BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion

Subject: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 08:15 PM

The last evening of February and it feels like the first day of Spring (I found a daffodil open in the front yard yesterday), so it's a good time to start the next De-Clutter thread. Here's the last one.

I spent time in the garden today, putting in a plank to lengthen the area of a raised bed, mixing a few bags of topsoil and manure humus and such to mound in part of last year's bed where I'm beginning to transplant the strawberries. I put in three strawberry plants last year, figuring they'd die in the heat, but they didn't. They sent out lots of rhizomes instead so I have a sprawl of strawberries to relocated to another part of the garden. I won't move all of them, but enough so I can fill in behind the new plank.

The new old shelf is in the closet and is holding quite a few school and office supplies. Now I have to rearrange the spaces where they came from to move into the closet.

Another load of laundry goes in tonight, and some sweeping. The house isn't looking fabulous, I suppose there will be a burst of energy tomorrow morning.

I hope everyone gets a glimpse of spring soon. It will lighten your step and make the work go a little easier.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: maire-aine
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 08:57 PM

It got up to 40F (4.4C) today, but we've still got 6 inches of snow on the ground, so no gardening in Michigan for a while. I'm working on de-cluttering the horizontal surfaces (tables, desk & countertops) so the place doesn't look so bad. The diningroom table is clear, for now.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 12:44 AM

I'm thinking of clearing the dining room table before I go to bed. We have most of the stacks of paper dealt with, so I can put them in the expandable file and set that aside. If the kitchen peninsula is clear and the dining table in the living room, and if the most conspicuous dust kittens have been tamed, that's probably as good as I can do.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 02:57 AM

Dining room table clearance for me today too - I need it to stock up on cards for our forthcoming concert...

Trouble is, March appears to be coming in like a lamb and all this free range sunshine makes me wish I was out in a green place instead. Still, it means the dining room will be gorgeous this afternoon!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: freda underhill
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 06:55 AM

wow,what a beautiful start to the thread SrS. My dining table is covered with CDs - I'm halfway through sorting them.

I spent a bit of time yesterday moving furniture round. Don't know why but it helps clear out the place - and then pushing some of it back. Lots of dusting, polishing and grunting - feels good. I moved a bookshelf into my bedroom - and cleared away about 30 books to go to the second hand bookshop.

And the living room feels roomier without the shelf.

It has been soooo hot this Feb. Today is the first cool day in yonks. and it's raining, cleansing away all that heat :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: mouldy
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 07:58 AM

My dining table, which got cleared yesterday, is now covered with crystal candle holders, vases, staffordshire figures, and I'm painting a couple of bits of salt dough at the end nearest the window. Yep, I have started emptying cupboards so that furniture can be moved during decorating.

Peter started work this morning. One part of the dodgy-looking ceiling is stripped, and so far (hanging onto a big lump of wood) nothing has fallen! The electrician came to look at the work I need doing, and he will be working on Thursday.

still quite nippy today, but we've had some lovely sunshine. Clouded up a bit now. However, I don't think there's any rain forecast.
My daily paper said that it has been estimated that Spring is a month behind last year. However, that merely puts it back to where it's SUPPOSED to be!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 04:41 PM

Andrea, I have a bunch of that stuff to put on my dining table also. I need to dust the shelves near the table and rearrange the objects on display there. And I need to find sturdy stands or racks to support some of the newer pieces that came out of trunks. My dining table is just about empty now, most of the papers have been filed.

I also finished clearing the kitchen peninsula and the dishes are finished. The floor is swept and mopped and I put the laundry away. While the house wasn't particularly uncluttered or maintaining a coherent interior design look, it was tidy at the points of contact that matter--the kitchen and baths and dining areas.

The girls came through just fine. The inspector took photos through the house rooms and popped a quick shot of the girls standing wagging in the door at him. No one barked, but Poppy did try to jump on him for kisses.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 10:24 AM

This weather! On again off again--today it looks like spring, and will reach 65.

I have cleared the dining table and need to run some phone wire to the master bedroom to hook it into my phone grid and then I can take the phone that is on the dining table for convenience (I have the new phone there, with the Caller ID handset) and put it in my room. Once the table is clear, I'm going to do what Andrea suggests and fill it with crystal and glass to clean, then dust the shelves and arrange things. I have some shelves in my bedroom that perhaps need to house more of the non-glass stuff. Go for more cohesive zones and not commingle the antique toys, American Indian art and glass. Oh, and cameras. Though I have been gradually divesting myself of cameras, I still seem to have a collection.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 10:35 AM

Hard to get stuff accomplished with inadequate lighting due to power outage. Now the power's back and I can get back to work around the house. Packaged up a box for my sister and will get it to the post office on my way to work. One down. Maybe tomorrow another one -- to my mother, another to my sister, or the one to my brother. Christmas didn't exist this year, but I was gratified to find I actually mailed cards to my sister, mother and brother -- they didn't require letters. Now if I can just get this stuff packaged up and off the guest room bed!

Need to repack stuff to take to Goodwill so it doesn't break in transit or there. That might take awhile though -- I can't use the driveway and I'm not going to schlep heavy boxes up to the car parked near the road and through all that MUD! (I carry a hiking staff for stability.)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 11:08 AM

Linn, you're such a trooper to be posting to this thread at all. I think you'd be decluttering all of the plastic stuff that seems to come home after a hospital stay, let alone fooling with alternative lighting sources and heating the house.

On the subject of mud, I always notice that the consistency of mud after ice is unique (here, or in Washington state, or in other places where I have experienced snow and ice and then the mud after). There is something in the physics of the dirt particles. Something colloidal, perhaps. Do you know what I'm taking about? The consistency of mud after it has been frozen is different than the consistency after a simple rain the rest of the year.

Even if you haven't paid attention to that, keep your feet under you and the Goodwill can wait.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 11:23 AM

Our Goodwill will send out a truck to pick up donations if we can't make it to the store, esp. big items.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: mouldy
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 12:58 PM

Several of the UK ones drop plastic sacks off from time to time for small items, which you leave by your property on the appointed day. I think those that deal in bigger items will pick them up if it's something they want. The YMCA shop seems to specialise in furniture.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 01:07 AM

At the guitar lesson this evening my son and his teacher discussed how to approach a short job as background music at a faculty reception on campus next month. A co-worker asked if he'd like to come play for 15-20 minutes while a reception gets going. There will be modest pay, but what's nice is that he's building a resume now as a musician.

The house is a little better, but to counter that, the laundry is washed but needs folding and the dishwasher is empty but there is a sink full that needs to go into it. I have to run errands tomorrow so may not get much more done till evening.

It was clear today but not very warm. I hope some of the rest of you are getting relief from the snow, cold, wet, and bleh. Especially the bleh.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 02:00 AM

Even though it is still very chilly with a slight wind, Morgan and I have bee outside a lot the past two days. He decided to rake old leaves which we just let lie then go over with the compost mower, but he had a blast and it does look better. He also put away the shovel for me and picked up a few things from around the yard. I have done nothing but laundry. It's been a busy week, already and more to go with appts. and stuff. Maybe on the weekend. I am appalled at how much dust there is on everything. It's been months and months since I dusted and it is bothering Rog's nose a lot. I need to get into the office and straighten it out. When I moved to the DR, it became the catch-all room. I can scarcely see my desk. So those are both goals for me this month.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 02:35 AM

oh dear... Yesterday during my perambulation into town at lunch, I picked up 5 bouquets of silk flowers (3 red rose, one pink daisy and assorted pinks, 1 deep purple frilly things) to clutter up my fairy making kit.

Only cost me £5.00 and the pulled off blossoms stuffed a very big carrier bag quite full. Now I need to get into some shops and look for giant round beads (tangled junk jewellery in clearance bins) to be heads and bodies of my fairies. I am using up my stock quick.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: mouldy
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 06:45 AM

I bought a large plastic tool box and some "hobby cases" from the local DIY store yesterday. The large toolbox is to be my sewing box, my old smaller one is now full of threads, and, when I can be bothered to raid the stacked up boxes in the loft, the hobby cases will help organise some of the smaller findings for my dolls.

Hopefully the plasterer will come later today to do the living room ceiling. The walls are all stripped, and hopefully the decorating proper of living and dining rooms will start tomorrow. The electrician will also be here tomorrow.

I have actually stirred myself to make (and finish) a salt dough model as a gift for somebody this week. It's a present for a lady who does pendulum dowsing, and I have found a broken down mineral necklace and a very fine (broken) gold chain to make a little pendulum for the model. I really hope she likes it!
Two more models to finish painting, and I will be up to date!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 07:31 PM

Andrea, I treasure the squid you made to adorn my walls -- the gift of a Secret Santa a few years back.

Today was my first real day off in what seems like months. All I really "had" to do was get my hair cut (as closed roads kept me from accomplishing that last Saturday), so planned to make some inroads in de-clutterification.

Sigh. Well, I de-cluttered the most recent "Vanity Fair" (or I will have after I finish reading about the Disney "inkers" in the '30s and '40s) and killed a container of Trader Joe's snack granola that was in a care package from my sister.

Had trouble getting out of bed this morning. I slept well, but, boy, could I have slept more!

I pulled out a sweater that needed a sleeve repair, and thought hard (but not too hard) about packing all the breakable stuff that's going to Goodwill so that it will get there in one piece when I'm going in that direction (either Dover or Portsmouth). Oh, I DID de-clutter my Yahoo mail box, at least.

When I got home from my hair stylist's (she's thinking about moving to Arizona -- I've been with her for almost 30 years and three locations!), all I wanted to do was take a nap. So I did. Just finished eating supper and, after I'm done here, I think I'll go read my way out of the day (with a glass of wine) and go back to sleep.

Maybe I can get something accomplished on Saturday, my next day off. I know I won't next Wednesday because that's when Tom gets his battery changed and that takes most of the day over at York Hospital in Maine (but DOES involve lobster rolls!).

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 08:28 PM

Andrea, what is "pendulum dowsing?"

I ran by Fry's this afternoon and picked up a new surge protector. The old one takes a lot of space and had only four plugs. Which seemed enough at one time, and the monitor sat on top if it. I could turn off the computer, monitor, printer, and scanner at once with the master switch. But as you all probably know, four doesn't cut it now. There are extra hard drives, a powered USB port, a scanner, and speakers, and I was having to turn stuff on and off in the right order every time I turned powered the system up or down.

I put this 12-plug Belkin on the desktop where the drive enclosures used to sit, put all of the extra drives on a shelf that might originally have been meant for the scanner, and I generally rearranged all of these cables and wires. Two easy to reach switches and everything is on or off. The printer and scanner are on a separate power supply, because it really did seem like a lot of equipment to run out of one plug in the wall.

I also found Nero burning software on sale with two rebates bringing it down to $10. I bought the same thing just under 2 weeks ago and it was going to come out $50, after one rebate, so I bought a new box, and will take it back with the old receipt and use the new paperwork to get rebates for the software (since I hadn't sent in the other $20 one yet).

I dusted while I worked on the wires, and since I have that new metal shelf in the closet I reloacted printer paper into there that used to sit under my computer desk. I also found some papers that got buried. There was some paperwork from the old Earthlink modem mixed in, and maybe I should list that on eBay.

I also picked up another wireless handset to go with the one I bought last week. This is for my office and I have an old speaker phone to move to the sewing room, where I can use it to talk and work at the same time. I find I like having caller ID. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 09:53 PM

I had also hoped to find the ink cartridge for the printer...Rufus hid it, I'm sure. Sigh. Manana.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 12:47 AM

My ex brought home a set of ink cartridges for a printer because they were throwing them away at work and he wondered if I or any of my neighbors could use them. They're hp 11 and they're yours if you can use them. I don't have any hp printers now, nor do the neighbors.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 02:29 AM

Pendulum dowsing is a water finder who uses a pendulum, as far as I know, instead of thin rods, to point out where there is underground water. They walk over an area looking for water by watching which way the pendulum rotates, etc. or the rods point and cross. I had a friend whose father was one, then my friend. There really is something to it...uncanny, but accurate from the times I saw it being done.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 08:26 AM

HP 74XL -- and I just FOUND it! (Halleluyah.)

Tom's still trying to extricate himself from bed (I can't WAIT til the defib battery is changed) and I needed a cup of tea. Been reading "The Italian Lover" by Robert Hellenga since 6:30 and petting cats. Just turned the dryer on for a few minutes so the clothes that I should have removed yesterday will be a little warm.

Grabbed a flashlight for a look see and found it. One more thing off the list.

You can pendulum dowse for a lot of things -- including truth. I know people who use a pendulum to choose what film to watch.

Our water here at the house for the well was found by dowsing. (Tom's uncle did it.)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 09:46 AM

We wish we had used a dower, pendulum or other wise, when we had our well dug- they found ledge at 60 ft, and drilled thru ledge all the way to 460 feet, when they gave up and did a "balloon angioplasty" otherwise known as "hydrofracting" which fortunately worked!

My downstairs is as tidy as it gets right now, but the upstairs is supposed to be COMPLETELY AND ABSOLUTELY FINISHED as of this afternoon!!!! Because they've still been sawing away, I haven't done anything about books in bookshelves, etc- sawdust is everywhere! But I hope to spend the next several days turning the upstairs into real useable space which means that soon I will have......



(drumroll, please.......)


AN OFFICE AGAIN!! Wheee!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 10:22 AM

I hope to get back to removing books (some permanently -- I need to find a home for a collection of feminist/women's studies books) from the built-in bookcase in the bedroom. Then Tom (when he has some energy again) can repair the bookcase and I can refill it, preferably with some of the books that have been living on the floor.

This project has been hanging on for way too long, thanks to various impediments.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 11:15 AM

Congratulations on the nearly-complete office!

I know about dowsing in general, but never heard of it with a pendulum (does the type of pendulum material make a difference?). I suppose a stick is no more unlikely than something dangling on a string or a chain. I have friends who swear by it, and one friend whose father was apparently quite accomplished (with a stick).

Sunny warm day today. Finally! I'll try to move some more strawberries this afternoon and get a little more ready for planting soon. I went past my first garage sale of the spring season this morning, but didn't find anything useful for house or garden.

I've moved the long ugly phone cord and speaker phone out of my office and plugged in the charger for the second handset that operates from the base in the other room. I called a friend last night for a long talk and it sounded so good to not have a roar in the background.

Getting ready for a run to the post office to drop off several things that have malingered here for a while. And must send a transcript for one of the college applications.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: mouldy
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 12:40 PM

You can dowse with anything dangling from a string, (although pretty crystals are always appealing). The theorists say that it works through your subconscious mind (which already holds the answer to what you want to know) causing very slight twitches in your muscles, causing the pendulum to move.

HOWEVER

Here's a good one to try...
Establish what are the "yes" and "no" movements for you, and then, while holding the pendulum, get somebody else to ask a question mentally; a question with a definite yes or no answer, and which they already know the answer to (eg, am I sitting down). Then see what answer you get. I was in the pub last week, and my friend asked 9mentally) if it was her daughter's boyfriend's birthday, and got the answer "no". She then said it was wrong, and hadn't worked...until her daughter reminded her that Rob's birthday had actually been they day before!

I, too, went round to the PO this lunchtime, only to find it cordoned off by the police. There had been an armed robbery! In our little village!

The electrical work on the house is nearly done, and more wallpaper has been stripped. Goodo!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 11:57 PM

De-cluttered bank account, paid off another credit card (down to just one now!) and going through the mail. I've had this NetFlix film here forever that I've never gotten around to watching that I put in for the evening. Looks like the second murder is about to happen. . .

I need to do some eBay stuff. The boxes are piling up.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 02:49 AM

in the middle of decluttering a database, the many of the records (something like a bazillion) of which do not contain enough information for me to discover which hard files they belong. So since I do not have access to the back tables of SEAX (archives search for Essex Record Office) I have to submit my questionables to an archivist and hope they will take the time to provide the hard file number.

I know clear as mud. Anyway. The Arts Team was booked to clear all their junk from my file room, because we will need to put in more lateral file cupboards. As of yesterday PM, they (all but 1) suddenly had other things in their diaries for the morning. Hope I can herd them up in the afternoon and force them to do what they promised.

If not, I might start loading their junk onto trolley and dumping on their desks.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 03:55 AM

We had an unexpected bit of extra cash come in today, so we will finally be able to pack up several boxes of stuff I've been wanting to send to various friends which will help to declutter my desk in the old office and a tiny bit of a bookshelf.

We may also ask our friend, who is a is cleaning lady and used to do our floors every other week, if we can hire her for a few hours to do some really heavy-duty Spring cleaning of the floors, dusty stuff everywhere and a couple of walls which are yucky. Rog hasn't had the time or energy after work and I can only do so much. It will be a huge treat to have Barbara come in and would give us both such a lift.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 02:42 PM

That would be great, and such a help to have help with something like that, Kat! Sometimes that little bit of help is so useful in off-setting the labor that you can move on and do something else instead and feel the charge of getting ahead faster.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 05:18 PM

Yes, Maggie, and it's those one which take so much upper and lower body effort which I have a time with and, probably should not do too much. I am doing fine, but it does put even more of a stress on the heart. We will go over our budget this weekend and decide.

I did more laundry, today and put away some things I had out on my desk, from my new rolling cart. I love it!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 05:45 PM

I was on the phone while I was working on that entry, and hit send without going over it. It shows. ;-)

Gorgeous day here today, making me think I need to get out the mower and give the front yard a quick once-over. I took a tree out over near the veggie garden and I'll be extending it some more. But before that, I need to tidy the potted plants, move tomato cages and fence stakes out of the way and curl up the soaker hoses. I printed out instructions for growing potatoes in our particular area, and that's something I want to start on time this year.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 11:48 PM

I did it! I got out the mower and I knocked down the weeds in the front yard. After about 45 minutes the weeds look like turf. :)

As the first on the block to mow, I know that now the neighbors on either side of me will feel obligated to mow as well. I had more weeds, but now it looks a little tidier (though I didn't get out the string trimmer yet). The back needs it also, but I have to scoop back there before I mow, and I need to prune a couple of shrubs and look for dog-toy-related hazards.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: JennieG
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 12:44 AM

Maggie, we go by the principle that if you mow it, it all looks the same.....weeds or no......

We have a buyer for our house, and have found one to buy. We're moving six hours away so it will be quite a move. This week we will really get seriously stuck into packing, sorting, donating and throwing out. The moving date looks like being Friday 7th May.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 08:35 AM

My BOOKS!!! I have my books back! I spent yesterday opening boxes and unpacking books and putting them in order (one whole bookcase for history, another for nature and spirituality, another for fiction, and one long 9' bookcase houses music books, maritime books, antique and art books- and then there's the miscellany bookshelves...). It was a reunion of old friends!

This coming week we do the finishing touches upstairs to get my office in shape and ready my daughter's room for her March break- it's hard to believe!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 12:08 PM

Whoo-Hoo, 2Ls!! Congrats!!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 02:46 PM

Isn't it luxurious, not only to have the books out, but to be able to use the space where the boxes used to sit? Congratulations!

I need to run a couple of more wires and then I think I'm finished with the phone work around here. And I need to go out in the yard an finish rounding up broken pots (didn't weather well over the winter) and unload them. I found a great idea in the Martha Stewart Living this month with stacking pots to come up with a rather attractive statueary like planting arrangement. If it works I'll post a photo, or see if I can find a link to her site, if they ran the photo.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 03:49 PM

Came in like a lamb here. Beautiful sunny day, wall to wall blue skies.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 04:02 PM

I was planning to load the futon into my pickup today and take it over to the Goodwill and claim a very nice deduction on next year's tax form. It has a great mattress, one of the high-quality hand-made cotton filled ones, Japanese style. But before I'd moved it out, an email came via Craig's List asking about it. They live in the next town down. So after a couple of bogus answers from folks who wanted to run a scam with money orders, a mother and son from the Crowley came and looked, we moved it around so they could see how it goes into various shapes, and they carted it off. I lowered my price by $25. A donation price would have probably been near double, because you can't buy these cheaply, but I'd have gotten credit for a fraction of the donation, so I'm still ahead this way.

While its absence doesn't actually make an echo in the room, it feels less cluttered. It was a functional piece, and we did sit on it occasionally, but we have lots of other stuff to sit on around here. :)

That sets my weekend off to a good start!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: maeve
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 04:27 PM

I bought some pillowcases, a colander, and some hand tools for immediate use.

m

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 01:55 AM

Maeve, I've bought the same kind of items at garage sales. Some of my best purchases.

This afternoon I visited both Lowes and Home Depot, and though my purchases were modest, I've made great progress here at the house. I bought switches and a light fixture, and put them in. First, I replaced the switch for the light over the sink. I think someone just mentioned a similar project, but a quick scan through and I didn't see it. Whoever you are, thanks for the reminder that I've wanted my over-sink light fixed forever. I knew it was the switch, I heard it burn out, but I was going to have an electrician out one of these days. That day never seemed to arrive. And then I decided I'd also replace the fixture over the dining table, so if my son has a migraine and wants the room fairly dark I can dim the light without completely turning it off (sometimes the nap doesn't completely knock out the headache, and he's hungry but can't stand light).

That dining light was a lot harder to put up than the kitchen switch was to replace, because the gang or junction or whatever you call the box in the ceiling was smaller than the more modern ones, and the perforated plate that came with the light was a pain in the ASS to fit over it. But I finally made it all fit and the light is up. And then I changed out the switch with a rheostat so it can be dimmed.

I can't completely express how nice it is to have that little halogen spotlight over the sink work area. I'll take the bulbs out of the old fixture from the dining room because those are the same lamps as the one over the sink. The dining room light is now a special faceted halogen bulb that is shaped like a regular incandescent bulb.

I've taken motrin for stiff muscles from yard work yesterday. I have to build up my stamina. :) It also helped with the stiff neck from the electrical work this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 05:35 AM

Sigh.... I liked the old style declutter and health accountability combined threads better. Just easier to get it all done in one fell swoop, because often the decluttering involves exercise. Anyway....

Last night I watched Big Fish - Tim Burton film and made more fairies. Also did some walk/jog on the mini tramp. Not until I was out of breath, because the damned hip joints seized up. I hate rheumatoid arthritis.

This morning cleaned kitchen, boiled anya potatoes ready to saute tonight. Prepped pasta and garlic for Monday dinner. Later will prep other veg for next 2 evening meals. Listening to Nina Simone this morning. That woman ROCKS or JAZZES or something.   She is fantabulous!   Learning to perform See Line Woman and Feeling Good among others while I type this.

Today I will strip as much Fablon as I can off the drawers from caravan that we brought home yesterday. As the sun is out, I will take them out to back garden and have a go at the sticky residue with mineral spirit. Wish we could have taken the whole unit out, but it is built in. So will have to go and work on the other bits in situe on another weekend.

Yesterday I ordered 20 metres of wonderful green fabric to recover the van cushions and make new curtains, as well as make padded bolsters to go around the over bed shelves so when we bang head into them, it won't hurt so much. the fabric


I will set up sewing machine in spare room today in preparation for the job. Will finish the ironing and do 1 or 2 loads of clothes. Also another round on the mini tramp this morning (I better hurry because it is already after 10am).

Tomorrow I have flexi day and will have first assessment appointment with the NHS Health Trainer. As I will be in town, will buy loads of white heavy cotton thread, some sewing machine needles (in case I break the 2 I have left) and sew-on velcro strip. I am not fiddling with zippers.

Must pick up Mothering Sunday cards for TSO's mom and my own Mom and my Aunt Dot (the other mother- my mom's twin) because I can't get Mother's Day cards at the right time for the US observance. Some nice blank cards for upcoming birthdays. Also a stop at Maplin to buy a special lead for charging caravan battery in the house. We have probably left it too late and the thing is unrevivable. Also a solar powered trickle charger for the van. So this means I will be walking all over town centre tomorrow. Better take walking canes just in case the hips freeze up on me.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 03:36 PM

I went shopping for birthday meal items, and to cooking this evening, I'll bread the chicken strips now and let them chill until time to cook. It helps the coating stay in place better anyway. These are my son's favorite dish. I have a mix cake to make also, and I think I'll make a bread of some sort to go with the meal, along with salad and a couple of veggies.

I have been rearranging furniture in the largest living room this afternoon. I want both a wider path through and more room around the dining table. We may use that table tonight, though I'll set up the smaller dining area table with snacks and use it for dessert, under the newly installed fixture. I may make deviled eggs just because I haven't made them in ages and they all like them. I would be able to place those on one of my newly discovered antique cake plates. I don't have the round cake pans to make the birthday cake to put it on one. I suppose I could make the cake as cupcakes and put them on one of the plates.

I need a nap. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 03:59 PM

I'd need one, too, with that busy agenda!:-)

We brought stuff in yesterday, things we've both been wanting: a new dog bed for the "old man" with memory foam, no less, and Rog got the electric quesadilla maker he's been wanting. BUT, we dropped off two bags at Goodwill; threw out two horrible, icky old dog beds and got rid of a couple of empty boxes.

This morning Rog swept and did the litter boxes and trash, while I started more laundry. I also scrubbed the bathroom, a very thorough job, this time, with Rog's help. We have a floating shelf about the bathroom cabinet thing which sits over and above the toilet. I have a conch shell, an oil lamp and two candle holders up on the shelf, plus a small antique bottle filled with sea glass. He helped me get all of those down so I could wash off the year or more accumulation of dust while he cleaned off the shelf and the top of the medicine cabinet which sits over the sink, also VERY dusty! He bought me some kind of new bathroom cleaner which I used on the commode and sink which really did a sparkly job and I scrubbed the seat of the *throne* extra well, as Rog complained a bit about feeling the lotion I have on my backside when he sits down.LOL.

Then, I went to the bedroom and started sorting all of the clean laundry from 3-4 weeks ago, plus today's current crop which is in the dryer as I type. Rog did the hang-ups while I put away the drawer stuff.

Now, I need a nap so later gators...when I get up I will have a late lunch of soup and salad, then we are going to watch a movie called Sweet Land. It's been a good day, so far!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 04:04 PM

I posted this on the accountability thread:

Please cast your vote as to whether we should keep the threads separate or back to combined. I did it this month because I was missing the simple posting of goals, etc. They seemed to get lost, but if the majority prefers, I don't mind if we go back to the other way and let this one fall off. Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 04:12 PM

I've never heard of a "quesadilla maker," electric or anything else. I wonder what it looks like? This is mine. :)

The challenge of cleaning bathrooms, especially soap residue, is always the compromise between how many toxic chemcials vs how much elbow grease. I'm glad you found one you like, and you're still breathing to tell us about it!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 09:26 PM

Well, I wanted Simple Green, but they were out. I love the smell of it and it is not toxic. Vinegar is good for all kinds of cleaning and disinfects, too. As for soap residue in the tub/shower on the shelves, a bit of Comet and the high-powered shower strategically aimed does pretty good, esp. if you've got Morgan on the job, stepping in to scrub the stubborn spots.:-)

The quesadilla maker came from Target, from a supplier called the El Paso Chili Company. There is a pdf of the Manual which includes recipes. If you scroll down to page 6, you'll see a picture of it. We tried it this evening and it was really good!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Alice
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 10:20 PM

Couldn't resist posting this.


I have a basement store room I've been avoiding for years.
Maybe this summer...

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 02:41 AM

Dining room still a mess, house still a mess... just mess everywhere.. but I don't care.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 02:46 AM

That link has some extra mudcat verbiage in it so it needs a little trimming. http://www.elpasochile.com/Quesadilla1.pdf

I use the large tortillas, maybe 9 - 10 inches across. Pre-heat the cast iron griddle to medium-high with a little oil and put the tortilla down on one half of the for a few seconds to warm it, then turn it over and quickly add jack cheese, sliced hatch chile, some seasoned shredded chicken, or sometimes just some Havarti cheese and chopped pecans. Whatever you want, really, with cheese to stick the whole thing together. Work fast. In the time it takes to put this on it's time to pick up the side you didn't put stuff on and fold the tortilla in half. I use restaurant style tongs for moving it around, and usually kind of press it together, then pick it up my the edge and turn it over so the other side browns a little. You end up with a half circle that you use a pizza cutter to slice in four wedges. Usually about six of these sections is enough for lunch (topped with some guacamole or sour cream). I will usually cook three or four tortillas this way and then put the extra quesadillas in a Tupperware in the fridge. They re-heat nicely on the same griddle.

I'm tired from all of that birthday dinner cooking tonight. It took longer than I expected it would. Moonglow made the deviled eggs (a snack, we haven't had them for a while. For the rest, I was just on my feet a lot. They're tuckered out now. Motrin, a hot shower, and off to bed.

SRS