BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 04:48 PM

The newly cleaned old metal cabinet that was originally at some county courthouse in a southwestern state is now in the office closet and will hold various heavy files and paper things. They're coming in from various places around the house--school supplies, graduate school notes, reems of printer paper. I took stuff from some of the wooden shelves in that same closet and will move lighter things to those upper shelves. One was beginning to sag a bit.

I defrosted the last of the ground beef from the freezer--I don't buy pre-ground any more unless it was actually ground in the butcher shop of the grocery store where I buy it. I have been using chuck roasts cut into about 1 pound chunks, from the freezer. Take them out to thaw a little but then grind cubes of the somewhat icy roast and it grinds very nicely in the Kitchenaid blender's grinder attachment. The meat was cooked thoroughly and is made into taco filling. I added black beans this time for more roughage and because it tastes good and looks nice.

The dogs (and I) are going to get a nice long walk as soon as the meat is finished and put in the fridge; we want extra exercise today and tomorrow morning before the inspector arrives. The house is still messy, but I've cleared most of the kitchen counter, have cleared the halls where things had been stacked before putting away, and I've been sweeping and mopping. As I move stuff I encounter old spots from cat barf, so I'm cleaning all of those and my floors look much better than they have in years. (When you have a cat that upchucks several times a day, like Clementine did, it becomes a fruitless exercise to try to keep up with more than just wiping it up with a paper towel and moping infrequently.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: mouldy
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 04:36 PM

Had Freya all day, so I didn't get much, if anything, done. One good thing is that I haven't got to look after her tomorrow, when all the work kicks off again, so it means I can do some then.

The blasted heating is playing up again. It keeps getting air built up into the system until it forms an airlock somewhere, and the thermostat won't work. It seems to function at about 16C/60F. The upstairs radiators seem to be not too bad, but the ones downstairs are tepid. This isn't a problem in the living room with the stove burning, but the other rooms aren't comfortable for very long.

I must be getting soft in my old age!

I'm not looking forward to my weigh-in tomorrow, as I have been a bit - no, make that a lot - uncontrolled around the WW bars!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 12:20 PM

It's pretty out here again today, high is supposed to be 63. I need to do some yard work. I'm also going to pull out a piece of scrap gold that has been in my dresser forever and take it over to be appraised at the mall. I did my homework and I know that scrap is downgraded from investment gold, but I have the figures to do the math. It's a 10K case, so it isn't worth a lot, and there is a tiny diamond, but I think it's a throwaway item because it's so small. Who know one day I'd be tossing away diamonds. :)

For March, Kat wants to run an accountability thread separate from the declutter thread. I hope we'll all be more active as spring approaches, and for those in the southern hemisphere, fall is still a good time for activity. So this first lawn mowing of the season will get reported on that thread.

Gotta get that shelf out of the truck and I'm going to pull out the bags of dirt also. I think we're past the ice and snow now.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 08:23 AM

Good for you, all of you-

We were without power all day yesterday, and somehow I sank into a gloom that rendered me immobile in the de-cluttering department. Even so, I shoveled over a foot of snow for the third straight day (no, we're not getting a foot a day, but there's been continuous snow and it drifts right across our front door (oops, design flaw!) plus the driveway plow man is very good but blocks the cars in very effectively).

I also practiced piano and recorder, read a book, went to the local cafe (which had power) for lunch, then to dinner at another powered neighbor's then to hear Alan Jabbour and Ken Perlman in concert- and when we came home the lights were on! So a happy ending to a grouchy day.

But now I've got to play catch-up before the jammers get here in 90 minutes!

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 04:31 AM

straightened lounge

practiced guitar, mano and dulcimer yesterday for Lower Stoke today - but got nasty paper cut on finger tip - so no playing for me.

did 2 loads laundry

kitchen clean

bathroom almost clean - floor needs sweeping - my hair

made sausage rolls for Lower Stoke

gonna practice singing some now before we leave

ate about 1000 calories yesterday - not feeling very hungry.

hey today is last day of the FEB declutter... WOOT!

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 01:58 AM

Good for you, Kat and Maryanne! Good spaces and good food--it's all important!

I took a bunch of stuff over to the local recycle drop-off station, and there is an area where people drop large metal things and tires and such. So you see stoves and fridges--and there was this three-shelf metal office-style (you know, government buildings) bookshelf with adjustable shelves. I talked them into letting me have it instead of sending it to the place that recycles all of this. So I'll be moving it into the hall after I give it a good cleaning (it looked okay, but you never know where these things were between now and when they left the county courthouse). I have stuff that it will organize in the hall or the sunroom.

I know, I know. Bringing stuff in. But it is almost impossible to ever have too many bookshelves.

No nibble on my futon on Craig's List today. The only ones who responded said they wanted to look at it later, someone was out of town--that is a red flag that a scam is afoot. I might be better off donating this and taking a tax deduction. I have always liked it but I don't really need it and I don't think I'm in love with it. I can live without it.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: maire-aine
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 06:55 PM

Ran the snowblower this morning, even though we only got about 1.5 inches overnight. I didn't want it to freeze on the sidewalk. Went to a Lenten discussion at noon-time, and took along some granola bars and raspberry-leaf tea that I wanted to get out of the kitchen. Both found somebody to take them.

Went to the farmers' market this afternoon. Got some fresh spinach and blueberries, and a bunch of dill so I can put that on my salmon for tomorrow's supper. Stopped in to hear a friend playing at one of the nearby restaurants. Love their French onion soup.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 06:03 PM

We went to Wally World and picked up the chrome roller cart for hanging files, etc. today. We picked up Morgan along the way who helped Papa put it together, then helped me put the file folders in it and the stuff from my desk into the pull out metal mesh drawers on the bottom of it. It's pretty neat and handy. Looks MUCH better than the ugly plastic tv tray which was straining with too much weight..papers, books, etc.

I walked about 35-40 minutes and it was hard, but it got easier as my legs warmed up and felt pretty good at the end. I will do qi gong later today.

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 05:38 PM

Decluttered more shelves, shifted a few books around... not a lot else.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 01:26 PM

I was exhausted when I rolled into the driveway last night, and was in bed asleep within 10 minutes. Moonglow's costume design worked very well for the play, and we went out to eat after the performance. I took along a pair of black jeans I found at the thrift store that were too long for me. Before hemming them I decided I'd let her try them on. She ended up changing out of the skirt she was planning to wear and added a pair of boots and looked great. Since we wear the same size now, I think I can try more on at the thrift store and ship her some jeans. She's a little short on long pants right now, apparently.

This is the big weekend clean up, and I also re-listed the futon on Craig's List. It would also be nice to start on the garden. I need to set up the edge plank for my raised bed. I drove past a house on my way out of town yesterday (had to take a detour past an accident) and saw some raised beds edged by stacked cinder blocks. That is something I might do this year as well, on one end of the garden.

I'd better keep moving and not play on the computer too much today.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: mouldy
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 04:53 AM

Oh Michelle, I am so pleased you had a good time! You ARE a shining example to us all!

Andrea x

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 09:27 PM

Never did get the meatballs made or the fridge cleaned out BUT....

I WENT TO YOGA!!!!!!!!!!

I have missed it SO MUCH and so has my body!!!!

One of the university coaches was there tonight and after class she came over and told me I am amazing, an inspiration.

I don't think so but it was really nice to hear!!!!!!

I started class with one of my chemo caps on but took it off part way through. I sat in the back and figured who would see me? Nobody except my yoga teacher who was walking around the room and when she got to me (we were on our backs) she smiled and said, "Well look at you!"

*Happy, contented sigh* Happy hour yoga was absolutely perfect today!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 05:46 PM

Did get around to decluttering the drawers - removed the extra clothing store to the front garden where I daresay it will be removed later tonight... we rarely have to take old furniture to the tip or the charity shops - leave it in the front garden and someone will take it!

There's a wee bit of faffing about what wardrobe to get - I'm happy leaving it as it is for the moment and seeing how we go, but someone has other plans because 'it doesn't match'... like the rest of the house!

Ah well... it will sort.

Thanks for the good wishes, test results next week, have to make an appointment yet.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 03:47 PM

I won't complain too much about our dreary drizzly low-40s days because it sounds so much worse in New England.

All of the paperwork is in for the schools, finally, and yesterday we received the formal offer from one of the two offering full rides. To be signed and returned accepting (or not) a $100,000 scholarship. If we don't hear from any of the big schools, I think we'll have to visit this one and the other that made the same offer. Both in the Southwest. Better climates for a kid from Texas. It's nice to know he has this to fall back on. It's amazing to know he has this to fall back on! But the cost of four years at one of these schools is about one year at the big ones, so we're just watching and waiting to see what happens.

I'm going to be a cleaning fiend this weekend, getting ready for Monday morning's visit from the insurance inspector. I don't know if I mentioned that we've filled out all of the forms, but until someone asked I didn't volunteer about having dogs. When they asked I answered, and they scheduled an in home exam. He said he had to look at sinks, the fireplace, the master bedroom, etc. And I added "but it's really to meet the dogs, right?" and he agreed. But it sounds like he likes dogs, and these dogs love meeting people, so it should be fine. At last Amica gives the benefit of the doubt and sends someone to meet the "dangerous breed." I have no papers for these two, they're rescue animals, so I told them they're mixed, and I've seen boxer/pit mixes that are the same build as Cinnamon. She's probably not a mix, but I can't prove it one way or the other. As it is, she's a lovely pooch who at her most aggressive will break the guy's kneecaps with her wagging tail.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: maeve
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 02:09 PM

I guess I decluttered my spelling sense, too.

"...sense of taste"
m

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: maeve
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 02:06 PM

I spent a couple more hours cutting apart burned pages of slides to save what isn't already ruined. As they dry I put each "page" of slides into an ordinary letter envelope for storage. I wrap up the charred plastic and other burned things and get them out of the apartment as fast as I can. Nevertheless, the smell of ruin was the first thing a recent visitor noticed upon entering; not the new drapes (Goodwill), or the newly printed photos of happier times...just the smell.

Another thirty pounds in weight has disappeared since the fire, and more to follow, I hope. Ironic- I can taste the good food but have no appetite, while my sweet husband lost his sence of taste with the pneumonia but is hungry. We've both lost weight we needed to lose.

My back and arms hurt all of the time, and I can't sleep, but it's good to feel lighter physically if not emotionally. The Lion's Club has paid for new eyeglasses for each of us and we are grateful to have good vision again.

m

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 01:14 PM

Weepiness has given over to bitchy... full moon's almost here.

I have been terribly lazy at home, but sticking to the 1250 cal diet. So hungry. RA has been particularly bad probably due to the damp weather. Think I am gonna have to move to southern France or Florida in retirement. I hurts bad.

Called Healthy Living team again (3 times now) pointing out that I should have heard from a trainer early last week. Tweeny receptionist, said she would get back to me today. She didn't. I notice that this NHS sponsored programme has now been partnered with the County Council. Fancy new website. I work for county council so I now know why I have not been contacted. It is all a pretty shell but inside are ants working frantically at trying to break out of the fancy shell and actually deliver to customers.

Feeling bad for the 2 colleagues who have to compete for the one finance job. One is off with the stress. The other who has more financial responsibilities and a heart condition is the one who always soldiers on uncomplaining. It is really her job they are both competing for. The other colleague (stressed) has seniority though. Found out today that the interview panel is stacked against the soldiering colleague. The manager of the stressed colleague will be on the the panel. And said manager has been dependent upon the stressed colleague to get her budget out of the shit for years.

I told them both ages ago to join the union. Too late now. Totally f*cked up.

Well... will practice instruments (if hands permit) for Sunday's fun at Lower Stoke.

Happy weekend everyone.

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: mouldy
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 12:32 PM

I had a looong transfer in Melbourne on my way back via Hong Kong. I was delighted to see a Chinese lady doing some Qi Gong in the gate area.

Pilates has found bits of me I had forgotten I'd got, but it's all going to be good. My friend who goes is a masseuse, and the guy running it is a sports masseur, so they are quite capable of de-cranking me. I'm seeing Sue next week, anyway.

Have rung the electrician today, and he is calling in on Monday morning to see what's what and to see what order Peter's doing stuff so that he can work round him (they know each other, anyway). I'm also going to get him to put me a long-needed security light outside, and to renew the earthing cable, as it's very old and not up to modern standard.
Apart from that, as the weather's wet and foul today, I've had a fairly lazy day: made soup. made a salt dough figure as a gift for someone, browsed the internet.....

Rugby's on now! Big thrill in NZ was seeing the English Sevens team rise wet and gorgeous out of the lagoon on Wellington waterfront! Mmmmm! Well muscled men in skimpy wet shorts.......!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 11:52 AM

Oh, precious Morgan, your guardian angel for sure!

Michelle, it does me good to hear you bustle about like that!

LTS, healing thoughts and positive vibes that the docs are finally going to nail this!

Stilly, I have a "thing" for old tea towels- usually I go for the linen ones- but yours are priceless! What a treasure trove!

The "hired hand" is finally back after first being sick then snowed in- the guys hope to finish framing the last window and installing the last door upstairs!

I decluttered my to-do list this morning with an application for Pinewoods Camp and some forms for the insurance co. Now I'm making soup for lunch, then to practice the piano and knit away the afternoon (I should get out and shovel, too, and probably will).

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 11:20 AM

Awwwwwwwwwwww.....I love that Kat!!!!!!!!! Made me smile too!!!!!   

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 11:11 AM

Maggie, I was trying to figure how I could just turn the video camera on and let it run, even if all we got was audio, but unless I plan ahead of time, he gets a bit shy. It was incredibly fun.

When we were first starting, he was facing me, put his hands on my hips, waist really, to demonstrate a move. As soon as he put his hands on me, he looked up and smiled and said, with surprise, "Mama! You've gone in there!" We talked about how he can see where I've lost weight. Made me giggle and smile wide. (I can't keep my wedding ring from slipping all of the time and am going to have to take some links out of my medic-alert bracelet as I can now slide it off over my hand.)

Anyway, I am doing qi gong this morning and, if he comes over, no doubt I will get some more time in exercising.

I hope Rog and I will do more decluttering this weekend. Our other electronic ebay sale went well, so that's good.

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 09:58 AM

I spent this morning doing dishes from my husband's cooking extravaganza last night (didn't mind cleaning it up at all...dinner was INCREDIBLE!), cleaned the bathroom, swept and mopped the kitchen, hall and bathroom. Next on my agenda is to make meatballs and ziti (big batch cooking/freezing for sick days when I have zero energy to cook). If I have any zip left when all that's done and cleaned up, I'd like to clean out our fridge. I have developed a habit of putting too much food on my plate, not being able to eat half of it and then putting it away for later. Trouble is, later I don't want it. I have a fridge full of I'll eat it later stuff.

It feels really good to be productive.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 01:16 AM

Kat, to have been the fly on the wall for that session--it sounds priceless!

Liz, it's about time you took advantage of extra insurance! I have a friend who has caught so many colds lately, but trying to get him to choose a new doctor is like pulling teeth (had a bad experience with his former doctor--the kind of experience that would have me changing in a heartbeat). He has insurance he isn't using, and I sometimes think he's dealing with a kind of survivor's guilt. His partner didn't have insurance and I'm sure Allan died when he did because of all of the care that was delayed or not adequate for what he needed.

Today I washed some of the dish towels (what some of you call tea towels, I imagine--various sizes) that were in the trunk around a lot of plates and glass. The lint in the dryer was astounding. I washed them all on a gentle cycle and added bleach--something I rarely do, but these really needed some help. They're still not white and probably need another soak and wash or two before they are up to speed. And there were also a couple of wool blankets. One with various rich shades of red graduated the length of it, and the binding is in pretty good shape, all things considered, and the other has a hole in it. I think there was a leak of some point and a small spot through the trunk onto the blanket at one spot on the bottom, and the wool rotted. But I may patch it, or use it as batting in a quilt or something. The blankets are on the coolest heat setting and are okay.

Here are a couple of tags on the towels and if you look at the labels, you see one of these is from the WWII era. I scanned one of those and one other, that came after, I think. It's a lot thicker and more fancy.

Tomorrow night I'm headed up to watch my daughter's play for the semester. She did the costume design this time. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 07:06 PM

Sounds like they might figure it out, yet, LtS. Good wellness to you.

Andrea, you are a wonder. You all are wonders!

I have a new exercise coach as of today. Morgan was over and we were playing a trading card game called "Chaotic" which I didn't know beans about and he can't read the cards, yet, but he knows all of the terminology and what each character can and cannot do, so he makes up his own rules about points. It was driving me nuts because he was rattling more and more info off, non-stop, like a carnival barker.:-)

I told him, "let's go outside." we talked a bit, he wanted to play, I didn't...told him I was going to fall asleep. THEN, he said, do you want to exercise? I said sure. So he ups and walks out to the LR, starts me out with my small handweights with the moves he's seen me do, then he did things that were very familiar to the qi gong he has seen. He also made up a few moves. Anyway, he had a whistle which he would blow for me to start and stop, pattered on about how good I was doing and counted reps. out loud. We did at least a half hour and it was a blast. It almost made me cry...I've been wanting someone to be here and do that with me. More later.

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: maire-aine
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 05:42 PM

Good results from my bloodtest last week. A1C is okay under 6.0; last July it was 5.8; last week it was 5.6, so that's GOOD.

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 05:15 PM

Decluttered some drawers, swapped them for bigger drawers and now hopefully will be able to declutter a clothing caddy that's blocking the radiator.

Had cardiac consultant appt... blood tests tomorrow morning (fasting) to check all manner of other things inc cholesterol and thyroid. Then make another appt for next week to find out what's going on... more tests planned too, inc a 24hr monitor to wear, that should have been arranged by the hospital after my visit there 6 weeks ago, but hasn't been heard of since... My socialist soul says 'support the NHS' but the chest pain and addled brain says 'take full advantage of the private healthcare you've had for 20 years and never yet used!'

More when I know more...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: mouldy
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 01:06 PM

Just been and got most of the rest of the paper. I'm hoping I might get away without doing the small bedroom (if the electrician doesn't make a mess). All I will have to do there, hopefully is paint out the intense green walls and ceiling, and black skirting.
I must have spent £200 on stuff today. All nice neutral paint....I watch too many property programmes!

Anyhoo, I am off to my first ever Pilates class in about 30 mins. It's working out fine because it's in the same village where I go to a pub quiz on Thursday evenings! I've had to dig out the yoga mat from the glory hole under the stairs. It's been rolled up so long I think I'm going to have a bit of trouble!

Andrea - and I'll send some before and after pics via Kat at some point.

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 11:00 AM

Andrea, you bring up one of my future projects--wall paper. I haven't done anything about the paper in my house because most of it is okay, though nothing to brag about. It's what was on the walls when I moved in 8 years ago. I don't think it is contributing to the structural integrity of the house, but I would like to take it down and just paint the walls. I'll have to do the score and steam route, and then prime and paint. My front room has a kind of attractive grass cloth on the wall, and I put all of my bookshelves right over it. If I ever decide to do something about that wall, please shoot me first.

I'll get some photos of this glass, maybe over the weekend, and post an image. Some of it is a real surprise, and of course presents the question about how to display it, get light behind or near so it makes it look its best.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 10:52 AM

Andrea, by the time you get done you will have a whole new house! How about some more pix as you go along?

MaryAnne and SRS..don't you just love it when you find treasures?

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: maire-aine
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 08:24 AM

I made a similar discovery once. The garage at our old house was ready to fall down, so we were having it demolished. Before that happened, I inspected it and found a box in the rafters. It was full of pink depression glass, including a big pink bowl, several cups & saucers, 4 little pink glass ashtrays, and assorted small dishes. I had no idea that they were up there. Even my mother had forgotten.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: mouldy
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 07:45 AM

Peter came round yesterday, and he is starting Monday on the parts of the downstairs that don't need sockets. We have made the decision to get the ceiling paper down in the living room and see what hellish horrors happen when the plasterboard has nothing to hold it up (there are signs showing through the paper that things are a little -er- unstable up there). He's then going to skim the ceilings and make them good so that they match in with the dining room's plain plastered top. He estimated about 15 rolls of paper for the living and dining rooms (maybe it'll take one or two less), and I am now on a hunt for suitable paintable paper in that quantity. Can't find one I like yet, although I'm going to head out shortly to a big DIY warehouse.

This morning, locally, I have got new paper for the study, and paint for all rooms except the hall and stairway, and the little room upstairs. We are looking at about 4 weeks' work we think, and then I just need to sort the garden (which hopefully I can get on with as soon as this awful Winter decides to depart.

So it's back to chaos again next week!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 11:22 PM

I opened and emptied the contents of the trunk in my office this evening. As I unpacked bowls, cups, demi-cups, saucers, tureens, casseroles, platters, I was astonished at the breadth of this set. Alas, some dinner plates and a platter were broken. The moving company was not particularly gentle with our goods when they moved us from Temple to Fort Worth, but that was in 1989. I haven't opened this in all of that time because I didn't have anyplace to put it.

That said, I found some amazing pieces of glass, including two cake plates that are identical to some in a Martha Stewart Living article last month. I remember studying one photo because I couldn't figure out where the base of the plate was. There were two that seemed like just regular plates, but I finally realized they seemed to have little dimples on the bottom, so they were probably lower. On page 62 of the February issue you'll see the clear version (mine are green). It's the only one with the sunflower pattern (I found one online), lower right part of the page. There was also this incredible spiral patterned bowl of some kind with a heavy foot (all of these are really heavy) that is just gorgeous.

I don't know where I'll put all of these yet. I put the plates and stuff in the cupboard that used to have school supplies. I think I'll put school supplies in the hall closet where the router and modems are. And I have a bunch of old linen hand towels and cotton bath towels and a couple of soft soft bed blankets that were around the plates and around the box in the trunk.

These were all packed at my great aunt's house by my friend Emma. I paid for her ticket to fly out to Connecticut because I knew she'd enjoy the trip and enjoy the task, despite the hard work. We packed up 9 trunks total with lots of glass and objects. And here I am, 25 years later, still making discoveries from what Emma decided to pack. (I sent her home with a trunk of her own with the things she really liked for herself and her family.)

Amazing evening. Ironic, as maeve is locating a few remaining treasures, one at a time, that this incredible surplus from an estate is truly a gift that keeps on giving. I think, once the new house is built, that Josephine (the aunt who left me this stuff) is going to contribute to maeve's functional yet beautiful objects. The thing is, these are all utilitarian objects that are unique today simply because they survived. They're not high-dollar like fancy Euro crystal or Old World antiques, they're period pieces that are remarkable now because they aren't made any more.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: maire-aine
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 04:37 PM

Today was mostly paperwork & online forms. Had to create a new unemployment claim. Also filled out health ins. application papers.

Tomorrow I see my doctor and have to face the music about my diet. I had blood work done last week, and I'll get the results. Probably not as good as the last time.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 04:03 PM

I see we're having mixed results this month in our decluttering, though it sounds like most of those who are dieting are having success.

It's a beautiful day out here, finally, and is beginning to warm a little. Since I moved the desk and trunk (former cat window seat) last week I haven't felt like opening the blinds, but it is open today and it's a lovely blue sky. Now all we need are some spring blooms and budding leaves.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 03:23 PM

It's been one of those days. From being downgraded last Friday at the docs to 'mildly depressed', I upgraded myself today to 'raving, snivelling bitch queen from hell'... and I really hope the thieving rat bag who decluttered my purse of the £20 that was in it, had a damn good meal with it.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: maeve
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 03:12 PM

Tamara- A kind friend stopped by yesterday morning. It seemed that every third sentence from her brought forth floods from me. Sometimes life's stresses make themselves known whether we want them to or not. Be kind to yourself.

m

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 03:07 PM

I broke down in tears twice today. Don't know why. Still feel as though I could easily give over to weepfest.

Wonder if it is Amytriptyline? Taken Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights. I have never had it 3 nights in a row. Usually 2 nights on 1 night off. Felt foggy and dysfunctional all day.

Can't tell if it is weather (seems like endless stream of grey rainy days since November) or if it poor sleep or the meds.

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 03:02 PM

Thanks, Sins. That may be part of it. I know I was dehydrated after two bloody noses and a craving for ice instead of water. I am back on track with that, though. Except for an occasional oj, water is all I drink.

Good for your employer and for you!

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 02:41 PM

Just started WW at work today. A huge group 24+. The company offered to pay 100% as long as we agreed to complete the program.
3.8 in a week is wonderful, kat as long as you are drinking enough.
Good on you.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 01:24 PM

Andrea! I've been wondering where you've been. Congrats on the new grandson!

More laundry done in the past two days. Got pretty good news from the 6 month visit with the nephrologist. I have to cut out the rice protein powder in my morning smoothies and have stuff checked again in a month, but otherwise he is okay where my blood levels are and doesn't need to see me for another six months. I have finally called the cardio's office as no news on the echo, which I take as good. His asst. is to call me back.

I am eating what seems like a lot, but barely making it to using my daily points and am only using about half of the bonus. I lost almost two pounds the week before. This morning's weigh-in showed 3.8 which I know is too much, so will redouble my efforts while watching the protein and salt.:-) I am not complaining about the loss, though!

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 12:11 PM

Andrea,

Get those sockets in place (it will hit your pocketbook, I'm afraid--that's a part of the declutter that is less welcome) and you'll find yourself inspired to get the rest of the work done. Most exciting work around here in a while was a couple of years ago when I had the extra cash to have the electrician come in and fix a few things I'd wanted done for a while. One of those was to put an outlet on my front porch--I absolutely love it! I can work in the garden and plug a portable radio in to listen, and I can plug my xmas lights in without running an extension cord under the slight gap under the front door and into the house.

I hope you enjoyed your travel! It has to have been nice to get a good dose of high summer after the winter blahs.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: mouldy
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 07:59 AM

Been in NZ again to meet new grandson, got back late last week, and have just been reading and catching up with Michelle's thread. Wow! I only wish I had one tenth of her attitude and strength!

I have had a phone call from Peter, who is wanting to get started on the re-decorating. He's coming later this afternoon to measure up for wallpaper. I still have to get on with clearing the study and getting extra power sockets in there and into the small bedroom. (I sort of took a winter recess....). Well, if ever a kick up the butt was needed, it's now, and I know of no better people to give it to me!

I really have to start slinging out stuff I haven't worn all winter - let's face it, it HAS to be getting near its end - as my lovely relaxing bedroom is a total HEAP!

Andrea - and I put a pound and a half back on while away, despite some days earning 3 points through walking about! Garumph!

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 06:19 PM

I agree, Virginia. Gray and blah. The snow from this morning didn't stick around, and now it's just another cold wet day out there.

What to make for dinner, with stuff I have in the house, that is hearty and warm? Carbs, I think. I took some hamburger out of the freezer and I'll make some meatballs, spaghetti and sauce, and garlic bread. And I'll make sure we have plenty of fruit and veggies along with it to avoid any problems. (My son went to the hospital later in a week after having lots of carbs for dinner and little or no roughage along with it. The spaghetti wasn't the problem, but it may have exacerbated something already underway).

I'm thinking maybe later this evening I can start unpacking one of those trunks after moving some of the school supplies from the destination cupboard. Last weekend I dusted the shelves in my bedroom, and I'll take a step stool and continue the work in the living room. These are the shelves above that cupboard. It would be nice to have a polished look in there, and not just jumbled interesting stuff, too much of it, on all of those shelves.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 05:38 PM

i cleaned my keyboard at work.... eeewwwww, was it ever gross!

wish it would stop being so grey and dull outdoors.

i want spring to hurry up.

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 04:07 PM

I did some vaccuuming today and swept the hallway and living room. Soon, I'm off to the kitchen to roast a chicken.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: maire-aine
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 03:57 PM

De-cluttered a bunch of dust-bunnies from under the bed & dresser. Got a lot of laundry done. Did some grocery shopping this afternoon.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 10:14 AM

I decluttered a heap of old, ripped shirts, found a shelf and sorted some rubbish to the bins... then today I went to work and decluttered my in box of the 402 Emails that were waiting - 128 of which were from the Systems Administrator telling me my box was full!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 07:20 AM

Stilly, that is a great idea, and if I were the only book worm, it would work well. I do plan to lump books together according to type, but it would be a bloody miracle of all the alphabetized books stayed in place! I do plan to keep fiction on one wall, maritime books in one location, music books in another, but don't know how long those ambitions will keep up. Wish me luck!

It is amazing what we do for our children that plants seeds for later. My daughter has tried very hard to concentrate in college in areas I know nothing about. What is the topic of her current mid-junior-year crisis? "I wanna study music and be a musician!!!"
(she's going to forge ahead with her economics degree and keep playing that guitar and writing songs in the meantime).

Kat, it does sound as though the light has returned! Isn't it therapeutic to get a job like that done?

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 02:04 AM

Kat, the amazing thing about kids is that you never know what small thing you introduce them to is going to be the catalyst for future interests, but later on you will see, and it will warm your heart. Keep up the good work!

With my daughter, there were so many little things I see in her now. Her love of sewing--the antique machine she was given when she was 14 made a huge impression. She's studying costume design now in college. All of the art pencils and pens that were around here were enjoyed, and now both of them are very good artists. (This just reminded me of a question my son asked last night, so I went off and did a little research on Mozart symphonies. They played #25 in Persuasion on Masterpiece Theater.) Both kids love witty things like Tom Lehrer lyrics and good poetry and literature--all things they were introduced to as kids. We've worked on critical thinking. Examples in childhood can go a long way.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Healthy Feb-2010 Declutter & Fitness
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 09:42 PM

Don't know what got into me, but I am glad it did! This afternoon I got up from a nap, looked across from my side of the bed to a shelf where I have jewellery boxes and such, all buried under books I've read, socks that needed sorting, and a few papers. I told myself I'd start small: take the books out and the socks. When I went to put the socks away I looked at two baskets of clean laundry, my clothes canvas mini-hampers in which I keep my clean clothes and were a mess and thought, I can't put these socks away until I put those socks etc. away, so...it took me about 45 minutes, but I folded all of the laundry, sorted it, and put it away! It's been sitting there in seeming perpetuity while I get my head *examined* so it feels really good to have done it. Rog was quite surprised and pleased.

I also helped Morgan with his "homework." He called and said, "Would you like to do my homework with me, today?" I asked him what it was...he needed to take pictures of things that were "triangooler" and take them to school. Of course I said yes and couldn't think of a thing with was triangular shaped in our house, but we went hunting and found cat's ears are triangles, I had a pendant, a crystal and Morgan decided my little collection of brass bells, old ones, were like a triangle, plus we found an industrial plug for the end of a power cord which really was that shape. We cropped them on the computer, arranged them on one page and printed it out. It was a lot of fun. He asked me if I thought he should be a photographer when he grows up. He loves taking pictures.LOL