BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 11:44 AM

Started a new thread here. Happy spring cleaning!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 10:15 PM

I have a lot of laundry to fold later.

This evening I mowed the back lawn, and I trimmed a shrub so I can get around it more easily with the mower and after I cut it up I didn't have too many twigs and branches so it all fit in the big plastic can. This is the second load of branches in the trash this week.

Tomorrow afternoon my son will play background music at a reception in my library, and on Saturday he will participate in a master class with a visiting guitarist. I'm looking forward to hearing it, and the building is an old art deco train station that has been restored, so the acoustics should be marvelous.

We'll have a college answer tomorrow also, I think. What a long wait this has been!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 07:32 PM

Although it just seems as if it's been raining forever, this spate has only been from Sunday night until this morning. It was cloudy all day today, but we didn't have any of the predicted scattered showers. Tomorrow we should see the sun...and the temps should rise into the 60s and then 70s by the weekend. While there have been scattered patches of grass greening up and buds on trees and bushes, I predict an explosion of green as soon as the sun comes out. (Maybe my poor crocuses will deign to open their blooms at long last.)

Well, didn't trust another load of wash until the filter is changed, and Tom won't head to the cellar to shut off the water until the sun comes out. But I DID do a few more enjoyable things, checking off a few projects off the long-term list -- fixed the clasp on a favorite bracelet, fixed the wires on a pair of Steve Burr earrings I haven't been able to wear for years, and made two pair of earrings that were just hanging around waiting for me to get my act together. I've still got way too many necklaces that need repairing, but at least I've gotten a start.

I feel very accomplished today while still feeling rested. Gotta take the folded laundry upstairs (how am I going to carry a glass of wine, too?!?) and call my mother. Then read for awhile before bed.

All in all, a very good day. (Despite my shoes from last night being still soaked. Sigh.)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 05:12 PM

And here I'm fussing about gnats when I hang my laundry on the lines on our warm sunny days. Soon you too will have nice weather.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 05:07 PM

Pajama Day!!! (At long last.)

All I've done today (besides lounge around in my nightgown) is finish a book, call my sister in Milwaukee, bake 2 loaves of zucchini bread, wash the dishes that Tom's left piling up, clean off the counters and the stove (ditto), do some laundry, trash some Yahoo email, and find another book around here to read (believe me, that's NOT a problem!).

I still have to fill out the form to become a NH registered "Ophthalmic Dispenser", attach the photo, and write out the check (for which my company will reimburse me when I get the certificate) and get it all in an envelope to mail tomorrow.

Oh,yeah, and dry and fold the clothes currently in the washer and get a load of sheets into the washer. Hope I can get another load done before the filter absolutely HAS to be changed. The water would have to be shut off down cellar and it's probably a bit damp down there right now -- when I came home from work last night, the water outside the back step was up past my ankles, well over my shoes and soaking the bottoms of my pants.

Hit an invisible wall of water across Rte. 4 last night on my way home and had all I could do to keep control of the car. Bunch of roads closed today, but Rte. 4 isn't one of them.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 03:13 PM

When you have that eBay race to the finish habit, you're hooked, aren't you? I try to end auctions at a time of day so the most people can participate in the auction. (I have to mail an item this week that I wasn't convinced had any value or would sell at all. It didn't go for a lot, but I have to figure out what to call it to ship it legally to China, of all places.)

Got my hair cut, and went back to an old style. The new one we were attempting just wasn't panning out as I had hoped. I also spent 90 minutes looking at myself in the mirror and realize I need to lose more weight. I think much of what I lost last fall has crept back over the winter. Now if my back would get better (I strained some muscles last weekend) so I could be more active, that would help!

I guess it's about time for a new thread. Any thoughts on keeping the accountability and de-cluttering separate, or do you like them better together?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: mouldy
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 07:03 AM

I have found an oak console table on Ebay that will just be what I want. Trouble is, it's going to be a close-run thing between the finishing time and the time I OUGHT to be going out tonight for a session...Eric the Viking may have to be put on hold for half an hour (he's down from Orkney for a visit).

I reckon this table might go for quite a high price.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 05:12 PM

That's still an awful lot of paper she's recommending we keep. I do keep all of that, but it would be nice to trim out some of the files.

Busy day around here today, lots of distractions with utility workers (both phone and water dept) working around our end of the block. And a stray dog that has the dogs all excited and wanting to play, but it's outside the fence and their collars won't let them get up to the fence. So they have been a bit noisy.

I have been consulting with the neighbors about the gardens. The next door neighbor had a painter in and he cleaned his brush in her garden beside a small tree she has been hoping will start to grow. I wonder if Kilz lives up to it's namesake?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 04:55 PM

one load laundry - check (TSO has promised to hang it up on drying rack for me tonight before bed)
kitchen sort of clean - check
grocery shopping - check
bedding in spare room put away - almost check (air bed has been put away and pillows and comforter in space bags - TSO has promised to help me vacuum the air out and put them back in wardrobe).

my friend Crow Sister is coming over on Thursday to practice some songs before we go to Blackmore in Exile folk on Thursday night.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 04:07 PM

Here is an informative article on what documents we need to keep and for how long...looks as though I can get rid of a lot more files!

NYTimes

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 10:40 AM

I tweaked the placement of my computer desk and a table this morning. I finally have easy access to the window and can fairly easily peek around the back of the computer to find all of the various plugs. I've been needing to get back to recording and digitizing some of my Dad's tapes, and now I can finally reach the plugs I'll need for that. The television is also at a bit better angle. The only drawback is that this placement puts my chair back over the gap in the floor tile, where it cracked and a piece lifted out. My chair wheel plops into it and makes moving out again a little tough. But worth that to make everything else work better.

Allergies are coming on, but the zyrtec I've been taking in the evening may be why I've had trouble getting to sleep this week. And my son reported a similar problem this morning--I had him start taking it last night to try to keep his stuffy nose at bay. I think we need to take the daily dose in the morning from now on.

Tomorrow is my hair appointment, and I'm going to go back to a shorter cut. The one I'm doing now looks good as far as the color, but the shape isn't staying put in any particular style I want. So I'll go back to my old perky cut for the summer.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 05:13 PM

Been a bad day today, but I did declutter the purse yesterday so have finished one quilt today. I'm now working on the big green one, the brown patchwork cushion covers and have 2 more small quilts to piece up... then I've got the new jelly roll I got last Monday to play with... I've done mostly big blocks with wide borders or very small pieces (table runners, that sort of thing) so I'm looking forward with trepidation to doing a large project in small blocks.. it will take me forever I know, but I'll have something pretty for the cats to sit on in the meantime...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 05:08 PM

I went on ebay and bought 2 more bits of clutter. A digital voice recorder and a long burgundy dress that I am going to use as the lining of my red patchwork, beaded, sequinned wild woman coat.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 02:48 PM

Overnight on eBay I sold two bulky books from the SAT series that we picked up last fall and winter for my son's tests. They weren't marked at all, were barely used. He reviewed the sample tests to get the feel of them before he took the actual tests. They were boxed up early and handed to the mail carrier and that's 7 pounds of paper out this afternoon!

My back is sore so I'll take it easy in the yard (and lifting books!) I've been doing a lot of less-rigorous rearranging lately, and have some more in mind. My kitchen/dining area is looking as good as it has ever looked and I need to expand the work outward from there.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 01:03 AM

Of course, as soon as I walked in with new gloves I found the others I bought last week.

Virginia, yes, I forgot to agree earlier, I have set up a file for myself to refer to each year with the information I'll have to fill out for that College Board stuff. Or FAFSA. Or both.

I am going to have an aching back tomorrow. It aches already now. I moved soil around today so I could see how it was going to work. I've been building up the low side of my garden so it is now the high side, and I'm working out a series of at least three shallow terraces.

I put in the dimmer switch and the room looks so nice with that hanging fixture. There's something about the light being lower and not washing over the entire room that makes it look more intimate, more warm.

This afternoon I hung some laundry on the line, and brought it in at dusk. Alas, this seems to be the breeding season for gnats who were out full strength at dusk on all of that almost dry laundry. I shook each piece as I took it down, and then put the lot in the dryer on air for a few minutes. Yuck.

Time for more motrin and I'm taking Jane Austen to bed. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 03:23 PM

I started digging this morning, went back into the house to find my new gloves (bought last weekend) and couldn't find the bag. Looked all over. I remember putting them in the back of the pickup but I don't know where I set the bag.

I had to return that switch, so I walked over to the hardware section in Lowe's to see what they have for gloves. I asked a clerk, who walked me over to the gardening section. I had walked over to and had asked if they had gloves in hardware, and I frankly wonder what she was thinking? That I wouldn't really want THOSE gloves because I'm a woman? The only difference is that they're not decorated, and they're cheaper. I looked at the high-priced garden gloves and walked out, not bothering to try again to find them in hardware. I drove over to Home Depot and picked up a couple more pair in hardware for about 2/3 the price of the Lowe's gloves.

Now to the garden. I'll put in the switch this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: mouldy
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 10:33 AM

The stomach bug has gone - I think - I have no energy, but I still have managed to drag the filing cabinet and the safe back into the study. I had to move them, as I am having Freya overnight before her usual Monday visit, and they were right in her play area. I am also having to hurriedly sort out the bags/piles of things that were moved into the living room during last week. There is also some stuff to go for the boot sale.

I was gutted yesterday - dragged myself creakily out of bed early to get up to go to York racecourse, only to find 22 miles later, there was no boot fair. That'll teach me not to check the website before I go, to see if had been cancelled! Well, weather permitting (and given this week's forecast: rain, hail, snow I am unsure), I am hoping to go do a table there next Saturday. Don't fancy sitting and shivering on a boggy field, though.

On a brighter note - I have frog spawn!

Hope the hail etc doesn't harm it if we get it, because it's very shallow. The wind's got up, and is quite chilly, despite the sun today.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Penny S.
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 08:30 AM

I've got a beastly cold and am confined to barracks. Out at the front I have a cubic metre builders'bag of spent mushroom compost, which has arrived sooner than I expected. I have to get it round the back. This involves a long trip round the houses to the back gate, but then the garden path is separated flags, and not suitable for a barrow. I think I will put the stuff into carryable bags and into the barrow, and then carry them across the garden to the flagged area to tip them out. alternatively, I wheel it through the house. I don't think so! This stuff I will dig into the clay subsoil which is on the surface to improve the texture and fertility.
It occurs to me that one characteristic of human beings until recently has been the creating of good soils in places where the soils had not been good. OK, sometimes we got it wrong, such as the over irrigating of lands around Mesopotamia, and more recently by doing things too big, and creating dust bowls. but the gardning side of things has been a positive, I would have thought.
I have started involving a local trader who is selling off display kitchens very cheap to put one into the old place. And, at last, the water heater firm has got me to the top of the list - their man had been beaten up in London. The kitchen guy had been involved in a very bad car accident. Worrying.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 06:12 AM

SRS - Pro'lly don't need to tell you that every year your son applies for federal financial aid that you will need to do your taxes early. Man what a PITA that last minute struggle to get them in before the deadline.

You are right about the spice Kat. I don't like the smell of lavender or fresh mint myself. Both make me feel a bit ill for different reasons. I've been told my someone who does aroma therapy why, but I can't remember.

I will ask my friend what she prefers in her sweet dreams doll.

You go Alice! I am envious.

Watch out everyone! SINS is mucking about with her hideobilea again. You may need to put chains on your mailboxes to prevent entry.

I am off work most of next week (using up annual leave before I lose it). Plan to do some patching of wall in lounge where storage heater once resided. Start planning the new kitchen lounge lay out. Hope to get new kitchen in summer 2011. This will include, knocking out half a wall, solid wood floor throughout and a move of the electric board. So will be long term job and need to look at the project management well in advance.

I will finish caravan cushion covers, put away sleeping bags and air bed from guest room today. Do one load of laundry. Right now I have a schload of breakfast dishes to wash. I sent TSO and guests off with a big cooked breakfast today so the kitchen is in a state.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 03:50 AM

DEcluttering my purse later... need more batting for the other two quilts...

Front room got vacuumed, that just about wore me out! So not a lot done. And here it is nearly April, where did the year go?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 03:02 AM

Michelle,

Getting the taxes out of the way is a big deal--I won't guess what yours look like, but there is so much mental baggage that comes with the process that it always feels good to finish them.

Mine were finished very early, because of the school applications. And we'll learn about those on Thursday. I'll let my son tell me what he hears and what his choices are, so we can arrange for him to visit any or all of the campuses. I won't be opening any more envelopes, he will. It's his show from here on out. (But I'm still sitting on pins and needles!)

Meanwhile, in the de-cluttering world, tonight I found a box of school supplies in the sun room that I was able to shelve or recycle. That's a couple of square feet of floor space opened up (and for some of us, that is a big deal, isn't it?)

I ran by Lowe's earlier and picked up a matching pendulum light fixture like the one I put in the dining area. I mounted it over the peninsula counter, and it was much easier this time. For now it is suspended using 2 of the 3 pipes that came in the box. It isn't centered because I made the counter wider after the electrician had measured to place that fixture. When he came back, after the counter guy did the installation, he did a double-take on the measurements. Thus, the light is closer to the busiest side of the counter. I'm sure my son is going to complain about bumping his head, but he'll just have to not lean way over the counter. It looks good. I didn't put on the rheostat switch yet, because I couldn't remember what color I needed. I picked up white and it's almond, so I'll exchange it tomorrow.

And now, to bed.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 09:32 PM

I did a few loads of laundry today and scrubbed the tub. Also, we finished our taxes today...YAY!!! I hate taxes!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 08:48 PM

Sold and shipped a book on eBay, then I cleared off more of my eBay table in the sun room. I have been working at a computer hutch I put in there after my son's computer moved into his room, but I'll clear the table also so I can put out the blue sheet I use as background for photographs. I'd like to eventually put the hutch at the curb or in a garage sale. I was able to bag some books and things and set them on the floor; I didn't before because all it took was one of the cats deciding to puke or pee in a corner somewhere to hit and soak and destroy the value of something I had considered selling. For this reason I'm not getting any more cats, at least, not for a while.

The clothesline has been restrung and is ready to go, though it was too late today to dry anything and has been a bit too windy to be sure everything would stay put. I did hang a couple of items with extra pins just to christen it this afternoon.

I went shopping also, and I picked up a couple of pot roasts on sale. I'm using these now to make my own ground meat, I don't buy the store grind unless I know they ground it themselves. The pickup has bags of dirt and humus to mix together with amendments and put in the garden tomorrow. I was going to mow, but it was a little to late after I finished the clothesline. It takes a while to mow the back, and I don't want to finish in the dark.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 07:33 PM

...soft poly fire filled...

I think it will work if you send along a fire extinguisher!**BG**

Actually sounds lovely, though if she is already spicy, you may want to balance it with something calming i.e. lavender, mint, or?

I thought of doing that with the video, but even taking stills from it, they still look terrible. I'll probably just put it up, in a few minutes, and you all can just close your eyes or listen while you declutter.:-) Tks!

Rog swept this morning. Morgan came over. I armed him with a spray bottle of cleaner and a damp sponge. He did a GREAT job of wiping down walls which are just his height, i.e. hard for us to reach down and do, plus the washing machine which was covered with his watercolours paints from being messy as well as other dirt, the back door by the knob which was black with dirt and hand-marks, and he even ran the mini-vac a bit. I did some laundry, still am, plus put stuff away from the kitchen to bathroom, etc. Then, he went home.

We went to the fabric store to get some real oilcloth without the fleece backing. One of my cats loves to sit under both tables and strip the fleece off, so it hangs off in strips and the vinyl then shreds, too. He is so bad about it..definitely compulsive, so I reckon real oilcloth will stop him in his tracks! It is not inexpensive these days..7.99 per yard, so I told Rog to consider it an early b-day present to me. I will clear off both tables and put it on tonight or in the morning. That will help a lot with the appearance of the pseudo-dining and kitchen area.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 06:16 PM

Kat

You might be able to strips the sound and save as a WAV file, then do a montage of pictures from the video and edit them together with the WAV file.

Our flat is clean. 2 cushions are covered (well I have to do up the end of one) Only 6 more to go.

I had a bath with porridge oats and used Aveno cream for extra sensitive skin. Legs feel quite a bit better. Less itchy, though the bumps are still there and still red.

TSO is collecting his daughter and her partner from the station right now. They are going to Bletchley Park tomorrow, so will have whole flat to myself. Will finish the caravan cushion covers and work on a sweet dreams doll for a friend. I am thinking about soft poly fire filled dolly a bit bigger than my hand, made from velvet or upholstery fabric and decorated with sequins and beads. I have to fill it with positive juju. Was thinking of writing some positive things about the person I am making it for on handmade paper strips and putting inside stuffing along with some cloves and cinnamon cuz the recipient is a spicy kind of character. Think that will work?

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 07:02 AM

Maybe, SRS, just so any of you who wanted to could listen to it. I don't think there is any way to correct the visual.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 12:51 AM

I'm not going to get to watch that mystery. For some reason the recording didn't start. I don't have instructions for this old player, I just hit enough buttons until it was programmed, but evidently it didn't take. Next time I'll set the one-time button on the front and do it that way. I think you can program it to start in several hours. Darn. I don't know if I'd seen that program before.

Well, a glass of wine, and my NetFlix movie will be okay.

Kat, that video sounds like it belongs on YouTube. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 07:53 PM

I hope the third time is a charm when it comes to trying to post!

To SRS: You kicking back?? LOL...sure you won't be doing a zillion other things as well? Just teasing. Glad to hear, though, that you DO stop once in a while.:-)

Animaterra, the tins, all three, are yours! They are so lightweight, it will cost next to nothing to send them and I love they will go to a "good home." Thanks!

I am working on getting decent stills from the messed up video I did of Morgan and the Root. No promises, but I'll try. The video is almost worth it just to listen to...his comments are pretty dramatic and funny.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 07:15 PM

The front lawn is mowed now, and I swept and emptied the dog houses in the kennel so the dogs have fresh straw to go with their clean bodies. And I'm headed to the shower before going to work this evening at a Friends of the Library meeting.

This afternoon I roasted a chicken and it's in the fridge now to use over the weekend. I cleaned up the kitchen (it's so much easier to keep it clean if you do it frequently) so that when I come in late this evening I'll have a nice looking space to greet me. I've set up the VCR to catch the mystery I enjoy and would miss during the meeting, so I'm looking forward to kicking back and watching that when I get home. I think I'll throw a load of laundry in now while I'm on a roll.

The countdown is continuing, six days until we learn if my son was accepted at any of the big universities. Pins and needles. You'll have to pardon me if I gush when the day arrives. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 02:53 PM

Ayup Maggie

I got cheapo Wilkinson's not water based paint so cleaning up is impossible. But the paint goes on really thick and it dried with no stickiness coming through. The drawers look pretty crap, but this is for an old well used caravan. I am not concerned having a perfect paint job as it is a little hand made chest of drawers. The white paint will make the inside look a little brighter.

I really ought to get on with sewing, but I will have to kneel on itchy rash covered legs to cut the fabric. I am stalling.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 02:44 PM

Virginia, I was going to post but I think I forgot to, about that sticky surface. One of the characteristics of primer paint is that it has glue in it, to stick to whatever surface you want your outer paint to look good on. While it's intended to make paint stick on a slick surface, I bet you could put primer over the sticky surface and end up with a paintable surface.

Did I post that already? I think this occurred to me when I was out driving and I intended to come back and post it, but lost track.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 02:31 PM

painted the 3 drawers brought home from caravan. they could do with another coat, but company is coming tomorrow so they have to go back to van.

tonight I will start sewing covers for cushions.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: mouldy
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 02:12 PM

I've got the dining room back! The study looks like magic (partly because I've not put all the loose odds and ends back yet)!

I haven't been much use recently because I caught a gastric bug from Freya, which made me feel "off" on wed and showed itself fully yesterday. I have eaten tonight, so we'll see how we go...literally!

The carpets got laid yesterday afternoon, and the ceiling of the kitchen is going to get a plaster skim on Easter Monday, when the plasterer is free. So, Peter starts on the spare room on monday, then it's the hall, stairs and landing before the kitchen. Got some seeds on to germinate in the kitchen, so weather permitting, and as soon as I feel able to, it's back to dig mode!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 01:50 PM

That was some root, Kat!

Going to mow, I've let the yard dry as much as I can and still have time to finish before I have to shower and go for a late day at work today. I'll get a workout, the grass is weedy and moist.

I haven't finished describing the latest item (the modem) for eBay, but I'm rolling now and should be able to keep up the momentum. It's nice to move a few of these things out and have the cash in PayPal. And even though some of these sales are small, they build up the feedback. I'm a small player compared to some, but I do enjoy the process.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: GUEST,Penny S.(elsewhere)
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 09:03 AM

Last night there was a sudden squall - the neighbour's roofers were still up on the roof! I didn't notice until this morning that one of the mirrors I put on the end fence had fallen onto the rockery stone (aka urban conglomerate - broken concrete). Up betimes to pack it away and take it off to landfill. Mirror glass can't be recycled. Also got some sharp sand to re-bed some flagstones, as the way they tilt and jiggle is very unsafe.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 08:01 AM

I'd love those tins, but perhaps you'd rather not take the trouble to mail them...

I loved the image of you and Morgan pulling and pulling on the root- in some ways, that's what you're doing in your life, digging down deep to find the health within (which reminds me of a song Animaterra has sung, called Dig Down Deep-
"I'm digging way down down to the bottom of my soul,
I'm digging way down, way down deep (yes I am)
I'm digging way down down to the bottom of my soul,
Clear water's running through me"

I've de-cluttered some more clothes, and am taking a bag to the local charity thrift store. I asked them how they wanted to handle Hunt's 20 years of khakis and dress shirts, and they asked me to do it in installments! So, first installment, here I come!

Got my sewing machine back, so now I have to find affordable fabric that is good enough for curtains.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 02:39 AM

Morgan and I decluttered some of my garden bed, today. We both pulled up old, dead weeds, he clipped off dead stalks of old yarrow blooms and flax, I pulled some leaves off of a bunch of adorable crocus/i and, he pruned the rosebush, with my supervision.

Then we played improvised volley ball. There was a small stump of a weed which almost tripped me, so I asked him if he'd pull it up. It didn't want to come, so he poured water on the dirt to soften it, then began to dig. It turned out to be hilarious obviously not just some shallow rooted weed. The more he dug and pulled, the more root there was. Eventually, he was able to pull out about 2.5 feet in one direction, after cutting it free from wherever the rest of it went, then he started in on the other end. This kept going on with us both laughing so hard he couldn't do anything. When we found it was shooting off into two directions more, I convinced him to cut it off and we'd bury it, tomorrow. He wanted to call his dad because "he's the strongest person in this family" and he was sure he could pull it. We even tried putting a slip knot over with a piece of tubing and pulled only to have the tubing break. I got it on video, but my camera messed up and it's all blurry. Oh, well, it was the best decluttering I've done in ages.

The house continues with small things being done. I need homes for two tins, one for Ritz crackers shaped like a box of saltines and the other a *collectible* English toffee tin from the 50s. Anybody? Oh, and a Chinese big square one which still has a couple of bags of loose oolong tea, direct from China. If I read the research correctly, it is VERY expensive tea, but I have no idea how old it is. It's a neat tin.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 02:04 AM

Don't you hate it when you get ready to list something on eBay only to learn that it is an old, early model of something and there is barely any mention of it? It works perfectly, but it isn't USB, it's Ethernet. My cable is connected via Ethernet now, no big deal, but this seems to depreciate it.

I've had this great little modem for a while, and when I researched it, I ended up having to dig around in old forums. The wall wart that supports it is so heavy that the shipping will be higher than I'll probably get for it. Hmmm.

Tomorrow is Friday. It's a late night for me at work, but maybe I can get some yard work in early.

Take care, everyone. Don't overdo, this last weekend in March.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 10:26 PM

I hate all you people with big kitchens. I've had tiny kitchens for the last 20 years... and I'm bored with it!

Anyway... decluttered some fabric onto a quilt, which, due to some enforced "rest", I've managed to get to the actual quilting bit (it's just 5" squares sewn together and quilted by machine with a fancy stitch), it's bright yellow, red, orange and pink with a yellow gingham backing... very cheery!

I just hope the recipient (a small child with its first proper bed once daddy has finished building it) is happy with it. Then there's the purple & blue one and the green one for her siblings and my big green one to finish. Hopefully that'll make room in the cupboard for the new fabric I bought on Monday... a jelly roll of lovely neutral naturals in shades of light brown, cream, grey and slate blue. No idea what I'm going to do with it but I couldn't resist it!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 04:57 PM

I missed taking the trash out, if that's any consolation, Linn. :-/

The dogs got decluttered of a little stink today at lunch. They'll have several hours of almost sunny not-too-windy weather to completely dry, or they can go in their dog houses. I had to put their heartworm stuff on, and this requires the dogs be clean. The old stuff (Revolution) went on the dirty dog, and a few days later they got a bath (or not). Now this new stuff (Advantage) is supposed to go on a clean dog. You can see the obvious problem. I have to regularly wash the dogs. Not that they don't need or deserve it, but sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate with washing outside dogs. I kept them in for a while to let it soak in, and they kept themselves occupied by licking about half of the surface of the kitchen floor, looking for any microscopic specks of food.

Meanwhile, I've been working on my office, preparing to design a couple of new print projects. I reorganized samples of past projects and got rid of old project notes I no longer need. I found things that had been separated that can now be put together again, and I found a couple of things in the mix that I don't need and that can go in eBay. I've identified duplicates of paper stuff to recycle, and I have several items that need to be 3-hold punched and filed in my notebook of completed newsletters.

Ever since the cat window seat moved out I've been reexamining the space along the wall next to the window. I may have one more move comping up, to get the optimum use of the space and yet making sure it actually looks nice.

Finally, I've been contemplating just what I need to try to push forward this year to make the yard look better, more like it is planned (and at the same time, so it looks like organic growth, a naturalistic design that hopefully doesn't require much maintenance or mowing). Dream on.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 10:28 AM

Okay, the picture was just of Tom, Kendall & Jacqui. (Sorry I missed it, but I sure got a lot done at home.)

Deep sigh -- first thing that happened this morning was I turned on my bedside lamp and the bulb blew. Stole the one from Tom's which woke him up. (Maybe that's why he's grumpy.) When I went to get dressed, I pulled on a pair of my black opaque tights -- and found a hole in the damned toe!!! After going through ALL of them yesterday morning and sewing up holes in the toes. Arghhh!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: mouldy
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 06:41 AM

I am so glad there is somebody else who "hems" curtains like me!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 06:48 PM

Tom went to Boston today for a post-op follow-up with Dr. Z, but, for a change, I didn't have to go with him.

Today was my first day off after a very hectic (but successful) weekend trunk show (sale) at work (during which I didn't get my usual day off). Long hours, frantic pace, adrenaline overload. And Monday wasn't much better.

Soooooo...I made a list last night and today got to do all the cleaning stuff I usually can't get done because Tom is around, plus the usual stuff that's been lying in wait for me to have time.

Mended tights (holes in toes), did handwashing, finished a book, had to run to the store to get laundry detergent, so went via post office and mailed a couple things. (Our mailbox needs to be reset -- the rain destroyed the half-barrel it was in.) Came home and did some laundry, made some soup for the freezer, baked a pistachio cake, did the dishes, played with the firewood getting some of it off the ground and a bit dryer. Addressed a couple birthday cards, hang in there cards and a sympathy card along with a rebate application to mail on my way to Dover. Swept. In my house, sweeping is a necessity before vacuuming. Vacuuming is exciting because the rugs change color. (Sigh.)

I had to return two items I bought last week at Goodwill which didn't fit, plus a pair of shoes for which I had no receipt. Took some more stuff over to donate, got my refund, and could get another $5.99 item in exchange for the shoes that didn't fit. Price had to be exact or less. And I lucked out -- found a nice pair of low winterish lace-up boots with a good tread on the sole and a bit of fur around the ankles.

Beat Tom home and had time to sweep down the stairs, too. Guess who else had an appointment with Dr. Z today? Sonny got a picture of Tom and Kendall and Jacqui, I think with Dr. Z. Sorry I missed the party!

Right now I'm going to take a glass of wine upstairs and change the bed (while the rugs are in the dryer).

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Penny S.
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 05:42 PM

Some years ago, in haste, I made some new curtains just before I had a visitor. I didn't finish the hems, because of shrinking after washing. Some time later, I washed them, and then needed them up in a hurry, so I put them up quickly with only a few hooks. But life was full of other things, so they stayed like that! This week I have spent three days hemming. They are large windows with correspondingly wide curtains, two and a half fabric widths for each side, so I really had put it off for the tediousness of hemming across such a width. When potential buyers go round, they will see something better than I was living with!

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 05:41 PM

The place is going to look so good that you'll wonder why you didn't do it before, and you'll want to stay. ;-)

Happens every time.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: mouldy
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 02:37 PM

The "luxurious" size (around 11x13 feet) is because it's 2 smaller houses knocked into one....it's the old back-to-back sculleries opened up. It is single-storey, south facing, with a door to the yard, and has a lot of windows. It is therefore cold in winter and hot in summer!

Snaith chippie changed hands a year or so ago, but I think it is still as good. Unfortunately, WW keeps me away!

Got the dining room partially papered today (and the ceiling painted). Cleared most of the junk out of the 2 rooms that get the carpet tomorrow. We must be about halfway through the project now!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 10:45 AM

That kitchen sounds luxurious in it's size, Andrea! Good luck clearing the stuff that needs storage elsewhere. Keeping it free of clutter--that is the trick, isn't it? I'd like to finally set a good example for my kids, before they're both so far away and out in their own lives that they don't notice that I finally got the house cleaned up. They should breathe a sigh of relief, that hopefully I won't leave the clutter and mess that my parents left me. But I'm not there yet. :-/

I listed a few things on eBay, and once again have a clear spot in my sun room for doing more of that.

I'm finally up to the total at Mahalo to request a payment (through tips earned and revenue sharing on answers you've posted--if they attract ads, like the ads here at Mudcat in the BS threads) then they split the proceeds, half to Mahalo, 1/4 to the person who asked the question, and 1/4 to the person who answered it. This is a real time waster, though, unless you can figure out the trick to answer a few of the threads likely to pull down more revenue.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 07:38 AM

Oo- Snaith has the best chippie I ever visited! Ah, the memories (it was a quick drive-by with Bill Sables and Sam Pirt, about 5 years ago).

Yes, the duplicate books- haven't done anything about them, yet. Nor the videos and dvds- they don't have a home yet.

BUT- I spent about 4 hours in the office yesterday organizing my disorganized files, receipts, etc. for taxes. And in the process I de-cluttered vast piles of stuff that had collected in cardboard boxes over the summer, and made the office a little more organized. Still MUCH to do on that front!

SRS, the very idea of uncluttered counters makes me weak in the knees. I always felt that Nature abhors an uncovered surface... let us know how long it lasts!

Kat, I second the vote- let's see if Guy will pass the word along to MS!

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: mouldy
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 05:15 AM

That's one of my next tasks: de-cluttering the kitchen. I have a large kitchen with lots of working area, (apart from the hob, one stretch is about 13 feet long), but it tends to get filled with all sorts of crap that really could go into a cupboard, or be re-sited.A large butcher's block chopping , and knife block, board next to the hob is one example. If I shift the left-over soft drinks from Christmas to the garage I can move it right away and open the area up.

Peter starts work on the dining room today, then he'll probably get into the kitchen Friday or Monday. He's going to be late starting today cos he has to do a communion service at one of the local primary schools.
All the books went back yesterday, and my waist is aching from the twisting and lifting. The small pile of detritus in the middle of the room has to be dealt with, as does the small amount of stuff in the little bedroom, and then they'll be ready for the new carpets tomorrow.

Off to Snaith, about 4 miles away, now, to get my hair cut, and to go to the wonderful hardware shop run by a local undertaker (the one who looked after Ian)...the sort of shop that would sell you a couple of nails if that was all you needed! Got to get some curtain hooks.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutterers March 2010 Like a Lion
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 01:59 AM

SRS = the Martha Stewart of Mudcat!*smile*

I think we should tell Martha what we've been doing with these threads and she could interview you about it, Maggie! Maybe next time Guy throws pots and plays for her.