuase they are portable and they get you going where you need to go, and they gho 'rpound and 'ropund. It's pizza ingredients wrapped and cut into roulades. ANY "pizza" ingredients.

Well, so my Missing Link this AM was to put in a standing order for this crazy-creative chef to make me a platterful, each week (we dine there weekly), of whatever he feels like putting into them. Meat, fruit, veg, who cares. I can tell him what NOT to put in and he'll follow that to the letter.

They make perfect brekky or snack food. I'll take each boxful home and freeze each wheel individually, in our bulk-kitchen mode, and bag 'em up. As the freezer starts to fill with these, I can make bags of two's to grab for the office, for pool food, to grab to take on the road, whatever.

It will take a few weeks for the varieties to build up in that bag, and then after that I can start making up bags of mixed assortments. Ministry here is crazy-busy enough that we will definitely be able to eat these all up to prevent freezer clutter, and they can be made in a healthy way.

An endless variety, always available.

===

Part 2 of the AM brilliance du jour (caff free, just a good sleep) is the movie version of the book that lit the most recent, still-running-powerfully inspiration-- the Foolproof Means of Getting OUT of the Hole-- The Secret Garden. I splurged on a copy (whole 10 bucks) of the video for AM inspiration/RC self-sessions.

===

If you read all that and can remind me of it again when I get way too low, please PM with a subject line that reflects our friendship, and that availability. I KNOW that a lot of us do not actually READ this thread, but only post-- so, it would be nice to know who the real, potentially-supportive peers are among us.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Dec 09 - 11:52 AM

Set out ingredients and make with Hilary?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Dec 09 - 11:50 AM

tree is up and decorated. lounge is de-cluttered, dusted and vacuumed. one load of laundry left to do. quite a lot of ironing AGAIN - sheeeeesh.

need to make almond toffee bark and dark chocolate brazil nut rocky road candy, but been feeling sick at tummy this afternoon so don't think i will.

need to clean the bathroom and master bedroom and wrap prezzies and then wait for Hilary to arrive.

Subject: RE: BS: Opening the Sinus
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Dec 09 - 11:48 AM

SRS, do this.

Steam up the bathroom and run a sinkful of hot water. As hothothot as you can stand to touch. While the steam is filling the loo, get the Neti ready (all but the last of the water) and set three washcloths to hand.

Sit in the still-steaming loo and put the washcloths into the sinkful (OK, panful for you germophobics). Take one out and wring it semi-mushy-wet/dry, and apply it to the whole sinus-mask area. It will feel SO GOOD. Breathe that steam and the shower's steam, thru your mouth. Don't try that nostril just yet. Just enjoy the moist heat there for now.

Toss that cloth back into the hot sinkful as soon as it starts to cool, take the next cloth, then the third. If this is the correct-for-you approach, it won't open your sinus yet but you will be almost orgasmically relieved of a great deal of the misery. Persist!

Repeat this in succession until you feel the stuff in the sinuses start to shift. The next steps need to be done more quickly, so be ready.

Now take TWO of the cloths in succession and apply briefly then blow, very gently, right into them. You want not to empty the goop but just start it moving. Discard them into a washpile as you go.

Top off the Neti just enough to get the temp right; apply that third cloth as you did the first two; start the Neti after the third cloth is applied and blown.

That oughtta get you access to the sinuses, get your favorite Neti solution moving thru them, and give you a good wet noseful to gently blow out afterwards.

It will all solidify again as soon as you leave that steamy loo, but you will have gotten the Neti-full thru it, and that should start the sinus passages on recovering.

You can do this several times a day. You will probably want to do a whole facial, too, because you also will have opened your skin pores quite a bit.

How I know this is that I regularly do most of these steps sitting comfortably in my health club's hot tub, except that what comes out of my nose nevernevernever goes into the hot tub water. Try it once and you will be hooked.

===

I woke up smart this AM (Faulkner confirms that), and I will post in a bit about the things I need to do to keep myself moving forward-- it will all sound quite silly but it's a HUGE "Missing Link" (bocaccinos) and I need to write about it. It will help if each person who reads that post just sends me a PM letting me know they SAW it.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Dec 09 - 09:57 AM

I'm feeling a little bit better physically but starting to feel some panic about this upcoming surgery. :(

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 11:13 PM

The neti pot can't get anything into there. Barely a drop. I have a saline spray with a little menthol; I stay away from the Afrin stuff. And I took a 12-hour decongestant, though so far (after an hour) it hasn't helped at all. I definitely want to de-clutter my sinuses!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 11:05 PM

Don't forget to use some saline spray or a neti pot, SRS, if you find they help. I get the pressurized saline spray so there is no backwash and no contamination as you can sterilize the nozzle with alcohol. IT's well worth, imo.

we put up the freshest Christmas tree I think I've ever seen/smelled. It's strong, beautiful scent is filling the whole house. Morgan came over and helped me decorate it. So, we have the Christmas box and stuff stowed away in the office now, instead of in the LR,and the tree is beautiful. Did another load of laundry and we did a few errands.

I hope you all are feeling better. It's good to remember this is a very stressful time for most folks and give ourselves some extra time to take care of ourselves...whatever needs doing can wait for a bit, even if it's just time for a cup of tea. Remember not to beat yourselves up.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 10:26 PM

Drinking lots of water to try to move this virus out. The decongestant I'm taking is a 4-hour tablet that typically runs out of steam at 3 hours. I'm just about due to take another.

We didn't finish the applications, but we're getting closer. On Monday I'll go into school and have his counsellor send a transcript to the school with the Dec. 15th deadline, and get a few copies for beginning scholarship applications.

Put some laundry in and did dishes. I'll change bed linens tomorrow, and fold some laundry. Working in my office tonight and listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn on my local PBS station. I think I'll take it very easier tomorrow, sleep in, and see if I can't put a dent in this cold.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 09:00 PM

I hope everybody feels better soon.

(((((Hugs))))) for everybody!

Love always,
Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 05:32 PM

Secular Xmas box for local biz we want to support, contents wrapped and packed, will deliver tonight.

For grown kids-- Hardi helped on all, bless 'im--

# 1 son/DIL presents wrapped and boxed for shipment Monday. Resolved a blockage in planning best contents and it went quick and well. One item an overdue b-day gift.

#2 son's warm jackets ready to pack and hope also to ship Monday.

#3 offsrping (daughter)-- tricky business; issues. A reminder-of-better-days-box 2/3 packed to send to her grandma who sees her (and her 2-1/2 young kids) often; g'ma needs age-appropriate toys for those little girls. So the dau's old dollhouse Hardi had made, when dau was small, is going to g'ma's to live there. No chance for Bad Boyfriend to kick the old handmade dollhouse into the trash, see?

My house looks like crap now from all this office and kids'
-stuff re-org. Includes large file cabinet went up and is now sitting in the way awaiting reassembly and placement. Making me feel nuts and increasingly overwhelmed, but it all needed done. After the big boxes leaves Monday (on the way to pooltime I hope), I will feel MUCH better.

I may also call doc for a scrip. I know just which one, too, from past winters.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 03:38 PM

Still feel awful, but I was in the bathroom this morning and decided to step on the scale to see if I've gained any back. I'm down a couple of more pounds. Good! I have been careful, but I was running low on fresh fruit and veggies for a few days.

Made chicken soup. It tasted good. I have to drink warm stuff; anything cold makes my nose go even stuffier. Time for a nap. Son in working on applications.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 11:46 AM

Got another delivery of logs yesterday, a trailerful, which I spent part of this afternoon stacking (ouch my back - same wussy pulled muscle from last week's present wrapping - I am such a lightweight!)

Spent most of the morning climbing about labelling candles in the church for tomorrow's carol service.
I have discovered the downside of kneeling on the floor at my laptop: I think I have housemaid's knee! So the laptop is living up to its name for once.

Hope everybody starts to feel a lot better soon, both physically and mentally.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 11:36 AM

I wonder if the cat box needs emptying? Or the trash needs to go out? I bet so, but I can't tell. Food tastes like cardboard.

I'm going to pick up some Vick's vaporub. Maybe that will at least let me smell something. I've looked through the usual drawers and cupboards; if I still had some, it would be decades old, so it is time for some new.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 10:42 AM

Think TSO and I are going to start swimming 2 evenings a week after the holidays. I am a bit worried about public pools as I tend to get UTIs and the last thing I need on arthritic feet is verrucas.

But hey, maybe it will help with my fitness, pain and attitude which are all shite right now.

Guess I will go use the new vacuum and do some cleaning before Hilary (my daughter) arrives.

and a Wish to my Mudcat friends to be well.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 10:33 AM

I have a book by Dr. Weil about 8 weeks to optimum health. He talks about walking for exercise, but he also promotes healthy breathing exercises. I bet if you can't do the walking that at least the breathing exercise/mediation might help. If you don't have something already from your yoga instructor, I'll transcribe that bit from the book for you here.

My nose is so stuffed. I am up to my eyeballs in medication to help clear it and it isn't helping. I'm trying not to blow my nose too much because that just makes the stuffiness worse. I was able to get a propped up position last night so one nostril would let enough air in to keep me alive. Geez, but I hate this kind of cold.

On a bright note, I found a letter in the mail from school today, telling that my son is accepted into the National Honor Society. Now we need to learn more about what that means. He's out taking the ACT + writing today, and then we're working on applications all weekend to see if we can get these out of the way.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 10:20 AM

Well, it's official....no activity allowed for the next 7-9 weeks. I did talk to my yoga teacher and she said I could come sit in the back of the class and meditate or stretch if I can or want to. This is a good thing...it will keep me in the habit of going plus I miss the people, the space and the energy that's there.

I've not been very hungry the last few days and am currently eating only enough to make sure the vicodin doesn't upset my stomach....more belly pain would not be a good thing at this time.

It's a beautiful sunny day in PA and I'm taking it easy...dozing on and off and watching all the bird activity outside. This morning we have cardinals, yellow finches (thought they turned kinda brownish gray when it was cold but they are still yellow), titmice, jenkos, nuthatches, blue jays, a woodpecker, chickadees and even a big fat squirrel that the roosters chase away from time to time!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 08:09 AM

Sweet Tam, giving healing tears.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 06:46 AM

100

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 04:30 AM

Susan

Don't know what to say except thank you for sharing. Sounds like you've been through the mill and the fekking winter has not even started. If I could give a real hug, I would.

Since I cannot the virtual variety will have to do.


{Susan}

Blessings of strength and calm be yours this season.

Tamara

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 10:35 PM

We've often been told that we have inappropriately high "coping skills." Maybe that's why I can be equally honest by saying "I'm fine" and "I'm not fine."

"Help" not needed.... just support, I guess.

Thing is, I have been using all the sun bulbs.

But today included dark chocolate. Today-- the first day off (1/3 of one anyway) we've had here since..... at least before all the funerals. I don't remember much from before those started, but Fall would normally have been crazy busy anyway. So it may actually be true, and not just a feeling, that there haven't been any (days off for us) since coming back from vacation. I do recall that a fellow, long-distance clergy spouse and I were emailing about how to spell "beleaguered" and finally agreed just to type it in typos as "Bleegered." I'd have to comb a mountain of old emails to put a date on that exchange.... naw....

You can love what you are doing and still be Bleegered. You can take in all the blessings and Grace and still be Bleegered. I think anyone we have helped of late would have no idea how Bleegered we are, because we are still "helping" pretty effectively.

[SHOCK ALERT ON]
I THINK (tho it doesn't feel like it) that now, I got the new back-to-work thing in enough order that I SHOULD be able to get back to the pool Monday, and I AM pretty sure that Dog World is OK as-is till spring, with no dog escapes/road deaths. Heck, Faulkner's suddenly very arthritic, so what if a car gets him.... naw.... sorry...... OK OK OK, I'll go back and add the "shock alert" one of youse wants....

[SHOCK OFF]?????


Well. See? If I'm not posting about "pooltime" by Monday, I probably need to be arrested, or already have been.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 05:28 PM

I have a full-fledged goddamned head cold. My daughter was here last week with the same symptoms. At least she said it cleared up after a couple of days. I sincerely hope so, I simply can't afford the time to be sick right now.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 04:42 PM

{{{{{{HUGS TO ALL}}}}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 03:57 PM

Man. We are a sorry bunch!!!!!

I hope you are all feeling better...MUCH better!

Thank you for the well wishes....I'll post more soon.

(((((((Hugs))))))))))))))

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 01:50 PM

Susan

You OK?

I hain't done much lately. Hurt my back. Feels like stabbing with dull fat knife under left shoulder blade every time I inhale.

I don't have time to be injured.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 01:00 PM

Drowning, here.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 12:33 PM

My kitchen is very cold unless the stove is on, because there is no door at the top of the stairs going down to the basement. I had some old cloth shower curtains that I was going to toss out, but I decided to hang them over the doorway instead. It doesn't reach all the way to the top, but it seems to be blocking at least some of the cold air.

Made soup this morning. Another bitterly cold day, but tomorrow is supposed to be a little better.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 12:04 PM

Normally if you use a camera with a flash and are at a 45 degree angle from the face of your subject, you shouldn't have quite so much reflection, but of course, beads are generally round so they reflect in any direction regardless of your position. So try setting the camera in a bright area on a tripod or a steady surface near enough to the bracelet so you can depress the camera shutter button without moving it. When you can use existing light and set it to no flash you should be fine.

My sinuses are horrible this morning--the air is very dry and cold and I feel like I want to pack them full of vaseline or something. I took a nap with the sheet over my nose so I was getting the moisture from my lungs and that helped. I'll set up the vaporizer today. It's that time of year.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 10:54 AM

{{{{{Michelle}}}}} Thinking of you and wishing you well.

SRS, I tried a photo and the crystals reflect the light so much, they are a blur of LIGHT.:-) I'll try a scan later or photographing when there's not so much natural light. The sun is out full force. It wasn't shining directly on them, but still bright enough. I have a black background jewellery display thing to put it on. Thanks for asking, btw.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 11:27 PM

Been watching old movies and programs I saved on my hard drive. Virtual de-cluttering. :)

Michelle, do get a second opinion. I'm not sure if you've discussed the reason here (no need) but if you want to talk, PM if you want. For reference, my experience surgery-wise is limited to the usual female stuff and a bunion (unless you want to count my tonsils when I was six). (Jacqui Morse was able to make a decision about her bunion surgery after she asked some questions about mine--I'm not dismissing bunions!)

Kat, I do hope you'll scan or photograph that bracelet. It might need a good contrasting background, something as simple as colored construction paper, to show those colors, but I'd love to see it.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 07:54 PM

Michelle- Hugs from Maine. I'm so sorry you had a horrible time today. Surgery may be needed, yet you can still get a second opinion.

Rest, recover.

Tell us how we can help.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 07:49 PM

Things at the Dr. did not go well. At all. :( Surgery is in my very near future.

I did, however lose 2.4 pounds this week. I'm pretty sure it was in tears from this afternoon.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 06:08 PM

I've been writing, both at the computer and composing as I wash dishes and peel potatoes and such (then run back and write it down before I forget it). Stew is about finished. My ex was without heat for a couple of days because of a bum breaker in the circuit breaker box. I think I'll take a container of stew over (though he has heat again now).

The dogs came in last night, it was so cold here. They love coming in, but because they are outside dogs they'd get bored pretty quickly. It's the novelty of it (and the fact that they know to stay on the floor and not on the bed that lets it work on occasion). Not quite so cold tonight; I turned off the garage heater but I'll run it again tonight.

This afternoon I took a little time and poked through eBay, looking for the next round of stuff to list. I have some ideas.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 06:07 PM

More signs the zoloft is starting to kick in:

After moving my regular PC to the dining room and leaving my desk a mess, where I was supposed to write my novel in Nov., I hadn't touched the desk since I had my meltdown. Today, I cleared off the top of it, much to the delight of my cats. They have been begging me to go back there and work as it accommodates them sitting with me more than the table in the DR.

The other sign, is I also emptied the jewellery table of some books which were stacked there last week; sat down to make matching bracelets for a friend and myself and the stones said, "Don't think so. This one is for YOU!" So, I made myself a beautiful bracelet of multi-faceted crystals, direct-from-Nepal to a friend many years ago, with a few dark amethyst beads for accent. The crystals were left over from a necklace I made for the friend who had them. They SANG when I was working on them...they made the most beautiful sounds as they rubbed together. Definitely the best and most intense stone energy I've ever worked with.

Soon I think I will feel mentally able to do qi gong again.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 03:59 PM

The best laid plans.... I was writing the rest of my letters (I'm including some pictures), and the color cartridge in my printer ran out of ink. So I had to go up to the office supply store & buy a refill. Even parked inside the garage, my car was hard to start. Now I'm back in business.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Penny S.
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 03:42 PM

I did some sorting out of odd boxes of stuff, and had the removal man round to estimate. Interesting natter about the school, as well. Didn't go to the new place at all - which will probably be a bit cold. We are due some polar air, though not as cold as the Rockies.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 02:01 PM

The coldest morning on MY record here (-12) with frozen snow and we had an 8a appt. with our new doc! Brrr! She is wonderful and worth getting out in the cold and snow. I was so nervous I didn't sleep, so probably will not get anything done, today except a load of laundry.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 12:44 PM

The sun is out, but it's bitterly cold here too, so I'm staying inside. Yesterday, I sorted thru all of the charity solicitations that I've received during the year, to pick out who'll get donations. I got it down to ten. I'd rather give more money to a few groups, than nickels & dimes to many. Now I have to figure out where the money will come from.

Aiming to finish the cards/letters today, so I'll probably take them to the post office later. And I want to pick up some groceries, too. I have a taste for sauerkraut-kielbasa soup & I need some ingredients for that.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 11:15 AM

I was able to clear out the bulk of the tomatoes in my fridge. They've been ripening slowly since I picked them before the first frost, and though I've had to toss a few, most of them, given their own sweet time in the fruit ripening thing (acryllic, with a few air holes) they're coming along. I put probably somewhere between 10 and 15 pounds of fruit in the steam juicer, and got over a gallon of juice and almost a quart of sauce. It's all in the freezer now, the juice in 1 quart jars, the sauce in 13oz salad dressing jars. At the same time I used up other fridge stuff. I made some guacamole and froze it, and cleared out a few things left from Thanksgiving.

It's really cold out, so of course, it is cooking season. This morning I have bread mixing in the bread machine (I take it out after it kneads and the first rising and shape it in a regular bread pan). And I have a chuck roast thawing so I can cut up and brown it then add the stuff for stew to a crock pot.

We have so much to do on these college forms that the pressure is on. He has a big test Saturday, so we can't have the applications bump the test preparation, but if the applications aren't in, there is no point in the test!

Cleaning my office this morning, filing papers, making sure files are labeled correctly. And work. Lots of work for work.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 07:26 PM

Morgan did a great job today. He emptied out the bottom of the linen closet, with my help and direction, then put his toys in there for out-of-sight storage. He really liked the idea. Asked if he could have that space "forever." They all fit in there just perfectly so my LR is now clutter-free of little boy's toys. He can get them out when he is here, but knows they will be put away before he leaves. He did it with such a happy heart...it was great.

The best thing is he dragged out a plastic bag which I hadn't seen. For six years I've thought my very favourite short coat and my next fav. short coat were lost when he and his mom moved in. I opened the bag and there they were!!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Penny S.
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 06:35 PM

Packed away more kitchen stuff, having learned that the roof won't be done till the end of the week. Moved some boxes and bags to make room for furniture, and raided my wool stash for knitting a hat for my sister. Then worked on my great niece's present, which is a booklet of pictures of goats in a Welsh landscape, accompanied by the words to Oes gafr eto, or Counting Goats.

The thing with the lapis is that the major source is Afghanistan, and has been since time immemorial - all those lovely blues in medieaval manuscripts. But, currently, the export is funding those I would not want to fund.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 10:05 AM

Gutted out a couple of pretty bad days, back to Work today.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 06:46 AM

Andrea,

   Can you post photos of the church with all those candles lit? I bet it's BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 04:47 AM

Lost another pound and a half at monday's weigh-in.

Wii fit arrived and I have had 3 goes on it. There is some step aerobics of sort, and 15 years ago that was my activity of choice, after morris.(I got to the level where they were asking me to train as an instructor....how the mighty fell!) At one point I was going to 6 sessions a week (including 3 on one day!) It's weird to be going back to basics and being told I need to speed up a bit from time to time! It tells me my BMI is about 25.73 or thereabouts, from memory. It also said I needed to lose a stone and a half. I will look dreadful if I do that because it's all going from my face! Happened in the aerobic days: body lean, face haggard. I shall stop when I feel I look right.

Overseas cards posted. Most of UK postal ones written. Now need to buy more for the village! Tree and decs out of loft, but I am trying to hold off putting them up. I have a couple of garlands up, my candles out, my quirky elongated ceramic snowmen on the mantlepiece, and as the cards are now arriving, maybe I ought to put it up.

Will be down at the church tonight getting the wooden candle arches up between the pillars for the carol service on Sunday - over 100 candles lit!

Still need to get to grips with the chucking out here, though!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 12:15 AM

I think it kind of binds you up. Or is there some pepto bismol in it to make the passage easier?

Took the son down to get a new cell phone. He has had an old T-Mobile one with no texting (that he could or would use, apparently) and not much functionality like newer phones. We converted the old number from T-Mobile to Sprint, and are waiting for it to kick in. I notice on facebook that he told his friends about 1 minute after he got into the house, and now they all appear to be waiting for the chance to finally send this kid text. I knew it was time to upgrade!

Kitchen is looking pretty good. College applications underway. Set up the laptop in the living room for the work, dedicated to this task until he finishes and I pay the fees.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 07:48 PM

You know you've been tracking your food intake for too long when you wonder what the calories, fat content and points are for barium.

*Blank Look*

It wasn't so bad....weird but not awful. Drinking barium is what I imagine it would be like to drink Coppertone Suntan Lotion. Overly coconutty and slimy. Ew.

I did my daily chores today but that's about it.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Penny S.
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 03:54 PM

The last couple of days I have replanted a couple of shrubs from the new garden in the old garden -not doing too much because of the back. I've been filling up the kitchen cupboards with stores from the old place - I have really far too much. And that's without the stocks I bought in when Mexico let the flu out. I'm inventorying it all so I can carry the list round with me and never, ever, buy something I already have again.

I've finished knitting a hat for a cousin - one of those pixie hoods with dangly bits from the earflaps. And two more necklaces, one in gold tube beads with creamy yellow amber, and one in silver with dark blue tiger's eye, and matching bugles. I'm about to work on a book for my great niece, using the Welsh words for "Counting Goats" - see the Digitrad. I need some photos of goats, and then I can get it made up at the local camera shop.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 02:48 PM

Yes, the garden pictures were from July. We've only had a few snow flurries so far, in SE Mich. Over on the western side of the state (BigMick territory), they've had quite a bit of lake-effect snow.

Had lunch with some folks I used to work with. Some I haven't seen for 4 or 5 years. Wonderful to get together with them. Now that we've all exchanged contact info, we'll do this more often.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 01:03 PM

Is that a summer photo? You don't still have flowers, do you? My garden is a sodden mess right now; the freeze this week took out the cannas, the salvia (annual), some of the amaryllis, all of the tomatoes and some of the herb-type stuff (oregano and carrots and strawberries are fine, but basil has turned black).

Waiting on the cable guy to look into slow connection. Next door has the same problem. I should call around, see who else has this problem.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 09:18 AM

With any luck at all, you'll be able to see some of my pictures .

There are 2 photos of my garden, and one of this year's Christmas tree. I hope the link works.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 08:09 AM

Update: :~(

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 05:01 PM

Got about half of the Christmas cards into the mail, including the few that required real letters (folks without email). That's a relief itself, because I'm not big on writing letters.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 04:57 PM

Barium isn't fun, but at least it isn't as bad as preparing for the colonoscopy, if I recall correctly. It has been a long time since I had to use the barium for xrays. Turned out I didn't have an ulcer, I was just drinking too much cold liquid.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 03:06 PM

Switched to non fat yogurt to top my morning muesli. Activia forest fruits flavour on Dorset super high fibre. Not bad especially with fresh blueberries on top. Most days, my dessert is glass of Welch's Grape Juice over ice. Very difficult when TheSilentOne is eating syrup sponge pudding, bramley apple pie, cadbury chocolate, etc.

Removed the work top in spareroom, put up book case purchased on ebay in spareroom. Books and crafty bits I kept now tidied away. More junk taken to tip.

Cleaned and reorganised larder and cupboards in kitchen. Caught up with laundry but now behind on ironing again.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 01:57 PM

My turn to be discouraged today.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 01:32 PM

Went to the Dr. this morning. CT for abdomen and pelvis scheduled ASAP but now have to wait for insurance approval. There is a bottle of barium in the fridge with my name on it. :(

Michelle who is scared of all things medical.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 10:04 AM

Awake, brekky on board, AM chores done, and about to head up to office ON TIME for the first time since......... well, for the first time.

With dog.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 01:14 AM

Kitchen cleaned up, laundry folded. Not a lot, but a great starting point for the week to come!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 09:20 PM

Got some bills paid. Need to list some eBay stuff again pretty soon.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 07:45 PM

Daily chores done (laundry, dishes, floors) and I had my niece over today to bake cookies. At her request, we made No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies, Sugar Cookies and Chocolate Chip cookies. I can't imagine this but she has never made cookies in her life (except the kind you buy in the dairy case, slice and bake) and she is 18!!! I had a lot of fun teaching her how to measure and about various cooking terms she encountered.

It's been a lovely day! :)

Michelle :)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 05:54 PM

That sounds lovely, Maryanne.

My house has been decorated by a six-year old...it doesn't look too bad; unusual, but festive. We will get a tree of some sort later in the week.

Two loads of laundry, Rog swept, I put away a bunch of daily clutter and we put the clean dishes away. It looks better unless I look at the office where a bunch of stuff was stashed to make way for the holidays.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 05:50 PM

I got the tree up and decorated. All the lights are white, and all the ornaments are either white, silver or crystal. It's really quite beautiful. I've wanted to try this for a long time, and it worked.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 05:12 PM

It's astounding how lazy I may FEEL despite evidence of so many completed tasks piling up! In today's wake are dimly-lit windows not normally lit, that will draw Hardi's eye as he pulls into the drive later on. Each window will tell him something only he will understand.


I got the couchful of laundry folded and basketed. I got a dirty load done ydy. I got the hamper emptied of clean stuff-- to hold the next load of dirty stuff! The folded clean stuff is ready for Hardi to carry to the place where it all goes on shelves, to save my still-sore shoulder.

I FOUND the warm, fluffy terrycloth robe-- before losing the white rope I had found for a belt! The robe was right where I thought it was, hiding under more layers of also-white comforters than I had looked. Said robe with said rope belt is now installed on the back of the office door-- the electric screwdriver was right there in one of my office drawers, to help me move a couple of the extras of the hooks Hardi had installed for me a few days ago. Yes, my standard DIY Office Toolkit is shaping up nicely.

The guest towels (basketed) for the upstairs guest bath have been found, pried out of the too-tight spot (basketed) where I had wedged them, and moved (still basketed) to a lower cabinet I cleaned out the other day, where they fit FINE (basketed) along with a few unmentionables I want to keep handy in that guest bath, which are neatly hung on door-insides. The shelf where the baskets had been jammed are now free for other stuff I want to keep dust-free, a few items I had taken upstairs WITH me and which I put THERE. YAY!!!!

The basketed towels are basketed so that when guests come I just need to set their basket in their room and viola!

My Return-to-Work Office of Volunteer Genius Program Design-- Did I mention I took the unused bookends from the Old Office Space, and that they now hold the binders of Actively in Work projects on my capacicious desk? My priorities, close to hand and ready to catch Completed Pages. Yes, the 3-hole punch had moved up there a few days ago as well.

Still need a rug for that office. The floor is so slanted that all the rolling units roll when they need to stay put, me on my chair included! A bit like 1900's piano for seasick trumpeters.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 03:21 PM

We've had company, so I have extra dishes and laundry to do today. And finish paying bills. And college applications to finish.

It's still pretty cold so I haven't been out to haul the freeze-dead plants to the compost. But maybe I can go out on the front porch and put the last of the lights up.

It was a great breakfast this morning, we were all in our PJs except my ex, who came over to visit with an old friend and the kids. Bacon (thick sliced, so only a couple of pieces per person, but it smells so good to set the mood for the meal) and then buttermilk pancakes (from scratch, of course). And homemade strawberry syrup.

Mmmmmm!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 02:14 PM

I like the lemon meringue bar and the Rich Toffee Bars (both light and dark). bear in mind that I live in the UK and there may be a different selection here.

I'll certainly report on the Wii - Toys R Us had a fairly decent price on it. There has been a fairly big promo on tv lately, and the one for the Wii Fit plus has a weight watchers group on it. apparently, according to my leader, the scales incorporated into the balance board are calibrated the same as the WW ones... we'll see.

I probably won't have Freya tomorrow as her parents are both around, so I really am going to try and out some things that I am trying to hang on to. I can't sort the last two rooms out until I have had a real purge! If nothing else, it will mean that when I clear the decks for the festive season, there might be somewhere to put the stuff.
Part of the problem is the big old 3 piece suite that's still taking up over half the garage space. One of my daughter's friends down south says she wants it, but she lives about 300 miles away, and needs to arrange to drive a van up here to get it, which isn't easy as she has a young baby. And so I wait.
A lot of the stuff cluttering up the house could go out there!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 10:56 AM

Beautiful photos, Ragdall. Thanks for sharing.

m

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: ragdall
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 01:51 AM

I had some of my photos printed 8" x 10" for a photo contest. Now they're adding to the clutter. I decided to donate some to a "silent auction raising funds to help people in Kenya. I visited four thrift stores Tuesday and Wednesday looking for suitable frames. These are the frames I bought and the photos I donated.

Yesterday I removed two low filing cabinets from my closet and found a place for them in the basement. I've packed up most of the clutter in this room into copy paper boxes which are labelled and stacked in the closet now. I can breathe again!

My next task will be to design a shelf unit for the bottom of the closet, build and paint it. It's bitterly cold outside at the moment and predicted to get colder so I hope I'll be able to run my saw out there long enough to get the boards all cut. I hope the saw will run at all in the cold.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 11:00 PM

Our house looks like a disaster and I don't really care because that means, for the first time in years, my Rog actually slept in until 1030a today with no calls from work! We did run some errands, as usual, and we will clean up a little bit, tomorrow, but mostly why I don't care is Morgan will be over to help me put up a few decorations, tomorrow, and that will be fun!

Andrea, I know..that's why I usually *budget* for two each day; but that gets expensive! My fav. is the giant fudge bar; it's the only one I get because it is only 1 point!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 06:53 PM

I can't even think about all the things I COULD do around here. I brought up some old ornaments from the basement, and threw away the broken/discolored ones. MIGHT put up the tree tomorrow. I may have enough ornaments to do an all-white/silver/crystal tree, but then I'll want to get a small tree to hold some of my multi-colored favorites. I think I'll need some new lights, too.

We need to have 3-day weekends in December, because Sat/Sun are just not enough. There are 2 events on Sunday (carol concert directed by my nextdoor neighbor) and fundraiser at the Belle Isle Conservatory (that I've already paid for), and I can't be in 2 places at once. "Oy" is right.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 06:33 PM

Hey Andrea,

   Once you get your Wii and have had time to use it, would you please share about it here? I've been looking at them too...look like lots of fun but they are so expensive!!! I'll be interested to know if you think it's worth the $$$!

Michelle

PS. Which WW bars do you like best?

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 06:28 PM

I haven't done an awful lot lately, although I did lose another pound last week.

I like the WW bars too, Kat, but one is never enough!
I caught a bit of a stomach bug mid week (thanks Freya) but luckily I was only off it for a day or so.
HOWEVER, I got 2 dough figures ordered for Christmas painted and sprayed last week, and I have got decorations out of the loft and wrapped presents. I also baked the cake(s).
I decided to do stockings (ski socks) with daft stuff in for the "kids", and sat on the floor this evening to wrap the fiddly bits. I have now pulled my lower back! It should be okay after a night of ibuprofen, deep heat balm and a hot water bottle!

Now I'll fess up that I have bitten the bullet and I take delivery of a Wii Fit plus on Monday. I have now to make sure I USE it! However, I also feel that a concerted effort to clear the clutter that's building again might be of more use! At least someone knocked on the door this morning and asked if he could have the remaining old radiator on the yard for scrap (oh yes please!) so that's another bit gone.

Oh and I went to my first carol service of the year yesterday afternoon - in the magnificent York Minster.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 05:13 PM

The laundry around here is done. The only things I have sitting in a basket are shirts I need to finish tucking away for the winter....mostly short sleeved shirts, some shorts....you get the idea. However...I am currently sitting at my kitchen table looking over at the counter top.....I have groceries that need to be put away and since I was busy running around this morning, I didn't get the dishes done. I need to do that now. I hate dishes in the sink. BLAH.

    I have a new friend coming over for lunch this week. Last week I went to her house and she took me on a tour so I suppose I'll do the same with her. She's just going to have to understand that there are 2 rooms here that are currently a disaster...both of which tend to be rooms in my husband's care...one is his office and I figure it's HIS office and if he want's it cluttered and chaotic, that's his business. The other is the mudroom. This room is a classic mudroom with shelving for food, 2 freezers, dog kennels for when we have company (although this friend is anxious to meet the dogs...she's a trainer) and a deep sink for washing garden veggies, cats or other small critters. ;) Anyway, I'm wanting the house to be presentable. My office is currently Christmas gift wrapping central and it's in pretty decent shape. Then there's the nursery...that's up and ready to go....maybe could use a once over with a dust cloth....no more than 5 minutes worth of work there and then there's our bedroom. That too is in decent shape, could use a dusting and run through with the vacuum...no big deal. I could spend hours in our very large closet but I'm not going to, at least not right now. I'd like to wait until my husband is willing to spend 30 minutes or so to go through the large amount of clothes he no longer wears so I can get it OUT OF THIS HOUSE!!! That will affect the rest of what I can do in there. He's a busy guy working lots of hours so I'm not going to push the issue. Christmas break is coming up and after he's had a week to relax and do what he wants to do, maybe I'll ask him about it. :)

And now, it's off to find the counters! I could have had the dishes done and groceries put away in the time I've been sitting here gabbing!!! But you know what? It's a dark, cold, snowy day and I'm sitting by the fire enjoying the hell out of just being right here, relaxing!   :)

Tschuss!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 05:08 PM

:~) Thank God for drycleaners, then, because that's the clothing of last/dressiest resort, here, for workwear, and there's plenty of THAT still left in Supercloset.

Tho I wish often (and more often lately as the 2 pairs wear out) I had bought that 3rd pair of wash-n-wear trousers, dagnabbit.

Hardi and I replanned my time for the evening (no drive to Sat. service). So the stuff on the couch is starting to move (onehandedly) and there's a load in the washer, of nice warm fuzzy off-work stuff.

That is the category that tends to slide, because it's also the "what to wear" at hospital bedsides, as I learned years ago-- the stuff one may end up sitting in all night. The stuff that looks "nice" but feels "pajammy."

These little bnoundaries tend to slip at times like this-- last night we dined "out" at our favorite come as you are restaurant, and I was in actual jammies and barn boots! :~) Hey, ya do whatcha gotta do.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 04:38 PM

If any of the rest of you need mistletoe, let me know. I have it in several trees in the yard and it's across the street in the woods. Yes, it us UP in the trees, but you can usually knock some down without too much strain.

I think that stacked up, unfolded laundry must be a universal household SOS. When we're dressing in garments we pluck from the clean pile on the couch in the living room, we know it's time to buckle down and get some work done.

Test is over, and he decided he wasn't doing any better, so he voided it. We have the previous one, and we have to finish applications. Tomorrow.

There's a birthday party tonight, and I'm so swamped that I'm not planning to attend for long. I have to find the printout about what to bring and do what I can.

The truck looks like some fluid is running low--a light came on for a while today. I've been aware of a small drip for a few weeks. I'll pull out the owner's manual and see where all of the dip sticks are and see what is leaking and then figure out where to take it for a repair. Or keep filling it up. . .

The garden needs a big cleanup. My house needs a big cleanup. The dogs need a long walk. Lots of things in need. Oy.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 02:48 PM

:~) Me either, except that it's my most reliable early-warning sign that nothing ELSE is getting done and that my life is outta control. It's all a little outta my grasp not only because of the funerals but because a higher priority than "beauty and order" of late has been new habits around Office Time.

A good MudBud may be able to help me sort out an office-time tech roadblock this coming week. That would allow the completion of the transition from office-LR to office-upstairs.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 02:43 PM

Went to the farmers' market this morning, to get a bunch of mistletoe. There's one vender who gets it from TX, I think. Can't have Yule without mistletoe!

One of the nearby restaurants just went smoke-free, so I went there for lunch (just a salad). They'll be my first choice, until the state legislature gets it's act together and bans smoking entirely. The big debate is about whether the ban will apply to the casinos or not. Arghh. It's so frustrating to keep waiting.

I understand about the clean laundry. Half the time I just keep it in the basket, until I need the basket. It doesn't matter to me if the socks & t-shirts are wrinkled.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 02:25 PM

SRS wrote, "In our little community, we look at the clues that come through and sometimes read between the lines. So while someone on this list saying "go see your doctor" isn't a medical prescription, I hope it is nice to know that there is a group of folks out there who care!"

ABSOLUTELY!!!! :)

I'm feeling much better today after totally babying my sore spot yesterday. I was up and out of the house by 7:30, got my grocery shopping finished and went to a nearby town for Dicken's Day. Lots of walking up and down the main street and side streets as well. There is one vendor who comes every year...she does wire wrapping and generally has a great selection of jasper (my favorite)....this year I got an ocean jasper pendant and a silver bracelet....the bracelet is made up of wavy silver pieces and gold balls in between each piece...it really makes my wedding jewelry seem to sparkle and pop (visually!). :) I also got a small hand carved rooster for our nativity (family joke) and a beautiful wreath with red berries, pine cones and a gold edged dark red ribbon to put on my Nana's grave. It was lovely outside and started to gently snow just about the same time as we were finished wandering. Currently it's snowing fairly hard and I think I'm going to stay in for the rest of the day in front of the Christmas tree and fire. I have weekend coffee (we save the really good stuff for the weekends) and some fresh hot cocoa too...and I'm pretty sure I smell popcorn drifting in from the kitchen.....

Hope you are all having a wonderful day!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 12:55 PM

The deaths and funerals have continued, and a sore shoulder from over-zealous Dog Worlding and a new (thicker) pillow have combined to put a real monkey wrench in my usual "stewardship of orderly householding"-- the laundry (incl funeral wear) is really piling up. But at least it's CLEAN laundry!

OK, so it's on my couch in big boxes the chickens had come in, because the laundry baskets are ALSO all full from the LAST round of funerals, but I have enough shoulder-recovery to pull out one item at a time to wear it, and the tree we never put away is lit and rotating prettily beside me, and I am SURE this laundry-slide will stop once I wear all the stuff in the boxes and re-wash it. It FEELS like serious backsliding, but.... it doesn't have to be..... right?

COFFEE. Hardi bought COFFEE. The extra bedtime meds from last night WILL wear off, AND love the occasional coffee indulgence. Now what was that rule.... oh yeah, crap, I have to eat first. OK, OK, maybe there's some Italian sausage left in the freezer. Or there's always chicken! :~) Hm, the turkey roaster's still sitting on the kitchen floor....... NOT a spare laundry tub!!! :~) I wonder how many chix it will hold?

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 01:15 AM

In our little community, we look at the clues that come through and sometimes read between the lines. So while someone on this list saying "go see your doctor" isn't a medical prescription, I hope it is nice to know that there is a group of folks out there who care!

SAT tomorrow, and a birthday party, at different ends of the day. And this day needs to end.

Who is going to tell us the story of Lapis Lazuli? I suppose one of us could Google or Wiki it, but what I guess we're all waiting for the story to unfold. ;)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 07:44 PM

I am assuming, maybe wrongly, that Penny wouldn't use it because most lapis has come from Afghanistan for thousands of years.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 07:33 PM

LOL SRS....you crack me up. I can hear the sarcasm from here!!! :)

I love shiny glass balls in crystal bowls!! Very pretty!!!

I don't know the story about lapis either....would love to hear about it though!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 06:45 PM

Oh great, it's her appendix instead. . . if you start running a fever, or throwing up, go get checked out.

I don't know the story on the lapis. My aunt had a beautiful ring with three ancient lapis scarabs from Egypt. It wasn't until she had it cleaned that she was able to get a good look at it and see the heiroglyphs underneath (they were an ancient seal to press in wax or clay that came in threes).

I'm at work to get photos of an event this evening, and then race home and see about getting my son set up for the SAT tomorrow and to fill out more of his paperwork for college applications. Tomorrow night I may have three overnight guests, so I have to scramble to get things picked up during the day. I've put up some lights outside, but nothing inside yet. I suppose I should do the mantle at least. I have lots of nutcrackers that I put out some years, and last year I put every piece of shiny crystal (glassware, not rocks) up and put shiny glass balls in the bowls and glasses. I have some uplights on them and it was stunning! I need to dust and wash the glass if I'm going to do that again.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 06:09 PM

Hi Guys,

   Thanks for the concern. The pain, however, is located in my lower left abdomen and had subsided substantially since this morning. I really did do A LOT of tugging, pushing, pulling and lifting so I think I just pulled something. No trouble breathing or lung issues of any kind. I dug out the Dr.'s phone number this morning and asked hubby what he thought (I was thinking like you....it's Friday....do I want to wait and see until Monday) and he thought it best to ride it out and take it easy (so easy he didn't even want me packing his lunch). I have been keeping a steady supply of Advil going and I'm feeling better.
    My mom came over today and we decorated half the tree. Hubby and I will finish the tree either tonight or tomorrow...whenever the mood strikes. Mom and I could have easily finished today but he expressed the desire to help decorate too...and who am I to take that away? I don't mind the tree being half done until he has some free time!
    I'm off to put my feet up.

Happy Friday!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 02:45 PM

Good catch, SRS. Michelle, I agree with her. A call to your doc before the weekend starts is an excellent idea. Pleurisy can also cause pain and it is NOT fun.:-)

SRS, I agree...I use glass, ceramic, semi-precious, etc. and there are SO many.

Penny, it sounds as if you really have things shaping up! I have a couple of old ethnic pieces made with lapis. I could never take them apart, either, as I, too, consider it disrespectful. Lapis is one of my fav. stones. I do try to make sure of where it comes from (there are places in North and South America which have it), but I don't think I could ever not use it, though I do use it sparingly.

Lloyd LIKED the necklace. He showed it off to his office mgr. and she agreed with him that it was "just Anne" which, I found out, is his wife's name. Turns out she is blond and loves pastel colours. Thanks to the stonepeople for guiding me on that one!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: GUEST,Penny S.(elsewhere)
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 12:23 PM

More, I had the gardener in this morning to dig up three shrubs which I'm moving to the old flats garden - they are sitting in the back of my car - my back is still moaning a little. He found a dead tree as well, and got that ready to take away. Things are moving on.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: GUEST,Penny S.(elsewhere)
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 12:18 PM

I've been topping up my stocks of semi-precious from flea markets, where Victorian glass is now quite beyind reach. That's where the garnets, and some opaque amber have come from. Also, one of the charity shops was selling stretchy bracelets at a ridiculously low price, in rose quartz, haematite, and other things. I've also a malachite necklace, which, on second glance, is too good to be broken up and re-used. I do apply a test to what I buy, as I won't re-work something made with a good element of design in it. It isn't respectful.

I won't use lapis, now I've found out where it comes from, though I have a necklace myself which came out some time ago.

Thanks for the link, Kat, I'll try it out.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 11:59 AM

Michelle, I think you should call your doctor today, this morning. It is my understanding that pneumonia can hurt that way. You don't want to wait over the weekend with something like that. If the underlying pain is unrelated, you're lucky, but if not, you don't want to waste time looking into it.

Busy day today. Went to a breakfast at school for the Advanced Placement students, and this afternoon and evening we have special events at work. And a busy Saturday after that, plus possibly a house guest. I've been clearing up in the front room, so that we can use it for a sitting area or a guest room, because I might end up needing two guest rooms because Moonglow and her boyfriend may also spend the night. It's nice to have them all!

As to the beads and glass and gems, there are some beautiful beads from glass that should be included in jewelry making; I'd prefer glass and semi-precious over the kinds of materials that people give their lives for, or that people fight wars over. I like garnets, peridote, jade, the various colors of minerals that are plentiful, reasonably priced, and don't have blood on them. That leaves plenty to work with!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 10:18 AM

The home pharmacy is shaping up nicely-- not in the loo because that's too humid for most pharmaceuticals. Chairside, where we usually are sitting when we realize we need them. Three large cosmetic or "dop kit" bags-- one each for daily grooming/meds and a shared one under my control for stocking and dispensing "acute" care OTC meds. These toss into a travel bag with a snap, or go into a large space-bag-type knockoff for camping. All differently colored; the acute bag is distinctively patterned for quick finding, and has all the drugs that don't fit (or belong) in the camping first-aid kit kids and day-guests can access.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: MAG
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 10:11 AM

I sorted my earrings ...

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 08:12 AM

And that is the question...what kind of jasper? LOL There are so many variations and I love most of them. From the link you put up, I especially like the Rain Forest Jasper. I have made malas for myself but never could get my hands on the jasper I liked!!! I'll PM you later with some questions and maybe we can do some business!!!!

I am feeling kinda icky today. My left side hurts when I cough, sneeze, yawn, etc. I think I may have really pulled something from where I had hernia surgery a few years back. I'm going to take it easy today. Very easy. If I still have this pain on Monday I'm going to have to go to the Dr. (who I like very much as a person but HATE that it's anything medical).

Ouchie & Kinda Scarey

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 07:06 PM

Thanks! What colour/kind of JASPER? I work with any kind of stone which suits the person and their colour preferences. I've never made malas; depending on how many beads were wanted, 108, 27, 21 or 19, I would think any but the shorter ones would get a bit heavy if made of stone, unless one used small stones, maybe, i.e. 6mm. I've only ever had wooden ones, myself.

Thanks, again, folks. It's not pink eye. Yeah!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 03:38 PM

Hi Kat!!! The necklace is really pretty!!! Do you ever work with Jasper? Do you ever make malas?

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 01:56 PM

Penny, have you checked online at FireMountain? They do ship internationally. Garnets would be beautiful with rose quartz! I didn't have any round garnet beads..my supplies are so low...I wasn't sure I'd have enough of anything to make something likeable.:-)

Thanks for your comments, all. The beads which look blue are just the glass green ones which, when turned a certain way, have hints of a deep purple in them which, with my stupid camera, come out looking blue.:->

Now I am off to the eye doc. I think I have pinkeye of all things!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Penny S.
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 01:22 PM

Nice necklace, Kat. What are the blue beads? I've just done one for my sister using rose quartz and small garnets, with some silver tubes and garnet coloured bugles.

I used to be able to get some little metal tubes (5mm X less than 1 mm) for jewellery, but the local shops which did them have stopped, even the large ones, and the very specialist ones in London.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 12:55 PM

Beautiful selection of beads, Kat. I meant to ask how that was going. I like the small/large combination, and the other colors accent the pink very nicely.

Getting some ordering (via Amazon through the Mudcat link) for gifts; I haven't done much big shopping, and I don't know how much there will end up being, because I haven't seen the kids' lists and discussed division of items with their dad yet.

I had to pick most of the peppers from the remaining plants in the garden; we were very close to a hard freeze last night. I will look around later and see what I missed. It didn't quite freeze but it will soon. I'll go cut up the peppers and freeze them while they're fresh.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 11:43 AM

Just managed to get all of the dishes done which have piled up since Thanksgiving...better living through chemistry!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 11:18 AM

Yesterday I put the Christmas tree up (still needs to be lit and decorated) and set up my nativities. Tabletops were cleared, dusted and redecorated, furniture was moved, floors were swept. This morning I hauled in the plastic totes filled with Christmas gear that have been patiently waiting on the porch since Sunday. There are 9 or 10 of them. I've gone through most of them and have come to the conclusion that I need to just get rid of a lot of it. Sure, there are some family treasures or little tacky momentoes that are well loved and will stay but holy mother of hoarding….if I put all the lights up and put out every single Christmas decoration that I have been storing, it would put Roseanne Barr to shame. Seriously!

I've sorted out the things I want out for this year, put the things that I like but am not using in another tote and have designated on very large, long tote for stuff that will either make it's way to the annual yard sale or to Sally's Boutique.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 10:14 AM

Gorgeous! (jealous)

===

Some of the littlest declutty tasks have the hugest impact. I found myself reclaiming some space here ydy that has LONG been wasted and junked up, for necessitites that might have seemed, earlier, like luxuries. And I already HAD the hardware that needed to go in those spots!


Left in the wake of a mere hour from me and Hardi are:
<> a lovely, well-lit and decorated ("staged") upper hallway with functional refrigeration when needed for upstairs dining,
<> a private space to hang nighties for my special man's choice and presentation to me, and
<> two really handy but private places for certain needed unmentionables.
<> A floor long devoid of smelly (cat-peed) carpet is now colorfully area-rug'ed, around a newly-discovered mitred flooring detail that had been invisible in that dark "storage" hall.
<> Seasonal window parts are stored out of the WAY but accessible in a "useless" closet-- when you open what looks to be a copious storage closet it turns out to be a narrow cosmetic cover for the top of a stairwell, but with a decent shelf at the top.


And I did MOST of it myself. I have one rug and one light left to toss there, and then it will be a bright solar-nightlight glow from the window centered on the peak of the roof when Hardi pulls in each evening after a long day.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 06:37 PM

I decluttered a few BEADS whilst making a necklace for Lloyd's wife. I was finally able to sit in the old office and not feel like running out the front door from being "caged." It was difficult to come up with a design as I know nothing about her except he thinks she is prettiest in pink, so I hope she likes it. I will post a better picture when I can. HI assignment for me was to bring him a new piece of jewellery to show him, so I said, "yer on, what's your wife's fav. colour?" Only took me a week and a half to work up going in there.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 04:58 PM

Cleaned the oven this morning-- de-cluttered all the grease & spatters from the Thanksgiving turkey. The self-cleaning timer doesn't work any more (too expensive to fix), so I have to do it with spray-on oven cleaner.

Went down to the wholesale market and bought 2 pounds of pecans for holiday baking. They had just scooped out a batch of cinnamon roasted pecans, and they smelled SOOO good, I bought a tiny bag.

Great recipe for nuts below (they'll be gifts for neighbors):

SWEDISH NUTS

4 C whole pecans (large size)
1 C sugar
2 egg whites, stiffly beaten
dash of salt
½ C butter

Toast nuts in slow oven (325°) until light brown, approx. 10 minutes.

Fold sugar and salt into egg whites & beat until it peaks.

Fold nuts into the meringue.

Melt butter into a large shallow pan (about 2" high, so you can stir the nuts).

Spread nut mixture over butter.

Bake at 325° for 30 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes. Bake until nuts are coated and butter is used up.

Break into eating pieces (most break during baking & stirring).

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 03:56 PM

Whew. Today I did the grocery shopping and then attempted to get through the Christmas stuff. I built the tree (my husband and I will light it and decorate it together tonight...it's something we have been looking forward to doing together). The tree is MUCH larger than I remembered so I had to do some rearranging of the living room...no biggie. And then I started going through the big plastic totes to see just what it is we have and what I want to put out. In the process of this goes the usual sweeping behind and under things that don't get swept out as often and removing all other *stuff* on surfaces and a really good dusting before putting out the Christmas gear. I'm not putting out EVERYTHING as there is just too much and some of it just doesn't interest me anymore. The first thing I put out though, after the tree was built, is my nativity set. The creche is hand carved and was brought back from Germany with my Nana. I absolutely love it. There are also hand carved figurines to go with it but I use different figurines that my mom has collected for me over the years. There are a few handmade things that my other nana made that I have put out too. The older I get, the more I love those things that relate back to my family. :)
    And oh yeah....I made a big pot of vegetable soup too....no canned or frozen veggies...just lots of chopping!!! Soon I'll be off to yoga. If I hadn't promised a friend that I'd be there, I think I'd be inclined to stay home and dig through more of these totes!
   
Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 03:03 PM

A new footrest up in Office World has restored the last missing piece of my longstanding, "must-do" work routine-- there MUST be a let-go chair, couch, or whatever where I take a break, or get my head low and let a brainstorm occur. This footrest is set before a rocker-recliner with arms just right to sit as long as I like with legs UP, letting ankles drain, hips unclench, back undulate to rock, neck let loose..... Best-- I already had it and was not using it where it was, it's multipurpose, and I can maneuver it as close as my sore knees need, by myself, no matter how sore I am. Faulkner approves-- it puts my hand right on top of his forehead. :~)

The multi-use-- sans quilt padding the top, it's a shower seat for the right-next-door-loo-- the one I put a 10 foot shower-head hose on a few years ago for dog baths. The one where all my girly-girl jams and jellies are. The one down the hall from my silky nighties. The world where my office is now the center of all that, and the good work I am once again doing on a daily basis in an office that calls me and serves me-- from which blessings have already begun to flow into me, thru me, and beyond me. WITH MY COLORS everywhere.

F is relaxing into all this as well-- knows his "go sit" spot, knows the signs of when I am just walking around and when I am wrapping up work and getting ready to go back downstairs; I really ought to teach that dog to haul the food trash down, too.

The new storage unit I added the last few days is all stocked now, with healthy teas and calories so that I don't get so cold/hungry up there that I come back down and eat too much. The apple in the rocker-recliner was just right.

Heads up to usual/potential visitors-- the upper part of the house is no longer an allergy-free area. Sorry! :~) They can bring an air purifier! :~) (Those are cheaper now.)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 01:56 PM

I never liked actually whipping up cream, anyway, so the lazy bit is all this palette has known forever, it seems like, plus it does take time for your taste buds to get used to the low-fat, no-fat.

I got this in my email, today, from Lee Holden whose qi gong videos I use. It makes good sense, to me:

As we begin the holiday season, we wanted to encourage you to continue your wellness practice with some of Lee Holden's favorite stress-busters:

Breathe: If you can do only one thing, breathe deeply. It is the best way to relax your body and mind. Focus on exhaling all the way out for five deep breaths, and feel the tension leave your body. You can do this anywhere, anytime. When you exhale all the way out, you automatically breathe more deeply and signal your body to relax.

Eating: During the holidays, it is almost impossible to avoid eating too much. Lee's advice: chew slowly. Chew completely. By doing this, your body will absorb more nutrients. You'll also be more in tune with your body and eat less. A recent study showed that people who chewed 20 times or more per bite ate 1,000 fewer calories per day than those who ate quickly. Also, try eating a light protein snack before those temptation-filled holiday parties; you'll enjoy the tasty snacks more if you are able to savor them!
   
Sleep Tip: Before going to sleep, massage your feet. Just use your thumbs to massage along the bottoms of your feet, over the arches, near the toes, or anywhere else for several minutes. It's also great if you can get someone to do this for you. According to Chinese medicine, there are pressure points here that encourage restful sleep by clearing mental tension so you can "let go" for deep, refreshing rest. Then, enjoy sweet dreams!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 11:36 AM

I'd rather not eat a topping than eat those low and no-fat things. They usually taste awful, and just remind you of what you're really missing. This can set up a dangerous fixation . . . :)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 11:19 AM

I've done far too much baking but luckily I haven't been eating it all! Exercise classes have been going well and I am just hoping to maintain my weight over the festive season. Paul is taking me out for a posh meal on Friday so the diet will no doubt be going out of the window for the evening.

Done a fair bit of walking on top of my classes and the pace is quicker with it being colder now.

Xmas dinner is at the inlaws and we will be having goose and probably far too much sweet stuff but I've baked most of it so probably won't want to eat it. I get round my sweet tooth by baking, it gives me satifaction and everyone else likes to eat it! Still putting together our Yule menu.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 11:06 AM

I guess the lexapro was the cause of a 4 lb weight gain, recently. I've been off of it now for over a week and have finally started to lose, again. Since it is just Rog and I at home, we keep the holiday temptations out of the house. I have a chocolate treat every night already in the form of the 1 point Weight Watchers "giant fudge bar" and that takes care of my sweet tooth. Rog is really good about what he puts in the mashed potatoes and careful about draining the fat off of the turkey. We stuff celery with cream cheese which has a few chopped green olives mixed in and that makes a delicious snack without costing hardly any points. If I make a pie, it will be pumpkin with no fat evap. milk and an olive-oil pastry with no fat cool whip on top. The only other thing I eat for holiday dinner is cranberries made whole with brown sugar. I'll eat a little bit each day, a little on the sour side and I love them!:-) So, I hope I can keep losing.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 10:40 AM

I know the pitfalls of the holiday season, so my biggest goal is to stay away from sugar. That's an addictive force, and hard to get off of. If exposed to calories (like the staff luncheon today) I'll go with savory and get the calories in cheese or spicy meats, not in candy or cookies. And if I can simply stay at this plateau for a couple of more weeks, that's okay also. It lets the metabolism stop reacting from the diet--after a while on a diet you don't lose much because your metabolism acts like you've met a famine.

It's snowing this morning, actually a mix of snow and rain at this point. It's harder to get exercise in this weather--the dogs will go for walks, but my eyes tear up something awful in the cold air. I need some kind of Rx safety goggles to keep the cold air out. I can go walk around a mall, but they're getting crowded and difficult to park in.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 07:25 AM

During this time of year at Weight Watchers, the leaders ask us to think about where we want to be in January.

Are you ok with maintaining your weight?

Are you ok with gaining weight and if so, how much (set a goal, keep an eye on things and if you go over that point, then do something about it)?

Do you want to lose weight over the holiday season?

Of course I would love to lose weight over the holidays and I've taken some new measures to help ensure that that does happen but I'd be pretty happy with maintaining my weight too.

I'm feeling MUCH better than I have in about 3 weeks and so I went back to yoga last night. My stomach muscles are a bit sore but it felt SO good to stretch out.

I also found a tracker I like....it's completely anal but right now, when I really need to keep an eye on myself, it's a good thing!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Penny S.
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 04:48 AM

In contrast to SRS's link, Delia Smith's Christmas recipes last night really slathered on the cream, and butter. I could not believe how rich her bread sauce was. (And fiddly - no wonder I caught an elderly couple who should have known better buying a packet in the supermarket.) I'm not sure about fat free fake cream as a topping, though - I'd rather skip a topping at all.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Penny S.
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 04:27 AM

You really are making me hungry for turkey sandwiches. And I'm going to my sister's for Christmas this year, so won't have any cold turkey of my own. I shall have to buy some at the deli! And make some stuffing solely for use in sarnies.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 01:06 AM

Here's an article that came out in a system-wide newsletter (for the University of Texas employees at all of the campuses. Sometimes they have some downright strange recipes, but this discussion is just a clear reminder of how to avoid some of the pitfalls. One of the important things it says is if you are dieting, don't try to diet right now, just work on maintaining the weight you're at. That's what I've been doing; it's the only way to survive this season, I think!

Healthy Holiday Tip of the Month.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 11:28 PM

I am supposed to make a new piece of jewellery to show the therapist on Friday. I managed to get the table emptied and got some beads out to play with colours. Found some stones which need to be soaked in sea salt water, cleaned up and cared for. The old wire I used long before I knew better had rusted for some reason, so I removed it all from those chips and they will clean up well.

Morgan cleaned up his corner on Sunday and took out some largish toys he no longer needs or plays with so his corner looks a lot neater. Roger took out an extra office chair we no longer needed. I have some things by the front door for my son next time he comes over. He's also going to take my granddad's four volume dictionary set from the late 1800s. They are up high where I cannot get to them and I don't think I'll want to anyway. They are neat and special, but I like passing some of these things on now when they kids can enjoy them for a long time.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 10:16 PM

That seems like a lot to me; I'd never been this heavy before without being pregnant. Getting off of the HRT that had too much testosterone in it seems to have made a difference in at least being able to lose the weight.

Tonight's hot turkey sandwiches were much better than a couple of days ago. The big difference is the bread. I used homemade bread both times, but last time I'd made it a couple of days earlier and it just didn't have the fresh flavor that these relatively mild sandwiches need. Turkey and gravy are fairly subtle, and they need a good bread to really support the enterprise. We have some dessert for later; fruit and some bread pudding (low low sugar--I use Splenda and just a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar for flavor). I wasn't planning to make this now, but I had a half-dozen eggs freeze again in the fridge, and I decided to use some of them for something, and I had some old bread around. . . Eggs look so strange when you peel them frozen.

It's downright cold and nasty outside right now. We may be getting a hard freeze and snow flurries later in the week.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 08:19 PM

25 to 30 pounds? YOU GO GIRL!!!!

Yoga: 1 hour

Healthy lunch out with a friend and got to meet her new puppy!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 07:17 PM

Go, SRS, go!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 05:40 PM

It has been a beautiful day here-- sunny and temps in the 40s (comfortable with a jacket)-- so I spent as much time out and about as possible. It is supposed to start raining tomorrow and turn to snow by evening, so I guess this was the last of our beautiful autumn. Bought 2 bags of rock-salt while I was out. The last of the laundry just finished in the dryer.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 03:33 PM

Brrrrr but it has gotten cold and rainy outside this afternoon. I think it's time to pull the turkey carcass from last week out of the freezer and make that pot of turkey soup! The freezer is fully stocked now, so there will be a gradual de-clutter in the coming months.

SRS

Subject: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 01:28 PM

I just read through some good entries on the last thread, and realized we're at the next stage, and the last for this year. Penny, good job on that gutter!

Today I heard from a friend that she's adding on to her home--a few years ago she put a room on the back, but this addition is going over the top on one end. I can only imagine the noise and dust. (But I love that kind of work!)

This week has been a real emotional roller coaster, probably for the entire family, not just me. As we get ready to send my son to college, and as the older one starts looking for a graduate school, it looks like both of them may well be out of state next year or the year after. And here I am with an incomplete remodel myself (distracted by a burglary, but time to finish the work). So I need to work on my mid-range and long term plans now. That, for me, is the way to avoid depression. Like some of the rest of you, I'm not living in the place that I had planned to live in when I was young, and though I'm accustomed to it now and moving back to my home state would be difficult (very expensive), it is still something I want to consider. So I need to get organized here after we get the work done for the kids. People will still come home for the summer or holidays, and they will see both of us (their father lives a couple of miles away).

This sheds new light on the process of finishing the house and moving the clutter out in a way the benefits the bottom line. Either as a tax deduction or by selling, I need to streamline and finish up all of this.

Nothing new, life goes on.

On the accountability front, I have managed to keep off the weight I lost in the last couple of months, and my goal is to get back to my old weight that I was at for several years after the kids were born. 1996. I think I still have those jeans. :) I have about 25 - 30 pounds to go.

SRS